The designers who designed this blog seemed quite horrified to see that my last entry to my blog was in February. I have good intentions - honest! I love my blog site - I love how it looks and how it functions. The only thing I don't love about it is that it won't automatically think of topics and write on its own. LOL.
The problem with me is that I think a lot and talk a lot, and I find writing to be way behind my thoughts. Like today's post. I've purchased a studio space since October. Granted, it needed a LOT of work, and I mean a lot. Construction began almost immediately, and continued well into February before it was ready. I had to contain my excitement because a part of me was quite nervous about this venture - nervous but thrilled at the same time.
I purchased a bungalow and converted it into a studio by knocking down most of the walls within and raising the ceiling height. The bungalow originally had 8 feet ceilings, which would have been extremely restrictive given my massive soft boxes and studio lighting equipment. Not to mention that I would feel that something was on top of my head as I am used to higher ceilings at my home. The contractors removed the original ceiling and somehow managed to raise it to 10 feet, cathedral style. We had to re-shingle as the old shingles were falling apart. Of course, we had to repaint the interior walls as well. Another huge but important investment was for the audio/visual equipment. I used a fantastic company called sparkAV (www.sparkav.com), and they put in a state-of-the-art A/V system. With this system, there are speakers through the studio, a Blu-Ray player, a ceiling-mounted projector, and a beautiful screen situated right above the fireplace. The whole idea is that when, you, my esteemed client, comes back for your ordering/viewing appointment that your photographs will be displayed via the projector onto the movie-like screen, whilst music is playing in the background. It will be like watching the best movie you've ever seen - a story about your family. I believe that this will take the "client experience" to a whole new level!
I've been shooting in my new studio since the latter weeks of March, though the studio is not yet completely finished. The walls are still empty as I attempt to find the perfect photographs to adorn them. The outside of the studio needs a lot of landscaping, which will begin next week. The landscaper has been hired, so it is a matter of getting things planted (I am no good with planting at all!!). There are little things that are needed - a coffee table, more studio samples, etc. It is still a work in progress! I keep wanting it to be "perfect" before I unveil the studio, but I know so many have been asking about it and wanting to see photographs.
So yesterday, I took a few minutes to take some snapshots of what the studio looks like for now. As the outside gets landscaped and as the walls get updated with my art work, I will update my blog with more photographs. Speaking of wall art, I am excited to be offering a few new and exquisite frames. I have four pieces of art that are currently being framed in these said frames - they will knock your socks off!
Viewing area:
Shooting area - I can use either studio lights or the natural light (north light!):
Gallery:
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
My Brand-Spanking New STUDIO!
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http://macymillsblog.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/26
Change is not always easy. In fact, when one is running a business, change can be downright frightening. "Why change a good thing?" is an often asked rhetorical question, and for many cases, I agree. However, there definitely are times when change is no doubt a positive thing.
I've had my website for a long time, and my logo, for that matter - these components have been with my business since day one, and have become a part of my branding. The truth is, when I hired a designer to put together a logo and site for me way back when, I did not go through a comprehensive branding exercise, which I have since learned is crucial in order to establish a brand that truly reflects what I want my brand to be. What do I want my brand to convey? What is the brand message? So this time around, after doing lots of research, I hired a company, Into the Darkroom, that worked with me on branding, on my blog, and finally, my website.
Branding is much more than getting a logo. I hear that a lot - "I am going to re-brand, so I'll need a new logo." The logo certainly is an important component as a part of your brand package. Having said that, I've learned that it is also important not to continue to change your logo just because you are tired of how it looks. If you choose a logo for your brand, you better be prepared to stick with it for the rest of your business life, unless there are compelling reasons to change it. I gave it a lot of thought before taking the logo-change plunge. On the one hand, I know many people now associate the two intertwined "Ms" as Macy Mills Photography. On the other hand, my logo has only been around for 3 years, so if I want to change it, I need to do so sooner rather than later. The main reason for my branding change is what I mentioned earlier: I never went through a branding exercise. This time around, I took a good, hard look at myself - self-analysis - what I like, what drives me, what inspires me, what styles I like.
With that information, and with the help of my designers, my new logo and the new blog design were born. (Next is my website!) When I look at my new branding concept, I see me. I believe that my new branding reflects what I am about and my style - timeless, classic, elegant, with a modern twist. Because my branding is genuine and authentic, the real me is also easy for people to perceive, which is exactly what I want my branding to achieve. The reason? When clients choose me based on what the real, authentic me is all about, then we've found the right fit! That, in my opinion, is one of the most important considerations when choosing a custom photographer.
Wow, I did not mean for this to become a book. I was just trying to share a bit of why I decided to re-brand. I'd love to hear everyone's comments, so feel free to drop me a line!
I've had my website for a long time, and my logo, for that matter - these components have been with my business since day one, and have become a part of my branding. The truth is, when I hired a designer to put together a logo and site for me way back when, I did not go through a comprehensive branding exercise, which I have since learned is crucial in order to establish a brand that truly reflects what I want my brand to be. What do I want my brand to convey? What is the brand message? So this time around, after doing lots of research, I hired a company, Into the Darkroom, that worked with me on branding, on my blog, and finally, my website.
Branding is much more than getting a logo. I hear that a lot - "I am going to re-brand, so I'll need a new logo." The logo certainly is an important component as a part of your brand package. Having said that, I've learned that it is also important not to continue to change your logo just because you are tired of how it looks. If you choose a logo for your brand, you better be prepared to stick with it for the rest of your business life, unless there are compelling reasons to change it. I gave it a lot of thought before taking the logo-change plunge. On the one hand, I know many people now associate the two intertwined "Ms" as Macy Mills Photography. On the other hand, my logo has only been around for 3 years, so if I want to change it, I need to do so sooner rather than later. The main reason for my branding change is what I mentioned earlier: I never went through a branding exercise. This time around, I took a good, hard look at myself - self-analysis - what I like, what drives me, what inspires me, what styles I like.
With that information, and with the help of my designers, my new logo and the new blog design were born. (Next is my website!) When I look at my new branding concept, I see me. I believe that my new branding reflects what I am about and my style - timeless, classic, elegant, with a modern twist. Because my branding is genuine and authentic, the real me is also easy for people to perceive, which is exactly what I want my branding to achieve. The reason? When clients choose me based on what the real, authentic me is all about, then we've found the right fit! That, in my opinion, is one of the most important considerations when choosing a custom photographer.
Wow, I did not mean for this to become a book. I was just trying to share a bit of why I decided to re-brand. I'd love to hear everyone's comments, so feel free to drop me a line!
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
A new look for Macy Mills Photography
. TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://macymillsblog.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/8
Absolutely gorgeous Macy! I wish you great success! I can already imagine how it will look fully decorated! Maybe a zebra couch and matching chair? OK, maybe not. LOL
(04.20.10 @ 01:25 AM)Looks fantastic Macy! Can't wait to see the finished product. Love the web site and blog too. See you soon!
(06.02.10 @ 09:49 AM)