GO{4}PRO Photography

Freebie: Summer Survival Kit for Photographers

Leah Remillet — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 06:40:04 +0000

Want 17 FREEBIES TODAY from 17 FABULOUS PHOTOGRAPHY BLOGGERS??!!

I’m super excited for today’s blog post! My fabulous friend Kelli, over at Chic Critique came up with the awesome idea of having a blog block party…

What does that mean for you? It mean you “walk” around the bloggy block and sample (a.k.a. get free stuff!) from 17 different blogs! And there is a BIG GIVEAWAY AT THE END. READY??

I’ve got a Summer Survival Kit for you! Scroll to the bottom to grab it! And don’t forget to grab your BONUS FREEBIE (Workflow Organization Board) on our Facebook Page!

Complete with:

Summer Scheduler Printable
Sunny 16 Rule
Summer Solutions for the kiddos
Blog Planner Printable
How to work with Backlight
Summer Favorites List
Summer Bucket List Printable

To receive 17 FREEBIES follow each of the participants links to their blog (and don’t forget to leave a comment saying THANK YOU!)

To enter the giveaway, follow the rafflecopter link at the bottom of the post and don’t forget to get your FREEBIE from us.

Happy Sampling on the Freebies & Good luck on the Giveaway!!

Check out our bloggin’ neighbors and go “taste” a FREEBIE from them:

DSisk Photography | Summerana | For You, With Love | Melissa Davis Designs

Beauty Divine Design | WordSmith for Photographers | 7th Avenue Designs | Oh Snap Boutique

Creative Motion Design | SewTamz Design | Prairie Sweet Boutique | Laura Novak Photo Education

Go4Pro Photos | Chic Critique Forum | My Photo Biz Coach

Nifty Knowledge Rocks | Photography Spark

OUR FREEBIE: SUMMER SURVIVAL KIT!

School’s Out… Now What?

Leah Remillet — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 15:44:25 +0000

Schools out – - the kids are home – - now what????

Our go-to reaction (mine included) was in wonder… And it wasn’t that Christmas time wonder either. It was wondering, how the heck I’d get any work done?

But then as quickly as that thought came into my mind I felt the brakes screeching in my mind and there was a conversation that played out in my mind, it sounded a little like this…

You’re worried about what to do with the kids?

Where you can stick them, what you can do with them?

You’re worried about how blog posts will be written or time will be found to respond to emails???

Your worried about the wrong things…

What if instead of worrying about what work needs from you, you got excited over what these little kiddos want from you?

And all they want is you.

They love me unconditionally right now… Will I give them reasons to let me deserve that unconditional love?

Will I choose sidewalk chalk over emails… Sprinklers over blog posts… Or trampolines over editing?

Will I choose to make the very most of this one summer that I have with them at this stage in their life… This stage, the one when they still love to be with me?

Or will I worry about how I’m going to get all the work done?

I’m choosing them!

Instead of worrying about what to do about my kids, I’m going to put my energy into what I can do with my kids!

Here’s Where I’ll Start:

#1: By Friday, I hope to have about 2 months worth of blog posts pre-scheduled! I’ll add to and move them around to get myself to the full summer scheduled throughout.

#2: I’ll schedule and plan all the fun things we want to do this summer before any work gets scheduled – which will allow me to maintain a healthy, fun and realistic balance.

#3: I’ll slow down. Who says we have to always go this fast? I’m going to let summers influence wash over me and I’m going to try to slow down a bit!

#4: I will get help! Of course there will still be some work to do… so I want to have fun activities (dare I say, distractions?) for the kiddos for those times when I do actually need to work. My goal is to allow for only a minimal amount of TV this summer, so that means summer camps (we’re looking at cooking and art classes) and getting someone who can come over a couple days a week for a few hours just to play.

WHAT ABOUT YOU? How will YOU handle your ‘NOW WHAT?!’ LEAVE A COMMENT AND SHARE!

We have the rest of our lives for our businesses… We only have a few years with our kiddos. I don’t ever want to regret how I spent my few years with them!

How to know what you’re work is really worth

Leah Remillet — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 19:24:13 +0000

You would like it if owning your own business was actually synonymous with making a good income. I mean, isn’t that why people start businesses in the first place? To set their own rules, build their own dreams, and make more money?!

But herein lies the problem:

You know you’re not charging enough…

You know you’re going to need to charge more if you want this to last…

What you don’t know is whether or not anyone would ever actually pay the prices you should be charging…

IT’S SCARY!

I think Sarah sums it up perfectly… “I know how much I want/need to charge, but I struggle and worry if my work is ‘good enough’ for my prices. I am not a famous celebrity photographer and honestly wonder if my work is worth more than shoot and burn photography. Please Help!”

Today’s episode is dedicated to helping you see past what you’re not and on to what you are!

If you truly want to know you’re worth it? Invest in you. Work and practice and learn – and practice some more – until you can confidently say that you know you can produce stunning imagery every time. And secretly… I hope you never actually get there… at least not all the way… that way you will always have the fire to keep improving your craft.

Love the BACKDROP? We do, too! It’s Spangled, from the fabulous Drop it Modern!

The Thriver’s Workshop Rap Video – Started from the Bottom

Leah Remillet — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 17:28:27 +0000

I started with a dream… It was not to be a rapper.

When I created The Thriving Photographer™, I poured my heart into it. I created Thrive with the sole purpose of wanting to show other photographers just how successful they really could be. But I wanted to establish a business model that was different from what I’d seen taught by others. My business model put the family first – not on the side lines. I knew Thrive worked, and I had crazy high hopes that photographers would give me the chance to prove it to them….

As women from around the globe made the choice to start thriving, we began to get an idea… You see, we have this private group where we can celebrate each others’ successes and help each other when we need the extra encouragement. As I got to know these women, as they became my friends, I wondered… What if I could meet them?

What if, instead of an avatar image – I could really hug them, laugh with them, “happy dance” for real with them?

That became the dream.

And in April, we started with the Florida Mastermind Retreat. It sold out in 2 days. Photographers from all over came to celebrate, be inspired and Harlem Shake with fellow Thrivers. It was amazing!

This last weekend ‘Thrive Mastermind’ happened again! This time we brought the party to Seattle. And oh, my word… We had so much fun laughing, crying and dancing the night away! Well, if you call my sweet ‘Dora the Explorer’ moves dancing. (Which we shouldn’t.)

Thanks to the mad skills of Korindi, I’m excited to show you our rap music video!

Here it is… The Thrive Girls – Started from the Bottom

“That’s a wrap… No literally, it’s a rap.”

Everyday deserves the good dishes

Leah Remillet — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 05:01:51 +0000

I saw this beautiful quote from Thomas S. Monson created by Kelly Cummings and just had to share it with you.

I just got back from The Thriving Photographer Retreat – Seattle. It was an amazing weekend! I have so much that I can’t wait to share with you! The girls were amazing, the sessions were amazing, the food was amazing – I had an amazing time. We laughed, we cried… We made a rap music video in our PJ’s. And we talked a lot about building our business around our lives and not our lives around our businesses.

In the spirit of just that idea I’m a little behind. I’ll try to get back on track with my blogging schedule soon. …But today, it was all about making a regular Monday – a celebration. So Taylor and I went and bought a trampoline while the kids were at school. We got it all set up and surprised them by finding daddy jumping on in when we pulled into the drive.

The Photography Studio Tour of Galicia

Leah Remillet — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 14:34:20 +0000

When Galicia shared her studio in our private Thriving Photographer group… I new I had to share it on the G4P Blog!

While Galicia’s studio is obviously fabulous!! There is something that makes me love it even more! How spot on her studio is with her brand!

I asked Galacia to share some insights into her studio and her business… Be ready to be inspired!

Leah: Will you tell us about the decision to have a studio space?

The decision to have a studio space with an office was a no brainer. My in home office was busting at the seams. I always met clients at Starbucks or at a local coffee shop. In addition, after becoming a “Thrive” member, I really felt like I needed to take my business “look and brand” to the next level. Not to mention having the space, but bringing my clients to my studio and office to see what Photography by Galicia is all about, it just adds that professional feel to the experience that I offer. I really feel like my studio space reflects who I am. I owe a huge thank you to my husband, who is my number one fan and for letting me do what I LOVE. And to Keri Meraz, my make up artist and friend, for helping me design a space that is AMAZING!

Leah: What’s your favorite part of your studio and why?

There are so many things that I love about my studio. I think I absolutely love love love the “CREATE” canvases hanging on the wall. It’s the first thing I see when I walk into my office. It reminds me that I am here to CREATE my client’s ART. Alright, I can’t leave out the other stuff too, but if I had to chose in order… 1. CREATE canvases 2. My work-flow organizational wall 3. The letter G – for my name and 4. The red clock.

Leah: Best investment you’ve made for your photography business?

The best investment I have ever made for my photography business is a hard one to answer. There are so many things I did that has helped me in one way or another. I am really blessed that all the things I have invested so far has been worth it ten times over. The first thing I invested in was the Crave Mentoring class. It helped me figure out my editing style. I also purchased and upgraded some of my gear.

But lastly I invested in Thrive. Thrive has been amazing! I have met some amazing photographers and I am so proud to call them my friends. It has also helped me organize my business. It has given me confidence and at the same time created some huge goals that I want to accomplish as a photographer that I otherwise never thought I could. I admit it has been a lot of work, but I am seeing the rewards. For only being in business less than a year, I am blessed. Hard work pays off.

Leah: You know I love your brand, will you tell us a little about how you found the inspiration for it?

I hired the amazing and talented Lindsay Stoyan, who is local. She asked me what kind of person I was and I described myself as outgoing, bold and modern. And she hit it spot on. The flower is full of color and it’s not traditional but spunky looking.

Leah: Favorite song-set when you’re working?

My favorite song-set when I am working is Pandora pre-set radio stations. I love that I can input a song that I currently like and Pandora will play songs from that genre. My favorite is the Tongue Tied Radio Station. Try it! It’s alternative, spunky and upbeat. Keeps me motivated!

Free Printable! Anything is possible, especially you.

Leah Remillet — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 11:00:56 +0000

Sometimes we all need that little reminder…

The reminder that tells us to embrace fear because something great might just be waiting on the other side.

The reminder that tells us to stop putting off what you know is going to help you grow.

The reminder that tells you that the best way to show your kids that they can do anything… is to test this on yourself.

“The biggest defect we human beings have is our shortsightedness. We don’t see what we could be. We should be looking at our potential, stretching ourselves into everything we can become.” -Mitch Albom (Tuesdays with Morrie)

I see it every day in my inbox… People who wrongly believe that they can’t have the life they wish for. They somehow believe that their circumstances will stop them… That is the great lie. It is not our circumstances that stop us, it is our excuses.

Anything is possible, especially you. ”It is a denial of the divinity within us to doubt our potential and our possibilities.” -James E. Faust. Don’t forget it.

I’ve created this FREE PRINTABLE to help remind you or help you remind those you love that there is a whole lot of great inside! I hope you enjoy it!

Frame by The Organic Bloom!

How to Create Custom Sets and Backdrops with Heidi Hope

Leah Remillet — Fri, 31 May 2013 11:00:26 +0000

Have you ever wondered how much time it really takes to create some of those amazing shots we all pin onto Pinterest?

Or how about if it’s even worth what seems to be a whole lot’a work… And if it is worth it, how do you make it worth it?

If so, you’re gonna love today’s episode!

Heidi Hope is known for her amazing cake smash and newborn sessions… We see fresh flowers, one-of-a-kind backdrops and Pinterest worthy sets in every posting.

Today, I’m super excited to welcome my sweet friend, Heidi as my very special guest. She’s breaking down 4 levels of backdrops and sets and letting us in on how much time and money goes into making these shots happen!

Love the BACKDROP? We do to! I have Spangled and Heidi has Mermaid from Drop it Modern! Want one? Go get yours because DIM is giving everyone a $25 code for their shop: GO4DIM

In the comments below, I’d love to hear from you!

What was your favorite takeaway or insight from Heidi in today’s episode? Are you going to try something you learned in today’s episode and if so what?

Want more inspiration? Check out the Cardboard Airplane Tutorial, Tissue Paper Pom Pom Tutorial & Tulle Ball Tutorial

How I Became the Model at my Own Workshop

Leah Remillet — Thu, 30 May 2013 20:15:44 +0000

You’re supposed to be looking at a beautiful engagement couple… Supposed to be! And I even had backup for my backup and yet, you’re about to see me.

Here’s what happened… Our first couple had to back out the week of the retreat. No problem I thought, we have 2 backup couples. Neither of which, turned out, could make it either. I was in a panic.

I even stopped this cute couple at a restaurant on out first night in Florida to see if they’d be interested. Apparently it was their first date and I don’t think she was planning on a second! He was all gung-ho ready and she was like, “to soon”.

So I finally came to grips with the fact that we would be down one shoot. But then the girls said it should be me… And I said, “no!”

And they said, “yes”, and I said “no”… And this went back and forth for the first 2 days but ultimately I really wanted them to have smaller groups and I needed the last models to make that happen – soooo… I agreed!

It was hard to step in as the models when you’re the host. I wanted to make sure everything was flowing right, as one of the models, that would be near impossible. But, wanting them to be able to shoot in small groups won out.

And I am thrilled !! that it did! Now I have these beautiful images, captured by some of my dear friends documenting this amazing time in my life when I got to bring my family to Florida (we extended into a vacation after the retreat).

So here it is… The fourth and last session from the Thriving Photographer Retreat in Florida.

You can see the other sessions HERE, HERE and HERE.

And look at this amazing little video that Chelsea Humphrey’s surprised me with! Soooo glad they convinced me! (Thank you Janine!)

Featuring the incredibly talented and thriving:
Chelsea Humphreys | Allison Carpenter | Anna-Vaugh Callahan | Kari Rae | Melissa Wilson

5 Easy Tips to Book More Weddings (& Charge More)

Leah Remillet — Fri, 24 May 2013 11:00:13 +0000

The difference is in the details. I’m sure you’ve heard that before. But have you begun to understand that these details mean a difference of potentially thousands of dollars spent by each new client you book? And for that matter, being able to book them in the first place!

It’s in these details that an experience is either enriched or fouled. Think back on the last really amazing experience you had with a business. You walked in, or called up, or logged on expecting to have a pleasant transaction but were surprised and delighted by much more. I’ll bet that this transaction stirred up an emotional response in you. What did that response feel like? Even better… Who did you tell about it?

Now think back on your last good experience. This transaction certainly wasn’t bad; they met all your expectations, but it wasn’t anything to write home about, either…. And that’s the point. If you’re not wowing your clients, they have no reason to talk about your business.

But it goes further than referrals; the wow factor (or lack thereof) also helps determine what potential clients decide you’re worth. Price sensitivity is real. Your clients’ opinions of what you have the right to charge is wrapped up… in the details.

In Episode 25, I shared 10 ways that I believe I’m increasing the wow factor and am, thus, able to charge a high-end price point. Per your request, today I’m sharing 5 more ideas – but these 5 strategies are especially for my wedding photographers.

I’m super excited about today’s episode… You’ll be able to spot my enthusiasm once you press play! I’d love to hear YOUR thoughts, so please join the conversation in the comments below. After you watch the video, of course.

Love the BACKDROP? We do to! It’s Spangled from Drop it Modern!

I always love hearing YOUR IDEAS! Have you experienced decreased price sensitivity by implementing specific wow steps? My thoughts are just the starting point, so jump into the conversation through the comments below, and let’s get brainstorming on more wow ideas!