6 years and counting!

Recently at the end of March I reached my 6th year anniversary in business. I am completely amazed and proud of myself from where I have started to where I am now. Let me briefly fill everyone in on just how far I have progressed these past 6 years.

To begin, growing up photography was always very important to me, using my parents 110 cameras and then 35mm to photograph everything from nature to family portraits. In high school I took every photography class I could until graduation where I pursued photography at Broome Community College. After 2 years studying there and receiving my associates degree I moved on to Buffalo State College where I worked on my bachelor's degree in photography. Here is where I learned so much more about being in business and being a professional photographer. I had met so many fine art photographers and learned how to expand on creativity and technical skills. I had a job working in a slide library where I learned the true importance of preservation and later had an internship at CEPA Gallery. CEPA provided me with even more experience on the business and also more exposure to local artists. Both I was grateful for and learned so much from which would help shape my business in the future.

After graduating Buffalo State College in 2009 I began working for Olan Mills back near home in Sidney, NY. Here I learned more of the corporate, in studio experience. Although it was a great job where I met so many people and created regular customer accounts I still felt the need to expand and think "outside the box". In 2010 I decided to take the Entrepreneurship Assistance Program at Broome Community College. It was then that I had decided it was time to either go professional and do things the right way or keep photography as a hobby. Wow, long hours, days, dedication and zero social life I continued to work a full time job and work on the foundation of my business. I remember sleepless nights, crying in fear and risk of failing. However my husband (boyfriend at the time) and my family kept cheering me on and encouraging me to never give up.

On March 28, 2011 I went downtown and signed the paperwork and made things official. Kristys Imagination Photography was born! Who would have known my crazy journey would have led to this? Scared and praying I would not fail I just kept right on working hard on marketing, website design and Facebook as well. I started small working on just portrait sessions and eventually working into wedding photography and other events as well.

Well here we are 6 years later and I could not be more proud of myself. Each year business grows and customer feedback is great! Each year I book more weddings and events. I have the privilege to meet so many wonderful people and be a part of their important days and moments in their lives. My business has grown into a full time job providing professional portrait sessions, wedding and event photography and more. I am very fortunate that on my down days I still have the amazing support from my family and now husband, Eric who photographs right along side me. We have become an unstoppable team. The love and passion I have for photography will never die. The importance and need for it goes beyond just the "it's my job". Every moment, event and session is quick but the photographs are forever. I am able to capture the sincere moments of my customers lives that they will hold on to forever. Losing family members of my own it reminds me of the importance of those family portraits that we take on holidays and the time we spend together. It makes my job worth every second knowing I get to do this for each customer of mine.

So where do I see my business going? Well that is easy! I do not ever see myself setting the camera down. I absolutely love what I do! Engagement session season has just began and it is just awesome. I get to hear about everyone's wedding plans, ideas and to be a part is just awesome. To see the excitement about their big day and also the happiness and emotion when they see their pictures is worth all the hard work and long hours.

Photography has always been a huge part of my life and will continue to be that way. I will push myself to continue to grow and ensure the success of my business. However it is not just me who makes all this possible, it is you as well! Thank you to my family, husband and all my customers! You are all truly awesome and I would not be writing this today if it weren't for you!

Thank you! Here is to another 40 plus years!

July Fest

Starting tomorrow...July Fest will begin and run Friday through Sunday. Stop by to see Kristys Imagination Photography located in the Artists in Action area selling fine art photography and also providing information on photography services. This is the first year we will be there so make sure to visit and check out some prints and see what is new!

Thank You

Spring is here! On Wednesday, my business will be exactly 1 year old. In this year I have accomplished an incredible amount. I have finalized my business plan, got my business certificate, become more involved in local business organizations and have done everything myself. I wanted to take a brief moment to thank everyone who has helped me along the way. Everyone from family, friends, customers and EAP. EAP was amazing and if you or someone you know is interested in starting their own business, this is the way to go!
   My first year was very rewarding and yet challenging. It is one thing working for someone, however when you are "it" you are the decision maker and the mastermind behind your own success. This is why I choose to work 7 days a week, 2 full time jobs and strive everyday to build my experience, portfolio and most of all, reputation.
   Above, that is my rabbit Peter. He is one of many little critters I own that have sat and been great volunteers for portrait sessions. He is my favorite, he just sits there and will sit how I want him to or every now and then will do something funny that I am so glad I caught on camera. Why did I add this in?...Recently this past November I had lost my dog, Shilo. She was almost 16 years old and really was my best friend. After I had lost her all I had were all the portraits I had taken so I had one made into a 16x20. To me, this is inspiration. It is the same with some of my family members I have photographed and even my returning customers. You all inspire me and make my job worth every second. It is an honor to be a part of your family for an hour or two and capture the time you will cherish and hang on your wall or place in a photo album. It is an honor to be there the day of your wedding or special event. Being a photographer is rough work, long hours, crazy hours and very expensive. Why do I do it? I am a photographer because capturing family and friends, fuzzy or not is something that is more important than we can all imagine and someday you will be grateful you have those images.
  I want to thank everyone who has helped me grow as an artist, an adult, a photographer and entrepreneur. You all mean the world to me and help keep me going on a day to day basis. Thank you all for your support in the past, present and into the future as well! I look forwards to the continued growth of my business and what the years will bring. Good things happen in time and I truly feel I am on the right track. Happy 1 year anniversary to Kristys Imagination Photography!

Spring is here!

   The recent bridal show at the Riverwalk Hotel was a great day and it was great meeting so many brides to be and learning more about their day. I am also excited to be working with some couples! However I do have exciting news!
   Beginning this month Kristys Imagination Photography will begin working with Simply Rebecca Studios. Rebecca makes wonderful products such as clothing or simple house hold items. She does a wonderful job on all her pieces and I am excited to say I will be photographing all of her products for her website! We will be working together to build a portfolio of great pieces!
   I am also excited that summer is on its way because that means busy busy busy! I am looking at another wedding season and more events! This year I am looking to enter July Fest to sell my fine art photography and promote other services as well. Marketing is something my business needs right now and I like meeting people so they know who their photographer will be. So keep on checking in to see where Kristys Imagination Photography will be and what is going on with the business!

Bridal Show!

    On February 19, 2012 there will be a bridal show at the Riverwalk Hotel from 1-4pm. This is one of the biggest bridal shows in the region. With almost 80 vendors and 400 brides registered it is sure to be an event you will not want to miss! Located in the Riverside Room you will find Kristys Imagination Photography located there. Displaying a wide variety of products offered through the business, Kristys Imagination Photography will be there to answer any questions you have or to book your wedding! There will be informational envelopes for each bride containing pricing and more information.
     If you book your wedding that day you will receive a special discount on your package which will be revealed that day. There will also be a raffle for a free engagement session and 11x14 color print!
     Kristys Imagination Photography is coming up on the 1 year anniversary of being in business and would like to make this a very successful day. Working with couples to capture the true moment of their special day is very important! So stop on by to see what is offered and to book your wedding!

Also, a great thank you to Easy Event Planning for doing such a great job with this show!

Advertising...

As my business grows I have created a very good returning customer base. I am now reaching out to new customers and working on gaining exposure in the Binghamton region and surrounding areas. On Monday, January 30th WBNG aired a 30 second commercial which will run for 1 week advertising a $50.00 gift certificate for just $25! Fox 40 will offer the same certificate beginning on February 8th! News Channel 34 began airing today a $50.00 gift certificate for just $25.00.

I am doing this to reach out to new customers who may not be familiar with my business and what I offer. These will make a great gift for holidays and can be applied towards not only portrait sessions but weddings or events! So if you or someone you know is looking for or needs a photographer send them a gift certificate today!

Expanding...

    As most people know I have been serious about photography since high school and now work solo professionally. I have a great list of contacts, most who have also started their own business. Others who are working professionals who are great supporters and always have great advice. With that, I also have to thank my customers. Thank you to everyone who has previously hired me. My dream would not have started taking off if it weren't for you. Your time and interest in my business is greatly appreciated.
    Recently I have been working on expanding the business name, trying to get it out there for the exposure and gain more customers. There is a bridal show coming up Feb. 19th that you can find me at and soon to be on TV! WBNG and News Channel 34 offer specials from local businesses. Kristys Imagination Photography has been working with both stations, who have been excellent to provide new or returning customers with discounted offers. These will be airing soon, so stay tuned to the Facebook page for more details and how to purchase. This is something that is new to my business and if all goes well will continue to participate.
    Other local media sources are also being considered for advertising so keep checking back for current events and updates. Once again I want to personally thank everyone who has hired, supported and continue to support the growth of Kristys Imagination Photography and ask you to continue supporting and follow as this business grows into what will hopefully someday be one of Greater Binghamton's top photography businesses!