Category Archives: romp around
Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel. ~Socrates
Every professional needs to continuously learn in order to grow, hone their craft and hold themselves accountable to the clients they serve. That is why every year I set aside time to take continuing education classes. I always learn something new and am able to improve on some aspect of my photography or business. The awesome thing about our industry is although our creative vision differs across the board so, all of us photographers can walk out of the class with completely different ways to execute our creative vision in our artwork.
This year, I took a fun workshop with Roxanne Bryant on Color Theory and was very privileged to attend The Baby Summit 2016 at the Marriot Marquis in Atlanta, Georgia. I loved learning from the absolute world’s best – Kelly Brown, Luisa Dunn, Heidi Hope, Sue Bryce, Ana Brandt etc… Amazing women and photographers! I walked out of each class feeling inspired and so blessed that all our gracious instructors took the time to share the expertise they’ve spent years perfecting with us! I was also able to forge relationships with new vendors to bring consistent, high quality props to my clients. Overall, a beautiful and totally worthwhile experience! Most of all, I was able to carry this dazzling energy, burning passion and better photography home to all my clients.
At a time when holiday photoshoot inquiries are on the rise, here are a few questions for clients to ask when searching for a professional custom boutique baby portraiture photographer:
- Does the photographer set aside time to attend continuing education classes, workshops or conferences? This is especially important for safety when posing newborns!
- Does the photographer belong to a reputable professional photography association and are they in good standing?
- Does the photographer pay taxes and are they licensed in their geographic area of business?
- Does the photographer routinely clean their props and maintain good hygiene/health for their baby clients? Are they up to date on their yearly shots?
- Can the photographer provide client testimonials that span at least a year to show credibility?
Any designer who is a designer knows about Sanrio, the creator of the ultimate emblem of kawaii – Hello Kitty. Their company motto “Small Gift, Big Smile” continues to charm many fans around the world. This year marks Sanrio’s 50th Anniversary and, in collaboration with Target, launched the Small Gift Mobile Pop-Up Shop Tour across the United States.
Sanrio inventory truck parked at 36th Street & Broadway
The Pop-Up Shop made its last stop in New York City on Thursday & Friday. Even the sub-zero like weather did not deter the huge mass of kitty fans gathering to pay homage to Hello Kitty (including this designer).
Sanrio fans waiting for the Pop-Up Shop to open
One key element which sets Sanrio as a company apart from others is the personable nature of their staff and genuine joy they exude in serving their customers.
Another key factor which continues to ensure Sanrio’s success even after fifty years is their ability to capture the hearts of children. This is followed by the launch of practical products which keep young customers company as they grow up.
The crowd of adult customers in front of the Pop-Up Shop
Nowadays, there is a Sanrio product for everything imaginable, ranging from toilet paper to electric toasters and Hello Kitty roombas. To make Sanrio products exclusive, most of them are limited edition. Therefore, if you missed your chance at getting your hands on that Hello Kitty Antiprima purse, chances are you will not find it again.
Limited edition Cube Plushies only available for sale at the Pop-Up Shop
Amongst collaborations with famous and popular brand name labels, Hello Kitty herself has also attained a celebrity-like status. On facebook alone, her fan page has over 3 million followers. One security guard responsible for manning the line at the pop-up shop said, “A few days ago, I was guarding Angelina Jolie and today I’m guarding Hello Kitty!”
Everyone's kawaii celebrity Hello Kitty emerges to greet her fans.
The question therefore is, have you had your “small gift, big smile” today?
For more photos from the NYC Pop-Up Shop event, please visit our facebook page.