Today was a very good day. Checking out my son in action in his T-Ball game and practicing my skill in shooting in hot hot sun. I know many photographers are like Vampires. I hope soon to become a vampire who is not afraid of the sun. LOL!
I remember when I was in college, I was very non-tech savvy, I only turned on the computer just to use WordPad to type up my papers. Now I'm part of the many Bay Areans who have had jobs tying to the high tech industry. And I can not live without the web. When in doubt, go Google it. The term "Google" is like "Post-it" or "Kleenex". How did that become so powerful? I remember when I first start using the web, I was using WebCawler. What happened to them? Geeze, now I'm feeling old!
Today, I was in search of the perfect social media icons for my new blog. And where did I go? GOOGLE! There are so many out there. There are just so many talented designers out there and came out with some great ideas and icons. I wish I can use them all. Here are some of my favs that I want to share with you.
And I searched, there's no camera ones. I guess that would of been my default and probably the rest of the photographers out there as well.
There's Ice coffee, latte cup coffee, I think I like the hot coffe cup look the best.
Designer Jeans!! 
Clever RSS, where's my Cheese? 
Being a business owner, one thing you need to do is to define yourself. What is your brand? What are you trying to say with your brand. So easy said than done. My friend, Janice Fung been working with me over a year to get my look for me. She did this awesome brown and gold coloring for me and it was very luxurious and warm. But I am such a pain in the butt and ask for Red. Booooo!! :P I hope my clients like my new logo. The new look will slowly coming.
I was trying out this calendar template I got form Design Aglow and print it out just to see how it look in real life. And it turned out to be quite fancy. I didn't want to give it away. LOL!! The picture didn't do it justice. The real thing is really shine and WOW!!! :)
One of my girlfriends who works at the California Academy of Sciences just hook me up with the coolest coupon. I'm going to share it with all of you!
Save $5 off all general admission tickets purchased during the month of February.
California Academy of Sciences staff invites you to take advantage of this offer by going to www.calacademy.org/tickets/admission and entering the promo code and referral code listed below. Tickets purchased during this promotion can be used any time within one year of the purchase date.
Promo Code: 555999
Referral Code: rjones80
Last year, many of my clients really enjoyed the collages. So this year, it is going to be one of the main new features. Check out one of the collages I put together over the weekend for the 3 open products.
I've been to workshops and seminars talking about how important branding is. To be honest, after all those, it was still very hard and confusing for me to think of a brand. What does it mean? How do I want to be perceived? What message should I send to my potential clients?
One idea was to ask a friend to ask them to tell you 5 adjectives about who you are. Some said look through your pictures and write down 5 adjectives. All these exercises seem very straight forward and easy, but boy was it hard?! It was way easier said than done.
This past week, I met Rebecca Blackwell. Rebecca helps small business come up with marketing plans. And I am in love with her!! She spoke my language. She made it so easy to understand how to come up with a brand. The woman is a genius!! She is filled with ideas. I wish I can talk to her everyday to get energized. :) She helped me really understand who I am, and now I'm very clear of what my brand should be. Did I mention I'm in love with her? I think all small businesses need to give her a ring because she have so many great ideas that will save you a ton of time and money.
It is always bittersweet when a photographer has you photograph him/her. The bitter part is, "Oh *beep*!" Scared and anxious feelings run over me. The thought of, what happens if I don't do well, what happens if he/she doesn't like them. The thoughts goes on and on. However, the sweet part is you know deep down, the only reason why that photographer ask you to photograph him/her is because they respect and enjoy your work. Another artist admiring your art. WOW! What a wonderful feeling that was?!
I met Janet from one of the many workshops I've been to. She truely has a calming effect and a BIG sweet heart. I had so much fun working with her and we shared tips and tricks with each other during the session. It is also great to see the passion Harold and Janet have for each other after many years and 2 children later. I love love love these images! The passion and love just bleeds through the images.
I was enjoying the slow start of 2010, but now it seems like the fun is starting to pick up again.
Last weekend, I volunteered at my daughter's school for their Moms and Muffins event. I love volunteering, it's one way to give back to the community. It is so sad that the school budgets are constantly being cut and our children are not given the same exposure to art, music and field trips.
I am very excited that a few Lammersville moms have a heart of gold. They donate many hours of their time and money to participate heavily in the fundraisers. These ladies truly inspire me!
Today, I got a day off with the kids. Every month Aislinn need to do a family project for her school. This month, we are going to Krispy Kreme. I've been dying to take the kids there. It is like the PBS shows where you can see how things are made. Well, I guess that's the old school days. Now we have show like "How things are made". LOL!
When I first wanting to become a professional photographer, I never thought I would also be a small business owner. Now I know to be successful in this, I would need to know my expensives, my budget and my books. Wow, sound so complicated. The left brain is definitely have battles over the right brain.
Today, I got an email from a talented baker, Cali Matthews, whose the owner of Foxy Bear Bakery. In her note she said, "I'm always sooooo encouraged by your enthusiasm." I'm so glad to hear. Being a small business owner, the odds just not in our favor. I think being able to encourage each other is very important since there are a lot of ups and down that comes with the journey. It is just so important to have a support system and many cheerleaders on your side.
Here is some of the wonderful goodies she makes! Find her on MySpace or Facebook.
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