Last week the dead end at the end of my street was under construction. It has been turned into a cul de sac. I am somewhat sad about this, because just beyond that dead end was a beautiful piece of property that was PERFECT for quick outdoor sessions! Now, from what I hear, there will be two beautiful homes being built. My son, Gabe, was thrilled. We spent hours watching them work last week. Morning. After lunch. After nap. The workers were beyond sweet and would wave, honk, and wave again as he never stopped waiving! We had great timing one afternoon. We walked down to watch Gabe's "friends," which he affectionately called them, and they were just finishing cleaning off one of the rollers. He was asked if he wanted to sit on it...ummmm...YES! What was almost as cute as my son sitting there, was the worker/friend/machine operator immediately flipped his phone out and started taking pictures. Melted my heart. We profusely thanked him, and he thanked us for making his day. He said that it was too fun to watch my little one stare in amazement at them! Don't ask for a picture...I only have ones from my phone...kicked myself that day for not taking it with me.
I have a point here. I promise.
Under Construction. Our neighborhood isn't the only thing under construction right now. By the way, Gabe can't wait until the houses start to be built! Okay, reigning it back in...
My business is currently under construction. I am navigating and learning more about the business and about me right now, which is causing some changes.
The website is under construction, it needs a major overhaul!
My pricing structure is under construction. Session fees and print pricing will be changed and raised effective August 1st. I have struggled greatly with this lately. When to do it, what to set it at, and without going into an enormous explanation of all the conversations I have had with myself and God, it came down to a simple equation.
What is the price I need for my time away from my family?
Right now at this point in my life, they are my priority. I don't want to miss chaperoning a field trip, volunteering in class or a game for work right now. I originally chose that as my path about 8 years ago. That path was chosen through much prayer and seeking of God's will. For the most part, I have done pretty well at it, but there are "seasons" throughout the year where I feel like I am lacking as a mom and missing on time that I don't want to miss. That is not what I want.
Photography will always be here...my kids on the other hand won't. They are growing and changing before my eyes, and although I love it, I wish I could bottle them up and keep them right where they are. So, all of that to say, pricing structure is changing. I am debating on other offers with the new pricing structure, but I haven't settled on it yet. I just want you to know ahead of time that changes are coming!
The amount of sessions that I will accept in a month is also changing. You see, I get last minute squeeze in emails all the time. And for the most part, I accommodate those sessions. I love the sessions, but it usually comes at my family's expense. I hate saying no. I hate not squeezing someone in, even if it totally cramps my life at that moment. I really, really, really don't like to say no, as I am naturally a people pleaser. But, I came to grips with the fact that I would rather upset a client (sorry!), and maybe even lose them (really, I don't want to lose anyone!!!!) than lose this time with my kids. It isn't just the session time that is so consuming...emails, phone calls, set up, planning, travel time, session time, blogging, sneak peek updates, editing time, editing time, editing time...that is the biggest!
As of right now, I am booked through July. So, if you are hoping to have a session late this summer or fall, please get a hold of me!
I also am going to be more strict with collecting my deposit to hold a session spot. The business part of this business is not my forte, but I need to be better about it. I hate to inconvenience any one, but it usually ends up me being inconvenienced when I don't follow through with good business practice! I hope that makes sense!
So, as you can see, changes are happening all over...my neighborhood and my business! I am hoping to get the new pricing structure up and listed soon...like within the next couple of weeks.
Thanks for listening and understanding! Can't wait to help serve you and your family by capturing your memories!