I had an exchange with a potential client last week, and I just wanted to brag on them for a moment. I grew up in a time where if you wanted to hire a service, you had to speak with them over the phone or in person; the internet was in its baby stages and cell phones were a luxury when they were created. My oldest memory of a cell phone, and I’m certain many of you all can relate, is Saved by the Bell. Who knew that we would all be a Zack Morris one day?

With that, we have created this bubble where we hide behind our phones and computers to communicate: we text, we email, and we dm. We have created a barrier of protection that allows us to retreat should something not go as we had hoped. I am totally guilty of communicating this way with people simply because it’s convenient to do while I am busy doing something else. If I talk with someone over the phone, I can’t get anything done. I’m the type of person who, if I accept a phone call in the store, will get my 10,000 steps in walking up and down the aisles while getting nothing on my list because I’m too involved with the conversation than the original task at hand, so, in short, I get it, but I also hate it.

Why? Getting ghosted is frustrating. I really wanted to do more automation in my business this year so that I can delegate my time more wisely in my business and in my personal life. The one thing I wasn’t willing to automate was my response to clients- although I did consider it. I love having that first conversation with a family that is looking to book a session with me. I love hearing all about your wishes and hopes for your session, and I love hearing about the fun facts you share with me when inquiring. At some point it’s necessary for me to share my pricing. I recognize that everyone has a budget; I get that! I don’t expect to be everyone’s photographer. In fact, I don’t want to be everyone’s photographer- that’s a lot of pressure! But, what I do want is to not be ghosted when my pricing doesn’t fit your budget. I spend a lot of time curating responses unique to your needs. I would appreciate a simple “I’m sorry, but this is bit more than we were planning to spend. Thank you for your time.”

That’s exactly what this woman did! She didn’t leave me hanging. She showed her appreciation for me taking the time to get back to her. It’s not just one simple email, it’s multiple so I can get a good sense of what people are looking for. I know that there’s this illusion that having photos done in this digital world means “free” images simply because I don’t have to pay for the film, paper, and processing to create an image (which is not totally true either, but that’s a post for another day), but it does take a lot of time to create those images, and it’s important to respect that.

Time is one of the most valuable things we have in our lives simply because we don’t have an unlimited supply of it. Time is fleeting. Value yours and value others.

Batavia, N.Y. Baker has a secret to share!

I had the pleasure of meeting Kirsten from KMC Cakes a few months back. She asked if I could photograph some display cakes for her shop. She has some real talent, this one! Not only are her cakes super yummy, but the detail and design of her cakes are so intricate it's almost hard to believe they're edible! She made my son a Ninjago, Lego cake for his birthday and his face when he saw that thing is something I'll never forget. She is worth every. single. cent! She is based in Batavia, N.Y. but she works with families and wedding couples all over Western, N.Y.

Now back to our regularly scheduled program......

Kirsten had mentioned to me that she wanted to have some family photos done, so we scheduled a date, and planned their family portrait session. Being a family photographer in Batavia, N.Y. this worked out splendidly. Low and behold, she had a surprise for me! We had to re-planned their family session, and had SO MUCH FUN!

Sure, the bugs ate us alive at the beginning, but you'd never guess by their beautiful family photos. I should also mention that their little 3 year old daughter was a riot. She was so ready to show off her dance moves, running skills and bug catching. See Kirsten's "secret recipe" below (along with all their adorable family photos).