Wow, it has been one glorious year! I can not express my gratitude for each and every one of my clients and fans, as you have supported me in my artistry. When I left my government contractor position in mid-2010, I had no idea that I would pursue the life of a portrait photographer. I did know, however, that the time I had spent away from our baby boy was far too much, and I couldn’t bare to miss a second more. In late 2010 I started my little business, mostly because of friends asking me to take their pictures for them…and not wanting to be a criminal by taking money without paying my taxes. HaHa! We soon PCSed (military move) to Germany in Spring 2011, and my business took off! I studied my bootie off to become legal in Germany, and learn all I could about the art and business of photography. I’ve had the most amazing clients that have entrusted me during this period, and for that I could not be more grateful.
I photographed over 40 sessions this year….40! As owner and a single employee of HM Photography & Boutique, and that each session takes approximately 10-20 hours each….I worked a lot. TOO much in fact. Not only did I suffer long nights at the computer editing and working on products, but nap times (and then some) answering emails, planning sessions, updating expense lists…and weekends that should have been spent with my family, the reason I left my government job, photographing sessions, educating myself, or just catching up on the day-to-day tasks of running a legitimate business. This means my family suffered most of all. I haven’t been able to be the wife I promised my husband, the day we said our vows; or the mother I promised our little boy, even before he was born. I did my best to keep up with all my roles, and have made it to the end of the year … mostly in tact.
Now, I am not complaining, not one bit. I love my job so much, I haven’t been paid. That’s right….$30,000 in the door this year…and $35,000+ out. Not afraid to say it, I’m in the hole. None in our pocket. Heck, I left a $52,000 (right out of college) job for this. All that came in the door, to produce beautiful artwork for my military families, went right back out the door. It paid for equipment, props, fuel, taxes and fees, computers and software, websites, domains and hosting, professional and educational services, and other normal costs of doing business. It is normal for most small businesses to expense $35,000 or more a year, which means to make a profit, aka a paycheck, you have to earn more. Professional Photography is not a cheap business, it’s just not. Why do you think the investment must be so high? I have been paid these past few years, with the simple notion, “for the love of the art.” It brings me so much joy, but for for my family…it could never be the same. As I look at my numbers, and all the time spent away from my family, and knowing that I didn’t get to spend the amount of time I WANTED with each of my clients, I know it is time to make a change. Next year, I will have even less time. We will be expanding our family, and they deserve my attention. We have family visiting, and a whole continent to explore, one in which we haven’t even had a chance to visit since getting here in April 2011, due to my schedule. Lastly, I want my clients to feel like my best friends. Not next in line. Not a number. Like part of my family and the time spend together, the most enjoyable experience one could have, especially from their photographer.
So, as the new year approaches, I wanted to share a “flash back” from the past year into my new passion, Beauty & Boudoir Portraiture. I’ve always had a thing for magazines, gazing through the pages of beautiful (yet too thin) of women. I was introduced to a new world of “glamour portraiture” in early 2012, and was hooked. FINALLY, portraiture to reflect the real women, all shapes and sizes, of our world. A way of photographing women for their true beauty, women such as my fellow mothers, wives, and coworkers.
I love offering my services to ordinary…extraordinary women – we all are, to feel and look beautiful! I give women the chance to take some time for themselves, and remember who they are deep down, underneath the layers life’s brought them. To take time for themselves, be proud, feel empowered, remember how great and short life is, and to love themselves now…unconditionally. Not when we lose 10, 30, 60+ pounds, not after that tummy tuck, not after we win the lotto to buy a new wardrobe. NOW, just the way you are, with a little pampering, and portraits and artwork they (and their families) can love for a lifetime and beyond. Sexy and sophisticated portraits for the modern, everyday woman.
That said, with next year’s sessions being so limited, HM Photography & Boutique’s pricing structure has changed. Most, not all, of my business time will be reserved for Beauty & Boudoir sessions. To make sure anyone, has a chance to show off their beauty with a personal pamper session, with a Professional Makeup & Hair Artist and myself! These sessions can be in the studio or on location, and styled any way you want. They can be all about you, or as a mother & daughter session, glam the dress (wedding dress, prom dress, your choice) or even as a sexy couple’s shoot! Endless possibilities, one destination – a one of a kind experience and treasured heirlooms.
That said, here are some before and afters of some gorgeous ladies sessions. This is what I do and love, & I hope to see you soon!
…and a few others…
(See more HERE.)
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HM Photography & Boutique is a NW Louisiana based Newborn Photographer specializing in baby & women portrait photography. To inquire about your baby’s portrait session, please contact Heather HERE for more information or to book a session. See more of Heather’s baby portfolio HERE. Follow her on Instagram HERE.
NW Louisiana Glamour Photographer, Shreveport Glamo
NW Louisiana Beauty Photographer,
NW Louisiana Classy Boudoir Photographer, Shreveport Class
