Knowing Your Worth

Published on March 12, 2018March 13, 2018 by Remy Photos1 Comment

Do you know your worth…? Have you ever really thought about that before? Have you ever been put to the test about knowing your worth? I always knew what that question meant, but I didn’t know the true meaning of it until I had to step away from all the things I was doing and really take a look at myself. I had to dig deep, I had to be honest with myself, and I had to make some changes.

It feels good to be valued, doesn’t it? But it feels terrible when you’re not. When you are just starting to understand your worth, it can still be hard to make confident decisions about what you’re doing, who you’re working for, or how you’re being treated. After starting my photography business, I had to make some tough decisions. There were times when I just didn’t think I was worth as much as something or someone else, but then I grew to know my value. I have been challenged and tested time and time again. Certain situations and people have come in and out of my life by way of soul-searching and contemplating whether I was adding value or having it taken away from me. There are jobs, moments and people that are put into your life for a reason… they force you to soul-search, test your will, and grow.

I’m sure a lot of you have been in positions where we have felt undervalued and been given unfair circumstances. Let me tell you… I have been there a few times. After a while, it gets tiring. I am all for working hard, going above and beyond, and making a sacrifice for the greater good, but when I don’t get the appreciation or respect I feel I deserve, I begin to feel a lack of value as a whole. After a full year of going full-time as a photographer, I am now confident enough to say that I KNOW my worth. I know what I deserve and I know how I should be valued as a person and photographer. I decided I will no longer give away my hard work, time, and my personal space to a situation that doesn’t create value for both sides. I know that each and every one of you wants to feel that you earn value when you make an investment, and I believe everybody should dig deep to find that source of positive gain.

Now, think about it… Are you also confident enough to say the same? Do you know your worth? It took me a solid year in business to figure it out and I continue to work on it daily; maybe you need some time to figure it out, too. Take a step back, give yourself the time to really think about how far you’ve come in your career. Look at your business and your life. Are you getting what you know you deserve? Think about why you think you should be valued, and the changes you might need to make. Are you making sacrifices that seem unfair? I can tell you now, it’s okay and it’s going to all be worth it in the end. These things happen for a reason… to make you stronger, to teach you how to speak up and stand up. When you’re sacrificing and doing the best you can, you should be so proud of yourself. Just know that the right thing at the right time will be placed in front of you and it will pay off. You are always rewarded in the end.

Sometimes it seems impossible to get out of a situation or lifestyle after being committed to it for so long. I know, I’ve been there too. Weirdly enough, every time I put it in my head that I belong somewhere else or I don’t feel right in a position, I start making natural changes that push me in the right direction and I end up exactly where I need to be. Doing the right thing is never the easiest decision. It takes strength and courage to speak up for yourself and it takes hard work to make your worth a reality. Just know your value and don’t let that slip away from you. When it comes time for a change and you’re ready to step out, that will be your moment. It makes the world of a difference to know your worth and be confident in your strengths. If you don’t recognize your worth yet, maybe you need to make some changes, or maybe you just need space to grow. It takes time to really know and feel it, but I just wanted to get this thought into your head.

With faith, comes joy.

So have a little faith, do the right thing for yourself, and remember you deserve to be valued and you deserve to be happy!

RTP EDUCATION ANNOUNCEMENT!

Published on March 1, 2018January 9, 2019 by Remy PhotosLeave a comment

WELCOME, PARTY PEOPLE!!!!

Happy March, happy announcement day, happy almost Spring, HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY! The day has finally come! I’ve been waiting to launch this special project since last summer and now I can finally share with you what I’ve been dreaming of!

The secret I’ve been keeping and waiting to announce is…

FOR BEGINNER-INTERMEDIATE
PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHERS

JUNE 18TH

AHHHHHH!!!! OH HAPPY DAY, I am so excited to finally share this project with you all! So, tell me, did you guess it? I’m sure a few of you had a pretty good idea of what all this commotion was about. I can’t believe this is happening! The awesome part is that I already announced this to my education mailing list a couple weeks ago and I already have attendees signed up and ready to go!!!! I can’t wait to meet them!

Registration for my very first photography workshop is open to everyone RIGHT NOW! The details are listed below, but I encourage you to visit my website for additional important details including the cost and requirements. Contact me if you have any questions and click the link at the bottom if you’re ready to sign up for the Shades of Pink Workshop! PS- this doesn’t mean you have to like the color pink 😉 I explain the meaning of the title as you keep reading on this page! I can’t wait to hear your feedback and start seeing those names sign-up!

It’s time to take control of your dreams and goals, it’s time to invest in something that can help you move forward and encourage you to keep going. It’s time YOU invest in YOURSELF.

DETAILS

DATE: Monday, June 18th at 8am-9pm

LOCATION: A cozy, 3-acre, waterfront home in Midlothian, VA

WHO? 12 portrait photographers who must own and have knowledge about a DSLR camera, must be willing to sign an RTP contract and must live outside 50 miles radius from Chesterfield, VA.

INCLUDED IN COST: One full day of educational lessons about in-camera tips and tricks, posing, Lightroom editing, branding, marketing, growing a business, workflow, collaborating, encouragement/real-talk, and so much more! There will be fun indoor and outdoor portfolio-building styled shoots created by incredible local vendors, as well as headshots by Remy, an amazing inspirational guest speaker, snacks, drinks, a light breakfast, lunch, and dinner!

BONUSES: Goodie bags, exciting giveaways, and joining the Q&A RTP Educational Facebook Group to connect with friends, support each other through our journeys, and some quality/one-on-one time with Remy to answer questions!

WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT?
This workshop is customized to your needs of improving your photography skills, learning more about branding and marketing, growing your business, reaching your goals, and building relationships. It’s time to get out of your comfort zone, create new friendships, take the next step in your business, get productive, be confident, embrace your uniqueness, and start living your dreams. Let’s do some real talk with real people. Let’s create, motivate, encourage, and share our passion with each other!

WHY “SHADES OF PINK”?
If you’ve read my other emails or blogs, you might have noticed my passion for encouraging other photographers to keep going, to embrace the “YOU” behind the business, and to identify what makes their business different from others…
You may have also noticed my love for the color pink! 🙂 I decided to combine my love for both things and create something meaningful out of it. That’s when I thought of different shades of pink… stay with me…

YOU ARE A VERY SPECIFIC SHADE OF PINK.
…Or maybe you don’t like pink so you can replace that with a color that brings you joy! 😉

So here’s what I mean… every time I talk about a shade of pink in the following explanation, replace that with “a photographer” in your mind.

There are a million different shades of pink. There’s hot pink, dark pink, pale pink, and everything in between. Weirdly enough, because I am a pinkaholic, I am only drawn to a very specific shade of pink. I don’t like it too coral looking, I don’t like it too redish, I don’t like it too purpley, I don’t like it neon…I think you get my point! 🙂 Out of all those different shades, that I’m not totally in love with, I still think they’re beautiful in their own way, but they just aren’t a good fit for me. Do you know what I’m trying to say?

The photography industry might feel a bit saturated, but there is one very important thing to remember before we just lose our cool… WE are all different, we are all unique and imperfectly beautiful in our own way. Because of that, we attract different people, we offer different things, we serve our clients differently, we have different styles, we say different things, we run our operations in our way, and we all have something really special to add to the table. We are all a different shade of pink, and we are nothing without the other shades next to us.

We need to learn from each other to grow, we need to inspire each other to keep moving forward, and we need to encourage one another to be ourselves while living the same dream. We need to celebrate our differences and keep embracing our own little sparkle!

So think about it… what shade are you? Maybe this workshop is exactly what you need to find out. I want us all to come together, support one another, and discover what makes YOU unique from all the others.

Visit the website for investment and additional details!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!!

YAY! Celebrate and invest in your education with me!

I believe in you, I will always cheer you on, and I can’t wait to meet you!

If you have questions, feel free to send me an email at remybthompson@gmail.com!!

I Feel It Too

Published on February 21, 2018February 27, 2018 by Remy PhotosLeave a comment

Most people don’t talk about depression, anxiety, broken hearts, or anger all that often on social media. I know I don’t because it’s not something I want to share through my business brand. My brand is happy, cheerful, colorful, bright, and exciting! I want people to see my brand, my website, and my social media and feel joy. That’s why I don’t normally bring up the other feelings when I’m actually feeling them. On a bad day, I usually don’t post on social media at all! I’m a real human though, I’m not a brand… I just built this brand for my business. I have ALL the feels ALL the time. I’m actually an extra emotional human. I take everything to heart, I take everything personally even when it might have nothing to do with me. I feel sadness, I get mad, I get anxiety, I cry, and I feel every emotion just like you. Just because I’m not sharing these thoughts and feelings with social media, doesn’t mean those feelings aren’t there. That’s important for you to know.

I’ll be honest, I’m not always happy and I’m not always doing what I love. I have to do whatever I need to do to survive and build this business. I’m hustling every day and I love what I do, but it’s not always easy. I’ve been given situations time and time again that challenge me in ways that push me to try harder and to be a better person. I learn something new through every emotion and every obstacle. I have nights where I can’t sleep because of the anxiety. I have days where I want to delete my social media. I have things happen in my life that you might never hear about because I choose to keep that private. I don’t think all my specific problems in life should be announced for the world to see, but I do think it’s okay to let you know I feel all the same things as you. I’ve been hurt, taken advantage of, put down, stressed, annoyed, confused, mad, sad, all of it.

I want you to know that I’m not always a confetti throwing lunatic and I have way more going on in my life than what meets the eye. I do however try to turn all my negative feelings into a positive outlook and that’s what I want to share with my followers. I want to spread joy and light to the world. I choose to share happy thoughts, encouraging words, and a colorful life because maybe that’s what someone else needs at the time.

Just know that you are not alone. Next time you see me holding a glass of champagne toasting to a big announcement and you’re over there crying because life is weird when you’re in your 20’s- just remember that’s not real life and I feel it too. Here’s to living a purposeful life day by day. Here’s to discovering our true selves with an open mind and heart, to the imperfections, adversities, and emotions that shape us. To those suffering in silence. Here’s to the people who don’t show it or share it but feel it and live it every day.

Fall Mentoring Session with Mallory

Published on November 30, 2017 by Remy PhotosLeave a comment

My mentoring packages have become one of my favorite services that I offer. My heart is constantly pulled in the direction to help others and their businesses. I meet such incredible women through this process. I start every mentoring session by asking about themselves, their businesses, and their goals. I love that this allows me to get to know the client better from a personal aspect and then hear more about the business side of it.

Mallory booked with me a while ago, and we were so excited to finally meet for her 5-hour mentoring package! This includes 3 hours of customized lessons, lunch, headshots, and a styled shoot to learn hands-on, trying new posing techniques, and then use the photos for the portfolio! Mallory showed me that she was hard-working, driven, and has the kindest, sweetest heart!! I loved getting to know her and I can’t wait to take her senior pictures at VCU in the Spring! I am always blown away by the dedication that goes into finishing college while running a photography business. She is seriously kicking some butt, and I can’t wait to see her business grow even more by applying what she learned when we met.

The day of our session, it was literally blowing 40mph gusts of wind. It wasn’t super cold earlier in the day, but then it dropped to the upper 30’s by the time we started shooting outdoors. I guess it’s better to learn in the worst of conditions, right? 🙂 But then the sunshine started peaking through and we ended up with beautiful golden backlighting! Mallory did amazing and dealt with the weather like a champ. The models were basically frozen, but they looked flawless and I was so thankful for their patience!

First, I will be sharing some of Mallory’s windy and beautiful headshots! Then I will begin sharing my own images and favorites from the Fall and Holiday looks… We ended the shoot with a little Christmas fun! 🙂

THANK YOU to my awesome vendor crew who helped tremendously! I loved everything about the makeup, the hair (even though the wind really wanted to screw with it), and the flower crowns! See vendors listed below:

Flower crowns: Rose Avenue Floral
Hair/Makeup: His Or Hers Salon & Spa — @taylor_dail_wilburn & @___sammaantthaa___
Models: Jill & Sofie
Venue: Double B Equestrian

Introducing Mallory of Mal Jack Photography! 🙂

Abundant Life

Published on September 1, 2017September 1, 2017 by Remy PhotosLeave a comment

“A thief comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.” John 10:10

Sometimes my Dad decides to send a family group text and include his morning devotion. August 25th, my birthday, he sent this message to us. I saved it on my phone because it was strangely relatable to a lot of conversations I’ve been having with friends lately. I used to try doing the morning devotional routine, but then I figured out that I’m 100% not a morning person and I would just fall back asleep after 30 seconds of reading… maybe someday I’ll get there. Lately, I’ve been finding that a lot of my spirituality comes out in my writing, so here’s an unexpected message I thought I would share with you all.

“If you are not experiencing love, joy, and peace, you have settled for less than what God intends for you. If you have been making excuses for why you are not experiencing an abundant and joyful life, determine today to settle for nothing less than God’s best for your life. Stop following the world’s way of finding satisfaction. Instead, listen to the Savior’s voice, and you will find true fulfillment.”

Your 20’s can be weird, right? Once you’re out of college, it’s like………… huh? What is life? Or maybe you’re still finishing college, or maybe you decided not to go to college… either way, it can feel weird. Overwhelming interviews, figuring out where to live, the pressure to do this and that, finding what you’re meant to do, comparing yourself to friends, deciding whether to get married or not to get married, discovering everything you dislike about your job or where you live, feeling alone, feeling confused, and feeling unfulfilled. This doesn’t just go for those of you in your 20’s of course, but I’m 25, so I’m speaking from my point of view and based on some of my experiences.

I get all of these feelings and obstacles, and I think we ALL do to a certain extent. Most of us have been there, done that… if not, it’s going to happen sooner or later. These struggles last longer for some more than others, because we are all different no matter how close in age we might be. I’ve been hearing the same thing from friends over and over. To sum it up, they’re feeling unfulfilled and they know there is more for them somewhere out there- but they don’t know what, when, where, or how to get there!

It’s easy to feel discouraged when you’re confused about what you’re doing, where you’re living, or maybe even who you’re with. Maybe this means it’s time to find your courage and make a change. Or maybe this means it’s time to simply look at your life differently. Whatever it is that needs to happen and whatever you are confused about, does not have to lead you to feelings of unfulfillment, sadness, or anger. It doesn’t mean you can’t be joyful and thankful throughout the process. It does not mean you should settle for less than what God has intended for you. Let’s try to not make excuses and, instead, open our hearts to an abundant life. Instead of listening to the world and what society says, take a moment to listen to the silence. Be with yourself in peace and listen. You will find your answers and you will open the path to living an abundant life.

Eli and I love Trevor Hall- there is a peaceful and calming feeling that comes over us when we listen to his songs. His “Chapter of the Forest” album is especially our favorite. One of my favorite songs on the album is “Green Mountain State” and it says “there’s a way, there’s a way. there’s a way…and there is always.”

There is always a way. Always a way in and a way out. Choose joy. Choose fulfillment. It can take time and effort, but just remember that you are intended to live an abundant life.

If you enjoyed this post, you might be interested in some of my other blogs!

FEAR AND FAITH

STOP DREAMING, START LIVING

Stop Dreaming, Start Living

Published on August 18, 2017August 18, 2017 by Remy PhotosLeave a comment

I work hard…

I mean like really hard. I’ve always had a strong work ethic and I’ll always be that way. I forced myself to be this way a long time ago and now it just comes naturally… it’s a part of who I am. I give my all in everything that I do.

There are those people we all know: the ones who easily succeed in school without having to lift a finger or open a book… and then there are the people who have to try extra hard to make it through… that was me.

Elementary school- I literally couldn’t learn the times tables no matter how many times my teacher jammed it in my head. Middle school- I actually couldn’t comprehend a single thing I was learning. High school- tutors on tutors on tutors. Math, science, history… it was all a nightmare. That left me to English/Writing, Music, and Arts… those were the only subjects I felt confident in. Obviously, I succeeded more in the creative field- where I (happily) am today.

Back then I thought I was a failure, and that I would never get a good job because I felt so stupid. Really? Stupid? That wasn’t true by any means, but that’s how the school systems can make you feel when you aren’t learning at the same pace as the majority of students. I, of course, was blessed with the typical loving parents who always told me how smart I was and how amazing I was doing in school, but I knew, truly, that it wasn’t my strongpoint and I struggled with that.

I wasn’t stupid, and I’m not stupid, I just learn differently. There is nothing wrong with that. Knowing this, I had to work extra hard at everything I did. I was so hard on myself, especially when it came to tests. I would bawl when I came home with a bad grade– not because my parents were upset… they were proud of me because they knew I worked hard — it was because I gave it my all, and I still didn’t see my hard work pay off. Yet, the person beside me could miss class for a week and text through every lecture, and still receive a better grade than me.

Taking the SAT was a nightmare. I took them twice and my scores were terrible, both times. Sadly, I didn’t get to experience the excitement of being accepted into the college of my dreams, like all my friends did. I experienced something way different. I was embarrassed, distraught, and felt totally alone. I had to accept the fact that I had to stay at my childhood home during what was supposed to be my freshman year of college and attend a community college instead. It just wasn’t what I pictured. Most people think of community college as a lesser thing, so I did too. I was in a really dark place and on top of that, I was diagnosed with Still’s Disease after being in the hospital for a week. I was on medication that gave me bad reactions and I was going through a healing process with my body.

My friends were all leaving for college, while I was dealing with illness, depression, anger, and, truly, I didn’t even want to leave the house. As it turned out, staying home and going to community college was honestly the best possible experience for me and it was exactly where I needed to be. I learned so much about myself, about my work ethic, and ways to succeed through college. I was determined to succeed and would not stop until I got accepted into a four year university. After two years of working my butt off at the community college, I was denied by the school I had my heart set on, but I was accepted into two colleges- VCU and ECU. I took a chance and chose East Carolina to study Hospitality and Special Events… thank the Lord I did or else I would have never found my great friends and my amazing husband. It all happens for a reason, friends.

I have never worked harder in my life for the Bachelors Degree that I received from ECU in 2014. Even after transferring from a community college, I only graduated one semester behind. I have never been more proud of myself for getting through college. It is SO rewarding to finally receive a degree knowing all of the stress, tears, and struggles that I went through along the way. I somehow found a path through the biggest challenges, but I believe it had a lot to do with the thousands of prayers I sent to God. I proved to myself that I could succeed, and not just succeed, but do it better than I ever thought I could. ECU gave me the biggest blessings at just the right time in my life.

Three years down the road, here I am owning my own business and succeeding more than I ever dreamed I could. I’ve been given the greatest opportunities thus far by working for some of the best people I know. I was given a gracious chance to prove myself and what I had to offer. I have been blessed with incredible experiences in many different areas. I have been inspired, encouraged and taught by amazing women in the creative industry.

This is where I belong. I can feel it and those who know me can see it. I get to use my best skills every day: organizing, planning, creating, coordinating, collaborating, sharing my heart, inspiring others, and working really really hard every day to improve and better myself. I wasn’t meant to remember and talk about history, or understand science, or work with numbers. The schools may not have planned for that, but looking at my life now, I couldn’t have it any other way. All I needed to do was put my best skills and my accelerated work ethic to use and now I truly feel that I can create anything I desire. A lot of people don’t have those skills, and that’s okay because they’re using their strengths to do big things.

I was meant for this field and I will succeed in it.

Here is some advice for anyone who feels they might be a little like me… This is your life, be who you are meant to be. It is your duty to prove your worth- work hard to get where you want to go. Nobody else will do it for you, only you can make it happen. There are so many opportunities out there for you. Some jobs might require a Masters Degree or some employers might look down on community college, but just know this… It only takes one person. It takes ONE person to see the real you, to believe in you, take a chance on you, and trust you. You might get denied a lot and leave you feeling worthless and harsh on yourself, but do NOT give up.

I’m telling you now, there is a place for you and it’s waiting for the right moment. It’s all in your hands. YOU can define your own success, YOU can decide what’s best for you, YOU are in control of your own life… nobody else is. So remember, hard work and dedication will take you anywhere you want to go in life. It’s not about being book smart, it’s about believing you can do anything and making it happen. If you’re trying, you’re improving. If you’re failing, you’re learning. If you’re changing, you’re growing. If you’re seeing all of this and continuing to work hard, you are succeeding. The money isn’t the reward in the end. The rewarding part is whatever is truly important to you.

Keep dreaming and follow your heart.

First step? Write down your weekly and monthly goals. Stop dreaming it, and start living it. I want you to feel empowered and inspired, because I believe in YOU! If I didn’t have my little support community through school, I would have given up and I wouldn’t have the happiness that I have now. If you need that support, that kick in the butt or a cheerleader, you let me know. I’m here to help and I would LOVE to hear from you. It’s time to hear the encouragement you need to get you on the path you deserve for yourself. This is much more than a career, it’s your happiness and the fulfillment of your life. Discover yourself and be exactly who you are meant to be.

“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” – Mother Teresa

Photography For Hubbies: Lesson 7

Published on July 14, 2017August 3, 2017 by Remy PhotosLeave a comment

Well, this is exciting! We haven’t been able to do a lesson together in a loooong time. Probably because we’ve been home for 3 days in the past 2 months- crazy!! Today we are talking about something that might come easily to a lot of people, but maybe not so easily for others.

SERVING YOUR CLIENTS

This lesson is about serving your clients, or simply, putting your client’s needs before your own! This can be hard if your client’s want something specific that isn’t your typical style. This can also be difficult if it is something you wouldn’t normally do or want in your portfolio. Another challenge in putting your client’s first can be a situation where you begin editing the album and you just LOVE the lighting and composition in some of your images, but the client’s pose or expression isn’t as flattering as the other images. This is when you have to make the decision to make your client’s feel beautiful in every image, and ask yourself if they would appreciate you sharing a not-so-perfect picture. Put your client’s first. Do not send them photos because the lighting is beautiful. Send them images that will make them say, “WOAH, is that really me!?”. Think about how they might feel when viewing their photos.

My sweet hubby is getting a lesson in WHY you should be putting your client’s needs first and at all times. He will also be learning about HOW you can please your client’s even if it’s not something that lines up with your typical style or practices.

Photo by Hope Taylor Photography

1.)Flattering Posing— One way to prevent some of your favorite photos going into the cyber-trash due to bad posing is to LEARN what the most flattering poses are for their body types, and to take your time directing your clients into a flattering pose with a complimentary facial expression. Also, EDUCATE your client’s. They trust you to make them look good- they have no clue what they look like in the pictures- so that is your job!! Be sure you’re paying attention to their facial expressions AND the way they’re posing.

2.)Be Flexible– I believe it is so important to understand what your clients want and to listen to their thoughts and ideas. Here is an example… Shooting sunset images may not be my typical style because they’re too dark to match my Instagram feed, but… put your clients first, you guys!! If your client’s want to remember that special night and the beautiful sunset during the session, just do it!! Why not give them the images that are your style during sunset and the other images that please the client? Remember to think outside of your ‘instagram box’ and go above and beyond for your clients!

3.Plan In Advance– Another example… There is nothing worse than delivering an album, but the client comes back to say she doesn’t like the way she looks in the outfit she chose. One way to prevent something like this is to plan, plan, plan in advance! Plan out the outfit changes, colors, accessories, makeup and hair, etc. Your client’s will love their images if these things are planned in advance and they are told what looks best before getting to the photoshoot.

4.Make It Work— It is up to you as the professional to make it work in any situation. If they chose the location because it’s special to them, but you don’t like it, make it work!! If you can’t stand the lighting but you had no control over the time of day, make it work!! If your clients want this or that, but it’s totally not your style…make.it.work.!!

5.Ask Questions– Before your session begins, sometimes it is best to ask your client if they are concerned about anything specific in regards any worries or insecurities. For example, I have the smallest head in the world, but the thickest hair I’ve ever seen. Therefore, I don’t want my hair swallowing my face and making my head look even smaller! I would tell the photographer to take note of my hair while posing because if it’s all in front of my shoulders or in my face, I won’t like the pictures! It is great to know the small details that we wouldn’t just know right off-the-bat, this way we can prevent them from disliking their photos because of something you weren’t aware of.

6.Distractions– Try not getting too distracted when you get over-excited about the sunshine coming through or the perfect background, etc. If you’re too concentrated on everything else around your clients, then how are you supposed to adjust the way she or he is standing, or know if her smile is fading and you need to make them laugh! Remember you are there for your client’s and it is your job to think of them AND everything around them at the same time!

Photo by Blessed Beginnings Photography

Photography For Hubbies: Lesson 5

Published on May 25, 2017August 3, 2017 by Remy PhotosLeave a comment

Today we are talking about some of the roles that a second shooter can expect to fill at a wedding. These roles can be customized to the main shooter’s needs and it’s always good to double check with the photographer first. I have learned that it’s best to ask the main shooter what they specifically are looking for in advance so that you can feel comfortable about what you’re doing. Not every photographer is going to want you to shoot every moment but they may not speak up or be too up front with you about it. The best thing you can do is ask them from the beginning, listen to what they want, and assist them whenever it’s needed! Hubbies, just like you would do anything for your wifey at home, that goes for wedding days, too! 🙂

1.ASSISTANCE. As a second shooter, it’s important to remember that you are there to serve your clients AND the photographer! By helping the photographer wherever needed, you are also helping your client by giving them the best possible experience. You are there to help make things go smoothly. For example, you might be asked to have your camera ready at all (or most) times BUT also asked to carry and set up equipment, set up the lighting, hold a reflector, run errands, hold an umbrella, call out names for family formals, get food and water, and the list goes on!

2.A SECOND PERSPECTIVE. It’s always a great idea to shoot from a difference angle and a different lens than what the main photographer is shooting with at the time. That gives a different perspective and a variety of photos to choose from for the wedding album. One example is while the main shooter is photographing the first look with a 50mm, watching the bride, you could be shooting with the 70-200mm watching the groom. Another example while shooting the ceremony: you could be standing in a different area on the opposite side of the venue using a different lens that compliments the main shooter.

3.TIME SAVER. While the main photographer is shooting one subject, you could be shooting something else simultaneously to save time. It’s always best to do this when the main shooter doesn’t need you at the time. For example, when the photographer is with the bridesmaids while getting ready and shooting details, the second shooter could be doing the same thing with the groomsmen.

4.BEHIND THE SCENES. Every photographer loves a good “behind the scenes” action shot. If you get the opportunity to take some fun and exciting shots of the main photographer in action, then go for it! They will appreciate it and you might even get a bonus shoutout on social media! 😉

I hope that helps you guys understand a little more about being a second shooter! Remember, everyone is different and may have other opinions about the roles that come into play, but these are the main points that I find helpful to know! Thanks for following along and learning alongside with us!

XO, Remy

Middle School Stages

Published on March 28, 2017March 28, 2017 by Remy PhotosLeave a comment

I’ve been obsessed with cameras and taking pictures since for-ev-er. I think I’ve gone through about 20 different types of cameras. You know, there’s the disposable cameras (let’s say 50 of those), old and new polaroid cameras, digital cameras (a lot of those too, mostly in pink), pinhole, film, and one of my favorites: the I-Zone pocket sticker camera. Those stickers were literally all over my house and my sisters face-sorry Tori. I wanted to bring a camera everywhere I went! In college, my parents gifted me my first Nikon DSLR. That’s when the party started. Just kidding, I didn’t pick it up for a long time until it snowed one day and then I said “what the heck is this thing, I can’t take a good picture.” Then my frustration led to a lot of youtube videos and I started figuring it out (a little)! Here is an example of my first-timer photos..and yes, I forced my dogs, friends, and family to be my models – YOU’RE WELCOME… JK thanks to all who have been my model in the past and sorry to anyone who feels used! 🙂 Oh, and a major shoutout to my parents (Roe, Peej- you know who you are) who bought me every camera ever since the beginning of time. Thanks mom and dadddd, I actually seriously wouldn’t be doing this right now if it weren’t for your support, LOVE YAZ.

Before I knew it, I was shooting several back to back graduation sessions with an entry level Nikon D3200, set to auto or maybe Aperture, using a kit lens, two sketchy memory cards, one battery, one prayer, and not a clue about lighting. The outcome? Weirdly successful..not the BEST quality..but it was fun, and my clients were always happy. I was so excited about my work when I first began taking portraits! Although I have improved an insane amount with practice, education, and mentoring over the past two years, I am still so proud of myself for just going for it!! Sure, my images weren’t amazing and I partly didn’t know what I was doing, but I wanted to get out there and take some freakin’ pictures! So I did and I LOVED everything about it. I loved trying new things, meeting new people, reconnecting with friends, practicing, learning, and seeing myself improve every time. These senior sessions were some of my firsts, and I still love them even though they aren’t my current editing style!

My photography style was in the “middle school” stages for a little while. You know, like when you have braces, you randomly get the chicken pox which creates more awkwardness, you wear striped turtle necks for the yearbook photos, have fluffy hair that takes over your tiny face so you wear it in a tight boyish bun, you’re scared to hold a boy’s hand, and you’re only allowed to wear eye shadow and lip gloss…..yes, that was me, and I am no longer ashamed..

MIDDLE SCHOOL REMY AWWWW

In those stages of my photography, I was inexperienced. I was teaching myself editing in Lightroom, I didn’t know how to shoot in manual, I knew nothing about lighting or my camera, and I couldn’t find my own style. Every picture and every album looked different. I didn’t have that consistent style that clients would expect of you. Once I really found MY style, I started going through the “high school” stages. In real high school I got my braces removed, I wore Abercrombie and Hollister, wore cooler belts than the one photographed above, started wearing mascara, had some boyfriends here and there.. you know, basically I thought I was getting the hang of life. So in these stages of my photography, I was new and improved. I upgraded to new gear, took an intro to photography class in Richmond, began following the leaders in the creative industry, and studied my butt off. Because DUH I was trying to get to “college”, people!!! 🙂 I knew it was time to invest in more education. I knew I was ready to take the next step and I knew I had it in me. I went to my first Hope Taylor Workshop in March 2016. It was a complete game-changer. I learned SO much from Hope (truly a genius, wizard, fairy, angel girl). I was encouraged by her and the other attendees and I became inspired. I was more knowledgeable and I was ready to move forward in my business. That was my high school graduation and I was ready to move into college. (wink wink, not in real life, I hope you’re following the metaphors..) Here are some photos of when I started improving and seeing more consistency in my work!

Here are a few from the 2016 HTP workshop:

Now, here I am, exactly a year after Hope’s workshop, and I think I can now say that I’m moving onto my second year of [metaphoric] college. I am proud of my work, I love my style, and I love where I’m at right now. This past year I watched LOADS of free webinars and read every blog I could find. I also invested in two major educational courses. I purchased the Amy and Jordan Demos Online Shooting+Editing Course. I would HIGHLY recommend this to anyone in their first couple years of the photography business. It taught me so much about literally every topic you can think of. The smallest things made the biggest difference for me. Then I signed up for the 2-day Hope Taylor Senior and Wedding Workshop. WOW. I can’t say enough wonderful things about the workshop and Hope. It’s only been a couple weeks since the workshop and I already feel like my business is 100% growing and moving in the right direction. It gave me a major push. I now feel ready for any challenge, and I have so many goals to work towards. I am finally figuring out my schedule, daily and weekly tasks/goals, my calendar organization, and my workflow!

This “college” phase is a major learning experience through trial and error, successes, failures, fear, excitement, changes, highs, lows, everything. I don’t plan on “graduating” for a long time. I know that I have so much more to learn and I don’t plan to stop now or anytime soon. I will never stop growing as a person and the same goes for my business. I believe in myself, even more so after looking at how much I have grown in the past couple years. I have the drive, the motivation, a community to cheer me on, mentors, and a support system. I know that I can keep moving in a positive direction and I plan to do just that. Underneath is an example of my most recent engagement shoot. This is my favorite lighting and Kayla was an absolute dream!!.. Keep up with my blog posts and see more pretty images like this every Tuesday!

Quick Announcement:

While I’m on the topic of learning and growing as a photographer, I have some fun news! I am going to begin a blogging series about my fiancé, Eli, learning how to be a photographer LESSON BY LESSON, every Thursday. It will be called the “Photography for Hubbies” series..you know, like “Photography for Dummies”, but it’s for hubbies, because he’s my future hubby (and sometimes a dummy), okay I think you get it.. I am in no way, shape, or form, experienced in teaching someone else the basics about the camera, how to shoot in camera, shooting techniques, or editing because I’m still learning myself! But, I am going to try my hardest step by step, and you’re going to be able to follow along with us! We will try to blog about it week by week, but forgive us if we get a little busy from time to time (we are getting married in June)! So, if you want to learn with Eli, watch his journey, create your own journey alongside his, or if you want to just laugh at us, we can’t wait to have you as an audience! 🙂 Our goal is for Eli to become my second shooter as I enter the wedding photography world, and we are determined to get him there! If your photographer hubby has a few tips he’d like to share, we would love to see them in comments! Expect an introduction about Eli this Thursday! We can’t wait to begin! GO ELI!

P.S. THANK YOU to my sweet friends for subscribing to my blog!!

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