{MANAGING MEMORIES: DIGITAL PICTURES}

Being a mommy and a photographer at the same time is Ummm.. GREAT!! It's ridiculous how many pictures I take of my lil's I love it and I'm sure they hate it..lol. The problem lies where my hard drive begins! Figuring out how to handle and manage all of those precious memories aiint easy. I've been working on an organized and efficient way of dealing with my sea of digital images and figured I would share just in case any of you were having the same issue??? Not to mention that I lost a ton of my big lil's pictures from when he was first born! If it wasn't for emailing tons of photos to my mother and my bliggity blogs I would have been a super depressed momma for failing to back up my babies memories.

I drew up a workflow of handling my digital images from download to back up, naming and blogging...so, I figured I'd share...

In my "Pictures" folder I created a "New Image Downloads" folder. This is where all of my images go straight off of the camera...

1. Download to "New Image Downloads" folder. I use Adobe Bridge to help me organize my photos but I am sure that any systems photo software will have similar functions...

2. Create a special folder(s) based on the images that are being uploaded.

In this case I was downloading pics from our trip to Virginia Beach and so I created a folder named "Virginia Beach Trip" duhhh :) Sometimes I have several separate events and in that case I create several folders with the appropriate names.

3. Next I cull, or sort, the images by doing a quick run through and starring the "keepers" with 1 star.

4. Next, I run through the 1 star images and cull a second time, narrowing them down even further and giving those images 2 stars. (sometimes the hubs helps me out with this because I tend to want to keep all 827 pictures of the same face b/c it's just so darn cute)

5. Now I move the 2 star images into the folder(s) that I created earlier in step number 2. 

6. Then I move back to my 2 stars and open them in Adobe Bridge's Camera Raw for editing. 

Of course this is where you would use any photo editing software that you have. I normally just adjust the temperature a bit and move on with life.

7.  Now I return to the "New Image Download" folder and simply DELETE all the remaining images, both un-starred and 1 star images... this is when I hold my right hand up to my heart and say my goodbyes...

8. I batch rename all of my remaining images and I make sure to use a system of naming so that I don't name things the same as any images before. I generally use the following as a template.... (NAMEOFEVENT_MMDDYY_001).

Next, I copy the final images onto an external hardrive. SO IMPORTANT!!!

9. And, drag the finals over into iPhoto where I add any tags that will help me find the images easily. Things like the occasion, month, year, kid, etc.

*** for my bloggers out there... I normally copy all of the files that I want to use on my blog to a folder that I have on my desktop called "Mommy-Me Blog Images", then I run a quick logo action on them and rename them for the blog, upload, and dunzzooo!!!

So far this method has been working really really well and I try my darnedest to make sure I follow it! I also started from most recent and work myself backwards when trying to clean up the mess that I made of my hard drive by not having a system in the beggining. It's coming along nicely!!!

Hope this helps! If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

XoXo,

Syreena

{BEING A WAHM: LESSONS LEARNED V.2}

So, I'm offical and all kinds of legit right now. My business cards just came in the mail today. Whooooo hoooooooo! So, I thought that this would be as good of a time as ever to share with you part two of the lessons I learned being a work at home mom. You can check out V.1 RIGHT HERE! I'm no pro, but I am certain of the biggest mistakes that I've made thus far in trying to start/build/grow a business, and I am determined to right those wrongs. The first one up on deck is, hands down, the hardest thing for me to do...

Toot your own horn- If you don't believe in yourself and your work, how can you expect anyone else to?!? There is absolutely no room for "shy" in building a business. For the longest time I have been way too quiet about my business, what I do and where I'm going. I could barely tell anyone that yes, "I am a photographer". I guess I felt that my lack of training/experience nullified my ability to rock the title well. BOY, IS THAT A MISTAKE and a HUGE BUSINESS F-A-I-L IN THE MAKING! Making the desicion to move into my business full force has pushed me to face my fears and SMASH THE HECK OUT THEM. And, now I just at any chance to say, "YeS, I'm a photographer..." and "why don't you visit my blog sometime"!!! Toot your own horn ladies and gents... toot your own horn... 

Go Mobile- {sync calendar, send quick emails, app it}- technology is my saving grace! I would like to give thanks to all of the wonder-nerds of the world who make apps, wigdets and a bunch of other nifty little things possible for non-techy peeps like me. Because of applications like Google Calendar, Google Docs, DropBox, My Mac, Square, Evernote and others... I am able to be anywhere, complete task and knock things off of my to do list like a ninja! 

Organize your business- A workflow is oh-so-necessary!!! I have templated emails and a workflow that starts from the moment I am contacted by a potential client to the point where thier products have been delivered and they have been logged for contact for future promotions. That way, when life gets busy with the business and the kids, I can breathe and see right in front of me exactly where I am and how much progress I am making. And, all of my info is stashed away in nice, neat little folders that are color-coded and clearly labeled for easy access and reference. 

Organize your household- It is allll too easy to get wrapped up in business and next thing you know, your dirty clothes are mile high, the hubs is feeling neglected, the kids haven't been outside in a week (and sometimes, neither have you). Now you really feel a hot mess. *enter meltdown HERE* And, that is why I have found it super important to schedule all of my household duties. There is a time for vaccuming, cleaning the fridge, grocery shopping, coupon clipping, baby food making etc. It totally keeps me sane! Not to mention, I have an awesome little household binder full of printouts that I have made to keep up with things like last oil change and even dvd inventory. Helping me keep the lil's look a lot more of this....

and less... I'm-some-kind-of-monster-child-ish... and lastly...

By all means, be you- I can't drive into the mud enough how important this one is. There is such a fine line between inspiration and imitation. And, it really does you no good to be anything BUT yourself. Yes, there are typical" ways of doing things, whatever your business endeavor may be, but there is so much strength in being the most authentic you that you can be. People WILL love you for it!

And, those are the biggest lessons that I learned so far being a work-at-home-mom!

XoXo,

Syreena

{BEING A WAHM: LESSONS LEARNED V.1}

Being a work at home mom... it aiint easy! But I am learning more and more as each day goes by. I know that I am not the only stay at home mommy out there who dreams of or is working on this stay at home mommy life. So, I thought I would share a little of what I learned thus far.

      Dress to impress- This one is a pretty big deal for me! For the longest, and by "longest" I mean until just a few weeks ago, I woke up and started my day looking a hot mess! And, I have learned, the hard way, that it isn't the best way to be productive. I didn't take myself seriously and neither could anyone else. On top of the fact that anytime a quick opportunity came along, I wasn't ready?!? I would have to turn things down or freak out because it would take me too long to "get myself together". NO BUENO! But, I am finding that when I wake up and purpose to dress the part and play the role, I accomplish far more than I ever do looking a hot stinkin' spit-up-on-my-shoulder mess.

      Set regular work hours- I have office hours! So legit! I have specific time frames that I have carved out to turn my attention to very specific business needs. I set spaces for blogging, editing, email, marketing, filling orders, shoots etc. And, I purpose to not allow one task to run into other time slots. I am very adiment about this. Why? Becauase, it is soooo easy for me to become overwhelmed. Constantly feeling as though I am never getting things accomplished and that I can never find the time to work on everything that I have going on. I have found that it is better for me to turn my mind away from the idea that I must work a thing to completion in one shot. I work on one thing for a little bit and then switch it over to another. It works for me :). Keeps me working on more than one thing at once and also gives me time to switch brain gears a bit. 

      Clock in, clock out- This one is something like a big deal also. It is so important for me to LOVE my life!!! I wanna hang out with my lil's... I actually like the kids. And, I love spending time with my hubs... he's a pretty cool dude 88% of the time!!! And, my biggest fear is that, one day, the big lil' will tug on his daddy and say, "is that girl on the computer, AgaiN??? The goal is, when I work...I work! And, when I'm done.... I'm done!!! This means that I shut it all off. The computer. The iPad. The iPhones. EVERYTHING! 

      Make sure you have a workspace that works- I dream of having a HUGE office. Like, ginormous. With wall to wall windows and double doors. White on white with shades of gray. Huge bookshelves, built in cabients, space for tons of stationary, special edition Post-Its and cherrywood floors. I'll get it one day, I'm sure. But, for now I just need something that works! I can't tell you how many times I have moved my "working space" from room to room. Once in the bedroom and the next in the kitchen. I tried everything. Until I found exactly what worked for me. Having the kiddies around makes working more of a challenging situation for us work at home moms. It's kind of tricky to identify the combo that leads to a most productive you. But, I am certainly an advicate for a clean, organized, inspiring space that works!!!

      Take time to play- I have SEVERAL breaks scheduled through my days and weeks. Time to play with the lil's, time to hide in a corner and read, and even DAYS OFF....take them!!! It helps me keep focused and not loose sight of what my ultimate goal is in the first place. OH. SO. NECESSARY!!!

So, there are a few of the things that I have learned thus far. Check back soon for part 2...

XoXo,

Syreena

{MATERNITY SESSION: A FEW W'S & A Y...)

Ok, so I've had it! I have a ton of friends who are preggers these days and choosing NOT to do a maternity session or even take everyday-ish belly pctures for all that matter. So I figured I would show a quick preview of my favorite shots from a recent maternity session that I am sure will totally make you change your mind if you are one of those pregger girls who thinks they feel "fat" and too "disgusting" to take pictures right now. So, let me break it down to a few W's and a Y....

WHO: You and your baby bump of course. But don't be afraid to bring along that person responsible for that goWageous bump invading your belly, any older sibS and even a family dog or two. It's about your family and you'll be so happy when you look back on what your family used to look like before the baby came along...

WHAT: A Maternity Session....duhhhh!!! A session to remember your belly in all of it's glory. What an amazing time in life and what better way to look back on it than a professionally photographed session?!!!

WHEN: Around month 7 to 8 of your little incubation period that we like to call pregnancy. This way your bump is big enough to be BeautifullY visible and DistincT enough to not be mistaken :) Not only that but this is around the time where you start to feel like "enough is enough" and how amazing is it to be pampered and feel beautiful as a part of a "photo shoot".

WHERE: Anywhere!! These days I have seen amazing maternity sessions done EVERYWHERE. From the intimacy of your own home to a goWageous field and a warm sunny beach, the sky is the limit. I would suggest you pick a place where you will be most comfortable. Talk it over with your photographer and let them make a few suggestions. Have fun with it!

"Y": Becauseeeeeeee.... in a few short months your belly will no longer be, your life will get a tad bit more hectic and one day (during naptime) you take a moment to remember what life was like without your little bundle of joy and the last times you got to lay out on the couch with piece and quiet (bowling ball in your tummy and all) and be so glad that you took the time out to document this time in your life!

p.s. I would LOVE to see your belly pictures....Even if they aren't shot by professionals! Did you have a maternity session done? I am in LOVE with the Spearmint Baby Blog and she features such goWageous maternity photos. I LOVE that she does that for her readers and if you haven't checked out her blog...go on over...you should!!!

p.s.s. if you would like to see more from their session head over to my photography blog HERE!

XoXo,

Syreena

{A SECOND TIME AROUND & THE NEW WEBSITE...}

Sometimes you need a second chance. A chance to learn from your mistakes and put your best foot forward. When things are no longer a shot in the dark, you have a ton more direction and nothing but a positive attitude. That's where I am right now. And, I couldn't be more excited! After having the new lil' I had somewhat of a crisis regarding my photography business and honestly had no clue where to go from there. After changing diapers, making meals, coordinating craft time and trips to the park, where in the world was I supposed to fit in time to shoot and edit? Nowhere!!! I hadn't picked up my camera to shoot anyone other than my two little men in ForeveR and it was such a sad thing for me. Where does my business go from here? With the hubs job changing and his hours becoming more & more demanding, the kids were my first priority and trying to figure out where I could possibly fit in time for photography was giving me serious headaches. 

Today I can honeslty say I'm breathing much easier and everything has been working itself out. I finally made the decision to focus on portraits only, limit my shoots to two very specific days a week, established office hours, created sharp workflows, email templates and delegated other business "fun" stuff to the hubs. I am finally ready for business!!! The website is DONE... after a few tweaks... compliments of my inspiration board and super talented family members to help with logo etc. Business cards are ordered! And, all client forms are uploaded to my DropBox for easy access making doing business for this busy WAHM easy from anywhere. 

In the past I would have hoarded the new site and keep myself from moving forward until I felt like I had "everything" ready, my new portfolio "completed" and all other ducks in a row. But, if I have learned anything from the first time around it's that that day will NEVER come. So, on to my new webby home....

what do you think??? closer to my inspiration board than the first draft of the website huh? The plan is to share even more on the mistakes that I made in business the first time around and the changes/lessons that I've made/learned for the second time around. So stay tuned to my "In The Business" section for more! 

XoXo,

Syreena