New Blog coming soon!!

Whoo hoo - the new blog is coming really soon! No, this is not the new look. I didn't feel like renewing my Custom CSS subscription with WordPress if I was going to switch any day. Don't forget to become a fan on facebook! www.kimberlybrooke.com/facebook

Hiring a Wedding Photographer

2009 September 29
by kimberlybrooke

A good friend and fellow wedding vendor, Evan of MyDeejay.com, recently asked me to contribute to a blog post of his. He asked “How important is it to meet the photographer in person before you hire them?” So I sent him my answer. Of course, I got on a roll once I started typing, so I am including my full thoughts here, but my shortened answer and answers from some other photographers can be found on his post here: http://www.mydeejay.com/blog/2009/09/hiring-a-wedding-photographer-questions-to-ask-a-photographer

How important is it to meet the photographer in person before you hire them?
In this world of instant online purchases, it is tempting to book a photographer online or over the phone. And while I have certainly had a few brides do this, I HIGHLY recommend meeting with your photographer face to face. Face to face communication will give you the best and most accurate picture of who your photographer is. We all know how much can be lost in email conversations: tone, expression, etc. The same can be said of a phone conversation – is the person on the other end really listening and fully attentive or are the pounding away at an email or checking Twitter while talking with you? Your photographer will be the one vendor who spends the most amount of time with you… in fact, ALL DAY with you! Often times, the only time alone that my brides and grooms get is when I send them off alone so I can shoot from a distance. It is the only time they are not surrounded by tons of people on this most equally intimate and public day. This is why a face to face meeting is crucial.

Meeting with your photographer does a couple of key things. First, you get to know each other. Do you click? Do you feel comfortable with the photographer or does he/she make you nervous? I want my brides and grooms to feel like I am an old college friend shooting their wedding, but some couples may want to have a relationship with their photographer who is more like a hired vendor. It is up to you, but that meeting will give you insight into their personality. Is he or she over the top and would outshine you on your wedding day? Will they be too pushy when it comes to helping create a timeline for the day? Will they be too timid to get the shots they need? Will they be so unobtrusive that they are never there when you need them? Is your meeting rushed or relaxed? Is it a sales pitch or delving into what you want for your day? Body language and time spent with you will say a lot between the lines. I believe in women’s intuition and you can certainly pick up those vibes from people the first time you meet.

Secondly, where and how you meet says a lot about the photographer. Some may meet you at your house, some at a coffee shot, some in their studio. I meet couples in my studio so they can see lots of samples, view a slideshow projected huge on the wall and see my decorating style. While that last bit may seem silly, if someone likes my taste, they will trust my eye for their wedding day. I love meeting in my studio because we are not distracted by others in a public place or limitations of meeting outside of my own space. I can only meet one night a week because I have 2 little ones under 4. My family is a priority and my couples know and respect that. I used to drive all over the place to meet with couples, but when my kids came, I needed to restructure my schedule. Now, when they come to my studio, they see a canvas of my family. That is part of who I am and I don’t separate that.

Lastly, meeting face to face really gives your photographer the opportunity to make mental notes of who you are as a couple as well. Oftentimes, I can read into a couple’s personality together from that first meeting. Did they come as a couple or did just the bride come alone, or with her mom of friend? I love getting a couple talking about their love story and their dreams for not only their wedding but their life. It gives me great insight into how I would shoot them on their wedding day. Hopeless romantics love the close intimate shots, modern artistic types like the funky unusual shots best. I don’t categorize folks, but the engagement session gives me even more insight into who they are as a couple and makes for a better wedding day shoot.

Here are some questions that I rarely get asked, but will volunteer the information because I think they are important and not always listed in your magazine list of what to ask your photographer.

How long and/or how many weddings have you been the PRIMARY photographer? This is important because there are TONS of shooters out their with photography businesses. With all the template based websites, and blogs it can be hard to differentiate those who are just starting with those who have put in their time. Their answer will have to sync with your comfort level. Maybe you want a newbie who has a fresh outlook on weddings and maybe you want a seasoned shooter who knows how to handle the hundreds of variables that happen at a wedding. This is up to you, but you must ask!

What is your backup plan if something happens to you? No one likes to talk about this, but the reality is that something could prevent your photographer from getting to your wedding. What plan do they have in place to cover you?

What is the realistic timeline to view images, order and album, etc? Everyone likes to think the world revolves around their wedding.. because right now, it does! Your photographer has other weddings before and after yours. How will your production time be affected by that? Do you want timelines in writing? Wrong expectations lead to frustration and resentment.

Ask to talk to previous couples. If a potential couple asks me for references, I have no problem giving them a list of names to contact! How hesitant is your photographer to give you a list? Is the list only 1 or 2 names? Make sure you ask the references how their total experience was. If the images are amazing but the customer service is lacking, what was it that bothered that couple and bring it up to your photographer. Ask them how they can do better. Everyone is growing and learning everyday, so don’t just write them off if you get a negative review. Remember, lots of personalities are in the mix, but trust your judgement.

Good luck and set your photography appointment now!

Behind the Scenes

2009 August 1
by kimberlybrooke

*disclaimer* I hate posting to this blog right now because it is the lame basic WordPress template. The unbelieveable new blog is coming next week, so instead of posting recent weddings here, I am posting this look behind the scenes of last weekend’s wedding.

Sometimes when photographers shoot together, we shoot each other. Um, this is a post about that. Now, let me just say that I love the photographers I get to shoot with. Normally with a second shooter we could only get photos of each other and not together, but one weekend my sister Rebecca was with us. Adding that third element lends the day to plain silliness and her being able to capture it! Julia MacInnis is so fun! Enjoy. Some photos have comments beneath on what the heck was going on.

DC Photog Shootout

2009 July 1

Yesterday I met up with a ton of DC area Photographers for a local shootout. Noah Hayes put up an awesome stop motion video from the day… VERY fun. Check it out:

www.noahhayesphoto.com

Noah is great – lots of fun and a gear geek! He knows his stuff. We taught the lighting/off camera flash sessions. It was great to see everyone GET it and get excited about making all light “available” to them :)

I didn’t really shoot at all. I think I took 5 photos…. will get them up here later. I can also post the info Noah and I talked about to the facebook group :)

And if you didn’t get a chance to talk to Kyle from Eden Edit – here is his site: www.edenedit.com

Meet Kari { s t u d i o m a n a g e r }

2009 June 8

Some of you may know that I am not the most organized person. I try to be. I want to be. It just doesn’t happen. I like to blame it on my creative side, but to be honest, I LOVE being a photographer, and sort of like being a business woman. I finally wised up and stopped complaining about all the business side that I have to handle and hired someone to do it! Meet Kari Smith! Kari is already proving to be the smartest business decision I have made :) Some of my clients have already talked with Kari, but for those of you who haven’t, here is a little interview for you.

KimberlyBrooke_KariSmith
Kari Smith

Where are you from originally? Scotia, NY  (Upstate NY) (Kim’s note: yes, she has a little upstate accent!)

Where do you live now? Taneytown, MD

Family life? Husband and kids? A wonderful husband, Dan, and five children, Addison (2), Karalyn (8), Hannah (10), Amanda (16), and Nathan (19) (Kim’s note: Amanda and Nathan are Kari’s step children, she’s not that old :) !)

Education:  Bachelor of Science in Health & Wellness from State University of New York College at Buffalo

Favorite book: Bible

Favorite ice cream flavor: Cookies and Cream

Favorite movie: The Notebook

If you had a day to yourself you would… Catch up on my family photo albums!

Favorite quote or verse “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”  – Philippians 4:15

Why work for a photographer? I have always LOVED the way a photograph can tell a story and bring you right back to a moment in time.  I have been known to have my camera with me at all times capturing memories.  I am greatly looking forward to working with Kim and her incredible talent!  It is nice to work for someone and something I really believe in!

What skills do you bring to the table? I have been running a very busy household for the past 10+ years being a stay at home mom while also working several small jobs from home.   I plan to bring organization, hard work, creativity, enthusiasm and a smile to work with me every day!  
(Kim’s note: Kari failed to mention all the volunteer work she has managed to balance within all of this!)

What are you looking forward to as new studio manager? I am looking forward to helping the studio/office run smoothly behind the scenes of Kimberly Brooke Photography.  Kim has an amazing gift in her talent with photography.  I hope to free her up from some of the office tasks that come with running a business so that she can focus on her artistic gift of photography.

Anything else you want to add? It is an honor and a privilege to be working for Kimberly Brooke Photography.  I genuinely look forward to working with you all as you capture your precious memories!

In the future you will be seeing more of Kari and possibly hearing more from her as well :) Leave her some comments to say hello and welcome.  Off to work!

Headed to the OBX, Vendor Interview, & more

2009 June 5

I have never wanted to be at the beach so badly. I just need a day to chill in the sun before today’’s Outer Banks wedding. My Kimberlybrooke.com site was hacked and the malware has created a warning for some folks. So clients are telling me they can’t view my site. Not good – especially after I put an ad in the FSK newspaper for { J u s t M e } Senior Sessions.  I stayed up all night Tuesday scrubbing my site and local machine. No fun. But the new look for this blog is coming soon!! Can’t wait!!

But the Facebook fanpage is alive and well. I also prepped images for editing. I can’t wait to show you the past 4 weddings, maybe I’ll post teasers of those weddings over there.

KimberlyBrookePhoto-0254
This past weekend I shot Drew  & Tara’s wedding. Evan of www.MyDeeJay.com was the fabulous Master of Ceremonies. We had a blast. He just launched a new blog that will be a great resource for brides and he asked me to be his first vendor interview.  Evan is awesome and will make your party one to remember. Please go visit his blog and leave him some comments! Subscribe to get all the updates!

http://www.mydeejay.com/blog

Also – some of you have asked why I haven’t been updating our family blog… I am back at it – only with photos and camera phone updates for now :)  www.thegreenfam.org

-Kim

Jesse & Laura { e n g a g e d }

2009 May 18

Jesse and Laura are getting married next month at the beach – Corolla to be exact.  So we wanted to shoot their engagement session at the beach… but here in Maryland, that would be a 3 hour drive, so we settled for Sandy Point State Park. I had not been there in 10 years and Jesse and Laura had never been there, even though they suggested it. And while is was a little windy, this place did not disappoint. We had so many locations to shoot in. It was an awesome time. We had a lot of fun and I know I am going to have a gorgeous couple to shoot on the beach in less than a month! Congrats Jesse & Laura! Scroll down to see more pics.

Poor neglected blog…

2009 May 15
by kimberlybrooke

So this blog is getting a facelift. Soon! So in the meantime, instead of posting a bunch of sessions/weddings on this old girl, I am going to give you some teasers and make you wait :) I’ve been really busy- lots of weddings, portrait sessions, furbabies, a learning party, new studio manager, new editor, new album designer, lots of management stuff and trying to be a family girl first! (scroll beneath first photo to see more – part of the reason for the face lift is this messed up gallery feature)

Personal Post: Pete’s Sermons online

2009 May 12
by kimberlybrooke

I know I normally keep posts to photography, but I just wanted to let you know that my husband Pete’s sermons are online in video format. His whole Colossians series is online!

www.vimeo.com/utown – any sermon titled “How Then Shall We Live” is Pete’s. His more recent stuff on The Armor of God – The Warrior’s Closet is also there.

Tim Webster, our lead pastor, also has his sermons online :) Whoo hoo! The titling of the videos have numbers in the front – it is YRMODA (2 digit year, 2 digit month 2 digit day) so, hope that doesn’t confuse you.

Sarah { b a b y f e v e r } Baltimore newborn photography

2009 April 30

I love the smell of newborns. They are perfect – not tainted by the world yet. So shooting Sarah was much fun! In fact, her session kicked off a barage of little ones! The twins are coming and so is Baby Jeremy. Here are my favorites from the Schaeffer session. (The knit baby wrap/cocoon is from Lisa @ www.creativleimade.com )

Learning Party { p h o t o s }

2009 April 12
by kimberlybrooke

The first Learning Party was a success! Even with a projector failure the night before, we pulled it off! The lovely ladies who joined us a few Saturdays ago couldn’t have been better! I had 3 of my past brides in attendance, new friends and old friends, ladies of all ages and skill sets. It was a great day. I forgot how much I truly love teaching!! The food from Papa Joe’s couldn’t have been better. If you live in the Westminster area you have to check them out! My sister grabbed a few shots of the day and I will post the headshots here (ladies – a higher res version will come to you in email). All the images shot that day will be combined into a learning party group on flickr too.

So when is the next one? I’m glad you asked!

April 24 5-11pm

click here for more info

Here is what some of the girls had to say:

I always, always shot on automatic. I had no idea what the settings on my camera dial were for and never bothered reading my manual. I actually plan on sitting down with my manual and scanning it with my camera in hand to learn more. The knowledge I gained at the workshop has made me hungry to learn more and I only have a point and shoot camera. I‘m still not confident in shooting in manual mode, but maybe that will come with time. I used my camera the rest of the weekend at a birthday party & later visiting our friends new baby & I did NOT shoot once in automatic. Im going to get better with time and I can’t thank you enough!

-Annette

Kim is not only a great photographer, but she is also a great teacher! She has a way of explaing things that is easy to understand and really sinks in. I love the fact that nothing is a stupid question and she really wants everyone to learn. Her Learning Party was a lot of fun and it was like hanging out with your friend! Anyone interested in taking better pictures of their kids should definitely attend!

-Sara

I feel so much more confident with my camera now that I have attended Kimberly’s learning party! I am now venturing to ‘manual’ mode more often and although I don’t get all the shots, it’s really fun to start to learn how to put it all together! A wonderful, casual atmosphere where I didn’t feel afraid to ask or embarrassed for my mistakes behind the lens! I can’t wait to attend a part 2!!!

-Beth

2009 March 17

Join us on Saturday March 28 for a fun day of learning and shooting.

We’ve all been there. We get the great camera and shoot on auto forever. We think our shots will be different, but they’re not. Seriously? Do we really think the equipment we have will miraculously improve our photography? That’s like jumping into a professional race car and expecting to win the race. The driver has to know what he’s doing or you’ll get a 5 car pileup on the backstretch. (Yes, Pete is proud of my Nascar analogy)

So what are you going to do about it? The manual is too daunting and trial and error is time consuming. Why not learn with a bunch of girlfriends from someone who loves to teach?

Join me for the first I Shoot My Kids { l e a r n i n g   p a r t y } on Saturday March 28 from 10-4pm.

(Can’t make this date? Scroll to the bottom for more options)

Come with ready to learn with your camera and a laptop (if you have one).

In the morning we’ll cover the following:

  • Eye Candy – how to train your eye and learn composition
  • Let’s get digital – understanding the digital era
  • Rules & when to break them
  • Getting Exposed – command respect with your understanding of ISO, aperture and shutter speed
  • Camera Settings – what works and why

After we break for lunch from Papa Joe’s (yum!) :

  • Live Shoot – learn by doing
  • Image review – hit us with your best shot
  • Post Processing – really getting those images OUT of your camera and into your life
  • Q & A and group discussion

What will I leave with?

  • Free headshot of yourself
  • 50% off a Just Us Session with Kimberly Brooke Photography
  • I Shoot My Kids Handbook
  • You could win some awesome door prizes!

Learning Party Early Bird Rate: $61.50 until midnight Saturday 3/21

Learning Party Regular Rate:$76.88

Only 20 spots available!

Questions? info@ishootmykids.com

If you can’t join us on Mar 28, be a party hostess!
Earn your attendee ticket by helping organize an I Shoot My Kids { l e a r n i n g  p a r t y } for your friends!

“Transform” by Zack Arias

2009 February 20
by kimberlybrooke

When people put a voice to your thoughts, it is powerful. It resonates. It rings true.

Zack Arias: thank you.

http://www.zarias.com/?p=284

(this is still a free wordpress site, so until the new blog goes live, i can’t embed the video… check out the link)

Vegas… this time with friends.

2009 February 15
by kimberlybrooke

I have been to Vegas twice. Once in (fall 04?)with Pete when we were being recruited to help plant a church in Vegas – a whole ‘nother story. And the other time to WPPI in 2006. Wedding and Portrait Photographers International is a huge organization for us photogs. and their annual convention is MASSIVE. But my experience the first time was, eh. I loved having Pete with me and my sister and bro-in-law even came out and stayed the weekend. I loved the classes and tradeshow and certainly came home with renewed energy and ideas, but I felt like an outsider. At that point, I had been in the industry already for 5 years, and yet I felt like I knew no one.

This year will be so different. I will be doing WPPI Sunday thru Thurs with some amazing gals I met last Feb at a workshop {Kelly, Sarah, Tania, Kate, Caroline, Candi, April}. Start stalking their blogs now. I am also glad to be hooking up with some other local friends from the MD/DC/VA area {Julia, Shelby, Armin}. I am excited to take all the classes and have people to process it with right there on the spot.

Needless to say, I will not be in my studio all of next week. I will have my Crackberry and internet in my hotel room, but I don’t see myself having much time – our schedule is packed. If you are going to WPPI and want to connect, you can follow me on twitter: www.twitter.com/kimberlybrooke

I hate the statement “follow me on twitter.” It just seems so self-absorbed. I just set up my account and will be using it to keep connecting easy. Don’t think I’ve gotten self-inflated!

I’m staying at the MGM Grand. Hosting a prayer meetup (check twitter or facebook for updates on when and where).

See you there or when I get back!

Been silent for a while…

2009 February 3
by kimberlybrooke

I know I have been silent on this blog for a while. Actually, I am preparing lots of new things for this year – one of which is a whole new blog design (which is currently being worked out). In the meantime, I got an exciting email today! I won an award from Wedding Wire!

2009 Bride's Choice Awards presented by WeddingWire | Wedding Cakes, Wedding Venues, Wedding Photographers & More

WeddingWire, the nation’s leading wedding technology company, just announced that Kimberly Brooke Photography has won the 2009 Bride’s Choice Awards™!

In its inaugural year, the Bride’s Choice Awards recognizes and honors vendors from the WeddingWire Network that demonstrate excellent quality of service, responsiveness, professionalism, value of cost and flexibility. This year’s recipients represent the top three percent of WeddingWire’s vendor community, which includes over 100,000 wedding vendors from across the US. That means Kimberly Brooke Photography is one of the very best wedding photographers.

Unlike other awards in which winners are selected by the company, the Bride’s Choice Awards are determined exclusively by recent newlyweds through surveys and reviews.

“We are excited to launch this annual award program to honor high-performing vendors based solely on the experiences of our WeddingWire community,” according to Timothy Chi, WeddingWire’s Chief Executive Officer. “This year’s recipients have set the bar high, exhibiting excellent service and expertise in the wedding industry.”

I want to thank our past clients for speaking on my behalf and helping me win the 2009 Bride’s Choice Award!

Luke & Amanda { m a r r i e d }

2008 December 11
by kimberlybrooke

lukeamandawedding

Remember Luke and Amanda from their dodgeball-couch-jumping-roll-down-the-hill engagement session? I knew that shooting their wedding would be loaded with the same fun and excitement. Amanda was radiant getting ready at her parents’ home in Northern Virginia. Surrounded by her bridesmaids you could feel the mood being set for a perfect day. Following a lovely ceremony at their family church, we were off to The Reagan Building in DC. I was able to grab some shots of the couple together on the streets of DC (including the infamous suicide shot on Pennsylvania Ave with the Capitol behind) and then we made our way inside to the reception held in the rotunda. What a place to party! Luke and Amanda enjoyed their first dance in the spotlight as guests looked on from all sides of the uniquely circular room. The reception was full of great music and dancing, emotion and laughter and lots of love. It is clear that this couple will forge a lifetime of happiness. Check out somegreat moments from their day in the slideshow!

Click here to view Luke & Amanda’s Slideshow in a new window

Click here to view all of their images at Pictage.com

-Kim

Christy & Rickie { m a r r i e d }

2008 December 3
by kimberlybrooke

christyrickie

I met Christy last year at Ed & Erica’s wedding (where I also met Beth & Brycen). I was thrilled when she hired me to photograph her York, PA wedding on October 4, 2008. Christy chose a rockin navy blue with hot pinks as her color theme and wouldn’t you know it – there was a building with a huge blue wall right behind the church… how perfect!  Rickie’s nephew was hilarious during the ceremony. He kept putting his finger in his mouth like he was gagging at all the romance, but turns out he was trying to tell his mother he was hungry. He was a character! York is an amazing old town full of textuer and cool spots to shoot. And man could this crowd dance! They danced the ENTIRE night! The whole day was a blast and Christy and Rickie seemed to enjoy every minute! You can see more of those photos in the slideshow. I also included some shots from Pete Redel who second shot this wedding with me. Congratulations you two and thanks for being patient for this blog post!

View all images on Pictage.com

View Slideshow

Modern Photographers

2008 November 29
by kimberlybrooke

I have been a member of PPA and WPPI for years, but anyone can join those professional associations…Mark Erik of Trash the Dress fame has created an elite referral network called Modern Photographers that you have to be accepted into. I am glad to announce that I am one of the first founding members in Maryland! As a founding member, I will be able to vote on new members. Pretty cool.

modernphotographers Here are some of the requirements to be accepted into membership:

  1. Portfolio review based on technical skill, creativity, and professionalism.
    (thank goodness someone has half a brain to require some technical skill as a req!!!)
  2. Active blog displaying recent work.
    (even though I am way behind!)
  3. Good reputation within your community, as well as the photographic community.
    (the cool thing about Modern Photographers is that it is already a close network where sharing information is valued)
  4. Backup equipment
    (seriously? do real photogs not have this?)
  5. Appropriate business and tax licenses
    (and yes – I am an S Corp. with all tax licenses and insurances – PRO baby!)

Scott & Melissa { m a r r i e d }

2008 November 21

As a wedding photographer in Maryland, there is no greater fun than shooting at the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club. Everywhere you turn around is another beautiful location! The Bay, the Bridge, the architecture of the place – it is all a photographer’s dream. Having a staff that is amazingly helpful and a coordinator (Erin James) who is even better? Really – this place rocks. Scott and Melissa have good taste. Their day was absolutely stunning. The weather was pleasant, the light was perfect and the bride and groom had a blast. It’s nice to see couples really enjoy their wedding and not fretting over all of the details. As an added bonus, Kathy Freundel 2nd shot for me and we had a great time (Kathy rocked an amazing slideshow in like 20 minutes!). The only mishap in this day was mine. Blue Sky Films did the video (love them) and as I was setting my shot for the cake cutting, I stepped back to get a wider shot and FELL right over one of the videographers. I will not embarrass her by naming her here, because it wasn’t her fault either. I can still hear a drunk groomsmen yelling, “Photographer down!” Mortified, I jumped to my feet, smiled, laughed and told them to cut the cake and kept shooting. Well, I’ve had my first hugely embarassing fall. Of course it did not happen while no one was looking, or at a moment when I was hiddn by others. No, this fall happened in the middle of the dance floor while all guests were standing in a circle surrounding the cake table. Nice. We all laughed it off and no gear got hurt.

Thanks, Scott and Melissa for including me in your awesome day!

-Kim

Click here to view the slideshow and scroll beneath all images to get link to ALL the wedding photos.

 

ALL photos for viewing or printing: www.pictage.com/585774

 

A blog post that made me think

2008 November 18
by kimberlybrooke

It is not a profound blog post that I just read, but one that made me stop and think. It took me less than a minute to read it. It is short and to the point. If you have kids and you think you are making Christmas an awesome memory for them… read this.

-Kim

What you can learn from a wind storm or How to avoid burnout

2008 November 17
by kimberlybrooke

Upcoming blog posts:

Sometimes I wonder if the pace of life will ever slow down. I look at my boys and realized they are HUGE and growing so fast… I just don’t want to miss it for the pursuit of photography. Don’t worry, no big announcements of closing my doors or anything like that… just a bit of restructuring.

I am listening to a huge cold front coming in. The wind is ratting our 100 year old windows and I can hear the bristling of leaves whipping around and falling to the ground. It has give me a perfect picture of where I am right now. Change is blowin’ in, baby! For the past 7 years I have prided myself on being a one-woman-shop. I loved doing EVERYTHING involved in my business. But now that my family life looks different, I realized that lately some of that EVERYTHING was no longer a joy and that I was never truly good at it anyway. Plus, a healthy dose of admission that I have some control freak tendencies has truly freed me to make some changes.

My sister Rebecca has already been editing for Kimberly Brooke Photography. She may have edited your portraits or built your lovely Brag Book or Signature Book. I am so grateful for her eye and ability to objectively approach images that I have shot. She has been an immense help in picking the best of the best to display for my clients. While I love editing, I don’t love the time it requires or the burden I feel when I am the holdup for a client, so that is one thing I can finally check off my list with full trust in her talents.

Editing – check. What I needed next was someone to help with my books. Oh, how my account loves me :) I am the worst client ever!!! My good friend Kari brought me up to speed and sorted through my Quickbooks. I have no love for accounting or numbers or any of that business stuff… but OOPS – I need these things in order so I can sleep at night!

For a long time I have dreamed of having an assistant. Not just someone to hold a light or carry gear – I mean a true assistant who believes in what I am doing and wants to see this business grow and prosper as much as I do. I have had that in Pete for a long time. He has always been a huge supporter of my photography. He has hauled equipment, second shot for me, held lights and reflectors and renovated a studio for me! But, he is in full time ministry and his roles at church are changing. We haven’t been able to be involved in each others “stuff” as closely as before. So, after 2 years of him not being my sidekick, I have really started to long for someone to fill that void…

One day as we were driving someplace, Pete and I were talking specifically about this new place we are in. I don’t do youth or young adults ministry with him anymore because I don’t want to be out any more from the boys than I have to. He doesn’t shoot weddings, assist on portraits or go to fun networking events like he used to for the same reasons. I said, “I just need to find the perfect… the perfect client concierge.”

We sat in silence for a moment and he said, “Let’s pray right now that God would reveal who that is.” So he did. And God did. A moment later Pete dropped a name. A name that fell out of the sky and made me so giddy I couldn’t stand it! She was perfect! We had to get started right away.

So this is the point where I am supposed to introduce her, but I can’t just yet. I want to grab some awesome shots of her to post along with a little blurb about her so you can get to know her a bit. She is going to be the business brain to Kimberly Brooke Photography so I can still run around with me face behind a camera a bit longer without burning out. Fun things are in store so stay tuned.

-Kim