Webpage is live!

Hi everyone :) I hope you are all having a great weekend. I just completed a webpage makeover and I really want your feedback! I added a lot of new features so navigate the page, click on everything and tell me what you think! Ill be working on adding more features this weekend :)

Update

Well, Since it has been well over 8 months since I last posted, Im going to try to make a biweekly or monthly post here from now on. 2011 brings a lot of exciting new things. The webpage is currently under construction and I am hoping to have it Live tonight....HOPING being the key word, but it is a goal for today. On the improved webpage, there is a contact form that I will be having everyone use as their way of booking or inquiring, this way i keep everything organized and in the same email inbox! You are more than welcome to send questions and such to my email, facebook inbox etc, but in order to book, this is the link in the website that everyone will use :)

http://www.StudioContact.net/PhotographybyHeather/

I cant wait to see what else I come up with. I am currently in the process of putting together some Pilot Programs to test out special packages for returning clients. There are a few possibilities in mind, and I will be contacting people who I think would fit each criteria soon in order to place them in the program and test it out! I Please let me know if you have suggestions that would meet your needs.

Currently put in place, or ready to launch is:

Pilot#1 : Month to Month Session fee rate reduction for clients who return monthly (this is great for newborns!)

There are many others in production as i said, Im still just working out kinks!

I also want to apologize for the recent Model Release insanity! My SMS (Studio Management System) is and has been going through a long over due upgrade and a few things have been getting a little screwy. So please, bare with me, I really appreciate everyones patience so far! So Thanks everyone!!

News: Working toward the future

It's no secret that I have very little space to work with sometimes, and prefer to do outdoor sessions because of that. This has become more and more difficult as I collect more equipment, props and even clients. Where do I put everything!? Well, this thought has inspired me to look into writing a big fat fancy business plan, and look forward, into the far far away future of Photography by Heather's studio space. Once I do have a studio space, session fees could possibly be lowered, more options for background and lighting will arise, and the option to create a home away from home for me. I have already designed what I would LIKE to have in my head, but executing it and actually achieving it will take some serious time!

Keep referrals up, Imagine fun shoots and Smile every day!

~Heather

Month Of May-Hem!

Welcome May! Again, my apologies for neglecting this blog. But I have been hard at work learning new things to benefit all of you. Last night, I attended the PPA Tour 2010 at Boston's Hilton Logan Airport Hotel. I met a lot of vendors, professional labs and so on. The most important part of the evening was meeting 3 very inspirational people who have made a very very big impression on me as well as my business outlook. I first met Allison and Jeff Rodgers who are one of the most profitable and successful couple in the photography business. They brought a lot of insight and even showed us how they have improved over the past 4 years. They taught a lot of important lessons in not only the business aspect of photography, but the ART of it all. They made their points confidently and knowledgeably.

I also had the great pleasure and privilege of meeting celebrity wedding photographer Anthony Vazquez. Not only did he speak about being passionate about our work as artists, but he personally gave me advice on wedding photography. He was incredibly nice and did not leave me wondering how he does his job so well. it was clear that "Passion is contagious" as he put it. All I want to do is run a successful business and create lasting relationships among my clients and future vendors, and because of these three influential people I am confident that I can do that. There are a few photos up on the blog from Allison and Jeff Rodgers, one of which features me sitting in the front row with my fellow photographer friend Jessica. the link is on my Photography by Heather Facebook page and I also pasted it below. I look forward to sharing my new found knowledge and Ideas with you all in the very near future!

http://files.posterous.com/jeffrodgers/AciqobIhfuszgvGrpHttCodwkGjBfujsAxqxqhJpsqDasaihypkeEFswBmIr/image.jpg.scaled1000.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=1C9REJR1EMRZ83Q7QRG2&Expires=1273693792&Signature=uKk0ART4MTEsredHQoIl9viNLUI%3D

Maternity photos

I did my first maternity session yesterday with a very sweet couple. You can see them on my facebook page : http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hudson-MA/Photography-by-Heather/205265730902?ref=nf

Ill be posting a few photos of President Obamas landing in Marlborough soon too :) keep your eyes peeled

Im Seeing a trend!

I noticed that I neglect my blog and only write once a week. I apologize to all of you blog followers!! I'll get better I promise. I like to have something important to write about , and this week I want you all to know that a friend of mine Ally Keane is a phenomenal make up artist who I am going to offer as part of my services. Check out her blog and remember when booking appointments with me to ask for her to do your make up!

http://kyllastyle.blogspot.com/

Im very excited to work with her and I hope you all are on the same level!

Keep your eyes peeled on my website, facebook and even here on my blog for some new photos that were done this week.

Once photography enters your bloodstream, it is like a disease. - Anonymous

Its sunday again

Hi everyone,

I spent my weekend taking some new self portraits. I wanted to apologize to my facebook friends for seeing the same photo(s) of me on both facebook and my website. I want to be sure people i dont have on my facebook are able to see the same types of photos that facebookers can! Im pretty sure that I'll attempt some more photos soon too, and eventually I'll just make a collage for the website so its a bit more interesting for people. Meanwhile- I made some improvements and adjustments to the webpage....and I want your opinions! Please let me know if you want me to add anything or fix anything. email your comments and suggestions to Heather@PbHGreenwood.com. Thanks everyone!!!

"Seeing in the finest and broadest sense means using your senses, your intellect and your emotions. It means encountering your subject matter with your whole being. It means looking beyond labels of things and discovering the remarkable world around you." ~Freeman Patterson

Good Morning Everyone!

Hi guys,

I have a lot to do today! I am trying to design myself something to have put on my car. I had ordered window decals to promote my business, but they were quite the disappointment! I underestimated the tint of my windows! Oops! Good thing the company i got them from understood and gave me some merchandise credit since I use them all the time for other items. But I was thinking about heading over to Gemini Signs to have them help me out? I've heard good things about them and hope to stop by at some point today to have some ideas put together. We will have to see...its fairly inexpensive and I know they will do a great job. Any thoughts or ideas are welcome :) I have a couple ideas but nothing crazy- I just want some lettering: Photography by Heather Hudson, MA my phone number and my website. Matt at Gemini signs told me he could put one of my photos on my car too, but im a HUGE color Match person, so I'm not sure how a photo would look on my "platinum sage" painted car. But, as i said ill look into it and see how i feel after i meet them. Also, I am adding a catalog to the website hopefully this month. People have been inquiring about the additional items i can offer and I want to be able to show you what i can do to show off your beautiful photos! Many fun things are on the way! So hang in there and please be aware and patient when my website is slow as i work on adding new things to it!!

In photography there is a reality so subtle that it beomes more real than reality - Alfred Stieglitz

Its been a while!

I apologize for neglecting my blog. I have been busy with some photo edits, research and event booking. I also registered for another conference in May that is only for a night (as opposed to the week in South Carolina this coming October). I am pretty excited, its basically a training on how to set up and or revamp your photography business. Im happy to be finding so much support and training! I thought i had to rely on google searches! Dont get me wrong, I love google, but sometimes its just not enough. Interaction and personal networking are the best! I'm looking forward to it! In the next few months I'll be preparing for a string of weddings. Some perspective clients, but a total of 3 weddings booked so far this year, and I always have time for some personal portrait sessions!

A photograph is like a recipe- a memory the finished dish. - Carrie Latet

Oh Tuesday~Some thoughts that crossed my mind

Good News everyone! Im in the midst of creating a great thing for both myself and you as my clients~ If you want to know all about it, and take advantage of an awesome deal, email me your home address and I will mail you the special deal via postcard ASAP! Email me at Heather@PbHGreenwood.com Soon!

Monday Monday....

I have my official PSA membership certificate now, a fabulous small business insurance policy on the way to my mailbox, updated website , catalog halfway done....Now, to get some warm weather here so that people can have their outdoor photos! Keep checking back for the website updates, and check here for daily happenings! The new business cards should be coming soon! Woo hoo! Off to check out some merhandise~ Cant wait to take some photos tomorrow!

In photography there is a reality so subtle that it beomes more real than reality - Alfred Stieglitz

Its the weekend!

So, after a busy week, its finally the weekend. I started creating a mock catalog last night. For the most part its finished. Its nothing fancy, and throughout the year i will probably add things to it. Album pricing will not be in this catalog yet since its a bit complicated and tough to explain. Albums will most likely be discussed in a consultation of some sort. But, I will probably start bringing a copy of this catalog to my photo shoots so people can order right away until i add a new order page to the website...if possible! The easiest way to order right now will just be from the catalog. Hopefully it's easy to follow and there arent too many questions! Later on is a photoshoot in Cambridge and then its home to edit!

What a Wednesday!

First off, its been a crazy busy week all around! But with my car being out of commission (although only for a short period of time thank god!), work, and trying to schedule in a few nights in to handle my studio management program...I had forgotten that I ordered my first professional print from the lab I had contacted. I honestly did not know what to expect quality wise, but I figured, It certainly cant hurt to have a test run! After a long work day today, and running a few errands, I got home to find a bunch of mail and a large package. I ordered this 16X20 print mounted on 1/2 thick foam board 7 days ago (very quick turn around time!) and immediately started shredding the tape on the outside of the box. of course I finally get it open, and there's a layer of packing paper in there....i had to dig out another smaller box like structure. It was two 16X20 pieces of cardboard wrapped in saran wrap. I tore open the saran wrap, and there was tape on the edges of those cardboard pieces. Inside those two pieces of cardboard, was a brown paper bag. And then I stopped. I got a bit nervous, and thought to myself- this is it. Im either going to love it, or be completely unimpressed. I reached in, grabbed the photo-board as i have been calling it, and slowly pulled it out of the packaging. When i tell you that my heart skipped a beat- I'm not exaggerating . My eyes got a bit teary and I immediately went to show both of my parents. Im pretty sure its safe to say that I was completely impressed with the job that they did at this company and I will continue to use them! I cant wait to bring it to show it off! I want to go to work NOW :-D

Thoughtful day

As I watched Shows like Extreme Makeover Home Edition, The Grammy's that dedicated a part of their night to the Haiti Relief Efforts. Seeing all of those Telethons and the celebrities who took the time to help others is so inspiring and puts that urge to give to others on my mind. I hope that one day my business will become successful enough to be able to participate in some sort of charity service, whether its giving money, time or my talent into something. This is one thing i know my business is good for. Memories. People lost a lot in Haiti, there are people missing and perished, there are homes lost, family pets missing. (Pets may sound like something materialistic to some people but to most, they are a member of the family and to some they are also coworkers.) Its reminiscent of Hurricane Katrina. I know that I cant give much time or money these days while I'm just starting to build a business, but mark my words...I will find a way to help people, animals, the environment....you name it I want to help! :-D

Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever. . . it remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything - Aaron Sussman

Saturday is a productive day!

Hi Everyone~

My good friend Sara came by today so I could test my lights again...the photos came out great...and she even did me a favor and took photos of me! Ill post a few here ...and I will be adding them to the website. they will be on the facebook pages as well. :)

This is my new Business card :) Just ordered them today....they weren't really that cheap either. Gotta find a better company. Vista Print is great, but its so-so in designs...I just loved this because it matches my website. A website called 123print.com i believe ...had SO many options as far as designs went...but the prices were a bit outrageous. maybe its just the newbie in me having sticker shock at all of these business expenses, i dont know, but any tips and advice on good advertising and such would be greatly appreciated!

What a Great day it was!

To start off with, my original website http://pbh.showitsite.com has now officially become www.PbHGreenwood.com ! I hope this transition is a smooth one, the website has been "acting up" a bit lately due to the switch from one domain to the next. Thank you to everyone who dropped me an email or a Facebook message letting me know what difficulties they were experiencing. It helped me send a clear trouble ticket to the sites help desk. I will continue to add new things to the website as time goes on, so if you have any suggestions for me, or see a typo of any sort, please let me know. To end my day, my friend Mandi had sent me information on a Business for Women networking group, and we both hit our first meeting tonight. It was great to hear about other peoples businesses and marketing ideas. We talked a lot about venues to hold shows to advertise and sell our products. The women there were so nice and most have been in their own businesses for several years so they seemed to have advise to offer. Thank goodness for support of other business women! Thanks Mandi for inviting me to go with you, I hope we can head to another one soon. :) Now, Im off to put together a few wedding packets for people and then its time to look for some advertising vendors.

I began to realize that the camera sees the world differently than the human eye and that sometimes those differences can make a photograph more powerful than what you actually observed - Galen Rowell

This is from my NYIP forum, and it makes me so angry! The photos are really beautiful and they represent a lot of culture, and less negativity unless you read the stories under the photos...The people who are punishing this photographer...have extremely closed minds. It just goes to show you how much freedom we have as Americans. Feel free to comment!!

Thank god I have the freedom to photograph what I want and how I want.

http://forum.nyip.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=2510

Monday Madness continued!!

So, earlier i had emailed a few places to get some estimates for office/studio space. I found one in marlborough that is very nice, and I emailed them. Im going to see the place and make sure its worth what they say they offer. Then I inquired at the building across the street...and the property manager guy emailed me back and said sure...we can find something that suits you and your business. So Marlborough-for a space that was decent anywhere between 90 and 300 square feet available...it had a matching, fair price ($395/month for what i would need) for all that was offered(Complete Office Furnishings -will accommodate special requests) All Utilities including Electricity, Heating, Air Conditioning, Unlimited Access to Conference Rooms at no additional per hour charge, Business Suite Mailing Address - Massachusetts Corporate Identity,Professional and Courteous Live Call Answering in Your Company's Name,24 Hour Building Access, 7 Days per Week,Free Parking - Unlimited Overnight Parking AvailableDaily cleaning services)Hudson....was ridiculous. Hudson's smallest space is 900 square feet and they told me it was 7-8 dollars per square foot PER month. (And I would have to pay electric separately, furnish it and all that) That means I'm supposed to pay you $6300-$7200 each month? Ill keep looking. Thanks!

Monday Madness!

Hi Everyone,

Just when I was diving into the sea of many office spaces to view...I realized, I will only be able to use tan office/studio part time at night and on the weekends...so how much am I really willing to spend for 8 days of possible use a month, maybe more? I'd love to have somewhere to call my studio so that I didn't have to (but still could) travel with all of my equipment.I mean I had seriously considered asking my family to put a "small building" on our property that I could call my studio...and then I laughed at myself because that would be ridiculous and that thought was gone! However, I did search continuously until I found a website with multiple locations near my home. As much as I would love something fancy and flashy- its not necessary right now since this is just the beginning of Photography by Heather. There is always room to grow with time. So, I ran into a thought-The Hudson Mill Building (Located directly across the street from me) has tons of space for rent, and claims to be reasonably priced so that business can grow and invest in themselves. As awesome as that sounds, I'm cautious but very interested in at least checking it out. So, The commute would be a nightmare (Sarcasm) but its the price I have to pay for a little Private Office/Studio of my own :) Wish me luck, Ive contacted them already so I hope to hear from them tomorrow.

http://www.showcase.com/AppRoot.aspx?cc=0#&&/wEXAQURV29ya2Zsb3dIaXN0b3J5SUQFJDBhZjZiYzVmLWFmNTgtNDkyMS1hYzUxLTE2ZTFmNWE4M2Y1NYmIgbRM+AaNN69ZVCHTI9ZzY3VX

Here is the website i found it on...and if you look you can see the little brochure on the bottom and read a little bit more detail about it. :)

If I could tell the story in words, I wouldn't need to lug around a camera. - Lewis Hine

Happy Sunday Everyone!

Hi everyone,

I posted a few sample photos from yesterdays test shoot. I've posted a couple to the website, and am actually hoping to add a new gallery or two to organize the photos a little better on there. Im thinking about one gallery for Family/Personal photo shoots, a gallety for Engagement and a gallery for wedding. Any ideas or suggestions ? I may post a few more photos here later on so keep your eyes peeled. :)

You don't take a photograph, you make it. -Ansel Adams