Shutter-Happy Photography

Still can’t pass up an opportunity to help out our friends and neighbors.

Here’s what came across our path just this month…

• We were presented with an opportunity to support the Fair Oaks Ranch Elementary.  The PTO was busy putting together gift baskets to be auctioned off at their Cowboy Breakfast and Carnival.  Funds being raised are going to be put towards their programs and services they provide to their students, teachers, and families.  We were more than happy to donate a gift certificate for a free portrait session.
• We decided to embark on a new project for Shutter-Happy.  In efforts to partner with local businesses and support the community, we are in the process of donating framed portraits to be hung in various businesses in the Boerne area, along with free photo sessions for their staff and clients.
• And then “angels” were sent to our doorstep this weekend.  While Nathan and I were busy with a couple of days worth of yardwork, a group of six young men from First Baptist Church’s youth group showed up and asked to help with any yardwork that might need to be done.  So we put them to work, made a donation to their mission work and summer camp, and got almost all of the work done in one day!  God is so great!

(Photo attached is of my boys and the FBC boys after all the hard yardwork!)

The Children and Family Photographers of America conference I just got back from was fantastic, exciting, just packed with information on how I can run this business better, how I can make this a wonderful experience for everyone who walks through my doors.

 The three immediate changes I’m making:

• Updating my image.  I’ve chosen to go more elegant, with my red rose faded to grey for the base of all of my new material.  I’m in the final stages of using this design for new business cards, pamphlets, price booklets, and even the website.  I love the more polished look!
• Being more grateful.  A quote that was in another photographer’s pamphlet was “Our greatest compliment is to see you again… next to that is your referral.”  Your referral is an incredible gift- it means you really love what we’re doing and want friends and family to have the same experience.  So why not thank you for every new client you send our way by giving you a free 8×10 print from any future portrait session so that you can come create new memories and beautiful heirlooms?
• Changing product lines.  Thanks to two companies being represented at the tradeshow, we’re now moving to a new purse supplier and jewelry supplier.  The bags are made out of a slick, durable microfiber that looks and feels like it would stand up to a beating or a grape juice spill, with lots of sizes available.  And the jewelry is all sterling silver or pewter and is sealed with a clear acrylic, making each piece completely waterproof.  I was wow-ed!