"The Step Back"

I don't know how to begin this post other than to be blunt: I shut down my photography website. I shut it down, it's gone, and while I did some boo-hooing, I know it's for the best.

You see, I need to take a step back from this industry. I'm a mother and wife with a full time job (aside from my family!) who is also trying to be active in my church, (somewhat) maintain a social life, and buy my very first house. I moved to San Antonio only about a year ago, and in that year my business has not been able to bounce back the way it did after my last move. I found myself falling out of love with photography, becoming frustrated, and not wanting to go near it, and that's the last thing I want. Creating is my passion, taking pictures is all I want to do with my free time, but the added pressure is just not something I am willing to put myself under.

I will no longer rely on "gimmicks" and "deals" to bring people in and let me capture their moments. I will not let money define my passion, or destroy it. So I'm taking a break. A long break. I'm going to reinvent, rename, revamp, renew. Lay out what I want and do not want to do (both personally and on the photography side of life) and stand by it. I'm going to figure myself out, balance my life, focus on my growing family, further my career, tune out everyone who says "I told you so" and come back later. I'm not ashamed to say I need to stop and start from the beginning, because this isn't working for me anymore.

This is not goodbye, this is see you later. I'm still going to be working, I'm still going to be shooting, I'm just not going to go looking for work or money. I'm still going to be posting and honing my skills, just not as a source of income or a career. This is going to be about fun again, and I'm so excited! I'm tapping out, but when I get back in the ring I will be a killer businesswoman and a force to be reckoned with. Stay tuned, big things will happen. :)

In the words of the late Johnny Carson, "I bid you all a heartfelt goodnight."

Tyler and Jennifer, a farm boy and his southern sweetheart: Engaged

 

Have I ever mentioned how ecstatic I am about my transition into a couples' photographer? No? Okay, well, I'm crazy about couples! There you go. I love talking to people and getting to know them and their stories, and adding love to the mix is just a huge plus.

Meet Jennifer and Tyler, a couple I had the privilege to work with while on vacation in Tennessee. Jennifer happens to be my cousin, and when Tyler (finally!) popped the big question we got started on planning her engagement shoot immediately! So when the day finally arrived, needless to say I was excited! However, a surprise storm crept up and ran us off not long after I started shooting, and we had to reconvene the next day to make up for it.

I'm so glad I got to capture their love through my lens! Congrats Tyler and Jenn, and good luck!

On a side note; I know I've been sort of lazy (okay... a lot lazy) when it comes to keeping up the blog and my facebook fan page, but I promise things are picking up too! I'll keep you posted, and be sure to come back and check up on the blog because I have THREE other couples sessions that I will be showcasing within the next week or two!

I hope everyone has had a wonderful weekend, God bless!!

Themed Couples Shoots - Details

"Hey! All you couples! I'm portfolio building in the engagement and couples department and I'm hoping to do a few themed shoots. It's going to be in May for TN people, and after things settle down with my new job and I can plan them (So june-ish) for San Antonio people. I don't charge for portfolio building shoots, so if you're interested email me at erica@envphotography.org or on my page: Envy Photography. This is first come (and most willing to cooperate with my crazy ideas, haha) first served!"

If you're here, I'm guessing it's because of this facebook status. Yep, as I stated in a former post, I'm moving and I need to portfolio build to back up the new prices. I'm looking for both couples and individual models. I'm going to be doing themed shoots, just to add diversity.

This means I will have all creative control. You will receive a 30 minute session and about 5-10 photos. I will be using these photos on my website, blog, and facebook. You will also be able to use the photos, but you must credit me (things as simple as tagging my business page in the photos if you put them on Facebook). If I provide the props, I will keep them. If you provide your own props, you will keep them! I will list under the themes what we may or not need, and if you have any suggestions of something to add, I'm open to it! These are not simply free shoots, they are shoots to showcase my business and versatility. Very important stuff! If you've been wanting to become a part of Team Envy, this is the perfect opportunity.

Time to get to the themes!

Camping:

Source

Needed:  Woods. a couple people who aren't scared to get on the ground. Just a few blankets. Possibly a few sticks. Haha, we're just going to pitch a makeshift tent and get nice and cuddly cozy! :)

Picnic:

Source

Needed: A basket, a blanket, a field. I'm digging the vintage attire, but it's not mandatory.

Diner/Coffeeshop:

No photo, but you get the gist. I know the perfect little coffeeshop on the outskirts of Morristown if that's where this takes place. As I said before, I dig the vintage, but there are a LOT of different outfits that would fit this theme.

Valentine/Love:

No source available. If you know the source, please let me know as I would love to give credit where it is needed!

Needed: Balloons, confetti, miscellaneous props that are "luuuuv" themed ;)

I have a few more ideas for themes (I'm also interested in doing a tattooed-ish thing, but that's iffy as of now), but these were the main ones. If you're interested and have an idea, let me know! I'm open to (almost) anything as long as it is THEMED.

All those interested can email me at erica@envyphotography.org or on my Facebook Page. And remember, spots are limited so please don't take it personally if you are not able to participate. I look forward to hearing from all of you beautiful couples!

Ethereal shoot (Looking for a model!)

Casting call! Looking for a female model age 18-28 no experience required (preferably long hair, no certain body type) to shoot TFD (time for disc) either in Morristown, TN area the week of May 15-22, 2013 OR in San Antonio, Texas (date TBA). If you are interested in modeling for Envy Photography, please send me an email at erica@envyphotography.org letting me know why you would like to model with a photo of yourself attached.
I created the set below to give you an idea of what I'm looking to do. Something very dreamy, girly, and soft to add to my portfolio. If you would like a session with Envy Photography, now is your chance to get one at no cost!

Ethereal shoot by ericamphetamine.

The big move (and what it means!)

If you follow my Facebook Page, you may have seen a post I made a week or two ago announcing that I have been booked up for March, and that these would be my last sessions in the Fort Hood area. I was surprised at the emails I received following that post, mostly by people expressing concern that I meant I'm quitting the biz. Contraire, mes amis! I'm simply making a move to San Antonio, Texas. That's right, we're almost done with the Military life, and on our way to (hopefully) a normal civilian life. 

So what does this mean for Envy Photography? A lot, actually.

For one, I'm evolving my business and narrowing down my line of work. I will be working mainly as a couples and individual portraiture (as in models, headshots, and senior photos) photographer from now on. This means portfolio building, and a LOT of it. Luckily, that part shouldn't be too hard ;)

The move will also bring a price increase starting mid-May. I have been itching to increase my prices for a long while, and I think this move is a perfect opportunity. I'm no longer "just getting started" and this means I need to value my work more. This is a good thing! I'm taking myself (and my quality of work) more seriously! Which is why I will be looking into equipment upgrades as I can afford them, and a price increase will speed this along greatly.

I'm going to be a lot more organized with things as I evolve my business during this break from actually shooting. I'm super excited, and I have already begun working on a "system".

I look forward to continuing my journey as a photographer, and I appreciate all of you who have helped me get to this point.

Happy Tuesday!

"What should I wear to my photo shoot?"

When I had just started taking photography into consideration for a career, I had a horrible case of "The Assumptions". I assumed that all I would need to do is hit the shutter button and edit pictures for people -- I was very wrong.

Not that I mind, of course. It's my job, right? And another part of my job is to answer any questions you have for me. One of the questions I am most frequently asked (and I wish I was asked more often!) is this:

"What kind of clothes do I need to wear?"

 So here I am, making an entire post dedicated to this very important question.

For starters, I'm going to direct you to my Pinterest Board dedicated to clothes that I feel would photograph beautifully. It's still under construction, but soon it will have examples by the handful.
Here is a great example of a good outfit combination for, say, an engagement shoot:

This outfit provides just enough contrast to make the colors pop without making them look too "busy". The man's outfit is dressy/casual, yet comfortable (and ladies we know how men get when they aren't comfortable in their clothes, am I right? :P). The ladies' outfit gives off a relaxed look, while still looking classy.

Don't be afraid to show your personality through your outfit choices, because when you're photographed you want to represent who you are.

For those of you looking for a bit more guidance, here are some loose guidelines to consider:

• Pick something you will feel comfortable in.
• Pick something that complements your body type and skin tone. Remember, darker colors tend to be more slimming.
• Wear something you feel beautiful/handsome in. Confidence will show in your photos.
• Try to avoid wearing busy patterns. The simpler, the better.
• Ladies, while I do recommend wearing makeup, try to steer clear of the "caked on" look. Also, avoid glitter at all costs. Glitter does not photograph well generally. If you absolutely love glitter, please go with something simply "shimmery" instead.
• Avoid wearing clothes with logos and branding on it. 
• Steer clear of sleeveless tops if you are concerned about your upper arms and shoulders looking larger
• Try not to wear clothing that is shiny (A.K.A. sequins or the dreaded glitter, haha). Generally, polyester blended or just plain cotton works best.
• Avoid obnoxious colors if you want nice photographs of your face.

What do you think? Is there anything I missed? I definitely plan to add to this in the future, I just wanted to give you guys a general idea. I'm off now to clean house before hubby gets home tomorrow! (:

2/52

The title for this week's photo project post was simply this: Clouds. When I saw this, I have to admit I was slightly dismayed. Clouds? Really? I have never been the best at landscape photography. When giving out abilities, God didn't remember to give me the ability to capture nature scenes or leafy greens. It just isn't my forte! That being warned said, here is the only photo I have that includes clouds:

This was taken in June at Hilton Head Island in South Carolina. If you haven't been there, start planning. I plan to make it a frequent location spot in the future. So beautiful!

This assignment did get me thinking though, and I DO need to work on all of my skills. Another goal for 2013 is to work on my landscape photography skills. You guys had better hold me to that!

Tune in tomorrow for a special post about highlights from past shoots!