​The last couple of months have been complete upheaval for all of us.  We’ve had our routines and plans upended.  As shelter in place took hold across the globe, everything changed.  How or if we worked, attended school, or dealt with big life plans.  Once in a lifetime vacations, weddings, graduations, and more all changed or were rescheduled.  Schools went on-line, some work was being done remotely, and many others were laid off/furloughed or had to close their business.  I haven’t been able to work as a photographer.  While my anxiety level has been rising, I’ve decided to take the time to focus on professional development.
 
You may be wondering what professional development looks like for a photographer.  Let me share with you some of the things I’ve been doing.  Being a photographer isn’t just taking a photo, it is a business which means all of the business and marketing stuff on top of making images.
 
I’ve been updating my website and SEO (search engine optimization – so folks can find me online), learning to blog (it’s a work in progress), and creating and producing content for my social media accounts.  There is also so much to learn about SEO and best practices.  I mean, how can anyone hire you if they can’t find you!  So…SEO is very important.  I took a workshop, which was great and learned a lot.  And now, I’m trying to implement those tips.  Whew!
 
Blogging is new to me.  Not going to lie – it’s a little daunting.  It is good for SEO – so they say.  But it is also a great way for you – my future clients – to get to know me a little better and see if you may be interested in working together.
 
Networking is important for any business but in the photography world, where many clients are referrals, it is vital.  I’m trying to stay connected with my network through social media and virtual meet-ups.  While it isn’t the same as the in-person gatherings, it is nice to keep up with folks virtually.
 
I’ve also been working on my photo editing skills.  This is so fun.  I love taking an image and really playing around with the possibilities for coloring, exposure, cropping, and so much more.  Sometimes you can take a really nice photo and make it into a memorable image with a little editing or save one you thought wasn’t going to make the cut.  It’s like the original photo is a canvas and you get to create an image (painting) to share with the world.
 
If you are looking for free tutorials on marketing, editing, Zoom meetings, and so much more – check out your local library.  My library www.FVRL.org partners with Lynda.com to provide access to so many free tutorials.  I’ve completed several tutorials and highly recommend them.
 
That’s how I’ve been spending my time in quarantine.  I’m really looking forward to being able to work with clients again to help capture your special moments from senior pictures to new headshot for your job search.
 
#Photographer #PNWphotography #Portraits #VancouverWA #VancouverPhotographer #SeniorPictures #FamilyPortraits #ProfessionalDevelopment #LibraryResources #LoveMyLibrary

With so many people looking for work, LinkedIn has become the place to network and find new opportunities.  It is virtual networking and very important to have a good profile picture.  Your photo will be the first impression for future clients and/or employers.  I recently read that profiles that do not have a photo are less likely to be reviewed.  This will hurt you if you are searching for a new position.
 
Professional photographers are not yet able to get back to work and some folks may not be in a position to pay for a professional photo right now anyway.  I completely understand, which is why I wanted to share a few tips for taking a photo at home now to get your profile updated.

1. It should be professional looking.  Unless you are a veterinarian or dog walker, leave the pets out of the photo.
2. You want to be recognizable – all current and future connections should be able to pick you out of a crowd at the local coffee shop by your profile picture.
3. Be dressed and ready for work (hair, make-up, shave, etc.) to take the photo.  Solid colors will photograph best.  Jewelry that is dainty may not show up very well in the image, so this is a good time to minimize jewelry or wear the larger pieces.  Wear the outfit that makes you feel the most confident, it will show in the photo.
4. Lighting is very important.  Natural light is great but make sure the light source is in front of you.  Beware of light that is too harsh (mid-day) – we don’t want you squinting or to have odd shadowing.
5. Have a clutter free background and be mindful of what’s in the background.  Avoid the tree or plant sprouting from your head or ear, etc.
6. Use the portrait mode on your iPhone or camera (this will help blur the background so it isn’t so in focus as to take away from you – the star of the photo)
7. Have the image be eye-level on or slightly above so you are looking up.  Looking down at the camera is NOT a flattering look. 
8. Try out several poses and locations so you have options to choose from.
9. Last, remember to smile or have a neutral face.  This is your introduction to the world so think open, friendly, and confident.

 
I hope you find these tips helpful for updating your photo.  If you would like to chat more about tips or booking a session (once we get the all clear), contact me at UhaczPhotography@gmail.com.
 
#ProfilePicture #Networking #Portraits #VancouverWA #PNWphotographer 
#VancouverPhotographer #UhaczPhotography 

​May is the time to celebrate the mothers in our lives.  This year, we may not all be able to physically be with our moms to let her know how special she is, but there are lots of ways to show her how much you love and appreciate her.  Sure, a box of chocolates or a bottle of wine is a great choice, but I have a calorie free idea!  Give her the gift of memories with a new family photo.
 
My sister’s birthday always falls on or near Mother’s Day.  Last year, I decided to surprise her with updated photos of her kids as sort of birthday/Mother’s Day gift.  It had been a few years since they had a family portrait done and now the older two kids are adults and the youngest is starting for her teen years.  My sister is one of those moms who keeps the loads of family photos on the walls - old and new.  I totally love that and seeing all the changes as her kids have grown up.  (Crazy how fast the time goes!)  After I decided that updated photos would be the perfect gift, I got a group text going with my nieces to coordinate a secret photoshoot. 
 
It took about a month but we finally found a date where we could all get together at the same time without their mom being any the wiser.  Everything lined up to have the shoot done on Easter day in 2019.  The girls were going to their dad’s house for a holiday dinner so we met up in the middle of the day in Vancouver.  The cherry trees were blooming so we took advantage of that; they were a perfect backdrop for a secret photoshoot.  (Side note:  Once we gave her the photos, we told her about the shoot and she realized that was why they were taking so much time to get ready before heading to their dad’s house and why they were a little late arriving.)
 
We took a few group shots of all the girls and then individual shots.  The girls picked their favorites and I had the group shot printed on a 16x20 canvas and the individual photos of each girl was printed on 5x7 photo paper and put into one larger frame with four individually matted slots.  Then, I printed one of the group shots and made it into a birthday card for her.  (That card now sits on her desk at work.  So, now she has new pictures of the girls at home and work.)
 
Finally, the big day came to present the gift.  We again tried to coordinate schedules so everyone would be there when the gifts were presented–not exactly an easy thing but we managed.  My sister was surprised and so touched!  There may or may not have been tears…my lips are sealed.  My nieces were so excited to do this for their mom, it made for such a fun adventure.
 
If you would like to schedule a new family photo (once we are able to get out and about again), send me an email at UhaczPhotography@gmail.com.
 
Wishing all the moms a very happy Mother’s Day!  And kids – remember if you can’t get to the store to buy a card this year a homemade card is perfect.  In fact, I have it on good authority that they just love those.

#MakingMemories #Quarantine2020 #HappyMothersDay