Friday, March 29, 2013

Countdown to Relaunch!

New look. New focus. New prices. New experience. New design. New name?

April 2nd is the official relaunch of our photography business. I am so excited. We have been working hard to really finesse who we are and the service we offer. The studio is already up and running - and still under construction. We will be planning a grand opening open house for the studio soon. There are so many things that I can't wait to share with you all. I have some exciting projects coming up.

The next blog post will be on April 2nd. Until then, everyone have a happy and blessed Easter holiday. Love on your family. Take lots of pictures. And check out www.needgod.com

Stay Marvelous!
Brianna

Monday, March 25, 2013

I Hate the Flu

The flu hit our house this weekend. Yuck. The studio is closed today and tomorrow, but I need to blog and return a few phone calls and email inquiries. So, here I am working for a few hours in my pajamas. This really isn't the time for me to get sick.  We have our business relaunch in a week and there is much to do. Isn't that how it goes though?

Last week, I got to be the model while working with a girl with some raw photography talent. We worked on some basic posing. Next week, I am going to teach her my style of shooting under instead of over. Shooting under gives more of a high-fashion look to portraits. She did really well for her first time in studio though. I am going to use one of the pics she shot of me as a profile picture. Yes, the photo you are about to see is really me.

Now, before you gaze upon me, I want to share a bit. There are not many photos of me. From the last 7 years or so. I gained quite a bit of weight after my youngest was born. I was ashamed of how I looked. I was in a group photo last summer, and I cried because of how fat I was. So, I made a decision to change that. I have lost about 50 pounds since last summer. There is still weight to be lost to get me to my target weight. So getting photos taken of me is a huge step for me. And I owe thanks to Sue Bryce. That woman gave a keynote on fear that focused on self-hate. She really kicked me in the gut. I was a hypocrite. I am constantly telling women to get their photographs taken - no matter their size, or how they think they look. I tell them to get these moments captured for their children. I tell them to get these portraits to see the beauty that others see in them. Total hypocrite. Never once did I take my own advice. My children love me. They want photos of me. My husband loves me. He wants photos of me. After listening to Sue Bryce, I had to spend several days searching deep within myself to acknowledge and let go of the self-hate that was living inside of me. So, yeah, I am heavier than I want to be. I am working on that. But, right now, I am rocking what I have. The shape of my body doesn't change who I am inside. My children want to have photos of me now. So, I am rocking it. And, let me tell you what happened when I looked at my photos. At first I was surprised by the lines around my eyes. Then, I realized how much I love those lines. The way I love the little lines in the faces of the women I photograph. I know how to find the beauty in everyone. I know how to draw it out. I know how to capture it. And I finally found the beauty in me - and I love it.

So, here I am. I am not perfect, but I am the best ME there is. And I rock it!

Stay Marvelous!
Brianna

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Price Changes and Professional Photography


Our pricing is changing as of April 2nd, 2013. We have been working on pricing structure for many weeks now and working with a business coach. I want to use this blog post as an opportunity to educate how and why our prices are changing the way they are. Also, we are allowing our clients to lock in current pricing if their full deposit is made by April 1st. 

Now the question we hear now and will no doubt hear again is, "Why are you so expensive?". The truth is, we're not expensive. We have actually always been on the lower end, price wise, of Professional Photography. Our new pricing will put us in the average cost bracket for Professional Photography. That question comes up because someone is trying to compare us to Cousin Helen's college roommate who got a camera for Christmas and is charging $50 for a session and cd of images to make some extra cash. I am in no way trying to put down the roommate with a camera, but she is not a Professional Photographer. There is a difference in quality, expertise, training and experience. Did I start out as a Professional Photographer? Of course not, and my prices reflected that. My images and services also reflected that.

Why does a Professional Photographer get to charge so much? Well, we don't "get" to. There is much cost in being a Professional Photographer. Equipment, backdrops, software, payroll for employees, taxes, memberships (for things like PPA), insurance, website, etc...  A Professional Photographer runs a legitimate business. We pay sales tax. We are a registered business like any other business. This is our livelihood. My family lives off of our photography. I don't pocket all of the price that you see. Like any other real business, I am paid 10%. Taxes get 30% and 60% goes to the business to cover cost of goods and overhead like mentioned above.

Why choose a Professional Photographer? Because we have studied our craft; continue to do so. We understand directing a client to look their best. We understand service and quality of the end product. Professional Photographers don't shoot and burn. Professional Photographers spend an average of 40 hours on one wedding. We love what we do, but we cannot do it for free. This is not a hobby or a way to make extra cash for us. This is our career. Photography is our livelihood.

Again, I am not trying to put down amateur photographers. I know a few of them. Some people are okay with shoot and burn for $50. That is okay. People are different and we get to choose what works for us. Our clients aren't after a deal. Our clients choose us because of the service, experience and quality that only we can provide them. Our clients want archived portraits and our artistic style. I can only be the best me that I can be. And I am a Professional Photographer. My husband has now come along side to do this full-time with me. We travel around the country shooting weddings. Our studio is located in our home in the city of  Eaton, Ohio. Our portrait and my glamour clients come from as far as  Dayton, Cincinnati and Indianapolis.

Thank you for letting me share a little bit about Professional Photography and what it means. I love what I do. And remember that our new prices are allowing us to give you better service and products.

Don't forget to check out our website: www.marvelous-works.com  The website will be getting a relaunch on April 2nd as well. You will also get to see us in Stylish Bride - Midwest online magazine that comes out on Friday. And you can now find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mworksphoto

Stay Marvelous!
Brianna

P.S. I do want to mention that there are some Professional Photographers out there who are not charging what they should (I was one of them). For those of you who fit that - please check out this video on fear  from Sue Bryce

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Tuesday Morning in the Photography Studio

Happy Tuesday all!

It has been quite a few days since I was on here. The last week has been busy. We are working hard to prepare for our relaunch. So much is changing for our business. For the best, of course. One of the things we are relaunching is our pricing schedule. Our new pricing will begin on April 2nd. In order to secure old pricing, your deposit must be paid before April 2nd. You can get all the details by calling the studio.

I always want to pass on "need to know" information. You all need to know this: Belgian Chocolate Gelato... is AMAZING!! It is so not part of my paleo diet, but I don't care. It was an indulgence, a treat, and I don't regret a single bite.  - Just doing my part to help make the world a better place.

Today's sneak peek is from one of our Contemporary Glamour sessions we shot on Saturday morning. This is Marie. We had so much fun in the studio. There are a few other images in our facebook album. You can check it out at - www.facebook.com/mworksphoto

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Snowing in March

Yuck! I woke up to snow on the ground. It was a wonderful 60 degrees just two days ago, and I have been longingly looking at my spring dresses. Digging out the boots it is today. Actually, more like my sneakers. I will be working on the studio today.There is a water leak somewhere and it must be found. Today! So, I am going to leave you with information about our Contemporary Glamour Photoshoots and a sneak peek image from Sunday.

Life is Good!
Brianna


Now Booking our Contemporary Glamour Photoshoots for April! These $50 Hair & Makeover in-studio Photo Sessions are a great way to celebrate your inner Bombshell and help out a great cause. Proceeds from Portrait Sales in April are going to The Chris Elliott Fund. You can book your session by shooting me an email at brianna@marvelous-works.com or calling 937-336-1597

The first 20 bookings will also receive a $100 gift voucher toward their Glamour Portraits.

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

My Favorite Things

Raindrops on kittens
And whiskers and mittens....?

That is seriously how I sing that song. I never could get the words right and my children make fun of me because of it. But, as I was singing it this morning, I thought I would share with you a few of my favorite things.

1. Irish Wolfhounds
2. Who am I kidding? I pretty much love all dogs. Except for little yippy ones.
3. Julie Garwood books
4. Cheesecakes from Bowman Bakery
5. Fossil Watches
6. Shirt sleeves rolled up, showing forearms on a man
7. Scottish accents
8. Jane Austen
9. Poppies and Peonies
10. The smell of Old Spice
11. .55 Magnums (they make me feel like Angelina Jolie in most of her movies)
12. Jimmy Stewart
13. The music of Jimmy Keane
14. Kale Chips
15. Sushi
16. Floral Prints
17. The smell of old books
18. Jewelry. All kinds.
19. Playing the Piano
20. Swimming
21. Shoes
22. Shoes
23. One more time: SHOES!!!
24. Handbags and wallets
25. Road trips
26. Beards

I could go on and on - all day! Instead, I am going to channel my inner Maria and sing the entire soundtrack from The Sound of Music today. Be blessed!

Life is Good!
Brianna



Monday, March 11, 2013

Happy Monday!

I have been working on a lot of different things for the business these last few weeks. Reorganization, re-branding, expansion, streamlining to offer a higher quality of service, creating a studio space.....just to name a few. None of it would be possible, however, without the love and support of my family. My husband and children believe in this business. And they believe in me. I love them. I love them. I love them.
My amazing husband, Jonathan! Still smiling after lugging the gear on a photo shoot.


My youngest daughter - we were playing around in the studio

Love on your family tonight. Tell them how much they mean to you. Share with them WHY you love them.

Life is Good!
Brianna

Friday, March 8, 2013

Mentors & Littlefoot

Happy Friday!

Have you ever experienced, what I call, a Land Before Time moment? Yes, I am referencing the movie. I had that moment this week. If you haven't seen the movie, go get it, watch it and then come back to the blog. Of course, even if you have seen it, you still might not be able to follow my ramblings.

I have been in very long online workshops for the last four days with two of my mentors (technically three, but two of them are married to each other - so they count as one). Zach and Jody Gray and Jasmine Star. They have helped and inspired me on both a professional and personal level. They are amazing. What sets them apart, for me, is that they inspire me to be the best ME - not to be like them. In my movie analogy, they would be Littlefoot's grandparents.

What has resonated with me, during these workshops, is how important it is to be me. To own it. To put myself out there. I am going to be quite honest - the very idea of that terrifies me. I have always had a fear of not being good enough - of not being liked for being me. Cera has been the part of me that I usually show to the world. I have lived the majority of my  life making sure that people like me for what I can do for them.

In these workshops, I am learning that all of those parts of me:
Cera - confidence
Littlefoot - faith and determination
Ducky - hope, laughter and encouragement
Petrie - the ability to soar
All of those parts have to work together to stomp out the Sharptooth of fear. I can't fly without confidence, faith and encouragement. And how confident can I really be without faith?

There is a very small circle of individuals who get to know all of me. And, in order to thrive in my life and in my business, I am widening my circle. So, here I am. Out there. Vulnerable. Reminding myself of the love I already have from the ones who know me so well. I think I can see the Great Valley from here. :-)

P.S. I also learned actual Photography business during these workshops! And for those of you thinking I forgot about Spike.....he is the part of me that gains 5 pounds every time I chat on the phone with my sister!!

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

This is something very near and dear to my heart.


My dad died of this horrible disease on April 28th, 2011. Part of our sales for the month of April will be donated to the Chris Elliott Fund, in honor of my dad - Bill Smith. Our goal is $1000 this year!

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Wedding Photography Season is Approaching

One of my weddings from 2012!

March Madness

I know, I know, I am really really bad at social media and keeping up. We have a lot of changes coming to the company this year, so the blog and facebook will be updated regularly......I promise!!

In the meantime, enjoy a little March Madness special:

We have reserved dates and times for this special! Space is limited.