Today is the day! One year ago Heidi Smith Photography became official. No longer was it something I was doing for fun and having big aspirations – my aspirations became reality. It took me a few more months to really get things going and feel confident in being a business owner. It was a title that was a bit hard to get used to. Suddenly I’m the boss and making the rules and sticking to policies that I’ve created and letting my creative juices flow and create what I wanted to create.
I knew for awhile this is what I wanted to be doing. It did take some convincing from others to assure me that now was a good time. Even though I didn’t feel like a big time pro, I knew that I could learn and grow in the process and really develop the business I wanted to have. Will I ever feel like a big time pro? I hope so. But I’m realistic and grounded and know that every day there is much more to learn and room for growth and most of all I just want to make people happy. I want them to cherish their images through the years and enjoy the time they spend with me.
So how have things gone?
I had a bunch of wonderful clients last year. I met some really neat people and had some great fun with some super kids. I have images not only on my computer and in my samples but engrained in my head. These first year clients will always be my favorite for several reasons. They gave me a chance, first of all. They trusted in my vision enough to hire me and see what I can do. And I’m so thankful that they did. Looking back even a few months, I can see how my style and technique has changed. I’ve really focused on the things I felt I was lacking and have worked hard to do better. Without these clients giving me that chance, I’m not sure how things would be now. We had fun, we laughed, and shared and I really cherish these families so much. I look forward to working with them again in the future.
I haven’t kept up with the blog as much as I’ve wanted, but that will change. I’ve created the website which was a huge undertaking and I’m proud of it. And even with that, the creative side of me is always looking for something to change, to be different and more outstanding. So, I’m now working on another template for the website and I think it will be great. I hope to have that live in the next month or so. More on both the blog and the website later!
I’ve gone through taxes. Oy, oy, oy. This is one part of business I knew I’d never be totally prepared for. It’s not in my common sense. I can follow the rules and do what I need to do but thankfully there are people out there who are willing to do this part for me! [granted they get paid for it, but at least they love it!] Nobody looks forward to this time of year. Especially those of us hoping we’ve done everything right in the first place. Next year will be easier, right?
I spent some time in a studio with my friend Christy, attended a convention in February and will be attending a workshop in June. I read a lot and I study other people’s work and brainstorm plenty of ideas. But nothing can replace the hands on work and learning from the big time pros that have been there – done that a million times over. I look forward to these events for the learning but also for the social geekery that goes on with a group of photographers all getting away from home for awhile!
So what else is in store for year two?
Website and blog will be overhauled again. [yes, this is likely to happen frequently, it’s just my thing – but that’s fun right?!] I’m putting a strong focus on high school seniors and pets. I will continue to work with all areas of portraiture but really hope to develop strongly in these areas. I’m looking at adding in some neat products and offerings for clients. There are several ‘hot items’ in demand in the photography world and I don’t want to miss out on that either. There really are some cool things out there!
I’m hoping to get more participation on my blog. I’d love it if people were to comment and share their thoughts and let me know they’re out there. To promote that, I’ll be doing some blog contests and giveaways and drawings. Keep your eyes open, good things are coming!!
Thank you to everyone who has made my first year a success and so much fun! I look forward to another great year and many more to come. I look forward to growing and expanding my skills and style and sharing my art and creativity with everyone. I hope that what makes me happy and feel good also makes you happy and feel good.
Now let’s have some cake!
