We are full on with 2015 and I realized I haven’t posted an update of things that are new/different this year. Oops! I figured I may as well do that now. I had my big secret project last weekend and I am currently downstate this weekend photographing newborns, so I have a spare minute to post a quick entry.
Fine Art Printing
This year I am offering fine art giclee prints. So what does that mean? It means besides canvas or photographic paper, you now have the option to use fine art papers! They offer the same archival properties as my other prints and canvases (guaranteed for 100+ years) but in materials that you would see used in fine art galleries like cold press papers or watercolor paper and even unstretched canvas. So, literally, your portraits can now become fine art pieces. I posted a sneak over on my Instagram (where I got this photo taken with my cellphone so pleeeease excuse the quality). The edges are hand-torn, mounted archivally on colored mat board (so no glue yellowing, bleeding, or peeling over time) and placed inside a frame. They can be untorn or unframed if you wish, it just depends on the look you’re wanting.
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I have this currently hung in my studio and I LOVE it. But like I said, photo is from Instagram – I’ll hopefully remember to update this post with a “real” photo very soon. Speaking of Instagram, join me! @goldenphotog
Jewelry
IT’S BACK! My most popular item is back by popular demand after my original vendor closed their doors last year. Leather, sterling silver, and other fine materials make up my specialty photo jewelry. I’m proud to find a new vendor and cannot wait for it to get into your hands! If you’re on my mailing list, you received a special promotion about those pieces this past week.
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I ordered my own with my daughter’s photo I took last fall, snuggling her lovie. In. Loooove.
Scheduling
This is something I finesse a bit each year. Much of my time is not spent shooting and instead goes into updating my website, returning calls and emails, editing, ordering prints, and other behind the scene stuff that most don’t even realize a business owner has to do. Each year that goes by I have a better understanding of how much a workload I can handle to keep everything in balance. I also have a family and want to work “normal” hours, not around the clock like I did some years. Weekends are now only available for bookings once a month (in the past I would do 2-3 weekends a month).
1. Newborn scheduling and year-long, grow with me scheduling.
If you want a newborn or 1st year package, you must book as early as you’re comfortable. My recommendation is the start of your 2nd trimester, although some contact me sooner. Because of the time involved with a newborn session I only take a handful of newborns a month so I still have enough room in my schedule for my other sessions (1st year/year-long sessions, family sessions, commercial sessions, etc). With that being said, it is soooo important you contact me early and book your session so you solidify your ideal time (12 days or younger). Many times I have to turn parents away because they are contacting me too late and their ideal date range is already booked. For example, my June of 2015 currently has 2 newborn spots left and it is only Feb 5th. I booked my first June session before Thanksgiving of 2014!
2. Family sessions
I recommend booking any family sessions at least a month in advance, if not more. However, the fall is the most popular time for sessions because of the beautiful colors and families wanting them for holiday cards. Sessions book extremely early and each year it books earlier and earlier. For those wanting sessions in the fall I recommend booking in the spring. In 2014 my fall schedule was starting to book in April and fully booked by July, just to give you an idea of how desirable that time of the year really is.
I think those are the only “new” things! I am always adding to my studio’s maternity wardrobe and I am currently on the search for a stylist to help families choose their clothing for their session, but I am still hunting for the perfect one for the studio. As soon as I decide on one I’ll be sure to let you know.
Oh, and here are some adorable newborn twins. You’re welcome.
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Golden Photography is a studio based in Lake County, IL and is the premier studio serving the surrounding Lake County area including but not limited to Barrington, Hawthorn Woods, Arlington Heights, Libertyville and Deerfield. Her studio caters to those looking for more than “just some photos”. To book your session please don’t hesitate to hit the contact button.
