Life Changes

I try not to blog as often about families that I shoot, but this particular one struck a chord with me today...

I met Little L and his Mommy a little over a year ago when they came to my home studio to have his 1st bday photos done. He was an adorable little guy back then, who reminded me of my own little one year old (at the time).

Over the past year, life has changed in many big ways for these two- but two things have remained the same;Little L is still JUST as adorable as ever!


and his mommy quite obviously, loves him more than life itself.

I felt so grateful to spend time with these two today. From a distance, I watched them play. It made me remember all of the things I love about my son. Little L and his mommy also reminded me that I need to stop every day and pick up a car or push my little boy in the swing
Because pretty soon they'll be too big to to play with us.

Happy birthday, Little L, it's been an honor watching you grow.

No PICTURES!!

Yesterday, he broke my heart.

My son, that is. He said the dreaded words for any photographer...

"NO PICTURES MAMA!"

And both times I tried to take some of him, he was super pissed...

Yesterday was the day of reckoning. Hopefully he grows out of this...

Just a Little Side Note...

I've been doing some side editing work lately for some friends who need help with their snapshots....

So I'm going to continue offering it as things are in transition right now for me.

Here are a few examples:



The first two photos are examples of basic retouching (a few spots on the shirt, skin smoothing, eye enhancing, color and brightness adjustments)

The second is an example of extensive retouching, adding a background and some other major adjustments.

All retouching work comes with an offer of 50% off my pro lab client prices; you can have your edited photos printed on professional paper, put into professionally printed albums, or added to products (canvas, jewelry, photo bags, etc.)

Please email me (dominiquemata@gmail.com) for prices and more info!

Sleeping with the Enemy

I feel like telling everyone a story... {so deal with it}

Meet Deb.



In the world of business, Deb is my "enemy". Not literally (how could you hate a face like that!?!?) but she is my direct competition. Same target market and I could probably throw a rock and hit her house if I wanted to (watch out Deb...)

I met Deb through a social networking site for Moms and saw that she was a photographer, in my area....and she was good *gulp*. Oh no, more talent infiltrating MY area!

Then I got to know Deb...and she was awesome. She made me laugh and (*gasp*) I learned a thing or two! I started to get to know her and it seemed ridiculous that we couldn't be friends!

And then...I had a revelation. Deb and I had coffee yesterday and it was just meant to be a time to get together and catch up. Slowly after the conversation progressed, talk turned to photography. We talked about clients, advertising, shoots...all of the stuff geeky photographers talk about.

It hit me, we all have "ISUCKITIS" at some time. I look at the work Deb is doing and think, "wow I wish I could be there". I see her post a new session and think, "I can't believe she's getting work and I'm not". I see her buy advertising and think, "I can't believe she can afford that". When really, we're all in the same boat.

There is always two sides of the story. So if there is a photographer you admire (and maybe secretly envy) take them to coffee. Maybe they'll let you in on the fact not ALL of those shoots they posted were paid....or the fact they got a discount on that ad spot. Maybe you'll walk away feeling like you not only have a friend, but an "enemy" you really like.

[oh and go check out my amazing enemy @ http://debradeanphotography.wordpress.com/ cause she really does rock]

Full Circle

I truly believe that when you give to others when they need it the most, that you will receive back what you have given in.

Not based on an idea of God or Karma, just the idea of getting back from life what you give.

The past few weeks for me can only be described as rough at best. Life has truly been a struggle.

I feel so blessed to have friends, old and new, in my life who truly care about me- and are showing me support when I need it the most.

Very rarely do I get flowers...but my wonderful misfit photographer's family sent me flowers just two weeks ago as a show of love and support

I feel as if everything I have given to others has come back to me twofold lately when I needed it the most.

The amazing {H} family whom I blogged about yesterday, were so thoughtful to send me flowers as at thank you for their session this past weekend. Literally the day I was throwing out the flowers my friends sent...




This wonderful family, who invited me into their home and let me spend some time with them- had no idea how much something like this would mean to me on a day like yesterday.

I have come to realize, that although the work I do through my photography (whether it be paid, volunteer through NILMDTS/OPLove or something else entirely) may not always receive a "thank you" but when you do, it is that much more meaningful.

Thank you to the H Family and My misfits Crew. You guys have kept a smile on my face the past 2 weeks.

The {H} Family and Little {C}

No...I'm not going to start posting about EVERY single family that I work with. But this one was special!

As a way to get my name out there, I hosted a hilarious photo contest for my Facebook fans. The kiddo who got the most votes on their photo won a free in-home shoot!

And, for those of you who were not aware, I have closed down the studio aspect of my business.


The H Family and Little C were my contest winners and I arrived at their house mid afternoon this past Sunday. Lil' C was a bit shy at first...even in her own home. But seriously, with a camera sticking in your face, who wouldn't be a little intimidated?
Obviously, it didn't take her long to warm up!


In my opinion, nothing can replace the candid feel of capturing a family doing their thing. Dad was having fun trying to coax the little one into a game on the floor...


and I quickly realized that at the moment, her favorite thing to do is stand like this. It made me want to walk around with my head on the floor, but I realized that I'm not this flexible...oh to be one again!

Little C has just learned how to walk but yet, dad still loves to hold her hands. Do dad's ever get tired of holding hands? I doubt it.
We finished off the day with a leftover piece of birthday cake. Happy 1st little C!

Many people have started asking me why the shift....why have I found it so much more valuable to pack up my gear, leave the house and spend time with people in their environment. It doesn't make sense! Sure it's less work in my own home, but you have to pack everything up, drive to their house, get acquainted....just seems like so much more work. Right? Wrong.

I could have never created this smile in the studio. This is moments after Little C was sharing some bonding time nursing with her mother....she turned back over onto the nursing pillow and flashed me the most heartwarming grin


Sure it's easier to stick people on the backdrop and snap. Then go about your day and not put much work or thought into it. But will they cherish that photo? I know when Little C's mom looks at this photo, she will not only remember her smile at age one and the way she looked, but also the way it felt right after they had those quiet moments together and how happy her daughter is thanks to the care of her family.

The H Family was a wonderful way to start this new journey- proving you don't need a pristine or million dollar home to capture your life, only the place where your memories reside.

Thank you H Family for allowing me to be a part of your home, a part of your life and a part of Baby C's first birthday. I cannot wait to see her continue to grow!

Wednesday(ish)

(since I promised- this is Tuesday night's Boudoir Class- at max capacity- 1k people 30 minutes before the class actually started. In my terms "this is what happens when you offer free on stage lighting demos of half naked girls)
(and she did not disappoint! I have mostly video from this....but yeah, it was pretty hot)



So on Wednesday, again, I miss my 8am class. Another WPPI tip- did you know if you want to make it to someone really cool at 8am, you have to be there by 7ish? Did you also know that if you stay in the main area of the hotel, it takes 30+ minutes to get to the classrooms? SERIOUSLY. I actually did lose some weight.

Tuesday night was party night- a certain "resource blog" for photogs that gives away things had a rockin' party. We took photo booth pictures, had a drink and everyone acted like idiots for free stuff. I won some canvases from a great canvas company! There were tons of other parties that night but by 1am, I was wiped.

So Wednesday I had my shootout and I decided to have a cup of coffee and wait for the trade show to open. I was sitting across from Dane and wanted to talk to him about how fantastic his seminar was and how influential his program was in getting me to come this year- but he was eating a bagel and I didn't want to interrupt his breakfast.

I went on the trade show floor and finished TWO scavenger hunts in 40 minutes. Awesome. Of course, I didn't win anything.

I told myself I would push WAY out of my comfort zone and go to a shootout on my own, and it was well worth it. I was super nervous, but just kind of relaxed and went with the flow. Met an awesome girl in the cab from Charleston.

Here are a few pics from the shootout


Is she not SUPER adorable? I have more pics from the bride/groom on my FB page.

Annnnnddd....if anyone can re-post this blog with the name of the fantastic blog who not only set up the party on Tuesday but the shootout Wednesday (Post on FB with the title "Dee was partying AND shooting with "blog name here" the best resource on the web!) I have an awesome discount code for you that I don't need!

So I headed back to the hotel to see Amber Holritz. This was the class that solidified everything for me. She had one moment, where she said something specific (I won't quote her here- if you really want to know, as me next time you see me) that gave me a lightbulb moment. Hence the huge shift in my business.

Is it scary to think about losing my classic portraiture clients? Absolutely. Am I worried about not doing business for awhile? You bet. Do I think I'm making the right decision? No doubt in my mind.

Above all, the best thing I learned was to be true to yourself. Find what drives you, what part of photography motivates you and make it work. Because honestly, if you are not giving your clients something YOU like, how will they ever believe in the work you are doing and like it themselves?

Wednesday night was a Misfits night out on the town...best night of the trip. I don't personally have photos (Kaela was rockin my camera) but I will post some when she gets them processed. There are some adorable pics of us girls on the strip!

Tuesday(ish)

Monday Night on the Strip- Fountain @ the Belagio. I fell in love w/this fountain ( and the 24mm 1.4L to say the least)


Total (ish)....yes I'm aware that it's Friday now and I'm back home. But I do still want to update!

I learned very early on that you can plan to go to all the classes you would like to, but if you actually did....you'd come home and you wouldn't just collapse, you might "decompose" (in Kaela's words!)

And a disclaimer: if you ever attend WPPI, make sure you either have childcare the day after you arrive home or a buttload of cartoons you can loop while you "defrag" (another one of Kaela's words).

For those of you who were wondering..(I know some of you were!) here is the shot I was trying to attempt when I ran into Jesh

So Monday night we had dinner with the PSH (photographyschoohouse) crew at Diegos:



(forgive the photo, no flash in the darkest room ever- so 4k iso made it a little messy)

So instead of being responsible and going to bed after dinner (yes that my margarita at the empty chair) I decided to venture out and photograph on the strip...here's a few photos from my 24mm 1.4 L thanks to borrowlenses.com!


(awesome flowers on the ceiling @ the belagio hotel)

(Lee shooting us on his awesome camera....I want to make tshirts for next year that say, "We Shoot Each Other") and OMG wide angle what!??!

What do photogs do for fun...? har har har


My fav pic of the trip hands down...I just love the look on Lee's face with (what I can only assume to be "gentlemen escorts") the girls sitting directly behind him.
Maria looking as beautiful as ever...

So yes, Tuesday was a late start. I had the pleasure of attending Dane Sanders workshop Tuesday afternoon and his presentation is nothing I could summarize in less than an hour. Bottom line; don't sell yourself short. Don't oversell yourself (but I'll give you a discount so you can afford me!) and sell your clients on an EXPERIENCE. Make them feel like they are missing something if they don't hire you, because they ARE!

The evening was boudoir....that class was INSANE. I will post a photo on Wednesday(ish) of the classroom....full to the brim. I guess that's what happens when you tell people you're offering live posing demos of girls in lingerie!

And then off to the parties...

More to come, I promise! I do have a few little things I'd be happy to pass along but can't think of anything fun to give them away. If you have a good idea, post a comment and I'll give away something tomorrow!

Monday(ish)

Catching up...and taking a breather.

I've already skipped two classes I planned to go to. And you know what? It felt good. You just can't do it all. Yesterday, after seeing Jesh de Rox, my life was changed. The way I shoot has changed, the way I will approach a session has changed and my outlook on life has change. I swear, it sounds absolutely ridiculous but he is amazing.
After decompressing from Jesh (yes, it took me 20 minutes to stop choking up and shaking)- I went to work the trade show. Oh the joys of talking about what you love. Here's a photo clue; it's obvious. First person to repost my blog and tell people what I was DOING at the tradeshow wins a cute little shootsac tote bag I picked up

(repost with "check out what Dee is doing in Vegas: yesterday she was....) and I'll totally hand over the bag!

So, yesterday was our rockstar day. I convinced Kaela to ditch her afternoon class with me yesterday afternoon and have lunch. In the span of an hour we met; scott bourne (giving away a 5dmk2 on twitter) a high level canon rep who gave us his number if we "ever needed to bypass customer service" and then I met Jesh while I was on my knees (butt in the air) shooting Kaela's legs on the escalator. Here's the scenario

(Me bent over butt in the air)- Kaela turn a little so I can get your legs in the shot
Ok (stand up....turn around)"oh..." (face to face- with my new idol)
"so...hi. you changed my life yesterday" (talking to Jesh)
(he pulls me in for a big hug and says, "thank you"
(I uh...melt?)
"Hey! I want a hug if you're giving them out!" (kaela)

So Jesh walks away. I am freaking out and Kaela doesn't get it, no idea who he is. She thought he was the guy who gave me the lens to borrow ("you changed my lens today") and when I say Jesh she says "oh...my...god" and yells, "SHE REALLY DID TELL ME THAT, SHE LOVES YOU!"

and...you have it. Bonafied fan girl. Never thought I'd be here.

annnnnddd here's the adorable kaela playing with the 24mmL from our window....she's glad she ditched too.

I hope I grab at least one more lighting and posing....I'm STOKED about my boudoir class tonight and getting some serious motivation from Dane. I will keep posting periodically.

And for those of you wondering....do I have audio, video and notes? Yes, I sure do. I'm hoping to compile it all from everyone and if you want it? You have to buy me some coffee and I'll share face to face ;)

Hope all is well back at home!

Sunday (ish)

(penthouse suite view)


Okay....for those of you following, quick breakdown!

• Southwest cattle call, yeah!
• Girls still drunk in the hotel lobby @ 8am, not attractive.
• 12k photographers, are there REALLY that many photographers?
• I can't believe how many photographers there are...
• Did I mention this place is PACKED with....you get the point
• Sleep? What's sleep?
• Oh yes, classes. That would be a good idea
  Here are some good photo moments
  
  

Possibilities

"Your mistakes do not define who you are....you are your possibilities"

Back for 2010!

I know, I've been away. It's a shame. You know what's hard about being a small business owner? You know, besides EVERYTHING? Social networking.

Finding the time to:

• -Update a Facebook with previews and specials
• -Keep up with your personal places (FB, Email, Blog)
• -Update a business blog
• -Keep your website fresh and current

and now, TWITTER?!? I swore I wouldn't give...I SWORE and then somehow, my 'tog bestie Maria Mitchell (http://www.lifeclicksphoto.com) convinced me. I swear she searched the net to find something to give us the motivation to cave, free stuff does the trick!

A couple of quick notes

*Fall Child Photography (Fall Photo Inc) NOW owns Fall Femme [Boudoir]
check me out on Facebook....I promise to have a real site soon

*Yes, I'm attending WPPI (wedding and portrait photogs international- photo stuff). If you do not have the opportunity to join us Misfit Colorado Photogs, why don't you follow what we are doing? I will be posting blogs daily with photos (real ones and funny ones) video clips and more!

*The studio venture has begun! My new studio is in the planning stages and should be done (crossing fingers) by sometime in April at the very latest. I WILL be using this blog to show photos of each stage, join in the excitement.

So what have I been doing exactly?





This little guy takes up my time. Yes, seriously. Back on it for 2010!

(Ps. I am now writing for the examiner. Please take the time to check out my articles!
http://www.examiner.com/x-32487-Denver-Photography-Examiner)