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    January Newsletter: 2012!

    January 23, 2012 | Posted by Kristen the designer

    Our monthly newsletters have a new format! Click here!

    Kristen the designerKristen the designer

    November Member Spotlight: Heather Thorne!

    November 22, 2011 | Posted by Kristen the designer

    With heartfelt advice like “be good to yourself,” Heather Thorne, of Heather Thorne Photography has endeared herself to clients and colleagues alike. And with consistent branding, marketing, imagery and energy to back it up, it is no surprise why Heather has become successful in her market, and continues to leap fearlessly ahead.

    Tell us your story. How you started and how your photography, brand, and business transformed over the year.

    I’ve always loved photography and it’s been a part of life for as long as I can remember. I think I really felt a calling for it back in college when I learned on film and was developing my own photos in a darkroom. My photography teacher wanted to keep my final documentary project and I still have my final grade/note he wrote me hanging in the studio as a little reminder of how far I’ve come. I actually have a journalism degree and spent several years in the advertising world before I pursued my dream job and opened my photography business. Having both of these in my background has been instrumental in shaping me as a photographer and business owner.

    Tell us about how you reach out to local businesses. How has that paid off in the growth of your own studio?

    I recently joined my local Chamber of Commerce and was asked to shoot the “Back the School” spread of children wearing clothing from a local boutique. It was a great way to partner with a local business and spread the word about my own. I’ve also been approached by a local private school (also a chamber member) about some potential projects. Additionally, several large wall prints of my work are hanging in a local pediatric surgery center – they needed artwork and I was happy to help.

    We love your space! Tell us how you operate there, what the biggest challenge is in the space, and how it’s paid off for you!

    Thank you! I’m just so grateful to have it. I primarily use it for client meetings, displaying work and editing, but I also do many newborn sessions there as I have wonderful natural light in my little shooting area. I also like to do a mix of indoor/studio and outdoor/location for a lot of my clients just to give them a little variety. I recently had a little expansion done which was already part of the building owner’s plans before I moved in – that gave me two extra rooms one of which I use as my production area for packaging orders, framing prints and storing all the pieces to my custom packaging. My biggest challenge has probably been the size of my shooting area. Although I do a lot of outdoor sessions, I like to mix in studio shots too. I’m constantly tearing down and putting up/steaming backdrops and sometimes I just wish I had the space to leave them all up. It’s really not a big complaint, just hard on my bad back. Opening the studio was definitely a leap of faith and happened sooner than I expected but the door opened and I couldn’t pass on it. I’ve definitely experienced an increase in sales as I’m able to meet with clients in person both during my pre-session consult and in the post-session sales consult. It makes the whole client experience much more personal—something very important to me! Clients also love to see the art hanging on the studio walls as it helps them visualize it better in their own space.

    What are currently some of the biggest challenges you face professionally?

    Currently, it’s trying to figure out the best time to expand and bring on help. I have seasonal help but no one full or part-time working for me. I can’t wait for that day but don’t want to be premature in that effort. I’m also not the best bookkeeper and often find it hard to juggle the creative process with the business side of my business.

    You’ve recently undergone a branding overhaul. Tell us about the experience and how that’s transformed your business.

    It was a wonderful experience and one that I put a lot of thought, time and effort into. I had just made the decision to drop weddings and specialize in children so it was time to rebrand and shift gears. Jane Johnson Design did an amazing job of capturing ‘me’ and the process was seamless. I continue to get emails and compliments on it! Jane also helped me create a special site (in addition to my child site) just for my high school senior work and I love the way it has its own identity but still coordinates with my overall branding. Around the time we were working on my new branding, I was setting up the new studio so it was fun to carry that over into the décor. It’s so important that your identity be cohesive across all platforms. From when my clients first go to my website, to when they walk into my studio, to when they receive their beautifully packaged orders, I want the messaging, look and feel to be consistent and special.

    You seem to be rocking the Senior Sessions! How has shooting this genre impacted your business & brand?

    Well thank you! I’m actually still very much in growth mode in this area of my business and that’s ok. I know it will expand when the time is right and when I’m able to market to this genre better. I do seem to photograph more senior girls than guys which I love! I make it an experience for them – not just a photo session. A lot of times that means I’m at their home pulling clothing/accessories prior to our shoot. I get to see their rooms and what they’re interested in while getting to know them a little better during this process. I have also always felt a connection to teens and young adults. It’s an exciting time in their lives and I enjoy not just photographing them, but celebrating them.

    What is the best advice you have received regarding photography?

    I’ve been fortunate to receive lots of great advice from various photographers along the way but I’d have to say what resonates the most with me is simply to be authentic and create imagery that speaks to me. I had the pleasure of hearing one of my all-time favorite photographers, Elizabeth Messina, speak at WPPI a couple years ago and authenticity was a key part of her speech. Since that talk, authenticity and the pursuit of it has cropped up numerous times through conversations or speakers I’ve heard and it’s a message we should all take to heart and apply. I was also able to have one-on-one time with two women whose work I admire at the last two NAPCP retreats. Tamara Lackey told me two years ago to never lose my enthusiasm—simple advice but so important—especially during my busiest time of year when I’m overwhelmed, tired and can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. This year I enjoyed chatting with Karen Carey who helped me see past my insecurities and embrace that I really can do this. Sometimes, all you need is some candid feedback or someone to believe in you (or remind you that you do believe in yourself) to put you back on the right path.

    Who are some of your favorite vendors?

    I love H-B Photo Packaging for my product packaging (I customize with “thank-you” stickers from Paper Source and whatever baker’s yarn or ribbon I have on hand), Photo Card Boutique and Design Aglow for their templates, Canvas on Demand Pro for gallery wraps and Drop it Modern for backdrops.

    What are some of your best selling products? How do you market them & why do you think your clients gravitate towards them the most?

    I’m always looking for ways to improve and expand my product line and my newest product offering is frames by the Organic Bloom. These are a big hit with clients and I love that they pair well with my work and studio aesthetic. I also offer albums by Finao in various sizes. Both products take a little time to create because of their hand-made, custom quality but it’s so worth it. I tend to sell a lot of gallery wrapped canvases and again, having them on display has contributed to that.

    What advice can you give to those starting out?

    Don’t compare yourself to others. It’s easy to get caught up in wanting what someone else has but we all have a unique voice and perspective. It’s up to you to look within; figure out what makes you tick and what works best for you. Be authentic (again, best advice I was given.) It’s ok to not completely have your photography style nailed down right off the bat as it will evolve over time. I can definitely see an evolution in my work and am still seeking ways to improve it. It’s by taking risks, making mistakes, asking for help, seeking inspiration all around us and listening to our inner voice that we figure out who we are as an artist. And lastly, as a little sign in my studio given to me by my mother gently reminds me every day: “Leap Fearlessly.”

    Where do you see yourself in the next 3 years, Heather?

    Hopefully I’ll still be creating and making others happy through imagery. I’m blessed to have been working with a local non-profit the past five years that has allowed me to take my camera around the world and shine a light on medical missions – a service I hope to continue because I really can’t imagine not using this gift to give back. It really brings purpose and passion to my work.

    We love how open and honest you are in the NAPCP child photography community. What is your desire and hopes for our very specialized and unique industry?

    I must first say that I’m so thankful for NAPCP and the opportunities and friendships it’s brought into my life. I’m also very humbled and honored to be a part of this great community of talent and hope that our industry will focus on lifting each other up, celebrating each other as artists and helping each other in times of need. It’s important to network with and learn from each other. I must admit I don’t always have time to hop on the forum and contribute but I try to maintain the connections I’ve made and help out when I can.

    To see more from the lovely Heather Thorne, visit her site here and her blog here!

    Kristen the designerKristen the designer

    October Member Spotlight: Dana Pugh!

    October 20, 2011 | Posted by Kristen the designer

    In the NAPCP spotlight this month, Dana Pugh of Short and Sweet Photography. Based in Calgary, Alberta, Dana delivers her own unique mixture of quirk and documentary photography to clients – successfully setting herself apart in her market. With a gorgeous smile and full of laughter, Dana (an accomplished photo-bomber) was NAPCP’s 2010 Photographer of the Year and had her work featured on a billboard in New York’s Times Square.

    We love the beautiful color in all of your images. Tell us a little bit about what you look for to get those fantastic images.

    The best color comes from the best exposure and the best light. I focus mostly on finding light that I love and then go from there.

    Tell us your story. How you started and how your photography, brand, and business transformed over the year.

    My story is much like most moms who become photographers. I wanted better pictures of my kids. I had a friend who was a photojournalist in Vancouver and she took pictures of us as a family just hanging out on Kitslano Beach when my son, Jack, was one year old. I loved how natural they were and how stress free the process was. I started taking the documenting of my own family more seriously…then, I started a blog for a picture a day learning group called ‘Short and Sweet’. Very quickly, I got asked to take pictures for other people and once I felt confident enough to be able to provide them with something of a certain quality, I started my own business. It grew very organically from there.

    Tell us about how you reach out to local businesses. How has that paid off in the growth of your own studio?

    I have never approached a local business who I didn’t already have some sort of connection with. So, most of the local businesses I work with have been my past clients. I like that we have an authentic connection and they have experienced inviting me into their home to document their family. This way, when they promote me through their business it is because they genuinely believe in my abilities and have enjoyed the experience and the outcome for their family. This approach has worked extremely well for my growth.

    What are currently some of the biggest challenges you face professionally?

    I think most photographers can agree that the biggest challenge today is the saturated market. It’s one thing separating yourself from the crowd in the eyes of other photographers, but it is entirely another thing to do so in the eyes of the consumer. I am always trying to figure out the best way to illustrate how what I do is different from a normal portrait session. In an ever growing market, it is so important to stand out.

    We love your quirky yet documentary style of photography. Tell us about your approach during your sessions…

    I truly try to let my clients inspire me. I like to feel like I know them before I start shooting. I am really lucky right now because quite a high percentage of my sessions are with return clients. If your goal is to get super authentic images of your children, a wonderful way to do that is to use the same photographer over and over again because the children get so used to being in front of their lens that they show more and more of who they are each time. Also, I really know what I want to capture about a family…I am constantly thinking about that on a general level and on a level specific to each family. This takes time, so my sessions generally don’t have a time limit and sometimes we just sit and talk and I wait until I feel everyone is being themselves with me. By the time I am done, I usually know all sorts of crazy and quirky things about my clients.

    What is the best advice you have received regarding photography?

    Never stop growing. Never stop learning. Take risks in your work and your business.

    Who are some of your favorite vendors?

    I love Pixel2Canvas. Shipping to Canada is sometimes difficult, but they were the first vendor I used to really figure out the best and most cost effective way of doing this. I also love Uncommon iPhone cases. Both my husband and I have one and all of my clients ask me where I got it. It is one of my favourite places to send my clients who purchase the digital files.

    What are some of your best selling products? (would love to see photos here!) How do you market them & why do you think your clients gravitate towards them the most?

    Hands down my best selling product is my digital files collection. Most of my clients buy them along with a coffee table book that contains all of the images. Along with a release, I provide my clients with a note listing all of my favourite local and web based consumer level products. My clients trust me and use the lab I suggest which still allows me a certain level of control over their final product. I know that a lot of photographers have concerns over selling their digital files, but this is the best solution for me.

    What advice can you give to those starting out?

    Be patient. It takes time to build a trusted client base. It takes time to develop your work and discover what moves you as an artist. Plus, that will grow and change the more you learn and the more you shoot. I think so many people rush into a business when they should be focusing first on developing their craft. Once you start a business, a good portion of your focus will have to be dedicated to that and you may find that between your life and your business, there isn’t much time for your art.

    What’s next for you, Dana?

    This January, I am launching my very first retreat for family photographers. It is called The Short and Sweet Winter Retreat and is in Canmore, Alberta, Canada. It is a weekend long event designed as a communal learning opportunity. My hope is that each attendee leaves with three goals: a creative, business, and learning goal. If this retreat goes well, I may offer them in other locations. Aside from that, I just hope that families keep trusting me to document their lives and their love.

    We love how open and honest you are on the NAPCP our child photography community. What is your desire and hopes for our very specialized and unique industry?

    I truly think that we are in an amazing time in the industry and that the only thing holding you back is the limits of your imagination. I think as soon as we all stop trying to be the same and try to figure out what our unique contribution to the industry will be, we will see an explosion of new types of photography hit the market. Can you imagine what that will mean? I think it will be very exciting…

    To see more from the lovely Dana Pugh, visit her site here and her blog here!

    Alice ParkAlice Park

    September Member Spotlight: Crystal James!

    September 15, 2011 | Posted by Alice Park

    In the NAPCP spotlight this month is sweet Georgia peach Crystal James of Tiny Heart Studios. The culmination of many moments of love in her life, Tiny Heart Studios was born out of her belief that just like a tiny heart, a picture can hold so much more meaning than its size suggests. From home-based studio to studio space, Crystal shares the story of how her brand, and business transformed over the years.

    We love the beautiful color in all of your images. Tell us a little bit about what you look for to get those fantastic images.

    One word: Light. If there is one thing I have learned in the past five years, it’s that you have to start with a great image (in camera) to end up with a great print. With years of education, practice, and lots and lots of shooting, I have found many tricks to finding the best light in any situation. When I nail my exposure in camera, it’s easy to yield a beautiful and colorful final image.


    Tell us your story. How you started and how your photography, brand, and business transformed over the year.

    Previous to my photography career, I spent 12 years in Sales & Marketing with Renaissance Hotels. With all the knowledge of branding and it’s power, I tried very hard to be consistent with my branding, even from the beginning. I didn’t have much money starting out, but I paid someone a small fee to create a logo for me and I stuck with that logo, the colors, the font, and the overall look until I relaunched my business in 2010. This time I paid a much larger fee (to Luxecetera) to help me design and build a new brand that really came from my heart (no pun intended)! Tiny Heart Studios was born – and it’s all about love!

    “It’s all about love” – what a great motto for life… How do you apply that to your work and your business?

    To me, that’s what it ALL boils down to — love. The reason that we display or save any picture is because we truly love something about it. Whether it’s the memory of my newborn baby’s tiny fingers, or a tender kiss between siblings, or even the picture of my own beautiful mother hiding from the camera, the connection to my heart is powerful. I work with my clients to create images that are powerful and meaningful to them. Images they will truly love, and therefore cherish, forever. As part of my new business structure, I spend a lot of time with my clients. We talk on the phone, we meet in person, we discuss the session, their children, and their lives. I try to get to know them and connect with them on a personal level, which makes the entire experience more rewarding for me, and hopefully for my clients as well.


    You changed to in person ordering last year. How has this been received by your clients?

    My repeat clients have whole-heartedly thanked me for making this drastic change to my business. This has become another opportunity for me to get to know them and understand what they love about their images. In person ordering saves them time, and I am able to offer them my expert opinion for enlargements, wall displays, album design, and framing. I will admit, I was nervous about making the change, thinking that people might not want to take the time to come to the studio and go through the process. I have come to realize that people hire a professional photographer because they WANT to invest the time in creating and purchasing beautiful images of their family. This is an investment that many of my clients save up for and treasure for a lifetime. I want to create an experience worthy of that investment.

    Many photographers consider adding studio space like you did last year, can you share a little about this experience?

    It was a leap of faith for sure. I got a lucky break by taking over a cute (and affordable) little space that another photographer had been using. From a cost standpoint, I made sure that I could cover the one year lease up front and considered it “money gone” as part of the trial period for having the studio. I was able to create a cozy, comfortable environment with lots of samples for my clients to see and touch. I use the space to shoot newborns and non-mobile babies, as well as for in-person ordering. It feels like such a luxury to have everything I need for a newborn session right at my fingertips and my husband REALLY likes having all of my equipment out of the spare bedroom! The first year was a success and I recently asked my friend and fellow photographer, the fabulous Lisa Phillipson, to share the studio space with me. Because we are sharing the cost now, we have been able to expand the space to include an additional shooting room and a dedicated client consultation room.


    Tell us about how you reach out to local businesses. How has that paid off in the growth of your own studio?

    I have had my work displayed in several different places, but the most successful is a local gift shop. I have built relationships with the women that work in the store and they act as my personal sales agents when their customers ask about my photography. I also do some fun events at the store which brings them revenue and helps build awareness for both of our businesses. Not only have some of my most treasured clients come from these referrals, but the opportunity to shoot several covers for our local Our Town Magazine came from these shop referrals as as well. So, it’s not so much about my work being in the store as it is about the relationships created in the community.

    What are currently some of the biggest challenges you face professionally?

    Balance. That is THE biggest challenge for me. Some would have you believe that this is a glamorous business, snapping photos all day and getting paid to do something you love. I won’t deny that I love what I do, but the truth is, I only get to spend about 10% of my time “snapping pictures.” The rest of the time is spent editing, marketing, continuing education, bookkeeping (uggh!), doing taxes, blog and facebook maintenance, budget planning, and, of course, trying to take care of my two kids and husband while doing it! I wish there was a magic wand to help with this stuff, but in reality, it’s up to me to prioritize it all. It’s a work in progress that involves the true evaluation of how much time I have, how much money I make, the break-even point, and my sanity.

    Who are some of your favorite vendors?

    I use ProDPI for my prints, the quality is amazing. Design Aglow always has unique, innovative, and beautiful products – I usually want to buy everything! I also really admire Jamie Schultz. I love her designs and I also love her business style. I had the opportunity to see her speak at the PPA Imaging Conference in January, and she captivated me with not only her amazing work, but her persistent attention to detail. She is constantly striving to give each client a unique experience and she customizes her products to match the needs of her clients – before they even ask. Love that!

    Tell us about some of your products.

    I offer my clients beautiful custom products, including Gallery Wrapped Canvas, Luxury Albums, and Image Boxes. I also mat every gift print with an archival mat and backing, then I sign each one and wrap them individually. Something I love to do is “gift” my clients with free stuff. My gift items are not on my product list, but I offer them after our ordering session or I just surprise my clients with these gifts based on their loyalty and investment. Some items that everyone loves are the wallet accordions (to keep handy for bragging about their kiddos), the custom iPhone case (also great for bragging), custom note cards, mini 5×10 mounted display print, and beautiful Kotori jewelry.

    What is the best advice you have received regarding photography?

    I absolutely must credit the amazing Dane Sanders for this advice. He did a presentation at the 2010 NAPCP retreat in Napa and the gist of what I took away from his talk was, quite simply, be yourself. It was a total ah-ha moment for me. YES, be MYSELF – DUH! I decided at that point to make everything more personal. My website includes personal information, my BIO has pictures of me and my family, along with personal tidbits about myself. I can honestly say that since then, I have spent very little time looking at other photographers blogs or websites, and a lot more time working on who I want to be.

    What advice can you give to those starting out?

    Reach out. Join a community of your peers. Don’t spend your time alone scouring the internet to find out what everyone else is doing. Be inspired by the open communication on forums such as NAPCP. And most of all, share what you know. Everyone has something to share, even if you are just starting out.



    We love how open and honest you are on the NAPCP forum, our child photography community. What is your desire and hopes for our very specialized and unique industry?

    I can only speak for the last five years, but in that short time, the child photography industry has changed drastically. These days, the price of entry to become a professional photographer appears to be as simple as buying a DSLR camera. But we know the truth. We know about all of the nights and weekends away from our families, the countless hours learning how to use Photoshop, Lightroom, Quickbooks, FTP, and WordPress (to name a few). Not to mention the time spent creating a stellar website, unique brand, and competitive pricing. And, then let’s add all the time we spend learning about our camera and lenses and how to take the VERY best pictures; all while reading about the hundreds of other AMAZING photographers in the industry and wondering…. HOW DO THEY DO IT ALL? So, my hope is that we can share some of this invaluable information, make friends, and create a community of mutual respect and trust so that people don’t have to make all of the same mistakes that I know I made in my first couple years.

    To see more from the lovely Crystal James, visit her site here!

    Kristen the designerKristen the designer

    August Member Spotlight: Leah Zawadzki!

    August 10, 2011 | Posted by Kristen the designer

    In our spotlight this month, we’re honored to feature NAPCP Retreat speaker, the thoughtful and talented Leah Zawadzki. In addition to creating beautiful fine are portraits in southern California, Leah is amazingly skilled at helping to guide other photographers in the search for their own signature style. We were thrilled to spend a bit of time with her in Colorado and share her words (as well as a special promotion on her yummy action set) with you here!

    Who or what inspires you and your work? How?

    Love. Love for my kids. Love for my clients. Love and gratitude for this amazing
    world we live in. When I see it and appreciate it, I just want to pick up my camera
    and shoot. Shooting helps me see the little things I might miss otherwise.


    How do you maintain a work/life balance while juggling photography, teaching workshops, and motherhood?

    It’s really, really hard. Sometimes I’m not the best at it. There is constant self re-evaluation. How am I feeling? How are my kids? Have I made time for my creative side? Have I made time to just be? When I get overwhelmed I usually have to stand back, take a day off, rejuvenate—then make a list and get back at it the following day.

    One of the things I really love about this profession is that, if done correctly, we can do this job any way we want. As a mother first to my three kids, I can limit my sessions and workshops, to what works for my family and me. My goal is to give the very best of myself to my family, to my clients and to our workshop attendees. How do I achieve that? By saying no, creating limits and taking time for myself every once and a while.

    What is the best advice you have received regarding photography?

    When I first started out, I was active on flickr and shooting all the time. A fellow photographer would told me, “just keep shooting”. He didn’t just say this once; he told me it to me over and over again. Back then, I thought he was crazy, but I kept shooting (my family had to beg me to put the camera down).

    Now that I have been shooting for six-plus years, own a small business and have older, opinionated children, I actually have far less time to go out there and just shoot for me. And sadly, something terrible happens when I stop shooting for me — I lose sight of why I am even doing this photography thing. I lose my confidence; my direction and I get down right cranky. He was absolutely right— just keep shooting.




    What advice can you give to those starting out?

    Some of the same advice I was given: Shoot. Shoot a lot. Ask questions. And then be patient.

    In the beginning, shooting through trial and error is the best way to learn and hone your skills. Shooting often is the best way to discover who you are as a photographer. You’ll do some things right, you’ll do some things wrong and you’ll learn through the process. You are not going to find who you are by looking at other people’s work on the Internet all day (however fun that might be). By shooting freely and letting go, you will develop your own individual style.

    Also, ask lots of questions. But not just of other people, ask them to yourself. And then go and find the answers…look up EXIF data, read a good book on the subject, google it.

    And then be patient. Become comfortable with yourself and your shooting style. Understand what it takes to get good, consistent, meaningful photographs before perusing it for money. You will be so much happier that way. I promise.



    We love your Lilyblue action sets! What inspired you to create such a wonderful product for fellow photographers?

    Thank you!! I didn’t really start out developing actions and presets for fellow photographers. I originally just got bored of other people’s actions, so I started playing with my own processing. Deb encouraged me to share my processing with others and I did. I was overwhelmed with the positive response and support I received about my actions, from the photography community. Now I just keep playing and continue to share. I am glad that I can help others with their workflow and processing—and I am so grateful for all those who support my work!!



    Last month Deb told us a little about your collaborative project, the Wallflower Friends Retreats. What are your future goals and plans for Wallflower Friends?

    We love our Wallflower Friends. It has been such a joy to get together with other photographers and share ourselves—our inspirations, our journey. I love that we not only share ourselves, but also we gain so much from everyone through the process. There is definitely an air of collaboration, growing and sharing amongst all who attend our retreats. I am so grateful for the friendships that we have made along the way. We plan to have one US retreat a year and next year we are hopeful for a second retreat in Australia. We also are discussing the possibility of online workshops and smaller, more intimate gatherings (mini-retreats). We’re not exactly sure where next year will take us but we’re
    absolutely thrilled about the journey!


    We were absolutely thrilled to have you and Deb join us in Vail for the NAPCP Retreat! Your presentation was moving, inspiring, and a wonderful way for attendees t connect with one another. What were your hopes for the closing presentation and what would you like attendees to remember most?

    Thank you so much for the opportunity to present at the NAPCP Retreat in Vail. Both Deb and I really enjoyed the attendees and the other speakers–such an incredible group of people. I was so excited and grateful to be able to share at the Retreat. To have the opportunity to learn and grow right along side everyone else, made the experience that much more amazing. I am a firm believer that our learning and growing is never done!

    With our closing presentation, we really wanted to inspire the attendees!! We wanted to encourage each and every person to be true to themselves, explore what their work means to them and ultimately, find their style. I hope that everyone was able to return home with a better sense of what their photography means to them and an understanding of their unique voice. Thank you again for an awesome week!

    To see more from the lovely Leah Zawadzki, visit her site here, and her blog here!


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