How to create a shoot

Gah! I feel so stuck. I hate feeling so defeated. I just keep spinning my wheels and I am not able to propel myself forward. I do not know what my next move is. I feel like giving up! There is no point in trying to do this myself. I suck and I am no photographer.

You ask yourself “Why can’t I figure this out? It should not be this hard!” Yet here you are sitting in total frustration, not sure what to do. Ready to throw all your hard work away and for what? A little frustration. Okay I totally understand where you are coming from. I have been there many times.

Okay let us look at this in depth. You have your subject in front of the camera. Yet you are not yielding the results that you have in your mind.

Prior to the arrival of my client I have created a plan right down to every detail. There will be some changes as they may have brought more items. It also depends on where I want to go and how I visualize this in my head. For more details on how to get the ideas out of your head sign up for my newsletter in the personal branding page.

Have you learned the basics? The rules of how things work? What time of day is best to shoot? Do you need anything more than a camera? These are all good questions to ask yourself to make sure that you have everything prepared in advanced to set yourself up for success.

You realize that the only way is to either outsource this to a professional or to learn how yourself.

It is easier than you think. Sometimes all it takes is stepping away from it and coming at it a different way with a clear head. You got this, I pinky swear.

How to choose the right location

Do you feel stuck on where and how to scope out a location for a shoot?

This happens more often than you think. It is a step that should not be overlooked. It is just as important as the shoot itself.

I used to get stressed. Now I have created a flawless system to always come up with the best solution for the vision that is best for my client. I also take into factor the time of day for the best light as well as styling and hair and make up. These are all interchangeable by going hand in hand with each other. This helps me to not overthink things and once you create your own system you will have the same results.

I personally am very lucky to live in the country with acres and acres of property. This is where I do most of my shoots. I have a studio with various options as well as a forest for the perfect outdoor backdrop in my own private oasis.

Trust me I get it, it can be overwhelming. Allow me to take that overwhelm away or at least a little bit. I have listed below some great options:

• A park

• A forest

• The beach

• Your property

• Your garage

• By a patio door

• A sunroom

• A window with great light

As you can see it can be anywhere. All you have to do is create a plan of what is in your head out on paper. After you do this you can execute your plan for your shoot. It really is just that easy. Try not to overthink it. All you need to do is get out of your head. I always say to chunk it down and the success will follow. I can’t wait to see what you have created.

What to expect

What to expect

When it comes to a photoshoot, there are several unknowns. Each photographer has their own process. Allow me to break mine down for you.

After you email and you are deciding if you would like to book a session with you, I invite you to come into the studio for a consult. I show you a slideshow of past client work. I also discuss the process, much like what I am doing now. Further to this, I show you the products that I offer, wall art, albums and folio boxes.

Before the shoot we talk about clothing. Almost anything does work. I recommend bring lots of different items as you never know what you will end up with. There is the option to use my studio wardrobe. I break it down into three different outfits. I always recommend bringing a gown. Do you have something in your closet that you love, but it no longer fits you? Bring it!

Hair and make up is a very important part of the experience. When you have it professionally done, it is the best feeling. I feel on top of the world. Depending on the client and their hair, I normally do soft curls. When it comes to make up there are several options to select from, as well as colours as I always make sure that it matches what you will be wearing and that you love it.

After the shoot, I will be busy working behind the scenes to edit your photos. Once they are complete, I will be bringing you back into the studio to have a reveal. This is where you select the ones that you love and make the final decisions on what products that you’d like to have. The selection is an album or a folio box. During the consult, I will be showing you all of these options.

Once the products all come in, you will be contacted to come and pick them up. This is one of my most favourite parts, seeing the joy and happiness on my clients faces when they see them.

Why you need to book a session

Why book a beauty session.

Does this sound like you?

As women, we often put ourselves last. We keep going and going until we reach empty. There is nothing left to give. You are spent. How long have you kept on going without doing anything for you?

Your gas tank is on empty. When this happens, how far can you go? We can’t go anywhere.

Often, we are the glue that is holding our family together. We do the cooking, the cleaning, chauffeuring the kids to their activities, planning activities such as playdates and vacations. Most of the time there is no help. When there is it is heaven. You may even work outside of the home. Your life is super busy. That is just it. If you don’t have any more energy to give you are at a standstill.

You hardly get you time any more.

Your life is beyond your children and your spouse.

You dream of your childhood as it was so carefree and you had no responsibility.

I get it, you need a break!

You deserve it!

And when we do decide to do something we feel guilty. Who has even said this? Why is this a thing? You need to get this out of your head. To release this all you need to do is give yourself permission to do something for you.

Once you do let it go, your life starts to change. Only you can make this change. As when you do something for you, it helps to fill your tank back up. It can really and truly bring you joy.

These photographs will be absolutely stunning!

Be in photographs, love yourself you really and truly deserve it.

Treat yourself.

You deserve to do something for yourself without the guilt. I can’t wait to start creating your beauty shoot!

About me

About me what I do and why

Life is hard. How we react is of the most importance. It took me a long time to learn this.

I grew up bullied and abused. This led me to become someone who lacked self esteem and confidence.

I would walk through life full of voices in my head telling how stupid, worthless and ugly I was. I felt defeated every single day. This seeped into every other aspect of my life. I didn’t realize it. I believed those words whole heartedly. I didn’t know that when I gave into them, that I became them. It wasn’t until I released those around me who fed that voice and started to do the inner work that I learned to love myself whole heartedly.

It took great strength to move past this time in my life. It was because of my past that I ended up creating a business where I empower others to become their best possible self. After I had gained my confidence I went to school and became a Social Service Worker. I am currently in school to become a social worker at a local university.

It was because of my past that I learned how to overcome my own lack of confidence and self esteem. It was at this time that I saw too many people who struggled liked me. I offer online courses The Secret to Self Esteem, The Secret to Self Care, Photography for Entrepreneurs and Photography for Parents. I also offer photography in boudoir, beauty children, headshots and personal branding. Coaching for business owners.

When you own your own business, you learn quickly that it has more to do with business that your passion. It is 10% your passion and 90% business. I struggled hard to learn about business and how to gain my self esteem. It took many years before I figured out both of these. Now, I love to share my wealth of knowledge with others. I love to help others. This is why I love to empower others to become their best possible self.

You too can get through your struggles to become your best version of yourself. You got this. If you need help please reach out.

How to create the perfect photograph

How to achieve the perfect photo

Are you tired of hating the photos that you take for your business?

It is easier than you think.

When I first started taking photos, well they are not what they are today. I had a HUGE learning curve, just like you. I had a lot to learn. This is normal. We try, we fail and we try again. It is in that failure that we learn what needs to be done in order to create that success. Ask yourself what is holding you back from taking the best photograph that you long to achieve?

Having trouble trying to imagine it?

Close your eyes and think about it. Break it down into much smaller pieces. What are the things that you need in order to achieve the best results possible? I find that it helps to write it out.

I like to overthink things. I try to look at it from all angles. Then I would stall in this process and I would get nothing done. I would continuously spin my wheels over and over again. Something had to give. I knew I had to change something as this system was not working for me. I have learned that this way of doing things does not work. I now create a plan – I have gone as far as creating systems that I can duplicate over and over again to make things as easy as possible.

Have a plan, write it out and map out your shoot. These are all important steps that should be followed in order to create the ultimate system to create a flawless photo every single time. You too can create a system that you follow to have the best photo that you took.

Tag me so I can see your creations!

What can I do for you?

Are you tired of using the same old photos or maybe you need an update? 

Either way I can help you to create amazing photos that you will love for your business. 

You have a business and things are going okay. But you feel that you are struggling to keep up with your social media and the photos on your site. You have no idea what to post and just need something fresh! 

How can I help you?

I offer 1:1 mentoring, headshots, and personal branding photography. 

What is personal branding? It is not a specific style it is a set of photos of you and your brand. It tells your story. It will help to grow your brand, your business and gain clients. These images can be used for social media, advertising, print, website, merchandise, newsletters and more.

I learn about who you are as a person, your business and your brand story. By doing this I create a story of your business through photographs that best represents who you are. 

Can you just see that? Photos that you can use and do anything with across all social media platforms. 

Still now sure? 

Here is what some of my clients are saying:
I recently did two branding shoots with Stacey, one at my workplace as I was working and one with my children. I am blown away by the pictures I received of my children and I. They are amazing! Stacey was great to work with, communication was fast and she had lots of ideas and was laser focused in her execution. It was also super helpful that she brought an assistant to help with the kids. It was a great experience. Before we did any photos, we had a phone conversation all about my businesses, my goals, and what I wanted to portray in these photos, it was very thorough and we really got to know each other and when she did photograph us it was so easy because she already knew everything. She even helped me with posing, just the little adjustments so I would have seven chins (you know what I mean 😉). If you’re looking for branding photos, I’d highly recommend connecting with Stacey and seeing if you would be a good fit together. 

~ Nicole Hennessy

I came to Stacey with and idea and she turned it into a reality! Listening attentively to who I am and what I hoped to convey she set me up from success with ideas on what to wear, to bring, and where to shoot the photos. The experience was smooth and easy and I never felt awkward ever! Stacey has got incredible skills but even better people skills and the two combined create one of a kind results!

~ Tawny Stowe

Offers:

Headshots $300

1 outfit

3 images 

30 minutes

Personal Branding Mini sessions $295

July 19 

3 photos

20 minutes

1 outfit

online gallery

Make up by Samantha Blatnicky Makeup

Need help with your business? 

I understand the struggles. My first business was crazy successful. The next one I had a hard time. I didn’t have anything set up properly. I learned as I went. In my first business, it had all fallen into place and I had a business partner who did all the business side. I did the selling. 

This one I was all on my own. It was so much harder. This is where I learned so much and was able to push myself and to grow into who I am today, as a person, and in business. 

As a business owner, we all want to up level our business. There are so many ways. That we often get lost in what the original plan was in the first place. 

You need to get clear.

Once you do you can change the world with what you offer! Can you imagine that? Sounds incredible right?!

One on one 3 month mentoring $500

Still unsure if this is right for you?

When we start a business we often do not have a plan or how to get ourselves to the next level. We need to create a plan in order to take us there. We need to create an avatar, a mission statement, goals, a business plan, a marketing plan and a social media plan, shift your mindset and so much more.

Getting clear is important. Knowing all of these things will help you to take things to where you want to be. 

I do all this and much more.

Boudoir photos don't need to be hidden | The Self Esteem Builder

Naturally when we think of boudoir, we often think of something very private and intimate. Typically that is the case and that is why women choose to have boudoir photo shoots. They want to have photos either for themselves or for someone special that are intimate, sexy, and “for their eyes only”.

Photography is art and sometimes we like to display that art out in the open. That can seem pretty scary when it comes to your personal boudoir photos that usually showcase you in little clothing or your birthday suit! However, there are a few ways that you can take your professional prints and display them in your home (or where ever you choose) without being terrified that Uncle Bob or Grandma will stumble upon them and go into complete and utter shock.

The best types of images to display that won’t get the shock and awe factor are images that show details from your photo shoot, such as a close up of you hooking a garter or the curve of your hip. Images that show your body but not your face are also great choices because the “secret factor” is left intact. If someone was to stumble upon the photo, they don’t exactly know that it’s you! We can work together during your photo shoot to come up with some great images that you’d love to have hanging on your walls!

What is more private than your master bedroom? 
Most of the time the only people in our bedrooms are ourselves, our partners, and maybe our BFF’s from time to time. If you have open wall space above your bed, that’s usually a great spot for hanging an image. If you’re worried that someone might pop into the door and see it front and center, choose a wall that is off to the side and not in direct view. If you have a large or walkin closet, that is also a great space to place a few prints out of the public eye!

Your master bathroom is a great hideaway. 
Whether it is an ensuite or detached from your bedroom, it’s likely used only by you and your significant other which means it’s another great place for displaying your boudoir photos! You can make a cluster of a few small prints together or even decide on a large sexy and seductive photo and hang it above your bathtub.

Does your man have a “man cave”? 
If he has a cozy little getaway in the house just for him, give him a few saucy photos that he can hang wherever he chooses. Maybe it will be directly on the wall or safely tucked away behind the wet bar. If he has company over for poker night, he can always stash the photos else where for the time being so his buddies don’t get a peek.

Ask me for more information getcaredfor@wildflowerstory.com