How Dubsado Improved My Business

Published on February 28, 2019February 28, 2019 by Remy PhotosLeave a comment

Photographers and small business owners: listen up!

In the first year of my business I felt totally disorganized because my contracts, invoices, book keeping, and client information was all over the place. At the time I was using programs that were free, but actually made me feel MORE frustrated and LESS professional. It was taking up too much time, I couldn’t keep up with all the information in different places, and I knew I needed to try something new. That’s when I began free trial after free trial of three different management systems that other photographers were recommending. Then I moved onto my FOURTH trial with a program called Dubsado. That’s when I found my business soulmate…

If you’re like me and you need everything to be completely organized, consistent, easily accessible, professional looking on the back end and the client’s end, then you’re going to love this platform. Dubsado changed my business by managing every detail I need to stay organized for myself and for my clients. The cost is not overpriced like some of the other programs I’ve tried and it’s worth every penny. It’s simple (I like simple), it’s clean and pretty to look at (that’s always a plus), and it does the job in the most efficient way possible. Dubsado allowed me to spend less time worrying about the organization and professional side of my business, less time entering information and creating random confusing documents, and more time to live life as I wanted to live it. (I’m not even being dramatic.) I have spent MORE time communicating with and getting to know my clients, more time working on the projects I need to be working on, giving my clients a better experience, and a lot more time doing what I love and what I’m good at. Dubsado has been a game-changer for me these past two years and I know it can do the same for you!

Here are some of my favorite ways Dubsado helps manage my business:

Create A Client Portal: The first thing I do when I’m ready to book a client, is create a New Project, which is creating a client portal. I add their contact information, their session or wedding details, and they officially added to my calendar. Once I have their client portal ready, I can send emails, add tasks and notes, attach their invoice, contract, questionnaires, etc. Literally, all the things you need to keep organized. Then you can send that client portal to your client so that they can access that information at any time!
Create An Invoice: Dubsado makes it so easy to make a new invoice! You can simply enter the information needed or even click a package (example- 2019 wedding package), then you can email it straight to the client and they are then able to pay digitally. Super easy, super fast. This has been the best way for me to accept payments! You can create payment plans, automative reminders, all of that good stuff to make it easier for your client!
Creating Contract and Forms: This is the best thing ever. You can create your own contract that allows you and your client to sign digitally at the bottom. Once you’re updated it, you can email it to them and it’s all done within just a couple minutes! Again, super easy and super quick! I even mad questionnaires for my different types of clients that I can attach later on in their client portal. It’s the best!
Accounting: I’m no good at accounting, but it’s a good thing Dubsado is! 🙂 I can track all my income, expenses, any transactions, taxes, and more. When it comes time for tax season, this program makes it super easy for me to print out all my reports!
Calendar: Dubsado’s calendar is linked to my Gmail so that everything shows up at once. When I enter my jobs, it goes straight to my calendar and that way I can’t double book and everything is listed. You can even add tasks to certain days so you don’t miss anything! Client’s payments also show up on the calendar and makes it easy for me to see what’s coming up or if someone missed a payment.

There is so much more you can do with Dubsado to make your work life easier! If you’re ready to make your business more professional, organized, and simplified… this is exactly what you’re looking for. This is the perfect way to improve your business and give your clients the experience they want and deserve! This is the best way to get your time back and start doing more of what you love. The feedback I have received from clients over the past two years of using Dubsado has made a huge impact on my business and my confidence. If I don’t have you convinced, just jump into the trial and try it for yourself!

If you know you want to improve the quality of your service, connect with your clients in a simpler and more professional way, and get your sweet, sweet time back… I encourage you to jump right in! This is the best decision you could make for your business- I’m getting excited for you just thinking about it!

Visit this link and use code “remythompson” to sign up and receive 20% off a month or a year of Dubsado! https://www.dubsado.com/?c=remythompson

5 Programs I Can’t Live Without | Education

Published on April 24, 2018April 24, 2018 by Remy PhotosLeave a comment

I can’t believe I haven’t shared the 5 programs I can’t live without on the blog yet. These downloads, apps, and websites actually cut my work time in half, they save my life, they are my babies. Trust me when I say, you’re going to LOVE this blog… thank me later, honey. They are 120% worth the investment and I’ll tell you why with each program listed!

1. Lightroom–– For some of you, this might be an obvious one, but let me tell you… When I first started this business a few years ago, I was using Photoshop for ALL MY PICTURES. This actually took me forrrrrevvvverrrrrrr and it was so annoying. Then I found out there was actually an easier/faster way to import, edit, and export my images (WHAT!?!?). If you don’t have Lightroom, get it right now, like today, tonight, asap. Youtube shares some awesome tutorials if you’re confused, but feel free to ask me anything!

2. Photo Mechanic 5–– I purchased this program about two years ago and I don’t know how I ever survived without it. It’s a major time saver and makes importing extremely easy!! Now, if you’re just starting out and aren’t booking a ton of sessions, I recommend waiting to make the investment until you are booking consistently!

3. BlogStomp— All those pretty little collages you see? All those images paired side by side for blog posts? BlogStomp. It’s AMAZING. I use this for blogs so that I’m not sharing a million photos in one post- you can just pair them up and cut your blog in half! It’s super easy and super fast. I also use it for facebook, my website, and Instagram stories to share session sneak peeks!

4. Dubsado— MY ENTIRE LIFE IS IN THIS WEBSITE. All my clients, my calendar, accounting, invoices, contracts, forms, notes, tasks, ALL OF IT. Check it out for a free trial and if you want to sign up, then use my code to sign up!!!
https://www.dubsado.com/?c=yayrtp CODE: “yayrtp”

5. Notes— This one seems silly, but guess what… IT’S FREE and IT’S AMAZING. The “Notes” app gets updated on my phone and computer, so I keep all my thoughts and ideas organized here. This is where I keep my daily to-do lists, goals, new session ideas, blog ideas, workshop vendors, Instagram captions…I mean, alllll of it. If you want to keep your ideas and thoughts organized, I highly recommend using this program. Keep it constantly updated and it will become a part of your routine. It’s there on the go and it’s there at home- use it!

I hope this was helpful! These programs made a huge difference in my business and workflow, so I know it will do the same for you! Questions are always welcome. Happy downloading! 🙂

If you’re interested in an educational opportunity with me, check out more information about my “Shades of Pink” Workshop on June 18th!! Find the registration and investment at the bottom of the page! Mentoring is fully booked until July- if you are interested in some one-on-one time, shoot me an email! I can’t wait to hear from you!! 🙂

To sign up for my Education Email list, click HERE!

FREE GUIDE To Growing Your Photography Business

Published on March 22, 2018 by Remy PhotosLeave a comment

Stop Waiting and Make It Happen.

Oh, I remember it so clearly. This time last year, I was crying, complaining, and felt defeated. My husband witnessed the worst of it (sorry, Eli!). I had maybe 3 people on the books for the Spring and I was so confused as to why I wasn’t booking more clients. Here I am exactly one year later, and I have an incredible amount of clients on my schedule and I am getting new inquiries almost every day. Normally I would say, “Woah, I don’t know what happened!” But I actually do know… That’s what I’m going to share with you today!

“If we don’t have dreams, what do we have?” I heard this on some random Netflix show I was watching the other day… It spoke to me. If we aren’t dreaming and fighting to get where we want to be, then what are we doing!? It’s time to reach your goals and begin living your dream! YOU are the only one who can make that happen. It all starts with YOU. So, let’s get you going!

Here are some ways to grow your business and start booking more clients from my personal experience! These tips worked for me, but keep in mind it took an entire year to get there. I have practiced, worked hard, tried new things, followed through, and taken chances. I went for it and I made it happen. It’s not going to happen for you overnight, but it will happen over some time and on YOUR time. So stop comparing your business growth to someone else’s because it doesn’t work that way. This is YOUR experience and YOUR story. Soon you are going to stop feeling defeated and start feeling refreshed with a newfound perspective and confidence!

Grab your FREE DOWNLOAD HERE!

If you’re interested in an educational opportunity with me, check out more information about my “Shades of Pink” Workshop on June 18th!! Find the registration and investment at the bottom of the page! Mentoring is fully booked until the Summer- if you are interested in some one-on-one time, shoot me an email! I can’t wait to hear from you!!

To sign up for my Education Email list, click HERE!

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!!

A Major Clue About My Education Announcement

Published on February 6, 2018 by Remy PhotosLeave a comment

Hey party people!!

If you joined my Education Mailing List, then you already read about my big clue! Now it’s time to share it with everyone else!!

Over the last 8 months, I have grown to really love my one-on-one mentoring sessions, like almost too much! After my first mentoring lesson last summer, I knew I wanted to do something more for other photographers who are trying to get their business rolling… something BIG… something different. I learned that mentoring isn’t just about the education. It’s about the guidance, the support, and the love I pour into the relationships with my clients. The girls I have already mentored have become more than a “mentee”, but actually a friend! I LOVE these girls and I am so thankful for the support that goes both ways!

There are so many different phases of becoming a photographer, especially when you’re on the way to full-time. I remember when I was first trying to get my business started, but people weren’t taking me seriously, which made me feel discouraged. I decided to kick that thought and start being my own cheerleader. I pushed myself and decided to invest in more education to take me to that next level.

When I first started, my goal was to become a wedding photographer, but that didn’t mean I was going to jump into strictly wedding education. When making the decision of where to start and keep growing in education, I knew I had to start with the basics, I couldn’t rush into all the things. I needed to invest in education that would teach me everything I needed to know about portrait photography first, like posing, lighting, camera settings and techniques, marketing, branding… I mean everything! Then, I knew when I felt confident enough in my skills, I would then be ready to take on the wedding world! Through this process, I met other photographers who were there to encourage me, inspire me, and cheer me on throughout the process. That’s truly one of the best parts and it’s so important to have that support system in our industry. Maybe you’re interested in doing the same thing I did, maybe you’re only interested in wedding photography, or maybe you’re only interested in portrait photography- either way, you’re on the right track by coming to my blog, because something so amazing and so special is coming this JUNE and I have a feeling it’s perfect for YOU!

So to sum up the big clue– This IN-PERSON experience I’m offering is for those who want to grow their business and those who want to create strong friendships with women who will encourage them every step of the way. This is for those who want to make that next step because they believe in themselves! I believe in you too, and I will be there to guide you through it all. I’ve been through it all and I want to lift up a team of women who can embrace their differences while empowering each other! We all share the same passion, but we all offer something different and special… now that’s something to celebrate!

If you’re interested in joining the RTP Education List, click HERE to sign up! I’ll be sharing my heart, my photography tips, and upcoming exciting announcements! This list will be the first to find out about details, events, secrets, and the first place registration will open up!

Mentoring Meets Real Engagement Session

Published on January 16, 2018January 16, 2018 by Remy PhotosLeave a comment

The first week of 2018 started with an amazing one-on-one mentoring session with Hannah Shinholser Photography. As soon as I met Hannah and got to know more about herself and her business, I knew she was totally invested. I could sense her determination and passion for photography and the people that come with it. I love getting to know my clients before jumping into the lesson plan. This allows us to get comfortable and really dig deep into the heart of the business. Hannah is so good at what she does and her work is stunning! I can already see business growth and another level of confidence shining through her since we met for the mentoring day.

My larger mentoring packages include a mini styled portrait session of choice. Hannah wanted to practice with a couple and asked for a location that represented her business. Luckily, the barn that I chose was one I have used for a previous mentoring shoot and it fit her personality and brand so well. I always want to make sure I am providing details for my clients that are customized to their business needs, not mine!

I love that my mentees have differences from me and my style, but still appreciate learning from me. I also found that adding a little bit of my own style encouraged Hannah to try something new. She soon stepped out of her comfort zone, and enjoyed it! As photographers, we should constantly push ourselves to step outside of our branding box and spice things up every once in a while! Hannah had the opportunity to try a couple of new techniques and she totally ran with it… that’s what these practice photoshoots are for after all! With a mix of our brands coming together, we had so much fun shooting side by side! Hannah is SO beautiful and I’m obsessed with her headshots, which shares her love for horses, her adorable style, and stunning features! See my favorites below!

Following the headshots, we had the most perfect and adorable couple modeling for us this day. The best part is that they had just gotten engaged over Christmas time and we were able to capture their first professional photos ever, along with their actual engagement shoot!! How special and awesome is that!? Plus we ended the evening with a slight sunset glow along the horizon through the trees, and we were so pumped about it! I loved working with this sweet couple, my amazing mentee, and the vendors who helped out! Just you wait until you see this fun-loving, romantic session- cue the heart eyes!!!