Hi, hi, hi! I'm back with another post about branding Chronicles Photography. Today I'll be chatting about branding the client experience. I've been talking about the steps that I've been taking to fully infuse my personality and style into all aspects of Chronicles Photography. My first branding post was about my creative space. If you missed it, you can read about it here. Now, on to the client experience.

The first thing that I asked myself is what would my wedding client's experience look like? I had a number of questions, including this one: "What would my ideal experience be as a bride who has booked a wedding photographer?" My answer? Information. In addition to them producing beautiful images from my day, I would want to know what to expect from my photographer. I would want information that I could refer back to. And me being me, I'd want that information to be presented in a stylish way. So I put together a beautiful kit that my couples will receive in the mail upon booking my services. It includes my contract, all of the various ways to get in contact with me and a few other tidbits of information. 

The groom is often left out of this part of the wedding planning, so I've even included a little something in the packet for him. Thank me later guys!

Challenge...if I'm not experiencing it then I'm not living. It is proven that challenges make a person stronger and better in their craft. I can't say that I love the apprehension that challenge brings, but knowing what I know about the strengthening power of challenge, I won't turn one down either.

When I saw the Portrait Palooza 2014 being advertised by a group that I belong to on Facebook, I battled with myself a bit...Should I do it, or shouldn't I? I began to tell myself that there would be other, more experienced photographers there, that I didn't have enough to make a mere 10 minutes with a model work. I needed more...more equipment, more experience, more time, yadda, yadda, yadda. And then I did the unthinkable...I registered for the event...just like that. You see, it has been my experience that when faced with an opportunity to do something new and I begin to talk myself out of it, I need to just trust God and go ahead and do whatever that thing is. I'm never disappointed when I do.

Last night was the event. I was nervous and calm all at once. The event was held at Babylon Restaurant in Downtown Raleigh and the holding area was abuzz with energy. There were models getting their hair and make-up done, organizers flitting to and fro, and photographers arriving with their teams and their equipment. It was exciting! My mentor, Marc D. Hunter, even made an appearance to assist me with whatever I needed. Once the competition began, we all sat in the holding area and chatted, watching photographers go out and come back in. They seemed to be gone only for a moment; that's how quickly time flew by. Finally my name was called. Marc and I gathered our things, were introduced to the proctor and then our model, Laura...Then the timer began...

10 minutes. 

One girl. 

So many areas of interest to shoot...

I identified 3 areas to shoot in and got to work. Marc and I were able to work with a Westcott Ice Light, which was available for us photographers by the organizers of the event. That thing is AWESOME! It looks like a light saber and mimics natural light. The light from this wand is simply spectacular and it's super portable also. Marc was such a good sport. He aimed the Ice Light for me and was an awesome light stand on two feet. I had everything that I needed in that moment so I shot away. I was focused. I had to get what I needed. Before we knew it the 10 minutes were up and I returned to the holding area feeling rejuvenated.

Today I am still feeling the effects of event. I selected my favorite 2 images and have already submitted them for judging. Now the waiting period begins. I would love to be named as a "technical" winner, but at the end of the day I've already won because I stepped outside of my comfort zone. Go me! I look forward to participating in the next Portrait Palooza and would recommend it to any photographer that wants to grow. I can't share the 2 images that I submitted until judging has commenced, but the ones in this post are some of my other favorites.

It's official. Chronicles Photography is now a destination wedding photographer. I got back last night from photographing S+E's destination wedding in Paradise Island, Bahamas, and a paradise it was. I have only witnessed a few weddings that had such an easy flow, and this was one of them; even with over 100 guests in attendance! The love for these two was so tangible that even hotel guests and staff wanted to bless the couple. Everything was perfect for my bride and groom. I can't wait to share some of the details from the day and talk about the special gift that I made for them. Stay tuned!