colourandlife

Today, at the mall my 6 year-old son wanted his picture taken with Santa. So when it was his turn instead of sitting on his lap my son pulled out his fake wand and yelled, "Avada Kedavra!" Santa clutched his heart and pretended to die. Half the kids started to cry. MLIA.

A very happy Ally, frolicking in the snow
December 8, 2009

We've accumulated about nine inches of snow over the last three days. The temperature hasn't gone above 15 or so during that time, so we have no ice and only fluffy powder. When the sun came out this afternoon, I bundled up and took our eager dog into the canyon.

( More snow photos )

Christmastime wedding at Donovan Pavilion in Vail, Colorado

Today's snowy weather has inspired me to do a Wedding Ideas post all about winter weddings. Colorado is famous for its winters and champagne powder, so it's a particularly beautiful time to get married. It's certainly romantic to snuggle up next to someone as the snow falls.

A note to all you wedding planners out there:
I have a huge section of my website devote to wedding inspiration: http://www.charlottegeary.com/weddingideas I hope it's helpful for you!

( More photos of winter weddings )

If you like pets and you're not a member of the_daily_pet you are really, really missing out. Members post pictures of their own pets, so there's quite a variety! But, be warned that you'll hit cuteness overload pretty quickly.

Check it out!

We're all snowed in!

( Two more from our house )

So, Smutyanka is living up to her namesake again.  (Smutyanka is “female troublemaker” in Russian)

We did a lot of work on her last week and replaced the air filter, put on the new carburetor flanges and heat blocks, and replaced the torn fuel line.  Our plan was to take her to Crossroads Cycles this week to get the carbs balanced, now that they are firmly attached, and with that and her inspection, she should be good to go for regular riding.

No dice.

We tried to start her up on Friday and got nothing.  I couldn’t even really hear the engine trying to turn over, which usually means something is very wrong.  We headed over to the Soviet Steeds forum, and folks advised that when we drained the tank, we probably pulled some gunk into the petcock, and to take it off and clean it.  We did that, and there was indeed a little bit of gunk (especially blocking the reserve tank hole), and then re-attached it.  It still won’t start up.  The fuel flow now seems fine, but in the process of looking at all that stuff, we realized that our throttle cables are barely hanging on, and are literally hanging out of the throttle assembly on the right handgrip.  Back to the boards!

This is starting to get really frustrating for both of us.  We enjoyed getting to work on the bike and learn about motorcycle maintenance, but we have had the bike for three months and have driven it for only around an hour and a half, total ride time.

So, we’re thinking of selling Smutyanka and buying a brand new Ural Patrol T, sometime in the next couple months, once Marc starts his USIS job.

There are a few reasons for this:

1. The Patrol T comes factory painted in the original Soviet army green/brown.  While we have photographic documentation of black, civilian sidecar bikes being requisitioned for military use, using Smutyanka in her current color configuration makes her stand out at events, and might draw some “farb!” remarks, even though it’s not.
2. The Patrol T has 2WD.  For city driving it’s not an issue, but both of us really want to do some offroading with our Ural, and Smutyanka’s seemingly brittle condition and 1WD make that a little more difficult (though not impossible).  2WD would also allow us to drive in the snow, which would be nice.
3. With a fresh, brand new bike, it would be easier to diagnose problems.  Right now we’re stuck in a cycle in which we fix one thing, only to realize that it was just a symptom of something else that has been broken the whole tine.  With a new bike, you have a fresh starting point, so it’s easier to know when something is wrong.
4. Quite frankly, we’re not really in a good position to be doing major work on a motorcycle right now.  If we were living in a house, with a garage, it might be another story, but it’s very difficult to do any major work on a motorcycle when all you have is an apartment parking lot.
5. Urals now come with a 3(?) year factory warranty, and we live only two hours away from a dealer.  We can continue to do the minor stuff ourselves, but it’s nice to know that if something really goes wrong, we can get it fixed for free for a couple years.
6. The biggest of all:  even if we got Smutyanka running well, neither of us would trust her to be anything more than a “fun around town” vehicle.  I wouldn’t trust her to get me to work, and we would have to trailer her to all reenactments we took her to, however close.  A brand new Ural is reliable enough to be used as a daily commuter, and then it truly could be our second vehicle.  Marc wants to get a new car, but he would prefer to wait a little longer to replace his, and having a Ural that works might be a good stopgap.

We haven’t made up our minds yet, or even really discussed it all that much, but the topic has been brought up for discussion a couple times.  It wouldn’t be for a couple months yet, but it’s a possibility.

Originally published at Travels with Smutka. You can comment here or there.

OKAY. IF YOU HAVE MOVED IN THE LAST YEAR, IF YOU HAVE JUST MET ME IN THE LAST YEAR, I NEED YOUR CURRENT PLACE OF RESIDENCE. IF I DO NOT HAVE YOUR CURRENT ADDRESS, THEN YOU WILL NOT GET A HOLIDAY CARD FROM ME. AND I BOUGHT A LOT OF CARDS SO I WOULD LIKE TO SEND THEM ALL. 8S THANKS.

So my throat has gotten scratchy, and I feel off, so maybe I am sick, maybe I am not, I don't know grah.

CAN I HAVE VACATION NOW?

Seriously every day at work is busy busy busy busy. And then I get home and I am DRAINED.

ALSO. I LOVE ELVIS. 8| HE WAS MY FIRST HERO AND HE IS STILL AWESOME AND WHEN I GET BACK TO THE US, I AM GOING TO BUY CDS OF HIS AND HAVE ELVIS TIME. GO LISTEN TO ELVIS. WATCH THAT MAN SHAKE IT. ELVIS WAS HOT. IS STILL HOT. GOD I LOVE YOU ELVIS.



Also, Deviant Art, I wish you had a TAG system, so that I could click on like a tag and be taken to every deviation with that tag on it. Instead, I have to troll through like...2000 or 7000 deviations in my pursuit of North American Bromance. (I think the best line I saw was "America - Canada's Bitch Since 1814." I seriously died laughing.) MY HEAD HURTS. I WANT MORE BROMANCE BUT THE ENDLESS SEARCHING IS NOT DESIRABLE.

There was a time when searching that sight constantly was something I was good at.

THE INTERNET, IT IS TOO BIG FOR ME TO HANDLE.



I like tigers.

APPARENTLY EVERY MAN IN RUSSIA IS NAMED IVAN? THIS IS LIKE THE THIRD TIME I HAVE SEEN SOME TV SHOW WHERE A RUSSIAN MAN NAMED IVAN IS INVOLVED. WHAT THE HELL.


WORK. DO NOT WANT TOMORROW.

Over the years, many people have asked me how to start out as a wedding photographer. Wedding photography is creative, exciting, and rewarding, but it's also hard work that requires dedicated preparation. Here are the steps I recommend as you start a photography business.


1. LEARN THE BASICS
Before you involve any other people in your photography career, you must know your camera. Devote time to photography classes, books, and websites. Join online forums. Read your camera manual, as many times as needed. Learn how and when to use a flash and other lighting. Learn photo editing software, such as Photoshop and Lightroom.

Make sure you understand concepts like aperture, shutter speed, ISO, depth of field, focal length, underexposure, overexposure, and the rule of thirds. Relying on your camera's automatic functions is not sufficient, even if you are confident in your artistic eye. The truth is that lots of people have a good eye -- that's not enough to be a professional photographer.

It is your own responsibility to learn these basics. Do not expect other photographers to teach you what you need to know. It is especially important that you do not use paying clients or real weddings as an opportunity to practice your skills. Respect weddings and clients. Learn the basics before you involve anyone else.

How I did it
I took photography classes in high school, college, and graduate school. It took me a while into my studies before I really started to grasp the different concepts and trust my manual settings. In the years since, I have become a much better photographer through practice and self-teaching. I have continued my education through photography workshops, seminars, and conventions. I read photography magazines and books. I participate regularly in online photography forums (my favorite is the Digital Wedding Forum).

2. PURCHASE EQUIPMENT GRADUALLY
After you have a good foundation in the basics of photography, you will understand the benefits of different types of equipment. You do not want to invest much money into your gear until you know how to choose between all the different features available. For example, you need to understand aperture before choosing a lens.

I also recommend that you develop your own shooting style before purchasing lenses and lighting. You might discover that you love to shoot wide angle, or perhaps telephoto is more your style. If you love shooting with natural light, you'll want a camera body with high ISO capability and lenses with large apertures. If you prefer the look of off-camera lighting, you'll need to purchase lighting gear. Don't spend too much until you know your own style.

Later, when you are ready to shoot weddings, you will need to have at least this bare minimum of required equipment: two camera bodies, two lenses, two flashes, CF cards, batteries, a computer system, and photo editing software. You will probably find that you need a lot more than this minimal list. Backup gear is essential.

How I did it
I kept out of debt by purchasing items only when I had the money for them. I waited to buy anything until I was certain which items I'd need to achieve my photographic vision. I continue to purchase items gradually, updating everything only when I need it. I don't buy the best gear -- I buy the gear that best suits my artistic goals and financial plans.

3. START A PORTFOLIO BY PHOTOGRAPHING YOUR FRIENDS
Practice on people who won't mind that you are still learning. Take free portraits of your family, friends, and pets. Shoot in a variety of settings, including bright sun, shade, tungsten lighting, and darkness. Become competent and consistent with lighting, posing, and exposure.

You need to practice often enough that the camera settings are almost intuitive. Later when you are at weddings, if you spend time pondering your settings, you will miss important moments that you should be photographing. You should be able to adjust your camera while paying attention to the people you are photographing. This is not an easy task, but you will be doing clients a great disservice if you pay more attention to your camera than to them. Now is your time to practice.

How I did it
I took free portraits of tons of family and friends. It was excellent practice. Eventually I got work requests from people who had seen my portraits and trusted me to do the same for them. When I starting considering collecting payment, I needed to formally establish a business.

4. ESTABLISH THE FORMALITIES OF YOUR BUSINESS
I am by no means an expert on business development, so you will want professional guidance for these very important steps. Consult your lawyer, accountant, and local government offices for help. You may want to find a volunteer at your local SCORE to help you.

- Write a business plan (Strategy Avenue offers a helpful template.)
- Choose a business name
- Apply for an Employer ID number (EIN), which is your federal tax ID (through the IRS)
- Register to collect sales tax (through your state)
- Work with an accountant to establish your business as a sole proprietor, LLC, or corporation
- Open business bank account and credit card
- Work with a lawyer to write a contract (Photographer's Toolkit is a great starting point.)
- Obtain insurance for liability and equipment (Any major insurance company can help.)
- Create a logo, website, business cards, and other aspects of brand identity
- Join the Professional Photographers of America for professional and legal support (PPA)
- File all required taxes when appropriate

How I did it
In a state of confusion. I wish I had known about SCORE when I was starting out. There is little room for error, so get help where you need it.

5. WORK WITH OTHER PHOTOGRAPHERS
Now is the time to learn how to apply your photography skills to the high-pressure, rapidly changing environment of a wedding. But first you need to get to know other photographers. Network with local photographers whose work you admire. Attend networking events. Get to know them on online forums. Invite them out to lunch.

I get frequent email from novice photographers who want to work with me at weddings. I can't risk taking an inexperienced photographer to a wedding, especially someone I don't know. My clients' wedding day is not the place for me to teach a class, and I must know and trust anyone that I bring into a wedding.

If you want to work with another photographer, first get to know him or her well enough to reveal that you are trustworthy, hardworking, and passionate. Don't ask that person to be your teacher, especially not during a wedding. Your job as an assistant will be to help that photographer, not to receive help. Show a genuine desire to help that photographer do his or her job. Observe the photographer's methods as you assist, and you will learn tons of valuable information.

How I did it
With a couple exceptions, I skipped this step and suffered as a result. I would have been so much better in my early days if I had worked for someone else first.

6. PHOTOGRAPH A FEW FREE WEDDINGS AS PRIMARY PHOTOGRAPHER
When you are skilled in photography, established as a business, and comfortable with the flow of weddings, you could be ready to take on your own clients. I recommend that you photograph a few free weddings as a way to build your portfolio. Once you have a strong portfolio, you can enter the market at a higher price. On the other hand, if you don't have a strong portfolio, you'll need to charge very low rates to get any work. If you start off at a low rate, it's more difficult to raise your prices over time and keep a word of mouth referral base.

How I did it
I photographed a few friends' weddings free or at cost. Even though I wasn't getting paid, I did not consider their weddings to be my practice ground. I worked hard and gave the respect that every wedding deserves. My portfolio grew, and so did my experience as a primary photographer.

7. DETERMINE YOUR PRICING
Put together a pricing structure for your services and products. Consider the pricing of other photographers in your region, but don't base your pricing entirely on that. Evaluate the costs of your products, equipment, marketing, insurance, taxes, education, rent, bills, transportation, and everything else. Decide how many hours you want to work, and how much money you want to make as profit. Then decide how much you need to charge.

How I did it
With spreadsheets, calculators, receipts, speculation, goals, and patience. I revise my pricing every six months, as my costs and services change.

8. FIND PAYING CLIENTS
There are tons of strategies for marketing, and you will need to devise a plan that will reach your target clients. Determine who your target market is and how to be accessible to them. You may need to read books and take classes to learn how to create a marketing plan.

How I did it
My first clients were word-of-mouth referrals by the friends and family I had photographed. My blog was a great way to find new clients in my early days, and it continues to be my strongest marketing tool. Networking has been important, too; I've made friends with other photographers in my area, who now like me enough to refer brides to me on dates that they are booked. I also network with other wedding vendors, such as venues, coordinators, florists, and DJs. I have done very little paid internet advertising throughout my career, and no print advertising. I've read several marketing books and websites to guide me along the way.

9. CONTINUE LEARNING, ADAPTING, AND GROWING
This industry moves quickly, and every day is a new adventure. I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I have.

Grace and Johan ordered a beautiful set of albums from their Air Force Academy wedding! They chose a 12x12 black leather flushmount albums for themselves, and two coffee table books for their parents.

( Photos and layouts of these albums )

Earlier today I invited everyone to ask me questions about anything that I might be able to help with. I got some great requests! I'll be answering everyone's questions soon, in a series of posts. Since the largest number of questions related to equipment, I'll start with that topic. Ironically, it's probably the topic I know least about! I know a lot about the gear that I use myself, but not much about any of the other products out there. I'll help as best as I can. :)



( Questions and answers about camera equipment )

This is NY State Senator Diane Savino. The voters that voted her into office should be damn proud to have her represent them.

Q: How do you know there's a flock of Egyptian Geese flying overhead?
A: You hear them saying, "Ankh! Ankh! Ankh!"

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Two men walk into a bar.

You'd think the second guy would have paid attention to what happened to the first.

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Q: What do ghosts wear when they ride in cars?
A: Sheet belts!

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Q: What happens when dinosaurs drive cars?
A: Tyrannosaurus Wrecks!

Now that my slower winter season is arriving, I'll have more time to write tips about photography, business, weddings, and whatever else. I'm sorry I wasn't always able to answer people's questions during the summer, but I'll answer them now that I have more time.

So what would you like to know? :) You can respond here, or send me an email at charlotte@charlottegeary.com. I'll respond in future posts.

Also you can friend me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/charlotte.geary
Or follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/charlottegeary
And read my other blog (if you aren't an LJ user): http://www.charlottegeary.com/blog

Now that it’s cold, we have found that Smutyanka’s batteries get depleted pretty fast from sitting outside, so we’re considering installing some quick-disconnects on the lines.  We’re not all that familiar with electronic work and don’t even really know where to start with this.  Can any of you folks perhaps point us in the right direction?

Originally published at Travels with Smutka. You can comment here or there.

Today, while at school I was kissed by five different guys. The person who wrote 'Kick me' on a piece of paper and stuck it on my back had very bad handwriting. MLIA.

(Thanks, ayoub!)

Mike and me with Ally
Garden of the Gods
Photos by Holly Pacione

Over the weekend, my friend hollypacione photographed Mike and me with our dog! Holly is a fantastic photographer here in the Springs, and we we are so grateful. Thanks, Holly!

( More pictures of the three of us )

I'm psyched to have my photographs published in three different magazines this month. My images are featured in two articles in the Spring/Summer 2010 issue of The Knot Colorado.

( Photos of the articles in The Knot )