Peighton {Newborn} Charlotte King Photography/Bellies To Toddlers Bellies, Newborn, Babies, Toddlers and Children Photographer, Dothan, AL

Last Tuesday I got the privileged to meet precious Peighton!  Oh, I met her gorgeous mommy when she was pregnant for her maternity session!  That was a fun adventure riding up a road in the middle of no where spot locating (and fighting off rain)!

Peighton was a lovely 8 days old for her newborn session, and I honestly can say 4 days old and 8 days old right now are the sweet honey spots for those sleepy newbie shots!  She was absolutely perfect!  Slept the whole time, and we managed to wrap up her session in an hour and a half!  We did several set ups, filling in some personality from her family.  Dad is a country boy, Mom is a gorgeous red head, and I tied in my little taste {of course I HAD to use my Downton Abbey (baby bowler) hat from the incredible Pure Fabrications}!  I have to say, I have enjoyed being friends with my vendors on Facebook, they are such lovely ladies!  So some country boots, a John Deere Hat, and a sweet Strawberry outfit made for a very dapper little lady!  I was thinking she would have that red hair like her mommy and sissy, but in fact, Dad won on this one!

Here are some images from her session!  Enjoy all the goodness!!

She came in just a smiling and of course I caught that lovely smile!  I get asked a lot what I do to get them to smile, but in fact, a newborn just genuinly smiles when they sleep.  Some have different versions of smiling, but I sure know what to look for.  Sometimes a gentle rub near the lips works, but just be on guard and not miss them, because they come 1, 2, 3, then its gone until she gets that sweet dream again!

Are you expecting?  Make sure to book prior to delivery!  I offer a free baby registry!!

2013 Reflection

So, I came in the studio to reflect some of my price changes.  While they aren't huge changes, I still like to keep my clients up to date.

ALL 2012 PRICE LIST will increase a few dollars, not by much.  My print lab (if you read one of my latest blogs), has increased the price per product, so I will have to make those changes to be able to order prints and ect.  Its the circle of life, and unfortunately I hate to do it, but I have to make that change.  When I say a few dollars, I mean a few dollars, not more than $3.00 literally so don't freak out!!

I added a new collection to my collections.  If you haven't noticed, Print Packages have been done away with.  I will no longer offer print packages.  You can build your own package, but as far as that, my collections are to be purchased from.  You can't use a promo code on a collection.  A collection already has a discount to it, saving you money, so therefore, I can't allow promo codes on collections.

$75 minimum order has increased to $100, yes it was $200, then I moved it to $75, and now to $100.  This was my first month in my studio, with my rent, electric, internet and ect.  I had to see how much my overhead would be and how sales boosted.  I not only have to make enough for my overhead, but of course, I have to pay my own little bills :)  The minimum purchase is for 2012 and 2013 clients.  This will be my last price list change, but keep in mind, it is always subject to change.

Beginning July 2013, I will only work ONE Saturday a month.  This is to give me my weekend back with my family, and to prep for Ella's arrival!

Digital Images
As requested, a 30 image digital collection, as well as keeping the 60 image digital collection was added.  I understand some don't want 60 images (I know I get overwhelmed with that many as well), if you feel that 30 is still enough, I over individual files.  Also, you will now have a PASS gallery posted once you purchase digital images.  This allows you to share via email, website, Facebook, and ect.  You can download your images right then, and even create a free app on your smartphone.  However, it is only good for 30 days, but it is something awesome that I am now adding to my digital images bought.  You can have it for a 1 year for a $29.99 charge.

Proof Galleries VS Viewing Consultation
I have added proof galleries back.  Being a Small Business Owner, it is hard for me to juggle all aspects of business, and then adding in viewing consults.  I LOVED doing viewing consults, but I can't right now with me being a one man show.  However, I do see them being in my future.  For now on, a 5 day proof gallery will be added.  YOU decide when you want to have it up, this is an opportunity for you to guess when you can purchase from it.  It has to be purchased by day 5.  As always, you have the option to password protect or to add public.  That is up to you, for no additional cost.

Promo Codes
Promo codes are going to start downsizing from having them all of the time.  I've simply just seen my first trial in owning a commercial building and actually being a professional photographer.  If you pay in full (your session), you will still get a 10% off promo code.  This will not disappear.  Another change is all discounts can't exceed more than 30% off unless I run a special or a sale.

Checkout
Checkout HAS to be done through Shootproof.  The only time you should need to email your order in is if you have a Gift certificate (which I am still working in how to add that in), and buying a collection.

A model release and contract must be signed.  You will soon (when inquiring and even booking), will be sent an email with a welcome packet alone with my contract and model release.  If you do not sign a model release I can't list your sneak peeks.

Image Cleanup.
I am about to do my annual image cleanup.  All images taken from November 2012, to April 2013 will be getting cleaned up and locked into the archives.  I am wavering those proof gallery fees, I will soon release an email with whose sessions are still on my computer that hasn't been purchased from, or even those who would like to add a few more from that session.  Once they go to the archives, there will be a $100 dig out fee.

If you are wondering about price list, it is listed on this blog under the investment tab.  I think the new collection added will be the best one yet!

Sweet Sweet Summer Contest has been announced on my Facebook page, all images will start being uploaded tomorrow afternoon, and I'm only taking entries until this Saturday.  Check my page out for more information!

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to post them here, message me, or email me!

"Why I Will Go With A Pro Newborn Photographer" Charlotte King Photography {Bellies to toddlers} Dothan, Alabama Newborn Photographer

So, a few days ago, I nicely asked to have those who didn't go to a newborn photographer, or even a professional photographer, to simply send in an anonymous email with their experience, and well, I at first didn't expect anyone to really answer to my request, but I was surprised I had a few emails in my inbox with their story.

First off, let me go with my story.  Also let me state, this is NOT to bash any local photographer, I have no names to who sent me emails, nor did I want to know who the photographer was, this is to simply educate clients, and even photographers.

When I was pregnant with my first child, I had no clue on the importance of images.  I didn't know the beautiful of newborn photography.  So, on day two at the hospital, a "Photographer" came by my room, and said she would be back at X time to take his newborn pictures.  I thought well great, that is awesome.  This is what I got:

Why I love that I have "something", I'm very disappointed that I never knew about newborn photography.  I would have paid to have the best images, because now, almost 3 years later, I look back and think that I don't have nothing.  I have snapshots, but nothing that I could honestly hang on my wall.  His 3 month session I took him to Olan Mills, and only because they stopped me in the Mall, and offered me this amazing deal, then I ended up spending way more than that deal.  They are way better than his newborn images, but not the quality I would have got if I went to a professional photographer.

When he turned 1, I took him to an amazing photographer around Dothan.  While they were one of the most expensive photographers, I can honestly say, that was the best money I ever spent.

I of course had been dabbling into photography at that point, but I couldn't let that milestone pass me by with just being satisfied with doing them on my own.  I'm happy with the choice I made.

With my second I took her images, they are on my old computer, so I can't share them on here!

Now, a few years down the road, I am producing breathtaking newborn images.  I feel bad for not having anything of him, professionally, and I tell you, that will eat at you if you do it for the rest.  My 3rd will be spoiled because mommy is great at her job now, and she will take over my walls!

Onto my next unknown person.  (the gender will be X out)

 I was offered free newborn pics from a local photographer... worst move ever!  Well X wanted to charge 100, but I asked to see samples from other shoots and X said X had never done them... I should have known then! So X offered to do it free and since X doesn't have a studio X came to my house and asked where my props were!!! So I gathered what I could find and just as we start X like by the way I hate doing newborns because you can't get them to do what you want. Then had no idea what X was doing idea wise. I had to help X with ideas! After an hour of him crying and X complaining I finally told her whatever X had would be fine.

I didn't with my first and regretted it. Still do. I made sure I got my second child's pics done. 
Pictures are important to me. Very very important. I have tons of framed pictures in my house as well as scrap booked too. As much as I love cloth diaper I wouldn't trade them for pictures. I feel like they're only this big once, pictures and memories are all you've got.

While so many have reasons behind not getting newborn images, I have done some research this week as far as reading baby forums and such.  I was very surprised to how many said, "We bought me a fancy camera so I could just do them, or Hospital does great, or Walmart, Sears, and Olan Mills are just the same as a pro.

Let me state, you may have a great DSLR, do you know how to shoot in manual mode?  Do you know what exposure, aperture, ISO, and Shutter speed are?  Do you know how to utilize light?  Do you know that the lens that came with the camera isn't as great as a Prime Lens?

"I was given a free session".  Let me say, have a back up plan!  Why that Photographer just gave you a free session, it is for Portfolio building, you are not going to get quality, why there may be some amazing images, you don't want to take a chance on looking back when your baby is turning 3 thinking about what you should have done.

Walmart, Sears and Olan Mills.
Oh boy, i had to make that a heading!  Let me break it down.  Walmart and Sears are all shut down.  Olan Mills is heading that direction.  They shut down because they were a cheesy business, who gave you a 15 minute time slot, and ruined images with craptastic editing.  I mean, I'm not one for color pop or vignetting.  If you do, that is fine, and that is your style, but I for one feel that it is a bit tacky and unprofessional.  That is MY opinion.  Also, I'm not sure how I would feel if I paid for a Baby Plan, and every 3 months, they had someone new, because they hire just anyone that came in, not actual photographers.  Also, who needs 18 8x10s with the SAME pose!!  I have to say, at least with my packages you do choose different poses, and of course, I'm not going anywhere, so we build a connection, and love to chit chat with you!

Red flags when booking a photographer:
"I specialize in weddings, engagement  children, babies, newborns, maternity, seniors, and events".  Let me break that down, that is simply not a specialty.  A specialty is to specialize in a certain category.  Such as I, I specialize in "Bellies to toddlers".  An "all" photographer should simply say, "I do all photography".  You will see new photographers starting out that will post everything under the sun, because they haven't found their spot, but please remove "specialize" from your about me section.  

Oh my favorite, "I'm cheap, got a good camera, and I travel".  Lets break that down into, "I don't know what I'm doing, I bought a camera I have no clue how to use, and I have no studio."  Once again, not knocking down on location photographers, I use to do that as well, but be aware of how you word yourself.

"I'm a natural light photographer".  That is great!  But check out their portfolio, make sure they don't have sun spots, or blown out images.  I love photographers who use natural light, but many don't know how to use it.  I can honestly say, I am not great with natural light.  I can use it, but I prefer not to.  I like my storbes too much!  Paul C Buff has spoiled this girl with her hot pink Alien Bees!

Just read the about me section and look at portfolio.  Check the website, your website should shine!  I know mine needs some polishing :)

Now the breakdown on my part to my Professionals may seem a little mad towards amateurs.  This is once again from MY point of view.

Personally, I spent the time out of my day to get the correct business license I need, plus I pay sales tax.  I get mad when I see those doing the incorrect and ILLEGAL things, but I'm not one to turn you in, but I will say, there are others that are watching, and just go ahead and get right.  Houston County/Alabama license was less than $7.00, Dothan City was $110, tax registration was free, you just have to pay them from your sales each month INCLUDING session fees.  

My equipment wasn't cheap, nor my camera.  I don't have a basic entry level DSLR, I use a great set of strobes, I provide props for my clients, I now have a studio.  I've done everything I could think of to start out.  My first year, I started with what I had, then started investing in my business.  If this is what you want, invest in it.  Have the right gear.  

I honestly hate when someone ask for a beanbag for newborns, and I see, "Go to Walmart, they are $15 and great".  Let me state, they are round, and a baby could roll off of that thing, plus it isn't big enough for multiples.  It just isn't safe, and personally, I wouldn't let someone put my baby on one.  I have a Bella Bun, I think I paid $165 for it, and it took me 6 months to save for it, but I did it!  Get the right things if this is what you want to do.  

A baby doesn't magically hang in a cocoon, it doesn't magically hold it's own head up.  That is called composites and is done in photoshop.

No, Picnik or whatever those free editing softwares are, don't match up to Elements, or even to Adobe Photoshop.  I use CS6, it is a $1200 editing software.  No, I couldn't afford to pay it up front, but Adobe allows you to do a payment plan, so I pay $19.99 a month.

I took workshops, I go to things such as Imaging USA, I do online tutorials, Youtube, and buy books and study them all of the time.  I haven't and will never have the attitude that I think I am the best and need to not learn anymore.  I am good, I can admit to that, but I am not on the level I want to be yet.  I have came a very long way from when I first started.  

Top image is the first Newborn I took images of in 2011.  The bottom is from my newborn session yesterday.  I honestly can say, if I never took any classes, I'm not sure that I would be where I am today.  I am thankful for those that believed in me, and that is what photographers need.  Someone to believe in them.  Photographers, believe in yourself.  Take a look back, and see if you can find any workshops in your area that will better you at your goal of a photographer.  

While I'm not saying, "Use me to learn from", I don't mind teaching at all, but I don't want anyone to think this was meant to advertise my newborn workshop this Saturday, and yes I still have spots, and yes I would love to teach you!

I am in fact, a very kind, and humble person.  But I do get burnt out of seeing images that put baby in harm, or me sitting here paying my taxes, while those who don't have a license or a tax id advertise their new business adventure.  Please, if you have any questions on how to get your business running properly, I am here to help.  If it is further more questions, please set up a time for a one on one mentoring session.  

What I want for my readers to get out of this, for clients, go Pro.  Don't second guess yourself.  I pride myself on being the best prices professional photographer in my limits, hosting sales and discounts galore.  Speaking of, keep a look out on my Memorial Day weekend sale that will start this afternoon!!!  

Photographers, think a great business strategy, and re word your about me section so you want confuse your future clients.  Make it inciting  and true.  Write a list down of what you like about your style, and what you need to improve on, then act on it!  Become great, become a walking memory!  I can walk in Botanical Gardens, and I can remember every single session, and the moment it happened.  When you get a great client, they are with you for life, you are connected, and in a sense, you become family!

Building Connections, Working Together, and Creating Memories {Dothan, Alabama Bellies, Newborn, Babies, and Toddler Photographer}

As I sit back, order prints, chit chat with clients, it hits me.  Wow, 2013 has been such an amazing year!  I have "virtually" met some of the most amazing vendors, that are so inspiring, kind, and AMAZING at what they do!  Without them, I wouldn't have the adorable hats, super cute backdrops, little wooden bowls, amazing prints, cubes, canvas, and such forth!

When I take a step back and look at how things have came to build, who knew the relationships with clients that would grow amazingly.  I have clients that are just plain awesome!  I love to see them in public, and just chit chat on how the kids are!  It's amazing when they see you and stop just to say "Hi!".  It really makes me feel like we connected during our session!  Many of you think I talk your head off, but we all get each other, we have kids, and sometimes, its nice to talk to an adult for once!

So, just some images and I'll link my vendors from my past few sessions!

 Chevron Backdrop: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bits-Bobs-Galore-A-Photographers-Prop-Haven/116403421727829?fref=ts
Floor Backdrop: https://www.facebook.com/LemonDropBackdrops?fref=ts

Backdrop and Floordrop: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bits-Bobs-Galore-A-Photographers-Prop-Haven/116403421727829?fref=ts
Bird Hat: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Custom-Crochet-Jewelry-By-Amber/139079706124648

I'll post more blogs on my sessions once I have time, but those are ones that were recently purchased from that I had the consent to post on Facebook/Web!

When setting up and going into a commercial building, the excitement was defiantly there, but fear was my main factor in doing so.  I mean, in this economy  and with ever mom and pop (no offense) owning a camera, it makes it super hard to do my job.  I have overhead now, and while people may think I make an arm and a leg, I don't.  I make enough to pay my bills, and have some left to get a haircut and a new shirt every once in a while.  I try to be as humble as I can.  When I first started Photography, I did it to be affordable, but the more I grew into it, and the more I saw what he right equipment and set up I needed costed, I had to slowly up my prices.  While I can say with out a doubt, I am the most affordable Professional Photographer in the Wiregrass.  I wouldn't call myself cheap, I would just say affordable.  Anyways, so back to fear factor.  There is a lot to owning a commercial business, and I'm a small business on top of that.  I don't have 10 years of knowledge, I have 3, I don't have a top A list clients, I have amazing families that want the best for themselves, but just can't afford a $60 8x10 (don't worry guys, mine will NEVER EVER be that high), mine is actually $25 right now.  I had the average Joe in mind when compiling my price list.  On top of that, I do sales, trivia, promos, freebies!  So, when my fear set in, I started a $200 purchase minimum, and man, then I thought to myself, Charlotte, your prices are amazing, you don't have to put it that high, but you still have to make your bills, so I changed it to a $75 purchase minimum.  So there it is for those of you that haven't got the new memo :)

Going commercial has been the best opportunity for my business and myself.  It is nice not having clients walk through my home anymore and go to my garage and hear my kids bang on the door because they want Mommy.  I am set up like an actual pro, and the feeling is amazing!  I feel like, my prices can honestly reflect not only my quality that I produce, but the fact that I am now commercial, it just makes me shine in pure happiness!

On to the changes!

So, the other day, my lovely print lab, sent out an email stating that they are thrilled to offer affordable prints/products, but the end of this month, they will have a slight price increase (sounds like me huh!), so, I do have to reflect that in my prices, and it want be a huge price increase, just a few dollars!

I also have heard numerous votes for a smaller CD package bundle.  I will do 2 levels of CD's once again (like I originally use to do), it will be bundled at 30 and 60.  Not everyone really wants 60 images, but it is cheaper to bundle, than buy individually.

I will also be adding some awesome new things to my line, and they will be shown in the studio.

Ordering consults.  Ahh, how I wanted to do them super bad, but it will be easier if I had an assistant, and I'm still not at the financial ground to hire out.  So for now on, you will have a choice, either viewing/ordering consult 2 days after I edit your images, or a 5 day proof gallery.  That proof gallery can start when YOU want it to start, but it does have to be ordered from before it ends.  So, this is the way promo codes will work on your galleries if you choose that route.  The first day it starts, you will be emailed a promo code for 30% off, which is good for the FIRST day only, so it will expire at midnight on that first listing day.  On day 2, you will receive a promo code for 20% off that can be used until day 4, it will expire at midnight on day 4.   On day 5, you will receive a promo code for 10% off.  So, the earlier you place your order, the more savings you will have, and you have control of when your gallery goes up!  Very awesome!

Hope I haven't confused you yet!

If your gallery expires, with no ordering, there is a $50 relist fee, and no promo codes (unless I have a sale). You can get an extra 10% off by being Military, AFS, Police, Firefighter, or a Dothan Mom Meet Up Member.  Discounts can't combine more than 40% off.

I no longer accept checks, I do however accept PayPal, Credit, Debit, and of course cash.  My hours of business are from Tuesday-Friday from 11:00-3:00.  I will take the weekend completely off, so no emails, no Facebook, and no blogging :)  If I have a weekend I'm working (only on Saturdays), I will spend some time answering!  One great thing now is I have my personal and business life separated and it is great!

As always, editing time is up to 2 weeks (right now, it has been about 1-1 1/2 weeks).

Reward Points:
   So, I completely forgot about my reward cards I have, so I will keep up with them "virtually".  This is how they will work:
Booked Session-1 Point
Booked Mini Session-1 Point
$75+ minimum purchase order-1 Point
$300+ purchase order-1 Point
Booked Referral-1 Point
Once you get all 5 points from each category you will get a free session on the house!  If you refer up to 5 people before completing the point system, you will also earn a free session!

Referral System:
**New**Regular Booked sessions, the referred person, and the person doing the referring will each get a $30 print credit (use to be $25).  Once you get to 5 referrals, you earn a free session.
Mini Session referrals will get a $15 print credit.

SUMMER CONTEST COMING SOON, BE ON THE LOOK FOR DETAILS!!!

YIKES! Where has the time gone!! {Dothan, AL Newborn, Baby, Toddler, and Child Photographer}

Whoa, I have been so knee deep in studio renov and sessions I haven't stopped and blogged!  Well, that can be a good thing though!

Ahh, so everything is coming along just fine on the studio front.  Painting is done, flooring is almost complete, now waiting on beautiful images to come in to flow on my wall to show my art!  I have been blessed beyond measure in the studio opening.  I am "open", but I am planning on my Grand Opening in June!  It will be super great!  I would love to mingle with those that I haven't met, AND, beyond all believe, I will be giving away to the first 25 people that come by the studio on the Grand Opening date a $50 CKP Credit!  Can be used towards session, prints, products, baby plans :)  Yes, how grand is that!  Then for the next 25, I will be giving away $25 CKP Credit!  So, it is surly something you don't want to miss!  I plan on serving a few snacks, and having fun door prizes!  I am going to be gifting away a huge Gift Basket loaded with goodies that every Mom would love to have!  Have I won you over just yet?!

So far, to date at least, I have done 58 sessions which is completely amazing!  Out of those 58, 9 are newborns!  I set a goal to shoot 30 newborns for the 2013 Year.  I do believe I can do that!  I had one born yesterday, then another that will be born today, and then I have 3 more on the books between now and July!  That will put me at the half way mark!  So, I would like to announce a little newborn sale!  Between now and  May 25th, I would like to put all newborn sessions HALF OFF!!  Yes, that is right, making it only $75!!  My newborn session includes a maternity session, your two hour newborn session, 25 birth announcements  and then 20% off of your order (at both viewing consultations).  If you order, or start payment plan the day you order with a down payment, you will receive an extra 10% off!

This is too good to miss!  I am so stinking excited to use my new skills I have been learning, and creating beautiful images that will last you a life time!

So, I would like to update you all on the pregnancy!  The baby is still cooking (thank goodness!).  He/She tried to trick my body into letting it out a little early last week.  We go tomorrow to find out if we are having a boy or a girl, and to be honest, I just can't pin point which one we will have.  I feel like I will have the "hidden twin".  We are excited.  The kids want a girl, well Aiden wants a girl, he wants to be the only boy, then my sweet 21 month Sophia said that if it was a girl she would be "jewous"  (jealous)!  Ha! She is so funny!  Aiden said we would name her Sissy, and I believe that's because he calls Sophia Sissy, and sometimes Sophie!   We still are in debate over names!  GRRR!  We have first names nailed down, Ella or Hudson.  Steven (my husband), wants Ella Mae, but am I biased or does that sound too close to Ellie Mae Clampet haha!  I want Ella Grace, I think it sounds a lot better.  Poor Hudson, we can't come up with  middle name that sounds decent.  I really wanted other boy names, like Cash, Hampton, Bayne, and my favorite Jax!  Steven said, no, no, no, and of course no to all :(  He said they sound like a bunch of last names, but I love them!  But we shall see at 10:15 tomorrow morning so yes, I will be more than likely just taking tomorrow off!


So, I plan to blog a few sessions here in the next week or two, some may be combined, and so forth!  But it will be all good!