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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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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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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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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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.

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New Year, New Goals

     Hello my avid Allie Ray Photography blog readers.  Lately, I have been reading blog pieces and following photography groups on Twitter and Linkedin.com.  One of my favorite articles, I looked at this week was on the Twitter page of Adorama (to follow them click here).  This one article written by Mason Resnick tells you how he is being proactive in marketing his photo business (here is the link).  I feel like I could take a few tips from this guy, especially since I have seen a lot of people getting engaged recently on social media.  I know I have some wonderful supporters out there who will help me get more clients, but the harder I work on getting my business known then I will be able to travel.
     I have made goals for my business and I will keep on making more.  I have started testing and using a bigger flexible cutting board.  But in general I feel like I have accomplished so much in being able to talk more about my art.  I am able to explain what I do and the process without looking at someone help.  I have found a new belief in myself.  I have tried photographing new things and have expanded what I like to photograph.  A new year brings a new list of potential customers, new possibilities, new growth, and expanding whatever it maybe I desire.  All I can say is 2014 was good to me and I am ready for 2015.  Here are some of the final things I did this year.

This image was done for a friend on silver leaf 9x12 inches woodblock 

This image was done when I was trying to choose what to give someone for Christmas. Silver leaf 8x8 inches woodblock

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Setbacks make us Stronger

     I have been thinking a lot lately about setbacks and how sometimes we need a little of motivation.  Setbacks come when we least except them too, but the thing that will get us through it is HOPE.  I am telling you avid blog readers this today, because yesterday I went to the doctor for a heel issue.  I was thinking it was only a stone bruise, but it turns out I somehow sprained my posterior tibial.  I am happy to say I am wearing a lovely boot cast and with this cast I will still be able to do my photography.  YAY!  I will still be able to do normal things.  The only setback I have is that I will have to lighten up on exercise (nothing to hardcore).  When I first heard that I was definitely disappointed, but then I began thinking this gives me a lot of time to explore new things.
     Here are some of the things I began thinking of: I will be able to do some research on my next photography job and maybe try to make something similar to it.  I will be able to work on social media, and take new pictures.  This past Tuesday, even though my heel was hurting I went to explore my cousin's farm and was able to take some pictures of the horses.  I have been around horses when I rode them when I was in elementary school and even when I attended camp.  The thing I really enjoyed was the horse let me pet him or her.  The experience of seeing any animal again (after many years) and them letting you touch him or her is so rewarding.  I was able to watch them eat.  Yes, I do not want to walk around with a boot for 4 weeks, but I am able to still do things which makes me thankful.  Here are a few pictures of the horses and the farm from the other day.

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