STOP!!! | Personal Growth | Hanover Growth Photographer

If you are a returning reader of my blog you know I talk about my kids all the time! Like really you would think I do nothing else in my life but watch my kids. I like to call it Crazy Mom Syndrome, and guess what America I got it! (hehehe) But TODAY I want to talk about Me! Wait that's a country song, great now I will be singing that song for a week!

Well As any blogger knows it is not easy to talk about yourself! Am I right? Looking in is super hard to do for the world to read. So what should I talk about? How I have become a Big Brother 14 Stalker over night OR maybe how I am totally a Tom Boy at heart, and a lot less glitzy on the outside...

No I think today I want to talk about my Struggles in becoming a Professional Photographer. Recently I have found that I am having Photographers (Pro & Moms) coming to me for advise, for help, and for a confidence boost! I can say I never thought my Business would be more than Just a Portrait & Wedding Photographer but I am super excited to possible expand my business into Helping other photographers. 

Before I can help anyone else with their Photography or Business I have to tell my story and that means all of it!

In January of 2011 I was flirting with the idea of being a photographer, right still flirting? I had photographed some friends started to build a small portfolio/ having a lot of fun stepping out side of my protected box. (side note I was working full time for the VA Lottery and a tech rep) 

 

October & January of 2010

From there I found out that I was expecting my Son Julian! I was so super excited my chance to carry & mother a son of my very own. I have 2 sons Cody who is from my Husband's first Marriage who lives with my 100% of the time &  Julian who will be turning 1 in just a little over a month! (SNAP their I go bragging about my boys again!)

Ine May of 2011 I found myself out of a full time job and thinking WOW really? I am 5 months pregnant and you demand me to what? that's right for anyone who knows me personally you know that I am a very head strong person. So I left my full time job to care for my boy full time. I also come to start thinking What can't Photography be my Business? What can't I be a professional Photographer?

There is no reason I can't!!!

For the first 6 months I still would not call myself a Professional Photographer, I was just a mom that had a good camera in my eyes. I was so unsure of myself that I wouldn't even tell people I take photos for my living. I would simply tell people that I was a "Stay at home Mommy". Looking back I can say that was a big big mistake on my part. I was building what I now call a "not good enough" business. I thought I could build this amazing Photography business with only people I already knew.

I was WRONG!!!!!

So when 2012 rang in a new year I knew it was time to pull my self up, to stop comparing myself to all the other photographers in Richmond, to stop going to other low level photographers for help. It was time to bring in a Real Business consultant. Because lets face it I know just a little about business I know enough to get me by. (at that point)

So I made the best decision I have ever made!!!! I contracted Kate Smith with Studio Trainer to help me build my business!

Photo from The Studio Trainer's Facebook Page

The Studio Trainer's Webpage

I have been working with Kate for almost 12 months now. Since then I have taken my business to new highs. I know I have said it before but I can't not say it. Last year at this time I thought I would be closing the doors on Hildebrandt Photography by the end of this Summer. BUT NO look at me I am having to turn away business, I am telling some brides, "I'm so sorry that I can't be your Wedding Photographer. I am already booked with another lovely bride that day."

WOW!!!!

Now don't get me wrong I am far from expanding into being a Business consultant. (If ever) But I am know I am taking the first steps into becoming an AWESOME Large Profiting Business Owner!

How Have I do that? In 2012 I alone have dedicated my year to learning all that I can about my Profession...

I have Hired The Studio Trainer

I have taken 2 e-workshops with Rachel Brenke Photography

I have even taken an In Person workshop from Rachel Brenke Photography

I have Bought & Read over 20 Photography Books

&

I have found an amazing Local Professional Photography Group that allows me to learn and grow! & from that this is  now the quality of work that I am producing:

June 2012 (Sara's got a Bump)

October 2011 (4 days after having Julian)

July 2012 (Julian Cole)

I have no plan to stop learning or growing as a photographer and I have decided that the next step I need to take, Starting in  2013 I will be enrolled in College again for my Bachelor Degree in Small Business with a Minor in Marketing. (Wow that is the first time I have said that out load. Well in type to the world!) I am a little scared but I know that if I have not given up yet and come as far as I have in this business I can do this, I can finish school & be a force of Amazing!

So I will leave you with some food for thought...

It is the worst thing you will do as a Photographer & Business Owner.

Outdoor Boudoir | Are you Ready???? | Ashland Boudoir Photographer

October Boudoir What? That's right ladies what a better time to get sexy for your guy than in October, Outdoors with the great fall colors and still tanned skin from the Summer Beach trips.

Do you got what it takes to strip down for your Special Guy?

I am offer a One Day only Outdoor Boudoir Mini Session Marathon! Why Mini Sessions? With holding the sessions outdoors we do not need as much time to get lighting and room conditions just right so I am about to bring you great Professional Photos at a low cost with amazing backdrops (nature)!

Ladies, Next time you are talking with your guy ask him what he would like more, you laying sexy in a hotel bed or being adventurous and stripping down in the Woods, an open field, or even a Car Grave Yard? 

I know my Husband's answer every time! OUTDOORS is the way to go! 

So here is the special Mini Session price & details:

$100 : 45 Minute Session : 20 Digital Images : 3 Gift Prints

Add an album for $100 : Professional Hair & Make Up for $50

Refer a friend and get 3 more Digital Images

That's right Ladies only 6 lucky ladies will get a shot at these one of a kind suggestive photographs for their special guy or girl! 

Are you still not sold on Hotel or Outdoor Boudoir? Well here are a few more images that I have personally taken in the last 12 months of the beautiful Ms. Savannah one amazingly Sexy woman with curves and all!

Now these 6 session times will not last for long and one there are gone I will not be offering an outdoor session like this again until 2013! Make sure you contact me right away to reserve you Outdoor Boudoir Mini Session!

*A $50 deposit is due at time of booking to reserve your session time. *

**Location will be given to ladies who's deposit is paid only**

***Share this photo from our Facebook page and be entered in a drawling for a Free 16x20 Gift Print***

October | Mini Sessions | Ashland Train Station | Ashland Berry Farm | Virginia Family Photographer

We are just 1 week away from September, and with September comes the beautiful Fall colors! Every year in fall I offer my October Mini Sessions for High School Seniors, Families, & Children. & Boy do I have a great deal for you this year!

Newly Engaged Couples!

Families!

Children!

High School Seniors!

All Couples!

ANYONE WHO LOVES FALL!

These are the Sessions for you! That's right only $100 gets you 30 amazing minutes with a local photographer, 15 Digital images to take home, & 3 great Gift prints ranging is size from 4x6 to 8x10 (your choice) that you can give as upcoming holiday gifts!

No Joke! Here are all the details below!

That's right I have reserved the use of the Ashland Berry Farm & Ashland Train Station in 2 different weekends. What better locations could say Country fall than these?

Not to forget I will have some great Props on hand for full use in the sessions.

* Pumpkins

* Apples

* Hay Bails

* Wooden Boxes

* Other Great Props! 

Contact me soon to reserve your Mini Session! These will go fast with such great locations reserved!

There is a $50 deposit due to reserve your Mini Session.

For every friend you refer for a Mini Session you receive a extra gift print!

If you share this image on Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter you will be entered in a drawling for a Free 16x20 Gift Print!

I would hate to see you miss out on a great Fall Family opportunity at over 50% off the retail price! That's right I said OVER 50% OFF!

See us on Facebook to get the Image to share for your chance at a great 16x20 Gift Print!

One Frame Friday | August 24 | Richmond Family Photographer

Well it's Friday again! I thought One Frame Friday posts were going to be a simple way to show off my Favorite images. But now that I have been posting them for a little over a month I can say it is not easy! I am starting to think that these one frame posts are harder to come up with than a regular post. Because I love my Job and put all I have into every session I shoot it makes it super hard to pick just one frame for the Friday post. This week I bring you, Victoria in her 8 month with Mr. Adam

I feel like we had a very pregnant in Wonderland feel going on. I love this image!!! This is a secret Back ally in Downtown Ashland with 3 buildings intersecting together! This is another one of those Wall hangers in my book!

Happy Friday Fans!!

The Must Haves of Wedding Photography | Part Two | Northern Virginia Wedding Photographer

Welcome back to one of my favorite Blog posts in a long time, The Must haves of Wedding Photography. This is part two where I will talk about the Must have Formal Photos and when are some great times to capture all of these images.

**Formals**

On your Wedding Day of course you will want the formal photos of you with your bridesmaids, you with mom and dad, and even you with the flower girl, But as most of my Brides have found that list can really stat to add up and with each photo taking about 4 minutes to create your guest wait time will just keep growing. :o(

So not only will I list the important needed photos, I want to start with the best times to shoot these photos so your guests are not waiting over an hour for you to arrive at the reception.

Your wedding day has started!

Your hair is done, nails & makeup are perfect, dress is on and oh so beautiful but there is still an hour before the ceremony starts. That's right ladies you can plan for every minute of your Wedding day but it never fails you are always ready to start way in advance. So why not take some time from that and walk out front to snap your Bridal Party Formals!

• Bride with Parents
• Bride with Mom
• Bride with Dad
• Bride with Siblings
• Bride with all Bridesmaids
• Bride with each Bridesmaid
• Bride with Maid of Honor
• Bride with Flower girls
• Bride by herself 
• Having some fun with the girls
• Having a Drink! 

                             

Sometimes giving the location the Bride's Formal photos listed above can't be taken before the start of things, in the case they can be added below with the other Bridal Party Photos. Adding time to your guests wait but sometimes un controllable.

In the 2 hours that you Groom has nothing to do I love to take 20 minutes and snap away:

• Groom with Parents
• Groom with Mom
• Groom With Dad
• Groom with Siblings
• Groom with Groomsmen
• Groom with each Groomsman
• Groom with Best Man
• Groom with Ring Bearer
• Groom by himself
• All the men having Fun
• Having that Drink!

Photos of the groom and his men can always be done before the ceremony! I mean think about it who really cares if you see what the groom looks like before the Ceremony... The Bride is the big secret pre-ceremony! So taking this hour (30/30) with your photographer has just saved you, 40 minutes from you Formal Timeline! 

Now that your ceremony had ended! 

Guests are leaving for your reception (or changing location), this is the time where you want to carve out at least a HOUR (that's right a whole hour!) for your photographer! There are still the traditional formal photos that you will want to have and those take time to capture. Especially with large numbers of people floating around things don't always move some smooth as before the wedding. Here are some on the Important Photos to think of in the first 30 minutes:

• Bride & Groom with Both Parents
• Full Bridal Party Images
• Bride & Groom with Flower Girl & Ring Bearer
• Groom with the Bridesmaids
• Bride with the Groomsmen
• Bride & Groom with Both Grandparents
• Bride & Groom with special Aunts, Uncles, Cousins
• Bride & Groom with the Official

The last 30 minutes I always dedicate to just the Bride and Groom! That's right it's all your day I want to make sure I take as much time as I can to snap some lasting photos of you two together on this life changing day! Here are a few of my favorite go to images for each couple!

• The Bride laying her head on the Grooms Back
• The Groom kissing his Bride's forehead
• Groom standing Strong with his Bride laying her head on his shoulder, eyes closed
• Holding hands
• Kissing in the get away car
• Bride & Groom out front of Ceremony location

Make sure when your Photographer Presents your Wedding Day Photography Timeline that these photos are clearly listed in the line up. All Family Photos should be taken first so they can quickly escape to the reception location, then the Bridal Party, then leaving just the Bride & Groom with your awesome Photographer.

Now if your Photographer does not say anything about giving a Photography Timeline, well maybe you need to demand one or even find a new photographer, cause let me tell you Formal photos could go on for hours if there is no set list & order to things. Plus all the pros give a timeline!!!

Not as much as Part One but some important information! That's right IMPORTANT INFORMATION! Don't forget to check back for Part 3 next week all about Your Reception! If you missed last weeks post no worries it can still be found!

The Must Haves of Wedding Photography

Part 1: Before & During the Ceremony

Part 2: The Formals

Part 3: The Reception

Part 4: The Wedding Look

Part 5: Picking Your Wedding Photographer

Part 6:?: Wedding Day must Haves for the Pro Photographer

One Frame Friday | August 17 | Fredericksburg Couples Photographer

As I posted about all over Facebook, I was lucky enough to get the chance to attend a workshop in Fredericksburg a few weeks ago with Rachel Brenke Photography! She is awesome! I have learned a ton from her already and am very very excited to be enrolled in her Fall Marketing e-workshop. Cause lets face it I need some updating on Marketing!

Well during the workshop Rachel had provided so amazingly beautiful Models! Here is one set of models Rocking this Back ally in Fredericksburg.

WOW right? I love this location! So yes for all my upcoming Couple sessions I have added this to your list of possible locations. 

Love!

The Must Haves of Wedding Photography | Part One | Richmond Wedding Photographer

With the Summer coming to an end and the Fall Weddings coming very close I wanted to take the time and write todays Blog all about the Must haves for Wedding Photography Part One.

TOP PHOTOS TO HAVE ON YOU LIST:
Before & During the Ceremony

**Before the I Dos**

1. The Dress Hanging Your Photographer should take your dress to a beautiful spot and hang it up, then photograph away!

2. The Bride's Shoes I am sure if you are Bride at all like most you spent days or even weeks trying to find the perfect shoes to go with your Wedding dress, Right? And more often than not a Bride's dress hangs long in the front so no one is able to see the beautiful heels you searched 18 stores to find. Make sure your photographer Snaps a staged photo of them.

3. The Rings Next to your dress Your Wedding Band is one of the most important pieces of the day. I like to borrow the rings early in the day to insure I grab the shot of the rings.

(Side Note for Photographers) Look around your location find something special to the client's Wedding day and stage the rings together with this object... I.E. A Bible, Flowers, Ring Box, Marriage License, Exposed Bricks, or The flower girl & ring bearer... 

4. The Bride & Bridesmaid's Flowers Now a days most flower arrangements can last for close to 2 weeks from your Wedding Day, But once they die they are no longer bright and beautiful so make sure your Photographer lines up the flowers (in hand or not) for a special Flowers Shot.

(Side Note for the Bride) If you are not planning to keep your flowers after the reception a great tip is to donate them to the local Hospital. This is a quick and easy trip a family member could make the following bay after the wedding to bring just a little bit of joy to a sick heart.

**The Bride's Shots**

1. Putting on the Guarder Belt Make this fun! Laugh and enjoy the thought of your Husband removing it with his teeth!

2. Putting on your shoes Go slow better yet start to place the shoe on your feet then STOP! This will help your photographer capture the moment just right.

3. Last minute make up touch ups Even if your Make is perfect, pretend to touch it up in the mirror right before you step into line. This will allow your Photographer to grab the full effect of the Makeup while making you look perfect.

4. Your Bridesmaids Tying/Buttoning the Dress This is another one of the staged photographs, turn around and have all your Brides Maids huddle around your back to help you in your dress (even though it's already fully on and ready to go) with your photographer in the dead center of your back a beautiful image will be captured of your Brides Maids Smiling and Helping a beautiful bride.

5. Placing your vail It's part of the dress right? Wrong the Vail make a statement all its own about your Wedding Day! Make sure your photographer takes the time to capture that statement & the person who places it.

6. Bride's Toast As the Bride and for all the time you have put into planning your dream Wedding you deserve a minute to be toasted by your Brides Maids!  So take the time to celebrate the day, and make sure your photographer is there for the moment.

(S.N.B.) make sure you coordinate the toasting with your photographer so they can snag the perfect angle.

**The Groom's Shots**

1. Standing & Smiling with the Guys Your Groom has picked some amazing men to stand beside him as he pledges his forever love to you. So a simple photo of your Groom and his Men should be on of your top choices for Favorite photos!

(S.N.P.) Lets face it The Groom and his men are always ready way sooner than the Bride, I suggest taking this time to photograph the men in their formal photos too! It gives you one less set of Formals to shot between the ceremony and reception.

2. Placing the Boutonniere just as important as the Bride's Flowers, the boutonniere is a special piece of the Groom's Wedding Day outfit.

(S.N.B.) the Boutonniere should be placed by the Mother of the Groom, but can be placed by another special woman.

3. Straightening his Tie Just like the joy of your Brides Maids helping with your dress, I am sure a photo of your guy making sure everything is just perfect will bring joy to your heart.

4. Small Accents of his Suit From his cufflinks to the Special "Groom" socks he is wearing, you will want a photo of each and every special accent to his Suit.


**The Ceremony**

(S.N.B.) As important to the photographer as it is to make sure these Images are captured perfectly don't be surprised when your see in your Timeline "Ceremony Retakes" This is to help us as your photographer make sure the shot was captured just right. Kind of like a do over!

1. Your Groom Waiting at the alter While your bridal party is lining up to enter you Groom will already be standing at the alter waiting for you. This is the perfect time to snap a photo of his growing nerves.

2. Bridal Party Procession in to the Ceremony A quick snap shot or two of each Brides Maid & Grooms Men as they walk down together is a priceless memory. Don't forget the Ring Bearer & Flower Girl on the walk!

(S.N.P.) Station yourself between the half way & front of the seating. Scope out the walk way before the guest start to arrive allowing your self to pick the best vantage point for the Ceremony. And make sure you snap a photo of the Bridal Party's procession at a pre determined spot on the walk in. This will help you in the post production & album design of the day.

3. Groom's first look at the Bride Some Grooms just stair and other can even produce a tear but no matter how your guy reacts you will want a photo of it for a lifetime.

4. Bride & Father Walking Just as important and your Groom's Expression is your Father's as he gives away his baby girl to be taken care of my her Groom. Snap Snap all the way down the walk way!

5. Brides Maids Holding Flowers Not all brides like this photo but it is a good one to have in the line up (mostly for albums) While the girls are lined up with you holding their beautiful flowers you picked out the photographer should grab a quick shot of the uniformed look from dree to flowers.

(S.N.P.) No faces needed just the details

6. Grooms Men Hands Another uniformed shot to place the seriousness of the Grooms Mans job.

7. Reciting your Vows, Exchanging your Rings, Lighting the Unity Candle,  THE KISS Try for a shot from both side one of the Bride's face & the Groom's face as they say those all important vows.

8. Mr. & Mrs. Walk The first moments as Husband and Wife! These are the most important keepsake in my mind. This image will hang on you wall for years and years to come with the birth and graduation photos from your children as they come along in the years. 

9. Signing of the Marriage License I have not personally shot the signing on a Marriage License but for those couples who are traditional in their ceremony this is completed right after the I Dos while we wait for your guests to leave for the reception. Snap from all angles!


**WOW**

That's a lot to take all in right? No worries that is why I have designed this post in to 5 parts! Look for the other 4 posts in the coming weeks!


The Must Haves of Wedding Photography

Part 1: Before & During the Ceremony
Part 2: The Formals
Part 3: The Reception
Part 4: The Wedding Look
Part 5: Picking Your Wedding Photographer

One Frame Friday | August 10 | Ashland Family Photographer

It's a little late for my normal one frame friday but, I have had a crazy day!!! So I say better late than never! Last night I got to spend some time with one of my sweet Maternity Clients who has now become my Families Client... She brought out this amazing frame to use with her son (FYI he was not down for the famed photo :o(... )

Well I could not help myself to use the beautiful set up to check my light and settings with... This is how it turned out... BEAUTIFUL!!! (get it now?)

With a very busy weekend coming up, I am sure I will have many more favorite images to share on One Frame Friday! Make sure you get all the up to date information by joining my Newsletter & by Following me on Facebook!

Kelli | 2013 Senior Rep - Caroline High School | Caroline Senior Photographer

I’m honored, flattered and flat out excited to announce this years Senior Rep from Caroline, VA. 

Kelli!

I got to meet Kelli's mom at the Ashland Strawberry Faire, we got to talking and BAM! I had a beautiful 2013 Senior Model to represent my brand! So While we were photographing Kelli's Senior Photos last month I got to learn a lot about Kelli. Like she is interested in Photography as more than just a Hobby. 

Earlier this week I asked Kelli to take a minute and answer a few questions for this blog post so all my great readers could get to know her a little more so here we go:

1. What kind of look were you going for in your Senior photos?
I was going for a natural look by using my normal makeup and cloths that I wear fairly often.

2. How was your experience during your senior session?
It was absolutely amazing! I had a great time.

3. What's one piece of advise you'd give to anyone getting their senior photos taken?
Have fun and don't be too serious with it because the best pictures are when you're having a good time.

4. Did you take any props to your session?
I was going to bring my camera, but I forgot it at home. 

5. What were you most anxious about prior to your session?
I wasn't nervous because I had seen Erica's work before hand and I knew she would do an amazing job.

6.Lets talk location, What did you think?
We went to the Carillon and I loved it. The sight was amazing and I would definitely recommend it.

7. Where did you get your outfits from?

Charlotte Russe

American Eagle

JC Penneys

Now I would like to fully welcome Kelli to the Hildebrandt Photography Family! Kelli will be spending the next few months working with Seniors at her local High School, by showing them the value in Senior Portraits by me & recruiting Senior Reps for my 2014 Senior Campaign.

Over the up coming months I am sure you will be seeing much more of Kelli on my Website, Facbook, and this blog!

WELCOME KELLI!

One Frame Friday | August 3| Ashland Wedding Photographer

It's Friday Again!!!! Hot Dog, I love fridays around my house but most of all I love sharing my One Frame Friday posts with everyone in Blog land! This week I have chosen a great photo from Jacob's First Birthday Party.

Grandpa wanted to make sure everyone knew how good the food was! What a fun crowed and a great family to all come out on a rainy afternoon and celebrate Jacob's First Birthday in style!

September Special | Headed Back to School | Hanover Children's Photographer

September is right around the corner! Which means school & school photos... Over priced, Un-original, & that ugly blue background! 

EWWWW!

So this year I have come up with a solution, Headed Back to School Special:

(Full details below)

For 30 minutes I will take your children and give you One of a kind, Beautiful, Outdoor School photos. That's right Outdoors! But this special will not last forever and the limited session availability will go fast, so make sure you book your TODAY!!!

Email me Now!

Mommy 1st Photographer 2nd | Richmond Wedding Photographer

Over the last year I have been working hard to build Hildebrandt Photography in to the thriving and growing photography infant. And as most of you know last October I gave birth to my sweet and handsome boy Julian. Which has filled my life with lots of love and well even longer to-do lists. But many years before I had Julian I became a mom to a sweet 4 year old, who is now quickly approaching the terrible teen years... DANGER DANGER!!! Let me tell you I am trying to take in every minute I can before Cody realizes Moms are uncool and become the Teen Boy!!!

Wow that's scary just typing it!

Last week my bigger little boy got his first trip to Boy Scout Summer Camp! When I was little I loved Girl Scout Summer Camp it was so much fun and a whole week as an adult! It was Awesome! I was so proud of him and excited to see him enjoy camping as much as I did. On parents night it was had to leave, but easier because I knew I got to pick him up the next morning.

Here are a few of the Mommy shots I got on parents night. That's right I'm a mom 1st & a photographer 2nd so these shots are not the normal ones I post on this blog, but better. I was thinking as a pound mom and not a professional photographer.

My Boy Scout:

These images were take SOOC with no edits or alterations. Come back tomorrow to get the first look at my September (Heading back to School) Special.