.15 weddings in 2010.

I have just officially booked my 15th wedding for 2010, and I couldn't be more excited!!!! A year ago I had just shot my first wedding as "Concept Spring Studio".  I was scared and totally unsure of myself in terms of building a business.  I'd been shooting weddings for two plus years so that was never much of a worry.  The scary part was the BUSINESS.  How do I find brides?  How do I brand myself?  How do I make this studio successful?  Well it isn't my full time job yet but I think I'm knocking on the door of success!

Last fall when I was working on my numbers and planning for 2010 I based everything on shooting 10 weddings this year (thinking it would be a stretch but you need goals to push for- I had high hopes).  Now here I am at the end of April at 150% of my goal.

There are not words to describe how excited I am about booking the 15th wedding for this year!  This year I've made so much progress as a business owner and as a photographer.  Setting goals is so important for success.  I have learned so much about how to be successful from some other amazing photogarphers in this business who are kind enough to share their advice.  Spending a week at WPPI and attending the Spread The Love Tour with Justin & Mary were huge eye openers.  Not only did they empower me, they made me want to jump in head first.

I can't thank all my brides, family, friends and mentors enough for my success.  You are all amazing and I wouldn't be here without you!

.the man i love.

He was not exactly excited when I asked him to "model" for me-  all I really wanted to do was practice playing with lighting. Although Silas doesn't like being my model I think he does it quite well!  I love this first image.  Except for the goatee that is... I'm not  a huge fan.  Thankfully he has since shaved it off.   Hmmm might be an excuse to have him "model" again :)

I love the smile and the...  well, I'm not really sure what to call that second facial expression- but I love it and him anyway!

By the way I think I am starting to fall in love with the mini stone wall in my front yard especially with this gorgeous light!

.Second Photographer.

What are the benefits of having a second photographer?

I get asked this question a lot.  Possibly because I encourage everyone to include the 2nd photographer option in their custom package- so they often ask "why".  My answer to this question can be found on my website under "frequently asked questions" but I thought I should share my thoughts here and go a little more in depth.

I often brings an extra shooter to larger wedding.  Having a second photographer is a great option because it allows me to be in once place, like with the bride getting ready, and the second shooter to not miss a moment of the groom goofing off with his guys.  Its always nice to have two angles and you never worry about missing a moment.  As often as possible I bring my friend Debbie as my 2nd shooter.  She owns her own wedding photogarphy business in the Boston area (Deborah Zoe Photography).  She and I studied photogarphy together in college and often second shoot for one another.  She is fantastic!!!  When Debbie is busy shooting her own wedding or off on a romantic vacation with her hubby I do have a few other names up my sleave for other photographers who are also very talented and a lot of fun to work with.

These are both images I shot of Debbie working with me-  One is on an engagement shoot (Vanessa & Marty) while the other was at a fall wedding.

Having that second set of artistic and creative eyes is worth the additional investment in your wedding photography.

.Snow in mid April.

Don't get me wrong-  I do love snow.   I love snow all winter long, I love to ski and I'm a sucker for a white Christmas. I am not however a fan of snow in april.  Both yesterday and the day before it snowed here in Mt Washington Valley.  At first it was just a light dusting that melted within a few hours.  Then when I was going to bed night before last it started coming down and sticking.  I woke up yesterday to no power and 4-5 inches of fresh snow.  Not exactly a good morning.

I managed to find one positive in all this-  The birds were eating the suit outside my window and I managed to snap a few pretty pictures.   I didn't even realize that I got pictures of both the male and female woodpecker until I was editing the images- kinda cool huh?

Hopefully all traces of snow will be gone by tomorrow because I am so ready for another 70* sunny day.

.The Parsons Family. | April 2010

I'm so glad I got a change to do this mini session with Cassandra and Justin yesterday when it was still warm and sunny, considering today we had  rain and snow.  Just looking at these warms me up a little. These two made my job easy.  Cassandra is one of the most outgoing people I know and she has a laugh and smile that are contagious and beautiful!  I'd put them in a spot with great light and say "hold hands" or "look at each other and be cute" and they just did it.  Naturals I tell ya.

Don't you just love their bright and happy pink?  Perfect with the golden mid afternoon light.

At first Kayia didn't really want anything to do with modeling for the camera.  After a few minutes she started to warm up a little and at one point decided to chase me down the street... Ok, so running backwards and trying to take an in-focus picture isn't easy- but I did manage to get this shot with her adorable, possibly even a little devious, smile.

What a picture perfect family- all smiles.

These are two of my favorites from the day!  When I was little I always wanted to be up on my dad's shoulders.  When Justin lifted her on to his- her face lit up and my heart melted!  Just look at these two... I think we have a Daddy's girl.

In this last shot, Kayia was actually running off to take some pictures with her parents digital camera and avoiding my camera in the process.  Little did she know running away made for a great shot.