Posts

So you want to start a photography business?

Image
 Hello friends,  I wanted to hop on and answer a question I get all the time... How do you start a photography business?  Yep, I know it's kind of a broad question but believe me I get tons of emails, Facebook messages, and Instagram DMs with people flat out asking for me to help them get started.  I don't mind, really I'm happy to help but if I really truly shared every bit of information with every single person who reached out it would take me hours and hours to put it all together and I would be giving away everything I have done/learned. That is coaching or mentoring and if you are looking for a business coach I know some amazing ones and I'd be happy to connect you or if you'd like to hire me as your photography business coach, I'd be happy to work with you. It's so much more than taking pretty photos or setting up cute backdrops and props. If you don't have a good understanding of how to run a business it can be incredibly challenging.  I have do...

Why I say no to "Exposure" as a form of payment

Image
Here's a fun topic for the day: Exposure as a form of payment.....  This is a tricky subject but I think it's worth discussing. I often get approached for different collaboration opportunities that involve trading for my time, talent, and creative images and I must respectfully decline .  They typically are from very sweet people with good intentions and the requests often look like this:  "Hey Tara,  "Would you be interested in partnering with my company. We are in need of professional photos for our office staff as well as some upcoming events. We are looking for someone to come in and take the photos for FREE and in return, we will promote your business to our clients via our newsletter, social media and signage at our events."  ~Jane Doe  Director of marketing BIG Huge Company There are several reasons why I typically say no to non-paying photo gigs: 1. I have 3 kids. - Sure, I can find child care and I love doing fun photoshoots but let's be honest I ...

Time Saving Hacks I use for my life and business

Image
Here's the deal. I'm busy.. Like to the point that the word "busy" is part of my usual self-description. "She's super busy" "I'm super busy" "Life's so busy" I'm busy for a lot of reasons and many of them are my choices but I find myself without much time left for Laziness or freedom or anything else really.  The fact is, I have 3 little humans, a dog and a cat that I am responsible for 80% of the time.  I am constantly preparing meals, cleaning, doing the laundry, making lists, shopping, scheduling appointments, paying bills, driving kids to and from activities, playdates, PTO meetings, etc. On top of all of that, I run a full-time business and volunteer with 3 other organizations. So "busy" sort of defines me... I don't want to come off as a complainer because I am actually very happy and super grateful that I'm able to do all of these things. I also know that this is only a season of my life. I...

Country Wedding in Carson, WA

Image
Wedding Date: 08-18-2019 Location: Carson Washington- Private Property/ Private Estate Wedding Where is your dress from? David's Bridal How long did it take you to find it and how did you know it was the one? The first shopping trip, the 3rd dress I tried on :) When I walked out, there were happy tears from myself, my mom and my sister. It was just perfect. Vendors: Who are you using for Flowers? Janis Knapp, my second mom and the maid of honors mother Describe your vision and style for the decorations: Country chic wooden and rustic, farm-style and outdoors Timeline in colors: grey, ivory accents with peaches, mauves, and oranges with flowers Cowboy boots What are your wedding colors? Grey, mauve, and ivory Who is your DJ/MC? DJ Glenn with Sound Foundation Media Group Who are you using for Catering? Mount Hood BBQ Who is doing your cake? Juli Hamilton Who is supplying your rentals? LGS Events Who are you using for invitations? Designs to Flour...

Josh and Bailey Wedding at The First Aid House Vancouver WA

Image
 Wedding Date August 10, 2019 Venue:  Red Cross Building Where is your dress from? David’s bridal, altered at beyond the vail What song did you choose for your first dance? Girl like you- Foreigner Who did use for Flowers? Euphloria florist What are your wedding colors? Red, black and white Who did you use for Catering? Simply thyme Who made your cake? Simply sweets