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Q: Do you still use Pic-Time, in addition to Swift Galleries?
A: YES!!!! Pic-Time (use code HMVBHV when you sign up!) delivers the gallery, allows clients to download their images, and helps me sell printed products directly online.
Swift Galleries (use code KMPLEARN for 3 months free!) mocks up the artwork on the wall for me to help design for clients. Click here to learn more about how I use Swift Galleries in my workflow.
Q: How do you handle travel plans and weather conflicts? Do you bring an assistant with you or travel alone?
A: I make sure that all of my travel is fully refundable in case we need to reschedule for weather. I only fly Southwest (usually with points because of my credit card) and my assistant flies for free because I have a companion pass. I mainly stay in Hilton-family hotels to accumulate points and use Budget for rental cars because they have good reschedule policies.
Most of the time my assistant travels with me. Occasionally, I need to hire assistants local to the shoot.
Q: I’d love to see/know more about your preparation guide for clients.
A: Check out a post I did showing what I include in my box here.
I also made a video explaining how I prepare my clients for the session here.
I have a video course that explains exactly how I made my preparation guide for my clients here.
Q: What do you shoot with?
A: My primary body is a D850. You can see everything in my bag here.
Q: Do you board your pets or hire a pet sitter when you travel for photography sessions?
A: Sometimes I need to board my pets or hire a sitter for trips, but thankfully I have family that cares for my animals most of the time!
Q: Do you ever use photo boxes?
A: All of my sessions include 4×6 proof prints that are delivered in a handmade wood box from Ryan’s Denn.
Q: I am a beginner. Should I go to a barn and offer free photoshoots so I can practice?
A: Here is my advice for those just starting out!
I began stoking my interest in photography by borrowing my friend’s DSLR. The images I took were pretty random around my house and neighborhood, but I got enough practice to know I was hooked. Then, I bought my first camera (which was the Nikon kit camera from Costco). In the beginning practice stages, I think it is very important to have safe audiences to fail. A pet. A flower. A toy horse. I gained confidence working in manual mode and various lighting conditions by practicing at all times of the day.
Next, I practiced working with people. Again, I needed a very safe place to fail. I asked my friends to model for me and all of the sessions were just for fun. I was confident with my camera at this point, so now I was practicing posing girls and horses (and working with naughty horses). I spent over a year in this stage, working with some friends multiple times.
As soon as I had confidence in my camera skills, sufficient practice working with horses and humans, and experience working in poor conditions (tough horses, bad weather, less desirable light, etc) I felt ready to open my business and start charging for my services. I created my LLC, EIN, opened my business bank accounts, built my website and social media accounts, and considered myself a business.
I didn’t reach out to photograph strangers until I was ready to use it as a marketing strategy, not a practice session. The reason? I don’t think strangers are a safe place to fail. If you perform less than your best at a session like that, it can do irreparable harm to your brand. People are more likely to discuss a bad experience that they had than a great one. And the horse world is small and very well connected.
Q: Have you worked with mirrorless yet?
A: Yes! We bought Jake a Sony a7siii for video and I’ve been trying to take still images with it. We love the video capabilities but I haven’t found a mirrorless camera that I enjoy more than my D850.
Q: What is your choice for a beginner’s camera?
A: These days all of the entry-level DSLRs are great cameras and enough to learn on/practice with! I highly suggest going into your local camera shop and discussing your needs with the sales staff. They are very knowledgeable about all of the camera brands and models.
If you need help using your new camera, I love Katie Lamb’s “Photography for Beginners” course here.
Q: Do you have/have you ever had a business coach?
A: Not in a formal sense. I have invested in quite a few courses and masterminds. I also consult with Jesus, my husband, friends, and family frequently.
Q: Which printing companies do you recommend?
A: I use WHCC for most of my printing needs. My albums are through Madera Books.
Q: What laptop/computers/tablets do you edit on?
A: I edit on a 27″ iMac at home and use a 15″ MacBook Pro when I travel.
Q: Do you offer discounts for students?
A: Black Friday is coming soon and ALL courses and bundles will be on sale! Sign up for the Newsletter so you don’t miss the sale!