B. Photography Studio

Happy Spring to Me :)

2010-04-29T10:46:00.000-07:00

After a three year love affair with my Canon Rebel, I am upgrading! I love my Rebel and have done a lot of work with it, but it seems to be the right time to upgrade. My Rebel has some clitches but I'm not ready to part ways with it yet, as it was my first "professional camera" if you will. I contacted Canon and they said they can fix the error that keeps poping up so I figure for the small amount that it will cost for the repair, I will keep it for back up, it never hurts! So here they are, (1,2) are the Rebel and (3,4,5) the Canon 7D! :) I have fallin' in Love :)

Rebel-

My new baby- 7D-

All I keep thinking about is the quote from Christmas Vacation, "She's a beaut Clark" I can't wait to start shooting with it!!

HB

Family Affair

2010-04-28T21:28:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday I got a peek into an amazing family. They have a yearly celebration with the whole family, I'm talking aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, you name it they were there, and some even have to travel to get to Iowa for this. After you hear that you just think "wow, what a cool family," and they are. They do this get together once a year and they go to different houses that had different themes, and eat different foods at each place, and just make a night of it! I only stayed for the beginning of the night to get some family portraits and some candid shots. The house I was at was a Japanese theme, pretty cool since I took Japanese in high school. It was an all round wonderful session, but the best part of the night was knowing that they were celebrating being with each other. I got an email asking me if I could do this, being that it may be the last time they are all together as a family, she went on to explain their aunt has cancer, I knew right then, "of course" I wanted to do this. Not just because it was another family session but because the reason for me wanting to have my own studio is to be able to give back to my customers, and my community. I have taken part of my profit and donated it to her cause. Together, we can find a cure for all the cancers out there. When you book your session, if there is a cause you feel strongly about helping please let me know, I am more than happy to make a donation with my profit. Take a look at some of the shots of this family enjoying the day together!

H. Buchholz

Candid

2010-04-14T20:28:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I had the opportunity of being a part of a friends wedding. I was a bridesmaid, as well as taking photos when her photographers showed up two hours later than they said they would. It all worked out great, I was ready for the day, and the Bride was being pampered so I took some candid shots of her getting her hair and make up done, as well as when she got her gift from her soon to be husband! It was a wonderful morning indeed, there wasn't a cloud in the sky and it was a warm Spring day! It was a great day for a wedding!

1st Maternity Session

2010-04-06T11:21:00.000-07:00

I did my first maternity session on Saturday, I was very nervous even though I did a lot of research on tips, and looking through other photographers images, and reading blogs and articles from other photographers. Once I got there and took the first shot I was relaxed and ready for the rest of the session, I tried a lot of different angles and poses. I had a lot of fun talking with the soon to be mommy. She looks great, and I'm very excited for them to welcome their first little one to their family, Cole will be here by the end of their month, so send blessings their way!

First Amazing Week of Spring!

2010-04-01T19:43:00.001-07:00

What an amazing week we have had here in Iowa, the weather has been so NICE! It's a great start to the Spring which brings fresh beginnings! I watch a little girl twice a week so her mom can teach a workout class for some of the teachers at the Elementary school just a few blocks away. She is almost two and is just a doll, with a great personality starting to get her own little attitude :). We played outside all afternoon with the dog Buddie. With it being such a beautiful day out I couldn't help but get some shots of her and Buddie playing together.

Become a 2011 Senior Representative

2010-03-31T09:40:00.000-07:00

Looking for a way to save on your senior photos but still want the best quality? Here is an idea for you, become a 2011 Senior Rep. for your school, no application to fill out no long interview process, and you still get to make the calls on what you wear and where the shoot is held. Here is what you get from the Representative Session.

*Free Session *20% off prints if session is held in August *15% off prints if session is held in September *10 Free facebook images *$10 for every PAID Senior session with a purchase of $300 worth of prints.

All you have to do is fill out the form so I know who you are, find the clothes you want to wear, get ready to have some fun, let me use your best images for mailers/promotions, and tell your friends about B. Photography. If you have any questions please feel free to email me, bphotographystudio_Hollie@yahoo.com

HB

Imma be, Imma, Imma, Imma be a SENIOR!!

2010-03-26T06:21:00.001-07:00

I have uploaded three senior photos to the website as well as the facebook fan page. I officially have the senior packages listed. I have a great program for Seniors who will be graduating in May 2010 if you haven't gotten your pictures or if you need some announcements.

COMING SOON!! Senior Representive- Are you a Senior? Would you like a great deal or your senior photos? Would you like to make a little bit of extra cash just for showing off your senior photos? This deal might be just what you are looking for!

UPDATES!!!

2010-03-23T12:20:00.000-07:00

WOW, there is sooo much going with B. Photography today! There are tons of new updates to the website. The Rates/Services page now has packages for all photo sessions I offer. I also noted that I do custom packages for clients, because we all know everyone has their own wants and needs. I am happy to help in any way that I can. Customers are now going to be able to view their full session in a personal gallery online as well.

Coming Soon:
Senior Photos
Wedding Photos
Specials

Spring sessions are booking fast, make sure you get yours booked before May 31st to get your discount!

H. Buchholz

Wedding Bells

2010-03-22T10:28:00.000-07:00

I have gotten a lot of request for Wedding Photography. I wont lie it makes me nervous to know that this is a couples biggest day and these are the images they will look back on for a lifetime. So, I have made 3 packages for couples to look at. I will also allow couples to come up with what they are looking for and I will put a personal package together for them if they would rather do that. This is a very big responsibility and I believe that it should be taken very seriously. I will only take one wedding a month to allow me to give my undivided attention to each couple. Please take a look at what I have put together, if there is something you don't see and would like, let me know I have a lot of different options, however, these packages will be the most common. Every couple is different, and they will each want different things, and I am happy to help you get what you want for your day!

H. Buchholz

Happy 90th Birthday!

2010-03-21T17:58:00.000-07:00

As a mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and a great great grandmother, Annie Smith is now 90! It was a fantastic two day celebration. She seems as young as ever. Starting off with a family breakfast on Saturday morning in the Amana Colonies, and working her way to the Casino (She still enjoys spending time on the slots).
Sunday afternoon was another celebration with her family and friends, a open house and a card shower to go with. With many in attendance from the very young of 7 months, to 90 years. It was a great afternoon, of talking, laughing, and listening to music. A wonderful Celebration indeed. Here are a few of the last two days that really describe what a wonderful person she is. The first day of Spring and there was a beautiful white snow that blanketed the ground, but yet inside there were beautiful flowers all around the room, (she has always loved flowers and gardens) she had her family, kids, grandkids, and great great grandkids all around her for the day.

It's been some time..

2010-03-11T13:22:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone, sorry it has been so long. I feel like I have been running non stop since last month! I am working hard to find new clients for this spring session. Hopefully everyone has had some time to check out the spring deals. I will also be posting some new packages in the next few days that will include events such as kids birthday parties, an engagement package (who wouldn't want to get that special moment of him on his knee, right?) as well as some others. I just wanted to give you a heads up. I am excited for the spring season and everything it has to bring. If you have any questions or would like to book a session but don't see a package that you want, let me know I am happy to work up an individual package that fits you and your family!

~Hollie

Take some notes...

2010-02-23T11:21:00.000-08:00

The last two weeks have been pretty busy. I have been looking for a mentor to make sure I am taking the right steps to run a successful photography studio. So far..not so much luck but I am going to keep trying. I have also been researching, reading, and taking a lot of notes to improve my skills. I have looked for classes to sign up for which I have found a couple that I am going to take this Spring. I also am in the process of becoming a Professional Photographer of Iowa Member, as my goal is to become a Certified Professional Photographer of America. I was looking at some of the past tests that have given and found myself struggling to get the right answer. Which means I have some work to do and I can't wait to get started. I need to get out and Shoot, shoot, shoot! We are almost done with Feburary, and I am very excited for all the progess I have been making with the business, but keeping my life balanced as well.

H. Buchholz

Spring is coming, Spring is coming...we hope...

2010-02-11T19:22:00.000-08:00

So, Spring is right around the corner, I know it's hard to believe since it's still very cold and it seems like this snow will never go away! Heads up though, we know it will be gone before we know it! Just a few updates to let you all in on. A new package (not yet on the website) and a blog deal for you as well. Please take a look and let me know if you have any questions.

A very good investment for the soon to be parents. This is a $50 saving if you were to book individual Baby sessions!

Hope you all are as excited as I am about this post. Two great deals that are great for all customers!

Thanks for checking B. Photography out we hope to hear from you soon!

H. Buchholz

Fun at the Park

2010-02-03T08:26:00.000-08:00

It's been a little while but just recently I had a shoot with two great kids from my hometown. We headed to the park in the center of our city. It has been there forever, the gazebo in the middle of the park looks rustic which was great, and there is a playground just a few feet away that kids always love to play on. Besides the fact that everything was still covered in snow/Ice and it was a tad chilly out, we all had a great time.

It was a struggle to find a way for them to understand that they could just play and do what they wanted, that they didn't need to look at me the whole time and say, "cheese". The little boy was not into getting his photos taken at all! However, when he said, "I have an idea," I knew he was getting comfortable. What he wanted was to head to the park and play around. Which it turned out great. His older sister on the other hand was a lot more into it. She was a little model I must say! She loved doing the stop and pose photos.

Both of the kids were so fun to work with, they were great experience. I got some great shots of them, and the best part of it is, as we were on our way to the cars they would stop and say here's a good one. So not only was I learning, but the kids in a way were learning as well, when they found a spot they thought would be a good image they would stop and wait for me to take the shot.
I always knew I wanted to work with kids, but I never really wanted to be in a classroom. This seems to be a way that I can work with kids, still teach them, but still do photography. It's a win win every way I look at it!

What's happening...

2010-01-13T07:22:00.001-08:00

Happy Wednesday everyone! I hope you are all having a great week. I just wanted to update you on how things are going and what is coming up. As of right now I am working on images to add to the site. I did add a couple new ones to the baby album hopefully you got a chance to look at them. I finally got my business cards designed and ordered so hopefully they will be here soon. I have been trying my best to keep everyone updated on what is going on in the studio as well as giving some hopefully helpful articles that everyone can enjoy. If you have any questions about the articles or my work and what I shoot please let me know I would love to discuss this will you.

In the studio we are getting ready to work with some great models. I did an open call last week and got a great response. In the coming weeks/months we have a bridal shoot, paws, kids, and a maternity shoot. I am very excited to get these all started. As of right now I don't need any more models however if you would like to schedule a session please contact me. I do my best to get back to you the same day. Again, I am very excited for all of these opportunities and for all of your support.

HB

Feedback

2010-01-12T10:31:00.000-08:00

I just want to write a quick message to all of those who have gotten in touch with me about doing photo shoots. I am very excited to work with all of you on these projects. I am so thankful for such wonderful customers, family, and friends that are supporting me in my business adventure!

HB

New Images

2010-01-11T07:43:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to give you all some quick updates. There will be new images coming to the website this week. Please stop by and check them out. I am also doing an open call for those who would volunteer to do a shoot with me. No cost to you and you will get a CD with all your images. Stop by the website to contact me if you or your kids are interested.

Hope everyone had a relaxing weekend!

HB

PopPhoto.com

2010-01-08T07:15:00.001-08:00

PopPhoto.com

Posted using ShareThis

This article has tons of great information for those who want to do kids and families. If you are just starting out I highly recommend reading this.

"City on Our Knees"--TobyMac

2010-01-06T07:11:00.000-08:00

The year stated out great, with friends and family, and a day off work. Now that we are halfway done with the first week of 2010 how is everyone feeling? How is everyone doing with their new years resolutions/lists? So far so good here! Not that I can complain about last year, I married the most fantastic guy, bought a new house with him, and got a vacation for the first time in three years, but on the downside I lost a loved one in May. Lucky for me I am a Christian and even though I will never come to terms with death and how it makes people feel, I do know that God is greater than my fears and sadness, and that my loved ones are now with him! Which bring me the focus of this post- doubt, fear, worry and all the other negative things we think when we want to do something but we stand in our own way of trying it.
When I first decided I wanted to start my photography business I came up with every reason of why I couldn't at least launch my website, and I thought I was actually doing a good job of explaining why I couldn't get things started. When really I was just scared of what people would think or say. Well people are going to think things and say things no matter what we do. The only thing that really should matter is how you feel about what your doing, and if you are happy, and are trying to make the best of this life that you have, and maybe even help someone else out in the process.
I love art, I especially love photography. I think photography could help so many people see the world in different light. However, if I chose not to do photography I would be empty, holding the camera in my hand makes me confident that I kinda have this key to a different world that not everyone can see on their own. I wont lie and say I think this new business is going to be easy, fun, and exciting all the time, but as long as I am excited about it and feel this is what God really gave me as a gift I will be doing it, no matter what others say or think. Every person isn't going to like you or love your work, we all have to take the bad with the good.
The link I have provided is to a wonderful song for 2010 and for those who are looking for a place to start. No matter what it is that you want to do listen to this song, I would almost bet my life that if will give you inspiration to start here and now with the goals you have in your life, click on the title of this post!

HB

7 New Years Resolutions You Should Make and Keep as a Photographer | Virtual Photography Studio - Digital Photography Business Guide To Resources, Products and Information

2010-01-04T12:45:00.000-08:00

Welcome to 2010! It still feels the same, but I look at this year as the year of HOPE. I thought this was a great article as someone trying to get their photography business started. I know there are a lot of people who are looking to start business this year so this may even be helpful as far as looking for articles pertaining to your focus.

7 New Years Resolutions You Should Make and Keep as a Photographer | Virtual Photography Studio - Digital Photography Business Guide To Resources, Products and Information

HB

What's on Your List?

2009-12-30T10:01:00.000-08:00

Every year everyone always asks, "what's your new years resolution?" What do most people say? "To lose weight," nah I'm okay with my weight right now, or how bout, "start saving," okay, that is a good one, but what are you saving for?..and is it really going to take you the whole year to start saving?..basically what I am getting at is well, we need to strive for something more. Those are both great things for 2010 but why not do both.
Last year after watching the movie, "The Bucket List," it gave me a great idea, why not make a list for every year. You can add to it at any time, and some of the things on the list may take you a whole year to actually do. This way I am working on being a well rounded person that I want to be and some of the things on my list aren't just a one and done thing. So this year instead of just sharing my list with my family, I am going to share it with all of you. A couple are even from last years list of 10 things that I didn't accomplish, but some of the things I did accomplish for 2009 are things that I really never thought I would do, such as finishing my degree!

2010 Bucket List
1. Teach myself something new everyday... could be by reading, could be by going out and trying to do something on my camera, could be something at work I didn't know how to do.
2. Read a new book series... This is actually for my 2009 list that I didn't get done, I did read some new books but not a whole series, and I love reading series..
3. Connect with friends weekly, either by phone or in person, I have a hard time not letting everything else in life get in the way of seeing or talking with my friends.
4. Connect with three new clients a month..this will be a hard one for me getting out and marketing myself, but it's a challenge I am ready for!
5. Train for a 1/2 Marathon.. Now here I could just say lose weight, but that's not really what I want, yes I want to get into shape again, but I want to be able to run a 1/2 marathon for the first time as well...
6. Find a new hobby every month to enjoy with my husband... I might be teaching myself a little more about football (wink, wink)
7. Sell of piece of art..This one as well is from my 2009 list, and I could take the chicken way out and say, well I did sell some of my photography, but like I said, I want to create a piece of work like I used to in college and actually sell it!
8. Learn to cook, take a cooking class... this is going to be a challenge, I am really bad at cooking, but I want to be able to make a great meal!
9. Take a second honeymoon, or just a vacation..1. thing I learned from my parents, take a break away so life doesn't run us down.
10. Live in the moment and stop trying to plan every detail..that is a bit lofty for me but hopefully by 2011 I will be able to tell you my life is a lot more exciting after I stopped trying to plan every detail!

This is my list for 2010, a lot to do but I have a feeling it's going to be a great year with many blessings. I hope this will inspire some of you to try a few new things, I try to come up with 10 but maybe if this is your first time just 3 or 4 would work for the year for you. Please everyone have a fun and safe New Years Eve!

HB

End of the Year!

2009-12-29T09:21:00.000-08:00

It's the last week of December, I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday with their friends and family! I got an amazing book for Christmas from my parents, "Vision Mongers," by David duChemin. I have read the whole thing front to back, 300 pages, in the last two days. I just couldn't put it down it was filled with such amazing information, as well as the good, bad, and ugly of doing Photography for a living. I would suggest this book to anyone even thinking about wanting to make a living with photography.

duChemin, really expresses finding your niche, which is one thing I think I have found, but only after considering what all each entails. I have always wanted to do high fashion photography, but as I learn about the demands of that job and how it is pretty much impossible to do that type of photography and have a family, I have put that behind me. I want to be able to have a family, and if I wouldn't have gone to school for Art I would have gone for education.

I love working with kids, they are always able to put a smile on my face, even when they are getting into trouble. So, that is where I am headed. I want to photograph families. I want to work with my clients from the day the young couple comes in and wants their maternity photo taken. From that point I hope to become part of many families, be there every step of the way.

My family has always been so important to me and supported me every step of the way. Kids have always been a big part of my life, in high school all the way through my senior year of college I worked for a school district with pre-school aged kids, it was one of the most rewarding jobs to see how far the kids had come from the first day of school to the last. It only makes sense why I am so excited and feel so comfortable working with children and families.

I am very excited for this new business opportunity, hopefully you can all feel it when you read this post as well. Please feel free to email me any questions you may have or if you would like to design your own package.

HB

Getting Started

2009-12-16T09:45:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my first blog post. I will be using this to keep customers as well as prospective customers in the loop on what is going on at the studio. Right now I'm working to get my website up, and ready for everyone to look at, feel free to stop by and take a look, http://www.bphotographystudio.webs.com/ . I started a fan page on Facebook to get our name out to people. And now, for my blog!

To give you a little idea of who I am and what my visions are for my business, I would like to give you my background. I am from Urbandale, Iowa, born and raised. I attended Central College, in Pella, Iowa. I majored in Art with a dream of one day opening up my own photography stuido in New York. Well plans changed, and I am here in Urbandale, and just recently got married, and bought our first home so we are here to stay!

As far as my business goes, photography has always been my focus, something I always tried to improve and do my best at. Now I am looking to do my best not just for family and friends but for others as well. I want a fun shooting atmosphere where my customers are just living their normal lives, shooting them doing what they love to do! I love getting the candid shots of people, that is when we are real. I look to make the world a better, safer, healthier place, by doing non-profit weekends for everyone, I will list the weekends on my website, as well as which Foundation will recieve the money brought in for that weekend.

Right now I am doing off site sessions only, which means anywhere in Des Moines you would like to shoot. I did a session at the Botanical Center downtown which worked out great for an example. Being that I am just getting started I haven't found a studio yet, so I am working out of my home. There is no extra charge for me to travel to and from the session either.

Thanks for checking out the first blog, and thank you all for your support to get my business started!

Coupons:
I am looking to start off strong. For the first few months I will be having some deals going on 50% off all packages for a promotional deal to get my business out to everyone. So if you would like to schedule a session please contact me, all my information is on the website and just metion
Start50 to get the deal.