Ah, summer pregnancies... aka "How many clothes and layers can I take off in order to walk into a store and not be thrown out for public indecency" pregnancies... I've been there! My son was born August 1, so I spent the summer months ripe and ready for the affectionately dubbed "evacuation day". Jaclyn looked absolutely radiant during our session - a far cry from my puffy empire waist, tie back taffeta shirt and khaki cargo pants I wore in my maternity pictures 10+ years ago. She and Brad blended their family of girls a few years ago, so I was absolutely ecstatic for Brad when they shared they were expecting a baby boy. I can't wait to meet this little guy!
Why a Happy Client is my Best Advertisement
Noel Grace Photography |
Recently one of my neighbors had some work done on the front of their home. We're talking brand spanking new wood and trim, new paint, and some good 'ol power washing. The home looks almost brand new, despite being over 20 years old. Unfortunately, there's no yard sign advertising the company that's done the work, as we often see with home projects that are a large undertaking. It's made me think about knocking on her door to get the name of the company, should I decide to invest in upgrades for our home as well.
Photography - whether it's posted on social media or displayed in the home - works very much like the story of my neighbor's exterior work. A happy client is my best advertisement. When someone changes their profile or timeline picture to one that I took? It still makes me giddy after all these years. At the end of the year when I open up a holiday card and I see a shot I took with gold embossing and a personalized note from a client? I proudly display it in my kitchen, probably a little too far into the next year. (As I also often do with my outdoor Christmas lights...)
Last year I spent less than $100 on advertising for the entire year. That sounds kind of crazy right? How can a successful business still bring in income with such a small advertising budget! That's because most of my clients come to me purely by word of mouth or seeing my work.
There's a good chance I will never knock on my neighbor's door, simply because it requires more effort than if the company's sign had been on their lawn. (Is that admitting to the world I am lazy?) As consumers, we're more likely to buy something with brand recognition because that recognition creates a sense of safety and assurance about our investment and the outcome of our purchase. Ever wonder why Nike and Coca-Cola continue advertising even though they're already billion-dollar powerhouses? Whether we realize it or not, equating a brand with a quality product (in this case the flawless Cherry Coke) makes us more likely to choose that product on recognition alone.
Combining a great photo with the photographer that took it creates a brand, creates recognition, and creates a sense of security for a prospective client. That truly is the best form of advertising that I could hope for - and the greatest thank you I receive from my clients.
Jeff & Larlee's Washington DC Temple Wedding
After shooting Larlee and Jeff's engagements in their home base of New York City, I knew their wedding would not disappoint. After months of planning, everything came together flawlessly on their big wedding day. Despite neither the bride nor groom being local to the DC area, there were surrounded by so many of their families and closest friends.
Unfortunately, this was the first wedding in years that I had shot on my own, without my second shooter Chance Hammock by my side. However, I quickly made friends with Larlee and Jeff's fantastic videographers, Bri and Jan. I love working with other vendors who stretch my creativity. I was able to help a bit being local to both the area and having worked at both venues previously, as well as seeing things differently from their fresh perspective and trying new angles and shots as well.
While I wish I could plaster their entire wedding gallery on my blog, here are just a number of my favorite images from their storybook wedding day!
Photography // Kelli Brewer Photography
Videography // The Copper Creative
Hair and Makeup // The Bride
Bride's Dress // Cinderella Bridals, Casablanca
Groom's Tux // DKNY
Catering // R&R Catering
Flowers // Rick's Flowers
Cake // Cakes by Wanda
DJ // Randy Richmond with Bialek's Music
Venue // Washington DC LDS Temple / Raspberry Plain
The Call Family - Manassas, Virginia Photographer
It'd been quite a few weeks (okay, months) since these photos were taken, but I can still remember very vividly how sweet, kind and respectful each of these kiddos were. What a fantastic family! It's been a while since I could leave home without the stuffed animals or tricks up my sleeve to get my subject's attention. This family was so easy to work with, and it shows. The third scheduled slot for our session seemed to be the charm - no more rain, gorgeous sunlight and one of my favorite spots to shoot at!
Trevor & Stacey - Washington DC Temple Wedding
Trevor and Stacey were an absolute joy to work with, from start to finish. They were one of those couples that after the wedding was over, I was so sad our time together was over. Their Temple wedding just outside of Washington D.C. was absolutely beautiful. Today I am sharing some of my most favorite images from their wedding gallery!
Additional Photography: Chance Hammock
Videography: Ashton Sterling Films
Ceremony Venue: Washington D.C. LDS Temple
Reception Venue: Belle Haven Country Club
Bride's Dress: Avail & Company
Groom's Suit: Jos A. Banks
Flowers: Petals and Hedges
Cake: Georgetown Cupcake