Be the person who…

• When asked to write a review for a friend’s business, you do it because you know it will help.
• Comments on people’s blog posts instead of being a silent reader.
• Visits other’s blog posts and comments back on theirs every once in a while.
• Sends thank you cards for every and any reason at all.
• If you can, stay after a party has ended to help clean up.
• Gives credit to every one involved in your success or project.
• Markets for other businesses because you believe in them and you want to see them succeed.
• Forgives and forgets, because you know you aren’t perfect either.
• Doesn’t keep secrets when it comes to technique, business ideas, or contacts.
• Keeps secrets when asked to.
• Stops counting.
• Overlooks what people don’t or didn’t do, and highlight what other’s did do.
• Continually gives because you want to, not because you expect anything in return.
• Returns every single email and inquiry given to you, even if you can’t really help them or give them a job.
• Realizes you can’t be everything to every one, but you can still be pretty amazing.
• Tells people how much you appreciate them.

These are the things I hope to be this year.

Diana Elizabeth is getting the house ready for this weekend’s backyard reception!  Guess who’s designing it?  La Ricki of course!

Personal, Photography

If you haven’t already known by now, I have a super big mouth.  I am aware this makes me the ideal customer.  If I love you and your services, I will be your walking billboard. Hello, who doesn’t know who shot my wedding?  If you don’t know, you’re neglecting my blog, and I’m hurt.

Anyway, I’m going to allow my big mouth to ramble on about a few things you may or may not find important, including the sales of a few Nikon goodies since my second shooter Amy has decided to switch to Canon.

Nikon goodies for sale by Amy
Please e-mail her, not me at in1937{at}gmail.com.  All items are available unless “sold” is written next to it or it is crossed off.

• Nikon D90 (price new is $829) for sale for $675.  It is 1 year old. Email questions to Amy:  in1937@gmail.com Price includes shipping and handling.
• 50mm/1.4 – $325
• 16-88 mm – $490
• Speedlight SB 800 – $300
• 55-200mm – $50
• 60mm/2.8 macro – $340

Email my friend Amy at: in1937{at}gmail.com.

IMPORTANT Announcements:

• My online workshop to learn DSLR (beginners and intermediate) begins Jan. 25.  $160. Register now for the 4-week online course with recorded playback and LIVE video and chat room.  Master your DSLR! Sign up here.
• Also added a 1 week sample class to that, so you can just take the first class to learn basics for $99.  Register here.

Unimportant Announcements:

• Girl talk time.  FYI, Philosophy = UTI.  Sorry for the TMI, but I figure I should warn a girlfriend.  The back of the label even says so. Got my Happy Birthday one free from Sephora.  Yeah, thanks for the birthday gift.
• I am looking to teach specialized classes – one time courses that gear towards: Mom photography, shooting your first wedding, shooting babies, working with clients, in addition to my typical DSLR course and Marketing Momentum class for business owners.  If any of you have any requests, I would love to hear.
• I don’t use Botox.  I know, I’m telling the dude who commented on my Adorama TV video who asked how much I was using.  Rude.  My girlfriends pointed out that it was the best compliment ever, which is totally true but he didn’t say it to compliment me!  Anyway, nothing is wrong with using it but I’m just saying, I haven’t.  And I’m 40.  OK, I’m kidding.  I’m 30.  And I can’t help that my forehead doesn’t naturally move.  So you know what my friend, I’m going to turn your potential insult around and say it is far better for one to think I have used a lot of Botox when I haven’t, than for one to think I need a lot of it.
• I am going to take a limit of 8 weddings per year so I can be home with my hubby and have plenty of rest to give my wedding clients my all.
• I have also decided to not shoot in Phoenix from June to mid September. Unless it’s for PHOENIX or Sacramento magazine. It’s just too hot kiddos!

Diana Elizabeth is done shopping. For reals.  She doesn’t need anything else unless it is for the house.  Um, yeah.

Photography

Long overdue but the appreciation is still genuine. Many thanks to Emmaline Bride for featuring one of my favorite engagement sessions (where I actually got married!) and  On to Baby showcasing one of my most fantastic and fun maternity sessions on a dairy farm.

Diana Elizabeth knows that submitting to blogs takes work, but it is so worth the time to submit, especially when you really love a specific session, share it with the world!

Photography

“Never let the odds keep you from doing what you know in your heart you were meant to do.”
- H. Jackson Brown Jr.

If you read my previous post about all the careers I’ve had before becoming a photographer, it’s a lot.  But aside from me jumping around and dabbling here and there, there was that one thing I knew immediately after college that I wanted, my end goal.  That was, work for myself.

The man.  Working for the man, oh the hours, the cubicle, HR, asking for time off, sick days, blah.  At times I didn’t mind what I did, often the culture was so awesome at some of the places I worked but deep down, I wanted to do what I loved doing, all the time and survive doing it, even if it meant living with less because freedom in the end, is priceless.

Of course there was the option of marrying a rich dude and then not having to work.  I’m kidding.  But the goal was never to not work.  I never grew up saying, I want to be a mom.  I grew up always saying, I want to have my own career.  Perhaps because (though not 100% certain yet), that eventually nearly every one becomes a mom.  It would sorta be like saying, “I want to get old one day,” we’ll all participate in it, so why put it on the hurry up to do list?  So the career thing, I wanted to accomplish so many different things, and when I began to outgrow them, I’d move onto the next.  At the end of my life, I wanted to look back and see a resume I was proud of, and a life that I was happy to experience and have lived.  Trying new things, failing at others, and then moving onto the next adventure.

This post is definitely not a – hey quit your day job of working for the man and jump into self employment!  Goodness sakes, for all things good and holy don’t just do that without a game plan or plentiful prayer or a heft stash of cash to help you through the tough times.  But even if say you don’t want to leave corporate – I loved working for big companies like E!, Gannett, I always thought the bigger the better.  And actually, if Google or Apple offered me a job I’d totally do cartwheels.  The bottom line or should I say the center of everyone’s heart is this: To do what we love.  And if you’ve read my blog long enough, you know I love setting goals because I believe writing down your goals helps you achieve them.  Let’s start with a game plan.

Figuring out what you love. So you can do it.

Not everyone who visits my blog wants to be a photographer.  Some of you have other career goals or something related to weddings and some not.

First thing to figuring out what you want to do is this:

• What do you LOVE doing?  If you didn’t get paid to do it, what do you enjoy?

Now, can you make money off it?  Because in order to do it all the time, you’ll need to make a living.  Find ways to make money to survive, then figure out if you can work under someone, a company, a person, or if you should do it yourself and jump!  Often you can love ministry and work for a church.  You can love photography, and work in a studio or for a publication.  Don’t think that doing what you love necessarily means working on your own.

Steps to prepare if you are juggling a “full-time” job and you want to be on your own:

1. Once your raise has been offered, ask if you could stay at your current salary and in lieu of a raise, get time off.  Whether it’s every other Friday off, or even bolder, every Friday off.  Just be aware that some limitations apply for benefit coverage.  And if your employer is hesitant, ask them to give it 3 or 6 months just to try to see that you can do your work in less time and be happier.
2. Get a part-time job doing something not so fabulous, or fabulous, and will pay the basic bills as you build up your business doing what you love.
3. Do a few concept shoots, or other projects for free to build up your portfolio.  This is especially important if you are still managing a day job.  Use this time to place your chess pieces for the big jump.
4. Build your business now before you actually have to.  Before you have nothing but your business.  Brand strengthen – your logo, collateral, and website.  Blog as if you are doing this full time.  Take people out to lunch, coffee, just love on people and show them you love what you do.

Things to know about being self employed:

• Know that insurance is approximately $100 per month depending on your deductible.  Mine is that per month, and it includes dental and vision.  I chose a deductible that was high enough that wouldn’t put me in any debt if something horrifically bad were to happen.  I however, do not engage in rigorous activities so I believe that should make me 80% less likely to use my entire deductible.
• Leave the ego behind.  Hate to break it to you, but unless you are incredibly blessed, you may not be able to do it full-time your first year if you’re trying.  You might fail.  Welcome to self-employment, it’s scary!  But you know what, you have to try. And if you fail, corporate is still there. You can always go back and you can always get a part-time job.  Doing something full-time doesn’t necessarily have to mean you’re a success.  You can still juggle a part-time job and do what you love and still consider yourself successful because if the end goal is to have freedom and do what you love, then friend, you’ve got it.
• Continually work on your craft.  You don’t get better as time goes on if your camera isn’t being used.  If you aren’t experimenting with different scenarios or subjects, how will you get better?  Attend workshops, meet with other professionals, be a sponge.

Upcoming online workshop:

• I have to plug because I’m getting super excited watching sign-ups.  Please join me for my fourth class online starting January 25 for Creating the Image, presented by Creative Groove.  It’s $160 for four classes every Wednesday starting at 5 PM PST with recorded playback for those who struggle with that schedule.  I promise you will understand your DSLR like you wouldn’t believe.  This is idea for those who just got a DSLR for a gift, and those who know their camera but need to really understand manual mode and lighting situations.  Sign up now!

Diana Elizabeth’s dad told her that the best way to make more money is to work for oneself.  How true that can be.

Photography

I really can’t pick favorites – can parents really do that with their kids?  So I’ve sort of let the internet decide which have been the best of 2011 by highest rated.  Thank you to all of my couples and families who have trusted me to capture their life.

I look forward to the couples I’ll be meeting in 2012!

Happy New Year to you all – to new beginnings and chasing your dreams!

My Kate Spade bride also named Kate who married her sweetie Brett at Hotel Valley Ho.  Kate and I are now very good friends and I absolutely adore her.

My good friend Erika was surprisingly proposed by Ryan during a “holiday mini session” we took to the Montelucia.  I can’t wait to shoot their wedding in February at the Montelucia!

My lovely Cinco de Mayo couple was so much fun to shoot.  We had a blast at the Biltmore for their engagement session.  I look forward to your Biltmore wedding Lizzey and Trevor!

I waited months for this engagement session at the Arizona State Fair because you know, it only comes once a month.  MJ and Jon, I couldn’t have imagined the State Fair being as fun as it was!

The lighting was gorgeous, the location at Raven at Verrado was superb and the couple, Brandon and Donna were drop dead gorgeous.

I was ecstatic to get this FORD model and PHOENIX magazine cover model in front of my lens again on her big yet incredibly intimate day at the Montelucia. Farrah and Matt were perfect and I loved her second “first look” with her future stepson.

She told her family to pose because I was going to make them look like they came out of an Anthro catalog. Jami got me – and her hubby Mike was totally up for the props and styling by la Ricki.

My modern, hip, incredibly fun couple Joanna and Jacob had a fun art gallery wedding at the MonOrchid in downtown Phoenix!

Baby Ava didn’t get a pony.  She sorta got a plane.  Well, it’s mom and dad’s, and aren’t they the most adorable couple, ever?  I loved Kat and Gary’s Buckeye maternity session!

It was after this engagement session at L’Auberge de Sedona when I told Mr. Wonderful I wanted to get married there.  And, we did.  I am crazy about Tim and Kristina and we are so looking forward to our double date with them!

The light was just flooding my camera and I loved it.  Autumn and Aaron’s e-session was to die for in the dairy fields of Buckeye!

One of my favorites.  This was perfection for so many reasons – la Ricki designing it, a perfect location and my friends from FORD who modeled for this styled session.  This session paved the way to define my style, what I loved, and it was darling! Even Wedding Chicks thought so and published it!

Diana Elizabeth and la Ricki are doing it again – another concept shoot coming up for the New Year!

Engagements, Photography, Weddings

Support my hometown magazines because they are kind enough to support me by giving me assignments!  January issues are on newsstands now, Sacramento Magazine page 99, and my lovely PHOENIX magazine, dining guide, issue, pages 90, 96 and 103.

I have a few more assignments with PHOENIX magazine I’m working on so pick up February and March’s issue.

Diana Elizabeth finds that she shoots a whole lot of verticals ever since she started shooting for PHOENIX magazine.  Investing in a battery grip was a grand idea.

Personal, Photography

I should have posted this a month ago to help you create your wish list.  I’m sorry.  Perhaps you still have time to return all of the high watered pj’s, knitted sweaters and game boards to get some dough for some new gear, if you wish.

As of today, this is what gear I currently own for those asking.

• See camera body, lenses & accessories sold on B&H.  There are two pages so please know that.

Things I own not sold on B&H:

• RadioPopper: Jr System + RPC Cube (for Canon)
• ONE laptop & camera bag system + Waist shooter from my friends at UNDFIND coming in February!  Order now.

If you are a hobbyist, and not quite pro yet or just want to start with a DSLR:

• Here’s another list for you of some recommended gear sold on B&H

Other things you might be wondering:

• I use Mac. Recently switched from years of PC starting in 2011.  The reason being is a nice virus attacked my PC and so I was over it and happily moved to Mac.  I like how quick it starts and I would highly encourage if you’re contemplating making the switch to just do it.  I know, Apple users are so annoying.  They think they’re soooo cool.  I’ll tell you now that it’s not about that, but if you want to, do it.  If PC works for you, then rock it.  It worked for me for years.
• I shoot Canon.  Reason being is I started with a Canon Rebel XSi. Yes, that model is totally discontinued and the highest ISO it would go is 1600. So I went straight to a 5D Mark II.  Having that body does not make anyone a better shooter but knowing its capabilities and how to find light and such will.  If you don’t know that yet, why don’t you take my 4-week online class that starts Jan. 25 for $160?

Yes I’m teaching an awesome online class.  This is my third time teaching this, my fourth online class I’ve taught this year, and I love it! (The other class I teach is how to market your photography business which I teach once a year).  All of my courses feature LIVE video, and chat room, weekly assignments with professor review, and well, a Facebook group to share assignments and get instant feedback.  Oh, and some handouts that will help you reference so you understand photography better.

Hope the list helps, hope you get something black under your Christmas tree that is not coal but a new camera body, lens, or flash.  Or maybe a compact flash, even.

Merry Christmas friends!

Diana Elizabeth loves receiving Christmas gifts with the photos she’s taken.  What a fun thing to see!  Thank you to all of her clients for thinking of her and sending a card!

Photography, Workshops

I’ve had a handful of jobs and things I did before I became a photographer.  I was a journalist, magazine stylist, marketing specialist, graphic designer, web designer, beauty queen, and a model.  I’m certain that each one of those previous jobs helped me with a successful first year full-time launch on my own.

I take every thing I’ve learned from those careers and applied it to photography.  These are tips I want to share with you so you don’t have to so many career changes like I did.  But remember, every job you’ve ever held has shaped you in some way, so take all those learning experiences and make sure to apply them to your current passion, whatever it might be.

Tips I picked up from being a JOURNALIST:

• You need to blog, and not just about business or bragging.  Have substance in your posts and have a personality so your audience can get to know the person behind the lens.
• Know your audience.  Who is reading?  Write to them, what can they benefit from reading your posts?  If it’s a couple of different groups, make sure you do a variety of posts to appeal to that reader.
• Meet deadlines. In fact, turn things in early to apease your editor, or in this case, your client.
• Networking skills are imperative and keeping in touch is a must to build your source  list.
• Document your photographs like a journalist – story tell.  Have transitional images too.

Tips I picked up from being a magazine WARDROBE STYLIST:

• Be involved in client’s wardrobe selection.
• Tell them to accessorize and bring many options so you can decide what they wear.
• Watch the way clothing fits and adjust before taking a photo – adjust his collar, fix the hem of his jeans, watch her bra strap and her hair.

Tips I picked up from being a GRAPHIC DESIGNER:

• Your logo matters.  Your branding matters.  Have a strong one and like it especially since you will most likely watermark your images.
• All marketing collateral including website must match.  Don’t change things all the time, it looks like you’re confused with your own identity.

Tips I picked up from being a WEBSITE DESIGNER:

• You have 7 seconds to make an impression.
• Make your website easily navigable so your potential clients can find what they are looking for.
• Make sure your site works on all platforms – mobile devices and iPhones and iPads.
• Look professional on your website.
• Make sure you have a photo of you on the “about” page.  Clients want to know who you are!

Tips I picked up from being a MODEL:

• I understand what should be photoshopped and liquified in an image.
• Know how to pose your subjects that are most flattering.  Things closer to the lens will appear larger, duh. So think about this when you have two different sized people.  Always make the girl look smaller.
• Tell clients to get their makeup professionally done since they are spending so much money on their portraits.
• Watch for the “fat arm” all girls can easily fake one, and booty in the back makes them slimmer.
• Chin down, and out.  Head tilt.
• Please also note that your clients are not professional models – so be patient with your clients, direct and talk to them and if they don’t understand, show them how you want them to be.  And always give them praise and tell them how beautiful, amazing, and wonderful they are doing.

TIps I picked up being a MARKETING SPECIALIST:

• Have social media accounts set up – Facebook and Twitter.  Then make sure you actually use it and tweet regularly even if people don’t respond to you.
• Always announce and share your latest projects.
• Make sure your have personality in your status updates so you will be more engaging.
• Always send thank you cards, emails, and follow up to all your clients.  Maintain a friendship if you can – after all, didn’t you fall in love with your clients and make a new friend?  A handwritten letter goes a long way.
• The best marketing that doesn’t cost anything is a happy client that not only tells their friends about you, but also uses you again.

Diana Elizabeth says if you truly love not only what you do, but the people, the clients you interact with, the others in your industry, you will quickly find that you can connect and business will grow.

Photography

Hi gang!  Currently working on my new newsletter right now.  If you are interested in receiving it – I send it out every quarter or so, please subscribe now!  You can see it on the right hand side of the blog called “Newsletter Sign-up” You will need to confirm your subscription.

Nothing super crazy fabulous if you read my blog regularly, but maybe you just want an extra dose of personalized hello from me in your inbox.

Diana Elizabeth designs her newsletters from scratch. Because she has to, being a graphic designer at heart and all.

Photography

From Oakland to Sac-town, the Bay Area and back down, Cali is where they put they mack down, give me love! Yes, I totally just sang a Dr. Dre and 2Pac song on my blog.  I’m a California girl, I know every California song, duh. See how California I am?

You all know that I busted out of this heated joint called Phoenix over the summer to retreat to Northern California for a few weeks as my contractor worked on my house.  I figured I should work at least once while I was home – and I did!  For Sacramento Magazine which was so fabulous.  It was really awesome to be a part of their October issue since I remember seeing the magazine on newsstands when I was in high school.

Thank you to my fun wonderful subjects comedian Daunte Burks and artist Raphael Delgado for making my session an absolute blast and most of all Debbie for giving me the opportunity. I look forward to being a part of another future issue representing my home town.

Shake it Cali!  … California love! Sorry – had to.

Pick up the latest issue of Sacramento Magazine on newsstands now and at all Starbucks around the Sacramento Valley!

Diana Elizabeth’s favorite part of the day was having her dad drive her around to the shoots and having a nice brunch together at the Tower Theater Cafe.  It was just gorgeous and such a nice time to spend with her dad that she loves and admires so much.

Photography