What you’re loving about my Backyard Sessions!
It’s been about 6 months since my relaunch and boy oh BOY do I have some reflections on where my business is at and what is working (and what’s not!). I’m all for being transparent (cos why the fuck not) so you bet I’m writing a few blogs on what is kicking butt and what is tanking.
Launching in this economy has been a wild ride, and being the nerdy gal that I am - you know I am all over that cold hard analytical data, baby. Coupled with a tonne of incredible feedback from you, my fab clients, I have the goss. And what is it telling me…? Backyard Sessions are WHERE IT’S AT. Amazing. I’m so bloody here for it.
Rather than listen to me ramble on (again) about my passion and joy with these photos, I thought I’d hand the mic over to you and share what YOU’RE telling me is working for you in the shoots. And honestly - some of the things you’re saying aren’t what I would have thought! Starting off strong with what you are vibing with most:
“I don’t have to wrangle the kids into the car, I don’t have to control them in a public space, and don’t have to go against their schedules”
CONVENIENCE is what I’m hearing here. I get it - I’m a mum too and sometimes, getting your kids out of the house is a bloody nightmare. Dealing with them in an open unfamiliar space is a stressful, sweat inducing, anxiety provoking ball of fun. Having to build in travel time, around naps and trying to optimize arriving at a location for fun happy photos takes university level math problem solving energy. Instead, I’m turning up to your house, as you are, no prep required. Hearing how easy it is, and how accessible professional photography is for you in these sessions has made my heart sing. This was exactly what I wished I could provide to all my amazing clients.
“My kids warmed up so quickly, and had so much fun”
YES. Worrying that your kids may not be on board for the photoshoot you’ve spent so much money on is legit something that stops sooo many people booking shoots in the first place. I get this, this was ME. It’s one of the reasons I became a photographer in the first place - to be that one photo lady (as the kids have dubbed me) that happily works with any behaviour and epic chaos. The feedback I keep getting is how surprising it is that your kids are so enthusiastic so quickly, and how pressure free the sessions are. I have an inkling that this is because they are surrounded by all of their familiar things, and in their safest place in the world - their home.
‘You made my messy house/yard look so good, I didn’t have to prepare anything, it was so easy’
FAB. The less you do to prepare for me popping over the better…in fact, messing up your space a little bit would be ideal! I love that you literally just needed to open the door then hang out for an hour - and end up with an incredible visual snapshot of your family, and your home. I also understand that letting me (a stranger) into your space can be a vulnerable act - I’m seeing how you live, that you haven’t washed the brekky dishes, weeded the garden and that you change your baby’s nappy on the couch exclusively. SAME, GUYS. Trusting me to be non judgemental, to understand how to capture your space beautifully, and to focus on what is the most important part - YOU. It is no small act and I appreciate it to no end. And to be fair, if you walked into my house you’d be looking at the exact same thing. We’re all human and we’re all just living our lives the best we can.
All in all - you seem to be on board with the Backyard Sessions. HECK YEAH. I couldn’t be more thankful for your trust, or more psyched that I get to visit with you all, chatting and laughing and generally just hanging out. What even is my life! Of all the fab things that have come from my relaunch, these shoots have been epically enjoyable. I reckon they're here to stay.
As positive as this feedback has been, I’m also not going to hold back my punches with the next blog, where I take an honest look at what ISN’T working in my new biz. Time to get real with y’all! Chat soon x