I know I'm pretty sporadic with this whole FAQ thing, but I'm tryin'...
Recently I've been getting a lot of personal questions, so I'll do a post later this month that's dedicated just to those. If you have one try to send it to me this week, so I can include it!
Josh asked:
I'm new to this industry and am trying to decide what kind of website to buy. Any suggestions?
My main website is through bludomain. I set it up when I first started my business and have no complaints other than the fact that it's a template. That means I can only do so much customization. :( My blog on the other hand, is customizable and was designed by Ross at, Flosites. I recommend him if you have more funds to invest. But if you're starting out on a budget (as most of us do) bludomain isn't a bad option. I'm looking at upgrading soon and have been checking out David Jay's company, Show It Sites. They're running a free promotion right now, so go check them out!
Stacey asked:
Who are some of your favorite photographers?
This is a really hard question, because I admire so many for different reasons. Here are just a few that I keep up with regularly:
- Gina Meola Gina is so real-I love, LOVE reading her blog! I found it while she was in Thailand on a mission trip and quickly became addicted to looking at her work and reading her words. Check her out. Go back and read her archives. But bring a tissue!
- Tara Whitney Tara's work makes me hap-hap-happy. When I'm having an off day or not feeling particularly excited about photography, I visit her site. It always gives me the boost I need.
- Lindsey Moreno Lindsey and I started our businesses around the same time, and we swapped questions and advice in the beginning. I feel a strong connection to her. Strange-I know (I'm probably weirding her out right now), but I have really enjoyed keeping up with her journey. She's from the same area of Michigan where Anderson grew up!
- Lara Jade I want to be Lara when I grow up-beautiful, talented and British! I found her a long time ago through flickr and am always amazed at her latest projects. She pushes the limits, and I love it! BTW, I think she's barely even 20 years old.
Cameron asked:
Just curious, what is Anderson's involvement in your company? I know he shoots weddings with you, but what else?
Well, first of all he's my cheerleader. (Yep, go ahead. Picture him in a uniform!) Ever since my first real photoshoot in the fall of 2007, he's been a huge support for me. Starting a business is exciting, but to be honest some days are just discouraging. I remember having so many feelings of doubt and insecurity, especially in the beginning. But he has been a constant source of encouragement. Poor guy. I know he wanted to kill me sometimes.
As you mentioned, he shoots weddings with me too. I love that we get to work together-it's great! Like me, he started out in videography, so he understands the importance of capturing every little detail during a wedding. He always shoots really interesting angles and different perspectives. I'm secretly jealous. He's also a Photoshop expert and has taught me a lot in that area. But our editing styles are completely different, plus I'm a control freak, so I do most of my own editing.
He handles a lot of the business side of things too (dealing with the accountant, etc.) I hate doing all that, so I put it off as long as possible. I'm thankful to have him there to take the lead on all that yucky stuff!
I'm thinking of putting his video skills to work on a new promo idea next month, but I might have to cook dinner every night this week to butter him up. We shall see!
Speaking of cooking...we recently had my family over for dinner. I cooked. They brought me this sign. At least their expectations were realistic!
