Adorable Phinney Ridge House for Rent.
Come rent our sweet Seattle bungalow
Rosh Sillars on Social Media. Well worth the Time and Money
Rosh Sillars breaks down the basics of social media networking and builds from there. As an experienced teacher and a photographer himself he knows the field and how to inspire action. I learned of his talents during the free Joystart your Year webinar series inspired by business guru Sarah Petty. This is a top notch influential series inspiring new ways to spread the love of the photography business, coddle a wonderful client base, and stoke the fire of inspiration.
Rosh Sillars is an invaluable mentor and SEO expert
Rosh Sillars is inspiring to say the least. He makes the Social Media process sound as easy as sending a formatted email, yet he makes it brilliantly clear SM is imperative in today’s business world– it’s worth all the time investment possible, so put it on the calendar. Did I mention putting on the calendar the creation and following of social media as part of your weekly networking?
Take care of your current and future clients by letting them know more about you and your offerings. Seems like old news, but Rosh updates networking methods in an easy to digest form encouraging all to keep up with today’s style of using multiple methods of personal connection. I appreciate his “I will help others” attitude.
While today’s webinar was free and a one time gig, Rosh does sell his beginning and intermediate/ advanced concepts on the Joy of Marketing site. The Joy of Marketing’s Joystart your Year series generously saves me time and money maintaining my public presence.
The series is specific to the photography industry yet I can imagine many segments being helpful to multiple fields, especially those visually focused.
CALL TO ACTION! There is but one more Wednesday to go. JOM is continuing the free, amazing seminars with speakers Jules Bianchi on Weddings, Erin Vorbeck on SEO, and Sarah Petty herself on Branding.
It’s on my calendar!
The times are Central Standard Time. Because I inadvertently missed a few of my favorite speakers including Seattle’s own Bruce and Josh Hudson.
Photo Assistants Rejoice. Pub Night!
If you know any Seattle area photography assistants or those aspiring to be, tonight the ASMP assistants group is having Pub Night for ANYONE interested in networking with assistants. Here are details.
ASMP Seattle Event: ASSISTANTS PUB NIGHT
WHEN: Thursday December 16th, 7:00pm-9pm
WHERE: FADÓ Irish Pub
801 1st Ave Seattle, WA 98104
ADMISSION: FREE
WHO: ASMP membership not required, 21 and over only
Greetings assistants,
Come to the Assistant’s Pub Night so we can get to know each other better. Talk shop, trade secrets, share ideas, drink beer and just be social. Having a community of assistants will help us collaborate, refer each other and learn from each other. You do not need to be an ASMP member to attend, all are welcome!
Fadó has generously offered everyone their first drink FREE (beer, wine, well or soda)! So put it on your calendar now!
No rsvp necessary.
Hope to see you there.
For ASMP assistant information, email Tegra Nuess
The Meridian School- Is this the School for You Too?
After much contemplation and unanticipated angst choosing a grade school, my husband and I finally chose The Meridian School for our daughter (in 2009). The angst was not caused by Meridian School- we felt immediately comfortable with administration and the parents who warmly welcomed us. The angst was our own; a result of many fine private schools to choose from. (See this past post for a few others great Seattle private school choices.) Saddened by the transitions and chaos (at least during 2009 and 2010) within the Seattle public school system, private school seemed the obvious choice. Sixteen kids per class and academic/ social-emotional focus being equally addressed at Meridian continue to be obvious, if presumptive, advantages.
No-- gambling isn't a part of Meridian's curriculum!
Meridian continues to receive our vote of confidence.
Who might not be best served by Meridian? In my non-expert ( read NON-EXPERT) opinion, Meridian has many socially adjusted kids who range academically from perhaps average up to very high achievers. If tests indicate your child falls at the tippy-top of the 99th percentile, and/or if social impairments are dramatic, schools such as Seattle Country Day, Evergreen, and in the downtown or North ends, Lowell Public School may be a better fit. In downtown and South end, Public School Thurgood Marshall has an excellent academic reputation.
Here are a few moments illustrating life at Meridian School in Seattle including our wonderful park campus and community service focus. Here for more photos, including Community Service Day.
As fun as Meridian School is, Kids must wear shoes! Parents are nearby.
Meridian School puts emphasis on building community
Pure joy at Meridian School's adjacent Park
Meridian School Playground
Meridian School Playground hints at Spanish emphasis
It's nice to know Meridian Kids are in good hands at the Good Shepherd Center
Sharing a building with Seattle Tilth has lovely advantages
We knew Meridian was for us after visiting the classrooms. There we found attentive students expressing themselves and turning towards each other to give and receive support.
If you have an impression of Meridian School, or any other Seattle school, please add your voice. For other voices search the blog for “Meridian”.
Be Boutique photography forum of the Giants
Be Boutique will flaunt the many advantages of the boutique photography experience. That will be me in the corner gawking, in awe of 5 amazing women in the pro photography circuit- Thanks to Dane Sanders’ inspiring Escalate LIVE.
I’m probably not the only one bursting at the seams to ask so many questions of these immensely successful photos and one sleek-geek wizard. The wizard is none other than THE Julieanne Kost, from Adobe. who I have turned to many a time with PhotoShop design and user questions. She’s the Photoshop tutorial video MAASTA. The lineup of Mega-successful portrait photographers include the renown Vicki Taufer, Lori Nordstrom, Tamara Lackey, Julia Woods, and Kia Bondurant. Because I’m bursting at the seams, and even though I know this is a well rehersed program not at all designed to answer the following questions, I’m hoping to sneak in a few over wine, or dinner, or the bathroom sink.
Here are questions for the powers that be:
1. Resources to help with marketing that don’t cost the earth; i.e. gorgeous blogs, and printed materials.
2. Who, specifically is helping design, write and produce blogs, fliers, album page designs, boxes???
3. Affordable packaging/branding materials (when I’m not sponsored by any companies-yet. Cough)
5. Are those on the panel selling wall portraits, or are small prints ruling the walls and tabletops?
6. Do any sell the originals/digi files (I’m just going to “no” after 5 years of “yes”, but had 20 years of Hassalblad negs that I never sold so I could control the quality of the final product, among 100 other reasons.
7. Projection proofing vs. paper proofs vs. online sites vs. photographer hosted galleries and built in shopping carts.
8. Who exactly helps with the physical (and conceptual) design of these carts?
9. How else are these ladies making their income?, if not too personal a question. Perhaps Self-producing products, partnering with companies, selling videos of techniques or advice, speaker circuits? Perhaps 100% shooting and sales directly related to these sessions?
10. How many hours a week do they put in individually. How many hours per week do staff put in, cumulatively.
11. What do you outsource? Do you double check their work? Who are you using?
I recognize this is late in the game. I’m just asking and hoping for input on the endless curiosities ricocheting in my buzzing, overworked head.
One excited photographer,
Janet
Starting a photography business?
Here is a page with 3 fabulous resources specifically aimed at photographers.
Starting a photography Business?
Janet Klinger’s blog will occasionally feature tips and resources for starting a photography business or other small business in Seattle and beyond.
This is an amazing low cost or even free place to start.
1. SCORE Workshops
All Day Workshops (8:00AM – 4:00PM)
* Starting a New Business
Start your business with the right legal, marketing, operations, personnel, insurance and accounting advice. Learn how to finance your product or service, identify key customers and develop a marketing plan.
* Building a Business Plan
Use your marketing and financial data to build a fact-based business plan. Learn proven techniques to generate sales and a positive cash flow.
* Starting and Growing a Consulting Business
Turn your professional expertise and experience into a profitable consulting business. Learn how to work smart, generate business through “word of mouth” referrals.
Half Day Workshops
Read the rest of this entry »
Laila and Bassam at Newcastle Golf Club
A dreamy Seattle Sunset is supposed to be the shining star at Newcastle Golf and Country club. True to form, it was at the picture perfect sunset that made our Grand Finale photograph. Equally glowing were the joyful faces participating and listing to the rhythm of drums, clapping of hands, dancing and laughter coming from the dance floor in celebration of the Taji’s and Saliba’s wonderfully Arab-inspired reception.
The chocolates were unbelievable, made by Seattle’s own Theo Chocolates
The Engagement Story, from Laila’s perspective…
Bassam had told Laila that since his brother George and his sister-in-law Cina were in town that they should all go out for a fancy lunch. “I’ll pick you up at 1pm. Be sure to dress up,” Bassam told her. (Clue #1) He picked her up at 1:30pm, which is 1pm BST (Bassam Standard Time) and casually mentioned that Cina wanted them to pick up some Theo chocolate for her. “Remember I brought her some last year when we visited in October. I am so glad she liked it.” Not remembering at all Bassam quickly responded, “Oh, right . . . yeah she loved it.” (Close call #1)
As they walked towards and into the factory Bassam wondered a loud if the owner, Deb Music was there. Deb was friends with Bassam’s friend Alma and had previously met her at a party . Laila was doubtful. “I’d love to meet her but it’s Sunday. Do you really think she’ll be here?” The factory show room was bustling and sure enough Deb was there. (Clue #2). Despite having a whole script planned, Bassam jumped to the next phase of the surprise and asked. “Do you guys do tours?” “Yes, but we’re really full,” Deb began. “But, I’d be happy to give you a private tour.” Deb grabbed some stuff for us handed them hairnets and escorted them into the factory. She gave a cursory description of the chocolate equipment before saying, “Laila, I know a place you haven’t seen before. We just opened our dinner-theater space. Let me show you.” Suddenly, Deb realized that she forgot to do something very important. “Here take these chocolates,” she said as she handed Laila a rectangular Theo chocolate box labeled with a nice brown ribbon around it. “I have to run. Go ahead and peek into that room. They are setting up in there so you can’t stay long but, I’ll be right back to come and get you.”
Bassam and Laila walk into this space that is set up in a warehouse. “Wow what a beautiful space,” Laila remarks. “Where do you think the acting happens?”, Laila pondered as she scanned the room. “I’m not sure, but let’s have some chocolate.” (Clue #3) Bassam does not have much of a sweet tooth but his desire for chocolate was not of any concern. Laila’s concern was that if they ate from this box of chocolates than they would have to go pick out and buy another box of chocolates. And why do that when they had a perfectly good box of chocolates right here. So she said, “Let’s not and just give this one to Cina.”
“Well, I want to try one” Bassam said as he undid the brown bow. Seeing that it would be impossible to return the ribbon to its original state, Laila happily conceded to eating some chocolate. She lifted the top of the box revealing the protective top layer of crinkly white paper which Bassam then removed with his other hand. Laila’s eyes, immediately went, not to the beautiful diamond ring in the center of the box, but the oh-so-precious piece of chocolate that had stuck to the white paper in Bassam’s other hand. She stuck her hand out to catch it as Bassam said, “why don’t you pick a piece of chocolate”, as he delicately shook the box. She finally turned to him and then the box where she saw the ring sitting in a rose petal amongst 11 truffles. Laila still did not realize what was happening. She stared at the ring as these thoughts ran through her head, “It’s not my birthday, Christmas is still a month away, that’s a really nice ring for just a random present . . .” Until Bassam said, “So . . .?” “So . . .?,” she replied when it suddenly clicked. And she screamed “Yes! Yes! Yes!”
Vendor Details with Laila’s comments:
Venue & Catering: Golf Club at Newcastle: “Great at letting us add a few of our Middle Eastern spices and foods to help make the food unique to our families and culture.”
Florist: Aria: “John was great at utilizing a few of my crazy ideas while keeping everything sharp and beautiful. The arrangements were perfect and the purple runners really made the room!”
Favors: (organic, fair-trade chocolate-dipped-and-stuffed figs) Theo Chocolates
Cake: Creme de la Creme Cakes
Photography: Janet Klinger Photography
Ceremony Music: Seattle Strings
Reception Music: DJ Saed from Los Angeles: “He was great at mixing Arabic and English and Latin music – he even got out on the dance floor and did dabkeh (a Lebanese dance) with the guests.”
Bridal Gown: Belltown Bridal
Stationer: Paper Moxie: “Sheryl did an amazing job of creating a unique design that matched our personalities exactly. We could not have asked for a better design and received so many compliments from everyone”
Makeup: Areen Al-Attal
Video: Bogle Productions
Photography Studio Cache- It’s Time You Had Some!
Come explore Seattle Studio Collective, the rent-as-needed studio serving the professional and amateur photographer in Seattle, Bellevue, and beyond Puget Sound.
How Might You Use Seattle Studio Collective?
1. photography sessions
2. meeting prospective clients
3. as a second location for your business presence
4. sales and design sessions
5. video production
6. gallery display in a storefront location
7. professional and amateur enthusiasts meetings
Cost for A La Carte Member Hourly Rental
$100 registration
$45/hour
$325/10 hour day
Ground-level access is great for handicap accommodation and gear load/unload.
Location
Located in Phinney Ridge in a storefront location , Seattle Studio Collective provides access to 800 sqft of space on an hourly basis.
For further information: SSC
Or for further information click here.
The 42″ monitor may be rented.
Projection screens work well in front of the North window allowing for projection presentations for your comfortably seated clients.
Robert (Bob) Rohleder Swims with the Big Fish
My father-in-law is awesome. Not only does he spawn great kids, he spawns fish themselves. His wood carvings of fish in their environments have always astounded me with the minute detail and true-to-life subtle hues.
Now Bob has been recognized by the Courier Journal. Perhaps you’ll meet Bob Rohleder on an autograph tour.
Bob Rohleder with one of his many fish carvings. Each glistens in subtle hues. Photo by Pam Spaulding of The Courier Journal
Pressey/Forsett Wedding Sets the House on Fire
Used to teamwork, Angie Pressey & Justin Forsett became the star players in a game more important than the national championships- their wedding ceremony and now, marriage. The ceremony, held at Lovers Lane United Methodist Church in Dallas, Texas, filled the sanctuary with jubilant energy which I could feel deep-down to the core — and I clearly wasn’t the only one.
In a sacred, surprising ceremony, two talented souls shared laughter, God and tears. OK, maybe no tears for JUSTIN!- Psst, Justin, if you want to admit it or deny it just leave a comment 
. Sneaky Justin completely surprised Angie when her favorite singer, Avant, showed up to sing during the emotional ceremony, then again when Avant performed several encores during the reception stoking the house-on-fire! With so much celebrating, it’s a good thing the Omni Park West Hotel had a huge dance floor, made all the more spectacular by enhancements from AVT Event Technologies. Yolanda Haley coordinated this high energy event, putting together a fabulous team.
Thank you, Angie and Justin, for making the inquiries that allowed me to join you in Dallas. I feel completely honored to have photographed your portrait session and your wedding celebration. On top of that, I couldn’t have had a better time. You make it easy to love my job!
Surprise, surprise. Justin arranged for Avant to grace his union with Angie. Clearly she was hugely surprised and Justin received his well-earned look of love and gratitude from Angie as she realized Avant was indeed singing, in flesh and blood.
See reception photos, including more of musician Avant
Read the rest of this entry »
Event Coordinators Worth Every Penny!
Tis the season of the wedding coordinator. Recently working with each, I LOVE IT when people choose to work with the best! I’ve worked with all (except the impressive Yolanda) for years.
In Seattle, the extremely experienced, save-the-day impressive Merry Beth Turpin of Aisle of View,
At your complete service, more than you expected, fun to be with, Janel Schlitt of Occasions LLC
The soft spoken yet makes-it-happen, adorable Melissa Parker of Amazing Events
Near Bellingham, Intuitive, spectacular details adorning, subtle, Anne Rasmussen-True Bliss Events, LLC and
Ms accommodating, last-second changes are no problem, it’s your day, Yolanda Haley from Dallas Texas- yhaley2002@yahoo.com
Seattle Mixes it up- a Worldly Wedding Reception at Columbia Tower Club
Vietnamese and Filipino cultures merge beautifully at this Seattle wedding of Minh Hua and Joel Gavino. They held the ceremony at lovely St Vincent De Paul in Federal Way, WA. The light in the sanctuary made it easy to take photos, even for amateur photographers. These two really love each other and had many moments and symbols that represent their blossoming relationship. At Minh’s home, Joel asked permission to marry Minh, which her father granted. Phew! The traditional Vietnamese ao dai (attire) and tea ceremony waited until we arrived at Columbia Tower Club which was glowing gold in the Seattle’s late afternoon light. What a picture perfect setting for the rest of the evening.
An attempt at making their first glance a private moment
The playful bubble exit of the Bride and Groom
Ah the amazing kiss among blowing bubbles. Two cultures marry and celebrate at St Vincent De Paul Church in Federal Way WA
There are so many fun photos. Keep you eyes open for part two which will feature more photos from St Vincent De Paul and the Columbia Tower Club, including the fabulous views.
Some of the Stand-out vendors include:
Wedding Planner and Coordination: Janel Schlitt of Occasions LLC, one of my favorite coordinators- and Seattle has so many. Janel is goes above and beyond.
Wedding Flowers: Anna’s Flowers
Wedding Gown and Bridesmaids Dresses: I Do Bridal
Wedding Cake: Cakes of Paradise
Wedding Videography: Bogle Productions
How to Read Web Stats
For those of us blogging or with websites, it’s both exciting and informative to view our web stats. One magnificent marketing expert, Think Splendid shares her expert thoughts on the subject.
With permission, I quote:
How to Read Web Stats
Analyzing traffic statistics is an important part of maintaining a
business website or blog, but they can be confusing, especially
when you aren’t sure what it is exactly the numbers mean. Here is
an abridged explanation on how to measure stats effectively:
Hits
Hits are incredibly misleading because they do not equal
people. A hit is tracked for every file loaded each time your
page is loaded. This means that each photo is tracked as a hit,
so if you have a blog heavy with pictures, each time a reader
loads that page, you are getting a substantial amount of hits.
For example, if you blogged about a recent wedding and have
10 photos up from it, then that post counts as 11 or more hits
each time it is viewed by one person. So if you had 100 visitors in
one day and 10 pictures on your first page, that would be over
1,000 hits just because of the photos alone. A lot of people like to
measure hits because the numbers are inflated and it makes
them feel as though they are receiving a lot of traffic and are popular.
While the ego boost may feel nice for a while, it is based on numbers
that don’t actually mean too much and that do not measure how
effective your blog or site actually is.
Page Views
Page views vary per visitor because they are tracked each time
a new page is loaded. Knowing page views is useful because it
can help you determine how long people are staying on your
site once they arrive. Did they find your blog and leave
immediately or did they stick around and dig through your
archives? If you are tracking your website, it is important to know
if the information you are presenting hooked them in to learn
more about you and your company, or if they got bored and
went on to the next planner’s site on their list.
When analyzing page view numbers, it is important not to give
them more weight than they’re worth. If your aunt is reading
through everything you ever wrote, then those numbers don’t
really count for much because she is probably not a potential client.
Same goes for a competitor searching through all of your archives
or site pages to see what you’ve been up to.
Unique Visitors
Well, if you want to read Splendid Communications’ further insights on stats here’s the rest of the free e-book. Or simply explore her informative marketing web blog.
Wild or Wonderful Wedding – Hair and Makeup Artist
Part 1. Wedding Hair and Makeup Artist
For any bride, her wedding day look is obviously a high priority, and it has an enormous effect on her overall mood, not to mention the heirloom photography collection.
What’s a bride to do?
Hire an experienced, talented makeup artist who is specifically experienced with wedding hair and makeup and be sure to mention the photography start time, aiming for the bride to be completely styled an hour before show-time. Getting dressed takes longer than you think (and so do makeup artists, who rightfully so want you to look your stunning best). Your part is to allow them the time needed for this enjoyable service.
An experienced artist knows to respect the schedule you have already created for your special day, including to begin with the Bride, then her maid of honor, then mom so everyone is ready for photos before being needed. Your experienced artist already knows how to create looks that last all day, so a couple of hours difference shouldn’t matter one bit, except to your calm peace of mind.
Caution
Hiring an artist with little WEDDING experience.
Hair and Make-up by Tiara's on Location. Dress by Luly Yang Couture.
If reception touch ups are needed, ask how long this typically takes. If a second outfit and style-change is pre-planned, it works beautifully. I have never seen a reception freshen-up take more than a few minutes. I have, however, witnesses a very experienced “fashion-shoot” artist take a bride away from her wedding for a full 30 minutes, leaving guests murmuring, a confused coordinator, and a special guest artist perform only for the groom. How bad could her makeup have been?! Some artists have shined year after beautiful year. Tiara Whitney of Tiara’s on location is a favorite hair and makeup artist who works intuitively, efficiently, with humor and has a way with “getting the look” a variety of clients dream of. Tiara knows her stuff! I’ve worked with Tiara for years, both on wedding and fashion sessions and am always, every single time, impressed with her professionalism and artistry.
Result
Experienced artists understand that a wedding day schedule has an enormous effect on how a bride and groom experience the day, however good they might look. And stress looks good on no one! Not only does running over-time have a direct impact on the number of opportunities a wedding party and photographer can enjoy together, but it causes undo stress on the party and anxiety for the coordinator who is urging other vendors to make up for lost time. Ever heard of the domino effect? And personally, I would prefer not to take responsibility in the public-eye for an artist running over time nor for being solely burdened to “getting to the church on time”. Hey, we all have our pride! I want to look good too. Running behind making ME look inconsiderate, urging timeliness rather than creatively instigating the pre-ceremony, fabulous photography experience you and your party deserve.
Read the rest of this entry »
Celebrating 4th of July with face painting.
Wishing everyone, worldwide, a happy 4th of July, and a special encouragement to those who today continue to seek independence, whether for country, gender, or state-of-mind.
American Flag face painting. Ellie wishes everyone a Happy 4th of July
A couple great things still for sale
I still have a few available things for sale. The big items include:
Wacom Tablet, Intuos 3, 6×8, usb, Never used. $249
iMAC, original blue $25 Works great, but older operating system.
Antique Armoire $599 obo
The AIA recognizes my hubby, Tim Rohleder, and crew
Proud spouses frequently share their partners successes, and I simply can’t help myself. Tim’s architectural firm, Rohleder Borges, was included alongside the “big boys” in NW architecture.
Amanda Reed on WorldChanging wrote “…the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Seattle Committee on the Environment hosted a public presentation of the top eleven projects in the running for the 2010 What Makes it GREEN? Top Ten Regional Green Awards,
Highline Heratage Museum by Rohleder Borges Architecture
Rohleder Borges Architecture, along with the citizens of Burien, were honored when the Highline Heritage Museum stood tall among other creative winning projects; 9 designed by (seemingly) giant firms.
Amanda shared, “The Highline project also provided the most feel-good moment of the afternoon. “
(Bold is mine, the proud spouse.)
Vote for which project you think is the most “green” in the People’s Choice Award category here.
Read the entire article.
For Sale: My Dad’s Historic Hyde Park / Kenwood Home of 50 years. $920,000
All good things must come to an end. Dad is selling my childhood home and HIS home of the past 50 years. Located in the historic Hyde Park/ Kenwood neighborhood, it’s a mere mile from the University of Chicago. Daily as a young teen my friends and I made the five minute walk to Lake Michigan, and during teen years and beyond, rode the 15 minute express bus downtown. Dad is excited to begin a new chapter in life. I however welcome your condolences. If you have memories of this home, PLEASE email them to me!
The lot is a “triple” which is huge for urban Chicago, and has a two car garage. There are 7 bedrooms, 3 full and 3 partial baths.
More information here.
Here are a few exterior shots from this past week. Granted, the garden will look much more beautiful in just a few weeks.
Dad's Kenwood home, Winter 2010
A driveway wraps around to a 2 car brick garage behind the house
Quite Kenwood Ave, where I grew up playing with the neighbors.
Currently a slate patio, this side yard was once our kiddy playground
This yard was often filled with our friends and neighbors.
How these trees have grown since my childhood.
Why do so many people love Seattle?
When it’s nice there is no place more beautiful than Seattle. My profession often allows me to be outside, and this evening I could take advantage of the awesome light Seattle often reflects following a storm. So lucky am I to have an engagement session with a couple flexible enough to cancel and reschedule the session all within one hour. We did get rained on, but it was worth it to spend time with Kimberly and Kevin. What a special night we had!
These two are so at-ease. What a joy to be a part of this experience
Proof is on the finger!
Who knew it was about to rain again!
Kissing in the rain
