write the book you want to read.

As I was perusing through twitter today, I found this article and found it soooo interesting and funny that I decided to retweet and share it with you!

The author is a write but I think his lecture translate into most self employed businesses. I loved the slide, "write the book you want to read" this really speaks to me as I build my business because I want to capture images that tell a story and that put huge smiles onto my clients faces, but I also want to capture images that I love, and would love them if they were MY own wedding photos. I don't want to give a client images that I'm not satisfied with, I want to achieve not only a satisfaction from my clients but I want to fall in love with the images just as much as my clients have.

I think this also relates to having the right 'fit' and relationship with your clients. As much as the bride ( or groom!) chooses you as their photographer, you have to be comfortable with the relationship as well otherwise, both of you will be uncomfortable and chances are you won't deliver the images the client wants.

"We make art because we like art [so] Write the kind of story you like best."

(ps. this is a little fav from one of my weddings last summer! amazing couple!!)
*jad

2011 - Changes

I've been doing a lot of thinking about my business and how to expand and reach more potential Brides and clients. From incorporating more blogging, tweeting and facebook(ing?) into my business I hope I'm off to a good start. With my 2011 business goals in mind I went about the task of creating a better and more efficient website. I wanted something that portrayed my awesome personality (well atleast I think I'm awesome ?;) and my photography work in a more sleek and simple way.

I wanted it to be an easy read, and have quick and seamless navigation. I want potential clients to leave with a sense of who I am, and want to come back and show their friends.

I want my website and entire brand to be a true reflection of me, because your not just hiring anyone - your hiring me. I want you to be as comfortable with me on your day as you would be with a friend, because I don't just want to be the hired help - I want to be a friend.

Here is a sneak peak of what my new design looks like (this is just the initial home page view - the gallery scrolls!), it will be live hopefully sooner rather than later ... I'm just working out a few of the kinks!

And any feedback is GREATTTLLLYY appreciated, I want it to be fabulous.

*jad

my mornings.

Everyday I awake to pretty much the same thing. To little purrrrs that creep up from the bottom of my bed until I can hear them inches away from my head and then a bit of a jealous sigh and some sniffs proceeded by big paws sneaking their way up the bed so they are in easy face licking range too.

This is my usual morning. I then try and push them away for a few extra minutes of precious snooze time.. however the above is just repeated, only the sighs get louder and more dramatic until I finnalllly give in.

Growing up we had a 'family' dog which I loved but never really participated in. I mean sometimes I would take him for a walk or give him the odd dish of food or water... but for the most part he was my parents pet.

When Matt and I first moved in together, this was the same thing. He had his dog, and sometimes I would care for her, but she was HIS dog. It wasn't until recently that this changed. I think it really changed with the purchase of our home, because now I spend most of my days at home with Dakota and Dolly, not only am I an active caretaker of our pets, but I now include them in my daily activities. I make sure I have a few minutes to cuddle and throw a ball and do tricks ( I don't do tricks, thats Dakota silly!) I really get that 'animal' love now. but I can feel how much they love not just Matt but now me. It really is an amazing thing, and I love them so much! I took a few shots of them to remember how it feels to be loved so fiercely by something.

And as for our morning routine, I think its adorable and love their little antics.

*jad

The Steven's extended family // Peterborough Portrait Photographer

Chantelle contacted me months ago inquiring about a gift certificate for her mother, Debbie's birthday. We chatted through email back and forth and Chantelle told me that Debbie has 5 siblings, one of which lives in BC and they don't get to spend time with her as much as they would like. But she would be visiting (finally) in March so Chantelle wanted to give her Mom the gift of portraits of her family.

I thought this was so sweet of Chantelle to be sooo thoughtful and treat her Mom (and aunts and uncles) to this special gift.

Unfortunately we were one sibling short because she was on vacayy down south, but the 5 f us had a blast! I hope you like the images, I really enjoyed meeting you all and shooting them for you :)

*jad

What's out your window?

Recently Matt and I put some bird feeders in our yard, I wasn't really 'into' having a million birds swarming the house but I did think the little houses and feeders were adorable. After only a few short days we didn't have the crazy flock of birds I had originally envisioned BUT some reallllllly cute litttle ones... And they hooked me!

I love them, and I feel like a senior citizen because I sit at the window with my cat (dollyparton) and we bird watch! And one day I even got a few cool shots of them (through the window - it was like -7000 outside!)

Takeee a look!

Ms. K Boudoir - Peterborough ON Boudoir photographer

Last week I had the chance to do some boudoir work - which I havn't done much of before so needless to say I was veryyy excited! It was just a quick session, but I think we got some great shots and Ms. K, well you are gorgeouuuuusss. Like seriously, rarrrwww! I loved working with you, you are beyond photogenic and I hope you enjoyed the session :) I love little opportunities to expand my photography skills and to force myself to think outside the box, I really think the only way to become better at your craft is to practice practice practice... and do things that make you scared and a little uncomfortable. Boudoir is a wholllle new territory for me, but it's one I'm excited to explore!
I think it is an incredibly sexy gift you can give yourself or a loved one. It's a fun experience, and it makes you feel like a supermodel. Everyone should try it, you may surprise yourself and awaken that inner sexy diva ;)
*jad

Bree // Peterborough Family Photographer

Bree came over for a visit last week, and my has she grown since I last photographed her at Thanksgiving! She is the sweetest little girl ever, like seriously ever. I could not get enough of those biiiiiiggg blue eyes and pink bow in her hair. I wanted to keep her cuddles all for myself (momma would have no part of it though, I even offered to babysit for the night, weekend, week? whatevvva)
Bree is identical to her momma, and even has that same easy going personality and kind smile. She was intrigued/terrified of our pup Dakota and thought it was hilarrriouuus to tell her to "get out now!!!"
Ashley and Chad, here are a few quick images I managed to snap of your little angel. I hope you enjoy them, and cherish your sweet girl.

*jad

Happy Groundhog Day

yikes, I don't thing the little guy is going to be seeing his shadow but somehow I don't think winter is even close to being over :(