•Firstly, my messaging for my page stopped working several months ago. Not helpful to a business at all.
•Secondly, I haven't been able to post a photo album for almost two years. It's why I share from profile to the page now (there have been hidden benefits to this).
•Thirdly, Facebook has been disoriented and telling my clients that I am in Yakima. No such thing!!!!!! I haven't left Western Washington and to be honest I don't particularly want to, either. I love the rain, the green, and my Loyal Customers have been the bestest!!
Businesses evolve it seems with each passing year, especially small businesses as we struggle to meet demand and meet the expectations of an ever changing series of trends. I see them all in my line of work. I have to pay attention and I have to keep up.
This is still a small family business though. I don't have employees which means I am not just taking pictures and editing, but my own receptionist, webpage designer, marketing manager, blog and advertising specialist, and bookkeeper as well. It is a one person operation, so hiring me means I may be a little slow to get new calendar dates up or respond to an email until the next day! Some ask me why I don't charge more so I can pay for more help. My answer is that it is much easier to find $50 than it is to find $150. I make more consistent money doing the Event Location Specials than I do anything else. This feeds and clothes my kids. This isn't my hobby, this is my job. I have to be practical. Perhaps the best compliment I get regularly is: "...these photos are better than photos I have paid $300 for." Sure, I might get a single $300 client in a weekend (or month), but the specials can double that when booked out. It's why I love them so much and why I will cater to those people most when it comes to scheduling. Of course these are promotional and usually only at certain times of the year, but I am grateful to be working.
With that being said, I so appreciate my return clients, my referrals, and those who support me. You all are supporting my family, too. That means the most to me.
Not everyone can handle non-traditional business models...that is groovy, but realize most traditional photos mean fake plastic smiles, non-specific or generic ideas, and they aren't personal at all. I provide a service that is all about being personal. I love that I have gotten to watch children grow, families get larger, and that I have had the opportunity to meet amazing and wonderful people.
Best of all, it has helped me be the mom I need to be as well as the mom I want to be. It is because of this very thing that my Loyal Customers have a surprise coming that has been a while in the making. The next few weeks they will get to see it. I am excited and want to show how grateful I am to you all.
The best is yet to come!! ~DJ
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