This letter serves as a purpose to review 2011 and tell you about the upcoming changes in 2012, thank you for taking the time to read this as what I’m about to say is so very dear to my heart…

A few weeks ago I decided to put together a slide show of some of the highlights of 2011. With the Holidays upon us and everything else going on in life in general, I put the project on hold. When I finally sat down and started to gather images, I was overcome with unexpected emotions. I began to weep as I reviewed so many folders of the year behind us. The tears flowed for so many more reasons than I can even begin to explain but I’m going to do my very best.

As few of you know, in January of 2011, my mother-in-law was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. She didn’t start at stage one and progress, it was stage 4 from the get go. My heart broke as I watched her undergo treatments, surgeries, and physical and emotional torment. I stood by and felt helpless and I’m ashamed to admit it, especially as a Christian, but even hopeless at rare times as well. The thought of loosing someone you care about is torture and coupled with my own father’s rare disease, sometimes I just didn’t know how I would make it through the day without loosing it completely.

Going through the folders on my hard drive was like a light-bulb moment as they say, something so very profound occurred to me;

It was the moments with the amazing families and couples that let me into their lives that more than likely helped to keep the balance, sanity, and hope in my everyday routine. It was the kindness and gratitude that meet me at each session, wedding, and event. It was the joy that I experienced seeing beautiful young women take a hopeful walk down the aisle. It was dancing at your receptions, having dinner alongside your families, being welcomed into your homes, that pulled me through. It was being force-fed sandwiches  and snacks by Grandma’s on wedding days, it was the great joy of watching two families unite as one. It was running through the Botanical Gardens, chasing your children and blowing bubbles, it was watching Amy act like a monkey to get your children to give us that million dollar smile, the real one, not the fake one. It was the hug you gave me when you received your prints to show your gratitude, it was the friendly smile and warm hello at our first meeting, my friends, it was so many things that helped keep me together, and for this I am eternally grateful.

2011 was a year of ups and downs, but somehow, I made it though. It really made me realize that I only have ONE chance to get this life right and I really started to think about what exactly I want to do with this business and where I want it to go. I am inspired to make changes that will bring joy to my soul as opposed to money to my household. Don’t get me wrong, this is still a business after all, but going into business seven years ago was a way for me to do what I wanted to do and not be ruled by anyone or anything, especially not a dollar. We will cover these changes in a minute, but first a few more things… Last year was by far, the busiest year I’ve had yet in this business and for that I am so very, very, very indebted to each one of you who made the choice to spend the money you work so very hard for with me. I understand that these days photographers are a dime a dozen, and almost always, you can find someone “cheaper,” but I thank you, thank you, thank you for finding a value and quality in the work that I produce and continuing to come back time after time. I value the work I do and pledge to always put the same amount of integrity into every event and relationship that I always have. Again, I thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your unwavering and continued support.

I am beginning this year on a positive note. Kay, (my m-i-l) is working hard to kick the cancer’s ass, pardon my French, but I am in awe of her spirit and fight. I believe that she WILL overcome this and one day we will joyfully close this chapter of hardship that has been placed upon her. With all this being said, I have decided to make important changes in my business, changes that will no doubt make for a more refreshed, more energized me. As we went through the last year, I, subconsciously, completely lost myself in my work. I found myself working may weeks, May-November, at a rate of 90-96 hours, and that simply must change. When you too much to one area, you must take away from another, and shamefully,  I believe that the time taken away has been from my husband and children. It wasn’t the amount of sessions or events that were booked that was the issue, it was the urgency that I felt to get everything retouched and turned back around to my clients. This year, I am sticking to all deadlines, meaning that if your session images are due back to you in two weeks, but you’ve cut it really close to a deadline and need them back in two days, there will absolutely be a retouch rush fee applied in order to get your images back in the two-day frame in which you need them. I understand how exciting it is to get your images back, or to see a preview on Facebook, but it will be done according to the standard time line that I’ll be enforcing with every session and event. This applies to new clients, current clients, and friends and family. Sticking to my policy will ensure more time reading stories to my children and couch cuddling with my husband, thank you for understanding that at the end of the day, I am a wife and mother before all else.

Friends and family, oh, how I thank you for your constant support and pats on the back. You’ve stood by me from the start and your support is a treasured gift. Some of you have said before that you don’t like coming to me because you’re afraid that I will not charge you the “right” amount. Be assured, that whether you’re my sister or my friend, or someone I’ve known since childhood, you will be treated with the same respect, admiration, and appreciation that is given to a new client whom I’ve never met. I will put the same amount of planning, time, and love into your session, and for that reason, I will continue to assess the same fees to you that I do my “clients.” The thing is this, after each session, I feel like I’ve made new friends, and if I’m continuing to charge my new friends the “regular” prices, then it is only fair to them, you, and myself, for me to charge you the same. While I think that most of you will be happy with this, I know that there will be several of you who choose to go elsewhere for your portrait needs, and while that makes me sad that I know some will choose price over value, it is truly ok and there are no hard feelings, really.

Looking ahead to the rest of 2012 is bringing me much happiness and hopefulness. The things you expect out of your sessions and events will remain mostly the same, but there will be some changes that Amy & I both believe will be beneficial to not only ourselves, but to you as well. One big announcement that I am so excited to make (and a little sad at the same time), is that Amy will be taking over ALL newborn portrait sessions. As I shot my first live birth this year, I realized that what I love so much about family photography and wedding photography is that moment in between the pose, the candid laugh, the stolen kiss, the moment that is unpredicted. It has been an ABSOLUTE blessing to be welcomed into your homes, year after year, to snuggle, feed, and photograph you new baby. The images I find myself most drawn to though, are the moments in between the poses and props, the moments of feeding, changing, and snuggling you little one are the exact moments my heart skips a beat. I’ve come to realize that newborn posing and standard portraiture are not where my heart is, it is in the moments of real, candid, openness that I best found in the delivery room. I will, from here forward, when it comes to new arrivals, only be shooting Birth Stories (at the hospital), as it is where I feel most inspired. Amy, on the other hand, will be shooting all newborn standard portrait sessions, in addition to Birth Stories as well. Amy’s experience with newborn photography started well before she began working with me, and the patience, love, and creativity she finds with each special baby is inspiring.

In 2012, I will be mainly focusing on Weddings, Seniors/Models, and Boudoir. I will be taking limited family sessions so if you would like to book your family session with me, please get it in my book as soon as possible. As many of you know, Amy and I tend to shoot families together, and while we love the results that team shooting tends to bring, we will no longer be able to promise that we will both be at each session. We have never charged an additional fee for this service but because we turned away almost as many families as we shot in 2011 due to a lack of available days because we team shot so often, we will now only be doing team shooting by request and there will be an additional fee applied to your session. 2012 will be Amy’s debut year, so to speak. Amy will be shooting solo family, children, and newborn sessions. When you book your session, you may request Amy or myself, or team shooting, but due to my limited availability with family sessions, I may not always be available. You will be notified when booking your session who your photographer will be and will also be given a list of alternate dates should you decided to specifically be shot by one of us.  In seven years of business ownership, I have had four assistants, none of which ever were given the opportunity to shoot solo under my name. Why Amy, why now? Amy has been shooting with me for just under two years. She has learned my “style” while developing her own as well. We tend to shoot very similarly while still maintaining a sense of uniqueness. Each image that is created under the LKMP umbrella will undergo the same processing, retoching, and look that you are accustomed to. I have full confidence in Amy that she will bring to the table the same quality and creativity that you have come to expect.

Ok, dear reader/client/friend/supporter, there will more to come, but for now this is all. Thank you again, so much for helping me, supporting me, and helping me navigate through 2011, I look forward to all of the memories that 2012 will bring….

xoxo,

lindsay

I like to think of myself, personally and professionally, as a fair and generous person. More times than I can count I’ve given deals to clients who have waited until my schedule opened up, even if it meant 2 months. I do this because 1. I can, and 2. I want to, but most certainly not because I am obligated or feel obligated. I have also given away a fair share of free sessions, products, and even two weddings over the years, again, because I can and because in most cases, I wanted to. It is such a great feeling to know that I made someone feel special or perked up their day with a little freebie or bonus. Nine times out of ten, I get a big thank you back, which is not necessary at all but always appreciated. I appreciate those who appreciate me and my time that I am spending with them.

I have been very lenient regarding payments. My mistake. It just boils my blood that I would even have to write this, but due to situations that have occurred this year, I must. It has always been my standard practice that payment for your session is due on the day of your session. Not after. If we have made a special arrangement for you to pay after, it has also been my practice not to retouch your images until your payment has been made. Please, Please, Please do not contact me to tell me you “stuck the check in the mail” this morning and could I please “start retouching” your images because you’re excited to see them, when you actually did nothing of the sort. I will not be lied to or taken advantage of so please don’t give me the run around for months saying that you’re sending the overdue payment “today” when you are not. Now, I absolutely understand that mistakes happen and people forget their cash at home or whatever, that is totally fine, I’m human and I totally get it. What I am addressing here are those who have no problem wasting my time with back and forth e-mails for several months saying that they’ve sent me their payment time after time after time, when they really have not.  From this point forward, if you have an outstanding balance with LKMP, you will not be able to book another session until you’ve paid the balance from your last one, if at all. And if we do decide to book a session for you, it will be with 100% payment upfront, no less than 1 week ahead of time. Thank you for understanding.

Before I go any further, I want to stress how thankful I am for those of you who have encouraged me to grow and develop as a photographer over the years, and to those of you who have popped in somewhere along the way. I have been very, very lucky to have amazing clients who I now call friends come to me for their photography needs. I am overwhelmed at the rate that my business has grown over the last few years alone and I look forward to seeing how it continues to evolve. I am grateful to those who go to my website, check out the prices, and know what they’ll be paying before contacting me, or contacting me and asking where they can find the prices for my service. That tells me that whether you a brand new client who found me in a web search, a referral, a returning client, or someone who knows me personally, that you understand I am running a business. I absolutely love what I do but that doesn’t mean I can afford to do it for free, nor will I.

Each time I see a new name appear in my inbox, be it Facebook or E-mail, I still get all kinds of excited! I open the messages and carefully read. Usually, I reply right away, anxious to get something set up, but sometimes, I get so frustrated that I cannot even reply until I’ve cooled down. Here is an example of the kind of e-mail/message that really gets my goat:

Hi Lindsay!

I am a friend of XXXXXXXXX. She told me that you’ve been doing her pictures for a long time and she really likes what you do so she told me to check you out. She also said that you’re really cheap because you always give her a special deal. Can you tell me what the deal is so that I can budget for my photo shoot? I’m really excited to hear back from you!

Thank you,

XXXXXXXXXX

Here is what I would like to say, you know, in a dream world where there are no consequences to my actions…..:

Dear XXXXXXX,

Thank you for inquiring. Your friend, XXXXXXX, is actually my sister, she must have failed to mention that, weird with the two of you being so close and all. The deal that I offer her is special because, again, she is my sister. I also highly doubt she used the word “cheap” because she values my work and would never refer to it as such. If you’re looking for cheap, you may also be interested in it’s friends, tacky, low quality, and mediocre. I would be more than happy to point you in the right direction because I have the pleasure of selecting who I spend my time on, and sadly, it won’t be you.

Thank YOU,

Lindsay King

 
Am I snarky? Well yes, I guess my dream reply is a little snarky and rude, but no more rude than coming to a business and expecting to pay less than everyone else. Why is it that people think they are entitled? Really, I just don’t get it. Just because you’re a friend of a friend, or even a friend of mine does not entitle you to anything. Am I hitting a nerve yet? If so, keep reading…. The only people who are entitled to my time for free are my husband, children, and parents. I know, it seems like I’m going crazy over nothing, right? Here is a break down to show you how much a free or discounted session costs me:

Session Consultation & Planning 2-3 hours (this includes all communication and brainstorming) billed at a rate of $15 per hour.

Babysitter Time $15-$20

Travel Time and Gas Expenses $15-$20

Equipment Depreciation  $10 per 1 hour session (roughly)

Retouching Billed at $15 per hour $60 (Includes basic retouching, not HER retouching which is skin correction, digital make-up, etc)

HER Retouching $30 per hour $120

Disc Packaging $5

Disc Delivery $2.50 if mailed $10- $15 if hand delivered, sometimes more

Now, what a client sees is the time shooting the photos and the two weeks they have to wait to get their images back. There is so much more that goes into it, not just time, but actual money.

When you book your session, please be clear on what you would like to book ahead of time. Indoor, Outdoor, or Both, only your two children, or your two children plus your sisters three. These factors will help me determine 1. How much your session fee will be, and 2. How much time your session will involve. When you show up at the time of your session and let me know that we will no longer be doing what we had planned but will now be going to a different location and, oh by the way you brought your 4 nephews, it kind of puts a kink in my planning and I may not be able to accommodate your needs. If you are the last session of the day, that doesn’t mean that I have unlimited time, I have a “clock out” time just like anyone else who has a job. Please do not come for your one hour session with 25 outfits and tell me that you need to be shot in AT LEAST 15 of them, well, not unless you’re willing to pay the overtime session rate of $35 per 15 minutes.

The time that I spend away from my children and husband needs to be justified. That being said, I’m not saying I’ll never do another free or discounted session again, but if and when I do one, it will be for someone who I feel like values and appreciates my time and would never press me or expect me to give them one. If I gave my friends and family freebies all the time, I would be out of business and divorced. Please respect my time and my craft.

On one last note, my business hours are typically the following, except on days where I have sessions. If you contact me, I will do my best to return a reply with in 24 business hours:

Sunday Closed

Monday 9:15am-3:30pm

Tuesday Closed

Wednesday 9:15am-6pm

Thursday Closed

Friday 9:15am-3:30pm

Saturday Sessions by appointment only, all communications sent over the weekend will be answered on Monday.

Thank you for reading this till the end. It is just time that I draw a line in the sand regarding my time. I am so appreciative to my clients who NEVER ask for or expect a deal, those are the ones I want to give the best deal to because I know they would hire me regardless of saving a few bucks or not.

Anyway, I had a wonderful time getting to know these two and I am wishing them all the blessings in the world when their new baby arrives <3

If you find yourself invited to a fall wedding (or any wedding for that matter,) try to remember these tips to ensure a wonderful experience that you will provide the Bride & Groom on their wedding day.

It Ain’t All About You, Sister. My mom always told me not to say “ain’t,” but sometimes it just seems like the right kind of country word to get my point across. Now, I know you’re super excited to wear that new dress and sparkly new pumps that make your legs look a mile long, but seriously, this isn’t your day and you’re not the center of attention so don’t try to be. This is a day that the bride (who has graciously invited you might I add) gets to shine, so being loud or dressing like a hootchie so that everyone knows you’re there is just tacky. I’ve heard it 50 times if I’ve heard it once from a bride, “Did you see my first cousin? She’s dressed like a total jezebel!” Seriously, you do NOT want to be THAT girl. Or, maybe you’re dressed fine but you’re dancing like a jezebel with every single groom’s men, that’s not cool either, not only do you look bad but you make the couple look bad by association. Think about it.

Drink in Moderation. Really, please do. Not only will the couple be happy that you weren’t sloppy drunk, but I personally will be happy. I’ve had a few too many run in’s with beer being spilled on me and/or my equipment, and let me tell you that if you spill beer on my camera before I’m able to back up the pictures of the Bride & Groom from their first dance then it won’t just be me you’ll be dealing with, it’ll be the bride too and I don’t think she’ll be too stoked. If the Bride & Groom are offering an open bar, please remember two things: Drink responsibly and TIP YOUR BAR TENDERS!

Don’t Wear White. I don’t care how good you look in that little white ensemble, DON’T DO IT! It’s just ruuuuude!

Respect The Invitation. When that little white envelope came in the mail addressed only you and your spouse then the Bride and Groom probably decided for a variety of reasons that they didn’t want the company of your children at their wedding, only you. Something I often hear is that there just isn’t enough seating for everyone the bride & groom want to invite. Often a B&G will have an adult only reception to give themselves more room for other friends they’d like to invite instead of having children. It’s nothing personal, it’s just that this is THEIR day and this is they are inviting (and paying for) who they really want to share it with. Bringing your children to an adults only reception also puts the bride & groom in an awkward position to have to explain to other guests why your children could come but theirs could not… So remember, before you get offended that your children were not invited (and this includes your adult children too), someone else may have been cut so that YOU could be invited, don’t be those people that RSVPs the invited two but then shows up with five…

Respect the Invitation: PART TWO, She’s just not that into you. I have the distinct pleasure to arrive with the B&G to the wedding reception. I take their photographs as they enter the hall to the cheering and screaming of their friends and family, and then I typically make my way over to the head table as they are situating themselves and finding their seats. During these quick moments, I’ve several times heard, “There’s so-in-so, I thought we didn’t invite him?!” Turns out that Mr. So-in-So heard about the wedding from another friend and decided to come along anyway. This my friend is called a wedding crasher, and unlike the movie, there is nothing funny about it. Sometimes the person is there at the encouraging of an invited guest who says, “You can just squeeze in at our table,” OR, and this is pretty common, “My wife isn’t coming so you can take her place.” Can I tell you that while most brides and grooms are going to smile and welcome you, secretly they are NOT happy about you being there?! This is not my opinion; this is my EXPIERENCE from behind the scenes talking! Sometimes a bride and groom don’t invite someone NOT because there isn’t enough room but simply because they don’t know them well enough, or, and no, I’m NOT making this up, they just don’t like the person! If you are the invited person to a wedding, don’t show up with someone who you know that the bride and groom know but didn’t invite, it’s awkward for the couple and just plain tacky. Now, if your invite said, Mr. You and Guest, then it’s ok to bring a guest, but please, avoid the awkwardness and respect exactly what the invitation says.

Be on Time! Picture this… Beautiful bride on the arm of her adoring father, walking down the aisle in a moment she has envisioned her entire life…. And there you are, in the background of her picture, walking in not only late, but right behind her. If you’re going to be late, let the bride get down the aisle before you come struttin’ in and ruining her moment.

If You RSVP, Show Up, If You Can’t, Let The Couple Know. True story. Things happen, and sometimes long after you’ve RSVP’d you realize you can’t make it. If this happens to you just call the Bride & Groom and let them know, most Brides & Grooms have a list of “backups” (Hey, I don’t make the rules, I just report them…) that they can invite last minute. Don’t not show, and don’t give your invitation to someone that wasn’t invited as the Bride & Groom hand selected you and may have someone in mind to take your place if you cannot make it.

Don’t Monopolize the Couple’s Time at The Reception. You’ve traveled a long way, brought a gift, and didn’t wear white, that deserves something, right?! Your reward will be being remembered by the couple as a wedding guest with wonderful wedding manners. Go ahead, take a few minutes to mingle with the newlyweds, tell her how gorgeous she looks and tell him what a lucky guy he is, but keep it simple. If the couple has 200 guests at the wedding and they spend just five minutes with each person that equals the average length of FOUR WEDDING RECEPTIONS! Oy! Remember that the couple needs to enjoy their reception as much as anyone else but most couples average no more than two dances together because they want to have face time with everyone who has been kind enough to give up their Saturday night to come celebrate!

Shake That Money Maker! Yeah, that’s right, I said it, when you hear Sir-Mix-A lot, get out on that floor and shake that booty baby! The bride and groom what to see their guests having a spectacular time so get out there and dance the night away! DJ’s average (in our area) around $700 per reception so don’t leave that dance floor empty, go make the DJ earn his money!

Photography isn’t cheap. Well, depending on the experience of the photographer it can be, but that is a different post altogether. Anyway, as the photographer I am there to document the day of the couple, including but not limited to the details, the families, the decorations and details. What I’m not there to do try to work around people who have a need to be in every photo. Now, don’t get me wrong, I LOVE you party animals out there, you ALWAYS make for AWESOME pictures that I get to give back to the bride and groom, but keep it real man! Case in point: I was once shooting a couple during their first dance when out of no-where another couple who were guests, come waltzing up on the dance floor. Now, the B&G hardly even noticed, but I, the one with the camera totally noticed! There I was, trying to capture something I had been paid a lot of money to photograph and here’s this crazy couple dancing in my view! I re-positioned myself to get shots of just the b&g when again, out of nowhere, this couple is not only in my view but literally blocking my view of the couple all together! After moving one last time I realized that this couple was following me, trying to get their picture taken! The lady kept throwing her head back laughing with her husband as if she wanted me to capture a beautiful “candid” moment of the two of them. I just couldn’t believe that they would be so inconsiderate to not only dance during the couple’s first dance, but try to monopolize the camera time when it was clearly a special part of the day that I was hired to document! At almost every wedding I have someone following me around trying to get in as many pictures as possible and (maybe I’m crazy but) I have no problem with that at all! That person is there because they are special to the couple so I don’t mind a bit. What I do mind are guests who try to take my attention away from the happy couple when they’re having a special moment. Photography isn’t cheap and I only get one shot at it…

Father Said What?! Have you ever wondered why photographers rarely use flash during the ceremony? Aside from most of us preferring not to unless we absolutely have to, many churches ban it all together. If you’re planning on photographing the ceremony please respect the rules of the church, and for Pete’s sake, don’t step out in the isle for great “close up” for the bride when she’s walking down with her dad, that’s what she paid her photographer for and you may end up ruining her professional  shots!

This Isn’t Your Party, When It Is, You Can Request All the I.C.P You Want!

 Really people, Insane Clown Posse isn’t appropriate for most weddings so please don’t request the entire I.C.P catalog to the DJ. Not only that but typically speaking, the reception play list has been planned out for weeks so you’re requesting 40 of your favorite songs probably isn’t realistic.

Don’t Show Up Empty Handed. Really, I know, bad economy, you’re broke, you had to spend a million dollars in gas to get here, your new outfit cost you your whole paycheck, yada yada yada.  Now, just because a B&G shells out $50 for you to eat at their reception doesn’t mean that you should skip paying your gas bill in the dead of winter in order to buy them a gift, but it does mean that at the very least you should bring a heartfelt card, even if it’s empty. A bride would much rather know that you took five minutes to think of her then to go through her cards and realize that you were too cheap to spend $3 to say “Congrats!” Just do it, don’t be “that guy.”

Last But Certainly Not Least: Don’t take the centerpieces unless they’re offered, and seriously, don’t ask for one. Many brides actually rent their centerpieces from halls or decorators, so when you take one off the table they end up having to pay for it. Other brides pre-plan who they will be giving the centerpieces to as parting gifts. Many brides that give them away select parents, grandparents, siblings, and bridal party attendants to receive the centerpieces as a “
thank you.” Just keep that in mind when you’re eyeing that amazing vase of peacock feathers and rhinestones that you just KNOW would look amazing in your boudoir!

Well folks, that’s it, all the things the bride wants you to know but is too polite to tell you. I hope you weren’t offended, but if you were just remember that these are words direct from the mouths of my brides over the years so take this as a lesson on how to be a fantastic guest!

Xoxo

Lindsay

Sacrafice:sac·ri·fice
//

n.

1.

a. The act of offering something to a deity in propitiation or homage, especially the ritual slaughter of an animal or a person.

b. Something so forfeited.

Before I left for my morning session with the Evan’s famiyl, I started imagining what the Evan’s family must be facing and sacraficing as they prepare for Brian’s third, let me repeat that, THIRD Deployment. I started thinking of this family of five and how they are making a sacrafice so that I can safely tuck my children in their beds each night. I thought about all the choices that I as a human, and more as a woman, am able to make on a daily basis of my own free will without having anyone to answer to. I thought about how much I enjoy looking out my office window and watching my husband take care of our garden or swim in our pool with our children. I thought of all the opportunities I’ve been provided because I live in a free nation under the God I serve. I then really started thinking about sacrafice. What have I sacraficed lately? A starch for a dessert?! And I ask you dear reader, what have YOU sacrificed? The Evan’s family will once again sacrafice a Husband, Father, Friend, Brother, & Son so that we may enjoy our day to day freedoms and lifestye. While women and men like Brian Evans fight for our freedom each day and night, what will you do? I know many people want to see our troops come home, but until then, let us not for one second forget the sacrafices being made by troops every day, support, love, and thank a soldier every chance you get, if not for their courage and bravery, we wouldn’t be the nation we are today.So here it is, my “thank you” to Mr.Evans and the soldiers like him that keep my most precious children safe each day. And to Mrs. Evans and the children, may God bless you and comfort you until he comes home safely. Thank you.

The lovely bride and the handsome groom were full of excitement, anticipation, and A LOT of heart-felt emotion. I’m going to take this opportunity to give props to both A&A for the thoughtful gifts that were exchanged… Aaron seemed pleased with his and I know that Ashley was overjoyed with hers. The best part for me about Ashley opening her gift was that it really didn’t matter what was in the box, he already melted her heart with a love letter. I am pleased to say that this clearly is a couple who is not only in love for today, but for tomorrow, and forever. All the best to you both, it has been my joy to get to know you and share this time with you!

xo,

Lindsay

I love the "thumbs up"

 I didn’t go on to win Miss America, but I did end my pageant “career” on a high note winning the local title of Miss Monroe County. This brings us to today’s blog post… I was contacted by the director of the Miss Monroe County Outstanding Teen program. I have so very much respect for not only this program, but the Miss Monroe County Scholarship program as a whole. They encourage good sportsmanship, community service, and expect their queens to set a good example for their peers around them. The program also awards THOUSANDS of dollars in scholarships each year to our local community pageant competitors. It’s an excellent asset to our community.

Anyway, I digress… Like I said, I was contact by the MMCOT director, Delle, to do pictures for the current MMCOT, Miss Cassidy. I anticipated the session would be fun, just like any other session we’re lucky enough to be hired for, but we had no idea what to expect of Cassidy herself. SO there we were, a typical, cold, Tuesday night in February and Cassidy and her mom walked through our door. Right away, I recognized in her a maturity and grace that was not “typical” of most fourteen year old young ladies. I really think that pageantry helps to develop a well rounded young woman, but I also know that those seeds must be planted at home.

 She came in, just as beautiful as they come, with a gianormous smile on her face, she literally light up the foyer! She approached with a hug, forgoing the handshake all together, right off the bat, we l.o.v.e.d her! Cassidy was sweet, friendly, humble, sincere, and overall an absolute joy to work with. She has a natural ability to pose like a seasoned model without trying too hard, and let me tell you, THAT made our jobs much easier! As we photographed Cassidy, we got to know her a little and see into her world. She spoke about school sports and her family, giggled about her friends, and gushed about her love of dancing. She took me back to being fourteen myself, remembering all about the things that made me giggle and gush. In all truth, I think I was blessed more that night to meet her than she was to meet me.

A million memories flooded my heart not only while I was shooting, but for days after. Cassidy provided me a path to take a trip down memory lane, and it was wonderful! I think there is something to be said about the Mother of a fourteen year old girl who carries herself with class, dignity, and grace in every step. Traci, you should be so very proud of the seeds you’ve planted at home, Cassidy is an amazing, talented, beautiful souled young woman, and that has nothing to do with pageantry but with what you’ve done by example.

Cassidy, if you’re reading this, I wish you all the luck in the world as you not only continue on to Miss Michigan Outstanding Teen, but to the “big girl” pageant as well. You are absolutely, without a doubt, Miss America material. Keep your head high, your smile BIG, and never let anything along the way change the contents of your heart, because they have truly blessed my life. <3

It’s my opinion that we live in a world with too much serious business and frankly I just don’t like it. I even find myself getting caught up the formalities of business way to often instead of just having fun with it which is why I’m a self employeed photogrpher in the first place. I think we all need a little fun sometimes and sadly we just don’t make time for it. My solution, a Duck Face contest. Now, I know it won’t bring world peace and harmony, but it will certainly give us all a reason to smile, at least for a little while.  So will you help me out? You may not want to participate, but you may know someone who does! Do me a quick favor, I promise, it will only take a few seconds, pass along this link on your FB page and encourage your friends to check it out!

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Lindsay-King-Modern-Photography/188422469087

The prize is great and it’s certainly going to be a good time, so don’t take yourself too seriously and enter your photo today by sending it to lindsayking@live.com with your name, contact info, and if you want, a picture title or caption Don’t forget to tell your friends to vote when the time comes, the more people who see you picture the more votes you’ll most likely get!! Oh, and be original, practice makes perfect so practice that DUCK FACE and when you once it’s perfect, snap that photo and send it my way! I look forward to seeing all of your beautiful/crazy faces

~LK

http://www.lindsaykingphotos.com

1. I really, really, REALLY love Jesus. Period. I just do. If it weren’t for Jesus, I wouldn’t be where I am today, and you would be finding something other than blog reading to do with the next precious 5 minutes of your life because this blog would not exist!

2. I am addicted to coffee, oh, and hazelnut creamer. Wanna impress me? Buy me a bucket   HUGE cup of coffee with Hazelnut flavor/creamer/whatever, and we’ll be fast friends. P.S. Hot Apple Cider takes a REALLY close second place, just sayin’.

3. My family tree is full of nuts. Seriously, they’re crazy, but I love every last one of them. I think, and I must say this incase they’re reading that I’m more crazy than any of them put together, but crazy makes the world go round and certainly makes things more interesting!  My family may not be perfect, but they’re perfect for me!

4. I drive a mini-van. Yes, really, it’s true. I know what you must be thinking, “Lindsay, you are just toooooo cool for a gas efficient-grocery gettin’-kid haulin’-minivan!” And since you said it first, I am compelled to agree, I SHOULD be driving a Corvette, but then, and this is kind of important, how in the world would I ever be able to lug around all my cool props?!? My chariot is silver, I like to think of her as “The Silver Bullet”  and whether I’m chauffeuring an engaged couple around on an all day e-session, or just running to Kroger, I like to close my eyes (only at the stop lights, I’m driving after all) and pretend that I’m in the fastest little sports car known to man. So, at the end of the day, it’s cool, I actually do find practicality in my vehicle.

5. I am a sister, and my siblings are pretty stellar people.

6. I’m married to Wayne King, of the Ida Kings. That sounded kinda fancy, “The Ida Kings” but really, they’re just down to earth, hard working, good people. Wayne and I met on a blind date at….wait for it….Denny’s. Yes sir, we fell in love over the Moons Over My Hammy platter. Listen, before you judge, it was a spur of the moment date, my BFF was trying to get me out of a slump I was in and when you live in a small town with only a Taco Bell, McDonalds, Burger King, and Denny’s, well, it seems like a logical choice that we’d select the most romantic restaurant in town. Again, don’t judge, its 10.5 (yeah, I’m a kid like that and I DO count the ½ years) years later and we’re still going strong! Wayne is pretty lucky, although, my Grandma always tells me that I’M really lucky, and I have to agree, I am.

7. I fell in love with photography when I was about 8, all in thanks to my Mom. She’s a pretty awesome photographer, but better yet, she’s an encourager of dreams. I loved that little “clicky” sound her old SLR used to make, and she never told me to put it down, instead, she showed me how to use it, taught me how to develop film in the dark room, and encouraged me when I decided to quit my job as a cosmetologist to go full time in to the photography business. That will lead us to the next tidbit, and I know you MUST be on the edge of your chair because this is all so intriguing HAHA.

8. Yes, as referenced before, I am a board licensed cosmetologist with the great state of Michigan. Somewhere inside of me, I always knew photography was my passion, but I never knew if I could do it full time. I thought I might need something to “fall back on” and everyone needs a hair cut once in a while so it seemed perfect. I absolutely love doing hair…on occasion…when I feel like it. I even won two hair shows, one for Avant’ Garte styling, (that’s the crazy stuff) and one for Brides. The one for Brides was a group effort, I had a partner, but still, it was a great accomplishment after much time, energy, and creativity were put to work. Hair styling has come in handy quite a few times in my career as a photographer, sometimes when a client comes with a “bad” hair day, I know just the right tricks to make that weave camera ready. Yes, I just said weave, that’s how I roll.

9. I am REALLY afraid of bats, bears, and frogs. Bats are scary because they come out of nowhere and swoop in! Once, when I was about 10, my mom and I were playing catch in the back yard around sunset and a bat swooped in and touched her hair. Now, it doesn’t seem like big deal, BUT, my mom is a firm supporter of Aqua Net, and so maybe, just maybe I’m remembering this a little more dramatically than it actually happened, but I swear that bat got its feet tangled in my mom’s hair from all the Aqua Net, and I’m pretty sure it looked at me and said, “HELP!” My mom may remember it a little differently, but that’s how I remember, and I’m still traumatized, 19 years later. Bears, well, I had an experience with one camping once and needless to say I’m once again traumatized. Oh, and frogs, don’t even get me started! I just don’t like the way they jump at you! Every time I see one, it’s like a Wild West show down! That little whistle-y kind of music starts playing in my head, he’s not sure which way I’m going to step, I don’t know where he’s going to leap, and it’s a show down, pure and simple. You never can tell if they’re going to jump toward you or away from you, and I am just NOT a fan of slimy-smooshy-flying-objects.

10. I have had every hair color under the sun. Seriously. Sometimes it’s a blond base with blue low lights, or an entire head of purple and engine red, but I’ve had it. If you see me today with brown hair, don’t be surprised if tomorrow it’s cut off short and black. I like to change it up when I can, I mean, there’s nothing wrong with expressing yourself!

11. I have a scar on my forehead all in thanks to my Uncles, who happen to be my Mom’s younger brothers. It was the summer of ’83, and it was sweaty hot day from what I’ve been told. My Mom left me with my Aunt who decided to leave me with “the boys” to go on a bike ride or something like that. If you’re reading Aunt Jen, I don’t fault you for this little beauty on my forehead, how were you supposed to know those boys would be thoughtful and try to make me a swimming pool out of visquine, cinderblocks, and Playboy pictures? I heard the pictures were placed under the visquine to add “a dash of color.” You know, now that I’m thinking about this, I should probably go thank my Uncles for such a successful Boudoir division of my business, I mean, I had to find the inspiration somewhere after all. SO here it is, Uncle Chris, Uncle Jeff, Uncle Eric, (not sure which of “the boys” it was so I’ll address you all) thank you!

12. I have a birthmark in the shape of Ireland on my right arm, it’s pretty sweet. Oh, and fitting, I’m Irish after all, I come from a long line of O’Brien’s, Kavanaghs, Fitzsimmons, Moores, you get the picture. Lindsay Erin O’Brien was the name I went by for 21 years before I officially became, as you know me, “Lindsay King.” I visited Ireland this past fall while there to shoot a wedding, and although the weather was awful almost the entire time, it was the experience of a lifetime and I can’t wait to go back.

Ok my friend, I think that sums it all up for now, remember what I said in the opening paragraph about dinner? Yes, that’s right; my family would like to eat sometime before tomorrow so I must be on my way to domestic fabulousness! 

XOXO~

LK

lindsayking@live.com   

http://www.lindsaykingphotos.com

Skin, and this is a big one, make sure it’s exfoliated! Dry, ashy looking skin doesn’t look good on anyone, even someone as pretty as a picture perfect model, so make sure you exfoliate the night before and moisturize the morning of.

Nails, these grow on hands AND toes, so make sure you cover all your bases! A French manicure is always a great way to put your best foot forward so to speak. And check those cuticles are they looking a little crusty? Oil them up! Don’t have the extra funds to get a professional manicure with cuticle oil and all that jazz? Go check your cupboard, I bet you have some cooking oil, sounds silly but I have a friend who swears by it and her cuticles are just lovely!

 Hair, there, and everywhere… Let’s start with the hair on top of your head. Make sure your hair has been trimmed recently, but not too recent. Going to your session with locks trimmed this morning is a huge NO-NO! Why, you ask? Because in my experience (and yes, I actually AM a licensed cosmetologist thank-you-very-much!) hair curls better after it’s been trimmed and RE-WASHED. Now, it will curl just fine if you’re in a pinch, but my two cents says to wait at least a few days.

Now, about the hair in, well, other places… I really am NOT a fan of retouching hairy arm pits because a model didn’t make time to shave them! Not cool ladies, not cool at all. Make sure you pay close attention to the armpits and bikini area as these areas are more sensitive than the legs and sometimes result in rashy bumps. Each body is different so do a run though, I know, silly, but shave a few days before and see if and how quickly you rash or bump up.

 Makeup, this is my favorite! Bring your make up along to the shoot with you if there is no HMUA/MUA provided for you. Your “look” may need to change depending on the theme or outfits selected by your photographer. When you apply your base or foundation, start with a clean palette. Make sure your skin is dirt and oil free, and apply a moisturizer before the base. After applying your foundation/base, apply your loose powder, NOT bronzer. Loose powder should be applied from the hair line to the bra line due to the micro light reflecting minerals; otherwise you’ll have a lighter face and darker chest in your pictures. Blush comes next, followed by eyebrow pencil, eye shadow, and eyeliner. Don’t forget to take along lip liner and lipstick, as well as lip gloss!

 Wardrobe is a major factor in any session, let alone a modeling session. My rule is if you think you maybe-might use it, BRING IT! Better to arrive with too much selection than too little, and I promise, your photographer will be thankful!  My last model brought around 25 outfits, of which I think we used somewhere between 6 and 8. Now, typically, we would have only used 2-3, but I couldn’t help but want to use more, so it worked out in her favor. Bring along jewelry, hats, shoes, boots, accessories, or any other props that would possibly be useful in creating new and unique looks for your portfolio.

 Openness, is that a word? If not, it’s a new one I’m adding to my vocab. Anyway, as you build your portfolio with different photographers, you’ll see that different photographers have different ideas about how to shoot you. Be open to the process, if you don’t like an idea and don’t see the “vision” that the photographer is explaining, just be a sport and go with it, this photographer, after all, probably ISN’T at their first modeling session. Now, if it’s an idea that you’re just not comfortable with, as in, puts you in a position that would offend your sense of morality or physical comfort, then absolutely put your foot down and just say that you don’t feel like that idea is something you’re comfortable portraying.  In general though, be open to the process, after all, you’ve probably picked a photographer whose work you absolutely adore so give them a chance to work their magic!

 Last but certainly not least, be prompt and on time. Whether you’re a new model paying someone for a portfolio session, or a seasoned model being paid for a modeling campaign, it’s always important to run ON TIME, and on time means 15 minutes early! If you’re late to a job that is paying you, no matter how beautiful and fabulous you are, you won’t be hired again by that client, period. If you’re late to a session where YOU are paying the photographer, they may not shoot you again, period. Always respect the time of the MUA, photographer, session stylist, or anyone else involved in your shoot. Being on time can be the difference between a phenomenal shoot and just a good shoot, so, again, the moral of the story, be.on.time.!!!

 So that’s it in a nutshell, just a few tips to making the most of your portfolio session. Have more unanswered questions? Feel free to e-mail me at lindsayking@live.com!

~Lindsay~

http://www.lindsaykingphotos.com