W2/Business – 10 Things I Learned In My First Year of Business

Hey hey guys!

Hope you all have been having a good week! I finally fell under the pressure of this flu going around I think 😦 but I’m feeling a lot better and just hoping I can fully kick this out cuz it’s my birthday on Saturday!

Anyhoo. As you may (or may not) know, I do wedding photography full-time. I have done photography in general for the past 6 years, with the last 4 being specific to weddings, but I always had a job in the workplace (usually in management) too. 2017 was when I decided to make the jump in making photographer my full-time job, and it was one of the best but hardest years of my life!

Now to preface, I am no business expert. I did not suddenly become this all knowing guru haha I still have plenty to learn, but for those of you who are just starting out I think these things could help you get a jumpstart on how this all works 🙂 also, I cannot take ANY credit for anything I have accomplished. I am humbled that God has blessed me to be able to do what I love for my job and I am only able to say these things today because of what He has done for me. Soli Deo Gloria!

So here we go, 10 things I learned in my first year of business:

1. The hustle is real.

I went to a business workshop in September last year put on by The Hons called Hustle & Flow and that was one of the best decisions I ever made for my business! A lot of the information I am sharing is what I learned from that workshop!

E v e r y t h i n g  that goes into making a business run is on me now. I had to learn how to juggle wearing multiple hats. And on top of that, all the advertising that is needed in order to get my name out there falls on me too.

To put it simply, I could never slack off on putting effort into my business. Whether that was constantly updating my website, creating new ads, reading, brainstorming, shooting, editing, collaborating, networking etc etc. I could NOT slack off. The moment I did and I started to receive less or no inquiries was the moment I knew I was being lazy.

You have to hustle! You have to research. You have to understand what it means to run your own business, and let me tell you.. not everyone is cut out for this. I constantly meet people who call themselves entrepreneurs or that they own their own business, but once I talk about it more with them, all I hear is excuse after excuse as to why they can’t do this or that for their business or why they can’t invest.

Guys. There were times the money in my bank account was for bills and that was it. I literally couldn’t do anything else. I didn’t know what tomorrow was gonna look like. And believe me, that is NOT a good feeling. I get that. However, I am now at a place where I am living comfortably and on track to pay off debt! But I didn’t get to this spot by being timid in the hard times. I got here because I took risks and invested in my business no matter how much I didn’t want to. You have to be willing to do the hard things if you want to be successful in your business. And you don’t reach that success by being lazy or by being too scared to invest in yourself. Hustle, hustle, hustle!

2. Organization is key.

This might have been a little easier for me because I’m naturally a more organized person. But again, you don’t have someone else taking care of payroll or keeping track of miles or how many bookings you’ve got. You have to figure that out and you have to figure out a system that works for you.

For me, even though I grew up when technology was flourishing, I still liked doing things “old-fashioned.” I purchased a big calendar and documented where my sessions were (mileage), when I got paid, and when payments were due. That was HUGE for me especially when it came to calculating for taxes. I will touch more on taxes in the next point, but organization is so so so important when it comes to running your own business.

There are programs out there like Quickbooks and others that can help with organization. I use Honeybook as a client management system and it’s been great! I am able to send contracts and pricing info so much easier now and it has changed my booking rate for the better!

The easier it is for you to know the behind the scenes of your business – the better!

3. Understand your taxes.

Don’t we all just love taxes? haha. I would say this has been the most complicated thing for me to understand, and I still don’t fully understand it. But it’s so important to understand what all goes into taxes for you.

And by understanding what all goes into it, I don’t just mean paying them. I mean understanding what you can write off too. With this new tax reform coming I’m not sure how much of what I’m about to say will still apply, but I was able to write off so much when it came to taxes and it truly helps!

If you happen to know someone who either deals with taxes on the regular or who is just very smart in that area, I definitely suggest sitting down with them and going over everything so that you 100% understand. I wish I would have done that sooner, and thankfully not doing that hasn’t totally ruined things for me haha but I would have if I had known better. So this is me telling you – get all that figured out! Understand what you have to pay and all the ins and outs of taxes!

4. Bridal shows are good in the beginning.

Now don’t get me wrong, some people can have success doing bridal shows every chance they get, but for me personally, it’s what helped jump start my first year and that’s it.

It was the first thing I did when deciding to go full-time and I ended up booking 6 weddings from it. The reason why I haven’t necessarily done another one is that I feel too much like a sales person when I do them. Like I’m trying to convince the brides that I’m a good choice because of my show special instead of because I’m an awesome person (haha ;)) and maybe that was because I didn’t treat it the right way, but again, for me personally it was a good choice in the beginning to help get my foot in the door!

Another thing I used that helped jumpstart me is an app called Thumbtack. These two options were what brought in a majority of my weddings last year! But I don’t really use either of them anymore because I see my business going in a different direction and also because for the most part, it is lower budget brides who utilize these things! Which is totally fine 🙂 But I just have a vision for my business and these won’t necessarily bring that vision to life!

So if you’re just starting out, I highly recommend these! But if you’re semi-established, I don’t think you would achieve much success – but again, that’s just what I have found for myself. Ultimately, trial and error is your best friend as a business owner! haha

5. Networking is your best friend!

Even before jumping into the wedding industry, I would go to these events called Instameets which are basically big hang outs with a bunch of photographers/models and we would all just shoot each other haha. Literally. But by going to those I was meeting other photographers and we were following each other, so in turn that was creating a wider audience that my work was reaching!

Similarly, though they don’t have instameets for wedding photography haha, it is so important to network with other vendors! I will touch more on this in the next point, but by collaborating with other vendors or even just taking them out to coffee, you are creating a connection with them which (hopefully) will turn into bookings for you! Plus, it’s super fun being able to work with people on a regular basis. I have a florist that I have collaborated with and we actually have quite a few weddings that we’re doing together this year!

Even though networking won’t necessarily bring bookings right away (sometimes they do!) it will totally help more in the long run because you’re establishing brand awareness and again, reaching a bigger audience! For me, the best way I was able to do that is with the next point.

6. Styled Shoots help immensely!

The best way I could network with other vendors was through styled shoots! Styled shoots are beneficial with more than just networking though, they are ways to create content and consistently put out good work! They also give you the freedom to be as creative as possible without the pressures of an actual wedding day.

So go ham! Don’t be afraid of rejection, just be genuine and give an incentive. I always tried to get the shoot published on popular weddings blogs and for the most part, a majority of the vendors I reached out to were willing to collaborate!

It was through a styled shoot that I met the florist who I am working with a lot this year! And it actually ended up that one of the hairstylists I collaborated with for a shoot did one of my bride’s hair later that year because she saw the stylist tagged and loved her work!

It takes a lot of planning and effort to put together a styled shoot, but it is well worth it in the end. Just remember to be flexible, you can only be in control of so much so definitely adopt a go-with-the-flow mentality too! 😉

7. Your website is crucial.

Boy oh boy did I have no idea about this.

I mean, yes, I knew it was important to have a website, but I had no idea how much of an impact having a PROPER website had on bookings! But it’s true. Showcasing your work on your website needs to be so much more than just showing people pretty pictures. You have to make people visiting your site feel like they are getting to know you!

If words aren’t your forte, then I definitely suggest hiring a copywriter. Because this has literally changed the game for me. I COMPLETELY and I mean COMPLETELY changed my site once I went to the workshop I mentioned earlier/got mentored! haha

Instead of cookie cutter paragraphs that say you love love and are all about adventurous moments, you have to tell them why they should book you. You have to tell them why you’re different from everyone else and why your experience is important, unique and one of a kind.

Be yourself. And you will attract the clients that were meant for you 🙂

8. Social media presence is more important than you think!

I remember when Instagram first came out with their stories option. I was mad cuz I though they were copying snapchat and never once did a story.

That is until a friend suggested to me I start doing it because it was a way I could connect with not just my already booked clients, but for those searching for a photographer too. The thing about instastories is that a LOT more people can view/see them. And it’s so true! I feel like I know a majority of my 2018 brides way better than if I hadn’t opened up more on social media, and vice versa! My brides have told me they know me better as well.

But aside from instastories (which you should be utilizing) consistency with posting will help validate your presence in the industry. Obviously, when you post galleries on your website, you’re not doing it one photo at a time, you are posting a full highlight gallery. Which means there are times when it is no longer wedding season that you won’t be updating your site as much as you were a few months prior, but because you post on instagram photo by photo, you are showing that you are still active and busy. And as weird as it sounds, people want to book people who are busy! haha

Now look, I get it. Consistency doesn’t just mean everyday, if you reaalllyyy want to see success in follower count (which I don’t suggest prioritizing that, but I understand it has to be established) then you will have to post multiple times a day. “But I don’t want to be annoying!” Hey listen. Stop. If people unfollow you cuz you’re posting too much or they say they don’t want to follow you cuz you’re posting too much. Let em go. The people who support you and lift you up will be the first ones to like and comment – and those are the people that matter 🙂

I definitely suggest focusing on one platform and getting really comfortable in that specific one before putting yourself everywhere. It will be more beneficial to receive 100% of the benefits one at a time then receive 25% from different ones. But once you get going with one and feel comfortable with how you run it, by all means explore other optoins! I feel pretty confident in Instagram now so I’m considering utilizing Pinterest more too 🙂

9. There must be a balance with life & work.

I will be the first to admit I am a workaholic. And sometimes that has caused tension in my relationships! I don’t like to respond to leads any later than an hour, and when it’s booking/engagements season, that means that sometimes I am looking at my phone a lot because I am answering emails/texts, but in turn that meant that if I was with people I wasn’t being present with them.

Initially, I thought making my business a 9-5 thing would work, but unfortunately, that just wasn’t feasible for me. Instead I decided to just be smarter with how I did things, instead of constantly chatting with new inquiries when I was out and about with other people, I would let them know I received their message and that I would be in contact with them later that day.

Funny thing is, what I was neglecting was just simple communication. Just be a human with your clients, communicate, and let them know their time is important to you!

Just remember to have that balance, because as much you might love getting to do what you love, ultimately, your family and friends are always more important. Don’t forget that!

10. Growth can happen even if you may not be searching for it.

It’s crazy to look at my work from this time last year. It wasn’t that it was bad or anything, but if you compare my work from then to now, you will see a difference, specifically in editing.

It wasn’t like I was purposefully trying to see improvement in that area, in some ways it kinda subconsciously happened! I didn’t even realize that I was changing my editing style until later last year when I looked back.

I say this because it’s important to remember that if you’re not necessarily seeing growth from efforts, whether in a specific area or not, it doesn’t mean you’re not growing! You will see something over time as long as you are putting in 110% effort!

Also, don’t let other people’s success/growth determine your own. Everyone is different which means every business is different. The way you run yours may not be the same as someone else. And even though there are some non-negotiable truths that everyone needs to follow, you are on your own journey in the end. Just work hard, keep your mind focused, and you will see results ❤

 

I hope this helps someone out there! Had I known these things earlier, it would have saved SO much time and effort!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Katelyn Rose

W2/Makeup

Hey there!

I hope this Monday finds you all well!

So to be honest, I am still trying to figure out how these Monday posts are going to work. This whole makeup thing might not work out after all, in which case I would have to resort to my personal projects I had mentioned on Instagram. Which are totally doable, it just requires a little more strategy and fore-thought 😉

For this post though, I’ll go over my favorite products as of now as well as my favorite look from this last week I did and what I used.

So before going into my favorite products, quick backstory! A lot of people ask why I don’t get pimples – first off, I DO! Haha I’m still human, I still get them. But I have learned a thing or two since puberty that has helped and I’ll tell you what that is.

In high school I had generic acne on my forehead. Towards senior year it cleared up a little bit, but I got my first job at 16 and it was at a place with a grill. What acne I did have on my forehead turned into cystic acne on my cheeks that left horrible scars. That lasted a few years and was the worst my skin had/has ever been. Once I left that job and got a new one, for the most part, as long as I consistently washed my face, my face stayed pretty clear. I was never really one for bangs or touching my face so I’m pretty sure that had something to do with it clearing up as well. But last year I discovered curology and decided to give it try. It’s a skin care product that’s specific to you and your pimples haha cuz everyone’s different! So my routine may not work for others but they create a product specific to your needs. I used it consistently when I first ordered it, but now I usually only use it when I see I’m breaking out (usually when Aunt Flow comes to visit).

Aside from curology, drinking water has helped a lot too! The more I drank the more my face cleared up.

Also, STRESS! Oh my goodness stress plays a HUGE role in this for me. The more stressed I am, the more I breakout. So I’ve come to adopt more of a go with the flow attitude instead of trying to control stressful situations and that has helped a lot too!

Soooo yeah. My most recent tips that have helped: 1) drink water & 2) don’t stress out hahaha

Anywaysssss back to my favorite products!

I have tried a decent amount of primers, but Benefit Cosmetic’s Porefessional has beat out everything. It helps smooth pores (which are very evident on my nose and under my eyes) and create a nice foundation for foundation (haha)

My favorite foundations are Estée Lauder Double-Wear Stay In Place Liquid Foundation & L’Oréal Infallible Pro-Matte Liquid Foundation. (I’m more of a matte lover than the dewy look so all of these products are in-line with that as well) the best part is the Pro-Matte can be found at Walgreens or CVS! Jeeessss.

For eyebrows I usually stick to Wunderbrow or dark eyeshadow for filling in. I’m not one to fill em in like crazy (I used to!! Haha) I just outline them and put a little definition – I don’t got much there so it doesn’t take much to make them look fuller hahaha

For eyessss I’m currently using the Urban Decay Naked Palette and 2 Morphe palettes that I cannot remember for the life of me but ones more shimmery and the other is just matte.

For eyelashes I have not strayed from using L’Oréal Paris Voluminous since high school when my best friend introduced it to me. It’s always given me the perfect amount of volume and length 🙂 if I wear falsies I usually just get them at like Target or G-Stage, but I’m currently stocked full thanks to a makeup artist I know who was selling some in bulk!

Contour isss the Anastasia Beverly Hills kit. It’s been the one to blend the best with my other products!

Finishing spray is a matte one that I can’t remember where I got, but again – all about that matte look!

Now I ain’t no pro, and everyone’s skin is different, but as of now these are my go to products for my semi-dry to semi-oily skin! 🙂

Below is my favorite look this last week – I’m literally wearing everything I just said above hahaha was trying to go for a pop of color to contrast with my white shirt. Didn’t quite come out the way I wanted buuuuuut what can you do 😛

Okeeeyyyy das alll!!! We’ll see what ends up happening next Monday 😉

W1/Photography Basics

Yo yo!

So this is for all of the people who have asked me about simple photography basics in the past! Now you don’t have to rack your brain about what I said – just come back here for a refresher 😉

But what is it that you should know when you want to start taking photos without using the AUTO mode? Well I have a few things for you! Everything I will be discussing will be applicable to when you are in Manual mode with your DSLR (it’s the M on the navigation dial!) You will also have to look at your manual (haha) to figure out how to change each setting I will talk about below because every camera is different, but there are usually dials that rotate left and right for aperture and shutter and then a button that says ISO for ISO.

(everything I learned is from trial and error & www.digital-photography-school.com 🙂 )

The first thing I want you to know is called the Exposure Triangle. The exposure triangle consists of 3 things (no duh, sherlock):

Shutter Speed

Aperture

and ISO

Shutter Speed is the clicking sound the camera makes when you take a picture. It’s the amount of time that light is allowed to enter the camera while the shutter is open. It’s measured in speeds as slow as seconds but as fast as 1/4000 of a second! The faster the shutter, the more frozen things become and the darker the picture because the shutter is only open for so long – or I guess short, in this instance haha and the slower the shutter, the more blurry and bright things will be because the shutter is open longer.

quick re-cap: the smaller the number (i.e. 1/60) the slower and brighter, the bigger the number (i.e. 1/4000) the faster and darker. (let’s not get too technical here math wizards ;P)

The second one is aperture. Aperture is the size of opening when the shutter is open. It’s this picture you see everywhere when googling aperture:

(not my photo, got it from google no copyright infringement intended!)

Aperture is measured in f/stops, which are the numbers you see above! And this guy can get a little complicated because the numbers are bit backwards for our brains. Just remember, the smaller the number, the bigger the opening and vice versa!

According to someone who posted on wikipedia: “More specifically, the aperture and focal length of an optical system determine the cone angle of a bundle of rays that come to a focus in the image plane.” And that’s correct, but how about in english yeah? 🙂

So aperture determines the amount of blur in the photo. If you take a photo of someone standing at f/1.4, the person will be more in focus than the background – the background will be all blurred and creamy. But if you take the same photo at f/22 pretty much everything will be in focus, including more of the background. But remember, aperture isn’t just about blur, it’s about the size of the opening too. So if you want more things in focus and you bump up the aperture to match that, you also need to remember that you’re making size of the opening smaller – which makes the photo darker. That’s why knowing the exposure triangle is so important because you can still get the photo you want, but without having to compromise (in ideal lights situations) what you want to prioritize.

The last thing is ISO. I’m not really sure what that stands for, pretty sure it’s a light sensitivity organization haha but that’s beside the point 😛

Well, sort of.. ISO is actually the amount of sensitivity the camera, with the shutter open, experiences but whether or not it’s an acronym is beside the point. ISO is measured in hundreds +. It usually starts at 100 and then can go as high as the body was built for (my current DSLR body can go up to something like 12800). Having a higher ISO means the image will be brighter. So if you’re in a low-light situation but need a fast shutter because of movement, you can bump up the ISO and then get that image with the settings you need. But the only thing with that, is that a higher ISO causes more grain in the photo. So when you see photos that look super grainy (usually low-light situations) it’s because of a high ISO.

Digital Photography School uses a good metaphor of a window to help remember everything, so definitely check out their article here: https://digital-photography-school.com/learning-exposure-in-digital-photography/.

The second thing I want you to know, is that not all lenses (and camera bodies for that matter) offer the same options in terms of ISO levels and aperture levels. Most basic DSLRs come with a kit lens with a starting aperture of 3.5. So the background blurry-ness of most portrait images you see cannot be achieved (as simply as just taking the photo) the way having a lens that goes to around 1.4 or 1.8 can do! I said “as simply as just taking the photo” because it is still possible to achieve a blurry look, but you have to do some thinking and experimenting to achieve it. The easiest way to still get that blur despite a high aperture is to place your subject as far away from the background as possible. So for instance if you want trees to be blurry in the background, you can’t place your model right next to it with an aperture at 3.5, you and the model will have to move away from the tree some distance before it will become blurry! Whereas with a 1.4 lens, you can be pretty close to the tree and still get that blurry, creamy affect 🙂

If you want to dive into portrait photography, I definitely suggest investing in a 50mm or 85mm lens! Stick to apertures that are 1.4 or 1.8 🙂 These lenses are fixed lenses which means they don’t zoom (you would have to move yourself in order to get closer or further from the subject as opposed to just zooming in or out) but they offer some amazing capabilities when you do invest in one! I don’t have any zoom lenses in my arsenal and I never have since selling my kit lens.

If you have any questions feel free to message me! 🙂 I’m happy to help out and will totally help whenever you need it! But what I found to help the most was just practice. It will be frustrating in the beginning because you have to remember which ones do what and at what time and also what it means for the photos when the numbers are higher and lower, but the more you practice, the more second-nature it becomes!!

 

Anyway, I hope this helped you guys!

Have a great weekend ❤

Katelyn Rose