coming up for air | fredericton photographer

I have been glued to my computer all weekend. Doing what? Watching an online wedding photography course hosted by creativeLIVE, featuring highly-sought after American wedding photographer Jasmine Star. Jasmine is renowned in the industry for being very giving of her time and business insights; highly unusual in a business that puts so much emphasis on secrets. As she put it, “I’m telling you all my secrets. I don’t believe in secrets. I am the secret.”

When I first tuned in, I was bored. Jasmine was shooting details and rattling off camera settings. Snorefest! But then the wedding started, and I was absorbed (you know you’re a wedding photographer when you sacrifice seven hours of your otherwise free Friday night to watching the wedding of total strangers on the internet…). Even more so on Saturday and Sunday, when the photography was done and the discussion of business began. I think Jasmine would be the first to admit that her business sense is better than her photography: she only started her business 4 years ago, and her rise has been nothing short of meteoric. For me, someone whose business is still very much in its infancy, and someone who has no mentor, to be listening to her talk and be able to think, okay, I’m doing that, I’m doing that, I can do that: it’s inspiring.  She has this ability to get people excited about what they do; it has made me think about how far I’ve come in such a short time, and about the long road ahead.

So what have I done these past 15 months? Moved to a new city and launched a photography business with zero name recognition. Worked on my SEO, my blog, my website. Partnered with great vendors so that I could offer more and better products. Met my booking goal for the year, meaning I scored photoshoots with awesome clients, most of whom have returned to me two and even three times. I’m pleased to make that connection with them, and proud that every shoot is better than the last.

And where am I going? I’ll be working on branding, on name recognition, on the experience. Adding more products and improving presentation. My goal is to be running a boutique photography business that makes my clients feel important; beautiful; unique – with the images to match. My style is evolving, but what’s remained constant is how much I love photography. Capturing fun, candid, evocative images that make you feel something; turning moments into memories.

There is a lot of work to be done to get hibou photo to the place I think it can and should be. I’m looking forward to it, though, and I hope you come along for the ride.

kate takes a groom | kentville, ns

One month ago today, perhaps to the very moment, Kate walked back up the aisle to cheers and applause – a newlywed. It was an absolutely beautiful day, and I was overjoyed to be part of it. Congratulations again to you both!

→ continue reading kate takes a groom | kentville, ns

on the road in… | wolfville and hall’s harbour, ns

The Annapolis Valley was the final stop on the 2010 Nova Scotian Summer Tour. I lived in Wolfville for 5 years while attending Acadia, and somehow have managed to find myself back there every years since. Each time I try to do or see something I’ve never gotten around to before, and this time that included scoping out the Wolfville Farmer’s Market, Gaspereau Valley Fibres, and visiting Hall’s Harbour.

→ continue reading on the road in… | wolfville and hall’s harbour, ns

on the road in… | mahone bay & lunenburg, ns

In the 8 years I lived in Nova Scotia I somehow never made the time to visit Mahone Bay and Lunenburg. I regret that, but there’s no time like the present to rectify past mistakes, right?

→ continue reading on the road in… | mahone bay & lunenburg, ns

on the road in… | halifax, ns

Of my 27 years, I lived in Halifax for precisely three. Why then does it seem more like home than anywhere else?

→ continue reading on the road in… | halifax, ns