{Career Day}

Hi Guys,

As some of you know I was asked to speak at a school on their career day. I have to be honest- I was completely shocked. I would have never thought 2 years ago that my business would have grown enough that I would be approach from a school guidance counselor to come in and speak to elementary school kids. It's one of those surreal moments. You think wow... I have a career kids would want to hear about. I guess art is sometimes underestimated. Most people tell their children to go into a "real" profession. In truth, I get it. It's not exactly a field you just walk in and start making 40K a year. However, it's amazing to be at a point in my life where my passion is actually becoming one with what I want. ;0)

I need some help- I need advice as to what to talk about with the kids? Obviously technique is something a 3rd grader won't exactly grasp right away, especially in 30 minutes. So, I ask you (especially people with children this age) what would your child want to know about photography? When they take photos for fun what catches them?

Kristen will be coming with me. So, we will make a blog out of the day we did. Can't wait to share! Also, Kristen and I have fallen behind on the blog with all the shoots that have been going on. Don't worry... we will catch our breathe soon. ;)

Love,
Brittani

{Changes}

Hi Everyone,

It's been a little bit since I updated you on everything that has been going on. Here's the main points I don't want to forget to tell you about.

A- I now work on the photography business Friday - Sunday! ;)

B- I went to the beach with my friends. I can't wait to get those pictures ready to share.

C- Kristen got to be a second shooter at some sessions to learn how to handle portraits.

D- Lastly, I am in the process of re-branding.


A.
   So, as you know photography has been my hobby for a while. I never really knew where it would take me. In the last year my company has expanded more than I ever thought possible. Miracles happen! I am now making myself more available by making my Friday's now completely open to only photography. It was an exciting decision to make as I needed more time with all my wonderful clients. I thank you for making me an important person in your photography needs. It feels amazing to get calls from you all to be apart of special moments in your lives. Thank you!

So now the portrait session scheduling is -

Friday's 9am - 7pm
Saturday's 10am - 7pm
Sunday's 11am - 5pm

(These are subject to change for Weddings.)

B.
  I went on a vacation recently with my best friends to Atlantic Beach, NC. I got a really amazing deal on Groupon for a 2-bedroom condo for 4 nights, 5 days for ONLY $300.00! It's only a 6 hour drive and I can't tell you how worth it it was. The place was pretty dead as we went in April, but the beach was so clean and clear. The people were friendly. The food was delicious, and above all it was relaxing. I can't wait to share some of my pictures from the trip, but that will be another blog post.

C.
  Kristen has been doing ABOVE & BEYOND lately. She works extremely hard to make sure disc, and edits get done BEFORE they are due out to you. She also is starting to learn the in's and out's of photography. She used the Canon Rebel T2i while we did a few in house sessions. She was a fantastic helper, but also extremely talented with her photos. She is learning very quickly and has been VERY good at getting this business back on track from beginning to end. Keep an eye out for some of Kristen's work soon. She will be showing you all her skills in no time!

D.
 So, as many people know Brittani Gattis Photography is not going anywhere. However, the design is going to be changing. For a while now I have been wanting to take the leap for a big change. So, now is the time. I am working with a wonderful graphic designer named Ashley Hansen. She was the original Brittani Gattis Photography logo designer. She is fantastic and is working towards the goal of a new design. I am not leaking any info on that... I want it to be a surprise.

  I also have been in discussions with a website designer as I want to re-brand all my sites...including my blog. I am hoping to have a finished and clean design bringing both my blog/website in to one. This will be a timely process, but will be totally worth it in the end.

I want to thank everyone for their continuing support of Brittani Gattis Photography. As I wouldn't be where I am today without all of you.

<3
Brittani

{Growth} New Business - Brittani Gattis Photography, LLC

Hi Everyone!

As most of you know I have recently decided to drastically expand my business. For so long I had a big fear of really growing and expanding my company. I was really afraid of - "Could I be a good business owners?", "Is this the right economy to try and start a business?",  and "Do I really know what I am doing?".  The questions flooded my mind to the point of no return... I really couldn't get where I wanted to go without severely doubting myself.

I finally woke up and realized - I have only expanded and grown since 2010. I put in the hard work and dedication to really reach a maximum goal I had set. Every level I wanted to obtain each year was not only reached, but quickly surpassed. I had to jump in head first and really test myself. So, here I am at the beginning and it's pretty scary. So, I am reaching out to everyone in hopes of in the future helping a new business owner not feel so stressed, scared, and alone.

List of beginner's needs:

LLC
Federal tax ID number
State Registration - Registering your business with your State and possibly County (I had too)
Liability Insurance
Accountant/Financial Planner
Lawyers - Cause it makes all the above a lot easier
Business Account  - (This was truly the most difficult thing for me personally.)


I got a lawyer to help me with all my filings first. It's worth the extra money to know it's done right and it's out of your hands. I got my LLC (not all photographers go this route, but I did because we are in a world where being sued is oh to common)! That was step one, then I got my federal tax ID number. I didn't want to get taxed alive again at tax time. It's so much easier to do quarterly payments... which then brings on an ACCOUNTANT...  I was so lucky in finding someone a person recommended to me. He was quick, easy, and painless. So, the outline of the business is now done. I have dotted all my I's. This is really important... don't work the system and ruin it for out vet photographers, who have been doing it legally correct/right.

Next step - was to get help in my home office. What a lot of people don't know was that this was a side hobby that I decided to grow. I still work a 8-4pm job everyday. My company is super awesome in letting me work my hours around my clients/shoots. However, it's still a 40 hour a week job and it's really hard to balance a 40 hour a week home business too. So, that is where Kristen came in.

I already feel a MOUNTAIN of relief in a matter of a week. She is truly a great assistant, whom is always willing to jump in and help anyway she came. She came into my chaotic world and yet embraced it! Life safer!! Amen ;)

So, this is the point I am at. I really can't say that last year at this time I thought I would be at the point of an assistant and over 100 clients to service in 52 weeks. Never... did I ever expect that... BUT it feels amazing. I am in the drivers seat and will continue on the path of the unknown.

For now- rest assure new business owner it gets easier with time. It's scary and hard... It's in someways a real hassle to get a company running and it's truly an exhausting place to be... but it's worth it. I promise.

<3 Brittani

{LOVE} Valentine's Day

Hey hey!


My husband is amazing... as I have said more than a few times. He treats me great and loves me unconditionally. He = Perfect. So, on Valentine's Day he brought home a surprise for me... Georgetown Cupcakes... Here's my review....

 

They were good... I have to admit I kinda like Confections cupcakes better on some flavors but love Georgetown in others... But since I love the TV Show I had to make a decision. I decide a cupcake is good no matter the flavor. It's just the facts of life!

<3 Brittani 

{Random} Jay-Z and Beyonce

Hello Friends! 

So, I can't stop thinking about how adorable it is that Jay-Z wrote a song for his daughter Blue. He is such a great person and role model. It was also hard hearing that they had suffered a miscarriage before. I feel so happy for them. I hope they continue to be the celebrity couple we all can look up too. I also put Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas up there as a great couple as well. Sorry for a random post but, it's just super cute. Hope everyone is having a WONDERFUL Tuesday!

<3
Brittani

{Thanksgiving}

Whew!

I am exhausted. Hosting your first Thanksgiving at your home with all of your family is exhausting. I had a blast cooking for the first time. I did an injected Turkey, Paula Deen ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes with gravy, butter beans, asparagus, & rolls. I got two pies baked by a local bakery that turned out great. I'm not much of a baker. Long story short my Thanksgiving was wonderful. I hope everyone had a wonderful one as well.

I finished up eating and doing dessert and then I headed out to black Friday shopping! I wanted the FREE underwater Nikon Smart share sport that Old Navy was offering with a purchase of $40 dollars or more. I also hit up Target for all the great DVD sales. My husband and I saved $300.00 dollars! <3 Here are some pictures below of my table setting. I also have the pictures of my black Friday score! I am an addicted coupon-er so these were so worth it!

           I scored the these right before Thanksgiving at Micheal's. <3

               I wanted my first Thanksgiving to be traditional.

  Thanks to my lovely co-worker Rita, she gave me the place cards and stickers! Such a cute idea!

 I also want to thanks my Aunt Sarah for the lovely flower arrangement.  She had it delivered to me.

                              Finished product. :)

                                        YUM.... Yum.... Nom * Nom * Nom....

      This doesn't look like a lot but it's basically 20 new outfits... for both Ed & I....

      A... None of these sets/movies were over 10 dollars each. Sample True Blood was 7.99 a SET!

   Same here... CRAZZZY!

 Oh, yea these are just the FREE camera's Ed and I got for oh just being at Old Navy on Black Friday!


I want to end this with what I am thankful for... I couldn't live a day without my husband. He not only challenges me but makes me realize what life is living for. I couldn't last a moment without him.

I am also thankful for my pets. I couldn't be me without all that they bring to my life. I love them so much...

I can't say enough about how wonderful my family is... Thanksgiving was amazing because of all of them. I wouldn't be the same without them. 

<3 Britt

{Life}

Hey Guys!


So, I thought I would update everyone on somethings that have been going on. I know... I have been slacking.

So, my wonderful husband is running the army 10-miler. He inspires me! He is such a strong man. He has been running everyday, and keeping to a tight schedule to make sure he finishes strong. He did his 5 mile run the Sunday before last in 1 hour!

A thing that has passed was I had my 3 year Anniversary of the day Ed & I met in September. We went out and had a wonderful time together. He is a great husband. He keeps me sane when I am losing my mind. :) Thanks Honey! (So THANKFUL you have come in my life.)

We found out some great news that we are going to NYC in November! We like weekend trips. We also plan to go to Chicago, and our family cruise in December. Can't wait! SO much coming up! We are sad we will miss Cosmo's 1st birthday! (Yes, I wanted to have a 1 year birthday party for my dog... he's that awesome!) So, the end of the year will be insane! ;)

I will try to keep up more often. Life has been pretty crazy for me in 2011. Lots of highs and lows... but life is like that sometimes.  The 1 year Anniversary of Dylan's death was on the 22nd of September... I was really depressed about him being gone. I think Anniversaries are harder... You feel you slowly begin to lose your memories, and miss those times you treasure with them. Dylan was a great kid and dying at 18 is just to soon. I pray no other families in the world have to choose to take a child off of life support. While Dylan saved others lives... It doesn't fill the void you feel. :(

Life is to short... NEVER take your time for granted.

<3 Brittani