Technology at its finest!

I had an extremely busy and productive week! Not only did I finally buy my website domain (www.photographybyemg.com), I also have the mobile end of my site up and ready to go! :) The website is still a work in progress on a page or two, however, I think what I do have up is pretty sweet!

On top of that I also have my Google Analytics up and 'tracking' the traffic to, from, and around my website! Now, this all may seem droll or boring to some of you, but I see it as another step closer to having a productive, flourishing business! 

So, keep checking in and see the cool things I keep adding! You never know, there may be a special going on for those who wander and explore the websites!

As always, I love to hear feedback, but please keep it polite and constructive.

Until next time, keep on clickin'!

Lone Star, Tex

This weekend I had the pleasure of house/dog/fish sitting for two of my best friends. Oh darn, I 'had' to play with two adorable, well-behaved dogs and keep an eye on the salt-water fish tank. ;) So naturally, I kept an eye on the animals the best way I knew how - with my camera! 

While there are four other fish and a group of snails and hermit crabs, the most recent addition to the fish tank is Tex - the lone sea star! Say hi, everyone!

While Sea Stars do move slower than fish, they are faster than I originally thought. This "time lapse" collage covers about six minutes. 

Needless to say, he is probably the easiest member of the tank to photograph. However, I did take a few of his 'tank mates'. Say hi to Mr. Roboto (black and white stripes), Bob (the blue one), Freddie (the more yellow Clown fish), and Cupcake (the more orange Clown fish).

Hope you enjoyed their pets and my pictures! 

Until next time, keep on clickin'!

Another First!

Ta Da!

Today you are 'looking' a woman who finally bought a domain for her website! I figured if I was taking this full-time, then I had better have a domain that was not twenty characters long. :)

I also spent copious amounts of time updating and adjusting my website to bring it 'up to speed' with all the sittings and events I've had.

So, take a look and let me know what you think:

http://www.photographybyemg.com/

Have a safe and happy Memorial Day! Remember to thank, salute, or hug (if it is OK and possible) a service man or woman today! They are most of the reason why we can sleep so well at night!

Handling Critics

I had the 'pleasure' of hearing from my very first negative critic about five years ago. This person wrote the following:

        "You are by FAR THE CRAPPIEST PHOTOGRAPHER I'VE EVER SEEN IN MY WHOLE LIFE!!! You have some nerve charging people FOR what you do because you obviously need more practice!! I sincerly hope this is not your only source of income because your probably starving!!!"

Now, at first I was quite upset about the email. I know that at the time I was not the best photographer, and I may not have even become a good one yet. This was the time I was just starting out as a freelance photographer. And while I am still working on and improving my craft, I doubt I will ever become the best photographer in the world. Will I become really good at what I do? Sure! I'd like to think I do a pretty decent job now.

So, how did I react? I never replied to the email. Cowardly? Perhaps. I don't think there is anything I could have said to change her opinion, and what would emailing prove or change? I didn't let the email bother me too much, but took it as a challenge. I wanted to prove that I was better than she thought.

 My parents had two reactions. First, they were upset that someone was that rude to me, and second, they laughed at it. What was this person trying to prove? 

I've kept this email in the back of my inbox. Why? Sometimes it provides motivation, and sometimes it gives me a good laugh. I mean seriously, I cannot take this person 100% seriously with spelling and grammatical errors and the use of "shouty capitals". 

This is not the only time I've received negative feedback. There is always someone who loves to come in and tell my I'm too expensive, but that is for another day and blog.

I guess the point of all this is: don't let other people's comments drag you down and discourage you. Take it for what it is - their opinion. They are entitled to it as much as you are to yours. This person can think whatever they want and I can keep doing what I love to do.

Everyone once in a while I think about 'if she could see me now", but then, I really don't care that much anymore. By the way, I'm not starving...just in case there was concern. ;)

Keep your chins up, everyone! And until next time, keep on clickin'!

Starry, Starry Night

Awhile ago I tried some night time photography...and it worked! My dad and I had an awesome time capturing stars and constellations:

I've also finally taken a pretty decent shot of the moon:

What will this weekend hold? I'm sure there will be something pretty awesome! 
Until then, keep on clickin'!

Finally making the leap!

In case the word hadn't 'hit the street', so to speak, I am diving into the new adventure of taking my photography full time! That's right; I am pursuing another dream of mine: to build my photography business up into something truly amazing and be able to pay the bills with it.

My husband has been truly amazing and supportive with this new shift of direction in both of our lives. 

Since taking a step back from teaching, the step made necessary due to medical reasons, I decided to see how successful and financially responsible I could be through just my photography. The result? So far I have had at least 3-5 sittings or events per month. Yes, this is a small number, but it is a whole lot bigger than it was six months ago. I also have two, count them TWO, weddings booked for this summer. This is AMAZING because they were booked in April of this year - EXTREMELY "last minute" in the wedding planning world.

I've also had the great honor and opportunity to take a school's Kindergarten and Eighth grade graduation photos this year - a first!

So, what will the coming months and year have in store for me? Who knows?! I am excitedly taking this journey one step at a time and cannot wait to see where it takes me!

Until next time, keep on clickin' :)