Day 1 Studio Renovation

So today we started renovation!  We have a long ways to go, just hope we can have it painted and ready to go by this Saturday.  We may not have the flooring, but it will be cleaned, and beautifully painted, so I can deal with that by then :)

Friday out of the blue my husband said, "Lets go looking at some offices.  I would love for you to have your own space, and your doing so good, I have faith that it is time."  So, we made an appointment to go today, but we found one this Saturday just by riding around, and then signed the lease and got the keys yesterday after Church!  Went to Lowes last night after night services at our local Church, and bought the paint!

We were very brave and took the kids with us, I helped paint a small wall (I'm not a great painter), and try to keep the kids out the paint, but well behold, that didn't last long.  I ended up having to leave to give Sophia a bath where she decided to pour paint in her HAIR!!  Uhh, I still can't get it out!  Here some before and where we are now images!  Sure lots left, but all in good time!

 Oreo Break!!

This is before we started and our stopping point :)  The settings on my camera are both the same.  SS 125 FS 5.6 ISO 6400 on my Nikon D700 with my 18-105mm lens.  See what a big difference a neutral color makes!  It brightened the room up instantly!!

And of course little man painting his wall, then the after on another wall of his artistic work!

I will update everyday because I am too excited not to!

I have a great deal going on this week until Friday for session fees!  If you are wanting to book, this would be the BEST time to book!

Hanging Out With The Kiddos

I was so excited to take some time off, but the time wasn't going to be spent really "off".  There are so many things one can't do on their own when running a business.  The shooting and editing take up most of my time, and then you have to keep files, receipts, file taxes, pay bills, clean, cook, be a great wife, and a great mother.  It is all time consuming really!  So this time "off" is being by getting caught up in editing, updating my website, and keeping my blog up!  This afternoon, I decide to leave the computer, leave my files scattered, and take my kiddos out!!  You always see them dressed up on my photography page being my little models, but here they are, just real kids having fun with their mommy while I chase them around with my camera!

We slid, dug in dirt (she ate it), played catch, and just watched the clouds move in the sky while the wind blew our hair!  I'd say it was a great afternoon well spent!

I look forward to our beach camping trip this weekend, and will most def blog about it!  Have a great weekend y'all!  Cherish the tiny moments, they go by oh so fast!

Lions and Tigers and Bears Oh My!

The Circus will be coming to Charlotte King Photography this Summer!!  I'm getting emails to send out to my child models (only the ones that turned in their form on time), and have my crafty vendors hard at work!! We have our small little circus tent (this will be great for ages 5 and under), will have banners galore, hoping to find a large plush elephant and lion, ticket/popcorn booth, suspenders, tutus, top hats, and much much more!!  All models will receive 5 invitations to hand out to friends/family members, or even stick in your neighbors mailbox!

I haven't figured the cost into this yet considering their are a lot of props to be made, to cater to certain ages, but it will still be affordable!!

Secret Session:
Yup, it is top secret.  I was quite inspired by another photographers blog, that I think it was so great, I wanted to recreate it, but in my own way!  This is primarily for 18 month-4 years of age.  I am lining my kids up on that end as well.  It is "secret" so I can't spill the beans, and they can't either, but in about a month or so, you will see what I'm working on!

So drum roll please..............................................................................................
SPRING CUTEST KIDS CONTEST IS STARTING........................SOON!
As of today, start sending in your pictures to ckingphotography2011@gmail.com  Ages 3 months-10 years will be accepted!
We will be doing a "point" system.  This is the rules and how it will work!
For every like of the picture, you are entitled to one point.
For every comment on the picture, you are entitled to five points.
For every person that likes my page, and comments on my wall they did so, and the child they did it for, it will count as 10 points!
The child with the most points will win!
What are you winning you wonder?  A full STUDIO hour to be used in June/July (you choose what date/time I have available), and a 30% off print/product, and a free mini accordion book.
Second place will receive a half off full studio hour to be used same months as well, a 15% off print/product, and a free set of wallets.
Each other child will receive $10 off session fee, and a free 8x10 with each booked session!

Images submitted after Wednesday April 17th, will not be put up, so make sure to submit your images before them!

So, lets make sure I put this out, (I don't like the fine print to get missed), I require a $200 purchase minimum after promo codes, and you have two weeks of proof gallery.  If you do not order before your proof gallery expires, then the promo codes go away.  A model release must be signed to have a Facebook sneak peek.

So that is it, get those images in!  PLEASE do not send an image of your child taken by another photographer.  I do not post those, because my clients aren't allowed to do it via Copyright Law.

Next thing on my Agenda!
Beach Mini Sessions!  This will take place, St. Andrews Park, Panama City, FL on June 15th.  Times are very limited for these!  They are 6:00 PM 6:30 PM 7:00 PM and 7:30 PM.  These will be considered "Golden Hour Beach Minis".  Cost will be $150 for thirty minutes of time, 3 downloadable High Res Images with Print Release, and an 11x14 mounted Print.  This is a great deal, since everything is a value of $217!  Note, this does not include tax, their will be a .09% tax charge.  A deposit of $50 is due to hold your time, the rest is due before that Friday of the minis!  You will receive a paid in full discount of 30% off any further prints/products.  There will be a minimum $50 purchase order on these as well.  Your proof galleries will be up for one week, and promo codes are no good once they expire out!

Exciting fun things going on, make sure to join in the fun!!

Policy/Price Changes

I have made so many changes the past few years being in business, rather it is policy changes, or price changes.  I know when you hear "price changes" you tend to freak out!  No worries over here, but yes, there has been a price change.

When starting out, I had no clue what on earth I was doing, but the further I took classes, invested in myself, I've had to make changes along the way.  First off let me state a few things:

Why do you charge this and you work out of your home?
Yes, my studio is located in my home, but there are many baby photographers out there that has their studio as a home based studio!  Trust me, I'm going to do a % survey, maybe I can get people to help me out with it today, and do an update to this!

So, I had to instate a print minimum of $200 at EACH sitting.  This is my job, and although photography is my passion, I have bills just like everyone else that I like to pay!  I am starting to cut back on my sessions that I take in, so this is important to me.  I mean, the average person that comes in normally spends $150-$500 per sitting.  So, even when I run a really good sale, you still have to meet that $200 requirement.  After November 1st, when I start back working, I will ONLY take on 4 sessions a month until my baby is a bit older to be left with Daddy for a lot longer.  I exclusively BF my babies, so this time is very important to me!

Family is first in my book.  At times I have busted my butt off to better serve my customers, and my husband is so furious at it.  So, a set schedule is being in place!  Sunday-Monday will be off, off from print pick up's, off from Facebook, off from emailing, off from editing, and just OFF!  Tuesday-Friday 10:00-3:00 I will work on all of the above, but no sessions.  Saturday will be sessions only, so emails will be returned Tuesday morning!  I really have to get organized, and I think this will totally help!

Frequent questions that have or may be asked!

Charlotte, I can't reach you, why aren't you answering your phone?
Phone has been cut off with Time Warner, by the end of the day {promise} I'll have a phone number to give!  I don't like giving out my personal number, and when I add a cell phone to my business, please NO text, I do not text, that is not how you run a business.  I rather email versus text!!!  I don't mind texting to remind, or for an address, but no business stuff on text messages please!  Thanks!

I have 2012 pricing still, does that mean I have to make purchase minimum?
Yes, it does.  Even though you have 2012 pricing, it does state, "Prices are subject to change", but instead of making you go straight to 2013 prices, I'm just saying, make the minimum!

I won a contest, do I have to still make print minimum?
Why yes you do!  Even though you received a 50% off ordering promo code, or anything else, make sure you get that minimum in!

Why is there now a $100 Print minimum before buying digital images?
I spend quite some time thinking your session, setting up, shooting time, culling, dowloading, proofing, editing, uploading, that it really stinks when someone takes a masterpiece and goes to Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, Sams, or wherever, and ruins that image!  I rather you have prints to cherish and see the difference verses getting something you are unhappy with, because you got it for $1.99.

Charlotte, do you shoot Weddings and how much?
No, I do not shoot weddings any longer.  I am flattered that you love my work enough, but I don't have time for weddings in my schedule, and I love my babies to much!  I refer out to Angela Crowe and you can reach her at www.angelacrowephoto.com

Why don't you put all my images on Facebook?
I'm sorry, but watermarking, web re-sizing them takes forever, it takes time from me being able to even edit your session, along with others!  So be patient.  Each session will come with ONE sneak peek before order is placed, then I will put up two more from your order.  I have had trouble with image theft in the past, and even present.  That is why each image in the middle is watermarked with "do not copy do not save" and has my logo on the image.

How long till I will see my images?
Up to two weeks.

Why do you delete images after 6 months?
I shoot a lot of sessions each month, so I can't have all images on my computer, and I think if you haven't ordered within 6 month time frame, then you really want {sorry to be blunt}.  All sessions that are hitting six months on my computer can have either two options.  To purchase from, and I'll delete, or to archive them for $35 a month.  Now, if you place a large order of $350 + from your session, they will stay with me up to two years.

When will all these new changes take affect?
Immediately.  All sessions that are on my books from now on out will have it.

Are cell phones allowed at sessions?
Sure, I don't care!  Now if it gets to the point where clients aren't ordering, I will ban them, but for now on, I don't mind it one bit!  I just asked to keep it on silent!

Do you offer a payment plan?
Why yes I do!  You pay half down before your gallery expires, and we split the rest according to how you need to pay!  Once your order is paid in full, I'll place your order!  You still will receive your paid in full discount as long as you pay half down before your gallery expires!

I think those are most frequent questions, if you have any more, please ask so I can add them to an actual list in the next few weeks!

Now onto Policy affects!

A contract will be signed from now on out.  I will email it to you, and you have to get it back to me either email or mail it to my address located on my Page.  If you have a problem signing the contract, then we will not be able to book your session, and any deposit paid is Non-Refundable.

Re-list fee is now $50.00.  If you do not order from your gallery, you must pay this fee.  I will no longer accept emails stating what you want, and when you can pay.  Gallery's are two weeks, and by the end of it, is when you should place your order.  If it expires without placing your order, then you will have a $50 fee that has to be paid before I put it up.  There are NO exceptions.

No Shows/Last minute cancellations will be subject to a $50 reschedule fee.  No shows will have to repay their whole session fee, and the second time you are a no show, I will no longer book you.  You have 48 hours to cancel your session, but I do understand true emergencies, but just because you slept late, and so forth, that is unacceptable   I was in the Army for 6 years and am very big on being on time and being prompt!

6 month storing policy hasn't changed, still the same!

One Facebook sneak peek WITH signed release will be put up, after you order, I will put up two more from your purchased order!  I may post more, but right now, just one sneak peak.

Okay, I think I think I have covered everything!  Whew!  Okay, questions, comments, let me know!  

Charlotte King Photography Behind the Scenes Dothan, AL baby photographer

So, I never got a chance to share some behind the scenes that were taken of me by Kyler Jordan Photography back in December at my Newborn Models newborn session!  I don't get many shots of me in action, but I cherish these, and I really want to make a promo video this year, but it will come at a time when I am really ready!!

As you can see, I'm pretty "hands on"!  Sweet Peyton wouldn't sleep a drop, but her images came out very beautiful!  This is the result from her session!  Just a few at least :)

She is just as precious as can be!!

If you are interested in some one on one mentoring, it is available, by appointment.  One on one mentoring, is only available on certain days, it could be for just a few hours, or an all day event, so pricing will determine on that.  It will cover all the must know info, and be great for you to get some hands on learning with a Professional Photographer!

I also have a Newborn workshop planned for May 25th, I will need a newborn that will be between 4-10 days old!

It will be an all day event, so come prepared!  Starting at 9:00 we will start setting up, ask questions the whole time you are here!!  At 9:45 we will take a break so you will be ready to start up at 10:00.  Baby will arrive while you are on break, and if he/she hasn't been fed (which I recommend), then we will let baby eat.  We will start off with parent shots, then move to two bean bag set ups, and at least two floor set ups.  This can all be subject to change, because every baby is different!  There is plenty of time to stop for baby to take feeding breaks and so forth.

During shooting, I will teach you ways to correctly pose, how to get shots from using different angles, and we will do a composite shot SAFELY!  You will learn that Newborn safety is #1, and should be at all times!

We will wrap up shooting at 12:00, and food will be catered to us from Firehouse subs.  Your Workshop fee will cover lunch.

We will come back in after lunch do a clean up, and then come to the computer.  If you have a laptop that you can work on, feel free to bring it, I will allow each person to place their memory card in my computer, choose an image of their liking, and we will go over editing on that image!  Each student WILL get some shooting time in, which could be shooting while I shoot, but please keep in mind, I shoot strobes, and they trigger, so we will take turns, one at a time using my triggers, so we don't keep flashing and it burns up and makes baby mad!

We will have a "ask a way" session after that, and we will go over any lighting techniques, pricing structure and so forth!  Price of this class is $150, and I will only take 6 students.  Class will last no longer than 3:00, and may get out sooner.  The first 2 that enrolls and pays in full will receive $50 off.  There is a NON-REFUNDABLE $50 deposit to hold your slot!

Here are a few recent shots as well to add to my newborn portfolio and I look forward to this workshop and meeting all new photographers!  Please email ckingphotography2011@gmail.com for any questions to to get me your deposit!  Must have a minimum of 3 students!