A Special Edition of Feature Friday Featuring RACHEL BRENKE!

This week I am SO excited to feature someone who is definitely considered a a celebrity in the photography world, my mentor, a fabulous business girl, an expert in law, a teacher to many, and an amazing photographer! 

Introducing the wonderful Rachel Brenke!  

I asked Rachel a series of questions and did this week's a bit more in an "interview" format...and hopefully we "get to know" Rachel a bit better.

Describe yourself in one word:  

Motivated

How long have you "officially" been in business? 

  2 years

What is your favorite part of your job? Most challenging? 

My favorite part is helping others - with my business consulting clients it's helping them get their business off the ground.  With my Photography client's it's helping them preserve a memory of their life in pictures! Most challenging - balancing 3 kids and the business.

How did you get into the business consulting side of your business? 

 I have an Masters in Business Administration (emphasis in marketing) and a law degree (emphasis in transactional law).  I knew I wanted to combine my passion for photography will my formal education.  I recognized the need in the industry to help others do it "right" because so many (including myself) are so overwhelmed with starting and running a business.

Where do you hope to be in 5 years (in life and business)?

I hope to have my own studio and a staff of multiple assistants.  It's hard to have a studio moving around with the military but it is a goal!

What is one thing that very few people know about you?  

Oh man.. I'm such an open book! I'm not very thick skinned, I'm too much of a people pleaser.

ONE piece of advice you would give those who are just starting out?   

  Anytime someone tells you that you can't do it, or to give up. DO IT.

THANK YOU to the fabulous Rachel Brenke for taking the time to answer these questions and allow me to feature her! If you are interested in eworkshops, mentoring, or if you are in the El Paso, TX area and want Rachel to do a session for you, you can find her at:

www.rachelbrenke.com

or

https://www.facebook.com/RachelBrenkePhotography

Feature Friday, Featuring Juicee Designs! | Angie Hollenbeck Photography, Lacey/Olympia Area Photographer

This week's feature Friday is not a photographer, are you shocked!? It seems as if we have had a few weeks of photographers so we are breaking it up with this absolutely fantastic business! 

Juicee Design is a graphic design business that specializes in print design, but is definitely not limited to it. They can design anything from logos, marketing materials, and advertisements to  invitations, photocards, and albums for your photos!

 

The owner, Niki, is not only UBER TALENTED but a true delight! I asked Niki to tell me a bit about her (because sometimes its fun to make business a bit more personal) and this is how she describes herself:

Daughter. Sister. Wife. Mother of three. Graphic Designer. Aspiring Photographer.

My family is my life. Big time Dog Lover.

For those out there that are looking for a designer for your business or maybe your business just needs a little "face lift" BE SURE to check out Niki's work. Links are listed below! Thanks Juicee Designs for allowing Angie Hollenbeck Photography to feature you!

Niki Bradley
Juicee Designs
www.juiceedesigns.com
760.420.2395


Find us on Facebook too!!
http://www.facebook.com/juiceedesigns

Feature Friday, Featuring Laura Smith Photography! by Angie Hollenbeck Photography, Lacey and Olympia Area Photographer

Happy Friday!!! Only two more Fridays for me and my husband is home...yay! Now onto this week's lovely feature Friday!

This week, I am featuring Laura Smith Photography, based out of the beautiful Denver, Colorado area. 

Laura is a custom lifestyle and portrait photographer and loves capturing images that show the the relationships between people. Some of her favorites include engaged couples, families and children.  She loves a well-planned portrait, however, her favorite photos usually show the candid moments in between. I couldn't agree more Laura! :)

Laura's photos have a really vibrant yet natural feel to them. She uses BEAUTIFUL placement and lighting to create her one-of-a-kind photos. If you are in Denver (or surrounding areas), contact Laura for a session today! Her contact information is below!  Thanks Laura for allowing me to feature you this week!

laurasmithphotography@hotmail.com 

www.laurasmithphotos.com 

 www.laurasmithphotos.blogspot.com

If you or anyone you know would like to be a feature on AHP's Feature Friday, please contact me! angie@angiehollenbeckphotography.com

 

Feature Friday, Featuring Stacy Shaeffer Photography | by Angie Hollenbeck Photography | Lacey/Olympia Area Photographer

This week's feature is another photographer! Oh how I love looking through others work!

Stacy Shaeffer Photography is located in Southeast Michigan. Stacy dabbles in a little of everything from maternity to family shoots, through weddings and boudoir. Her work has a vintage feel to my style... it is soft and creamy with yellows and flowy styles. It really has a whimsical feel to it!  

I asked Stacy to "TELL ME MORE!"...and this is what she had to say:

"I enjoy the process of documenting a family's journey through life. I have clients that I have photographed their maternity sessions, newborn sessions and on through their family sessions and their subsequent children. It is such a blessing when a family calls you back for another shoot.
I enjoy shooting with a lifestyle journalistic view. A peek into your every day life. The best portraits are those unposed. The quiet moments that you don't even know I am shooting. "
 

If you or someone you know is looking for a fantastic photographer, please check her out!

stacy@stacyshaefferphotography.com

www.stacyshaefferphotography.com

www.facebook.com/stacyshaefferphotography

www.stacyshaefferphotography.blogspot.com

586.260.9444

 

Giving Back 2012 | Lacey/Olympia Area Photographer

Recently  I read an article about a family that was dealing with one of life's toughest cards- their little girl was battling cancer. Being a mother (and an aunt) I cannot fathom what that family is going through. During this time, it was important to the mother to find a photographer to take their family photos. Anyone that has (or knows anyone that has) dealt with a medical emergency or a long-term illness is aware of the insane medical bills, so affording a photographer (when you need one the most) can be an issue. So, that got me thinking...maybe its time to simply give back to someone in need, or someone that deserves it. Hence the campaign "Giving Back 2012". No matter what it is they are dealing with (or have dealt with) in life- whether medical issues, financial hardship, the loss of a loved one, etc...all stories will be read and considered. Also please note that the actual story will not be publicized in any manner.

How Will it Work?

 First let me state that this session will come with a disk, so financially there is absolutely nothing that is required.  

Nominations will be excepted June 15th- July 15th only.

In your email, please tell AHP the following:

1) Name of person/people being nominated.
2)Relationship to those nominated
3)A brief description of the person/family
4)Their story/why they are deserving
5) Location of those nominated
6) Email in which you can be contacted
7) Lastly, attach a photograph

Send nominations to angie@angiehollenbeckphotography.com.

(Any nominations given via Facebook will not be accepted, so please be sure to email at the address provided. You will receive a reply when your nomination is received.)
*Facebook is in no way affiliated with Giving Back, 2012.*

Once nominations are received, the top three will be chosen and an email will be sent to the address that was provided.

 Then voting will began. 

Voting will run from July 16th- August 1st only.

 In order to vote, you must first "like" Angie Hollenbeck Photography. During the voting period, the families name and photo will be in the "Giving Back 2012" Album (located in Photos).

 Once again, it will just be the name and photo...no particular information regarding the nomination will be included. This is the time to urge friends and family members to get on, like AHP's Facebook page, and vote!

The winner will be announced on my Facebook page and blog only so please check on and around August 2nd.

The winner must email me within 48 hours of the time voting closes to claim their session or the one in 2nd place will be chosen.

2nd place receives $50.00 off session price
3rd place receives $30.00 off session price

(The sessions must take place within 15 miles of Lacey, WA.)
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I urge you to please send an email if you or someone you know deserve this free session. Thank you and I cannot wait for your stories to start filling my inbox!

Feature Friday, Featuring Cathleen Heath Photography!

Happy Friday all! Excuse this late night blog post (usually I have them done the night before) but my husband is out of country and I haven't had as much time to get blogging done as I normally would! Now, back to my fabulous feature this week!

Cathleen Heath Photography is located in Waunakee Wisconsin and let me tell you, this girl has talent! I just spent the last 20 minutes admiring the work on her website...I adore her style! She is really fun and natural. Cate specializes in children, couples, seniors, and (I love this one) pets! I envy those that have the opportunity to capture animals, horses in particular! And she has some amazing shots on her website. 

Cate had this to say about her photography, "I love capturing moments that my clients will cherish and showcase their lives at that time. I'm constantly learning and trying to improve my photography and business."

Thanks so much Cate!! Please check out Cathleen Heath Photography at www.cathleenheath.com or www.facebook.com/CathleenHeathPhotography!

 I hope that you all have a great weekend- it sounds like we MAY get some sunshine here in Washington! Whoo hoo! Until next week,

First-Rate Version of ME! | Angie Hollenbeck Photography | Lacey/Olympia Photographer |

As a child and even a teenager, I found myself SO sure about what it was I wanted out of life. I knew exactly who I was, what I wanted, and where I would be after graduation. Did I actually? HECK NO! Like they say, life is what happens when you are busy making other plans.  In fact, it is my belief that finding yourself never really happens. It is a process...and with every year and each experience, you gain wisdom and a better understanding of what makes you tick. I realized a few days ago, that I graduated high school NINE years ago (and yes that will "age" me... feel free to do the math)!

 Sitting on the stage nine years ago (listening to what had to be one of the most bizarre graduation speeches in history...long story), I knew that one day I would own my own business (because quite frankly I do not like being told what to do!). Had you told me it would be photography, I would have probably laughed. While I have always been artsy-fartsy, I never saw it actually leading to a career. Had you told me I would be living on the west coast, that would have been a bit more believable (though I was have assumed more southern). I went to cosmetology school, and realized I didn't prefer the drama that went along with that. I got a degree in Early Childhood Education, because I LOVE kids (this part remains the same). I nearly finished my Bachelors in Elementary Education. And then, I married my best friend. In the last 9 years, I have moved a total of 10 times (some of those moves during college were from apartment to apartment). From Minnesota, to North Dakota, to Virginia, and then Washington. Life has been change after change, new home after new home, and three children later- life still seems to change daily.

After having my kids, I realized how much I wanted to capture each and every single milestone, facial expression, mess, and phase they had...I desperately wanted to hold onto their memories forever. This is what initially sparked my love (and ultimately obsession) for photography.

I dove into the field blind as a bat and looking back, I didnt have a stinking clue what I was getting into! I knew that I had "an eye" for photography...but the business and technical mumbo jumbo never even dawned on me at the beginning. I wanted to spread my love for the art to anyone that would let me...and capture their memories forever! Taxes, licensing, paperwork, manual mode, and the rule of thirds were not in my oblivious excited little mind. I never even thought about the "competition". I was just so thrilled that people allowed me to build my portfolio and thought me talented enough to do so. 

All of a sudden, I started thinking about turning my hobby into a career, and began doing research on the business of photography. Holy moly what an eye opener! I then started realizing how much more to this field there was than using auto and pressing a button. I panicked and jumped into classes, bought books, and various equipment. I researched the best photographers and desperately sought out anyone who was willing to answer my questions. I then sat down and thought about "my style". What in the world was MY style?

I tried (and am still trying) tons of styles...styles of shooting, styles of editing, lighting techniques, etc. I found myself wanting to be like the best. I wanted to have photos that look like the best did. Then, I realized that each photographer I loved had their own styles. THEIR OWN. So, that is what I started to seek...and am still seeking. I want to find my niche...not someone elses. Sometimes I have to remind myself that I do not have to do what everyone else is doing. Judy Garland wrapped it up wonderfully...and I am going to work on always being a first-rate version of me, not a second-rate version of someone else.