Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Thank You 2015!

     As the year 2015 comes to end and I write my last blog post for the year.  I have to say a few things to my readers.  I have felt like my blog has become more and more about my life and photography.  I have been telling you about running a business, having a part-time job and having free time.  Now, I have come up with something new to talk to you about which is for all those creative people out there reading my blog.  My mom is discussing down sizing her house.  That is awesome for her.  I am thinking umm... hello do you actually know how much stuff I have at your house???  I have been thinking in between Christmas wrapping, editing photographs, and finishing commissions of how I can begin to clean out all my things I have kept over the years.  Now, I would not describe myself as a hoarder.  I would just say I am sentimental about a few things.  I have decided my first move is going to be to get some help with getting someone to make a quilt out of all my sweatshirts.  I have probably close to 20 sweatshirts.
     Now, that I have one idea down another thing I am trying to think about is the year 2016.  The goals I need to set for my business.  It is more that I need to always work on getting people involved with my work and the social media parts of my business.  I need to keep the word of mouth going.  I have this neighbor who has been helping a lot and who tells everyone about my work she can!  This helps me a lot.  I try to tell people at my part-time job, the people I work out with and whenever I see someone posting about it on Facebook.  For 2016 I want you all to know that I appreciate each and everyone's business in 2015.  I can not do what I am doing today without you all.  Have a Happy New Year's!


This is a recent commission I did over Christmas.

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Friday, December 4, 2015

Busy Season!

     It is Christmas time again when most all photographers are busy editing, working on commissions, and starting to prepare for a new year of business.  We begin with renewing our business licenses and making sure everyone has paid their bill.  We also need to make sure we are not rushed in any way possible so that everything goes to our clients looking fabulous.
     Last night I was working on commissions for a client praying they turned out well after they printed.  After doing that I emailed another client photos we had been discussing to be printed which she responded in the morning.  Finishing tasks that are either small or big has allowed me to prepare for more commissions and more time to plan for extra photo shoots.
     Now, I do not know how you enjoy editing your work, but sometimes listening to music or watching a funny TV show helps me.  This also allows me to judge how long I have been working so I able to take small short breaks.  I would not suggest anyone to get consumed with your work.  Breaks can help us all refocus our energy and we can see something that might need to be fixed with fresh eyes.  So remember it is the holiday season wear a tacky Christmas sweater and have fun with taking photographs.  Enjoy the holiday season photographers!

Enjoy some recent photographs and work I have done.

A piece I did for a family that I met in Highlands, NC

Family Reunion Thanksgiving 2015

A proud great-grandfather with his youngest great-grandson


As always follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.  Have a great holiday season and stayed tuned for more photography news!

Sunday, October 25, 2015

Never Give Up!

     Have you ever had a very busy season during your job?  I feel like that is what happened to me this fall.  I love fall.  I can't even begin to tell you how grateful I am for my new clients that I acquired in Highlands at the end of the summer and the ones who are starting to use me in my own hometown.  I have been making slideshows, books, making my unique images and much more.  I know I sound like most photographers who say I am super busy.  It is not just me being busy, but I am also working around my clients schedules and the weather.  We want to take photos outside and it is cloudy.  I am not one of those people who will say no, you have to do it today, because this is when we planned it.  I want my clients to hopefully remember me as working with them, making them happy, and overall be satisfied that they suggest my name to other people.  I think that is what many photographers want, but I think even overall even if I might not be one of the top in my city at the moment I will not give up.  I enjoy reading the inspirational books by Brene Brown and the quotes on Twitter that the Shark Tank group puts up every day.  These things give me hope.  They make me realize I might be a young woman with her own business, but I should never give up on my dreams.

Here is a quote I enjoyed from Twitter:

"Don't take things personally in business, do whatever it takes to accomplish your goal. Don't let hardships or difficult personalities stop you."  ~ Lori Greiner

Honestly, I do not think I could ever give up on my dream and I am so in love with my photography.  I have this gut feeling this is how I am supposed to show everyone how I view the world.

Thank you so much for reading and I will post photos soon.  Please follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.  

Saturday, September 19, 2015

Busy Busy!

     Hello again my fabulous blog readers.  I know it has been a while since I have written a blog post, but after the Highlands Art Show I became busy since I received two commissions.  Which was very exciting since I saw people react very well to my artwork.  Another thing that has happened lately was so fun was that I ran into a fellow artist this week and we began talking about art.  It was also very interested to learn she also had another job along with her art career as I did.  This was great for me to hear as a young artist especially since some days I feel like it is hard and right now I am so happy with all the thing I have going on for me.  Just this past month I have been working on two commissions, I was asked to photograph at sip and see, I am working on a rehearsal dinner video, and I have been photographing my newborn nephew.
     But wait that is not all I have events lined up in November and something lined up next year that I will tell you about in another blog.  For now I will leave you with a few photographs I have edited this week.



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Tuesday, August 18, 2015

My Happy Place

     Do you have one place that always brings you a happy memory?  You always find several great photographs from that one place?  You have several people in that one area that support you?
     That is what I have in place called Highlands.  I am going up there soon for the Highlands Country Club Member Art Sow and as I am getting ready my thoughts are ranging from last minute things I need to remember to do around my apartment before I leave in less than a week and the things I need to do to have all my artwork ready.  They range from are my pieces ready to hang to I really should have already bought my new nephew's baby present (but it is on my to-do list).  This week is going by way faster than I thought it was and how I am already on Season 3 of Friends while editing photographs that I planned to be finished with at the end of July (it is now the middle of August!!).  All of this is going through my head and more while the art show fast approaches.
     The part I am so excited about it is I am going to my happy place.  My happy place is where just were I am able to relax, people golf, play croquet, play bridge, and my favorite part it is quiet by 10 p.m.  All you can hear is nature.  Whenever I go to Highlands I feel like I have just given all my worries away and I lost all my stress lines.  There is something about the mountains that calls my name.  My sister and I are pretty young are already asking when can we retire to Highlands.
     This small town in North Carolina lets me see the beauty in nature while I photograph.  The members of the country club ask me questions about my art work, which always brings a smile to my face.  Every time I drive up the winding roads something new and exciting always comes with the trip which is why I will always return to my Happy Place.  



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Monday, August 10, 2015

Back-Up, Back-Up, Back-Up

     Throughout the last couple of weeks I have been using all my free time to edit photographs that I have taken in my free time.  Another thing I was able to accomplish was putting all of my sister's wedding photographs onto another USB drive.  Why would I do this?  One reason I did this is because my mom wants a copy and my sister does.  Another reason is because a professor one time suggested more than once that you should always back-up, back-up, back-up.  He said he kept one copy in a safety deposit box and then in two other places for safe keeping.  I have of course thought of doing this several times, but you know we do not always do what we think or do what our teachers say we should do.
     I have been thinking about what to write in this blog for awhile now and yes, I did want to stay stuff about backing-up your files.  The other thing I definitely want to get across is that even though I have been editing, beginning to work on a slideshow, and getting ready for an art that is at the end of this month it all takes time management.  There are days when I want to tell you how in Lightroom (a great tool for keeping track of photos and editing them) how many photos I edited throughout the week, but see that is the parts of photography you did not come to read about.  So I am here to give you advice that you may never hear.  I am hear to tell you stop and look around every once awhile.  Drive a different route to work and you will notice something that you really want to photograph and remember.  I take way too many photographs and I have a probably with deleting them from my phone and laptop once I know they are on my hard-drive.  I am a photographer and I take way too many photographs which is takes up a lot of space.
     My favorite hard drive at the moment is the Lacie Rugged hard drive.  It has two different types of ways you can plug it into your laptop.  I would also suggest when setting up a hard drive that you use folders to separate your different projects.  Good Luck backing-up and Thanks for reading.


As always do not forget to follow Allie Ray Photography on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Friday, June 26, 2015

Courage to Be Yourself

     On Tuesday, I was so excited to find out that the morning receptionist at my part-time job could cover for me while I take a vacation to Highlands, NC where I will be doing the Highlands Country Club Member Art Show for the 4th year.  Tuesday when I woke up I had to do those I like to put off until the last minute, but I decided this was really the only time I would be able to get my oil changed in my car and my tires rotated since we had an extra car for a few days.  Let me just admit there are many other things that are on my to-do list that I am in still need of accomplishing.
     The thing though is that I am really good about doing the things I want to do like editing my photographs, making my art work, and all that.  One thing though that has been keeping me from being my best is the people who seem to want to judge me for doing some of the things I do.  Well, for that I can not express how sad that makes me.  Yes, I do Irontribe.  Irontribe is like crossfire for those of you have not heard of it.  I understand some people think I am crazy for doing it, but let me say Irontribe has helped me in some ways and my coaches, who are amazing, let me modify my workouts to help me.  The other thing is that yes I might not confront people about things, but I always ask someone older and wiser for help when dealing with situations.  Let me just say this has helped me with my business.  Without my family, I might have written some poor descriptions on explaining the process of my work.  So, yes I will admit at 25 with my own business, a part-time job, and other things I do to help out I do need the occasional help.
     I support so many artists out there from fashion designers to graphic designers to bloggers to musicians to painters.  Everyone has their own unique style that it takes COURAGE to put yourself out there in this scary world.  It takes courage to be yourself  and that is what I try to everyday.  So to everyone reading this blog today and over the next few days please share it, because yes I am 25 and doing everything I can to tell you about my unique photography.  I make digital skins that I put on top of wood blocks that I cover with silver or gold leaf.  I make custom prints.


Just messing with shapes and colors today! Express Yourself!



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Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Supporters

     My mom gave me this idea for my photography a while back after she talked to one of her last connections with the SAE house at Vanderbilt.  She gave me the idea of taking photographs of the sororities and fraternities at Alabama and Auburn and of course other places that mean something to the students.  Since of course I really do not know my way around the University of Alabama I have this really kind neighbor who is willing to drive down with me on a Saturday and take photographs with me.  This is getting me super super excited about this summer and what is in store for me with my photography.  I remember learning about copyright and my neighbor has already sent an email to a friend at the University and they said it should be fine for me to take photographs and then sell them!  I am here thinking I am so glad I have this wonderful neighbor who loves my art and is willing to help me.  That is the thing I have been learning a lot about recently.  I have some really big supporters who would be willing to be do a lot of things to help me out.
     I have counselors from camp who have seen me recently who have let me take photographs from the rooftop of the building where they work.  I am not sure how I was able to get this lucky with people who are willing to help me out in the smallest way, but it feels like the biggest deal to me.  I never know how I could ever THANK them enough for all their support and kindness they are showing me while I am doing what I love.  I am photographing whenever I am able too.  Recently, I photographed downtown Birmingham from a rooftop, took some photos at the PreSchool Partners Food Truck Round Up and Art Show, my mom's new puppy, and hiking in Highlands, NC.  All these different things show how diverse I am as an artist and how I will photograph anything to keep practice.
     For me photography is seeing the smile on people's faces when they see my work.  It is also about seeing how many people are able to come together for art.





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Friday, May 15, 2015

Take Your Time

     The thing I have been working really hard on lately is trying to post regularly on my Facebook page and write blog posts.  That is always easier said then done, because I worked a few extra hours at my part-time job last week.  I was busy getting ready for all my art events in April and trying to make sure I told as many people about them as I could.  The thing I had to remember while getting everything prepared was that I had time and not to rush.  I have been dog and house sitting, helping my mom with her new puppy, and getting back into my routine of art in the morning along with exercising.  With Memorial Day coming up I have been thinking about a chance of once again seeing one of my favorite places and taking photographs in North Carolina while hiking.  I have also been discovery some new places around my hometown to take photographs with the help of acquaintances I met at the camp I attended for many, many summers.
     Besides all of that I wanted to let all the avid blog readers out there who read Buzzfeed or Thought Catalog and get these wonderful ideas about traveling all over the world.  Maybe, you are even thinking that you have not done as much as those writers.  Let me tell you I might have started a business right after college so I could do what I wanted to do in photography, but the thing I have learned since graduating college is the world is HUGE.  That you can TAKE YOUR TIME, there is no time like the present.  So I made a list of all the things I have accomplished and it is way more than I thought I had.  I also emailed my close friends and families about 'What they wish they knew when they had turned 25.'  This has helped me so much this year in taking every opportunity I have and turning it into something.  I am not saying you need to wait to travel at all, because let's be honest my goal is to one day travel the world as a Travel Photographer.  I am saying do not rush life, enjoy it, learn, and experience everything in front of you.  That is what I have been trying to do this year and this past week while I was given the opportunity to take photographs on the roof of a building!  For me, that was pretty breath-taking and rewarding, because I felt like I was on top of the world.  Now here are a few photographs from that experience.




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Friday, April 24, 2015

Talking About Your Work

     One of the hardest things for me since I am not the best public speaker or great at explaining things is talking about my work.  The thing I have learned is it takes a lot of practice and some very willing family members to help you out.  They give you great feedback and are great listeners.  Your family members or friends also know your strengths and weaknesses which helps you out.  They will help you make it so others will understand what you are describing!
     Last week I was literally thinking about what I would say during a demonstration of my artwork all week.  I was watching art demonstration videos and asking advice from family members.  When it finally arrived,  I felt so under dressed compared to the other artist and had brought all this stuff that I did not even need to bring.  I guess the saying goes 'it is better to be over prepared than under prepared' is always true.  I did however show some people who came into A'mano how I am able to peel off a digital skin and place it on a woodblock covered with silver or gold leaf.  The people watching thought this was so cool and asked me more questions.  This however was great practice and it helped me with answering questions at the Gateway Gala event "Off the Wall."  I believe it will also help when I am the at the PreSchool Partners Food Truck Round-Up and Art Show on Saturday, May 2nd!  I am just so honored and thrilled to be part of all these amazing events and of course have donated some artwork to wonderful charities.
     I have been working on new pieces of the downtown Birmingham area that include churches and landscape views.  Here is how the set up my pieces yesterday at the event and all my pieces went to some great people!


For more information about my artwork and what I will be up to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.  Thank you for reading!

Saturday, April 11, 2015

Free Time

     Lately, I have been getting ready for the events that I told you about in my last blog post titled Upcoming Events.  I received an email this past week about another opportunity from a family friend about donating a piece to the Cahaba River Society silent auction which I gladly accepted and have already given her the piece.  (Really excited about all these wonderful opportunities!)
     Let me tell you about what I have been doing some while preparing for all these events.  My free time when I am not at my afternoon job is all dedicated to my art and my dog.  For example, I really wanted to see this movie and I thought to myself I have two hours before this movie which is perfect time to start making more digital skins for the demonstration at A'mano I am having Saturday, April 18th from 11:00 am till 2:00 pm.
     This morning I checked the weather and I saw rain in the forecast which I knew I had to spray my digital skins that had been printed on today while it is sunny, because the spray is not great for anyone to inhale.  I wanted to go do something fun with my dog today, because I know I have ideas for more prints.  I want to prepare for what I want to tell people during my demonstration.  I have been going over and over in my head what to say and what I should I bring, but now with it being a week away I do not feel like it is an exam or anything.  I just know I am not great at public speaking so I know I will need to prepare or make some notecards.  Make it somehow fun and enjoyable for all ages.  Here is a piece I did back in December for someone in the family.

    
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Friday, March 27, 2015

Upcoming Events

     Lately,  I have been thinking about what to write to all my avid readers.  This has been hard, but I figured it out this morning while working out.  I should tell you all about my upcoming events.  I have not one, but three events coming up in April and May.  Each one is very different, but very rewarding to me all the same.  Now let me tell you a little a bit about each of them:
     On Saturday, April 18th, I will be doing a demonstration of my artwork at a local store in my hometown.  I am not sure the exact time I will be there during the day.  I am excited about this event since when I tell people about work they always ask what I do, how I make my work, and now I will be able to explain it to them in person.
     On Thursday, April 23rd, is Gateway's "Off the Wall" event.  I have donated have images for this cause.  Gateway is one of the great companies who helps people in our community in need.  Everyone who comes to this event goes home with a prize.  For more information here is the link to the event: http://www.gway.org/off-the-wall
     The last event I am participating in is on Saturday, May 2nd, which is for PreSchool Partners Food Truck Round Up and Art Show.  During this event, I will have a booth set up selling my artwork featuring photographs I have taken while hiking and the places I have discovered while driving around downtown.  I have been noticing a lot of the different churches downtown while going to my afternoon job.  For more information about this event here is the link: http://preschool-partners.org/save-the-date-2015.php

Take a look at some of the pieces I have been working on for the upcoming events.



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Monday, March 9, 2015

Planning

     I am a planner.  In the business world this a good thing (or so I think it is a good thing).  I have my schedule on my phone which connects to my laptop and my iPad.  I also have my schedule written down on a weekly calendar.   I have written down on a sheet of paper in my work area when the bills are to be paid and when the business taxes are due.  I have everything organized.  I like everything a certain way.  I think way too much about which pieces to put in an event.  I sometimes forget the little things like laundry, cleaning, and other daily tasks.  Somehow though between my part-time job, checking on dogs (which I have now gotten dog sitting jobs!), babysitting, and photography everything gets accomplished.  I really am not sure how though.
     This week I decided which images to put in the Gateway gala "Off the Wall" event which you can read more about here.  This will be the third year I will be participating in this event.  I really enjoy donating my artwork and having it benefit a good cause.  When it comes to getting my pieces ready for an event I like to have time.  I have to make digital skins, gold or silver leaf the boards, and let them dry.  As an artist, I have to leave room for the errors.  This is why I plan everything out and when one minor thing does not go my way I remember it will work out.  I take a deep breathe and always see if I need a quick break.  Now here are two of the pieces for the Gateway gala event before they are on gold or silver leaf boards.



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Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Fears

     Sometimes while I am spending time with my nephew I realize he seems to have very few FEARS at his young age.  I say this, because one day while spending the day with him we went to gymnastics.  I brought my camera along with me to capture some moments with him, since I have only seen gymnastics while watching a movie or the Olympics.  My nephew was doing the movements and he would run straight into the foam ball pit if the coaches would let the little kids.  You can learn a lot from little ones.  
     We should be brave, bold, stand out, and have no fears when it comes to starting something new.  I am absolutely trying my best to talk more about my work with confidence in myself.  Sometimes that can be hard, but I am trying to believe in myself.  Whether I am making big strides or small strides, I am trying to use my free time to take new photographs for Gateway's "Off the Wall" fundraiser in April.  I have thinking while I drive to and from my part-time job about how this will look as photographs.  I have been planning and I even took my dog one day with me to take photographs.  I am stepping out of my comfort zone to try new angles for my photographs. 



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Thursday, January 15, 2015

Photography and Part-Time Jobs

Hello Allie Ray Photography readers,

     It is the middle of January in the new year of 2015!  So, far everything for the business is running smoothly, but I have started something new.  Now, as I have been saying in some of my past posts I do other things along with my photography.  A few days ago, I started a part-time job as a receptionist which has been so fun learning how to use a switch board and learning about a different type of business.  One important thing I learned in college was no matter what you do (during the day or evenings - to help bring in the extra money) when people ask you about what you do for a living always add in that you are a PHOTOGRAPHER.  For example, you might be working as an assistant or just starting your career in photography doing anything from running errands to just being able to watch what is happening on a photography shoot.  My professors always informed us we would have to work hard.  Sometimes you need some extra income, so there is many things you could be doing from waitressing to retail to a receptionist.
     Basically the short version is I needed a little push in the right direction to help find a job where I could still do my photography.  I started a few days ago and when people in the office come up to me and have been asking me what I do when I am not in the office.  I reply, 'I am a photographer.'  This is great for me since I am able to tell some more people about my business and explain what I do which gives me confidence.  Another thing I am doing is spreading the word.  Whether it be through social media or just telling people in person I am always trying to tell more people about my business.  
    

This image is an 8x10 inches on silver leaf woodblock called 'Downtown Reflections'


Right now there is 10% off all silver and gold wood block pieces when you message me.

Thank you for reading my blog and as always for more updates follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.