There is something about the new year that always rejuvenates me. It’s like I have this mental alarm that says, “Okay, well that was great for 2011. Now let’s bump it up a notch for 2012!!!” I am all about fresh starts, updating, and setting goals. So first things first, the new look of Jennifer Brown Photography! Do you like it?! I love it – it’s so fresh, and clean, and totally reflects my style. Just like my favorite pair of jeans, I can pair it with colorful images or black & white and it all flows flawlessly.
Website changes were minor in comparison of what was brewing on the inside. My business model has been begging to be revamped since June, but there never seemed to be an appropriate time and I was looking for a lot of approval from industry peers, my husband, and that little voice in my heart. I finally feel like I’m ready for these changes and that I will thank myself 12 months from now. Immediate changes::
1) The Studio::
I kind of liked the studio being a studio, but I’m taking it back to my initial vision of it being a bridal/wedding studio and now I’m in love. What does that mean? It’s no longer open for headshots or kiddo sessions. While you will find studio equipment there, that equipment will be reserved for wedding or engagement sessions (primarily for the Unleashed Photo Booth). So what will be done in the studio exactly?? Well quite a few wonderful things! Of course wedding consultations will be held there, but I’m adding the full viewing session for weddings. A few weeks after your wedding date we will set an evening where you and that new hubby of yours (and if you would like a few friends and family) will be able to come up to the studio to view your wedding day. Sounds fun, right?! Also, I’ll still be doing two basics classes this year for folks who want to learn how to use their DSLR camera. One early this spring and another one around November. What about the Branded workshop? That’s also getting revamped with lots of extras added! Stay tuned for the details of the next Branded workshop which will probably be held in early March.
2) Weddings VS Sessions::
This is probably the biggest change to my business. Last year I felt like I was trying to be all and do all. And I failed at most. I think because I made photography my main job I thought I had to take every job that came through my inbox. It wasn’t fun, I wasn’t inspired, and in the end it made me not very happy to pick up my camera. I knew that I wanted to specialize in a particular niche, but I was so afraid that my calendar would be empty. After going to Pass Premier and listening to the Grays and Promise Tangeman talk about branding & marketing and all that fun stuff, I knew that I had to make the change. I had to focus on what I loved and cut the rest. Starting in July I learned to say no to things that did not match my goals. I was a wedding and family photographer only. If your request didn’t fall in line with one of those two things, you probably received a referral to another photographer who specializes in your request. I have to say, I had never been busier until after I created that focus. During the fall I think I worked 10 weeks strait without a single day off. It was then I knew that I had to make even more changes. I knew what I wanted to do, but was it okay? Would my business survive if I cut even more? Could I stand to outsource? I think 2012 is going to be more fun than 2011 (that’s saying a lot!) and it’s exactly what I want!!! My main focus will be weddings and engagement sessions, but I will be taking a limited number of wedding commissions so that I can enjoy each bride and her big day instead of her being just a wedding date in my calendar. Family sessions will also be very limited since they will only be scheduled during the off wedding seasons during the year. There will be two weekends scheduled in the spring, summer, and fall for mini sessions that are reserved for families. Those dates will be announced throughout the year so stay tuned to that! :)
With all that being said, I’m so excited that 2012 is here! To kick it all off, I will be offering 15% off of my wedding collections if booked by January 15th, 2012. So email me soon to book your date! Happy New Year!!!!
