This year has been pivotal for KPP. When I think of resolving to do something different or better, I think back on my year to see what worked, and what didn’t.
When I first started this business, I thought I was only going to do natural light on location photography. But when mommas-to-be wanted intimate maternity pictures and newborns in winter, Hank and I decided to create a studio space in our home. We started with simple umbrella lights to supplement the natural light in the room. And it worked great, for a spell. I would evolve and unevolve.. going back and forth between loving studio and hating it. When I fell face first into product and editorial photography, we decided to upgrade the studio with strobes and backdrops, dedicating an entire floor of our home to studio and office space. The upgrade has been nothing less than sensational for the business.
So great, that I needed to have help with the workload. Hank is amazing at second shooting and keeping the businessy stuff straight, but I needed someone who could help me in the creative process. My friend Stephanie Austin was interested in shooting with me, so we started bringing her along on shoots in 2011. Eventually, I hope to have her helping me manage appointments, among other things.
We’ve also been renovating the studio space. We’ve already started with the office space, and working our way through the studio space. We’ve hemmed and hawed about renting space, but our clients really like the intimacy and privacy of coming to our studio. It’s like welcoming a friend into our home, and it works for our business model. I love building relationships with my clients. Many of them become friends and often come back for more shoots. So, we decided to expand the space, and make it even more fabulous.
This brings me to my lessons from the year…
1. Success is a good thing. But it doesn’t come easy. Give credit where it is due! In 2012, I found an amazing network of women business owners whom I can connect with, market with, and collaborate with. Savvy, smart, honest women who I respect and love working with. I certainly credit my relationships and collaboration with these women a huge part of my success this year.
2. Realize the important things in life and keep focused on them. I’m so blessed to be able to work from home and we’ve built this business as a family, working together.
3. Continue to help others grow. I’ve had so many emails from gals just like me, who want to start a photography business. I’m dumbfounded when I get an email from someone, because I still feel like I have so much to learn. But, I have a lot to offer from experience and I hope that I can inspire at least one person that reaches out to me.
4. Stay connected to photographers, especially local peeps. I’m fortunate to be a part of a group of local photographers that are willing to share and support each other and send clients to each other when we can’t fit a shoot in. I love seeing their work and watching them evolve.
5. Never stop learning and growing, and especially never, EVER stop praying. My faith is central to everything that I do.
I’m looking forward to this new year. Hopefully, I’ll catch up on my blogging:-)
xo
-KP
