Why I Decided to Close My Photography Business

As you have probably noticed, things have been changing over here.  I have slowly been closing Loving Care Photography, but as of September 1, 2013 it is officially out of business.  This was a terribly hard decision that I had been thinking and talking about for over a year.  I wasn't working on it and didn't really have the time that I wanted to devote to it, even though I had some fun ideas.  I was sad about this for a long time. Recently I felt comfortable with the fact that at this time in my life I didn't want to find the time to be a business owner.  It is a lot of hard work and I just wanted to go out shooting.  I still love photography.  I have loved it since my first class in high school.

I originally started the business to do something creative. I was in a job I disliked and having a hard time getting out.  Since then I have been engaged, started a new job, and got married. My priorities have shifted. I want to come home, try new dinner recipes, and spend time with my new husband instead of going into my shell to edit photos, take photography classes, and research new ideas.  My new job is going really well and I want my time off to actually be relaxing.  I am still going to photograph things and people that I care about.  I am still going to shoot film because I am in LOVE with it.  I am still going to blog my photos.  And I am probably going to do even more of it without the pressure of doing things "the right way," whatever that means.  And now that Loving Care Photography is closed, I feel such relief and happiness.  I hope you guys will stick around for the new adventure this blog is going to take.

New Addition!

I can't wait to tell you about the newest addition to the Loving Care Photography family!  A Yashica Mat 124G camera!  My fiance got me one for my birthday this past weekend.  It is a medium format film camera, so I didn't have any to try it, but immediately placed an order.  I can't wait until the film arrives and I can try it out.  I have been dying to try medium format...SO exciting!  Thanks sweets!

Look it's Me! Photos by Kallie Brynn Photography

Happy Friday!  I stumbled across Kallie Brynn Photography via twitter I believe.  I immediately fell in love with her work, and when I saw she lived in Central Florida, I was ecstatic!  When she announced that she was moving to Seattle, I knew I had to work with her before she left and immediately contacted her!  I was in Orlando the first weekend in December and so I stopped by Lakeland on my drive home to Naples for a session with her.  Kallie is the sweetest person and I just love the head shots she captured for me.  She's put a face on Loving Care Photography!  Thank you so much Kallie!  I know if I ever go to Seattle I will be contacting you for another session!

Also, fun tidbit, I got engaged a couple days after these photos were taken!  To see a few more from our photo session, just go to Kallie Brynn Photography's blog post about me.  I can't decide which one is my favorite, what do you think?

Happy One Year!

A year ago today I officially launched Loving Care Photography!  I can't believe that my business is a year old.  I've had some great success as well as some disappointments.  Overall, I'm glad I took the chance to start something I had always wanted to do!  I know that my business will continue to grow over the next year and beyond.  As my blog readers will have noticed, I am highlighting my film photographs more often than digital photographs.  This is because film really speaks to me.  I am passionate about its colors, its deliberateness, and its overall aesthetic.  Film's natural style is what I try to accomplish in all of my images.  From now on, I will be shooting at least 50% film for my client shoots, and I'm sure this percentage will increase as this year progresses.  I am SO excited about this!  It is the next step in my photography dreams!

This month I'm celebrating the first year of being in business and I want to celebrate your dreams as well.  I am thrilled to be offering a 50% discount on portrait sessions for people reaching for their dreams.  This includes, senior portraits, business headshots, and other one person photo sessions.  That means you can get a one subject full photo-session for $100 if you book your session during the month of April.  Please send me an email to book yours!  This is so exciting and I can't wait to celebrate with you!

What should we wear?

Picking out outfits for a photo shoot can be a difficult decision.  I believe that the more comfortable people feel in their clothes, the better they look!  I recommend you pick something you love to wear.  It'll be more you and you will feel more comfortable.  If you always wear flip flops, then wear them!  There are a few things to avoid however:

• Matching outfits and everybody wearing the same color.  It just doesn't look natural and therefore the photos will look forced.
• Strong graphic patterns.  Anything that takes away from your face is not a good choice.  Strong contrasting stripes, words, or graphic tees will all do this.
• Less is more and simple is key.

As far as children go, I often think it's fun if you let them pick out their own outfit.  When you look back at your images in years to come you will remember that morning and how your son or daughter just loved those jeans or that dress, or even that Superman cape!

Short answer:  Make sure everyone in your family is wearing something they love and feel comfortable in.  Below is an example of a fun family style.  I can't wait to see what you wear to your session!

Family by zzzz-1143 featuring square earrings

My Camera Bag

I was looking for an attractive camera bag for about a year.  I needed to carry my camera body, an extra lens, and all my other stuff such as a wallet and cell phone.  I finally came across Jo Totes and the Betsy bag in particular that looked really good.  It was affordable, roomy, and it looked like a purse!  I was sold.  It's a really awesome bag and I am really happy with my purchase.  I love the front pockets and the back zip pocket that fits my iPad!  If you want to talk about my search in more detail, just head on over to like my facebook page and let's chat!

Adios!

I will be out of town from today until November 9th.  I will be responding to any phone calls or emails starting on Thursday November 10th.

This time I am going to Puerto Rico on a family trip!  I have never been before and I'm so excited.  I've heard great things about it and I can't wait to take photos of Old San Juan.  We are also planning on exploring the rainforest and kayaking on a bioluminescent bay!  I can't wait to tell you all about it.  Please let me know if you are going anywhere this holiday season!

Out of Town

Hello!  I will be away from Naples over the weekend.  I will be unable to answer any questions or comments, but will be back in touch as soon as I get back!

I am going to St. Louis for one of my freshman year roommate's wedding.  I'm so excited!  I have decided to only take my film camera and iPhone.  I haven't just done film since 2002.  It will be a great time and I'm sure I'll have a post about it later.  Have a great weekend!

Holiday Card Session!

I am so happy to announce that from now until November 6th, I will be offering a special family session including one pack of 25 holiday cards!

The session includes:
- approximately 45 minutes of shooting
-at the location of your choice
-up to 6 people (including pets)
-an online gallery of 30 images
-a custom-designed package of 25 holiday cards with your favorite image.

Additional prints and cards can be added at additional costs. The package is also being offered at a reduced price of $150! Simply send me an email to set up your session. I look forward to hearing from you! :)

Love,
Victoria
Loving Care Photography

victoria@lovingcarephotography.com

Welcome to My New Blog!

Hello!  Thanks for visiting.  I have copied over a few of my old posts from my old photography tumblr.  I will try to post here pretty regularly.  You can read about me or connect with me by clicking on the pages above.