Categories
Business Insights

Tips to Finding Indoor Locations

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Your location isn’t what is keeping you from progressing towards your dream—it’s your mindset.

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]I get it. I’m sick of always shooting in a field too and sometimes, renting a studio just isn’t in the budget; but the reality is, I’m not limited by my location or my resources, I’m limited by my perspective.

So, whether you’re trying to escape the cold climate or switch up your style, choosing a fresh space can do wonders to revive your creative eye. Here are some of my favorite alternative indoor locations—[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”2/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]

AirBNB

Many of my favorite photoshoots took place in homes and lofts listed on Airbnb. This is a great place to start because the owner has already made the decision to open up their living space to outsiders, now all you have to do is ask. In my experience, I’ve come across people who are willing to share their space free of charge, for trades, or even for 1/2 the price of the rental rate. That’s what the owner did for the space used in these images. If you’re interested in booking a room at Culture Boutique Hotel for yourself, click here.

When it comes to using Airbnb spaces as a photo shoot, my advice is to clearly communicate why you want to use their home, how many people it involves and for how long. Also, if you’re one to travel a lot–spend the extra dollars to get a place you really like. One that’s good for the night’s stay and for a mini shoot. Believe me, you’ll get your money’s worth (that’s what I did for this photoshoot during my stay in Kansas City).[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][image_with_animation image_url=”7194″ alignment=”” animation=”Fade In” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”2/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]

Unique Establishments

Some of the best indoor locations also double as coffee shops, antique stores, or hotel lobbies. Depending on whether people have photographed here before, I always recommend reaching out to the business owner before taking over their place. Many business owners don’t mind sharing their space, but a couple of things to keep in mind are—

  1. Remember to respect their space and their rules. If the chair says “do not sit”….don’t sit in it for the sake of art.
  2. Show your appreciation by giving back. Don’t be a mooch—buy a cup of Joe or a souvenir to show appreciation that they shared their business with you.
  3. Give credit where credit is due. Once you’ve published your work, make sure to tag the location.

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Bare Minimum

For a captivating atmosphere, all you really need are two things: good lighting and decor to fit your vision. It can really be as simple as having a cozy corner with a cool midcentury chair and some plants or a blank wall. This is the cool part about photography: nobody knows what is going on outside the frame. That means that you can do a lot with a small space. Get creative and don’t get overwhelmed with your lack of options. Creativity is a muscle that must be exercised, so take on the challenge with enthusiasm.

 

—-and that’s all! For more insight to finding spots for photo shoots, check out this article.

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Photographs taken at the Culture Boutique Hotel in Springfield, Missouri.

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Categories
Business

The Year I Actually Wrote Down Goals

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In the past when the new year came around, my resolutions mostly consisted of “drinking more water” and “getting in shape”–whatever that means. And would you know it that by the next year, I recycled my resolutions into that new year, again. I chose resolutions based off of what I felt obligated to change instead of what I really needed to do for myself. Which brings me to my whole point: self-reflection and goal making is a little intimidating for me.
My shift in perspective happened like most revelations; I was having a conversation with a dear friend of mine who is the goal-setting queen, and this woman dreams big. BIG. I’m inspired by her big picture thinking and it made me realize this underlying fear: if I write a goal down then I am admitting to a dream….that might not happen. 2018 was the year I had to hit backspace on that last clause. And so, I wrote down some 2018 goals for myself, such as:
  1. Explore your style; strengthen your voice
  2. Partner with more creatives (HMUA, videographers, models, boutique owners, etc.)
  3. Do something outside your comfort zone in photography
  4. Get published by a magazine
  5. Respect your worth and stop underquoting yourself

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Walking Into The New Year

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I’d be lying if I didn’t admit the extensive pressure I felt in April when my list seemed unaccomplished and I continued to fall into bad habits like jealousy and taking on underpaying gigs. But as I worked through my expectations and short-fallings, I found my path. Most importantly, I learned to narrow my focus. I quit looking towards others and what they were accomplishing, and I reverted back to that list and just kept refining myself and my brand.
And so I learned that although there is a time for everything, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t prepare ourselves for these achievements. The goals we leave unchecked by the end of the year are not a reflection of our worth or lack of work ethic–it just means it hasn’t come to fruition, yet.
There is a healthy balance to goal setting.
A year can do a lot in an artist’s life, and most of the time, it’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work just to make that check mark signify “done.” So, for those of you who worked tirelessly to make 2018 productive–I celebrate with you and I hope you are thankful for every ounce of perseverance that it took for you to get there and every person who helped you along the way.
And for those of you who feel like your expectations for 2018 fell short–just know that things are still in the works and this whole New Year phenomena does not have to dictate the benchmarks for your growth.
So, let us all welcome 2019 with a hopeful heart and encouraged mindset to keep striving towards our personal and professional growth while never dismissing the perfect and often-confusing timing of the Universe.
Cheers,
Paige

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Categories
Business Insights

Finding Balance As An Artist

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So, here’s one of the hardest things to accept as an artist: my most popular work is not my most profitable work, and my most treasured work is not my most popular work.

It’s hard to balance being an artist and making a living as an artist. Imposter syndrome aside, even with confidence, sometimes the ideal clients just aren’t to be found. So, where’s all this pressure coming from? It’s the need to be valued and thrive in our work. To do this, we feel we must obtain three things—

1. Fulfillment: expressing ourselves wholeheartedly in our craft

2. Worth: being valued in our niche community

3. Security: making a profitable living through our craft to further our work.

Like many of you, I first dipped my toe in photography because I was looking for a safe place to express myself. I found a lot of fulfillment there and so began the dreams of making this hobby into a career. Since then, I’ve been on a rollercoaster journey of discovering my style, overcoming hardships, and learning the business of it all.

So, what now? How did I find balance?

To be real. I don’t have a recipe for success, but I do have some easy to follow tips if you’re willing to take the time and not scoff at a simple solution.

First. Figure out where the balance is off.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]*Draw a circle and divide it into three sections labeled “fulfillment”, “worth”, and “security”. Reflect and make a dot in each section according to how you feel in that category. Connect the dots. You might notice that your shape looks like a little lopsided—that’s okay. That’s where your growth is.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]If you’ve been booking clients like crazy, make it a priority to do a personal project. What’s been on your mind lately? What inspires you in this season of life? Grab a pen and start brainstorming![/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Maybe you are satisfied with your work in general, but you feel unappreciated. Take time to write out 5 things you excel at and 3 things you want to work on. Then, hop online and find new artists within your niche and give them a nice compliment. Admiration is contagious—especially when it’s expressed with an intentional heart.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Maybe you are satisfied with your work in general, but you feel unappreciated. Take time to write out 5 things you excel at and 3 things you want to work on. Then, hop online and find new artists within your niche and give them a nice compliment. Admiration is contagious—especially when it’s expressed with an intentional heart.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Or maybe, you’re just not where you want to be from a business standpoint. Do not get overwhelmed. It’s a day-by-day process of finding your entrepreneurial flow. Seek outside resources like youtube or self-made entrepreneurs like Jenna Kutcher (Goal Digger). Listen to a podcast while you tackle that email list or update your website.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][image_with_animation image_url=”7137″ alignment=”right” animation=”Fade In” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][image_with_animation image_url=”7136″ alignment=”right” animation=”Fade In” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]


 

I say this a lot, but life ebb-and-flows and the best thing we can do for ourselves as human beings and artists is constantly check-in with ourselves~

Cheers.

***I originally came across this method from Julia Cameron’s book The Artist’s Way which uses it as a way to find balance in life in general.

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Categories
Business

Trends vs. Inspiration

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Ditch the twinkly lights and faux nerd glasses.  If you spend any amount of time online, you’ve probably noticed some trends like a girl engulfed in twinkly lights or staring down intensely at her coffee. Depending on your purpose behind the photograph, sometimes it’s hard to avoid these trends because let’s be honest… when it comes to stock photos, a girl and her cup of joe = sales.

It’s when we have the creative freedom that jumping on the trendy train gets messy. I once read that “they (trends) can inspire complacency and swallow visual identity. When a trend fails, you’re left with photographs anyone could have shot.” I think most creatives can agree that the reason behind getting into this niche was not to get swallowed up in a popular fad. The real reason behind following trends is to gain public approval—I get it, I want my work to be liked just as much as the next person, but at the end of the day, my appreciation for my work is more important than gaining the public’s favor. So, here are 3 tips that have helped me avoid following trends in my photography:

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1. Find sources of inspiration other than people.

For the longest time, most of my inspiration came from my favorite photographers. After a while, I noticed a shift in my style because I liked so-and-so’s photography more than my own. If I am always following other people’s trends then I am neglecting my own creativity. Some other sources of inspiration can be experiences, pieces of clothing or props, locations, emotions, or color schemes.

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2. Take time out of your day to brainstorm ideas.

Put down your phone and stop relying on Pinterest. Creativity is a muscle that has to be exercised. Take a good 15-20 minutes to organize your thoughts on paper. This could be through creative writing, jotting down a shot list, or my personal favorite, very message doodles. I feel like I should emphasize the fact that when I draw compositions on paper, nobody would know what it was but me. The point: don’t let drawing keep you in the way of brainstorming ideas.

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3. Figure out why a trend appeals to you and make it your own.

Following a trend isn’t bad, but it’s easy to be a copycat of another person’s style. Figure out why you like a trend. Maybe you’re drawn to the twinkly lights because it feels surreal or you enjoy playing around with different light sources. Take a piece of the trend and flip it on its backside to make it your own. For example, instead of tangling your subject in the lights, put them behind a bedsheet to create a luminous backdrop.

All in all — if I had to sum up these tips in a sentence, it’d be: don’t be afraid to jump on a bandwagon, just don’t be the one who looks to everyone else for how to ride it.

 

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