Hey y'all!
I'm slowly easing my way back into the photography business--and by slowly, I mean the manner in which you lower yourself into a really cold pool! I started out taking photos in 2009 with very little experience and I was operating a camera with more buttons and dials than an airplane cockpit. Thank God for YouTube tutorials! I honestly think I was using a website to edit as well -- you know, the ones with the super noticeable fake tan and teeth-whitening effects? It was pretty bad, I'm not even going to lie. Then, as if that wasn't a complete overload, I dove headfirst into the $700 version of Adobe Photoshop. I remember opening the program and just staring at it like, "Okay so where is the tanning wand?" I was so lost! It was $700 and I didn't have the slightest clue how to even CROP a photo in that program.
Needless to say, I didn't go to school for this. I've never taken a class for anything photography-related. I would love to and hope to eventually, but so far, I'm completely self-taught on both camera and editing software.
I'm currently using Adobe Photoshop CS5 and Lightroom to edit and looking to make the upgrade to Creative Cloud soon. It looks pretty intimidating but I think the biggest change makes it better for linking to smartphones/tablets? I'm not sure. I could never edit on something as small as a tablet but kudos to those who can if that's a new option. I edit on a Dell Studio One with a seemingly huge 20" screen and I sometimes even wish it were bigger. So, I definitely couldn't imagine trying to use an iPad, etc. That's all probably way over my head at this point. I'll get there. Everything is constantly changing while I adore the phrase, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!" My new camera is a Nikon D3200. I recently sold my Nikon D90 that I grew to love so much but I'm really liking the D3200's size--a lot less bulky.
Surprisingly, the lack of equipment knowledge wasn't much of a setback. I learned a new technique or setting with every session and I was obviously improving. Many nights were spent editing practice pictures, reading blogs or watching video tutorials. It's amazing what you can learn for free on the internet! The business side of things was my bigger struggle and I actually did take multiple business classes in college. I had let a few people get away without paying, offering huge discounts or sometimes working for free--which I have since learned was my biggest no-no! I wasn't standing by my prices but I was still working just as hard and I became completely overwhelmed and burnt out by it all. In 2011, my studio flooded and I somewhat used that as my way to step back from it all. I knew I'd eventually revisit.. and here I am.
I don't have a business plan laid out just yet but I'm trying to get it together in the next week or so. I work full time through the week so my time will be a lot more limited than it was before when I had all day, every day. (Ah, how I miss that!) I will available on weekends and some evenings through the week for awhile. Therefor, I'm not currently booking private sessions or weddings just yet. I plan to soon enough but I'm baby-stepping my way into it this time so please be patient! My goal is to start with mini-sessions for kids and seniors.
Moving forward, I will post any and all updates or changes I make including pricing, availability, etc. on here and Facebook. My photos will be uploaded on this blog but I will link to FB as well for sharing.
I have a ton of good ideas that I can't wait to throw around and I'm so excited for what's to come.
God Bless,
Deidra
**Tiny Bio: My name is Deidra Hewitt and I'm 26 years old. I'm married with no children and we live in New Haven, IL. I feel like I'm pretty laid-back and I really hope to seem easily approachable to everyone I'm around! Don't hesitate to send me a message and I'll reply as soon as I can. I look forward to hearing from you!
