Eeeek! I am moving! | Aberdeen, SD Photographer

Ok, if that didn't get you interested, I don't know what will!!! No, not really moving, but my blog is moving, to a blogsite (a website and blog in one). I've finally bitten the bullet and will be hosting my own site (which is sooo very exciting for me!). Sooo...this is just the 'soft' release of it, I'm still working on the design/layout in my spare time. But since I posted a recent session there, I thought I'd share the link:Awesome New Blog


You can also reach me at my NEW email address! katey@kateydidphotography.com


All right, I will see you over there! But, since no post is complete without an image, here is one from CJP!

Ah yes, the reason that this is no longer my home, the photo upload is not working! I promise though, if you head over to the new site (and don't forget to change your bookmark!) that there will be plenty of CJP!

Katey

Merry Chirstmas To All....| Aberdeen, SD Photographer

Well, we are gearing up for Christmas here...my tree is up, cookies are baking, cards are in the mail (oh, on the way here - I'm sending out New Year's cards this year), CJP's Gia and Papa are here, Aunt TT is on her way, and we are overloading with gifts already. I think, almost every night as I'm trying to fall asleep after staring at my computer screen for the last 3-5 hours, 'how lucky am I?'  I get to be the first one to notice the new things that CJP is learning. I have a WONDERFUL support system here. I get to do something I absolutely LOVE. *Sigh* Life is good. Here is a favorite shot from a recent session. This little girl started me on my way with photographing others. In fact, until recently, all of my client files were housed under her original folder (don't ask me why I never created a new one until now). What a joy to see how she has grown...

New Year's Resolutions | Ramblings | Important Information | Aberdeen, SD Photographer

The new year will be upon us quickly. I know, I haven't even really started decorating for Christmas yet (but we did make cookies the other day, so I'm not a super terrible mom). But, I've had in my plans certain goals for January and the new year. Before I know it, I will have been in business for a year. And I am well aware that something like 80% of photography businesses fail in the first 5 years. If you ask anyone close to me, they will tell you I'm crazy a hard worker, that I always have goals in mind and work to achieve them. Obviously one of my goals is to be in business past the 5 year mark (and turning a profit before then, since the IRS will require it...). I've spent many nights thinking, studying, speaking with other photographers who have made it past the 5 year mark. And I am starting to figure out what sort of business I want.

So here is the start of some thoughts that I have for the direction I want to take in the new year, and I'll post more about them individually:
I want to...
....build relationships with families, this means I will only take a certain number a clients each month. It also means I will rock your pre-session consult, your session, and helping you choose how to display your art.
...speaking of art, I want to create beautiful art for your family. Part of that will be the session experience, part of it will be the images I create, and part will be the products I offer.
....I'm excited to be working on 'branding', where I'll roll out a new website, many current clients have seen my new packaging, and I'll be creating fun, informative packets. 
...and most importantly I want to continue to grow, as a photographer, a business owner, and most importantly, a mom. I'll be working hard on a balance of these different aspects which do make up who I am.
...I will continue giving back to the community. I just offered my first auction item to Northern Nights, I am a proud photographer for  NILMDTS , I will continue to assist with providing breastfeeding support and education to local moms, and I have plans for other ways of giving - so we will see how everything goes.


So, keep an eye out for future posts on what fun and exciting new things I have in mind for the next year! But, since no photography blog post is complete without an image - here are a couple of the little man....

Happy Holidays from the {R} Family! | Aberdeen, SD Photographer

When I am contacted to create family photos, I most often suggest in the client home. You want your Christmas tree in the photo, you want your bed, you want to be able to take snack breaks or nap breaks, it's just easier, for you. So I was super pumped that Mama {R} was totally up for this and had the Christmas tree ready. It made for some beautiful bokeh in some of these images. I had a wonderful time with you, {R} family - your children are adorable and I can't wait to watch the little man grow up! Enjoy your sneak peek! Oh, and wouldn't you know it, that I spent the day chasing {J} and have one of my favorite images ever of her!

THIS! Christmas lights = beautiful bokeh!

An all time favorite. Mostly because she was a two year old on the move. Caught in a brief moment...

However, this one also has angels singing for me:)

Beautiful light, beautiful model | Aberdeen, SD Family Photographer

I occasionally take models out to practice new things (aka torture someone so that I can grow as an artist). This time I was working with my new lenses, testing their limits, finding their sweet spots and I had fun. It was cold, Christine was great. She's always a trooper. Good news about being a model - gorgeous images, bad news - you sometimes have to suffer extreme weather and my crazy ideas! If you are interested in modeling - let me know. I LOVE so many of these - but Christine is used to me and how I work by now. Enjoy some moments of our beautiful fall!

Black Friday Specials | Aberdeen, SD Photographer

Since I've moved to Aberdeen, I've avoided the whole 'black friday' shopping day (bc honestly - I  LOVE cyber Monday - it's too cold here!). And I didn't think that I'd offer a special for my business, but then a deal came along that I could not pass up and I couldn't let my fabulous clients in on! So here it is: a canvas sale! $15-50 off prices - ONLY GOOD IF YOU EMAIL ME BEFORE 9pm on Friday and you must pay within 72 hours (I take pay pal or you all know where I live :) Here's the list (and you don't have to pick an image today - just pick a size!):
11x14 - $115 (reg $130)
10x20 - $140 (reg $180)
16x20 - $140 (reg $180)
16x24 - $175 (reg $225)
20x30 - $225 (reg$275)
24x36 - $300 (reg $350)
30x40 - $350 (reg $400)

If you have a question on sizing, I have a few examples and will be working on organizing my closets on Friday (doesn't that sound like fun?), so you can give me a call or stop on by. These are crazy discounts that I haven't seen since...last year!!

Also, I don't want to short change any future clients - so if you are looking to book in 2011 (2010 is FULL!!!), I will offer a $50 print credit with the paid session fee and this will also lock in you to 2010 pricing *sessions must take place by March 31, 2011* 

Let the Holiday Season begin! And stop out to the Dakota Events Center for the first annual women's expo and see some gorgeous new prints!

...and just one more of my little boy....looks like he is already tired of shopping...

Black Friday Fun! | Aberdeen, SD Photographer

As a HUGE thank you to my clients who have been OH SO WONDERFUL this past year, I will be offering a Black Friday Special to all current and past clients. I'll give you a hint, if you have LOVED canvas prints in the past, but just couldn't pull the trigger - now is your chance! You can't pass up a sale that only comes once a year! And I'll offer a little something for new clients looking to book in the new year! And, since no post is complete without a photo a little bit of love from Mr. CJP enjoying the snow (and an idea of how great the canvas's look)!