Let Downs, and Build-Ups

That marathon I was supposed to be shooting for a friend? Well unfortunately it fell through. I made a scheduling blunder and didn't realize until the last minute that my boyfriend's birthday party was the night before. There was just no way I could get from my apartment to downtown Houston by 6:30 am, SAFELY and with enough energy to concentrate and provide quality images. Especially because I have zero experience shooting sports and even less experience shooting in very dark lighting. I was really disappointed about it, but at the same time I was also just a tiny bit relieved. I was freaking out about the whole thing and really it just reminded me that I have to be able to say NO. I shouldn't have agreed to shoot something that completely intimidates me to begin with. So, lesson learned, from here on out STICK TO WHAT YOU KNOW. Oh and lesson #2, CHECK YOUR SCHEDULE.

Fortunately I am pretty stubborn and will shamelessly throw myself on the chopping block if I think someone will assist. So I took some advice from my uncle who I rave about constantly, and searched "Birth Photographer" in Google. Then I emailed every one on the list asking if any of them needed an assistant or second shooter. You can only learn so much in a classroom setting, and since I am taking my HCP workshops at my own pace (much dictated by my finances), it will be nice to have a mentor with whom I can learn and practice in between workshops. I have received a few responses with pieces of advice and things, but not until yesterday had I received any actual offers to assist someone. I got an offer to shadow a newborn session for someone and I am really, really hoping that their schedule works with mine. If not, I may just have to manipulate some things! *Crossing fingers big time*

On a different note, I was shopping for some letter blocks since the maternity shoot I'm doing this weekend could use them. I went into my local Once Upon a Child (a store I recommend to ANY child photographer or parent) and discovered that on top of the great range of bows, tutus, and headbands they carry, they are now also carrying baby/toddler sized neckties!!!! The cuteness just won't stop! So now I can not wait to purchase a few of those bad boys to add to my prop collection. And the best part is that while I was shopping there I thought to myself, you know it might not be a bad idea to ask if they'd let me leave some business cards by the register. I mean come on, I've spent hundreds of dollars in that store so, maybe? I'm also going to look into advertising at church nurseries and other places like that. I think I might even be close to a Gymboree.