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!!!!

It has been about two weeks since I got back from my national convention and it has been crazy busy (as always) around here, so I’m just now getting around to posting a few of my favorite photos.  The convention was in Phoenix.  It was beautiful and sunny everyday.  My sister and niece went with me and we had a great time.  One of the things we did while there was to go to the Desert Botanical Gardens.  Lucky for us, the Chihuly exhibit was on display.  Dale Chihuly is a renowned artist who is known for his glass sculptures.  Anyway, awesome stuff…I has so much fun just walking around and doing photography of a different kind.  Although, I haven’t had time to “photoshop” any of this images…I still love them and plan to make some art pieces out of them.  My convention was also amazing because I got to hear several great seminars.  Sandy Puc, an amazing children and baby photographer from Colorado, was truley inspirational.  As well as Hanson Fong, top of the line wedding dude from San Fransciso.  But probably the most incredible thing was I got to see Anne Geddes.  She was so humble and sweet for someone of her success and fame.  She showed images but mostly talked about being true to yourself and shooting from the heart…soooooo inspiring.  All professional photographers work really hard.  I think it is something that most people don’t realize.  Last year I was averaging anywhere from 55 to 72 hours per week.  When you work that hard, it is easy to get burnt out even though you LOVE what you do.  But just hearing her speak really reinforced why I chose this professsion.  It isn’t so much about making wonderful photos (although that is a part of it) but more about sharing peoples lives and being there during their special times.  I love being at weddings and seeing a Dad’s face when he sees his little girl in that beautiful gown.  I love being there when first time parents bring in their newborn for their first photos.  I love seeing all the kids who play T-ball and how cute they are in those little uniforms.  I have been truly blessed with a career that allows me to share special times with people in my community….so thanks to all my customers who let me into your lives.

I know it’s a little late but I hope everyone had a great Christmas and a Happy New Year. Business has been great this year. Even with the economy we have been crazy busy. I do not even know where the last few months of this year have gone. I’m like the carpenter who doesn’t fix things at their own house. Unfortunately, I was so busy at the studio, I did not get my own Christmas cards out in the mail this year. I even took the photos, downloaded some of Spencer’s artwork, and came up with a great idea. Whatever, then it sat on my desk. So, hang in there, I may just send cards in February. I leave in the am for Phoenix to see Anne Geddes….I’m so excited. Anyway, still need to pack, edit 3 sessions, email a bride, blah, blah, blah…so I better get going. Again, I hope everyone had a great holiday season!!!

You know what they say….but this weekend I was all play. Ok…not totally, I did edit 9 sessions, but for me that’s pretty much taking it easy. It was a great weekend, ate lots of turkey, went to union station, looked at some lights, put up my tree, and actually spent some time with my family. Back to work tomorrow, but feeling revived and ready to go!!!

I have photographed a lot of newborn babies this year. I totally love seeing all their little faces and how sweet they are. Recently, one of my brother’s best friends brought his new baby in. Dad wasn’t really planning on being in the photos except for his hands, but I couldn’t help snapping the picture of him looking down at her. I’ve never seen him look so happy or proud. This is why I love my job so much…..I get to be there and witness special little moments in time like that….congrats again on your new baby….she is sooooooo sweet!!!

Thanks to everyone who came to our Halloween special!!! The portraits are not quite ready yet (it will probably be another week) but we just wanted to show off a few of our favorites. There are also a few others on the web site!! We absolutely love this holiday, all the kids are so cute.
The special went great, we ended up photographing about 40 more kids than last year, but for some reason, the wait was never longer than 15 minutes. Don’t forget, the Christmas special is this Saturday, November 15 from 9:00 to 5:00 p.m. Hope to see you there!!!

Several years ago I rescued a mother dog and her 13 babies from the animal shelter. We managed to find great homes for all but two of the puppies. So, I kept the mother and her two puppies. A couple of years ago, one of the puppies, now probably 8 years old, died. Then earlier this year, we had to make the sad decision to have the mother euthanized because she was in a lot of pain due to old age. That left one dog by herself. She was so sad that she sat in the yard and howled and cried all day. I was going to go to the shelter and get another dog to see if that helped when a stray cat showed up and our house. So why am I telling you this sad story?? Because Sausha, our dog, has never liked cats AT ALL but LOVES this new cat. The cat also had a surprise for us and about 4 weeks ago, blessed us with nine new baby kittens. I just think that God knew Sausha our dog was sad and lonely and sent her 10 new friends!!!

Sometimes the really beautiful people in life are not always the nicest on the inside…..but this bride is not only totally gorgeous but one of the sweetest people you will ever meet….I had so much fun at your wedding. As a side note, I have to say, that I have heard millions of best man speeches over the years and yours takes the cake….it was soooooo funny. I laughed so hard, I almost couldn’t see to focus. Anyway, thanks for letting me be a part of your day…can’t wait for you guys to see your images.