HOW TO…Run your business when life throws you a curve ball

I have several friends (myself included) trying to run their business while dealing with major life changes.  Accidents, divorce or an ill family member will side track anyone's life but when you have clients and employees relying on you, the pressure can take it's toll.  Some people take a sabbatical, others soldier on.  I fall into the latter group.  Here are five tips to keep things afloat during the toughest times and not let your business or your life suffer.  

1. Get Help - No one can do it alone. I have hired an associate, an assistant and have a team of photographers that work alongside me at every wedding.  I honestly can't imagine working any other way.  They are an invaluable facet to my business and help create my brand.  I also have personal help in the form of a caregiver and cleaning service. It's worth the extra money so I can spend time with my family or work on my business.  

2. Form a Web of Support -  AWP, NACE, BNI, Thursday Therapy and a bevy of friends and family form my support group.  It's so easy to sink into yourself and forget the world around you.  Not only are most of these folks business owners but they believe in me and my success.  I know I can call on any one of them for anything, and I do…often.

3. Take Care of Yourself - It may seem selfish to get a massage or a mani-pedi while paperwork piles up on my desk or emails fill my inbox but it's a few hours to myself in a relaxing atmosphere twice a month.  I also make sure I get 8 hours of sleep a night and take my vitamins.  When you're caring for someone else you don't have the luxury of being sick yourself.

4. Stay Positive - If there is someone or something in your life that is bringing you down. Cut it out.  I'm serious here. Facebook friends, needy neighbors, a basement full of junk? Whatever the weight on your shoulders it will only get heavier as time goes on.  Surround yourself with positive people who lift you up. Seek out experiences that are enjoyable and inspirational.  

5. Get Perspective - Every situation is an opportunity to learn.  You may be in the middle of it now but it won't be forever.  What will you do differently? How has it changed you? My experience has given me clarity and confidence.  I have been pushed to my limits many times and I'm doing pretty damn good considering.  

Just writing this blog made me feel better already. What can you do to keep moving forward despite the obstacles? Who do you know in your life that could use a little inspiration? Reach out. Everyone needs a boost now and then.  

HOW TO... Rock a Sparkler Exit at Your Wedding

I'm going to be honest here.  I've not seen this done successfully too many times.  When it's the end of the night and your guests have been drinking for several hours, giving them all sticks of fire probably isn't the best idea.  If you think your guests can handle it without lighting the place on fire (or my hair, or your dress) then here are some suggestions to create a beautiful end to a fabulous night.

1.  Get the largest, longest burning sparklers you can find.  I mean the three or four foot kind that weigh a ton.  Yes, they look ridiculously large and make you feel like a tiny gnome but you're going to need them.

2. Create lighting stations.  Get four of your most sober friends or enlist the staff to help out. (Just make sure to ask them ahead of time)  Arm each person with a bucket of sparklers and a long lighter like the kind you use on the grill.  Everyone can light their sparklers at once and they won't burn out before you're ready to exit. 

3. Have a conductor.  You know your cousin who can whistle really loud or your Uncle with the baritone voice? Trying to get people to form two straight lines at the end of the night is like herding cats and no one is listening.  You're going to need someone to yell really loud to get the crowd moving.  

4. Make sure your exit is in an open space.  I know this sounds obvious but a low overhang or narrow walkway will create a fog of noxious fumes.  You also want to make sure your tunnel of light is wide enough for both of you to pass safely.   

5. Make sure the photographer is ready.  I might only get one shot at this so have someone cue you to go when the photographer is in position.  If this all seems too complicated you could always try bubbles.  

HOW TO...Choose Images for Your Wedding Album

Sounds easy right?  Just pick your favorites.  How hard can it be?  You know what you like and what you don't like.  You were at the wedding, so you know what happened.  But you're sitting there in front of the monitor, pouring over hundreds of images and all of a sudden you feel completely overwhelmed.  Never fear.  I have some pointers to get you started and break down the process into easy to accomplish segments.



1. Break down the day into categories - I have five categories I like to use to divide the day. I've listed them in order of importance because you're going to begin with images from the first three.

The Ceremony
The Formal Portraits
The Important Reception Events
Getting Ready
Candid Reception Images

2.  Allot each category a number of images. -  If you have 100 images that means you can choose 20 images for each group.   Some categories may be more important to you so feel free to adjust the numbers. 

3. Choose the Most Important Moments First - Do not just start at the beginning and mark your favorites as you go.  You'll get about half way through and have used up all your choices.  Choose one image from each important moment.  For the ceremony you might choose walking down the aisle, the exchange of rings, a photo of each reader, the unity candle and the kiss.  Once these are chosen you may add others such as candid images of your parents or details of the flowers.

4.  Go with Your Gut - Don't over think it.  Whatever image grabs you first is probably the best one.



5. Get a second opinion - If you're having trouble deciding between images let someone else help you with the decisions.  After staring at the same images for hours even I get a little cross eyed.  Someone else may see a gem you've overlooked or be able to point to a detail you didn't notice.  If the task is just too overwhelming have your photographer start the process for you.  It's easier to say yes or no than to start from scratch. 

HOW TO...Be a Good Guest at a Wedding

You just got the invitation in the mail.  Your friend from college/little cousin/neighbor is getting married.  Of course you're going to go.  It's at that fancy place downtown, they've hired an awesome band and it's open bar.  While you're picking out your party duds, here are few things to keep in mind so you don't drive the bride and groom (and their vendors) crazy.

1. RSVP - I know, I know, we've all done it, waited till the last minute then added a plus one.  Or, gasp, forgot altogether then had to call at the last minute.  I'm not just talking about myself am I?  They give you the little stamped envelope for a reason.  Fill it out as soon as you get it and put it in the box.  If it was only addressed to you, guess what, you don't get to bring anyone.  Put your feelings aside and remember someone's got to foot the bill for this shindig and be thankful it's not you.  Did I mention the open bar?  If the address does not include your kids, find a babysitter and consider it an adult night out.  

2. Show Up on Time - If the ceremony is at 3:00 PM get there before then.  Don't be the couple sneaking in the back of the church with the creaky door so everyone turns to look at you instead of the bride and groom.  

3.  Leave the Drama at the Door - Having a bad day? Don't like the Groom's Best Man? Seated at a table with your nemesis from high school?  Keep it to yourself.  A wedding is stressful enough so don't add to the drama by creating some of your own.  It's a celebration! Enjoy yourself, mingle, have a drink.  

4. Don't Overindulge - I know you want to party and get down but know your limits and stay well within them.  I have seen dresses ruined, injuries on the dance floor and property damage all due to out of control drunken guests.  It's embarrassing for the Bride and Groom and dangerous for the Vendors.

5. Have a Little Patience - If you're headed to a Greek Orthodox ceremony or a full Catholic Mass, make yourself comfortable.  Combine that with a receiving line and I hope you had a big breakfast.  Long lines at the bar? Last table to go through the buffet?  Chances are you'll have to wait at least once during the wedding.  Just take deep breath and remember it's not about you and everyone else is in the same boat.

So suit up, put on a smile and let's celebrate!  I'll see you there!

HOW TO...Say Thank You

 Everyone is familiar with the etiquette of sending Thank You cards after weddings, showers and birthdays.  But what about all the other moments in life when a friend, a colleague or a business helps you out in some way that truly makes a difference?  In a modern world of spotty customer service, reality shows and sensational media it's nice to feel appreciated and create a real connection with others.  We have so many outlets for communication it's not hard to let someone know your gratitude.  Below are some ways you can thank the people in your life.  I challenge you to try at least two methods a week and see how it changes your world.

1. Social Media - Write on someone's wall, send them a private message or tag them in a post. Let all their friends, fans and followers know how much they are appreciated. Keep it clean, well written and be specific. 

2. Email - Send a carefully composed grammatically correct email written in letter form.  This is not a text so use punctuation, full words and complete sentences.  If it's a business you might end up as a testimonial for future clients.

3. Phone call - This one's the hardest for me but thanking someone directly is the simplest way to let them know you care.  We're so used to our computers and smart phones we've forgotten the art of conversation.  

4. Mail a letter - Who gets real letters anymore?  How wonderful would it be to get something handwritten and addressed to you?  Buy some stamps, some pretty thank you cards and go to town.  You don't have their address?  Call and get it.  Then you'll have it on file for the next time they do something awesome.  

5. Lunch or coffee - This one's my favorite. If you're really looking to build the relationship then this is the way to go.  If it's someone you don't know very well, come up with some topics of discussion ahead of time so the conversation's easy.

HOW TO...Stay Cool on Your Wedding Day

So your wedding is in August and it's going to be over 100 degrees outside.  How do you keep guests and yourself from melting in the heat?  Here are some ideas to stay cool on those hot summer days and make sure no one passes out from heat stroke on your big day.  

1. Plenty of fluids - Have the caterers or the venue provide bottles of water in ice for your family and attendants.  It's a long day for everyone and the key to staying hydrated is to start early and drink often.  Have a lemonade stand or dispense ice water as guests arrive.

2. Provide Some Extra Shade - If you're having an outdoor ceremony make sure guests have a place to get out of the sun.  Rent an extra tent to place near the ceremony site or think about moving it indoors or under cover. 

3.  Decorative but Cool - Use fans as favors given out at the ceremony or make the program into a fan.  Believe me I've been happy to have this myself while standing in the hot sun photographing a wedding.  Informational and practical.

5.  Keep an Eye on the Old Folks - Let Grandma and Grandpa sit inside or anyplace with air-conditioning or a breeze until just before the ceremony.  Have someone attending them throughout the day to make sure they stay comfortable and hydrated even if it means leaving the party for a little bit to cool down.  I try to make portraits easy and convenient by coming to them instead of having them walk around in the heat.  

6. Crank the AC and Keep the Doors Closed - Nothing warms up your indoor reception more than the venue forgetting to turn on the AC early or guests constantly moving in an out leaving doors open. Ask your venue when they will ready the room and to try to direct or limit the flow of traffic to one doorway if guests need to go outside. 

HOW TO...Get Your Kids to Sit Still For Photos

Don't.  That's right, I said don't.  You can't make a kid sit still if they don't want to and I'm not going to fight with a toddler.  I'll lose.  

My method for children's portraiture is simple.  Find a fun setting with room to run around and play, slip on some comfy shoes and give chase.  Occasionally I might say things like "Hey can I take your picture?" or "Can you give Mommy and Daddy a hug?" and I get brief interludes where I can take a somewhat posed portrait.  I also encourage parents to bring toys, blankets or treats for a job well done.  

At some point your child is going to be finished and that's when the session is over.  This could be 20 minutes in or after an hour and a half.  I let them determine the length of the shoot.  The last thing you want to do is push a cranky child or try to force them to keep going.   It only results in tears and screaming, yours and theirs.

The best photos happen when kids are just being themselves.  After awhile they forget I'm there and that's when I capture the best moments.

HOW TO...Look Great in Wedding Photos

Here's a helpful article found on the knot with some tips for your wedding day photos. Just click on the link below.

 

How to Look Great in Wedding Photos

HOW TO...Get the Wedding Photos You Want

8 Tips to Getting the Wedding Photos You Want

Great article from the knot with some cool ideas to make sure your photography is awesome!