Summer Sliding..........(and thoughts from my front porch)

My lovely happy front porch....

Okay Peeps-and this is said with heartfelt love for all-

I shoot almost year round-I say almost because let's face it, not much happens in January for anyone, let alone me...and I hibernate...

I primarily do three things really really well-well enough I feel I can say it, although I still pinch myself....I take newborn, senior and am a wedding photographer.

My calendar looks pretty full right now for two reasons:

1) It is

2) I am not sure what my plans are quite yet 6 months from now, because life is happening, I mean literally! I have a senior and a grandbaby on the way. As much as I don't want to miss out on your life-I sure as heck don't want to miss mine!

So please email even if you think I'm full but please keep this in mind-

IF YOU ARE GETTING MARRIED IN THE NEXT 2 YEARS...Weddings slots are few and far between-I have NO WEDDING availability for 2016. Zero. Nada. I have LIMITED for 2017. Those weekends are on my calendar. DON'T WAIT! Small booking deposit=happy bride and happy Pam (I hate saying No). And yes-I have weddings already in 2018....not even kidding!

IF YOU ARE PREGNANT: Book around your due date or within 2 weeks after for the best newborn pictures-Not AFTER BABY IS BORN!! I need those squishy loves about 1-3 weeks old for the best results you have been seeing....if you're baby is already here I may be booked solid and will have to say no which to me is TRAGIC!!! You can't redo those precious moments.....ARGH!!! (Did I mention I HATE saying NO!!??)

This is what a squishy perfect newborn should look like at 2 weeks

Here's another adorable 11 day old-note the ability to both sleep and wake ;)

IF YOU ARE A SENIOR: (and you have know this for a long time now) BOOK!!! Don't wait until September 1 when you return to school and they hand you the little piece of paper saying we need your yearbook photo-because guess what? EVERYONE GETS THAT!!!! I have about 30 spots in the fall. That's 10 per month, 2.5 a week, you get the idea-and keep in mind those other two items I just covered keep happening (Those cute babies and blushing brides) and the leaves fall and families love pictures-how many days are in a month? If I shoot 2 days a week and am booked already for weddings, you see the math here-(Gulp)

So in a shameless plug to beg and ask start planning ahead-don't wait-because as much as it means to you to have me do your pictures-I'm even more disappointed than you if I can't be that one you choose to do them-especially when you ask me!! I have purposely scheduled certain shoots at certain times of the day and year based on what my subject is....and the weather is never on my side-why? Because I am seeing things I have never seen before and I love playing the light-I love making it slow down and get my subjects real personalities as much as I can....If you don't really care about those things, then I am not the photographer for you...I used to think more was better; I can honestly tell you the longer I do this profession the less I am willing to book in a day, a week or a year....because it's sooo important to keep passionate, keep fresh and really do a top notch job for my subjects...I ave never taken it more seriously...

This is the earliest in a year I have ever seen the fall so full...I hear a continual common "complaint" that I am too busy and booked.....well, I am both-so you can avoid that if you simply book early and know I am simply human. I want the quality of my work to remain and that makes me happy, you happy and my family even happier!

Thank you so very much for even thinking of me-you feed me and make exciting opportunities happen for me and my family-and I see amazing people and create amazing memories for YOU!

PS-Anyone interested in mentoring, second shooting or learning what I do? I'm finally ready to look at YOUR resume and work-email me at pamelamorellophotography@gmail.com or stop in if you see my lime green car at the happiest little place in Kimball-My Studio! The time is now!

Here we are in 2016!

Hey everyone!

Having my feet up has given me time to write a blog post (mic drop) I know, I know! It's been a while...

Doing some Math today, getting all my business things in order for that dreaded time of year-TAXES!! So let me tell you exactly how busy and blessed I was this past year-

18 Weddings (Goal of 15)

25 Newborns (and some proud bellies)

50 Seniors (goal of 35)

41 Families

41 Kids, Puppies & Cake Smashes

6 BIG events

5 Team Sports

and an amazing 69 mini sessions!

I don't know about you, but I am sitting here just shocked I did all of this!!?? Thank you for making 2015 my most successful year...I am changing some things as I head into 2016, I will be featuring minis throughout the year ("Monthly Minis") and ending some sessions so I can have a little more me time...I am travelling extensively this year-to Florida for weddings, and Europe for my own daughter's senior pictures....I will be sending out surveys soon so please take some time to fill them out so I can make some decisions where and how to allocate my time.

Balance was better for me in 2015, but not as good as it needs to be, so that is my top priority to keep fresh and creative and keep my passion for photography alive. I am focusing on 3 main areas:

WEDDINGS (already fully booked for 2016, but paring down on the amount of images I take and increasing the artwork I make) having studied under Julie Paisley of Nashville this past year, I feel I Have kicked it up a notch or two...and I wanna keep on kicking!! 

NEWBORNS/CAKESMASHES I think this is where I have grown the most, and will be seeking out some mentoring from Jennifer Nace of the twin cities, who's work I am IN LOVE with! Raising the bar, I hope to be on par with the best newborns photographers in a year or two. This means styling shoots and creating some serious magic! 

SENIORS My first love, and reason for beginning, although this year is extra special, I began when my oldest was a senior, and now my middle daughter is a senior, I can't wait to do her pictures in ROME, Italy this June. That's right! 

I will continue to strive for balance in everything I do. Having my foot surgery and working on some serious weight loss are just the beginning of embracing a much needed overhaul on a very tired body.

Rumor Mill & Question Control:

"Are you quitting doing weddings?" I heard that a few times this year....Um...NO...I love weddings. I am however, booked for 2016. If you are getting hitched in 2017, call me SOON!! (Here's the REAL funny part...I was asked this while I was shooting a wedding!! LOL)

"Are you not taking new families?" No, I announced last year I was not, BUT I had families I had refer people, and I have had a hard time saying no....I will be firm on this. I will also be firm on a deposit for family sessions. I'm delighted to refer you to other area talent! There's more than enough to go around. I prefer to see those that have been with me from the get go-they are MY family.

"I heard you don't have a studio anymore" Fact-I have the same studio I have always had at 5532 US Hwy 2 Kimball, WI. I might have to expand, but at this time, I am happy where I am. I moved "home" last winter, but it wasn't in the best interest of my family or my customers.

"Are you hiring?" Yes! I am hiring a studio assistant, an administrative assistant and an accountant. Obviously, these are very part time for now, but my hope is to make some time for the next "rumor"....I have filled one of these positions already, and am training my 14 & 16 year old daughters to help me out with some things...I will not be advertising just yet, if at all. I am going to have a second shooter/wedding assistant for some weddings.

"what kind of camera do you use?" I use a DSLR Sony A58, I have two bodies, 8 lenses and multiple filters for them. I am moving into my first full frame this year, I am torn between moving over to Cannon 7D or a Sony A7. To be married to a brand for so long, financially, to move into a new line is super spendy, but I do like both Cannon and Sony. There is not an all perfect DSLR.

If you're an amateur who enjoys taking pictures and playing with lenses, you should invest in a Cannon, Sony or Nikon DSLR. I will be offering classes and workshops and mentoring this year-that's the main reasons I am hiring some help! Remember, the camera doesn't make the picture-YOU DO! Kinda like saying "Gee, your cake is delicious, you must have a great OVEN!"

"Will you ever teach classes?" Heck yeah! (Read above) and I have, but not this past year as I ran out of time in the very busy fall season. This year, I am doing teaching workshops for out in the field, an internships for each of my key areas, and an editing one. I'm really excited!!

"Why the new logos and colors?" Artisitc people get real bored with the same old same old...and I haven't changed things for 2 years! I have been known for the zippy little cute lime green everything, right down to my car, but this is a reflection of change, growth and the fact I made this logo myself in photoshop is a testimony to how far I've come artistically. I love the colors, the fonts, everything about it. I love the antlers (because I'm a bit Northwoods Gal) and the gold glitter (I'm also big city flashy) and all the elements of nature-flowers, mason jars, birds and more...PMP stands for Pamela Morello Photography, and because it's a bit of a mouthful, and I'm bringing more people on board, it is reflecting the fact my company is just that-A REAL Company...not just me....

So there you have it, I hope you all have a great new year and enjoy this time of reflection and rebirth in everything around you. Back to working on refreshing my logo, brand, and website!

HUGS!!

Pam

Fall 2015

Gearing up for the Fall season!

Was just realizing today, only so many open weekends until Christmas!! OMG...there's never enough time in the photo world for every little idea, mini shoot or family that wants that picture perfect fall drive photo shoot with just the right amount of golden light, perfect red in the maple leaves and acorns scattered perfectly. That time is actually about 10 days of peak, and odds are, IF there is no rain and scheduling allows that means less than a dozen sessions will get "That look"! No pressure!

I looked at the bookings I had in September a few weeks back and thought, "oh wow, not as many as last year, I might get to do apple fest or one of my concept shoots??" Then it happens....the fairs come and seniors get their letters about senior picture deadlines in the mail, you spot Christmas decorations in hobby lobby and the first leaf falls to greet you on your doorstep one morning. As you open to crisper air than you remember in a long time....

The PANIC sets In....

In a three day period, I got not a dozen but 42 requests via Facebook, texting, voicemail, email and my online booking calendar! So after a little juggling and shuffling, I have manged to fill the 30 some senior slots I have for this short 8 week stretch of the best light and weather before things change and deadlines begin. I also have reached my halfway point for weddings in the year. 9 behind me, 7 left! I am feet up today, as days completely off are so few and far between, pug cuddling and feet on ice from a great but LONG wedding the day prior. All in the name of photography!!

I also always wonder (3rd fall in a row actually) about this time, do I hire an intern? A studio assistant? Hmmmm....I sure could use the help, and if feel often overwhelmed because fall is my Macys christmastime, I work long days, and have a million irons in the fire. It's exhausting. By December 15, I watch it literally come to a screeching halt. That's when I usually take a solid month or more OFF (except those cute little newborns who can't keep)....I know the light is coming, I just have to hang in there. 

So to hire someone seems like a horrid idea when I have to let them go so soon, I have my daughters at a an age where my 16 years old is learning how to help me edit, and my 14 year old is starting to come shoot basic detail shots at weddings for me. It's a family affair, but alas, school is starting. I seriously think I may cave in this year and hire a temporary helper to get me through to December.....if you read this far, maybe you're just crazy enough to work for me? Drop me a line......;)

I also am thinking ahead, I have a Florida wedding in June 2016, and also a trip to chaperone with my daughters Spanish class to Spain and maybe even ROME! (Insert screams of delight here) and also the fact that the same daughter will be a senior needing her pictures taken about this time next summer.....OHMERGAWD.....

So this is my life in a nutshell.

Reminding you my studio is where it was last year, 5532 W US HWY 2 in Kimball. If you know where Stoffels Country Store is, it's a few doors past that! My website is www.pamelamorellophotogrpaphy.com and the BEST way to book an appointment, I might add I'm booking late October now, weekends starting November 14 as of this blog, and I am also on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, wedding wire, twitter and just about any other thing you can imagine. 

Have a great Fall y'all! Bring on pumpkin spice everything!