Tammy’s Blog

I’m a week late but wanted to say Congrats to the class of 2009!!  Mason Weber made a awesome speech….and the weather was perfect.  I wish you all the best of luck.  It has been a lot of fun getting to know you guys over the last 4 years.  I wish you the best in all you do.  Congrats again!!

Ok…for those of you who know me….I rarely sweat the small stuff  in life.  Mostly because I think after 18 years of marriage my super mellow husband is wearing off on me.  I also believe that competition is good.  It makes everyone strive to be better and is a motivator.  But lately, I am a little upset and maybe suprised at what lengths competitors will go to.   I seriously try not to bash on other photographers even when people are saying bad things about them right to my face.  I don’t actively look at someone else’s web site and then call their clients and try to “steal” them away.  I also do not promise people free stuff if they will be my “models” and then not follow through with it.  These are all things that some out of town photographers have tried.

What do I offer????  Professionalism!!!  I strive to try new things that I come up with…not copy off others.  I don’t send “spies” out to look at others work and report back.   I attend at least 3 professsional conventions a year so that I can see what is fresh and new out there.   I am very flexible….I tell people all the time…that I can do anything if I just see it….so if you have an idea just let me know…I’m always glad to try something new.  I love people and kids and hope that when people tell Tracey, my office manager, how nice I am that they know it is geniune and not an act.  I have a strong sense of community.  I always try to shop Marshall first.  Sometimes, like anyone else, you can’t find what you need here, but I want to make sure I give local businesses a chance first.  Last year, I donated over $7500 to charities IN Marshall.  That’s right $7,500 ( I actually was a little suprised myself!)  Things like after proms, project grad, the Theta Phi Alpha Alzheimer walk, the MS walk, all area Booster clubs, T-Ball, Marshall Optimist, Marshall Youth Soccer, the Saline County Fair, the Safe Kids Golf Tournament, the Shoes That Fit program, the Heart Gallery, just to name a few.

Out of town photographers do not typically donate anything to the Marshall community.  Maybe that doesn’t matter to you, but when programs start to disapear because local businesses can no longer afford to help, it matters to the people envloved.  For example, ask any child who had no shoes, how much of a difference, the Shoes that fit program matters to them.

Out of town photographers also do not shop at other Marshall businesses.  They do not get their cars fixed by local mechanics, do not buy their clothes here, do not get flowers for sessions from local florists. etc.

OK….enough said….you get the picture.

On a more positive note…..For my clients who do value not only my work but the other things about me….I have to say THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!!

This is the sweetest story.  This little girl was sort of shy the first time she came to the studio.  She would stand there all cute of course, but we wouldn’t really get her big smile.  So to break the ice a little, one day we got out a beach ball and just played for awhile.  She had a lot of fun and we got the amazing natural smiles we wanted.   So now that is kind of our thing.  Every time she comes to the studio we play with the beach ball.  So here’s the sweet part.  Her and her mom were lying in bed just talking about the people they love.  They mentioned of course all the important people like grandma and grandpa, and her favorite aunt.  But then she says, “Ara loves Tammy.”  Her mom was trying to clarify which Tammy it was and she said….”Ara loves Tammy that plays ball with me.”  I really was touched…kids are so amazing.  Anyway, I love that little girl too!!  Thanks Ara for brightning my day!!!!