Along with the new website and logo you might see some new marketing materials with regular offers making their way around and about and this also includes my new bi-monthly newsletter.  My newsletter acts as a way to keep in touch with my clients, friends and people I have met going about my business to share my imagery, stories, business ideas and probably the most important aspect, myself.  Please let me know if you would like to be added to my mailing list if you aren’t already.  To compliment this I’ve also revised and refreshed my photography collections for both weddings and pets to better align with the demand for what products people prefer.

I really hope to make a bit more of a dent in the Melbourne market this year and start generating more business, with a much more focused direction.  I hope to continue to gain your following and support and am hopeful for the future business of Erin King Photographer.

Erin King Photographer Website Screenshot

Wendy (pictured below with dog Cooper) wrote me this message: “Hello Erin, I would once again thank you for your wonderful photos of our dogs, Cooper, Nelly and Tammy. Sadly we had to put Cooper our German Shepherd down this Boxing Day 2011, he was very treasured to us.  Your photos will be a fantastic memory for us to keep forever. He will never be forgotten.  Thank you again.”

You might recall my post about Lauren and her Labrador, Bindii, who had lost a lot of her mobility due to arthritis in her old age, view the full post here.  Bindii was also put down on Boxing day at a grand old age of 17!  Lauren had put a lot of her time and effort into caring for Bindii in her old age and ensuring she still got the chance to live a happy and full life.  Lauren is really passionate about raising the awareness of caring for senior dogs. She believes that limited mobility doesn’t mean limited happiness in life and there’s no reason to cut their lives short if they aren’t in pain.  Lauren and Bindii’s relationship really did touch me and I am truly in awe of the commitment she made to caring for Bindii. Lauren can now take comfort in knowing she did all she possibly could to give Bindii the best life possible.

Lauren says: “I do feel an overwhelming comfort knowing that her beautiful portraits watch over me whilst I sleep – I have you to thank for that.  Another photo is being framed and placed on the cupboard behind where her bed sat.  Your work will provide a gorgeous reminder of Bindii to me and the rest of the family too.”

Trish, Lauren’s sister, provided these kind words: “The photos are a constant reminder of the special bond that Bindii and Lauren shared and we won’t ever stop looking at them. You really did capture Bindii’s personality and the relationship between Bindii and Lauren. Lauren will be forever grateful to you.”

Thanks Wendy, Lauren and Trish for your amazing comments and continual support.  I am very sad and sorry to hear about the passing of your pets. Our pets are part of the family too and I believe they should be remembered as such. Unfortunately they aren’t often with us for long enough but we can preserve their memories and value them in our hearts forever through their photos.

I’ve always been a Canon user but have recently found that I haven’t been 100% happy with the results.  So with a lot of research, talking to other photographers and trying out the gear I decided to make the change and I am happy to say that I am now a Nikon user! So far I am very happy with the user interface and the whole functionality of the camera body, which in my opinion is much easier to use and just makes more sense.  I feel that this is what works better for me, its not a case of one necessarily being better than the other but it’s personal preference.  I treated myself this Christmas and this is now my new kit.  I’m looking forward to a fresh start to the new year with all new equipment and welcoming 2012 with my coming projects of re-branding and refreshing my business model.

Robyn and her husband Tony run our local cafe, ‘Miss Marmalade‘ in Brunswick, where we often indulge ourselves for breakfast and she has been a great support to me and my photography business (it also helps that she just adores Peanut).  Having seen some of my work, she approached me to photograph her daughter Pheobe, which I was immediately thrilled about.  Miss Marmalade is a cafe where yummy mummies, children and pets are always welcomed and they have a very unique to Brunswick menu.  Make sure you check it out sometime and in the meantime here’s some shots of Pheobe.

I always leave these workshops feeling motivated and inspired with so many new business ideas to implement into my work flow. I find attending workshops and seminars a great way to stay current, learn new things and get an insight into what other photographer’s are doing to be successful in their business and photographic methods.  It’s also a great way to meet new people, make new friends and network, network, network.

Many thanks to Nick, Rocco, Sharifa and our beautiful bridal models Kasha and Vic for putting on a very fun and educational event.  Here are some of the images I shot of the set ups throughout the day.

Being a photographer is being an artist and we always need to find ways to “exercise the creative”.  We do this by finding things that inspire and influence us and using these to explore, develop and deliver our originality. By always being “switched on” – aware of our surroundings and situations…SEEING…and how we can represent this through photography – we will be able to define our style, incorporate our personality and as a result stand out from the crowd.  Really makes you think huh?  Thanks to Samm I have some great little tasks to take away with me and do in my own time.  For example (and this is one which would be great for anyone who likes to set goals) 101 images that represent the things in life you want to do or achieve…think inspiration board. Make a collage and print it out and have it framed on your wall.  This will always act as a reminder and will encourage you to do the things you want to do and reward you for what you have done. Plus it’s something fun and challenging – see how long it will take you to get to 101 things.

One key message was, that in doing all these little things (and I say little as they don’t have to be big or complex projects) you will get to know your true self and in turn be true to yourself. You will be encouraged to follow your heart and this will then come through in your imagery.  I must admit I feel so empowered just writing about this, so just imagine what it will feel like to get out and do it.  At the end of the day it’s about ALWAYS shooting, experimenting and pushing yourself to create better imagery.