New Year - New Goals
Wow! When you make plans, God laughs - they say! Good thing I do believe everything happens for a reason.
Even finishing out last year with a torn achilles tendon and doctor ordered couch-potatoe-time! The good thing was that the biggest part of the 2019 photo season was done by then.
(about 170ish young football players and cheerleaders, and their coaches - all in one day - What a blast!)
Now was time to just finish up Senior Session. Haha! I said 'just'! Guess it would have been 'just/easy/quick' if that achilles tendon would not have snapped. That cut my being able to work time down to a zero at first, and then VERY slowly back up to about 75% by now. I am so very grateful for the help I have received most of all from my awesome husband (who's also my therapist, so no cheating on sitting too long and such!). My son, Simon, who is only 17 and in his senior year in HighSchool, took over an assignment from me and photographed the about 500 people(!) LiveToLead Event at the Sentry in Stevens Point
AND he also was the lead photographer for a small wedding! He hired me ;-) as a second photographer and posing assistant and my husband as our VAL (voice activated light stand)
So, what am I trying to say with this - other than can't stop talking about my son because I am so proud of him and so very excited for his future! - well, I think O'DAY PHOTOGRAPHY is becoming more and more of a family business. Simon, the 17 year old, is the oldest of our 4 and the next 3 are at least as promising. I am excited for 2020, I am excited to grow in my skills, I am excited to take better care of my clients (they have been so patient with me especially during that last 2019 quarter!).
Let's do 2020 together! It'll be awesome! First event is the revealing of the senior banners for the LHS Boys' Swim team. And first big new session will be the STORM Cheer Team. I am thrilled - this is a great start!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
It's Prom Season!
Just a few more days until LHS Prom is here!
I have 3 boys and 1 girl in the house. My oldest, Simon is a Junior and did all the things a lot of teens do at this time:
Asked his gorgeous girlfriend to Prom, and rented a suit to match her dress (no, no pink flowers on his white suit! No, it's a classic black suit but with a bright pink vest and bow tie! Woah! I am looking forward to those photos!!!
Speaking of PHOTOS, yes I have a plan:
I really can't think of any other info but sometimes everything is crystal clear to oneself, but 'clear as mud' to everyone else. So, ASK if you have any questions!
I did create the website gallery where all the photos will be posted (one step ahead ...) https://heikecodayphotography.zenfolio.com/schooldances2019
I think I'll just leave it at that this time. Pray for dry weather, light sunshine with a few pretty clouds on a blue sky would be sweet. Oooh, I'm looking forward to this Saturday! See you there!
Blessings,
Heike
Spring is here!
I love Spring Time! It's a time for NEW things, FRESH starts, and COLOR.
Last month, I wrote my first ever blog post and planned on doing a monthly post. Let's hope and pray, I can keep that plan going! Really shouldn't be that hard, right?!
So, to keep you updated - looking back at last month: The Bridal Show was interesting. I enjoy talking to people about photography and showing what I can offer. Granted, I'm not for everyone, and not for everyone's budget. Some can but don't want to afford quality photography, some want to but can't. Some make it happen somehow because they really understand the importance of long lasting quality images. It really is something that each couple has to decide for themselves. I always remind them that the PHOTOGRAPHY should be in the Top 3 of their list of expenses for their wedding day, as it is one of the 3 items you are most likely to keep after the day is long gone.
I mentioned a Model Session with a little girl in last month' blog. Unfortunately that was a no-show. That was a real bummer because I had really looked forward to that session (besides the fact that I had half that Saturday set aside for her and got the studio all nice and cozy with a fire in the fire place). But fortunately, my husband and my daughter were avaiable to make use of me being all ready to 'fire away'!
So, what's planned for the upcoming months?
Well, my Senior Model Program is having some starting difficulties. I guess a 'plain ole' facebook post doesn't quite do the trick on spreading the word. So, I will approach building that program a little more step by step, year after year. As of now, I will be starting to plan some super special sessions and then do a 'Model Call'. Let's see how that works. I'm excited and all ready to play with lights and shadows, make-up, maybe costumes or ball gowns, locations, ...
On that note, I'd also love to do a coop project with other local photographers in town - it's in my head >> just gotta put it into action! > If you are a PROFESSIONAL photographer and are now curios about what I'm cooking up here - contact me about it!!! <
The next big photo day event is LHS Prom Day in May!
Stay tuned for details - make sure you subscribe to updates from my facebook page to not miss any of the info. (sorry, I just can't seem to become good friends with Instagram - we're more like acquaintances).
If you now can't wait to chat with me - you can reach me via the CONTACT page on my website (email or call), find me on facebook and Google. My Studio is located just a block from MSTC in WI Rapids.
I hope to hear from you soon!
Blessings,
Heike
First Ever Blog Post
So, it's Valentine's Day and I'm preparing for a Bridal Show this Sonday, How fitting! I'm taking a break from packing and so, I'm here at my computer, finding myself writing a blog post. First time EVER! Heike, welcome to what century? Oh my!
Anyhow, here's what's happening at Heike C. O'Day Photography this month:
Like I said, Wedding Expo this Sonday at the Hotel Mead in WI Rapids. I've been doing this show for a few years now, and do enjoy talking with couples who just got engaged and whose wedding may be out a year and a half. But there are some that are a bit more in a hurry and need a photographer within just a few short months. Either way, it's fun to chat about the possibilities when it comes to wedding photography.
I used to take any wedding that would come along, but last year, I made a change and decided to limit myself to 5 weddings a year. I want to enjoy weddings and not look at the them as 'just another weekend job'. It's YOUR special day. I want it to be special for me too.
But Weddings is not all I do. Another big part this month is putting together a HighSchool Senior Model Program. Since this is another 'first' for me and it's in its very early planning stages, I can't give out any more info out quite yet.
On the private side of my life, I'm trying to figure out a brandnew fundraiser for the LHS Football Team; something where we can utilize the strength of this team to help people within our community. It's got to do with building & repairing. Yes, nothing to sell! But this as well is in the planning stages and the legal side of this project needs to be figured out before I can go to the next steps with that.
So, now back to packing! And setting the studio up for this little girl who's a model and I'm the blessed one who gets to do a session with her this Saturday!
Blessings to you as well!