TDP - even for Photographers!

Meghan called to let me know she'd received the photo session/DVD as a baby shower gift from her friend Betty. Meghan is due to have baby Rowen in about six weeks and we discussed her newborn picture options and possibly a family photo again in the fall.

It was good to catch up with her. Meghan and I had worked together at the Washington State Department of Health before I retired in 2008 and although I took her wedding photos last May and we'd had lunch together, that was before she was pregnant! It had been awhile. Her good news is that she and Brandon are about two weeks away from getting a new home south of Olympia. She's on maternity leave now, but keeping busy preparing for the move.

Our conversation turned to the whooping cough epidemic in Washington. Meghan is a communication specialist and often writes articles about health issues in the state, so I shouldn't have been surprised when she asked if I'd had my TDP (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) shot. I hadn't, but you would think that as the past director of the division responsible for licensing and investigating health care professionals in this state, I would have been more attuned to the need for a shot. According to statistics gathered so far this year, pertussis continues to increase in King County and Washington state. As of May 10, a total of 237 cases were reported for King County compared to 98 cases for all of 2011. Statewide, about 1,280 cases have been reported compared to 110 cases in the same period last year. The Washington State Department announced the state could see as many as 3,000 cases by year's end.

I was grateful to Meghan for reminding me about getting a shot, which I did yesterday. It was a walk-in, painless experience with the nurse at our primary care physician's office. I try to be very conscientious about safety issues in the studio and on location when I'm taking photos - particularly of infants, toddlers, and children. Meghan reminding me that safety also means getting a shot was a bit of a surprise, but one I didn't take lightly. I joked that I should have known I'd be getting advice from her. She kept me on track when we worked together. Why would it be any different now!

So a word to others, particularly if you're a care giver of infants or someone coming into contact with babies. Get your shot now. It doesn't hurt and it will certainly help protect our little ones. www.BonnieKingPhotography.com

The LivingSocial Experiment

A friend with a small business had offered a "deal" on the LivingSocial website, www.LivingSocial.com. I was intrigued when she said the results were great, but also concerned about rumors I'd heard of some businesses being overwhelmed with too much business! That could definitely be a problem when you're a one woman show. The danger is not being able to please clients and doing more damage to the business than good. But since I'm a risk taker, I decided to look into the process.

LivingSocial is like Groupons - which I've not tried as a merchant. I talked to the representative who explained the price point had to truly be a "deal." The price would be based on a discount from what I would normally charge. (That was checked out by LivingSocial from the prices on my website). In comparing to other photographers in the Puyallup-Tacoma area, I decided my deal would be a family or high school senior shoot for $49. It was to be a location photo shoot and a DVD with print rights granted for up to 20 images. The actual value with digital downloads purchased from my website is $175. Because my studio is in my home and not in a commercial building, I was also restricted from advertising studio sessions in my home. 

Additional downsides for me included a 50% commission of the $49 going to LivingSocial. And to make it worth while for LivingSocial, I had to offer 200 deals! She reassured me that 20% of clients forget they've purchased a voucher and will never redeem it.

On the other hand, the upside was the promise of new clientele for return photo shoots. So being the risk taker that I am, I decided to go for it. It cost me nothing up front and regardless of whether the client redeemed their voucher or not, I would be paid half the proceeds from however many deals were sold. (I'm waiting for the check which is supposed to be here within 15 days after the close of the deal).

The deal ran from March 1st to March 7th and I sold a total of 24 photo sessions. (Must say I was relieved - that's a manageable number). Although I expected the phone to start ringing right away, I was surprised that only six have booked so far. I hope they're not all waiting until Christmas! Of those who called, I did offer my studio and photogenic front yard as an alternative to a location. So far all but one decided to use the studio. I think it may have something to do with our lovely weather. :-)

The photos you see here are from the LivingSocial photo sessions shot so far. It's been a great experience with these folks and from the feedback I'm getting, I'll be taking more photos, including newborns, in the near future. 

Would I do it again? If LivingSocial will have me, but not until after the first of next year. So far it's been worth it and I've met some exceptional families. You can see more of them at www.BonnieKingPhotography.com

What's Your Predilection?

I had another wonderful day at the Metro Animal Services shelter in Puyallup on Wednesday. The sun was shining which meant we could take the dogs outside to give them some fresh air and it also gave me a better background. I am amazed at the beautiful cats and dogs who find themselves at the shelter. A couple of them, whose pictures I took, were adopted the same day. Great news!

While I was there a tall, stately, casually but well-dressed gentleman came in with a kitten. I heard him quizzing the person at the front counter about the process of adoption. He wanted assurance the kitten didn't go to just anyone. He was told that prospective families are screened to make sure the pet they adopt is right for them and they are right for the animal. The phrase painted on the wall reads, Finding Pets their Forever Families. This man was truly a gentle giant.

On my way home, I stopped at Top Foods to pick up lots of vegetables and healthy food recommended by my Body Back class. This is a twice a week exercise class which emphasizes not only workouts, but nutritious meals. Courtney, Kendall and I started the program this week.

Wheeling my cart around the fruits and vegetables, I spied the man I had just seen with the kitten, so I rolled up to him and said, "Hi! Weren't you just at the shelter?" He looked at me quizzically and responded, "Do I look like I was in a the shelter?" I was slightly embarrassed needless to say when I realized this was not the same man. "Oh, I meant animal shelter." And then I continued to stumble all over myself trying to explain what I'd meant. He smiled and walked on  and I'm sure he was thinking I belonged on a funny farm.

It still proves my predilection (how do you like that word?!) for speaking or acting or doing just about anything without giving it a great deal of thought. Does keep life interesting. What's you predilection? www.BonnieKingPhotography.com

My Life Book

The last couple weeks the pages of my life book have been turning so fast, I haven't had much time to digest or share the content. Flipping back to the days following the Metro Animal Services shelter photo shoot, the story reads all about Ben.

My daughter, Courtney, and her husband, Ron, made a very quick road trip to Hillsboro, North Dakota to attend the funeral of Ron's step dad and to provide support for his mom, Judy. They left Thursday morning, February 23rd and drove 21 hours with only a couple stops. Before leaving, they dropped off grandson, Ben. In came the diapers, clothes, extra toys, and food. The child safety gate was put into action and within moments our kitchen, dining room, and TV room became "Benville."

For the next four and a half days, it was all about Ben. He's not much for napping, so I was his captive audience. On the recommendation of my other daughter, Kendall, Ben and I even ventured to the mall to a wonderful play area near Old Country Buffet. Although Ben is only 17-1/2 months old, a little boy, Zac, who was probably three (could talk) took to him like a bee to honey and followed him everywhere he went, until Ben walked out of the play area and ventured down the mall. Not to worry, I was right behind him steering the stroller on one side to corral him. And who did he find, but a princess - a Fife daffodil princess to be exact! She took him under her wing and helped him make a crown which he donned with pride.

Ron and Courtney made it back safely even though it took them two and a half days because of the bad weather. A lot of prayers were being said for them all along the way. Needless to say, Ben was very glad to see his mom and dad. I was too!

The trip, unfortunately, took it's toll on Courtney and the fact she had to go right back to her night shift at Childrens Hospital, when she returend. She spent six hours in the ER at Tacoma General Thursday evening with unusual chest pains. Thank God, the blood tests, CT scan and x-ray didn't show anything unusual and she was able to go home. Because of all that, Courtney has decided to join her sister in an eight-week course called, Body Back. The class starts this coming Tuesday. Kendall talked Courtney into it last night (I'm sure she didn't have to do much convincing after the hospital scare), and then promptly called me and using the guilt techniques I've taught her over the years, talked me into joining them. (I HATE TO DO PLANKS!) Kendall has a headstart on us. She's already been through the last eight-week course. On the other hand, what a wonderful opportunity for the three of us to encourage one another and hold each other accountable regarding diet and exercise for the next couple months.

The pages of my "book" this week were also filled with work on a marketing campaign for the photography business. Friday morning, I taught the last of an eight-week course on Memoir Writing and started a new eight-week course in the afternoon. I love teaching! Well, I love photography too, but until I started teaching again last fall, I'd forgotten the joy it brings me to share information with others, particularly about taking time to "taste life twice" (a quote from a diarist, Anais Nin). The people in my class have been such good teachers for me to. What a privilege to hear the stories from their past.

Today and tomorrow are about photo shoots. Today was a fun experience with two good friends, Tiffany and Luisa, and Tiffany's female Doberman Pinscher, Camee. What a beautiful dog and very attractive young women. My friend and neighbor, Janine, came over to "run" the squeaky toy and get Camee's attention with treats, so I could concentrate on the photos. 

I am blessed. The pages of my life book are full - in a good way - with lots of blank pages yet to be written. www.BonnieKingPhotography.com

Love

One of the great joys of being a photographer is sharing time with couples who are obviously in love.

I expect wedding couples to express their love for each other by their actions during and after the wedding, but what’s an unexpected and special gift, are those couples who’ve been married for years and still radiate appreciation, respect, affection, thoughtfulness, and chemistry.

This evening in Bible Study Fellowship, we studied 1 Corinthians 13, the love chapter. How fitting to reflect on biblical principles regarding love when thinking of couples who seem to readily demonstrate the same. I don’t know everyone’s values and beliefs when I photograph them, but what I see in many is something so special, the source seems to be much greater than self.

I am blessed to be able to capture these moments and hope the results will be shared with children, grandchildren, other family members, and friends - to show them what love is really all about. www.BonnieKingPhotography.com

Friendship and Beauty

My friend, Shelly, has taken a young woman named Anu under her wing. Anu lives here in the area on her own, but because of Shelly and Shelly's family, as well as others - Anu is definitely loved and is finding her own path in life.

It was through Shelly that I met Anu last year. I'm lucky enough to see her at Safeway on a regular basis. She works there and that's where you'll find me every week, if not twice a week. (Safeway's Original Moose Tracks ice cream calls my name. Guess I really shouldn't say anything about Scott's addiction to Dave's Killer Bread!) Anu usually sees me before I spot her and I'm delighted when she runs up and gives me a big hug and one of the most beautiful smiles I've ever seen.

I told Anu that I would love to take her photos, but little did I know she would receive two beautiful saris and be willing to have them photographed too. Saturday was a very creative day. Shelly skillfully applied Anu's makeup and helped her with her clothing. A sari can be very tricky to wrap correctly. I was trying out new lighting techniques and Anu was the perfect model. She loves the camera and the camera loves her.

Thanks to my friend, Shelly, and my new friend, Anu, I was not only given a gift of beauty on Saturday, but the gift of friendship for a long time to come. To see more photos of Anu, go to www.BonnieKingPhotography.com

In My Studio or Down the Hall

What a wonderful week before Christmas!

Photos, fun, and family.

That's what it was all about.




Sunday found me having fun with the Fiala family. Jeff's son, Josh, is visiting from out of state, so it was a great opportunity for family photos.





While Josh wasn't crazy about the camera, giving him the option to wrap his head like a ninja warrior and getting all the boys outside in their native habitat - helped loosen them all up!
They showed me their version of the  Tebow!

Monday afternoon was a delight. Little Eva visited with her Grandma Glenda for a photo shoot. Talk about a proud grandparent! Glenda doesn't get to see Eve often since she lives in Montana, but the love that was shown her on Monday radiates across state lines every day of the week, I'm sure.

Scott received news from the doctor that his hand is healing well, but it will take a while. Too bad he's not more patient. In the meantime, it's more Percocet and lots of naps. There's the after breakfast nap; after lunch nap; after dinner nap; and then early to bed. Naps are only interrupted by talk show hosts on MSNBC and his favorite shoot-em-up TV shows. Guess this is all just part of the healing process, even if it is a bit similar to pre-surgery nod offs.

Tis the season to be grateful for family and friends, whether they're in my studio or just down the hall taking a nap. I am... immensely grateful and blessed.  www.BonnieKingPhotography.com

Family

I taught my second Introduction to Memoir Writing class today at the Puyallup Senior Center. I'll be teaching two more introductory classes: one on Friday, November 18th and the last on Friday, December 2nd, before I launch an 8-week Writing Memoir class (two hours a week) in January and February. Amidst all the teaching, I'm hoping to practice what I preach and find time to continue writing my own memoir!

Between the two classes I've taught so far, there have been 13 students, from whom I've learned a great deal. All have stories to tell and are exploring whether they want to leave those stories for others to enjoy, learn from, or marvel at. I've been privileged to hear bits and pieces of personal history including first impressions coming to the U.S. from another country, stories of childhood special moments, and stories of adversity that no one should have to endure. Stories made us smile, but at least one - brought the writer and some listeners to tears in the re-telling.

Most of what was shared were stories about family. How could they not be? Whether it's nature or nurture, our life story is because of, or in spite of, family influence. Family influence might be the immediate family, the extended family, or a community family.

From the classes I taught to the photos I took this past month, the word which kept coming to mind was "family." Perhaps what made this even more poignant, was the fact that October was the one-year anniversary of stepdaughter Krista's passing. She died of an amniotic fluid embolism which occurred during the birth of her daughter, Ariana. Ariana passed three days later. (I wrote more in my 10/31/2010 blog).

Whether it was taking photos of the Luthi family, the Barager family, or my own sweet grandsons, Ben and Micah, "family" was not only on my mind, but in front of my lens providing beautiful evidence of the word. 

I'm a very fortunate person; I am who I am because of family, not in spite of them. My husband, Scott, and I have family and extended family of whom we're very proud and hold dear to our hearts. We may not tell them enough  - because they are - family.

BonnieKingPhotography.com

Exploring Tacoma

Last Sunday, my friend and fellow photog, Tess, and I spent late morning and early afternoon exploring Tacoma with our cameras. I met Tess in a photography class last year and we've had a couple of photo outings since then. She's working on Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) in a civil service position that required her to leave her home and her husband in Williamsburg, VA. Since she's working on contract, she's basically taken a leap of faith to get into the federal system. That has left time on weekends to explore Washington with her camera. She's seen more of it than I have and I've been here for decades!

We started at the Seymour Botanical Gardens playing with the light and the floral colors. Stadium High School was of interest, since it was the backdrop years ago for the movie, Ten Things I Hate About You.  Next stop was the Les Davis Pier on Ruston Way. What fun! We could have spent a lot more time, but Nana-duty called and I had to leave to take care of Ben. Since there are many more interesting places in Tacoma, we'll have to plan for Exploring Tacoma, Part II.

BonnieKingPhotography.com