First, here is a little review of 2015!
Oh man where do I begin?! 2015 was a wonderful year for me as it was another year that I got to do what I love and some exciting things have been going on behind the scenes. It was also another year of learning for me as a small business owner, some triumphs and defeats, but you have to fight the good old fight when you work for yourself.
Triumphs and defeats can sometimes get us down, but I look at it as a way to grow. My biggest triumph business wise was getting to work with some awesome families. I know it may sound cheesy, but getting to meet new families is a huge thing for me as I am a bit of a recluse. Sounds a bit weird to admit, but it is true. So all the new people I come into contact with is a huge thing for me. I get so happy when I can please my clients by preserving their special memories; it’s truly an honor in more ways than one.
A personal triumph, I finally got to go to Hogwarts. Yes, you read that right. The family went on vacation this summer and it was a blast. Going to see the Harry Potter theme park in Florida was something on our bucket list and we got to cross it off!
A defeat this year I experienced business wise was pricing. I typically don’t voice my frustrations about this things to the outside world, but it really hurts when people try to put you down because of what you think you are worth. I know I am not the only photographer in my area and definitely not the cheapest, but it really does hurt when people try to guilt you because of pricing. I have had nights where I have broken down crying wondering if I am really worth it. I shouldn’t feel that way about what I love to do and honestly though about throwing in the towel a couple of times, but I am going to stick it out and really treasure those who think I am worth it.
Personal defeat has been school. I have have had a hard time with school this past year and decided to take a break. It is important for me to finish my degree, but I want to do it when I can give it 110% percent. It is frustrating, but I hope to come back after a slight break feeling refreshed and ready to learn!
You might ask what does this all have to do with 2016? Well it is important to learn from your triumphs and defeats, which will help get you on the right course to meeting your goals. So this year I will be making a few changes business wise and personally to meet all of my goals.
Below are some of the changes you can expect in 2016:
- Availability – I am currently booking January though the beginning of April, with a small break in April/May for our special bundle who will be arriving. Yes, you read that right; we’re having another baby! It is exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time, but I cannot wait!
- Products – This one has been a hard one for me. I absolutely love all of the products that I offer, but found that the amount of items being offered were a bit overwhelming. So I will be thinning out my product offerings to just canvases, albums, prints and a 2 specialty products.
- Pricing- from client feed back this year, I found that pricing could sometimes be confusing and not everyone wanted to buy collections that had lots of prints or large items. So to help, I created new collections that are all inclusive. This means one price for the level of experience you wish to have! A deposit will still be needed to secure your session, but the deposit will applied to your choice of collection. *Prices will be updated the first week of January*
- Services – Personally, I wanted to find a way to make newborn sessions more convenient for new parents. Whether its your first, second, third or fourth child, it does not make it any easier to get out of the home or want to have company. I know personally all I wanted to do was sleep! I plan on offering online presentations of images (in addition to in person) so you may view your gallery from the comfort of your home (hopefully in your jammies). It is one less thing for you to worry about, especially for those new parents that live out of town.
I will also be changing maternity services. I found that the maternity mini being offered required a lot of travel that unfortunately took a lot of time away from home life. So I will be doing away with the on-location mini and offering a full maternity session instead for those that wish to be outdoors. - Session booking -I will also be coming up with some special incentives for those that reserve their newborn sessions in advance! I found booking last moment sessions created unnecessary stress and usually ended in frustration. Making sure I have time to book and properly plan a session not only helps me, but also ensures I give your session the attention it derserves. Remember, it is never too early to book a session!
I am excited to grow another year with all of you. Please feel free to share you triumphs and defeats this year and how you plan to turn things around for 2016. I am eager to hear from you all.
Here’s to an awesome 2016!
xoxo
-Al
