What Inspired Me to Start my Photography and Printing Business?

     Are you in Facebook groups that help you inspire and grow your business?  I am in several and one of them is #BoldBossTribe.  The two leaders of the group post Mondays through Friday to get the group to interact.  One of the questions inspired me to write a blog post so I could tell you all a little bit more about myself to you all.  What Inspired you to start your business or blog?  That is a very good question and insightful.  So the summer before I graduated college I interned for a photographer in hometown name Mary Margaret Chambliss Photography.  When she was ordering professional photograph prints she was ordering them from New Orleans.  I was telling my professors about this and they thought this was interesting especially since Birmingham has some magazine companies located here.  My professors and I discussed my options during my senior year.  Photographers go to L.A., Colorado, or New York (those general areas).  But my professors knowing how much I dislike like the cold did not see me up north or in the west.  The also did not see me in L.A.  So that is when we began discussing going back to my hometown and beginning a business.  I could sell my artwork and advertise printing professionally for other photographers.
     But now how to come up with a name for my business?  The name was quite simple actually.  I went by my nickname Allie Ray.  It just flowed really well and it also was a way to honor my dad who passed away before I entered college.  He always loved art and nature.  Now I just had to get my business started and my name out there for the world to know!
     As an introvert that takes some time, but as someone who has learned to give up I work hard and promote like crazy.  I have found several ways to keep getting likes on Facebook and Instagram despite the algorithm changes.  I have a great support system and I have many willing models to practice my photography skills on throughout the year.   I still can't believe I started my business almost 6 years ago!  Thank you for following along this journey with me.

A Christmas gift a mom gave her adult child

A Christmas gift that a husband gave a wife

At a recent art show in February

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It's a Crazy Time of Year But Beautiful

     I never thought in my wildest dreams that in the last month I would connect with so many different people through my photography.  I have photographed birthday parties for a fellow artist.  I have been photographing a few Christmas card photos for families and working hard on my gold and silver leaf woodblocks.  I was even asked to photograph a surprise birthday party for someone.  These things have made me very grateful for photography career.  
     I have also been making sure to take the time and enjoy the holiday season by going to the Christmas pageant at my nephew's preschool, joining in with the family when decorating gingerbread houses, but most of all during this time of year I have been taking care of myself.  I know as an artist, a person, and someone who loves to who help people I need to take care of myself.  I need that one day to relax so I am able to enjoy the Holidays.  So yes you might not see me posting a bunch of photos at the moment on all my social media pages or even posting to my Facebook business page every week.  But trust me I am working hard making these wonderful gold and silver leaf woodblock gifts for you that I can't show my followers until after they have been given to loved ones as presents.  
     I just want to remind you all that I love showing you all my work, but during this season you might see more of my Christmas tree until I can post things I worked on this December.  Until then Happy Holidays!

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New Interests

     One thing I have done this summer is take some fun creative classes.  I took a hand lettering class from the shop owner of Wood Ya Look at That.  You should totally go check out her work by clicking this for her Facebook page link and her Instagram is just so fun!  Check it out here!  Okay now let me tell you about what this artist does... She makes wood signs in her free time while being a paralegal, going to law school, and studying for the bar.  Oh wait that is not all she is engaged and planning her wedding!  The first class I attended with her back in August she taught a room of 30 women how to hand letter and helped us all with a sign! So here is the artist helping me with my piece and then you can see my finished piece.

     When we were leaving she told us about how she was going to have another class where we made pumpkin door hangers!  My birthday is in October so of course I was thinking this will be so fun and who doesn't love making decorations!  The class was smaller than the first one and I enjoyed painting a white and an orange pumpkin.  I was able to use my creativity in her class.  And learned more about her!  Now time to show you the pumpkins! 

     Seriously I had so much painting and learning how to hand-letter.  I did not know what it took for these type of artists and I loved learning about it.  Thank you for the two great classes and opening up my heart to some new fun passions!  I hope you all check out this artists work and give her a follow on her Instagram!

#woodyalookatthat #handletteringclass #creativevibes #allierayphotography #artistpassions

Thank You Letter

     This is a thank you letter to my photography professor who I had him multiple times as a student during my time at Savannah College of Art and Design.  I think the thing that really stuck with me is that the last days I was in college my mom came to pick me up and we went out to lunch with Professor Christman.  Professor Christman, my mom, and I were sitting there eating lunch and he talked about my first class with him during my freshman year spring quarter.  I have to admit to you right now that this was a year and half after my dad died.  I was still in a rough place.  I was doing my work and sitting in the back of the classroom.  Professor Christman could tell I was struggling in some ways and needed help.  He did not know how to help me, but he found a way.  Professor Christman told my mom and I how he talked to a graduate student from my hometown (who is now an author -- you should totally read her book Unmapped and get it here).  Anyways, she was kind enough to tell our professor about my dad.  After that he really helped me hone in my photography skills so I could use them to express myself.  My senior year in his class I made a book which I used photographs and words to talk about my dad.
     My professor took the time to get to know me when he knew I was struggling.  He kept pushing me and taught me everything I know today about Photoshop and Lightroom.  During my senior year he took the time to talk to me about where I wanted to go after graduation.  I know some professors do this during everyone's college years.  But the thing that stands out to me is that he did not let me stay that shy, lonely, sad person in the back of his classroom my freshman year.  Professor Christman took the time and effort to get to know me during my years at Savannah College of Art and Design.  He took the time to get me to be an artist and teach me.  He took the time to become my friend and a mentor.  You will forever be missed Professor Christman and thank you for all you taught me at SCAD.

Here are some photos I made in during my first class with you!

Oh Pete Christman you influenced my art in so many ways.  Rest in Peace my dear mentor Professor. Thank you for taking the class to your house to see all your art work and meet your precious dog.  And also when we had that very small class for taking us to breakfast one morning.  Thank you so much for everything you taught me.  I am so glad you are finally meeting my dad.  Please tell him hello for me.

Sincerely,

Your student who I think tried to get in your class every quarter at SCAD!

#SCADalumni #SCAD #SCADphotography

November Already

     I can not even believe we are already through ten days in November.  If you are like me as a photographer or person in general who makes art you are thinking about what to get people for Christmas and also how to keep advertising your work to keep working till the last day of the year.  You are probably also thinking how in the world am I supposed to get holiday shopping, wrapping, and cooking, etc. finished?  Why is it always a never ending to-do list during the holidays and only begins during the first of November. 
     I have to begin by promoting my hand made gold and silver leaf pieces as much as I can through emails and on social media.  Then I have to make the time to shop for gifts and make the list out.  Am I the only one who makes lists anymore?  I really hope not they are really helpful.  You should just see my notebook that I have filled with lists!  This is what happens when you are a creative artist as working a part-time job.
     I really should be promoting by hand made pieces that are on wood blocks covered in gold and silver leaf pieces. So here are some photos.

 My Artwork Set up at Birmingham Artwalk

My Artwork setup at the Tartan Classic Marketplace

My Artwork setup at the Tartan Classic Marketplace

     But I also want to know how you find out about your favorite hand made art pieces and do you go to home shows?  What hours are the most convenient hours for you to attend if someone does a home show for you to come?  I love hearing your opinions.

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Opportunities in September!

     I can honestly say that I would never have dreamed that I would have entered myself in not one but three art shows in basically a one month time frame.  But I did and I am so excited that I did.  I had so much fun at the Highlands Country Club Art Show that helps raise money for a scholarship fund.  During this after show week I made a few more connections, saw some of the people who have been supporting me for years and took photos for more of my handmade work.

     I already knew I was going to be in another art show near the same location as the Highlands Country Club Art Show towards the end of September so I started making my digital skins before I left for my first art show.  The art show at the end of September is called Tartan Marketplace and I am thrilled to be a part of it.  But more about that one probably on my social media sites.

     The one I am very excited about is this weekend in my hometown called the Birmingham Artwork.  It takes place over two days in downtown Birmingham.  The dates are Friday, September 8th and Saturday, September 9th.  When I got the email last weekend they had found a place to put me I was thrilled.  I knew it was short notice, but it is such an exciting opportunity to exhibit my work.  These opportunities help me get my name out there and to tell people about my handmade artwork.  I have no idea what will happen at the art shows in September.  I know though that I will have to do a lot of promoting for the next couple month!  

The entrance to the art show at Highlands Country Club

My art work at the Highlands Country Club art show

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#artshows #alabamaphotographer #handmadart #allierayphotography #birminghamartwalk2017

August is for Art Shows

     As July is coming to a close and August is about to begin I am so happy to begin getting ready for an art show that I have participated in for the last five years in Highlands, NC.  Each year at this art show I always feel like I have a great audience of people who really show an interest in my work.  They also try to find me and ask me questions about my work which I am always happy to answer.  But I have to tell you when I am explaining my artwork they all look 100% confused.
     Art shows sometimes can be nerve-wrecking, because for some of them we have to fill out an application.  We have to wait to see if we will be partaking in the event.  If it is an art show that has a party along with it or a festive theme more people come to see the art.  Sometimes though it is all about how much you as an artist promote the event and your work.  Every time I prepare myself for an art show whether it is in my hometown or I am traveling to it -- 'I say to myself I will be happy if I sell one or if someone is interested in my work.'  I try to make sure I relax and remember that it is a process becoming an ARTIST ---- it does not happen over night and never give up.  Another key thing to remember is to always be patient when people begin asking you about your work.  You might get the same question over and over again.  The more you are willing to talk to people about your work, the more they will want to work with you as an artist and as a person.

Some of my gold and silver work you might see at the Art Show in North Carolina!

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Photography puts A SMILE on my FACE

     I have been trying to come up with the perfect blog post for a while now, but I can't so I am just going to talk about how for the past year I have been trying to do more of my photography since my bike accident last July 2016.  I was hit by a car while riding a bike in France.  Since then I have really been trying to get more business and keep doing my photography.  Because photography is what really makes me happy.  I have been working on my social media to try to gain people's attention with my work past and present.  I have been trying to connect with more creatives whether it is through the internet or trying to make it to a meeting in person.

     Here is the thing that I have learned since I got hit by a car -- I love photography and that is definitely my passion.  I will work as hard as I can to get people to see that.  I love photographing my nephews and niece.  I have fun photographing birthday parties and events.  I even photographed someones clothes they designed for them this year.

     I really enjoy however making my photography into art pieces.  I mean printing them on the digital skins then laying them on the woodblocks that I have covered in gold or silver leaf.  I know you are thinking what in the world is this girl talking about right now.  But printing photos is part of photography.  The quality of paper that you print your photos makes your photograph.  So yes let me print your photographs or help you capture your special moments.  Photography puts a smile on my face.

Here are some of my pieces:

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Time Management

     Honestly, I thought I was always good maybe even great at time management until this past weekend.  Somehow I let the month of April fly by me without a second thought.  Maybe it was due to the fact I was super excited that I had a niece born this month.  I have also been editing these adorable dog photos from the Mutt Strut benefiting Hand in Paw that was over Easter Weekend.  I am not really sure, but when I realized last weekend I only had 2 weeks - 14 days until the PreSchool Partner Food Truck Round Up and Art Show (for more information about the art show click here) I was like WAIT!  I honestly thought I had another weekend somewhere between April 22nd and May 6th!  Nope, nada, wrong!  I worked a lot over the weekend and even skipped taking my dog a good long walk.
     Time management is hard and I know I struggle with it sometimes.  During these times when you realize you have way to much to do make sure you do some things for yourself as well.

Some suggestions:

1.  If it is nice out take a short walk (if you have a dog take your dog with you).  I take my dog on several short walks during the days I have to work on art all day.  Sometimes we sit outside on one of our breaks.  This always refreshed my mind.

2.  If you are like me sometimes you forget about eating when you realize you don't have a lot of time.  Make sure you make time to eat.  If you have friends or family close by schedule a meal with them so you are able to take a break from your art.

3.  Always schedule your time for your art, exercise, grocery shopping, etc. or at least try.  Calendars are great.  I have a paper calendar from Erin Condren click here to personalize your own.  I love how there is a column for a to do list each week! I also use my calendar on my cell!





#timemanagement #allierayphotography #birminghamphotographer #alabamaphotographer #artshow

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Don't Throw in the Towel!

     You know those times while you are running your own business you want to throw in the towel?  DON'T!  I repeat DON'T.  I know everyday is a struggle to find clients, working on SEO, and even reworking your website.  You try to make sure your website is up-to-date and attracting your ideal client.  You begin to think you are doing everything wrong.  I just can't let you give up.  I believe so much that we are all meant to be doing what we are striving to do in life.  You might notice it takes some people less time than you, but trust me they all struggled when they began.  

     I am going to be honest for a second everyday I think is my photography (Allie Ray Photography) business worth it?  Then I make someone happy with my work and I know it is!  The thing that I remember while being in this art world is that I just have to have confidence.  Confidence goes a long way.  I painted two paintings in the last month and was so happy with how they turned out.  I was even happier when my client was happy with them when she saw them.  I have been working harder on my social media to get people to know my work (I post more than I used to post).  I have been following advice from other members of the #risingtidesociety group on Facebook - check them out here.  The one thing I can't do is give up on my #photography

Here are a few reasons why I can't give up on my #photography or in other words my #dreams

1.  Every time I make a piece of #artwork and see someone smile it makes me smile. 

2.  I enjoy making my #handmadeart so much! I wish everyone could see it in person, but it is just so unique.

3.  While I make art I feel like I have a connection with my dad who taught me to notice all the details in life.  He also taught me to stop and admire the beauty in life.  I love sunsets, because of him.  

4.  I have people who believe in me!

     I know these are very simple reasons, but it is my truth on why I can't give up on my #photography dreams.  And in case you have not heard my Spring Mini Sessions are coming up soon. #springminis

Thank you for taking the time to read!  Here are some other ways to stay connected with me: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram 

#birminghamphotographer #bhamphotographer #alabamaphotographer #allierayphotography

Finding a Way to Make Art Less Stressful

     There are days I wonder how people make art not stressful for them.  Most artists begin their career, because they dislike their 9 to 5 job or they love art.  I love photography, but the other day I was painting for a client and I remembered how relaxing it was to paint.  I used to paint all the time when I was in middle school and high school for fun.  It was a way to do something other than read or go play outside.  I used my mom's old acrylics.  My mom is a painter who uses oils!  The thing that is crazy about my painting is that from one painting I did for fun I have had two commissions from it.

     How do you balance making art fun during the stressful times?  We have commissions, due dates, and lives.  I took to #social media and asked fellow artists on The Rising Tide Society page on Facebook and was able to get some great replies.  

     I heard from one artist named Kate Heitkamp say, "I take breaks to write out what I'm thankful for, either on my big office white board, or in a journal."  I have a journal also so I was like check that one off the list.  

     Next I heard from Tammy Roede Murray who said, 'I go outside and think small when life, photo work or the day job gets stressful, Macro is my escape.... no clients telling me what they want, no one to pose (I really struggle here because I get so shy and uncomfortable giving direction).... just bugs and flowers, water droplets and mushrooms!  This is something I try to do, but I definitely need to do more of in the future.

How awesome is this image by Tammy Roede Murray?

     Last I heard from Michele Bourquin who is a painter.  She said, "I'm a painter.  I try to stagger my work - commission piece.... independent piece.... commission piece etc.  It relieves the stress of commission work." 

      There are so many ways we can make art more and not #stressful.  We have to remember to maintain the balance between friends, family, work, social media, and everything else in our life.  We need to make time for ourselves.  Balance is definitely my answer for keeping art fun!

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#birminghamphotographer #alabamaphotographer #art #fun