2016 Goals | Where I am Trying to Go

Oh, Monday, we meet again.

This weekend with a balmy 50 degree February day, reminded me that spring is quickly approaching here in Minnesota. Spring is a symbol of growth,which had me considering what growth I wanted in my own life/ business.  To help me with a little accountability i decided to share with you. :)
In 2016...

I want to learn Marketing. Marketing is something that is so important in business and I know so little about!
I want to create a bridal book for my brides. To be able to prepare my bride will help communication and understanding, which I think is important to nurture the relationship between me and my lovely couples.
I want to network with other creatives. I have already meet some awesome people, Cassie with Narrow Leaf Photography,  Amy with Amy Mae Photography, Jessica Wonders with Jessica Wonders Events, and I am looking forward to continuing reaching out and meeting others who are just as passionate about things they love! (Check out their stuff, seriously, amazing)
I want to shoot a styled shoot. This was one goal I had set for myself and I am excited to say I achieved it! It all happened a lot quicker than I anticipated but holy moly, I loved it.
I want to grow in my social media. There are so many different outlets to reach people! My goal is to be able to reach my ideal bride and groom who want to enjoy an adventurous wedding day as much as I do!
I want to plan out my blog posts. Once a procrastinator always fighting against being a procrastinator. I really want to work on planning out my blog posts this year ahead of time .  I am researching methods that I will be trying to implement in my business. (Any suggestions? =P.)

I hope your Monday is wonderful and I hope your goals for 2016 are accomplished!

First Styled Shoot & My Takeaway

Styled Shoot: a photographed shoot that is themed to look a certain way.

Yesterday I finished up my first styled shoot. I was excited and nervous,but ready to conquer the day. It was really fun to work with my other vendors! I worked with Jess with Jessica Wonders Events, Lisa with Forget Me Not Floral Events, Theresa for hair, Chris with Knights Chamber, Michelle with Bridal Accents Couture, Angela with Angela Karla Bridal, and our two Models Behtsee and Steven.

This is definitely a type of project I would do again. I worked with a power- house planner which made it easy to focus on what I had to do which naturally is my favorite part ;) (aka photography). A takeaway from this project for me and for others looking to do a styled shoot with other vendors, is give generously. This could pertain of your time, picking things up, helping clean up, being on time, or giving ideas. Everyone is working to collaborate to make an idea blossom into life and it is amazing to see it all panned out in really life.

Overall a really cool experience.  And I am excited to share photos; when they are ready I will be sharing here!! 

Steps for Successful Family Formals

Family Formals are one of the many joys of your wedding day. Through weddings I have shot, I wanted to share ways that I have found to be a good recipe for successful family formals.

Prepare your family. Make sure everyone has access to the schedule and the time in which family photos will take place.

Bring your shot list. Having a list of groups with names for your photographer will make all the difference. It allows us to move everything along without leaving anyone out. Try giving it to a second shooter or a personal attendant who can call out all the names.

Leaving Family Formals for Immediate Family. Family is family, but you don't want to be waiting on your cousin that was twice removed that you only see at Christmas to finish the photos. Keep your your list to immediate family (grandparents, parents, siblings, etc.) and you will be looking at a quick time with family photos. The quicker the family formals are completed the more satisfied your family will leave. If other family members feel left out tell them to plan on fun shots at the reception.

These are a few things from my experience that I hope you will be able to help your day go smoothly!