Breaking Objections; Why you Didn't get photos done | Chelsie Trendley Photography
Objections and overcoming them
Let’s talk about why you don’t get photos done.
I asked on Facebook why people do not get photos done, I want to help everyone overcome these reasons.
I want to be real and raw. So, I’m going to word vomit everywhere. Here we go!
This is part of my “why”, as in why I do this.
Body image: I got a lot of “I need to lose weight” or “I don’t like how I look in photos”
I’m going to shout this, I will shout this from roof tops one day. YOU ARE PERFECT, IMPERFECTIONS AND ALL, YOU ARE PERFECT EXACTLY HOW YOU ARE IN THIS MOMENT, TODAY, YESTERDAY AND TOMORROW, YOU ARE PERFECT AS YOU ARE. Read this to yourself and let it soak in, because we all need to be a little nicer to ourselves, internally. So read this: “I am, perfect as I am. I am beautiful.”
Now I want to explain this to you, I grew up with 6 sisters. Yes 6, my family was the perfect chaotic mess, my parents never married each other, some siblings are half, some are through marriage, and some through divorce. I am an observer but I also bring to the table some wisdom and want to see changes internally through myself and others. Some of my sisters had body image issues because of themselves, some from others, some from media. But most of them were not confident in how they looked. This made me sad, I always wanted to grab them by their face and yell, YOU ARE PERFECT. I hated listening to them talk down about themselves. I want them to feel amazing, because they are. So are you. Whatever it is you bring to the table is perfect.
Busy and scheduling was the other answer I saw a lot of. We are all busy, kids or not, we all have crazy busy lives. One day you’re going to wake up and be retired and the grand kids are coming over for brunch and you must clean up and start cooking. Your kids show up and your grandkids run in and excitedly greet you with hugs and tales of what went on that week. Your kids are talking about vacationing this summer and you must google or whatever search engine is the thing in 40 years from now, photos of Hawaii because you don’t have any on your new age technology from when you were living on Oahu, and you never had family photos taken. The new age google machine shows sandy beaches and your memories flood in of when Sandra and John would splash each other and one would always go over board and the other would get mad, eventually things would calm down and they would be playing and laughing… do you see where I’m going with this? Those memories that fade over time, can be revived when you look at photos, try it right now. Look at an old photo and see what it brings back, I mean obviously, your newborn photos of yourself isn’t going to being back much. So, while your life is busy and crazy and fully of everything that life brings, take a day, and I say day because after outfit planning (next on the list) it might take you a day to get everything together.
Outfits, this is my favorite, to help other people with! One saying I might say too much is the small stuff adds up, and it does. Outfits are like a puzzle to me. Finding the right things that coordinate, don’t clash, and don’t match too much. It’s fun! But I do keep it simple! My go to colors are creams, aqua, blush pinks, those always photograph well and look awesome on the beach and with the mountains in the background. BUT LET ME STOP YOU. I want this to look like you, outfits you would naturally wear and colors you love! So, I have an outfit I send out, you can use this to compare, get ideas, if you love forest green, find it on the list and see what colors compliment and go with that! Then feel free to send me a photo of all the outfits laid out together and I will tell you if something looks funky. OMG Outfits blog!
Money, this is a big one. And important. I will start with, I am not a cheap photographer. I buy the best gear, insure it, I continually educate myself. I print the best most high archival prints possible. So, the art work I offer reflects that. I also want a long term, so long term I want to one day pass this business on to one or all my children. I do offer payment plans to help split up the cost. Some clients spend a few hundred some spend a few thousand, it really depends on what you want and what fits in your budget. I do not push sales, I’m very laid back when it comes to ordering, I want you to love everything you’re ordering and be comfortable with what you’re spending. Best thing to do is to book in advance and plan for what you want to order.
Posing, some of you said you felt awkward posing. This can happen. This is why I do my sessions a certain way. I start off with a very basic and nice pose and move to ques right away. I find this helps relax clients so I get natural smiles, laughing and looks. I could and might one day write a blog on the series of things I try to help relax people. Best advice here is don’t try to pose, just come and be your awesome self and I will help direct you!
Preconceived notions,
Whatever your hold back is, if you’re wanting photos done, get them done. Talk to your photographer! When I was in 4th grade, the photographer called me a blueberry because I wore this dark blue dress and blue socks with my sketchers tennis shoes. The dress was that soft looked sorta fuzzy and was a little itchy fabric, I LOVED that dress it looked awesome and was not too girly because I was a tomboy and wanted to run and jump and play soccer at recess, but when he called me a blueberry I wasn’t so sure of my outfit, I thought it looked good and my Mom had picked the socks to go with the dress. I never wanted to wear that dress again because another kid heard and teased me about it later. He said he couldn’t have a blueberry on his team for soccer. It took years for me to realize that none of that should have ever bothered me. Some of our worse notions are ones we let bother us. That photographer was just in a hurry and wanted me to smile. That kid probably didn’t have anything else to say or do to make him self stand out so he picked to pick on me. I let him win by letting it bother me. Drop the preconceived notion and be your awesome self and wear that favorite dress, just maybe without socks because you will probably be splashing ;)
There are a million reasons why to get photos, and really not a reason not to. Go for it!
Don't Hold Back | Chelsie Trendley Photography | Oahu Photographer
Don't Hold Back | Chelsie Trendley Photography | Oahu Photographer
I’ve seen it so many times.. I can’t even count. When I worked for Lifetouch I photographed around 8 sessions per day. Usually half had never had photos done. These were for church directories so it was short and simple sessions. I got to know people quickly. This is a trait I have had since childhood. One that, until recently didn’t know what such a powerful tool in my life.
There are a few things that always stuck with me because I heard them over and over again. One being that this was their first family photos, or that they never had photos taken with their now grown children. Sure, they would always say they had some snap shots from time to time, but nothing formal nothing with everyone.
This really resonated with me, because I realized; I don’t have a single photo with my parents and me. I didn’t have a single photo of my whole family together.
So, me being a little outrageous at times, made everyone get together in my grandmas unfinished shop and I setup the studio. I set up all the poses and my step sister from my Dads marriage would take a dozen or so shots of each pose and hope for the best. And it turned out great.
When I ask my parents why we never had photos taken of the whole lot of us, it was usually a “we didn’t think about it” or “it wasn’t a thing people did”. Those seem so silly to me but it was a different time back then.
So now I want to break objections, I want to find out why you’re not in front of my camera, I want to dig to the root of all the why nots, and I want to tell you why you should.
I did a poll on Facebook and will break these things down! See my next blog for Breaking Objections!
Amy & Williams Engagement Session | Kualoa Regional Park | Oahu | Chelsie Trendley Photography
Amy & Williams Engagement Session | Kualoa Regional Park | Oahu | Chelsie Trendley Photography
First of all, how cute are they?! Secondly, this location is seriously my favorite, its so perfect for a huge range of photo needs. I love that I was able to do their engagement session here and get a few different looks for them. Congrats to these two!!!
If your looking for some fun and romantic couples photos, this is the perfect spot!
Questionnaires ? | Oahu Photographer | Chelsie Trendley Photography
Questionnaires ? | Oahu Photographer |
Chelsie Trendley Photography
This blog is both for clients and photographers. So prepare.
Clients: I send out questionnaires for a reason, 99% of the time I don't meet you before the session. I use these to learn a little more about you and your family. I love this because then I can know that your son loves fart noises and your daughter thinks sneezing is funny. A lot of the questions may seem random but they really give me a base line on who you are. BY the way fart noises for the What makes you laugh question is totally acceptable! Be real with me.
Photographers: If you don't send out questionnaires, do it! It has helped improve my connection to my clients, it also helps me when I blog their session, because of my process I don't typically blog their session till 4-6 weeks after their session! I use the questionnaire as a reminder of who they are and little random facts about them!
Here is a gorgeous family at my favorite spot on Oahu, Kualoa Regional Park
Splash Couple | Makapuu | Oahu | Chelsie Trendley Photography
Splash Couple | Makapuu | Oahu |
Chelsie Trendley Photography
Just splash.
DO it.
Put your phone on dry land, and have some fun.
Let the laughter take over your soul.
These two are awesome, it isn't often that I photograph local Hawaiians, and this was amazing. I can't wait to do their family photos.
This was at Makapu'u Beach, there were a couple surfers in the water, the ocean was a deep magical blue, and we found the PERFECT mermaid rock. Seriously I want to go back here with my mermaid tails for some more splashing!
What happens at a session | Chelsie Trendley Photography | Oahu Photographer
What happens at a session |
Chelsie Trendley Photography | Oahu Photographer
You're thinking about booking a session, awesome! I want you to be prepared and know what going to happen. I photograph a mix of lifestyle and posed. What the heck does this mean?
Definitions:
Lifestyle; the way in which a person or group lives.
Pose; assume a particular attitude or position in order to be photographed, painted, or drawn.
What I do is start out with "poses", then move toward ques. This is the way I get everyone warmed up. Because, lets face it, it can be super stressful, these photos are now going to be on your walls, and part of your family history, forever. So yeah that can be a little daunting. Usually it takes about 5 minutes to "warm" a family up, I mean we are on Oahu and the sun helps. (insert giggle).
So after warming up both with some posing, ques, and the sun. The fun really starts, I do what I call flow, I'll start with the whole family, then parents, then kids running around. This is awesome because I get a lot in, in a short amount of time.
A lot of people don't think 30 minutes is enough time, but trust me, it is perfect for a family, couple or cake smash ;) . I usually get 2-4 different "views" and around 10 "poses" or looks per view. I also get a lot of breakdowns, family, parents, kids, and each parent with the kids, kids on their own, also dog or pet if you bring one!
What this looks like.
On Saturdays I photograph at Kualoa Regional park aka China mans hat beach, Oahu.
So here, I usually start at the field with the gorgeous Kualoa Mountains in the background, we will start with that classic look and move to running around the field. Usually we are in the field for about 10 minutes. Then we move over to the beach, I get a variety of poses and running like Baywatch on the beach with China Mans hat in the background. Then we will usually splash, I say we because I'm known to splash kids if they are into it. I also do "fun" poses where I have you jump around and be crazy, then end with some snuggles. Usually everyone (including me) is wet and covered in sand by the end of the 30 minutes. Then hit repeat for me, because I do back to back sessions on Saturdays.
It really is a lot of fun, I get a lot of high fives from the kids, Dads usually say they are surprised that they actually had fun.
Here is a slideshow from one of my sessions, enjoy. Then book a session
Changes.. Oahu Family Photographer
Changes
While I love flip flops, tan lines, and salty crazy hair.. I realize my time in Hawaii is limited. To be more general, we will most likely be relocating next summer. Hold while I cry a little.... Anyways, a little over two years ago we moved back (yup we lived here before) to Oahu. Oh boy was I JUMPING with joy when I found out. I actually remember running to my best friends house, yes, literally running to her house and screaming with excitement. Because, she was also relocating to Oahu.
My dreams ran wild. I imagined, thought, and dreamed all these plans. While I have always been a photographer, after taking it easy in California while going to school, I knew moving back to Oahu meant going full force with my business again.
I dreamed of pineapples at sessions, splashing, and loads of laughter.
That has happened. I LOVE that I can with all my heart and soul say I did what I wanted to do and I loved it all.
When we got here I rebranded to Aloha Family Photography, I set my goal to focus 100% on families. THIS was difficult because I LOVE to photograph just about everything but especially photographing women. I put that on the back burner. (WHICH I miss dearly).
Anyways, I realize that I rebranded and only thought about the next 3 years. I stepped away from my huge online following of over 4K to start Aloha Family Photography. Now that I'm thinking about my future and the things I want to accomplish, I realize I need to rebrand back to my name.
There are some things in my 5 year goal and life goal that would be a lot better if I were to rebrand back to Chelsie Thompson Photography. So I'm jumping again with both feet in the deep end and rebranding back to Chelsie Thompson Photography (for short CTP).
What does this mean, really not much. I'll switch over my business legally and my contracts and logo will change but my branding with the aqua watercolor and the palm trees and pineapples will stay the same. In fact, here is a look at my new logo.
So over the next few weeks I will be making these small adjustments to my website and all the fun back-end stuff.
With this comes some exciting news, I will now more officially be booking boudoir sessions again! Limited because I still want about 90% of my focus to be on families!
Click the link below to contact me about booking a session!!
Product Guide | San Diego CAlifornia Family Photographer | 2022
Product Guide
Something always in the back of my mind is how to provide the best products that will last the longest for my clients. I want products that you gush over, that you talk about, that in 10 years, look amazing! I want products that when your first grandchild comes over for a slumber party, you pull out an album and tell them about that time when Sally lost her front tooth the morning before your family photos and couldn't stop laughing about it. Because, those photos take you back to a specific time and place, from there your memory takes over and reminds you of all those sweet little moments.
My goal is to best serve my clients and help preserve your family history, because you may not have thought about this but your photo session is now a marker on your family timeline. A visual representation and reminder of what happened during this time. Kind of amazing isn't it? It took me almost 9 years of photographing families to realize that , this is my why, why I love this so much.
10 x 10 Teal Linen Cover Album
On to the products.
While I LOVE everything I offer, I specifically have two products I will always highly recommend.
The Album and The Heirloom Box.
The Album: is a high quality lay-flat custom cover album. I typically do 20-25 images per 5 spreads. Which you also get a small resolution digital files of those same photos. I love the album because it tells a story, you get a lot in one product, and they look and feel extraordinary.
The Heirloom Box: A wood box with magnetic closure and ribbon used to pull the photos up and out of the box. This box comes with 30 4x6 photographs, but more can be added. Now, my favorite part. I create a custom family "logo" and it get engraved in the top of the box. Now I have some favorites and I recently came up with a really fun one for Oahu, but ultimately I ask a few questions and customize your family logo!
Lay-flat Album
Heirloom Wood Box
Wall Art
Wall art is a staple in my home. I love to a sit at my dinning room table and see these 4 canvases of my children. There are many types of wall art and if you don't already know your favorite, it isn't hard to figure it out. I have samples of everything I offer in my studio. Wall art is great because its out for everyone to see when they walk in. While an album or heirloom box you may not pull out every time you have a visitor, wall art will always be there.
Framed Fine Art Print
Canvases
Prints
I offer prints ranging from wallets to 30x40. All prints are museum quality on smooth matte photo paper. These are thicker then standard prints and feel amazing.
Framing
It's taken nearly 5 years for me to find a company that I love their frames, I wouldn't offer it if I don't stand behind them. I love the frames I offer now. Not only do they have a huge variety to match any style of decor, they are sturdy. I have samples in studio.
FUN
If we haven't done a session yet, be warned it will be fun. To match my fun personality and brand I offer a few products that you normally don't see in your typical photo studio.
Viewfinder: THIS IS MY FAVORITE FUN PRODUCT. Yes, I found a place that makes custom reels for viewfinders! They are amazing, not only does this give you a flash back to the past, it holds 7 of your favorite photos! Your kids wont even know what this is!
I also offer photo magnets, double sided metal key-chains, and mini accordions.
Key Chains and Accordion Minis
Digital Products
I'm going to touch on digital for 2 reasons, I offer them, and I do find they are good to have.
I have an internal war on digital files, while they are great, I do not want that to be the "only" thing you walk away with. About 5 years ago I asked 25 clients who only got digital, who had printed them. 2. TWO out of 25 printed photos and one of those admitted she only used them to make holiday cards. WHAT. I have always offered both prints and digital, so this was a HUGE SHOCK.
I believe there are a few reasons to have digital COPIES. (not only digital files). 1. To share the whole gallery with friends and family over social media. I ONLY mention this because we live in a world where social media is the standard. Also because 90% of my clients are military and rely on social media to keep in contact and keep connected with friends and family all over the world. 2. A back up. While I keep your photos for a year, if there is a zombie Apocalypse and we have no power and the "cloud" is dead...and my house is ravaged by looters... I wont have a way to restore your photos when the zombies are gone and the world rebuilds. But your prints theoretically should be fine and relatively easy to keep safe.
So for 2018 and the future, I decided a few products should include digital copies.
I want to cover all bases here. I do offer a few other products that are digital.
Slideshow: A fun way to go through your session. Usually a 1-2 minute video with highlights from your session and fun music.
Photo App: a easy way to view your photos anywhere, anytime, and share them to social media.
Social media files: these are low resolution files, with my watermark in the corner meant for sharing online.
I always offer payment plans and nothing is packaged together. My pricing is al-a-carte and your order is completely up to you. I do not do high pressure sales. I simply walk you through your photos, show you all the products I offer and figure out what products you love and want.
If your in San Diego California and wanting to book a session, click the link below.
Hiking Session | Aloha Family Photography | Oahu | Mothers
Hiking with this AMAZING mom
Motherhood... parenting.. working from home... military life.. I could go on and on about this.
Email from the Momma ^
I woke up to a toddler whose diaper leaked, on my bed. I went to the doctor for some major foot pain to not get it resolved. I was told to lose weight and ride a stationary bike, and since I have 3 kids I should let them watch TV while I do this. I've worked so hard to be how and who I am. I've worked so hard for my kids to be interactive, limited TV time, playing, art, etc. I've also worked hard on my body, both mind and physical this year. I left feeling so terrible about everything. So I will get a new doctor, I will get my foot looked at, I will keep up all the good, positive things I've been doing.
I came home and snuggled my babies and was feeling defeat. Then I checked my email, totally forgetting I sent this Momma a link to her video! Then I cried again, but happy tears. I LOVE what I do.
My Life | Oahu Family Photographer
My Life | Oahu Family Photographer
Aloha!
I try to keep a healthy balance of get to know me, and find out more when you meet me. :) But this year is going to hold some unique challenges. I am a Navy wife, and I've been fortunate to have my husband home most of the time since we started our family. So, sadly this is a lot of uncharted water for us, dealing with deployments and everything those entail.
He left a few weeks ago and will be back and then gone and then back and then gone, basically for the next 6 months then gone for way too long. The biggest challenge to this is not having him home to hangout with the 3 children while I work. So far we have over come this with the generous help of friends.
Another thing, because I like a full plate. I'm creating my first online course for photographers!
Which means if you're interested in photography or are currently a photographer, you should keep your eyes open for JULY!
Also here are some adventure self portraits, in this wonderful group I help run I started doing monthly photo challenges! April was adventure self portrait! It was awesome. I explored a lot to try to get a good variety since I didn't have any single idea.
Contact me if you're wanting to get photos taken!