Oh boy… it’s that time of year again… Winter!!!!  (Winter in Winnipeg, Manitoba that is!!)  It’s a tough time for some of us cold climate photographers.  Well… I remember how much it sucked for me last year!  More time between weddings… weather that can keep me house bound… a time for drastic business changes in preparation for 2010… less than ideal outdoor shooting situations… less natural light and more flash (oh no, what’s flash??)… and of course, months of second guessing my work and beating myself up over every decision I make… I SUCK!!!  Wow!  When I put it like that it sounds down right depressing, LOL!

But I love what I do!!!  Why does this happen???

It just does:):)  I’m not sure why, but it just does.  For some it is easy, and others very difficult.  I shouldn’t be complaining about anything… I honestly feel blessed that I am doing what I love and spending more time with my family!

The good news is… you are not alone and everything is gonna be just fine:):)  It still won’t be easy… but what is???  I want every single thing about my business and life to be “great”… and that shouldn’t come easy:)  It’s certainly not going to happen by itself!  I recall seeing an amazing video last year posted by Zack Arias on his blog… it is a must see for photographers, CLICK HERE to see it.  If anything, it made me feel that I wasn’t the only one struggling to build my business over the winter.  I always remember that “Every photographer at some point in history, sucked!”  Very inspiring… Thanks Zack!

So I am going to face reality early this year and beat this so called winter depression:):)  Have fun… more face time with friends, photographers and clients… take care of my body… step out of my comfort zone… learn new things from others and on my own… set goals… achieve them and bring my business to heights I have only dreamed about.  It’s very comforting to know that I don’t need to do this by myself!  I have Amanda, Bethany, my clients, my family, my friends and many awesome photographers out there willing to lend help and support:)

I have so many new and exciting things happening over the next three months that I can’t even think straight!  So please stay tuned and keep updated with the blog… lot’s of cool news coming!  Speaking big picture… my goal is to outsource where I can to create more face-time with clients, friends and family… continue to develop my photography skills working with others and restructure my business to showcase it’s most important, valuable and unique offering… ME!!  I’m also gonna have fun with some new projects that will challenge but benefit the way I shoot… my good friend Rebecca and I will be teaming up and showing you some cools stuff in the months to come:):)  Thanks so much for reading!!!

Some advice for others…

Shooting Outdoors – It can be difficult with our cold weather:(  If your client really wants outside photos… find a location where it will be easy to pop in and out of to stay warm and spend 5 to 10 minutes shooting outside at time.  Remember to “walk around the shot” to get all you need before heading in.  As long as you and your clients understand what to expect, it’s not that bad and will make for some wicked winter shots:)  You never know… maybe we will have a nice winter???  Suggest to you clients to try to wear clothing that is warm but still can give their body a shape.  Shoot close to a coffee shop for a mid hot chocolate break:):):)

Shooting Indoors – Practice, practice and practice!  Have confidence in yourself and learn as much as you can about anything you are afraid of… get out of your comfort zone!  You can create cool things when you get that flash off your camera:):)

Yourself – Not a clue!!!  Any advice???  It’s tough for me, especially at this time of your to eat right and exercise… but I’m gonna try:):)

Your Business – This is the time of year for new direction, new ideas, new logo, new website, new blog, new prices, new product, new everything!  (although this is somewhat true and differs for everyone… remember why your 2010 & 2011 clients booked you… make sure you keep some things consistent depending on your current position… you don’t want to worry or upset your clients by going in a wrong direction).  The truth is, there are so so so so many photographers out there now and many of them look the same… how can you stand out and offer something unique that everyone wants a piece of???  YOU!!!  Put “YOU” into your business.  You are unique, so sprinkle it all over everything and you will certainly enjoy what you do!  There is nothing more valuable and important than good marketing!!!  There are a few important equipment choices but if you are thinking of where to put the little money you may have… MARKETING!! (website, blog, logo, branding, ect).  Want some great resources to help and inspire???

Fast Track Photographer by Dane Sanders (A must read for ANY photographer)

The [b] school (A great price and so much info)

DWF forum (Another great place to hang out)

Showit Sites (Make your site all “YOU” very easily)

I could list hundreds more but there is really no need.  Everyone has different tastes and different roads to travel and all of the above resources will give you many many more resources and business ideas to keep your fire lit:):)  If you are a photographer, feel the same way about this time of year and have anything to share… please leave a comment below:)  It will only help!!  Thanks again and enjoy!

Oh so cold… but they sure warm me up:):):)