Archive for the ‘A Day In The Office’ Category

FAQ: Who is your second shooter?

May 3

I’ll give you three hints:

1. This person makes the best banana pancakes you could possibly imagine.

2. This person does a Jay-Z impression that would make you think he’s in the building.

3. This person could be a J.Crew model.

 

It’s my husband! I’m already on a list kick, so let’s keep rolling with that, shall we? My top 5 things I love about working with Aaron:

1. Aaron is an incredible photographer–most likely due to the fact that he’s been a videographer and media producer for years. I never had to teach him how to shoot in manual, how to frame up a shot, or how to use light beautifully–he already knew all that, duh. :)

2. We can get twice as much done in the same amount of time. We split up so we can cover more ground and give proper attention to each part of the day–he photographs the guys getting ready while I photograph the girls, he photographs the guys portraits while I photograph the girls. You get the idea. :)

3. Repeat after me: Smooth-running family portraits. Get this–while I photograph one group, Aaron is efficiently composing the next group. We’ve worked out a brilliant rhythm that keeps family portrait time moving swiftly, and feeling enjoyable, relaxed, and stress-free. Aaron is wonderful at kindly and assertively composing groups so no one is wondering, “Where do I stand? Where do I go?”

4. We’ve been working together for so long that we can predict each other’s next move. Even if we’re across the room from each other, we can give just a nod or a look, and we both know who’s got the next angle covered.

5. Aaron is a great friend to the guys in the wedding. He knows how to make guys feel at ease in front of the camera, since he can relate, and he’s also a pro at pinning boutonnieres and folding pocket squares.

I know I said 5, but there’s just one more thing I have to add:

6. We simply love being around each other (he’s been known to grab me for a quick spin around the dance floor)–and we are at our best when we’re teamed up on a project together. Aaron brings out my strengths, supports me, challenges me to be the best I can be, and keeps me lighthearted.

Posted in A Day In The Office, For Brides, Personal | 2 Comments »
April Goals

April 1

 

Hi friends!

I’m still across the pond in London, to photograph a couple of sessions and enjoy a much needed vacation with my hubby. I can’t even express my excitement over being here. It’s my first time in London, and I’m giddy! Best part: We’ll be visiting Highclare Castle this week–it’s where Downton Abbey is filmed! We plan on doing handstands or something crazy in one of the rooms so that when we watch the show we can always laugh about how we did a handstand in that room. That’s what refined travelers do, right?

So, goal time! I accomplished everything on my goal list, and March was full of crazy successes. I say crazy because it’s crazy that I accomplished anything at all. I was sick more in March than I was in February, including a wild reaction to an antibiotic that resulted in me covered from head to toe in itchy red dots. NOT COOL. I’ve been on some amazing organic supplements and the Candida diet since then, though, and have been feeling fantastic. I know this sounds basic, but the more I learn about the impact diet has on our health, the more I’m upset with our food industry. So many horrible things we put in our bodies are “normal.” Yet our diet has the greatest ability to heal. Small changes over time = big results. I digress.

My April Goals:

-experience Easter evensong in London

-photograph a wedding styled shoot in London

-attend Dave Ramsey’s Entre Leadership seminar in San Antonio

-12 in 12: Read Rich Dad Poor Dad

-launch Newborn Collections on the blog (I’m hooked on these sweet sessions!)

-update website with new galleries

It’s amazing how posting these goals each month keeps me accountable. I encourage you to do the same–if you post your goals, leave a comment with a link. I’d love to help keep you accountable too!

I’m going to be blogging much more London goodness this whole week–including what Aaron and I are now calling our “street style” photos, where we basically take turns taking photos of each other’s amahhzing outfits each day. Spoiler alert: Aaron is winning when it comes to style. Internet, get ready. :)

Posted in A Day In The Office, Goals, Personal | 1 Comment »
3 Ways To Shake Up Your Marketing Today

March 26

Fellow wedding photographers, this post is alllll for YOU.

Last year, right before Aaron and I got married, he lost his job. In the middle of all the stress and uncertainty that brought us, we found the pearl–we had a free pass to move wherever we wanted. Since I work from home and he was between jobs, we had nothing tying us down to Dallas.

So we packed our earthly possessions and moved. To Austin. Our favorite city in Texas.

I’m an eternal optimist, to a fault, and the thought of how I would build a clientele in Austin never worried me. The answer was the same as always: I would work with with care, creativity, and intelligence…and a great deal of faith. Life is too short not to jump every now and then.

One of the strategies I used to break into this new market was particularly helpful: vendor boxes. Ever since I blogged about sending my vendor boxes, I’ve had people asking me what they are, what I put in them, and how I best used them. The vendor boxes are just one of the three simple marketing topics covered in my new little iBook. I’m super excited to share these little gems with you! You can download the free PDF file here. I’d love your feedback because I’ll be making it available on the iTunes store very, very soon. :)

A few screenshots: 

So what are you waiting for? Download the full PDF version here. And then leave a comment and let me know what you think! I’m counting on you guys for feedback–I want this to be an awesome little resource.

Posted in A Day In The Office, For Photographers, Personal | 11 Comments »
Kelly Moore Bag “Posey” | Review

February 22

Well, friends, it looks like I got my birthday present a month early! :)

Say hello to the Kelly Moore Posey bag! This is my second Kelly Moore Bag (I also have the b-hobo bag), and I’m so happy to welcome it into my life. I chose the Posey bag because my shooting style has evolved recently, and I’ve simplified the equipment I carry with me down to a minimum. Let’s face it, I’m also a lightweight girl who has no interest in lugging around tons of equipment while shooting. :) So I was looking for a smaller bag that would still provide plenty of storage. The Posey bag was the perfect match.

This is the kind of gear bag that I’d take to a portrait session, or wear at a wedding, while keeping my ThinkTank with all of my gear stashed in a central location. I can fit lots into this bag, but the two most typical combinations are:

-5d mkii body + battery grip + 50mm 1.2

-50mm 1.2 + 24-70mm 2.8 + bottle of water

It also doubles as a professional, chic clutch for meetings. Simply remove the strap, fold down the handles, and remove the padded dividers–it’s transformed into a sexy little iPad-perfect clutch. It’s also ideal for traveling, and all my carry-on essentials–iPad, scarf, bottled water, and journal–fit in nicely.

The outer material is soft, supple, and most importantly, durable. I never feel like I need to be gentle with this bag–yet it’s so pretty! The amount of padding is perfect, keeping your gear fully protected (even on the bottom and sides), without the bulk. I chose the grey color because I shoot weddings in black dresses, and wanted something that would coordinate. :)

I feel that I could just go on and on about this bag. Kelly’s bag designs always blow me away because they are so well thought out. It’s a complete joy to shoot with, and it really lacks nothing in my book. The best thing about this bag? Besides all the cool features, the style of the bag is just so me. :)

 

 

I LOVE organization, and this bag sings my song. Here’s a quick tour of the many pockets, and how I use them to stay organized, pictured above:

1. Built-in CF card pockets | Gone are the days of using anthropologie gift card pouches as my cf card holders. Simply face the cards up if they are empty, and down if they are full for an at-a-glance update. :)

2. Flat pocket | That little blur is my iPhone sticking out.

3. Envelope pocket | Perfect size for my business journal & client notes OR a hard drive.

4. Business card pockets | Never again will you have to go digging through your bottomless bag when someone asks for a card. Happy thought.

5. Zipper pocket | Yes, ANOTHER pocket! Great for lip balm, keys, lotion, and other essentials.

6. iPad pocket | PERFECT to have with you if you do same-day slideshows at weddings. Which, you should. :)

Check out more details about the Posey bag on Kelly’s website.

Posted in A Day In The Office, For Photographers | 5 Comments »
Happy Friday!

February 17

Happy Friday!

I am so thrilled to have had my work featured on three of my favorite wedding blogs this week.

1. Style Me Pretty CA | Aimee & Vantana’s Orcutt Ranch Wedding

 

2. Southern Weddings | Southern Valentine Inspired Shoot

 

 

3. Ruffled | Texas Wedding Guide

 

Posted in A Day In The Office | No Comments »
Branches & Light 2012 | Behind the scenes video

February 14

Happy Valentine’s Day! :) I have TWO super fun things to share with you today!

First, I’m so excited to show you this behind the scenes video from our January workshop! Aaron, my incredibly talented husband, put so much work into creating a video that reflected the Branches & Light experience. You’ll love getting a peek into our classes, our shoot, and our fun. Enjoy!

 

 

Next, I am also so proud to direct you over to the Southern Weddings blog to see our full styled shoot from the workshop. I’m grateful beyond words to Emily Ayer, who was our guest speaker at B&L, for making it possible for our shoot to be featured on Southern Weddings. From the warmest place in my heart, thank you Emily!

 

I hope you have a beautiful Valentine’s day!

Posted in A Day In The Office, For Photographers, Personal | 4 Comments »
February Goals

February 1

 

 

Hi. :)

Happy February! I’m exhilarated and exhausted from pouring my heart into teaching Branches & Light on Monday. The photos above are a peek into our magical day. I’ve said it before: committing to big things (even if they are downright scary) is WORTH IT. I’m preparing a beautiful workshop recap for the blog next week, and I can’t wait to show it to you.

Meantime, it’s goal-sharing time.  Ah, my favorite. :) All but one of January’s goals were checked off — YAY! And the one I missed was doing yoga each morning. EPIC FAIL. I think I did yoga one morning…and went to one yoga class another day…from which I was sore for the next 4 days. Anyone have any tips for making yoga happen? :)

But the successes this month were GREAT. Aaron and I proudly purchased a Nissan Sentra with cash on New Years Day– we are now a one car, one vespa family. :) We also celebrated our one year anniversary since our first date (and our three month anniversary of being husband-n-wifey). Aaron brought me to (massive) tears with his sweetness, and we both marveled at how beautiful our lives have become since we met.

On the business side of things, my pretty vendor boxes were a smashing sensation. I sent them to a handful of my favorite venues in Austin, not quite sure what kind of response to expect. However, again I found that putting yourself out there is worth it. Several of them reached out to me, and great things are coming from these relationships. For you photographers, I’m creating a fun “how-to” resource that will launch later this month and cover the basics of a successful vendor box.

My goal to read 12 books in 12 months kicked off in January with “Well Being” by Tom Rath. Honestly, I’d give it one star out of five. It was too much of a statistics book for me — not enough heart or application. However, the gold nugget on the very first page put a lot of things in perspective for me.

Before I jump into my February goals, I just want to remind you and myself that the purpose of these goals is not to chart daily to-dos, but to take steps toward lasting change. I set my goals by thinking, “Who do I want to be at the end of 2012? What habits do I want to have formed? How do I want to be closer to my ideal self?” and go from there.

 February goals:
  • Outline my year of styled shoots
  • 12 in 12: Read The Four Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss
  • Switch to using almond milk for coffee creamer (Have you SEEN the ingredients in flavored creamers?!)
  • Apply to be a Blue Ribbon Vendor in Southern Weddings Magazine
  • Celebrate Aaron’s birthday in style!
  • Write a mini iBook sharing marketing ideas with photographers
  • Paint our master bedroom and order wedding photos to put on the walls!
  • Answer all eMail standing up (Aaron inspired me to do this, since he’s started using a standing desk. Read more about the benefits of a standing desk here.)

I’d love to hear your goals for the month, so make sure to share a link in the comments section. :)

xo

Caroline

 

 

Posted in A Day In The Office, Personal | 16 Comments »
Branches & Light 2012

January 30

 

Today is Branches & Light 2012!

Today is the day I share my passion for photography and well-being in business.

Today is the day I feel the fear and do it anyway.

Today is the day I get to teach other photographers to feel the fear and do it anyway.

Today I know that committing to big ideas is worth it.

Today…my heart is full.

Branches & Light is a photography workshop for ladies who seek balance and joy in business. This is the third workshop Nancy Ray and I have taught, and we feel so blessed. Teaching is hardwired into my being and I love how much it fires me up. My whole life, I planned to be a teacher. Then, halfway through my teaching degree, I discovered my true love for business, weddings, marriage, people, and photography. I wholeheartedly love what I do. But you know what makes it even better? Getting to teach and encourage other photographers. 

Depending on what time of day you’re reading this we might be (9am) talking about overcoming fears in business, (10am) talking about workflow and organization, (11am) hearing from our guest speaker Emily Ayer (submissions director of Southern Weddings) on what it takes to get published, (12noon) shooting a FABULOUS Valentine’s Day styled shoot, (2pm) talking about setting effective goals, (3pm) talking in-depth about branding and creating an unforgettable client experience, (5pm) going out to dinner to celebrate an amazing day! We’d love your thoughts and prayers throughout the day today. Follow us on twitter (@branches_light) because we’ll be tweeting photos, questions, and quotes throughout the day.

Today is the day I live the life I imagined.

xo

Caroline

 

Posted in A Day In The Office, Personal | No Comments »
Style Me Pretty’s Little Black Book

January 13

 

Today I get to share one of the greatest honors I’ve received as a wedding photographer so far. Friends, my heart is so full of joy and gratitude…I found out this week that I’ve been selected to be in Style Me Pretty’s Little Black Book vendor guide.

*happy dance* What an incredible way to begin 2012! Aaron took me out to several celebratory lunches–we are so, so honored.

Words cannot express just how grateful, proud, and yes, giddy I am to be a part of such an elite community of wedding professionals. And to the ladies of SMP {Abby, Annie, and Michelle} I just want to give you the biggest thank you from the warmest place in my heart. I could totally go for a group hug with y’all right now. :) I’m so excited for what’s to come.

 

 

Happy Friday!

P.S. Why yes, I DID make a Pinterest board this week! And it’s all about Europe, so you’ll definitely want to stop what you’re doing and come swoon with me. :)

Posted in A Day In The Office, Personal, Pinterest | 2 Comments »
2011 In Review

January 4

I’ve started this post a hundred times, and I never quite know how to write it.

I do want to share my journey, but not because I think it’s going to rock your world. It’s more of a personal thing. It’s a way I can absorb the value of those things that I worked for incrementally, one day at a time. Sometimes the progress was so slow that I forgot I was going somewhere, but the lesson I’m learning is:

SMALL CHANGES OVER TIME = BIG CHANGE

I’m writing this as a letter to myself. So here goes…

 

You got engaged and married! 

Caroline, I know you’re a newlywed, but you’re the type of girl who will always make a BIG deal out of how much you love your husband. You never, EVER want to be all ho-hum-I’m-married. Because it’s not at all ho-hum if you think about it. You found each other. You are each other’s soul-sharers. You have the distinct opportunity to get to know each other’s loves and hates, and you can use that to enrich your lives and SHARE in the happiness. TOGETHER. Committed. Safe. FOREVER. How is that not the most beautiful gift in the world? So yes…you did do some other fancy things this year. But in all honesty, getting married to Aaron Rector…WAS your 2011.

You launched your new brand.

Truly a labor of love, you got your dream brand. At last! And it didn’t come easy. You put your heart and energy into uncovering the roots of CJP…the soul of your business. It took 12 months–many of which you were so anxious to just.get.it.out.there. But oh, how it was worth the wait! Everything is gorgeous–the site, blog, collateral, and packaging–but also serves a deeper purpose. With the help of Lara Casey and Emily Ley you dug deep and found the legacy you wanted to share with others.

You moved to Dallas…then to Austin.

This is bigger than most people know, you see. You had lived in Abilene your whole life…your whole life…and then you up and moved…TWICE. You had bought a house and settled down in Abilene last year, but then suddenly met Aaron and all that mattered was being near him in Dallas. WORTH. IT. :) After the wedding, you both decided that life is too short to not live in your favorite town…Austin.

 

You taught your first photography workshop.

With months of planning completed, you and Nancy began teaching your first set of workshops in Dallas TX and Raleigh NC, just 10 days into January. Remember how nervous you got at breakfast before the Dallas workshop? :) Well, my dear, you felt the fear AND DID IT ANYWAY. You wrote in your journal that the experience had changed you. And it did. I hope you see how much you’ve grown because of this, Caroline. Never forget that committing to big things, and following through, is WORTH IT.

You finished your 15th journal since 2002.

You kind of are that journaling nerd, but that’s okay. Your gold, leather journal this year held more than you could have imagined. Look back on those stories, notice the Lord’s hand, and know that He is worth every ounce of your trust.

You attended WPPI for the first time.

The Making Things Happen reunion was the place where you realized you were a different person than 6 months before. You opened up at WPPI, embracing new friends into your life, and sharing openly about your business ups and downs. You wrote in your journal, as you were flying back from Las Vegas, “Life is so sweet. I’m embracing a life of adventure and love. And here, 30,000 feet above the earth, I feel it.”

 

You also…

Shot your first Indian wedding and Cambodian wedding. Shot in Texas, California, Alabama, and North Carolina. Hired an intern. Celebrated 4 years of business. Went to Disneyland. Rode horses with Aaron. Watched Aaron audition for the Amazing Race. Photographed your in-laws vow renewal. Had an article written about your business in your home-town newspaper. And adopted a retired show dog.

So go celebrate 2011! And set out to make 2012 even more purposeful!

*all photos were taken by Ryan Ray

Posted in A Day In The Office, Personal | 13 Comments »