I decided years ago, my favorite kind of dance is ballet. I love watching the flowing dresses while the dancers gracefully swirl on their toes. And this year ballet dancers didn't disappoint. My second favorite is tap. I remember as a little girl getting shiny white or black shoes that would click clack when I walked and I would pretend I knew how to tap. But truthfully, I never took a single dance class. Oh how I wish I had.
There are always a few young ladies I look out for because either I know their moms and dads or I have been drawn to the way they perform in years past. And while a few of them have graduated or no longer dance, finding a familiar face out their twirling, always brings a smile to my face. I'm impressed to see how much they have improved as dancers from years prior.
Finally, I have been wanting to do a special project with my daughter Jen if she is feeling strong enough. I am wanting to photograph some of the girls doing their routine but outdoors on a country road as the sun is setting. If your daughter and her friends are interested in doing something like this, please let me know.
Good job ladies! And thank you Erin for all the hard work you put into these talented dancers. To purchase photos ($2 per digital download - helps pay for host site), click here.
More photos coming soon.
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I laid down the big rubber mats, and gathered up a bunch toys and we played for hours (well for a long time). Andrew gets most excited when he does something for a first time. For example, when you put him on the lion trike and let him pretend he is driving it around, he smiles from ear to ear. But he is also happy just giving the lion kisses.
Sometimes however, he just enjoys playing with his socks. You can spend a million dollars on the very best, but sometimes children just want something simple. Lately, it has been a blue wash rag that he sits and plays with for long periods of time.
Andrew spends 3-5 days a week with me while his mommy and daddy are at work. As he gets older and the weather cold, I sometimes need to get creative in how we entertain ourselves. Especially towards the end of the day, when he is ready for his mommy to come home. In the last couple weeks, he giggles as his mommy carries him to the car. I think, he is excited to go home where he can get a break from all the kisses I give him.
I come to realize, I am not able to keep up at the pace I did when my children were young. Yesterday, in attempt to make dinner for five (all three kids and Randy was here) and feed Andrew....I suddenly felt like I was drowning in work. And I had to wonder if it was my age showing or if I always had problems keeping up at times and just have forgotten to roll with it. Andrew for sure is keeping me on my toes. Hopefully I can keep up as he learns to move about.
Miranda started knitting in 2016, and found her love for crafting. And from there, she has found a great deal of success in her online Etsy business. From Embrodery to Vinyl, Miranda creates beautiful shirts for all sizes.
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To start the economy changing.
More and more want the flexibility of running their own business and not being tied to corporate rules. Marking and branding is all about being the first and catching the wave before it's gone.
But if your niche wave is gone, you now more than ever need to stand out in the crowd. If your thing is met with where there are so many others doing the same thing, you are going to get lost...UNLESS people can identify with who you are and what you have to offer.
Secondly Personal branding is a way to separate you from the rest!
It is not easy to engage anyone these days. Unless you have some kind of amazing story, or you have had such a story already....you are probably like the rest of us, waiting for your chance to shine.
If you Google your competition, you most likely will find a lot of time same. Websites, lots of words that sound like that last one, generic designs. Then tap into social media, and if you get seen, what will they discover? Someone's dog had a day with a pillow or it snowed a ton today?
Now think, how is a client suppose to find you in the world of dull? You know you have something awesome to offer , now to get noticed by a future client or employer!
Building a personal brand should be a priority. And it isn't easy as it requires a mix of creativity and science. How will you stay out and stay ahead of the ever changing social media formulas? Start with showing how you are unique and how your personal brand will stand out in the crowd!
The third reason you need a personal brand is we live in an instant gratification society.
For those of us who remember the time before the internet, you most likely recall things like phones that were hooked to a wall, looking things up in an encyclopedia, and buying clothes from a department store and not at the same place you buy your groceries. The good old days of simpler times. Before looking up a recipe online but in a cook book or ordering anything from a kitchen table to dog food while sitting on your sofa.
We must embrace technology. Your clients most likely will find you not by the yellow pages or a newspaper add but while surfing the world wide web while drinking their morning coffee. And when they find you, you want to make an impact that stands out among the rest.
Another reason you need a personal brand is the marketing landscape has changed.
Millennials and the rest of us have begun to mistrust large companies and corporations. Take Toy's R Us for example. They have blamed the millennials for waiting to start a family but is it really they have fell behind in market trends? In general the public is fed up with greed.
Many have blamed corporate America for downfall of the economy. People today want to spend their dollars wisely and want a business they can stand behind. That is where entrepreneurs and personal branding coming in. You build trust with your potential customers when they see a personal brand they can support.
And finally, the last reason you need a personal brand is visual content can be very powerful.
If you are like me, you get to a point you get tired of being bombarded with advertisements. Every media you encounter, from TV, radio, and social media, you most likely will see or hear an advertisement. And eventually, you tune it all out.
So, if you want to still be able to reach consumers, why not engage them with a a photo or video of you. Let them get to know you. Ask for advise and ask questions. But even more so, make the visual content not a poorly lit amateur photo. This only shows you potential clients, you don't care about your online image.
If you wish to reach your audience, use professional photos that are relevant to your social media post and articles. Even blow their minds with a video that shows off your knowledge and skill.
Personal branding photography is more than a head shot but is using a professional photographer to tell your story.
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Then a few weeks ago, Lynette shared the great news that Alyssa was engaged. I knew immediately, I would love the chance to photograph her beautiful daughter again. And so on a cold day in December, we met up in the Short North in Columbus, Ohio and did Alyssa and Mackenzie's engagement photos.
It is hard to believe, the little girl who I once knew, is old enough to get married. But she is! And wow! Does she look like her mom! I can't get over how much they look alike!
I also got to meet Alyssa's fiance Mackenzie for the first time. Mackenzie was a very laid back guy, who was a bit nervous about having his pictures taken. But as I continued to work with him, he found his groove! The two were very natural together and although it was cold, it was a beautiful day for a photo shoot.
Alyssa and Mackenzie have set a date in August to get married in Columbus. They will be married at The Loft at the Dock 680 in downtown Columbus. I am beyond excited to shoot here for the first time. So completely different than the weddings back here in Putnam County and that is pretty exciting!
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I told her how we last year had made the word "blessed" our word of the year and this year, it is "live well." And both are inspired by the challenges we all faced with Jennifer's battle with leukemia. These bracelets hold a great deal of meaning behind them.
Jennifer, who has an eye for things, found these blue crystal rocks awhile back. She knew these bracelets would photograph well on them and she was so right. I love how she just knows.
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January 6-13 photo prompts are
- Blue
- Comfort Foods
- Warm Drinks
- Sweater
- Flannel
- Stuck Inside
- Hibernate
HASHTAG #blue #comfortfoods #warmdrinks #sweater #flannel #stuckinside #hibernate #sothestorygoesphotography #stsgp2019 #stsgpphotochallenge #stsgp #stsgpjanuaryweek2
(feel free to copy and paste the hashtags)
Post images to any of these social medias
- Instagram - be sure to follow us so we can follow you back @SoTheStoryGoesPhotography
- Facebook - Set your privacy to Public on image
- Twitter - be sure to follow us so we can follow you back @SoTheStoryGoesP
Rules
- Only one image per day
- Must be posted between January 6, 2019 - January 13, 2019
- Must tag @SoTheStoryGoesPhotography on photo
- Must use the following hashtags (#) #sothestorygoesphotography #stsgp2019 #stsgpphotochallenge #stsgp #stsgpjanuaryweek2
- Each day you post to the prompts listed, gives you one entry to win this month prize (30 minute lifestyle session in studio and two digital images - Must be used before February 28, 2019)
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January 1-5 photo prompts are
- First New Year's Selfie
- Glitter
- Remnants of December
- Resolution
- Cozy
HASHTAG #firstnewyearsselfie #glitter #remnantsofdecember #resolution #cozy #sothestorygoesphotography #stsgp2019 #stsgpphotochallenge #stsgp #stsgpjanuaryweek1
(feel free to copy and paste the hashtags)
Post images to any of these social medias
- Instagram - be sure to follow us so we can follow you back @SoTheStoryGoesPhotography
- Facebook - Set your privacy to Public on image
- Twitter - be sure to follow us so we can follow you back @SoTheStoryGoesP
Rules
- Only one image per day
- Must be posted between January 1, 2019 - January 5, 2019
- Must tag @SoTheStoryGoesPhotography on photo
- Must use the following hashtags (#) #firstnewyearsselfie #glitter #remnantsofdecember #resolution #cozy #sothestorygoesphotography #stsgp2019 #stsgpphotochallenge #stsgp #stsgpjanuaryweek1
- Each day you post to the prompts listed, gives you one entry to win this month prize (30 minute lifestyle session in studio and two digital images - Must be used before February 28, 2019)
Happy New Year's Eve Eve!
As we are drawing 2018 to a close, we are looking forward to embracing 2019 with each of you! In doing so, we hope to engage more with our followers and clients. With that in mind, we are introducing our Monthly Photo Prompt Challenge 2019.
Our goal is to get you to explore your world through photography, while providing an opportunity to win a FREE session with So The Story Goes Photography. Each week, we will share the weekly prompts via social media (Facebook, Instagram, and this Blog, and maybe Twitter if I can convince Jennifer to take the wheel on that one). We are hoping these word prompts will inspire you and your creative side to take a picture each day.
Each photo prompt you complete, is an entry into the drawing to win the free session. So the more days you complete the challenge, the more entries you receive (limit one image per day, except on bonus prompt days). To enter your photo, we ask you to use the hashtags provided and tag So The Story Goes Photography.
From time to time, we will be sharing the images that you have created on our social media and blog, so be sure to follow and like us. We may even pick our favorites from time to time and through in extra bonus prizes! We also would love for you to share with your family and friends your daily photos and get them out taking pictures also! As we get this going, our goal is to give extra entries to those who gain the most likes on their photos.
If you have any questions about this photo challenge, you can send us a message through any of social media messengers or email us at [email protected]
And then looked back at his mommy. . .
And then came the tears.
Maybe next year Santa Claus.
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Tim and Linda, not only have four beautiful daughters, but also now have been blessed four times over with four grandchildren. I loved how the older two granddaughters Kendall (age 5) and Joanna (3), each wanted to hold the youngest granddaughter. Corbin (7 months). Braxton (2), the only boy, however could care less about all of it.
Whenever I have take pictures of such a large group, I never know how well it will go. But this family is not only very photogenic, they also are very easy to work with in general. It made my job easy and I am very excited to share with you these pictures.
You can click on any image to see all of them in the gallery, including ones where it 'snowed.'
Congratulations to Tim and Linda on your beautiful family! You must be so proud!
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Her children and grandchild know her to have such a giving heart. She has made an afghan for every grandchild as they graduate from high school and a quilt for each great grandchild when they are born, including the one she is making for her newest great grandchild to be born soon.
Elma is also well known for her press cookies. And her grandchild and great grandchildren have come to expect them when they visit or have a birthday.
Elma also had many friends and neighbors show up to celebrate her day, including several of her classmates from her high school days.
Elma is loved by so many and it truly showed as all her family and friends gathered to celebrate with her.
I am so thrilled to share these images of her wonderful celebration. To view other images from her celebration, click on any image in this blog.
Today the home is owned by Gary and Janice Schlagbaum. Gary's father Tony, was Joe's son, or Tillie's brother. They have turned this home into a place of such beauty, many photographers in the area often use their property to photograph wedding parties, engaged couples, and seniors alike, including myself. Upon a request for pictures of the property by Gary and Janice's daughter Melissa, how could I possibly say no. So on a foggy Friday morning, I ventured just down the road from where I live and took pictures of the property.
Including the original home of Joe Schlaubaum, there is a barn, that also is original. But also Janice and Gary have erected a greenhouse (using recycled materials), a pond, various other small buildings, and a log cabin that once stood on State Route 66, just north of Ottoville. Many hours have been spent, nurturing this beautiful property, and it shows.
I am so thankful and so blessed to have Janice and Gary as neighbors. And to have had access to use their farm over the last several years. And so I was very excited to participate in this wonderful gift for them. Thank you Janice and Gary. You are truly a gift to the community.
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My first session ever with Allie, was for her second birthday. She was very stubborn and refused to smile even a little. She mostly pouted and needless to say there were no smiles. Over time however she warmed up to me, and has become a very good model. Allie is a sophomore at Ottoville High School and recently celebrated her sixteenth birthday. Allie loves to golf and is a cheerleader.
Allie's younger sister, Lexie has always liked the camera. At one time, she only recognized me when I had a camera in my hand, but also believed my oldest was me when she too picked up a camera. Lexie is in the seventh grade at Ottoville Local Schools where she is in volleyball and basketball.
Lyra is the most adorable one year old and she rocked her session. She was a little bashful at first but it didn't take her too long to ham it up for the camera. It was a bit cold, but with this beautiful face, it didn't take long to get several good images.
I also did a session with these young men. I did a session with them a couple years back, and it is amazing how much they have grown. They bring so much humor with them, and I can't help but laugh at the antics.
And finally, it wouldn't be right to not include a session for my beautiful grandson. My daughter Jennifer helped occupy him while I set up the scene and in less then 10 minutes we captured him in all his orneriness. He is our pride and joy and we are looking forward to spending the holidays with him.
A special thank you to the Duling family and Cranberry Hollow Tree Farm for allowing us once again to use your beautiful property. If you need a live Christmas tree, they are one of the only farms around where you can pick a tree and have them cut it.
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The shop opened up in 2009, and was originally all little girl hair accessories. It then added girls clothing and eventually little boy items as well. The shop is known for high quality items, unbeatable prices, lightening FAST shipping, and famous 5-star customer service.
Each month, Baily's Blossoms has a Cutie Contest in which you could win up to $50 shopping credit by submitting a photo of your little one wearing something from the shop. They also have Baily Bucks Rewards in which you can earn discounts for shopping and referring your friends and family to shop with Baily's Blossoms.
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