As I announced before, my new delivery method for wedding photography clients is USB flash drives that are custom branded with my company logo. This is a more convenient and more presentable, and faster uploading option for my customers, not to mention the increasing obsolescence factor of discs. I successfully delivered wedding photos to my first client with the USB drive. I made it up of 3 folders. High resolution, low resolution for web, and info/print release. Smooth sailing. Perhaps because we are both Macintosh users. My last couple had issues. They only showed the high resolution folder, and some of the JPG’s were corrupt, all was good on my end.

I told my assistant what was going on, and he said it’s always a wise idea to format the drives before use, to prevent errors. They can be optimized for the wrong operating platform or partition, etc. This can be done on PC by right clicking on the device and formatting it, then upload your files. Mac, I went into settings and formatted it (avoid MS DOS option) and re added the same content, smooth sailing once again. I will make it a point to do this before adding a client’s photo on USB drives I issue out. Let this be a public service message to anyone out there using USB flash drives or photographer using this as a new form of file delivery for their clients D’OH!

I’m very excited to have given my photography studio a little makeover, which didn’t cost much, but made a huge difference in the overall look of the studio, and how much easier I can keep it clean, and organized. For those who have not been here for a shoot, my studio is a detached 2 car garage that’s a simple, but functional studio, with heat and air conditioning I love the high ceilings and rafters, makes clamping strobes easy, and opens up floor saving possibilities for rim and hair, and even background lighting. When I first moved into it, it had wood veneer paneling on the walls, and plain concrete floor. I decided to spruce it up and empty it out, paint and finish it, and organize it so I make better and more efficient use out of my space.

So I started with painting the 2 side walls flat dark gray, to add lighting contrast, where white can give a softer light when reflected, dark colors absorb light. I painted the front and back walls flat white. I scrubbed the concrete floor with muriatic acid and water, and when it dried, I applied a one part slate gray epoxy on the floor. It looks SO much better. Soon my friend will help me build a cyc / infinity wall on the back to allow for less use of seamless paper, and reduce setup time. I look forward to many more years of fantastic work and fun in my studio….it’s the place to come for modeling and commercial headshots, business headshots, boudoir photography, and other portrait work as well. Here is a rough copy before removing tape and touch ups

Boring business talk, but any wedding vendors considering listing their business on www.mywedding.com may find this interesting…..of course your mileage may vary. I started a free listing there over a year ago and shortly thereafter, I got a phone call from a sales rep. Of course, LOL! By now, I’ve heard every claim and pitch out there and am usually pretty good at weeding out crap. They do get traffic, and seem to have good SEO results for their own site, so I decided to purchase a premium listing for Nashville area wedding photographers. The rep told me they focus on slightly older couples and veer away from do it yourself in effort to protect the interest of their vendors who pay to advertise. The former, I’ve seen no evidence of. The latter is true…..well, because quite frankly, they don’t offer much of anything! LOL. I shouldn’t be laughing. But I try to stay positive.

There is no way to guarantee results with any form of marketing or advertising….especially when listed on a portal site with a sea of other vendors. So, let’s talk results. This may get a little ugly, but I will stay on point. I paid for the ad spot for a year, and it recently expired. Shortly after I signed up, I had a different rep who was a very sweet lady, and truly has a good intention, but lacks advertising and marketing knowledge. Probably because there is no vision and clear objective of how to get customers to find their advertisers, set by her company! So I was always nice to her, I believe in karma. Their answer to everything was creating a different avatar as main image, and that will magically draw people to my listing…..oh, and the senior marketing person suggested getting brides to sign up to their site and hit “love” on my page, similar to a facebook like. No review system. They do offer deals I can run….which I did several times. I also regularly updated my portfolio. Those lame suggestions really made me laugh so hard I nearly swallowed my own tongue. All I could think was….OMG, who the hell taught YOU marketing? How does this help anyone but your site? What a complete joke. Loves, really? Buwhaahhahahahaha!!!!

In the year period, I might have average  a whopping *2-3 hits per month* from my MyWedding page, to my website, as found in my Google Analytics reports. Never so much as one inquiry from any bride from there. I did talk to a supervisor at length, and he was nice….I thought, finally someone with a clue. They were nice and upgraded me to a spotlight listing which means added visibility and stand alone traffic for several months when they knew how infuriated I was with no results for my investment. But it was not any better in any way than my premium ad spot. When the time came to renew, the rep knew my answer. Thanks, you are very nice and I like you…..but….. “NO!” What an absolute waste of money. My 2 cents.

Some great things are happening with my Facebook business page! I would encourage you to visit me there and click “Like” when you arrive at the page. The link is

http://www.facebook.com/jayfarrellphotography

I recently hired www.primesocialmarketing.com to assist with optimizing the Facebook business page and running 4 network builders a year. Those include contests that engage the users for a chance to win a portrait session, headshot, or receive a percentage or dollar discount on wedding photography packages….and perhaps even product credit /discount whether for prints, albums or coffee table books, sign in books, etc. They have also integrated my contact form with my website and all my other social media links have been posted there too. There will be other marketing benefits for me too, as far as gaining new business and meeting new people. They will also help provide Twitter and Google Plus / Places design and content. I enjoy being active with social media, but there just aren’t enough hours in the day for me to do my job, and do what it takes to do everything I need to do, so it made sense to recruit them for help and free up more of my time. I hope you will visit me on Facebook and engage in what’s going on there Thanks as always for your support and business!!

Jay

This is slightly off topic, but there is a solid connection which relates to the photography business I know and love. Especially as it relates to giving and receiving critiques, and being accountable for our successes and failures alike. And being open to change, learning and growth, keeping an open mind. Those who are stubborn and emotionally attached to their work can’t look at it subjectively and are less likely to learn anything, grow, or make forward changes. This is pretty universal. I occasionally enjoy watching these shows on Food Network about the master chef and restauranteur going in and helping to revamp failing restaurants. The chef, Robert Irvine has to open many doors that the owners may not be ready for, and give them harsh realities not all take so well. Well…tough. You needed help, you get his opinion, lol.

I see some common links when watching it. Often the restaurant lacks leadership and has untrained staff, has inexperienced or rude servers, as well as substandard canned or frozen food, sanitary issues that make me never want to eat out, etc. All caused by owner complacency or clueless nature. The responsibility starts with them, and they are the cause of their failure, because they have not come to terms with them not knowing enough, or having the drive to make necessary changes to save their business. Sometimes that kick in the pants is what they need to see the situation for what it is.

Here is how this all relates to professional photographers. It’s healthy to seek out critique from respected peers. I do it all the time, and provide it for others. I am respectful of everyone when doing it, but I don’t water down the truth because it might hurt their little ego. Guess what….in the real world, the ones with the money to spend are the ones who decide. Them not coming to you hurts more than any critique. There is no, everyone gets a gold star. There are thousands of photographers in Nashville alone. Portrait photographers. Wedding photographers. All kinds. The ones who earn income from it have to have work that stands out, as well as good marketing and must run a business that evolves. That’s all part of basic customer service, changing and evolving to fit the clients’ needs and adapt to technology and how it changes business. Not every restaurant patron knows how to cook chicken parmigiana but when they go out and order it, they do know when it tastes great and when it doesn’t.

If there’s one thing I have a good track record for, it’s keeping my photography gear and camera bag organized, and not losing equipment. Though sooner or later we all have that oh shit moment, usually later on when we discover it, LOL! In my prior article, when I shot the band at The Boro Bar and Grill in Murfreesboro, TN. I brought my camera bag, and only used my main SLR body, one lens, a Speedlite, and a Gary Fong Lightsphere. I don’t use my Speedlites much, nor the Lightsphere. But I know my camera bag, and keep everything in a dedicated place. That’s the important reason to have a large enough camera bag, so each lens and triggers, all other accessories can easily be seen when the bag is open.

Well….you know where this is going. I thought I had everything packed up, and was also helping my friends load their band gear. A few days later I did my next photoshoot, a family portrait session. I opened my camera bag and looked inside, and had a creeping feeling in my gut. There was an open hole. I realized I left my Lightsphere behind a the bar a few days before then. I told my client what happened and she suggested I call the bar, I was thinking no way, it’s long gone. But I gave them a call and described the item, and the man said they have it in their lost and found behind the bar. I about jumped for joy! After my session, which was halfway to Murfreesboro as it was, I went down there to pick it up, placed some cash in their tip jar and thanked them a billion times, LOL! I am very grateful for their honesty. If they Googled it and saw it had a $100.00 value new, they could have easily made an easy 60 bucks or so and I’d never know it. They’re good people, and remain indebted to them for their honesty. http://www.theborobar.com/

Granted, it could have been far worse….I could have left an expensive lens or something. But still it would suck losing a $100.00 item too. In the past 9 or 10 years, the only piece of equipment I lost forever was a reflector, when doing an on location photoshoot with a model. Maybe 40 bucks. I was still bummed out, but we’re all human. But I quickly learned to keep my gear organized. This is especially critical for wedding photographers, event photographers, commercial photographers, and location portrait photographers who bring a lot of gear off site, and on location. I am very careful to remember what gear I used, and when packing up, do a spot check of the area. It also helps to keep the gear in one area, it eliminates the risk of having gear strewn all about, which would increase the risk of lost gear. On jobs where I have an assistant, it’s an easier process, because I have an experienced assistant who knows my gear and how I organize and transport it. Each of us manages our own part of the gear we use. Then 2 of us do spot checks. I usually have no issues, even if unassisted. Because I know where I keep everything, check the area, and recheck my bag. But something distracted me that night, or I’d have noticed something was missing from my bag. It never pays to get in a rush. I’m glad this mistake that I learned from, I didn’t have to learn the hard way.

Recently I had the pleasure of joining a longtime friend to see his band play in Murfreesboro, TN. at the Murfreesboro independent music fest, at The Boro Bar and Grill. They are a somewhat heavy metal band, their link is here, the band is called Omnivus http://www.reverbnation.com/omnivus The Boro Bar and Grill is a cozy dive bar type of place, and were really nice there, so I look forward to going back there to have a beer and listen to some local musicians play Their website is here http://www.theborobar.com/ . Like many photographers would, I snapped some of the bar ambiance and waited for the band to play…and even got there in time to take a couple photos of the band performing before them.

When I photograph performances on location, I always travel lightly and only bring my camera bag with lenses and flashes etc. and no other lighting. It’s easier to load in and out that way, and less gear to manage if I am unassisted as I was that night. I often like to use stage lighting and not use flash at all, but there wasn’t enough of it there. So I used a speedlite flash with a lightsphere modifier. Black ceilings or tall ceilings  etc. are not useful for bouncing flash so for a situation like that, to remain light and mobile, a speedlite with a bounce card or a Lightsphere is a good solution. I’m not a huge fan of on camera flash, but it works in situations like that or for outdoor fill, to fill in shadows. Most of all, was just fun to casually photograph the nightlife and the band for a brief while, hope you enjoy!

I’m a bit of a burger snob since I make a mean one myself, on the grill over charcoal Many of us in Nashville still grill old school as opposed to gas, LOL. And when I do go out to eat, I usually support local independently owned restaurants / or dives if you will, as opposed to corporate chains. There are nights I just want to keep it simple and order a sandwich and bowl of soup, or a burger. Minimal silverware use, and carnivorous, beautiful thing indeed! But just couldn’t bring myself to fire up the grill that night. There’s lots of talk and claims about who has the best restaurant burger in Nashville, so I will further add to the discussion, LOL! There is no way I could have tried every place, but I’ve tried many that are the buzz about making the best burger. It’s hard to pick one favorite, because one place may have a better bun than another, better fries, better toppings, better beef, and also how a burger is constructed makes a difference. But one factor about every burger balances out the equation which makes it hard to pick a hands down favorite. I find it annoying when it’s not crafted well and things go sliding all over. One reason I don’t like a lot of condiments and toppings on my burger. If made correctly, it should stand on it’s own with minimal extras, flavor wise. Also I like a toasted bun and something interesting about the bun.

I’d have to say my 3 top favorites are :

1. Pied Piper in East Nashville, not far from where I live. Great char grilled taste and they have white American cheese! Great tasting burger. Their website is http://thepiedpipereatery.com/ .

2. The Pharmacy in East Nashville. Many really creative options, really amazing beef and bakery bun. Not to mention a fully stocked soda fountain! http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/47/1644330/restaurant/East-Nashville/The-Pharmacy-Burger-Parlor-and-Beer-Garden-Nashville

3.  Jim N Nick’s BBQ. Really great burger and fresh ingredients, great bun. Very tasty! Their BBQ is really good too!! http://www.jimnnicks.com/

Now for the Runners up, close in the running:

Mad Donna’s in East Nashville. http://maddonnas.com/

Five Guys burgers (The only major chain I will mention) http://www.fiveguys.com/

Charlie Bob’s, Dickerson Rd. East Nashville http://www.charliebobs.com/

Rotier’s on Elliston Place.  http://www.rotiersrestaurant.com/

Cafe Coco off Elliston Place. http://www.cafecoco.com/

Gold Rush, Church St. http://www.goldrushnashville.com/

Brown’s Diner http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/47/510193/restaurant/Belmont-Vanderbilt/Browns-Diner-Nashville

I’m sure there are many others but those are the most memorable ones to me. Now then, let’s divide it up a little. Best hamburger bun and best fries!

-Best hamburger bun winner is…..Mad Donna’s!

-Best fries winners are…The Pharmacy and Jim N Nicks!

Get your gym membership and go try some of these yourself and see what you think….this is just one man’s opinion, eat and be merry, don’t forget to eat your veggies too

There comes a point for every business where you have to decide what is best for your business and how it relates to your personal or spiritual beliefs. Also, welcoming new challenges and embracing controversy. I live in a somewhat conservative region that is part of the bible belt, so not everyone here supports same sex marriage. Same would be true anywhere I guess, and some wedding vendors may not be comfortable servicing same sex / gay / LGBT weddings. I was presented with an opportunity several months ago to photograph a same sex wedding, they approached me because my journalistic style was just what they wanted. I was excited for the opportunity, and I love a wedding or event that is creative and different. I got to know the two gentlemen, I thought they were salt of the earth and they knew exactly what they wanted, we all decided we were a perfect fit and I would be honored to capture their story and showcase their love.

I knew that I would get support from many people in favor of gay rights, but also could lose some people for having done a same sex wedding if it’s not what they believe in. It was still an easy choice. I am proud of what I do, and don’t keep secrets. And if someone chooses not to work with me because I support the equal rights of another human being with a different sexual orientation, then chances are we aren’t a good fit anyhow. We are talking about fellow human beings, who have families, jobs, own businesses, pay taxes, help people, everything I can do as a heterosexual. So, I see no reason why they shouldn’t have the same rights I have. I feel even more passionately about this since I have worked this event for them. I know some people aren’t comfortable with it, but denying others rights doesn’t make their beliefs or rights any more secure. And legalizing gay marriage or wedding vendors embracing same sex couples doesn’t effect the rights of heterosexual couples.

Each individual vendor has the right to serve or deny service to anyone. I think in this day and age especially, it’s not good for business to deny service because of sexual orientation, but we can’t be hypocrites either. They are entitled to their belief just like I am. In fact I submitted a blog article featuring this wedding to a LGBT wedding blog, and they turned it down because they only wanted lesbian weddings, when their tagline on the blog was ” Real wedding inspiration for queers, lesbians, and everyone else” PFFT! Fascist if I do say so. So unfortunately hypocrisy is alive and well in all walks of life. None of us are perfect. But I am proud to serve the LGBT community and honestly, it was love that I captured in their event. And support of the families. Nothing except the genders were different, love is love. I’m proud to call them my clients, and friends. I talked with my assistant after the wedding, as we always discuss each event afterwards, and learn from the turn of events, etc. I still remember what he said, we’re both better because of it. I agree. We look forward to doing more.

That’s right! I made a post recently contemplating the idea of delivering wedding photos to clients on branded USB flash drives. For the sake of better presentation value, download speed, and convenience, not to mention newer technology as disc drives not being standard equipment on some newer computers. I approached several previous clients and asked them what they thought, as well as received feedback from my last article when I was tossing the idea around. It was unanimous. Everyone loved the idea for the sake of convenience, portability, and speed. I run an interactive photography business so that helps me know what people want, and how I can evolve to stay ahead of the curve.

For now, these will be used only for wedding photography delivery, and for larger commercial shoots, because I went with a mixture of 8 GB and 16 GB drives. Headshot or portrait photoshoots, I will continue using Dropbox, CD, or other file sharing method. At least until I can get a more cost effective option on smaller capacity drives, like 2 GB’s. But from this point on, these will be available to wedding clients! Here is the mockup photo. Thanks for your feedback and suggestions, that is what makes our business relationship a great one!

For years, since digital photography became the standard, the standard for image / digital file delivery has been on photo CD or DVD’s. The discs have a pretty good archival quality, if taken care of. Most wedding photographers these days have to deliver digital files to their customers, and the disc is still the standard for many, and what most customers expect. I have always encouraged my clients to load the contents onto their computer and any backup hard drives and then store the disc in a safe place as an added form of backup. Some shlep it around and risk scratching it, which can render it useless. I have learned that some desktop and laptop computers are now being manufactured without disc drives. Even so, there are external drives. But that tells me the discs are being gradually phased out. Like the old floppy disc was in the late 90′s. Which really got me thinking that by me considering USB flash drives as a file delivery option, I am staying ahead of the curve.

Between discs facing eventual obsolescence, the neat presentation value, compact size, speed, and durability, I am considering using USB flash drives for image delivery for my clients. I can even get them customized with my logo, would be a rich presentation! No form of digital media is forever. But periodically transferring contents to newer backup forms, and multiple backup forms is definitely a wise idea. For portrait photography or headshot clients who have smaller amounts of images in comparison to wedding clients, I have the option of using Dropbox or another file sharing provider, or keep some smaller 2 GB drives for those types of shoots. And for wedding photo delivery, use an 8 or 16 GB, whichever is needed. That way I’m not paying for more expensive drives wastefully. Just thinking it’s a trendy, practical, and convenient option and it’s something I may implement soon. Stay tuned

First, happy Valentines Day from Jay Farrell Photography! It’s a holiday with mixed reviews. It can be a joy and a reason to let your creativity shine and celebrate as a couple. Or just another day. Often looked upon as a waste of a holiday for single folks. Sometimes because they are single by choice and function better that way, or begrudgingly because of past or current relationships gone wrong. I’ve had my share of relationships, and definitely know what Valentines Day is designed to feel like. I’ve also been single enough to know and get used to that lifestyle. It’s human nature to at least partially want to experience the other side, regardless of whether you are single, a couple living together or married, or a married person with a family. There’s really nothing wrong with any of those options. The key is to be positive and be thankful for your circumstance and acknowledge the benefits, more than focusing on the pitfalls. Or make strides to change things to suit your needs.

I can tell you the benefits of being single are nice, though it’s not perfect. Nothing is. But there is something to be said for having it quiet when you want it….you can walk across the house naked, turn the music up loud without worrying about someone else studying or sleeping, pee with the door open, etc. Not to mention the leftover meatloaf is there where you left it. No one complains when you watch certain TV shows. Come and go as you please. These are things some married people may envy. Yet, the single person may miss human companionship besides friends / family etc. But when you are married or have a family, as my friend who has been married for 20 years puts it, is something to think long and hard about. You have a lot to gain and the love and support of your family can be wonderful, if it’s there. But there are sacrifices and give and take that would be dramatically different than the single life. It’s about defining those things on your own, by yourself or collectively as a couple. The key is to take time to make sensible decisions, and not to get into a relationship because of loneliness or need, or dependency….or stay in one for the sake of convenience. That would eliminate a lot of negativity. But during those single times, it’s about using that as personal growth time, time to reflect and to learn how to be alone and be content. Then when the opportunity presents itself, you make a better mate for someone else. It’s about both parties having something to bring to the table and being positive, enjoying life to the fullest, and inspiring others regardless of your relationship status. It’s all good.

Yup, I finally made it there! www.pinterest.com  is an inspiration board for brides and arts and crafts enthusiasts, where they can pin / bookmark anything they see that inspires them….and in turn share it with people they know. Working now on putting a Pinterest follow me button on my website, and I’m still building the content of my work on my Pinterest page. How it’s structured, is the user creates boards, which are basically categorized folders with a specific theme in it. Makes it easy to separate different types of contents. I set mine up so my photo content is a lot different from what makes sense to put on my website. I have separate categories for wedding venue details and decorations, favorite bride and groom moments, engagement photos, cakes and food, and one dedicated to fine art / female beauty. There will be more to come. But this gives their users to use any of my photos for inspiration for their wedding, craft, whatever they are there to get ideas for. And it gives me an opportunity to put a more diverse selection of my work out there and gives people a feel for how I tell a story with my work, when all the pieces are put together.

So the nice thing is I can help inspire others with my work, I benefit from them sharing / re-pinning my work, and possibly even connecting with brides or other prospective clients in my area. All in all a good thing. I will show up when people search for Nashville wedding photographers on Pinterest, so I am trying my best to put my most creative foot forward. Please feel free to follow me on www.pinterest.com/jayfarrell I hope you see something that inspires you!

As part of my workflow and quality control of imagery, I use calibration software to build an accurate color profile for my monitor, I do this twice a month. The default color profile may not be accurate, and as monitors age, adjustment may be needed. So this is very important for a professional photographer, designer, or retoucher to stay on top of. The average user wouldn’t have much reason to do that. With that said, every type of display, whether desktop monitor, laptop screen, tablet screen, etc. can have color and exposure variation from the other. Sometimes minor, sometimes very noticeable, with respect to variation in exposure and color tones. I had a wedding photography living out of state tell me some of the group photos looked washed out. I asked her, how you mean? Which ones? I looked, and saw none of that. Just good high contrast lighting. Turns out she was viewing them on a laptop, which often make images appear hot.

Normally, in the case of any discrepancy, I’d ask them to come over and view them with me on my monitor to make sure we’re seeing the same thing. Since she was out of state, I had my lab run 3 test prints of the images in question, and had them shipped to her, so she was relieved that it was her display and no the photos, lol. She then asked me, so if many display different, how do we know yours is right? Because as I told her, not even all calibrated monitors show the same. Well, the prints you got very closely match what I see on my screen. It’s about there being consistency between your monitor and your print station, or print lab. Not an easy thing to do with digital imaging. But there really is good and bad. That’s the reason I only use my lab, I know there is consistency and quality. And I do what I can to deter customers from using just any old place to print their images. Even crappy prints aren’t free, so why would you pay for them?

I recently got to connect with 2 long time artist friends, which is always healing. Especially when we always pick up where we last left off. We made plans to walk around the art crawl which takes place in downtown Nashville in the Arcade building upstairs and on 5th avenue, like Tinney Gallery. It’s the first Saturday night of every month, and it was really a great time! I plan on going back and seeing the changing exhibits. Info about this city event is here. http://www.nashvilledowntown.com/play/first-saturday-art-crawl It was especially fun because I have done a few mixed media projects that started with my photos, with one of those friends. And we have participated in a couple different local Untitled shows.

My personal taste with art is of course photography, and abstract art, as well as sculptures. I really like the feel of local starving artist’s work. That’s why I was more drawn to the Arcade studios than the larger galleries across the street. I was inspired by the art I saw. Something that every artist needs for their creative soul. There was even a good mix of photography too, which isn’t always true in every art show. I met one young eager artist in particular in one of the studios in the Arcade. He was a fine art photographer, I saw a few qualities that reminded me of my own. I liked how he was able to bring out the soul of any age subject he had, he really seems to get the fundamentals of photography. Also that’s a major factor in portrait photography. Bringing out character in the subjects. I see great things from him, even more so as he gets seasoned. I saw lots of bright artists who inspired me. My friend and I talked about doing more projects together and displaying more pieces again ourselves. This inspiration I pass along to my clients I encourage you to check out this fun and free Nashville event!

First, I want to thank all my friends, family, and great clients for a great 2012! Also those who follow and support my work in any way! 2013 will be a great ride no doubt! I’m excited to see what it brings. I love New Years, but I look at them a little differently than many people do. First, I look back at the previous year and not only celebrate my growths and highlights, but also realize any mistakes I made. And then combine them and learn from all of it. It’s a turning of a page, and a new and improved start. I really have no business regrets. Every year I’ve formed great relationships and had some great photography opportunities.

I don’t believe in New Years resolutions. If there is something in your life you aren’t happy with, there is no time like the present to work on that. With how I live life and with what I believe, it’s about being accountable to myself, as well as others. I mean, if you want to get out more, or lose weight, get in better shape, create more, etc. Then why wait for the calendar? Isn’t that silly? Let your own feelings and desires inspire you, feed off of others, and weed negativity out of your life. Those are my hopes for you. I like doing what I enjoy and what I believe in, and never allowing myself to be trapped in negative situations….we all have choices and options. Be inspired this year, and live your dream Happy New Year!

Whew….another year flew by! There have been many highlights indeed, both business wise and relationships I’ve formed. It’s been a monumental year for many reasons….new website and blog, it’s made the viewers’ experience a much easier one. Also my new Farrell Gallery site has generated a lot of new interest in boudoir work. Many really wonderful weddings this year, and I formed great relationships with not only those clients, but other vendors. Real wedding experience working with them, not just shaking hands at a networking event. Also we put together some great albums and coffee table books, which is a great presentation tool for my work! Not to mention a great story telling product for the customer.  A large part of building a photography business is not only having a strong body of work, but also forming relationships and keeping them. With that said, 2012 has been a great ride. And I’m ready to stay in the saddle for 2013 and beyond!

Speaking of new beginnings, my close friends, Mary and Dave who got married early this year just had a baby girl who is now almost a month old! I originally met Mary almost 2 years ago, she found my business card in a small coffee shop in a dying mall and it caught her eye. She called me about photographing her brother’s wedding which I did. We just all became like family since. And I got to know her then fiance, Dave as well. Super guy! Then I was invited to many parties they had, photographed Mary’s wedding too….and now the new life they brought into the world! Mary told me since I’m their official family photographer, they wanted me to come to the hospital after the baby was born and photograph her! I was leaving New York after a Thanksgiving visit and I got the news that Mary was in labor. The next day, I was back and went to the hospital to see my new niece and Mary and Dave, and capture those proud parents! I was honored to do so, since the baby was 12 hours old at the time, and it was flattering to know they think enough of me to have me capture such a magical time in their lives. That’s one example of how forming relationships are so important, and at the end of the day, it’s what matters most. Congratulations guys! Welcome Caliece Eat your Wheaties so you can one day be my assistant

It’s truly been a joy to work with many new clients this year, and network with my peers, getting to know many of you this year! I am wishing all of you a Merry Christmas and happy holiday season! I hope all of you will enjoy time with friends and / or family and are able to catch up with someone you care about, who you haven’t seen in a long time. That’s what my goal is. I know that not everyone celebrates Christmas, but even so, it’s still a major holiday for a lot of people.

In recent years, I have heard about more people getting offended when wished Merry Christmas, if they don’t celebrate it, or being insulted with retailers promoting Christmas sales. THIS I will never understand. My best friend Eric is Jewish and we grew up together. He doesn’t celebrate Christmas but isn’t offended by it and will acknowledge it. I’m not Jewish, but if someone wished me happy Hanukkah, I’d never get offended, because I know that person is only trying to say something nice. Let them have their moment too, it doesn’t hurt me any. And I will be the first to agree, Christmas is over commercialized and I don’t really like that, but I can only control my own habits. I can’t blame the retailers for using whatever they can use for their marketing, it’s survival in a hurting economy.

Often those who are the most loud mouthed about getting offended are the ones who are the most vocal about their own rights being violated…..yet they try to deny others their right to be excited about Christmas. Seriously, some people need to shut up and worry about more important things. If you don’t like swimsuit calendars hanging up in a garage, don’t look at it. If you don’t like movies with violence, don’t watch them. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice, or nothing, I won’t judge you. Enjoy what you enjoy, but people being expected to walk on eggshells because of offending someone at the mention of Christmas, is well…..ridiculous. Merry Christmas to you, and if you don’t celebrate it, I wish you the happiest day celebrating how you see fit 

Over the years, I have learned to appreciate Christmas for something other than the retailer overload crap that it’s become to many people in American culture. I can definitely enjoy swapping some gifts, but to go into debt just because it’s a holiday seems mad to me, or to run myself so ragged I detest it before it comes, lol. From a traditional sense, it’s a celebration of the birth of our Lord. I believe that. I just don’t attend church Also, to me, it’s about spending time with friends and family, as well as re connecting with people I have not seen in a long time, and miss. Also helping others, though this should be year round. I try for it to be, but with the emphasis on that this time of year, it’s easier to focus on it. The holidays are a happy time for many people, as it should be. But there are people who are hurting and need encouragement, and someone to listen to them. Recognizing those signs and staying in tune with those you love, and those who are new friends are harder to do if you are deeply enamored in the commercialized zone during the holidays.

My fondest memories of the past are the quality time I got to spend with loved ones who many of which are no longer with us. The delicious home cooked meals my grandmother cooked, the walks on the boardwalk, games, and taking the time to connect. I’ve learned that though I miss my dearly departed family members very much, that’s no reason to be bitter towards the holidays. There is still plenty to be grateful for. My remaining family, and friends new and old. All of which make up my family and my life. It’s about being there for them. And realizing life isn’t perfect, but it is what you make it. And negativity will rob you of the pleasures you find in life. In the end, one of the most important things in life are the relationships we build.

Also, 2 or 3 days before Christmas, in 2001, I got my Christmas puppy. An 8 week old female Boxer puppy, Roxie! I brought her home and couldn’t wait to show her off, I took her everywhere. It was not easy training a puppy, but I loved coming home to a cheering squad if you will. She quickly became a hit with the neighbors, and enjoyed treats from them, as well as from the vet staff and people at the pet store when we bought her food. We have always loved walking the neighborhood, this is the third residence I have lived in since getting her. But we also loved walking downtown and at the parks, playing soccer and tug of war. I have to say she plays a mean tug of war to this day! Now she is 11, still healthy and playful, but she has slowed down some of course. And some white has found it’s way to her once all black muzzle. Recently, she has started leaking in her sleep, so I am extra diligent to close the toilet lid at night and let her out every time I wake up at night. She sleeps next to my bed and I occasionally hear the famous snort or faint barks, representing doggie dreams. This dog has become a best friend to me as we have built such a strong bond, and I am beyond thankful to have her! She has been here through so much with me in different phases of my life, and has seen me through many different transition periods. She is laying at my feet as I write this. I can think of Christmas when I think of her, and the money I spent could have gone to a host of material things that could never have as much meaning. My other Boxer is a rescue, and they are best pals, it’s amazing how much dogs can lift up your spirits and really make life wonderful.

Oscar

Roxie

It’s no secret after reading some of my articles I’m a huge advocate of an unplugged wedding. This meaning there aren’t cell phones going off and guests aren’t interfering with my work or photo bombing the wedding photos by appearing in the corner holding their camera phone, point and shoot, or even worse, SLR camera. But I’m here to add some humor to it, I think some slightly off the wall humor is needed during the holiday season. I know most wedding guests and family mean well and are trying to help the bride and groom….that or race for the prestige of being the first to share photos on facebook, whatever. Thoughtful of them, but there are other vendors besides the photographer who need help too! LOL

The caterer- Granny or Aunt Judy can make a mean pie, so maybe if they brought their cookware and give the caterer a hand, it might just save the couple money and make the caterer’s job easy Nope, that doesn’t happen. Those caterers are pretty good at aiming hot food pans at people, or throwing knives, so no one really goes there. D’oh!

The DJ- Cousin K dogg can always bring his turntable and microphone, or iPod and help the DJ. Nope, that’s too much like work. Besides, the DJ could start a game of music trivia and make a fool out of K dogg, maybe then he could learn to enjoy the party the couple paid for

The planner- by adding suggestions about how you think things could flow better or look better. Have you ever seen a movie director, or a wedding planner smack people with a clipboard for unwanted intervention? I’m sure it happens, but hopefully they politely shoot them down so they can continue on

The bartender-Help them, sure. They whack you over the head with an empty bottle and let the bouncer toss you out

The florist- Sure, please start with standing up straight, and we will attach the rosebush vines and thorns on you and put lights on you, make like a tree. That way we can do our job and you look pretty while we do it

Venue staff- Sure, this will be an unpaid internship…setup starts 4 hours before, and cleanup can go until 4 hours after the event, you are allowed one pee break

That’s all I can think of now, at least I got a good chuckle out of this, hope you did as well. I know people taking photos mean well, but in reality they are not helping anyone except for their own bragging rights. The couple hires us to photograph their wedding, and paid us good money to do so. If a camera holding, photo bombing guest appears in some of the best photos, it ruins them, you are not helping at that point. If Photoshop removal is an option, you are only costing the client money. Being in the way when the photographer is working only slows down production. I’ve never had a bride say Cousin Joe’s photos were better than ours. This is what we do. The best approach is take a few here and there if you must, but not to the point of making a spectacle of yourself or interrupting the photographer’s job. Guests walking around with phones and cameras is just bad manners. If I were invited to a wedding as a guest, I would be the guest I was asked to be and would not even bring a camera. In the end, that’s what the couple invited me for, not to play vendor. At the end of the day, this is someone else’s event, not a circus or photo op.