The journey that would change my business perspective forever began about two months ago.
I was impatiently waiting in my car for the workshop dates to show up in Kimmy’s online shop. Why was I waiting in my car?! Because I was afraid if my husband found out how much I was about to drop on a newborn photography workshop, he’d say no — or worse yet, talk me out of it.
Only five photographers would get the chance to attend. It was a race against time and internet speeds. Whoever could submit their payment the fastest, was in. I was determined.
So there I was, sitting in my car, waiting for the clock to strike registration time.
The time came, but there was a little hiccup. The dates I was looking for didn’t show up. I went back and forth from Kimmy’s photography Facebook page to the website continuously for what seemed like an eternity…just waiting for the dates to show up. The minute they appeared, I added them to my cart and checked out as fast as I could!
The confirmation page appeared – I was in! I was headed to Indiana to meet and learn from Kimmy of Kimmy Howard Photography!
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Two months later, I found myself in my car again, just waiting for the clock to strike 7:30 p.m., only this time I was in Indiana – and just outside Kimmy’s home. Our evening of meet and greets had arrived.
I parked my car on the street, walked up to her door, and was greeted by Kimmy herself! Her warm smile was welcoming and she led me to the kitchen to meet her sister, Kristin (Tiny Bean Baby), and another attendee, Kathy (Kathy Royer Photography)! Shortly thereafter, the other girls arrived – Savanna (Little Sage Photography and vendor at Muted Newborn Essentials), Angelique (Angelique Hanscom Photography) and Kristin (Kristin McKinnon Photography). It was easy to see the excitement on all their faces!
We spent Friday night getting to know each other, shopping for newborn props, and touring the studio space/swooning over all of Kimmy’s amazing props. We also instagrammed like crazy. (My apologies if I annoyed some of you;) – but it was a must as the person who posted the most photos would take home a prize at the end of the workshop…and I was the lucky winner!)
Our night came to a close at around 11:30 p.m. and we all headed back to the hotel for some shuteye before the workshop training began the next day.
We started our makeup around 7 a.m. Saturday morning at the hotel, and arrived at Kimmy’s home an hour later so she could take head shots of us before the first client arrived.
Our training began the minute sweet baby Karlee and her gorgeous mommy arrived. Kimmy taught us different poses, lighting techniques, and various insider trade secrets that I had only wished I’d known earlier in the business.
After three hours of intense training and practice, we ate lunch and were back at it with baby number two immediately afterward.
Baby Eric was a dapper little guy (side-part and all), and his parents were as cute as can be! We continued training hard and practicing parent/baby connections, another aspect of my business I had been missing out on. As a bonus, we were serenaded by Eric’s daddy during the session (here’s the video)!
We seriously couldn’t have had better clients to work with. They were perfect!
After a day of learning behind the camera, we traded in our cameras for our computers and some important editing time. Kimmy hooked us up with her Lightroom and Photoshop presets, making our work when we got home even easier!
The day was concluded with an unbelievable vendor-sponsored prop basket and dinner at a local cafe for final thoughts and questions.
I learned a ton throughout the weekend! The biggest lesson, however, was one Kimmy mentioned in closing that night. It went something like this, “This business will run your life, if you let it. Always make sure your family comes first. They need to be your priority.”
I can’t wait to start photographing newborns using all the techniques I learned at the workshop, but I’m even more excited to put Kimmy’s last bit of advice into action. If you see less of me, it’s because I’m busy playing mommy;).
Here are some of my favorite photos from the workshop – one of the most amazing, eye-opening experiences I’ve ever had!
I’d like to send these vendors a huge thank you.
I’ll be able to jumpstart my newborn photography business with their generous gifts!
Avonli Cottage | Beyond the Dream | Couture Phantasies | Delicate Dreams Props | Freebird Prop Shoppe | The Golden Stitch Prop Shoppe | Heartistry Handmade | Lavender Blossoms | Lavender Gray | Little Rarities | Lukeowllily | Milk Money | Muted Newborn Essentials | Prop Me Up Prop Shop | Props So Chic | Tiny Bean Baby
Here are all the goodies I came home with:
And to Kimmy – thank you from the bottom of my heart, for making my dreams a reality and providing the support and guidance necessary for success!
You, my friend, are an inspiration!
