Spring Mini Session Missions Trip Fundraiser | Business

Spring Mini Session Missions Trip Fundraiser | Business

I have some exciting news to share...this summer, I'm going to Slovenia! If any of you know me by now, you know I have a heart for photography, traveling the world, and serving God. This July, thanks to The Good Story, I have the chance to do all three at the same time in a missions trip to central Europe. In light of this trip, I am hosting spring mini sessions to raise support and be able to go!

In mid-July, a small team (including myself) will travel to Slovenia to photograph and serve at the ReachGlobal Conference. This conference brings in missionaries from all across the world who are currently living overseas and gives them a chance to be encouraged, refreshed, and learn a ton of information to help them as they continue to serve the people who surround them. My role will be to photograph the major events as well as mini sessions for families who will be blessed by having updated family pictures.

In addition, our team will be hosting two workshops...

How to Authentically Use Styled Stock Images | Business

How to Authentically Use Styled Stock Images | Business

Today on the blog I'm excited to share a post from my friend Caitlin, who recently launched a new shop with beautifully styled images for creative entrepreneurs and small business owners. Her collections provide content for blogs, social media posts, and more. I asked her to write about how even photographers can authentically incorporate stock images into their feed - even if they didn't take the image themselves! She not only answered the question but provided great marketing tips as well - keep reading to hear more!

Sometimes stock images get a bad rap. And stock images from 15 years ago probably deserved it. They were generic and cheesy. But today, there are so many options for artistic, beautifully styled stock images. And those can be used so seamlessly in your social media that the last word on anyone’s mind would be cheesy. Here are 4 ways to use styled stock images authentically.

1. Give your audience a look behind the scenes...

My First Print Feature! | Richmond Weddings Magazine | Richmond Wedding Photographer

My First Print Feature! | Richmond Weddings Magazine | Richmond Wedding Photographer

As much as I love to see so many weddings over the past few years featured in online blogs, there was something about me that wanted to see just one in print. I know how difficult it is to get any wedding featured (the day itself has to be beautiful, match the style of the blog, not be too similar to other published weddings, and come during the right season) so I was sure that having a print feature was several years down the road. Content with this idea, I have been working harder and harder each wedding to be better for my couples and for myself, with lofty future goals in mind.

After Michael and Jessica's wedding at The Manor House at Kings Charter in Richmond last May, I was able to develop a relationship with the wonderful coordinator there. When I sent over images she told me what I had only hoped to believe: she thought this was a wedding that had the potential for a print feature. I didn't let myself get too excited, but I finished the submission process as quickly as possible, sent off an email, and held my breath...