$5 off California Academy of Sciences, woohoo!!

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

New Product, kind of...

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.

Marketing for Small Business

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.

Honor

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.

Giving Back

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!