Haileywood

Medford Photography

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Booked

I know I'm like the worst blogger ever and there's probably no possible way I could catch anyone up on everything we've done in the past few months...we can barely keep up ourselves! Basically the best way to stay updated on new photos on our website is to "like" our fb business page (www.facebook.com/medfordimages). I know that doing it that way lacks a lot of the personal details that could be blogged about, but I will definitely try when time allows!

We recently caught up on editing for the first time since we started photography!! It lasted about 3 days until we realized we still had four small projects to work on and then on the 4th day, we had another photoshoot. There's also another one this week with our new lil niece that we haven't even gotten to see in person yet and we're very excited! After that, the crazy schedule of actually taking the pictures won't start back again until January 4th (although the craziness of editing this week's shoots will probably go well past that).

During those 3 days, we did get some of the plumbing done on our new bathroom, thanks to Isaac's cousin! We've had a brand new jet tub, still in the box, sitting in our shop since mid-summer. If you are female, you know how tempting and torturous that is! To have one for that long and not be able to use it should be a sin! Our bathroom has been torn apart to the point of unrecognizable for about 4 or 5 months now and in the works since before then. We had plans to finish it this past summer, but it's looking like it might not be until next summer or later. Right now, it has partial flooring (no, not tile, just whatever it is you put down before you lay tile--and only on some of the floor), most of the plumbing, no walls (the sheetrock materials have been sitting behind our couch in the living room for about 3 months now), and that's about all. The toilet's sitting in what part of the closet that's left and it's new because we had to replace it before we could move in. Cannot wait to conquer this bathroom so we can start on the other one and the laundry room, then move on to the fun things like new countertops. I've got high hopes that we can manage all of that, plus life and photography in this decade!

This year has been insane for us! And it's came and gone faster than ever! It seems like the business blew up overnight and before we knew it, we were buried...eating, sleeping, and breathing everything photography without a second to stop before doing it all over again the next day. We are so greatful for every bit of it and could never ever take any of what we've been blessed with for granted. With that said, we've gotta get it under control! We have been gradually trying to do that and we won't know if our method will be effective until months from now. January is completely swamped, without a doubt...2-3 shoots a week every single week we're able to book. February and March are slowly getting there but we're hoping to space it out as much as possible to keep our sanity.

Most people don't realize how much we put into a simple photoshoot or wedding. Simple is hardly the word. We're hoping to add some insight to this through a new section of our website, at some point...just like everything else...when time allows. It's very extensive though and it takes a lot of hard work. Any given person can't just go out and buy a nice camera and call themselves a photographer. There are sooo many different aspects of every angle you have to cover before you should even start working. I know we've only been doing this for a little over a year, at this point, but we have a lot under our belt now and we're still constantly learning--we take pride in that. Once you stop learning, you should stop photographing because then, you will lose your spark. It's better to be humble and accepting of new ideas. You never know what you could gain just by trying something new.

Speaking of trying something new, we have realized that our schedule has allowed for nothing in that area whatsoever thesedays! Yet another reason to get it under control. Most of what we're having to do at this point is just get done, with no time to experiment or put new ideas to good use because our time is so limited. We have missed out on so many aspects of life, both personal and professional, because we have somehow managed to overbook. We'll take full responsibility for that part, but there's only so much you can try to consider when you're having to book clients 6 months in advance because the calendar is already so full. We're trying really hard to manage things differently but if anyone has any tips to add, we'd sure be happy to have them!

Last but not least...MERRY CHRISTMAS if I don't blog again before then! And HAPPY NEW YEAR too!! Hope everyone's holidays are truly as blessed as ours!

Monday, December 6, 2010

Saying Thanks

If we've done your pictures and you want good quality prints that are cheaper than the leading retail stores, we now have online ordering enabled on our edited albums at http://www.medfordimages.zenfolio.com/. There is also a promotion going on right now for free first class shipping or discounted priority and next day shipping on all $25 orders. There are tons of options from different photographic paper types to greeting cards, calendars, cutting boards, metal murals, holiday ornaments, etc... All of which make great Christmas gifts! Use coupon code HOLIDAY1. Valid for an unlimited number of uses from now until December 31st, 2010. We also have gift certificates available that can be applied to session prices or online print/product orders. Contact us at medfordimages@gmail.com for more info. And as always, thank you guys for all of your unending support! Hope you have a great Christmas and an even better New Year!!

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Wedding Tips

So I know these short posts and long breaks in between are starting to become a habbit, but I'm working on it. I just have a hot minute today, but I thought I'd let everybody know that we published a new section on our website last night. It's called "Tips For Your Wedding Day" and you can get to it from the "Happily Ever Afters" page that is linked in the "Galleries" section. If you are getting married or know someone that is, this info could make a world of difference! We've been trying to build it up for awhile now, before we decided to stick it on the site and I'm sure there will be much more added, as we continue to photograph weddings. Go check it out for now and watch for updates (the best way to do that is to "like" our fb business page at www.facebook.com/medfordimages).

Thursday, September 16, 2010

What would you have changed?

Sorry it's taken me f-o-r-e-v-e-r to blog again! We have been so insanely non-stop and it seems as though it may never let up!! Just when you think it can't get any more hectic, life takes the words, crazy busy, to a whole new level!! Don't get me wrong, it's good busy-ness and we are beyond thankful for every challenging minute of it, but it definitely makes our heads spin from time to time.

I know I said I would post a preview of baby Brooklyn before, but they are already up on the website and fb now, so all of that madness has beaten the blog, as far as previews go. You can go check them out though. She's quite a looker and her mommy and daddy are going to have their hands full beating them off when she gets older (I'm sure they would like to scald me for saying that too, but it's true). If you're checking out the Babies and Bumps album on our website, she's the one in the boppy with the sweet pea metal art, also the one holding up the peace sign, she's the one totally konked out on the stool too. There are a few others, but I can't think of them right off. Once you see which of the many cute lil angels she is on our website, you'll be able to pick out the other ones of her.

I have sooo many interesting experiences to catch everyone up on, but I think they'll have to wait til later. I do, however, have a note about Wedding Photography that we worked up for everyone to open up about and relay their input. Every comment counts, so please let us know what you think:


What Would You Have Changed About Your Wedding Photography?

As photographers, we are always looking to improve our work ethic and the techniques that we use to perform our jobs. Without getting too personal, what are the most common complaints that you have had or heard about your wedding photography or someone else's? You may not be married yet, but we've all heard horror stories. Here are a few examples: the formal pictures after the ceremony took too long, they were in your face the whole time, not enough candids and too many posed shots, disruption of special moments, the price was too high, lack of professionalism, too professional and uptight, the turnaround time took too long, etc... Feel free to expand upon or add to the list. Please help us create priceless photos and provide the best service we can. Thank you so much for your input!! It is greatly appreciated!



P.S. We LOVE you guys!!!

Monday, August 9, 2010

Brooklyn, Aspen, and Paige

We had three days of pictures in a row, starting this past Thursday evening. Two newborn shoots, one of which was Miss Brooklyn, of course, and a bridal session. Brooklyn was amazing for us! She slept most of the time, but those make the best pictures for lil bits. I'm sure we got some good ones. After all, how could we not with a baby as cute as she is!! Preview coming soon...for real! Sorry I've been a little behind on those, we've been trying to catch up on editting like crazy lately, and it's still not happened yet!

The other newborn shoot was good too! Aspen is her name. She's cute as a button! She wasn't a fan of us that night, but eventually, she fell asleep and of course, that made for some good pictures. I just wish we could've done something to help her feel better, her lil cry was so heart wrenching. We did get some that we really like in between breaks and while she was crying though, but you'd never know it. It's amazing what you can get in a split second! Her mommy brought an angel halo and wings made of feathers and is going to let us keep them as props...big thanks to her for that! They made some really adorable pictures, for sure!

We had a great bridal session with Paige this past Saturday. She made a gorgeous bride...simply beautiful! Of course, we can't show anything until after the wedding, but we're really happy with her pictures. I would be devastated if a photographer let something like that leak pre-wedding, if I was the bride to be but unfortunately, I've actually seen that happen before...and I'm sure it can't be a pretty thing to have to go through!

But anyways, back to the story. We took a lot of pictures and it was difficult to narrow it down to the edits. We started out with double the amount that we normally do, but eventually got it down to the right number, although it was definitely hard to do! Their wedding will be here in no time! It's slowly sneaking up on us and we're really looking forward to it! A little less than a month and we'll be watching it all come together before our eyes...can't wait!!

Monday, August 2, 2010

Welcome to the World Brooklyn

So not long after my last post...early the morning of July 23rd, actually...Miss Brooklyn Savannah was born! And can I just say that she is sooo beautiful!! Her mommy and daddy are very proud new parents and they're totally naturals at the whole thing! I couldn't be happier for them. And I'm like a magnet thesedays, I just can't stay away! When I say she's beautiful, I mean it! I just wanna squeeze her...but not too hard of course. I just can't get enough of her. And seeing Noralynn and Greg do their thing just makes me smile inside and out. They're such wonderful parents already and she's only about a week and a half old...I can't even believe it's flown by that fast! It's a beautiful thing to watch though, they're amazing with her!! We'll be doing some newborn pictures of her this weekend, so hopefully I'll be able to get a quick preview up soon after. There's so much in store for this little family. They might just take on the world! Totally l-o-v-e them!!

Thursday, July 22, 2010

BFF

God allowing us to do photography has opened so many doors for us. Every day is a learning experience. We have definitely became more business orriented and more organized...with a crazy schedule like ours, we have no choice! We have met new people and made new friends. There's something new every day and it never ceases to amaze us. Even with the downfalls, I would never call the business anything but a positive experience for both of us.

Over about the past nine months, we have been taking progressive pregnancy photos of one of my best friends. We've been friends since elementary school and throughout the years, life has gotten in the way and time passes where we don't get to see each other as much. I'm awful at keeping in touch, whether you live across town or across the country, so that could be half of it. But lately, since we've been doing her pictures, we've gotten so many chances to see her and her husband (who, I'm not sure my husband could live without) and it's really been nice. I can't even explain how much I've enjoyed being there during this special time in her life and being a part of it. I honestly don't know what I'd do without her. Thank you, photography, for making time to fit in two very special people in my life!

We started her official maternity sessions inside with the backdrops. Those are probably our favorites, mainly because they set the mood just right for us to capture those priceless shots. She's beautiful, pregnant or not, but she's truly glowing thesedays and it shows in the pictures, for sure. Our first attempt at the outdoor session got rained out and the second try gave us a scare with a quick storm, but thankfully, it passed before we got started.

Below, are a couple previews. Enjoy!



Sunday, July 18, 2010

Grateful

We had a wonderful engagement session with Paige and Butch last night. We started out at The Arboretum and moved onward to downtown, where we began taking pictures in the evening and continued into the night hours. They insisted on treating us to dinner. We can't possibly describe how much it means to us to be appreciated. And it doesn't take dinner to do that, we tried to pay but they wouldn't let us. Just to know that what we're doing means something to someone...it's an indescribable feeling. We put more work into our photography than most people know and it only started as a hobby. Don't get me wrong, it's still a hobby and we definitely still love what we do. But if you open our planner to any given day, it's clear that it's also a business now. And our secret is just as simple as this...feeling appreciated challenges us to go above and beyond. Just knowing that the subjects of our pictures acknowledge the countless hours we spend in front of the camera and computer, striving to make their memories unforgettable...that's really all it takes to complete our day. Needless to say, last night was not lacking in any way whatsoever.

Here's a quick preview of what's to come:


Paige and Butch are really great together. It's such a reminder of how lucky we are to be behind the scenes of a lot of the big moments in people's lives. It's amazing to see those stages playing out in front of you. They're totally on cloud nine and nothing could bring them down. It melts my heart (not quite as much as seeing those moments at the weddings we do, but it doesn't fall far behind). I always say how much I enjoy being able to witness people's fondest memories through something we both love to do. It starts with engagement, then sometimes bridals, the wedding, and if we get lucky enough to be their photographer as life unfolds, there's maternity, newborn, and family portraits. We get to see the happily ever afters, that we help capture on camera, play out right before our eyes. It's God's work. What's more exciting than that?! Not much. It truly is an honor.