Spotlight on Business | Kristie Bradley Photography

We are coming into a beautiful time of year. Blooming flowers, longer days, the sounds of baseball games, & the end of the school year. What a perfect time to schedule portrait sessions & get your business moving in the right direction. Our Spotlight on Business this month is Kristie Bradley Photography. It was fun to get to know Kristie better and to find out how she runs a very successful photography business. Take a few minutes and check out her work, I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Here are the questions we asked her:

 What is the most valuable business advice you have ever gotten?

Don’t run your business on debt! This simple piece of advice has really helped me make rationale and sound decisions. If I don’t have the money then I don’t make a purchase. I think it helps me remember that I started this business to help make my family’s life better, not to put us into debt, so I have to be wise.

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In no more than 12 words, how would you describe your brand?

I am currently in the middle of rebranding(yay!), but truly I am just updating my “look” to match the experience I hope I am already giving my clients! My new “look” represents my brand as:  modern, fresh, upscale, bright, fun and memorable!

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 Is there something special you do when your business reaches a goal?

Yes! Set a new goal…ha! I believe in constantly learning and growing so when I reach a goal I look to the next one! There may also be a fun family trip or pretty camera bag in there if it was a financial goal:)

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What is your favorite tool that helps run your studio?

I think effective organization is KEY to any business. i found a great planner last year that helped me tremendously with that, but it was changed a lot this year and its just not working for me in its new format.  I am on the look out if anyone has any suggestions! Find what works for you and keep a schedule!

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What product do you sell most of?

Storyboards(mounted on white styrene from prodpi) size 5×10 to 20×20! Every session!

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 How do you nurture your creativity?

This year I was a finalist in the Chic Critique Photography Idol Competition(which was SO much fun and an honor!) and it reinstated my love for planning and shooting for myself. I realized again that I need to do some photo shoots just for me, styled and planned with something that I want to try. It truly re-energizes!

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 What is the best application investment you‘ve ever made?

i LOVE Preveal, but it doesn’t seem to help me much with my Seniors. My Photo App! I am still getting in the swing of using it, but it is a great way to get your images into the hands of your clients to share on the go!  The most popular apps I use on my phone are FREE. My top 3 Favs: Instagram, Square and PicTapGo!

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What is the best equipment investment you’ve ever made?

My new Nikon D800…yay!

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What’s your advice for better profits?

Be very aware of your cost of goods and price accordingly. I have had some great orders that when it came down to it were not as profitable as I had thought because the COG was so high. I am currently re-working some of my offerings with this in mind. Don’t forget about your time to create a product as well!

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Have you had to change your game to stay ahead in the photography world?

I think in any business it is imperative to stay on top of the most exciting and current trends. With our technology the “game” is constantly changing and we have to adapt accordingly to keep our business in front of our customers. I don’t mind though, because I enjoy the challenge of  learning and growing!

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The Business Spotlight blog post is sponsored by Rebooku, a fantastic online company.

Here is what Kristie had to say about her experience using the Rebooku services: “As a new user I found the customer service phenomenal! Ty Fisher with Rebooku was fantastic at responding to my questions and making sure that I understood how the whole process worked!”

 Where can potential new clients and our readers view more images and learn more about your business?

Facebook: www.facebook.com/KristieBradleyPhotography?ref=hl

Website: www.kristiebradleyphotography.com

Our goal at Modern Teen Style is to help you build, develop and grow the best business that you can. We hope that you have found this article useful. If you have any suggestions, please let us know. We would love to hear from you.

Katie

www.katiehughesphotography.com

 

Modern Teen Style…VioletRay Photography

In the dead of winter I love nothing more than an out of the box, artistic portrait session to shake of the winter blues. Trina at VioletRay Photography absolutely stuns with this session.

Here’s what she had say about this session: “This was a concept session that I wanted to be a piece of art, a story… an engaging series that evokes imagination and a sense of a wonder.

I started planning this session in my mind over the course of a couple months after being contacted by a 16 year old who is a dancer in the local Missoula ballet studio, Downtown Dance Collective. We met up to discuss his session, and came up with the idea to do his shoot based around his love of dance. It was great because we were able to combine ballet with hip hop and we used the ballet studio as well as urban Missoula to demonstrate combining strengths and passion.

I wanted to break out of the mold of still portraits. I wanted to shoot something that pushed me artistically and could pull at the imagination and heart-strings of the viewers. Logan approached me about working with him and I saw this as a golden opportunity to do those things and beyond! I saw this as a chance to create something moving and powerful, combining inner passion with technical effects with the assistance of OCF.”

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As always, Trina’s artistic passion and the beautiful results blow me away. Check out VioletRay’s Facebook page and website for more of Trina’s work.

Keep those submissions coming, everyone!

Robin

Eye on Fashion: Throwback Attack

So, we talked about how cropped tops are back again, and – apparently – so are the 90’s!

Stores like Hollister and American Eagle are leading the push with this throwback combo of crops, high-waisted denim shorts, plaid shirts, and even overalls!

I have to say that I really love this look, and it has nothing to do with the fact that it was practically my uniform for an entire summer when I was in high school.

Tell me what you think! Is this 90’s look all that and a bag of chips or totally whack? (OMG, seriously – please forgive me for that flashback moment.)

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Jen Sinclair offers custom photography for high school seniors and teens near Richmond, VA! Check her out at http://jensinphoto.com!

Suzanne Mellott Photography… Modern Teen Style

This week we are showcasing Suzanne Mellott Photography of Berkeley Springs, WV! Here is what she had to say about the session, “This session was shot as a commercial session and also a “just because” session for me. I rented a local warehouse and had tons of clothes. My makeup artist and hair stylist were amazing in bringing out the absolute best out of our naturally gorgeous model, Rachael.”

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Here is what Suzanne said about her business, “I’m a self-taught portrait photographer specializing in fun, modern, and “real.life.happy” high school senior and family photography in the artsy town of Berkeley Springs, WV. When I’m not shooting gorgeous faces or homeschooling, you can find me hanging out with my husband and four children, preferably with a caffeinated beverage in hand, checking out a flea market!”

 

Love the outfits, great work! To see more of Suzanne’s work, visit her on Facebook or her website!

 

Have a blessed week!

Ash Hall is an Orlando Photographer, specializing in senior girls and couples. Follow her on Instagram (@ashhallphoto) for adorable kitten pictures and daily adventures!

Eye on Fashion: Valentine’s Day {Part 2}

Last week I talked about Valentine’s Day looks that are made from pieces just arriving at your favorite stores. From super cute prints to custom kicks, there’s something for you, no matter what your style.

This week’s post is about Valentine’s Day style for the guys! There are so many looks – carried at Abercrombie, J. Crew, Hollister, and more – that will definitely score you some sweetness!

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I hope you have the very best Valentine’s Day (or S.A.D. – Single’s Awareness Day) ever!

Jen Sinclair offers custom photography for high school seniors and teens near Richmond, VA! Check her out at http://jensinphoto.com!

J. Lynn Photography… Modern Teen Style

Today we are showcasing Jessy of J. Lynn Photography ! Here is what she had to say about the session, “This session was shot this fall in Cynthiana, KY. Lexi wanted to show off her new boots and scarf she had got for her 15th birthday the weekend before. We started off at a local farm and then headed to a new overpass that was built over the summer. We then finished up the session at the courthouse steps downtown.”

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Wow love that last pose with the rocks, awesome! Have a great week!!

Ash Hall is an Orlando Photographer, specializing in senior girls and couples. Follow her on Instagram (@ashhallphoto) for adorable kitten pictures and daily adventures!

Modern Teen Style…DC Photography Boston

Hold onto your hats, people! These images are going to blow you away. This 16 year old is an absolute stunner and Danielle from DC Photography Boston did an amazing job on this session. This girl has style and the light in these images…oh, how I long for summer!

Here’s what Danielle had to say about this session:

“This is a session I had with Jade, a 16-year-old who is a model for my fashion show. She is absolutely beautiful and I loved working with her- can you believe it was her first professional shoot ever? I had a lot of fun styling Jade and watching her loosen up as the shoot went on!

All of my shoots with my models are inspired by their personality and fashion style. Jade is very feminine (her dream would be to be a VS Angel) but she also has an edgy side. We decided to show off three of her favorite outfits and we shot on location in a few different areas around Boston. The carousel was in the Commons, not a fair! :)”

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Absolutely breathtaking, Danielle! Be sure to check out more of Danielle’s work on her facebook page or website.

Keep those submissions coming, everyone!

xoxo,

Robin

 

Eye on Fashion: Valentine’s Day {Part 1}

I can’t believe there are only 10 days until Valentine’s! This year is already flying by! (The plus side? Summer will be here before you know it. Hellooooo, tan!)

So, I want to focus on some Valentine’s Day looks that are made from pieces just arriving at your favorite stores! From super cute prints to custom kicks, there’s something for you, no matter what your style.

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Come back next week for more Valentine’s Day (or S.A.D. – Single’s Awareness Day) fashion!

Jen Sinclair offers custom photography for high school seniors and teens near Richmond, VA! Check her out at http://jensinphoto.com!

 

Rustic Moon Photography… Modern Teen Style

This week we’re featuring Erin Greenough of Rustic Moon Photography. Here is what she had to say about this gorgeous California session, “This session was located in Santa Barbara, CA. Ruby, a southern California native, wanted pictures that truly captured the beautiful area that she grew up in. My goal was to capture Ruby’s fun, youthful attitude without losing focus of the beautiful, mature young woman that she is. All of our locations were within walking distance of the Santa Barbara Pier, and was shot during the golden hour using only available lighting.”

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Here is what Erin had to say about her business, “My name is Erin Greenough, and I am a mother, a wife, and a self-taught photographer. I started my journey into photography 3 years ago after moving to the beautiful central coast of California. I love to photograph everything, but I am truly inspired by senior portraits. After a recent move back to our home town of Sacramento, my business has just expanded from a one person, part time hobby to a full time partnership with a great friend and photographer. We are so excited to introduce Rustic Moon Photography, and we are excited for what the future has in store.”

Wow, love this beach session! And she is rockin that hairstyle! To see more of Rustic Moon Photography, visit them on Facebook or website.

 

Ash Hall is a senior photographer located in Orlando, FL. Specializing in showing young women they’re perfect imperfections through gorgeous portraits. Visit her on Facebook or her website

 

Modern Teen Style…Emily Charais Photography

It’s my pleasure to feature Minnesota based Emily Charais Photography today. Emily’s session features beautiful fall colors. Looking at these cozy fall photos made me long for the days before sub zero temperatures and the snow covered ground.

Here’s what Emily had to say about this session: ” The lovely Kaylee is a 2017 senior. We wanted to take advantage of the last weekend in our very short fall in Minnesota with an urban based session. It was only 35 degrees outside, but Minnesota teens are hardy! She simply glowed the entire session and was such a natural beauty in front of the camera.

The fall colors that weekend were absolutely stunning, and perfect for a session filled with boots, scarves, and adorable knits. I am a sucker for textures, and loved that we could play with them a bit.”

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I’m in love with the colors from this photo shoot and this teen’s style is to die for! Thanks for sharing, Emily. Be sure to hit up Emily’s facebook and website and give her some love.

Thanks for stopping by and keep those submissions coming!

Robin