I'm going through this transition from full-time employee to all-time freelancer. It's not a lonely journey thanks to the help and support of some really good friends.
My homegirl, Kelly, of Kelly Blue Yoga, took me to dinner to explain the ends and outs of business record keeping. Now I have my very own big ass binder that I plan to fill with important business info in the new year. Hana, who survived a similar situation, gave me a lot of useful tips for staying sane and is one of my biggest champions. Nache of Creative Route is a web developer and graphic designer who not only allowed me to photograph her wedding, but also stayed on the phone with me for two hours while talking me through the development of a good website. Thanks to her persistnace (and bossiness!) my new site will be up & running by January 6th! I'll keep ou posted on the development. Last but not least, my diva friend Wendy is making big moves in the make-up world. We plan to collaborate on several projects in 2009. I encouraged her to sign up for a blog today because she has tons of great info to share about being fierce! So when that's up, I'll share.
I just want to show gratitude for their help & support.
i have some great friends!
miss bria's head shots
My friends Kelly and Hana passed my holiday promotion flier to their coworker Kim, and she brought her beautiful daughter, Bria to my studio for some headshots. Here's one of the photos from the session and I'm working on more. Isn't she a cutey patootey?
my last days at urbanite
Wouldn't you know it? As soon as I landed my first cover, I was downsized due to the economic turmoil. Initially I was shocked, but I had the weekend to mellow out and begin my personal economic bailout plan. While working on my plan I decided to write these Ground Rules for My Last Days at Urbanite to send to my coworkers. These rules apply to my family and friends as well.
Read carefully and avoid the following:
- There will be absolutely no crying or looking at me with those big sad eyes. The first person who cries will be punched in the nose.
- Please don't stop by my desk offering apologies. It's not your fault and it's not Urbanite's fault; but if you offer an apology, I will hold you personally accountable (and punch you in the nose).
- Do not feel sorry for me. Feeling sorry for me implies that you don't believe I have the skills, determination or talent to make lemonade from this situation. The offender will probably be punched in the nose.
- Do not attempt to hug me or pat me on the shoulder. These acts will make me feel like you're feeling sorry for me, and you know how I feel about that.
- And the most important rule-There will be absolutely no going away parties. I appreciate the sentiment but I find them extremely uncomfortable and depressing. And when I get depressed, I usually punch people in the nose.
- Subscribe to my blog, read a few posts and leave comments. http://lakayephotography.blogspot.com. Comments are awesome and they make me feel like you care.
- Hire me! I would love to continue to shoot for the magazine. I especially love to shoot the food reviews cuz they come with free food! Also, did you know that I shoot family portraits? For those of you daring enough, I also shoot boudoir. Read more about my holiday specials here:
http://lakayephotography.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-portrait-special.html. - Help me market my business. I have a stack of fliers, business cards and resumes at the front desk. Chat me up to your friends with babies or who are getting married. Sing my praises to your jewelry-making, art gallery owning, clothing & accessories designing, small-business-owning friends. Casually mention me in your conversations to your industry contacts. Tell your clients their photos suck and they should hire me to shoot instead. (just kidding about that last one...maybe)
- Become a fan of my Facebook business page.
- Invite me over for dinner.
- Write a testimonial for me on Flickr or write a recommendation for me on LinkedIn.
- Offer words of wisdom. If you've started a business or survived hard economic times, please offer your advice.
- Stay in touch. After the end of the month, you can reach me by email at lakayem@gmail.com.
Your pal,
La Kaye
my first urbanite cover
For those of you who don't know, I work full-time for Urbanite Magazine, a Baltimore-based publication. I've been here for some time and I've been a staff photographer for about a year. As my skills have improved, I've had the opportunity to shoot more often and better subjects.
I shot the images for the feature in the December issue, and they decided to use a few of the images to design the cover. While I don't think these represent my best work, I'm very proud to have finally made the cover.
If you'd like to see more images or to read the article, visit: http://www.urbanitebaltimore.com/sub.cfm?issueID=67§ionID=4&articleID=1109.
December 2008 Pricelist
Head Shots/Profile Photos
- Suitable for 1 individual
- Up to 2 outfits
- In studio
- Convenient online proofing
- $65 (prints sold separately)
- Perfect for when you just need a few prints
- Up to 2 hours in studio, on location or in your home
- Convenient online proofing
- $65 (prints sold separately)
- Perfect for large groups who need lots of prints
- Up to 2 hours in studio, on location or in your home
- Includes $150 towards your print purchase
- No more fighting over prints!
- Convenient online proofing
- $250
- Discreet, professional photo session perfect for a special gift
- 2 hours in studio, on location or in your home
- Professional make-up artist
- Cd or online proofing
- $115 (prints sold separately)
- Includes both hi-res printable images and lo-res web images
- Convenient online viewing for your party guests
- $65 per hour
- 4x6-$5
- 5x7-$10
- Wallets(8)-$12
- 8x12/8x10-$20
- 10x15-$35
- Larger sizes available, please ask for a detailed quote.
*All portrait options include a lo-res, watermarked cd containing all the best images. These are perfect for your MySpace, Facebook, Linked In or dating website pages.
**Please contact me or leave a comment if you would like to book.
unique holiday portraits in your own home!
This holiday season you may be considering gathering your family to take family portraits at the nearest mall. But, did you know you can hire a high-quality photographer to come to your home?
Imagine you, your family and your closest friends relaxed near the fireplace or gathered around the Christmas tree; I'll be there to capture the treasured moments you can't duplicate at the mall. Your customized portrait session will include photographs in your own environment and convenient online proofing. Plus, you choose and order any final portraits you desire, including wallet bundles and other special products. I also have a fully equipped studio if you would prefer to do your session off site.
Portrait sessions start at $50. Take $25 off with this flier. Prices and availability are listed on http://lakayephotography.
Save yourself a trip to the mall! Contact me at 410-261-3200 or lakayem@gmail.com to secure your spot today!
