NEW! CELEBRITY MODERATORS!

Ever wished that you could just hang out with some of our Celebrities? Well now you can! Each month we’ll have 3 different Celebrity Photographers floating around the forum answering your questions, giving critique, and posting inspirational images. This month’s Celebrity Moderators are Laura Winslow of Laura Winslow Photography, Jennifer Tonetti-Spellman of Jelly Bean Pictures, and Ana Brandt of TAoPaN.

Go say “Hi” to them in the forum! Not a member yet? Join now!

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In this 90 minute LIVE web event, you will learn about:

• Styling families… how the imperfect becomes perfect.
• How to use guides & Pinterest to visually guide your clients.
• How to style families, but not change who they are.
• Advice on making things look styled but not matchy-matchy.

WHEN: Monday, February 11th 2013 @ 8 pm Central (6 Pacific, 7 Mountain, 9 Eastern)

If you can’t attend the live event, a video recording will be sent (48 hrs afterward) to all those who paid

COST: $39 for Chic Members, $59 for non-members. Attendees are limited so reserve your spot now! 

$39 discounted price for Chic Members: CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE (must join the forum first)

$59 for non-members:

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by: Amy Lyn, C.P.P., Contributing Editor

Are you currently doing consultations with your clients before the session?  If not, I have three points that just might change your mind.  If you’re like me, you are thinking, “But I don’t have time for this!”  That’s exactly what I used to think.  Now, however, I’d argue that you don’t have time not to.

1. YOU get to set the tone for the session.

Does this sound familiar?  You show up for the session and your clients are 20 minutes late.  The kids didn’t have their nap and are whining before the session even starts.  The oldest son is wearing a t-shirt with a band logo that you can’t miss.  You struggle, despite all odds, to get them into a cute pose and somehow manage to actually do just that.  All of a sudden the mom whips out her camera and starts shooting over your shoulder, “Just to get a few.”  You realize this is spinning out of control but have no idea how to reign it in, when the dad asks how many free 8x10s the session includes.

O.K.  Maybe that’s extreme but it’s not too far off from some of the sessions I used to have.  Until (you guessed it) I started doing pre-consultations.  During the appointment I am able to:

• Give input on what to wear
• Explain my policies
• Suggest the best ways for them to prepare (you know…things like give the kids a nap!)
• Show my many product offerings and get an idea of what they’d like

2. Set Yourself Apart

We all know supercenters don’t do pre-consultations.  Supercenters don’t have the time.  I show clients that I am different and ready to go above and beyond.  I don’t photograph 50-100 sessions a day like a supercenter and I want them to know the difference before the session even takes place.  For me a pre-consultation is the first way I set myself apart.

I can ask questions, get to know them, and then design a unique session just for them.  I know what to expect and plan accordingly.  This keeps both my clients and me happy.  And you gotta love when everyone’s happy.

3. Create Bigger Sales

I don’t say this in a “tricking them into spending more money” kind of way.  But, I’ve learned, when I take the time to educate my clients on the value of my products, they will spend more.  I can show them the quality prints and products I offer and explain what sets them apart.  I can also take the time to listen to their needs and steer them towards items that would meet those needs.  For example, when I have a client explain that they have little wall space during the pre consultation, I know not to waste their time convincing them of the value of a 30×40 gallery wrapped canvas.  Instead, I can show them examples of family albums and how they are uniquely designed just for them with the ability to add albums each year.

…Plus, when you’ve met ahead of time, you know that your pricing has been clear and they know what to expect.  There’s no surprise for anyone.  And that’s always a good thing.

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Amy Lyn is a Certified Professional Photographer working near Akron, Ohio.  She photographs weddings and portraits and has been published in national wedding blogs such as A Paper Proposal and Borrowed & Bleu as well as in Chic Critique Magazine.  She lives with her two adorable kiddos and hubby on eight acres of a photographer’s dream.    Check out her sites and “like” her Facebook page.

Wedding Site | Portrait Site | Facebook

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Amanda, what camera do you use and what is your favorite lens?
Canon 5D Mark II, 50mm 1.4

What has been the most helpful critique you ever got on an image?
Just to make sure the finished product is polished and natural. Nail the shot in camera, but also follow up with beautiful post processing so that your subject is sweetly perfect.

What 3 words would you use to describe your style?
Unique, Colorful, Sweet

Where do you pull your inspiration from?
From all over… hats, blankets, room themes, magazines.

What is one specific way that you balance work and family?
This has been a HUGE struggle for me. The first two years of my business absolutely consumed me. I actually took several months off to re-assess things and spend time with my family. Now, being back in action I have made it my rule that I will not work weekends, I will only accept limited sessions, and I do my best to not be on this computer when my kids and husband are at home.

Best biz/photo advice?
To do YOU, to make your business your passion, your style. Create your niche. Don’t follow others.

What have you learned the hard way?
To not work weekends. Do what you need to do and arrange your sessions for during the week while kids are at school, or hire a Nanny. Weekends are for friends and family.

How does your business deal with the rise in photographers. What have you done to standout and compete?
I actually kind of keep my eyes straight ahead. I don’t worry too much about what other photographers are doing. I strongly believe that if you create a niche for yourself and stay true to your style, then you will have clients. Even though there are oodles more newborn photographers now than 4 years ago, I know that I still offer a product that is unique from others.

Where have most of your 2012 clients come from (besides WOM)?
Sorry, but yes – word of mouth. And Facebook. I am horrible about updating my website and haven’t even gotten around to finishing my blog. I probably don’t have the best business model… but I love posing babies and I offer my clients something special. Too much work has kept me from all those marketing details.

What has been the best workshop or convention you’ve attended so far?
By far the Jinky workshop that I did in July of 2010. Barb Uil is such an inspiration and her portraiture is breathtaking and stands alone.

What is your most popular product?
CD of images

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by Kelli France | Editor-in-Chief

Because of the anonymity of the Internet, it’s easier than ever for people to say mean things online.

In the last few weeks I’ve had a few photographer friends and acquaintances who’ve been bullied on the internet.

I always tell my children: “It’s okay to be angry but it’s not okay to be mean.”

If you are a Mama I’m sure you’ve uttered these words (that your Mom probably said to you) at least once: “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.”

I think we as adults need to remember to take our Mother’s advice and be nice or be quiet.

DEALING WITH DRAMA:

I’ve been impressed with how my photographer friends/acquaintances who were bullied online dealt with it. They simply turned the other cheek. They were full of grace and killed with kindness, regardless of the harsh things that were being said about them.

Sometimes as a mother and yes, even photographers, we deal with occasional drama. I have discovered something about myself lately: I am capable of being calm, kind, and in control in the midst of drama.

To be in this state of mind, I have to do what the “psycho” (aka Kevin Nealon) said on the movie, Happy Gilmore: “Rise above it. Harness in the good energy. Block out the bad.”

So when my daughter starts arguing with me about pretty much EVERYTHING, I simply go to my happy place by turning on some uplifting music and ignore her.

“Rise above it. Harness in the good energy. Block out the bad.” 

When I read about drama on Facebook, I close it out.

“Rise above it. Harness in the good energy. Block out the bad.” 

If I get a not-so-nice email from someone who is probably just having a bad day, I take a break from emails and talk to my happy husband.

“Rise above it. Harness in the good energy. Block out the bad.” 

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Do you post on your blog only to hear crickets? Do you sometimes feel like you are talking to yourself (and maybe your Mom) on your blog? Do you need some LOVE?

Chic Critique is here for you, girl. In 2013, we are doing a weekly feature on our blog every Saturday called “BLOG LOVE” where you can showcase your  blog posts on Chic Critique for lots of love.

SWEET BENEFITS:

• Use this as motivation to blog at least once a week
• Boost your SEO: your thumbnail will link back to your own blog for lots of publicity and SEO lovin’!
• Get blog comments from our fans
• Show off your work
• Get published! One of your images might be featured in an upcoming issue of Chic Magazine

It’s so easy! HERE’S HOW IT WORKS:

You must be a member of Chic Critique forum to participate 

1. Post some pics on your own blog with a link back to Chic Critique
2. Every weekend, submit your permalink (not your main blog address) from your own blog post to the frog icon (see sample below) to our weekly Saturday “Blog Love” blog post
3. Your image will then show up as a thumbnail on OUR blog and allow our readers to click on your image to check out YOUR blog.

Need a reminder? We’ll help remind you in our weekly newsletter and on Facebook so be sure to become a fan and subscribe to our newsletter.

ENTER YOUR BLOG POST IMAGES FOR THIS WEEK BY CLICKING ON THE FROG BELOW:
Don’t forget to leave a comment on the other entries because that is half the fun! Also, submit your photo early since those seem to be the ones who receive the most comments.

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It’s Freebie Friday for all Chic members! You know you want stylin’ clients this year and the best way to get well-dressed clients is to educate them on what to wear. All Chic members get FREE What-to-Wear guides from I Adore Your Style {value of $48/yr} to teach your clients how to be more stylish. You can showcase them on your blog (who doesn’t need more blog content?), send them in a newsletter, or email them to individual clients whose sessions are coming up.

Each style file comes complete with UP-TO-DATE corresponding links of what’s retailing right now for every outfit!  That means your clients can go buy those clothes online today!
Monthly style files include one family ensemble plus an additional file for either couples, seniors, children, or babies.
What-to-Wear Guides are only available during the current month so be sure to download your January WTW Guides by February 28th.

Download yours HERE in the forum

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