The Confessions of a Starving Artist

When I was asked "what do you do" or "oh, your a photographer, what are your prices?" I felt a tremendous amount of fear in saying my sitting is $150. I always sat there, stood there, or just studdered a little bit when I would work up the nerve to tell someone. I was afraid it would be frowned upon. That I would loose the chance if any to work with this person. I'd feel rejected right out of the gate, especially if they didn't say anything back.

For the past month or so, I've been watching Creative Live with some amazing photographers. Learning and getting inspired to revamp my business. Because lets face it we all need refueled every now and again. So, here I am needing to get excited again. Watching these incredibly talented people like: Sue Bryce, Zach & Jody Gray, Sandy Puc', and I can't wait to see Jasmine Star. All of whom I'm a huge fan of. And, I realized one thing they all have in common: They all VALUE themselves and VALUE their work. I look at them and say to myself: "I can do that, or I will do that" "I am that, I DO that" "What am I so afraid of?" "I AM A PHOTOGRAPHER".

Now back to me and this fear of rejection when asked: "what are your prices?" I got to thinking about what are these fears all about. Am I as good as those other photographers? Do I not VALUE myself? Do I not feel WORTH what I'm asking? Am I just not good enough anymore? Then Sue Bryce said something that made my eyebrows stand up a bit. She said that the national average for a professional photographer's sales is $3,000, meaning a client will spend $3,000 minimum when knowing they are going to a professional. WOW! So, then I think: I'm really selling myself cheap and what's that say about what I think I'm really worth? What's that say about how I value myself? Why do I feel less worth than someone doing what I do. I should be PROUD to say: "This is my rate, and by the way I'm worth it." But, I've lost my way, ferred off the path that God so graciously blessed me to be on. I don't put 100% of myself in my work anymore. Not like I did when I was a new photographer and excited and inspired. I don't treat my clients like I should be treating my clients, my turn around has been appauling in which I've cut off my biggest connections with people (and their families and friends.)

So I bow my head and pray: God please light my way back to the career path you had me on 10 years ago. Back when I was proud to say: "I AM A PHOTOGRAPHER, and I'm good at it, and I LOVE IT!" Back when I was so happy and because I'm happy, I'm rubbing that happiness off on you... I know thats a whole lot of happy going on in that statement. haha

But I'm going to STOP being ashamed starting today. I am going to make myself WORTHY to my clients and treat them better. And, next time I'm asked: "what do you charge for just a portrait session?" (I'm not even touching wedding photography in this blog post today) I MIGHT JUST LOOK AT THAT PERSON WITH OUT HESITATION AND SAY: "I start at $150 but I promise you I'm worth every penny, given the chance I'll put 100% of myself into my art and my craft to show you".

Thanks for reading, I know I haven't blogged in awhile but it's just one of the things about to change! :)

What's a photography blog without some photography:

Our Next Giveaway Contest

Our next giveaway contest is under way. I'm calling this the "Mommy and Me Tea Party" Session. It will involve a mom and her little princess to sit down and actually have tea together while I shoot. Also includes portrait time of the two. And, I will edit the images...host the proofs for 60days on-line. And, the winner will also get a free 8x10.

The rules are simple. The little one should be old enough for holding a tea cup. :) And, the winner is based on votes. Submit a photo of your child to our e-mail address or to facebook message. I will upload the image to my AMD Photography Facebook page. Votes are based on YOU and your family and friends. Your family and friends (if they are not a fan already of the page) will go to my site and "like" the page. Then find the photo of your child and "like" it. That's it. Votes = Likes. The more likes your child's pic gets...will make you the winner of the giveaway.

So, This contest is going to go on til April 5th. I would like to have submissions and votes in before that date. The winner will be announced the following day. This is perfect for a GREAT mother's day gift!

I'm going to come up with something for Father's too for (Father's Day)...for Father's and Sons. Since the Momma and me tea will be for mostly little girls.

Happy submitting and getting votes from everybody you know. :)

www.facebook.com/amdphotography

Winner to be announced... (middle tn photographer)

This week we have been running a FACEBOOK photo session giveaway. It is our first 2011 Giveaway. There will be more to come this year. This was for a free boudior session with a free 8x10 (sitting fee free, editing of images and clients choice of 8x10 from edited proofs...edited images will be up for viewing on our on-line viewing site for up to 60 days...event code protected). I didn't have as much response as I had hoped...but I was just feeling the waters out for our first time doing this. I didn't want to drag it out long either...started the contest on Tues. and ending it Friday evening. This way...I also would not have a ton of nominations to go through either. So, we got 3...just under one a day. I'm pretty happy with that. So, my next contest giveaway will be in a month or so and we will drag it out a bit longer next time as well. As, the next one is going to be very important to me and close to my heart. :) So stay tuned to that. For this time, I had a couple of friends interested in doing this type of session for their husbands as a gift. So, as to eliminate any biest on my part, I had a third party judge pick the winner from the submissions I recieved. Here are the submissions we got:


Person 1 says:

I couldnt find where to send a msg to you on your photo page.

I do want to nominate myself. I have never had any professional pictures made for my husband and I am on the losing weight streak and starting to feel better about myself.

My only problem is that I am NOT a photogenic person so I hope if I am picked you can use some airbrush and black and white.

Person 2 says:

Thank you, I would like to if possible without sounding selfish nominate myself. My husband & I have 2 very young children (ages 2 and 1) and have been together only 3 years. I have not been able to get him anything in years past for Valentines Day, Christmas', or Birthdays due to our financial situation. I would be very greatful if I could recieve this to be able to give him something very special this year.

Person 3 was nominated by a friend and says this about her friend:

She has worked extremely hard to get back into shape after her pregnancy and has received her license to be a personal trainer. She is ALWAYS thinking of others and is ALWAYS there when you need her. Even with her extremely busy schedule, taking care of her son, working part time at the salon, and working on starting a new career, she finds time for family and friends. I believe this photo shoot will help celebrate all the hard work she has put into this past year and a half and something she will be able to look back on and be proud of all that she has accomplished.

I'm curious what other people may of thought and how you would choose from the three nominees above.

I will be announcing the winner first thing tomorrow morning on FACEBOOK. Please join me in congratulating this person when we announce who it is. Thank you and keep coming back for me. God Bless.

New Year's Resolution

I have vowed that I would blog more in the coming year. I also thought about dropping my current site and just go to a blog format. In a world of social media sites and the constant demand to see what is current in our work of art (photography), I think it might be best to just do the "blog" thing. I keep posting new and current stuff on my facebook site, but I constantly neglect my blog. Speaking of which...I have started a new post called "manda's randomness" on my personal facebook page as a way of getting into the minds of others and figuring out my own thoughts. Please check it out sometime.

So, I may end up with a couple of blog postings on this....the end of 2010 in a nutshell. I will first write and then I may post some pics later. My year in review is a hard one for me to look back on. My husband and I struggled between two states (Ohio and Tennessee). He had a job in Ohio that he really disliked. And, all our family and friends (not to mention my client base) was here in TN. We wanted to get back so bad, but what to do when jobs are so hard to find in the field he's in (management). I decided to Homeschool our son in the process thinking that "why should I put him in school up there, because we will eventually be back in TN." And, the schools in OH were much more of a lower standard than what we have here in TN. The homeschooling did not work for us...I praise people now that can do it. My son and I are too much a like and butt heads. It was a learning experience for the both of us. I did however, spend more time behind my camera and took lots of pictures of my own children verses someone else's.

I Lost my Real Father Jay back in March and exactly 5 months later to the day, I lost my Pappaw in August. I think of him everyday. He was a wonderful man and I miss him dearly. We were closer than I was with my own father. But, that does not erase the pain I feel of loosing Jay as well.

But, it's not all bad...We did have the best VACATION ever back in July. We went to Disney World. Took the parents too...My parents and my husband's parents. And, the kids are still talking about it even now. My daughter met the princesses and my son got to be a pirate. It was the best trip and I would recommend it to anyone (money is not always everything...the light in your children's eyes is priceless). It really was magical. Wayne and I renewed our wedding vows on the beach of Daytona for our 10 year anniversary and we met some amazing photographers that took our pictures. I call them friends even now. What impressed me most about them is that they invited us to church. They were wonderful.

We did get back to TN and my hubby got a new job here about 30 minutes away. Jordan is back in his school and I'm once again close to my clients. :) Things are looking up. So, I will embrace 2011 with open arms. I do plan on shooting more and posting more so please come back often. And, if you are not already following us on facebook, please become a fan...there will be some exciting things AMD Photography will be doing in the coming year. That's at: www.facebook.com/amdphotography

Carson's 3 month Session: Middle TN Professional Photographer

Here are just a few of my favorites from Baby Carson's 3 month Session. He was so cuddly and cute. I could of held him all day long. I enjoy shooting the babies! To see more of Carson's pictures, you can view our sneak peek album on facebook at: www.facebook.com/amdphotography

Thank you Kristin and Brian for sharing your family with me for the day! I can't wait to shoot his 6 month session! God Bless you guys.

My Pappaw

I write this today with a heavy heart. On August 7th, 2010 one of the world's greatest men went on to be with our Lord in Heaven. My Pappaw: John C. O'Donnell. It has been a really hard couple of weeks. But, as my uncle said, it is selfish for us to want to keep him here when he is in such a better place now. He will be greatly missed. As most of you know from my previous post, my real father died March 7th, 2010. My Pappaw was his father. I think it is no surprise to the family that I was closer to my Pappaw than my own real father. He was a wonderful man. My grandparents helped raise me and mold me into the person I am today. Please continue to pray for my Granny who had been married to my Pappaw for 53 GREAT years. He was 80 years old and led a life of love and family. He was a soldier and had a beautiful military funeral. I will post a video of the military grave side once I can. When they folded that american flag, I was filled up with so much emotion...I could not hold back the tears. I will miss his stories...his smile and his words when he would say: "I love you too, hon." or "how's it going, girl". I love you Pappaw. Big Mamma Loves you! I'll roll the bones in your honor as soon as we can go to Tunica again.

Disney Vacation Blog 2

So, we left off from the first blog with Norah's Princess dinner. Her eyes were glued to Cinderella, and might I say that Cinderella couldn't take her eyes off my little princess Norah either. After our official "signing" & "photo" with her, she continued to look over at Norah. While we were waiting for our name to be called from the "Royal" waiting area. Then Cinderella (whom I thought did not look a day over 16 years of age) knelt down & put her arms out for Norah from the across the room. Norah looked up at me and I said: "go ahead baby." She ran over to the front of the room to join Cinderella in a sweet embrace. Then Cinderella stood up and began to swirl and dance Norah around & around. Then she showed Norah the "proper" way a princess takes a bow. Lifting her dress just so so (not too high), crossing one leg behind the other, bending your knees just slightly & bowing your head forward. I couldn't hear Cinderella (she spoke so softly) but I just watched from across the room (taking pictures of course). I let Norah have her special moment and couldn't stop smiling! My mom (Nana) was completely wrapped up in the moment as well. Our names were called to up the spiral staircase to the restaurant. And, I know now why they usually have a waiting list of 6 months to get in there...there were probably onl y 25-30 tables in the entire place. It was gorgeous! They presented Norah with a wishing star & wand. They referred my mom and I as "your highness" & Norah as "her royal princess." Our food was 5 stars! But, that's not all, Norah got to meet every princess starting with her favorite: Snow White. She lost her speech and had a twinkle in her eyes when Snow White approached our table. She said: "you are dressed just like me." Norah told her: "you are my favorite princess." Snow White kissed Norah on the forehead much like she does in the movie to Dopey, leaving Red lips on little Norah's forehead. Next was Princess Aura, followed by Ariel who also graced Norah with a lipstick kiss on the cheek & then Princess Belle. We could see the fireworks from the stained glass windows inside while eating our desserts. Does it have to end, I thought? Couldn't we just live here? After the spectacular day we had we finished off at the Monster's Inc. Laugh Floor. That was fantastic. Improv Comedy with Monsters! Amazing Show (never the same twice and very funny.)

Very exhausted we took ourselves to bed that night knowing we had to meet our photographers on the beach the next morning very earlyand an hour drive away from our condo. Still no idea of what lay ahead. Our 10-year wedding anniversary came very early in the morning when we dragged ourselves out of bed. I immediately thought: "we are all going to look so tired in our family portraits." I went downstairs to wake up the kids & noticed that both sets of our parents were gone!!! I ran upstairs to tell Wayne. Oh, he played it off good... "I don't know where they are" he said, "text your mom". So, I called mom, texted her & called my mother-in-law too...no one was answering or repling. I was like "mom was going to fix my hair, where is she". They better be at the beach on time for pictures, I thought. We were running really late. So, Wayne let our new friends: photo sensations: Kristen & Todd know we were running about 30 minutes late.

We pulled on to the Beach at Daytona (because you can drive on the beach there if you don't know that already). And, I'm still oblivious to what's going on. But, thinking our parents are up to something. Never suspecting that Wayne was in on it at the time. When we pulled up & saw the flags I still was a little clueless. Then I saw my mom crying bringing me a bouquet of flowers similar to the ones I held at our first wedding. I looked at Wayne & said: "you sneaky little devil." My dad walked me down the beach aisle and officiated the ceremony. My flowergirl was Norah & my little ringbearer was Jordan. The parents had even brought things from our home in TN with out me knowing it. Like pictures from our wedding and the same song I walked down the aisle to the first time was playing again. :)

We did a sand ceremony this time to have something to keep. And, Wayne and I said our own vows this time to each other. Though I can't even remember what we said now...it was all a blur of excitement! Both with tears in our eyes. After which we had our pictures made, then we had a lunch on the pier with cake and our original cake topper (brought from home by the parents). It was a wonderful day. The Best Day! After our "reception lunch" we all changed & jumped in the ocean! It was a perfect finish to the most perfect vacation ever. I'm hoping to have some wedding vow ceremony pics to post soon. Until then, you can check in on my facebook to see some Vacation pictures! www.facebook.com/amanda.deskins

A little info for those reading that may not know this. 10 years ago when Wayne and I got married...we took our honeymoon to Orlando, FL and Daytona Beach, FL. We had just paid for a wedding so we could not afford to go to Disney World, but we did other stuff like Pleasure Island (apart of Disney, but not the park). We spent 3 days in Orlando and 3 days on Daytona Beach. That is why this trip and the renewal of our wedding vows there was so meaningful. I am truly blessed. I love my husband, our children, our parents and our life! I just wish moments like these don't ever have to end. Wayne said we could sell everything and move down there! But, then it wouldn't be as special as a place, now would it? :) Thank you all for reading. God Bless.

Our Disney Vacation Blog Part One

I've decided to blog about our family vacation because there is just no other way to tell everyone all about it. This way I can tell all our friends and family at once. I will be making this two blogs, because it will be a lot to type! :)

Our Vacation started on Sunday July 4th, when we left for the Columbus, OH airport. The kids were so excited to fly for the first time in their lives. I have to say I was more nervous than them, because I didn't know how well they would do on the flight for 2 hours. They were the BEST two kids on the plane. I'm so proud of them & how well behaved they were. They enjoyed take off but I think their favorite part was seeing the clouds so close up. Our first day in Orlando was pretty much getting settled into our condo, going out to dinner, & taking the kids to the swimming pool. Our favorite of day number one was seeing our parents! Because we haven't seen them in awhile. We had missed both sets of our parents so much. And, the kids loved having them there.

The next day we got up & started on the day kind of late. So, we decided to go to the beach for a little bit. We knew that on our anniversary, we were going to Daytona. So, we decided to go & check out a beach none of us has been to. We ended up at Cocoa Beach, FL. About an hour and half from Orlando. The kids of course, thoroughly loved the beach (our little beach bums). After which we ate a great meal at the Florida Seafood Kitchen. The funny store of the night was when the entire staff came over with a mini-cake wth a flaming candle in it to wish us a Happy Anniversary. Wayne was gone to the restroom. I was sitting there all by myself with a big ol' smile on my face thinking yeah it's MY anniversary and the hubby is in the bathroom. They came out again after Wayne returned and I was hiding under the table to pull a joke over on our waitress! She was like: "you've got to be kidding me" and then I popped my head up so they could announce us together. :)

On Tues. we got up early just not early enough. It still took us until noon before we were officially in the Magic Kingdom park. The anticipation was almost more than any of us could bare. It was HOT and the sweat was pouring on all of us but it was the best feeling on earth. The kids were "star stricken" & "overwhelmed". All of us Adults returned to childhood ourselves. We were there for about an hour and I had already smiled so much my cheek bones hurt. It really is the happiest place on Earth! We rode rides, watched shows (in only the best fashion that Disny brings to a show), awesome parades & Fireworks that lite up the sky like nothing you've seen with the sound of your favorite Disney songs in the midst of the explosions. It was by far a Magical Day. Two things stick out the most about that day though. 1. was when we stood in line to meet our first character Buzz Lightyear (to get a autograph & picture). Jordan said: "Mom, it's not the 'REAL' Buzz, it's just a guy in a costume." Way to ruin the magic of the moment there buddy. But, when we got up there with him Jordan was speechless! Ha Ha Now that's just funny! We also waited in line for over an hour to meet Tinkerbell & her fairy friends. I would never do it if it weren't Norah's favoriteDisney character. When we got in the room...it made me almost cry to see her reaction to the fairies. She could not find her tongue and when each of them went to hug her...she was so easy and fragile with them like she was afraid of breaking them or something. It was a GREAT MOMENT! I'd pay for that moment twice over.

Magic Kingdom day two couldn't come fast enough even though we were so tired already from day one. But, it was a good feeling of tired. :) We had our main focuses of the day: MEET Mickey Mouse & Minnie was a priority. I did not come to Disney to not get close up to that mouse! On day 2, we decided to flip video some of the same shows & parades from day no. 1 so we could watch them whenever we wanted. We thought the kids would love that. That day was not as busy as the day before. So the lines were smaller. But, the line to meet Mickey was still a 45 minute wait! So worth IT! I was transformed as a little kid of age 9 or 10 (when I first began a love for Mickey Mouse.) When our kids walked in Norah screamed: "MINNIE"!!! I don't think she knew Minnie was going to be there too. They were super excited! It was a great highlight for us. Then it was off to get all freshened up to meet our photographers at the Candy Shop. Wayne had hired a wonderful Husband and Wife duo to capture some family moments at the park & then the next day at the beach (that will be in Blog 2). So, then we met who I would like to call our new friends, Kristen & Todd of KMDcreations (Orlando, FL). They were a perfect fit for us and our family. They did an amazing job and were so easy to work with. I enjoyed every second of it.

We finished off at the Cinderella's Royal Table for dinner at the Castle. Where I then, dressed Norah up in her Snow White dress. When we (Nana, me and Norah) went in. We were amazed: It was a REAL Castle. And, Norah's reaction to Cinderella was the most magical experience of all experiences of our Magic Kingdom days. And, I'll blog more about that and our wedding vow renewal on the beach on Blog no. 2. :) Hopefully with Pictures!

Spring Ball, Middle TN Photographer

We just went through another season of spring ball. Here are a few shots I got at one of Jordan's last games. I used some new action sets, to see what they would do and I have to say I really like the results I got from a few of them. Thank you and God Bless you today and everyday.

Lacey's Sneak Peek, Prenatel Photography

So, I know I have not posting on here in awhile. But, I've been keeping updates going in Facebook. Please take a look at Lacey's Sneak Peek of her prenatel session. The rest of her pictures are almost done and her baby is on his way soon. Prayers for Lacey and her son as they start their new journey in life together. Thank you for the opportunity to share in this special time in your lives.

My Father (Jay O'Donnell) called home to be with God

As most of you may know by being on Facebook, my real dad (Jay O'Donnell) passed away last Sunday (March 7th). Thank you to all of you for your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time in our family's life. Needless to say, I have not put much attention on editing this week. I will be getting back in routine, hopefully, soon.

If you would like to sign a guest book for my father's condolences page, the link is below. Just search tribute Jay O'Donnell of GA. Thank you again for your patience, your prayers, and heartfelt thoughts.

http://www.heartfeltconnections.net/Home.aspx

Sharon & Jerry's Coffee Table Book (National Wedding Photographer)

Here are some more examples of a coffee table book I designed for Sharon and Jerry. It's a 40 page book, so I will only post a few of my favorites. Thank you Sharon and Jerry for allowing us to be apart of your special day. We enjoyed working with you, your family and your closest friends. God Bless you all.

See More on Facebook.