I am not sure if you all know but those who purchased the Lunchbox have been invited to join me in a super secret blog and we now have a forum. It's a great resource for us to share ideas and ask questions. As well as simply encourage one another.
One of our super smart Get Schoolers - Posted about hosting a family night at the school she is shooting! FANTASTIC idea. LOVE LOVE LOVE it... Here is our discussion over there. Once you purchase the LUNCHBOX that is not the end - the learning, inspiring and growing just keeps on happening at our Private Forum and Blog!!!
AMBER HERLOCKER: I am scheduled for my first school next Tues-Friday. I have included a family night on Thursday and Friday for families to come have their photo taken with their children. Weather permiting I will shoot everyone outside but will have the gym as a backup. I have signup sheets at the front desk of the school and time slots are in 15 min increments. Anyone have any pointers for conducting a family night? I am not requiring additional cost to the families and they will have online galleries the same as the school galleries...I just want an opportunity for Moms and Dads to see me and interact with me. Any thoughts?
COURTNEY:
1st thought you ROCK! I love the family night idea - I've done mini sessions at a later date and promoted during the school portrait time - but a family night is awesome beyond. you have probably already thought of all this but here are a couple things off the top of my head.
1. display table with upper end products, showcasing non mini session portraits.
2. an assistant - that really knows your stuff, to chat with families while you shoot, explain the ordering process, talk about you and your products. Believe me you will get way behind if you have to answer these questions. Could even be your best friend, give her a little 'training' session and bring her along.
3. a little person's table with crayons/coloring sheets and even some kid safe/friendly snacks in a bowl. parents will be SUPER impressed with your thoughtfulness!
4. Maybe even a second assistant - more for shooting. Run up to family fix shirt, tickle a tummy. Hold a reflector if you are outdoors. Can't wait to hear how it goes!
5. a long handled clean, bright colored feather duster to tickle little belly's get's LOTS of last. You need a shooting assistant to do this. Have them sit on the floor in front of you, so that the little ones are laughing and looking in the general direction of the camera.
Can wait to hear how it goes. Share images when you are done. Be calm and have fun! It's a fab. idea. GO AMBER!!!
Have a beautiful day.
This guide has truly
been a useful tool in my business and opened opportunities for me that
I really did not know existed! I enjoy sharing my experiences that I
have encountered on my photography journey and I hope that in some way
it will help or impact others. However, let me preface by saying that
in no way is my way of running a business the best or the only way but
it is what works for me and my clients! :)
1. Tell us how/why you started photography?
well, my first camera was from Burger King, those micro 110
cameras. I tried to google it and this is similar to what I had. The 110 film
popped in the back, turn the little wheel and press the red button on top, easy
as that!
I was in heaven. I photographed everything. Thinking back though – I don’t know if I ever had anything developed I’ll have to ask my mom! That’s how it began. From then on I was always fascinated with cameras and taking pictures. My mother always inspired me with all of the nature and travel photographs she would take and I would try to mimic her but I truly enjoyed photographing people. I have always been a people watcher. Fast forward ten years after high school. After having my third child and having been a SAHM for 3 years I wanted to find a job that I truly loved. I took tons and tons of pictures of my babies, everyone said I was really good (hind sight is 20/20 – they weren’t as good as everyone said!) I decided to start taking some photography classes at the community college and attended some photography seminars. I took a part time job at a chain photography studio figuring it would help me with more professional experience in a camera room. After less than a year I decided to take it on myself.
2. what is your favorite genre of photography?
At the moment newborns. I love to watch them sleep and tuck them into the cutest little poses. However, last summer I would have said High School Seniors. I only photographed a few but I loved it! I am sure once I really start marketing again to the seniors and getting some more sessions I will say that is my favorite again.
3. what is the most valuable thing you have taken away from the Get Schooled Portraiture information?
First, let me say thank you to you Courtney! The Get Schooled Portraiture information has been invaluable to me. I had done two preschools before having your guide and I felt so unorganized. Your guide has definitely helped with that! Plus, all of the template files for the school to get you in – awesome. The Prop Sets have been a great inspiration too. There are so many thinks I love about this guide, thank you, thank you, thank you!
4. Do you have one tip/trick you would like to share?
Spring
School Portraits! Why
limit yourself to planning only for fall portraits? That and, bring help if
possible. I am finishing up a school with just under 100 kids 6 weeks through 5
years. There was NO WAY I could have done it without help. I could not have
imagined there were so many children who would not smile! It helped that I had
someone else there to help pose and entertain them while I took the shots.
5. Tell us just a little more about yourself...
I have had my business Michelle Garthe Photography for just over two years. I currently do on location and have an in home studio. I am in the process of trying to find a location outside of my home due to not having much space and living in an area that is not very centrally located.
I live just outside of St Louis, MO. I have been married for 13 years and have three children; two boys and a girl. My best friend is also a photographer. I am a Pieces. I am always happy to help others with questions about photography and I ask a lot of questions too.
Thanks so much Courtney for asking and everyone else for reading!! I can’t wait to have a Forum for Get Schooled Photography so I can “meet” everyone else!
Website: http://michelle-garthe.com
