Cheap Photography: Toronto & Durham Region Photography
So it's wildly known that the Digital Industry has sky rocketed over the last 5-10 years. We all know this because "everyone is a photographer right?" It's an issue that has been beaten with a stick more times than we like to think. In saying that what goes hand in hand with this fact that there are a ton of cheap photographers out there. Yes I am probably starting up a controversy and may even ruffle a few feathers here and you know what...so be it! Fair enough there are a ton of clients out there that simply do not have the budget for Professional Photography prices, or for whatever reason decide not to book you. However that being said, it does not mean that they are not entitled to beautiful photographs. I am a firm believer in you get what you pay for. In all aspects of business, not just photography. When I started my photography business 8+ years ago bright eyed and gung-ho, I dove right in. I too was that "cheap photographer" however as I grew with my business and it started to take off, I quickly realized that I needed to raise my prices. In doing so one may lose a lot of business this way, however if done right and you maintain your customer service and the "experience of custom photography" you will be one of the lucky few who will attract new clients and watch your business grow. To be able to enjoy what you do instead of being overwhelmed with the workload that your cheap prices have brought in.
While creating this blog post, I came across this awesome post by a very talented man named Zack Arias. I love this guy...his style of work and his brilliance with blogging. He posted a great read that hit home with me. I encourage you to read through his post seen here on Cheap Photographers Only Kill Themselves Not The Industry.
Time to value what you do, your services and your products. Focus on what matters, focus on the signal and less of the noise...
Purely 4 You: Pickering Health & Beauty Business
It's been a while since an amazing local Business has been featured. This next business I would love to share with you is fairly new and is situated in Pickering. If you are on the market for some skin and body products that are all natural and chemical free, check out Purely 4 You! You and your family will simply LOVE the products. Beautifully scented and moisturizing and will nourish your family daily.
I would love for you to go check them out. Their prices are very reasonable and their customer service is exceptional.
They can be found at: www.purely4you.ca
Tell them I sent you ;)
Pande Family Wellness Centre
It is always awesome to connect with a variety of new resources for Business. The more information we have on hand makes a difference when someone needs to know right away. I was recently contacted by Dr. Maya Pande, Chiropractor of Pande Family Wellness Centre located in Toronto. Dr. Pande offers a wide spread of services to both young and old. She also caters to pregnant women, infants and children. The Pande Wellness Centre's holistic approach to well-being specializes in low force care as well as the following:
Chiropractic
Homeopathy
Nutrition
Psychotherapy
Massage Therapy
Doula
If you are interested in any of the following for yourself or your baby, please feel free to contact Dr. Maya Pande HERE.
Reflections of 2012
A Year in review. Yes it's been a busy year for us all and while it's hard to believe 2013 is just hours away, so much has happened for us all. New homes, new babies, milestones and some hardships too. What we must never forget is how Blessed we are. To live in a free country, to have food on the table and a roof over our head. Life has a way of throwing us a wrench at times but knowing we are strong and faithful, we bounce back.
I am thankful for each and every newborn,maternity and family session I was able to capture memories for this year has been nothing shy of amazing! Durham Region and Toronto parents, thank you SO much for choosing Petra King Photography. Can't wait for 2013!
Happy New Year!
xo
"You are never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream."
C.S. Lewis
Top 5 things when starting a newborn home business
Are you thinking of starting a newborn home business? Maybe you have and are feeling overwhelmed? Rest assured we all felt like that at some point in our career. We still do come to think of it. Running your own business from home is a lot of work! Here are some things that will help you get started and steer you in the right direction.
1. Being Organized
Everyone needs some sort of organizational flow. This will help you keep on track with things, prepare you for your day and help you through the unexpected issues or dilemma's that arise. Use a calendar, keep track of your personal and business schedules separately. Make a mental checklist of what is needed for your sessions, props, what lens you will be using, lightsource,posing etc so that as you are setting up you can walk yourself through your session to keep yourself focused.
2. Work/Home Balance
Do I hear laughing? At times it is stressful and very frustrating, however remember that your family must come first. This may mean working into the wee hours of the night at times, but it is can be done. Again, being organized plays a HUGE part. If you are not organized, the domino effect will quickly turn your week upside down. Those of you who have children at school during the day, schedule your appointments, sessions and editing time around school hours. For those of you with little ones, early morning hours or after bedtime/naptime may be where you need to be focusing to get things done. Try not to get ahead of yourself with unrealistic daily goals. Aim for 1-2 things to be done. If you manage more...high five to you! That's awesome!
3. Create exceptional service
Okay so you've taken the plunge now what? You have some sessions under your belt, building your portfolio and earning some money. Great! But your business along with countless others in your area offer the same thing. So what are you going to do about it? Well, at the end of the day, anyone can be a photographer. It does however boil down to you. Your style, your originality, your professionalism and not the just service you offer but an experience. Create an experience that will be beautiful lasting memories for any new parent.
4. Know your products
Whether you offer one product or 10, selling your products to your clients needs to be an enjoyable one. Pushy sales stink let's face it. Guide your client and get to know them. Likes,needs and must have's! Know your products. research your vendors and test them out yourself! It's your job to do that. At the end of the day if you are not confidant with it don't offer it! You need to represent what works best for you and your business. Life is full of choices these days. Market yourself well and you will attract the niche that you are aiming for.
5. K.I.S.S Rule (keep it simple)
Try to avoid taking on too much. Be it sessions, learning curve,marketing,accounting,social media,website and blog etc etc...the list seems endless at times. As a new business owner you need to keep things simple. This goes back to being organized. During your sessions, aim for 3-4 different set ups. Anything more at times will only be overwhelming for your clients and extra work for you. New parents are stressed,exhausted and still on an emotional high that baby is "actually here" It's your job to make this experience smooth, positive and most importantly stress-free!
The New Mummy Company: Spotlight on Business
It is with extreme pleasure to announce the next Spotlight on Business feature! Welcome The New Mummy Company!
Let me tell you a little bit about The New Mummy Company. Owner, experienced sleep coach, breast feeding adviser, twins baby nurse and doula Maria Robertson is a renowned newborn consultant who has been providing expert babycare advice and practical help to parents of new babies, including twins and triplets, for over twelve years.
Basing herself on the outskirts of Edinburgh, Scotland, Maria rose to become one of best maternity consultants in the UK, and a number of prestigious international positions over the last few years have made her one of the most sought after newborn consultants worldwide.
During her career, Maria has constantly kept herself up-to-date with the latest training and techniques available. She has attended conferences and read numerous scientific papers published on various aspects of baby care – including sleep coaching, breast feeding and multiples.
This has led to her becoming an international authority on postpartum support, including advising parents of newborn babies on ways of establishing sleep and feeding routines. However, Maria’s in-depth knowledge and experience are not the only secrets of her success. She also has attributes that cannot be taught in the classroom, such as:
- Her natural ability to inspire confidence in a new mother, and to coach without coming across as overbearing.
- Her uncanny intuition, which enables her to sense a baby’s needs.
- Her ability to be pro-active and fix any small problems being experienced by new parents and their newborn baby(ies), be it with feeding, sleeping or routine. And to do so before these problems escalate.
Maria’s presence in the home of a newborn is enriching to any new mother, as well as to all other family members. It is no coincidence that her delighted clients comment that she left them not only with a contented baby, but also with a contented family.
Due to the overwhelming lack of support available for both newborn multiples and their parents, Maria identified early on in her career the need for a specialist in this area, and her skill set meant that she was highly qualified to deliver a professional newborn consultancy service. And now she is able to bring her proven specialist postpartum services to parents of twins and multiples in Canada.
Having provided hands-on help and/or advice for over 23 sets of twins, she has experienced everything that multiple care can throw at you. Moreover, she thoroughly enjoys both the challenges and the rewards which she encounters when supporting a family through this special time.
Although Maria, or any member of her team of professional baby care specialists , may only spend a short time with you and your newborn(s), this time will undoubtedly prove to be extremely precious to you and your family. Moreover, the New Mummy Company keep in contact with families they work with, assisting and advising them as their babies go through the key developmental stages.
Parents who have received help from Maria and her colleagues say that they are envied by other parents, as their infants mature into excellent sleepers, great feeders and well-behaved, contented children. And they attribute this success to the sound start in life made possible by The New Mummy Company.
For more information on Mara, her services and fantastic information, check out her website at The New Mummy Company. Her contact page can be found HERE. If interested or know someone who may be, don't hesitate to drop her a line. She's a wonderful person with a kind heart. She's also been known to be called Maria Poppins! Too cute!