What do you have that you can exchange for photographic service?

In the past I have exchanged photography for jewelry and for house maintenance.  In today’s economy people are struggling to pay their bills on time, and may not be making enough to enjoy the luxury of photography services. Pictures are still an important part of life. It’s what we pass on for generations. It is how we remember what someone looked like as an infant, a toddler, a teen, and a senior.  We use pictures to get famous, for portfolios, for special events, or for advertising.  Yet sometimes we never think of the option of hiring someone who understands how to seize the moments we remember but don’t always capture.  Wouldn’t it be great to exchange your gift for photography?

What are your talents? What were you called to do on this earth? Are you great at cutting hair?  Do you make jewelry, clothes, or picture frames?  Do you have something that you could give away that is of equal value or to use as a deposit for a photo session?  I am willing to trade services for the following:

·         A hair stylist who can cut and dye hair

·         Computer equipment

·         House repairs/maintenance

·         Unused gift certificates

·         A black futon couch

·         A black computer desk with hutch, drawers, and hub for usb port (similar to the one at office depot)

·         Black filing cabinet

·         Nice/new picture frames 11x14 and larger

·         Landscaping

·         Handmade jewelry

·         Photo props

·         Referring customers who book and pay for a session with Destiny Photos

·         Accounting assistance

·         Customer Service/Collecting assistance

·         A big dry erase board

·         Book publisher

 

If you have any of these items to offer or any other talents or ideas of something I may find useful, please email me at infonospam@destinyphotos.com and remove the “nospam” from my email address.  You can also click on the contact me link to enter your information or call me at 469-222-1108.

Yvette Richardson

Dallas Wedding and Event Photographer 

 

I'm excited, I can finally post my award! This is given to the top 5% of Wedding photographers on the weddingwire network.  I was selected based on my reviews and surveys taken by brides who used my services -- Thank you soooo much!! 

 

Dallas, TX – 1/21/2010 - WeddingWire, the nation’s leading wedding technology company, just announced Destiny Photos has been selected to receive the WeddingWire 2010 Bride’s Choice Awards™ for Wedding Photography!

The annual Bride’s Choice Awards recognizes and celebrates excellence in quality and service within the wedding industry, as determined by recent reviews and extensive surveys from over 500,000 newlyweds.

Destiny Photos is among the top five percent of all vendors in the WeddingWire community, which includes over 100,000 wedding professionals across the US and Canada. Awards were given to winners across 19 different service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers.

“We are excited to recognize and honor the success of the top wedding professionals within the WeddingWire Community” said Timothy Chi, WeddingWire’s Chief Executive Officer. “The annual Bride’s Choice Awards program has given us the unique opportunity to highlight the best wedding professionals in each region as reviewed by brides and grooms who have utilized their services in the past year.”

We are happy to announce that Destiny Photos is among the very best Wedding Photographer within the WeddingWire Network, which includes WeddingWire and Martha Stewart Weddings. We would like to thank our past newlyweds for nominating us for the 2010 Bride’s Choice Awards.

For more information, please visit our WeddingWire Storefront today at www.weddingwire.com/destinyphotos.

About WeddingWire, Inc.
WeddingWire is the only online wedding planning resource designed to empower both engaged couples and wedding vendors. WeddingWire enables engaged couples to search, compare and book over 100,000 reviewed wedding vendors nationwide, from wedding photographers to wedding cakes. WeddingWire also offers an online community and a suite of cutting-edge planning tools, including wedding websites and wedding checklists, all at no charge. For wedding vendors, WeddingWire provides free online management tools creating the only market opportunity that gives businesses control over their clients, reviews, leads and performance. In addition, WeddingWire has partnered with Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. (NYSE: MSO) to provide its network of local vendors and online wedding-planning tools in the Weddings section of www.MarthaStewartWeddings.com. For additional information, please visit www.WeddingWire.com.

My goal for the new year is to introduce various specials to reward existing and future customers.  I have added a new Friend Referral program to my website.  There are three ways to save or earn money.  

1.  If you want to schedule a photo session and bring a friend who schedules their session the same day, you will receive $25 off of each session.  

2. If you have already had a photo session with Destiny Photos and refer a customer who gives us your name and address.  We will send you a check for $10 or give you a credit for $25 which can be applied toward a future photo session or used toward a photo purchase.

3. If you refer a Wedding customer who books a Ruby Red, Sapphire Blue, or Emerald Green package, you will receive a check for $50 or receive One Free Photography Session, a $185 Value (Package A).

 If you would like to participate, please fill out the 2010 Customer Referral Form.

This Program will be good through the end of February 2010.  In March, I will be introducing a new Program.  I have also been distributing coupons in the Lake Highlands area.  If you pick up one of these, they will be offering other specials.  Some coupons may be found at the Dallas Public Library, White Rock Coffee, or Starbucks.

If you would like me to send you coupons.  Please fill in a contact form on my website, and I would be happy to mail you some. 

 

Thanks!!

 

 

 

Merry Christmas!!! Please take this opportunity to use a 20% off coupon on any gallery.... code is: Holiday

 

Thank you for your support and business!!

 

Destiny Photos is offering a Free Quinceanera Photo session plus (1) 8x10 to one lucky hispanic/latina young woman who will be celebrating their 15th birthday with a Quinceanera celebration.  I am requesting that you fill out your customer information at www.destinyphotos.com/contactme.html and then email a basic photo of you wearing your Quinceanera dress to yvette@destinyphotos.com.  I will be looking for a unique dress/look to photograph and then select images to add to my website. If you are interested in taking advantage of receiving awesome photography service from Destiny Photos and would like to be considered for the free fashion/glamour shoot, please send me your information by 12/15/2009.  I will be selecting 1 winner by December 30th, 2009 and will announce the winner on my home page.  Thank you and good luck!

 

Yvette Richardson

Dallas Wedding and Event Photographer

Oleng is a company that has combined weight loss, body shaping, medical treatments, dietary supplements and more! I had the privilege of photographing their grand opening, red carpet, hollywood style event.  They gave away 250 prizes including body composition analysis, foto facials, permanent lazer hair removal services, botox treatments, and many more! Check out their website at www.olengbody.com  Dr. Loc Trieu is the Medical Director and Carla Hughes is the Dietary Director.  

Belvedere Vodka showcased their new line of Vodka with less calories that included Black Raspberry, Lemon, and Orange flavors.  Their website is www.belvederevodka.com

Photos will be posted soon!  

 

Yvette Richardson

Dallas Wedding and Event Photographer

www.destinyphotos.com

Are you a senior and looking for a quality photographer to capture your Senior year memories?  Don't make the mistake I did.... I never had my Senior Photos taken!  I remember my mom urging me to get them done, but I put it off... Now, many years after my Senior year, I wish that I had listened to her.  Even if I did try to photoshop my youth back with new photos... I don't have the same hair style I did back in 1996.  Time flies, make the time to capture you... we all change throughout the years and being able to look back and remember what you were like, your dreams, goals, and what you thought your future might look like will never come again.  Don't put off taking your senior photos!  High School Senior Photo packages with Destiny Photos start at $159.99 and Senior Hardback books with images from your shoot start at $85.  

I have several example photos of seniors... check out my senior gallery at www.destinyphotos.com/seniorgallery.html

 

Thank you!

 

Yvette Richardson

Dallas Wedding Photographer and More!

Destiny Photos can remove blemishes, reduce wrinkles, whiten teeth, and even reduce body size (arms, legs, hips, neck, stomache, etc.)  If you have a photograph that you would like to enhance, please contact me and include a copy of the image.  I will give you an evaluation of the cost to modify your photo.  You can email me directly with the image and I will give you an estimate.  The cost generally is in the range of $15 - $50, depending on what needs to be modified.  Each image may be a different rate.  I can also add this service to your photography session. 

Are you in need High School Senior photos and would like to remove blemishes, whiten teeth or have touch-ups added to your photos after the session?  These services are available and can be added to your package.

Are you searching for a photographer for your wedding or special event? We can also add photoshop and add touch-ups to these photography sessions. 

Maybe you just need to update a photo of yourself because it has been years since you stepped in front of a camera... or you recently lost weight and would love to finally jump in front of a camera... or its school photo time for your elementary child and you are tired of the same boring backgrounds and poses, want something fresh and different to remember your child at age 5, 8, 10, 12 or anything before, in between or beyond? 

Call me or email for pricing.  I will work with you to create a customized package for your needs.  I offer prints, canvases, photo albums, and more.  I am also introducing a referral program.  When you give references on the day of your session, you will receive a free gift.  I would love to be your next photographer!  :-)

 

 

Twittering seems to be the easiest way for me to remain connected, but I also must remember to blog from time to time.  There are times when Twittering just doesn't give me enough space to express what I want to say.  For instance, I received a compliment through my website today from a relative of a wedding client of mine.  She will be getting married at the end of this month and shared her bridal gallery with with her family members.  They took the extra time to send me a personal message that brightened my day.  One of the amazing benefits of being a photographer are the compliments you can receive from random strangers.  It's a good feeling and better than any corporate pat on the back that were few and far between.  I worked in an office for almost 8 years and can count how many times I was recognized for the hard work I did and usually it did not come from management, but from my co-workers.  People do need praise from time to time to know that they are appreciated.  Thank you to everyone who ever told someone thank you. :-)

 

This has been a very busy wedding season.  I am utterly thankful for all of the recent business I have received and the future weddings that I have booked.  I put my heart and soul into my work and just expect a simple thank you.... but I have been amazed when I get feedback.  The words I have received from my customers have been heart-warming.  I appreciate them tremendously. It gives me comfort and reason for why I love my job.  :-)  Please check out some of my latest reviews. Thank you.

This Saturday I have a wedding in Hurst, Texas and can't wait!  The preacher is the father of a bride that I photographed last year.  It will be great to see the family again.  

Next week I will be attending a wedding preview at the Bingham House where I can set up a table with my work.  I've shot several weddings there and absolutely love it.  Karen has a magic touch when she prepares for a wedding.  The house is gorgeous inside and out.  

This week I will continue to work on a few wedding albums and bridal portraits.

Have a wonderful week.    

Today a wedding... then two more this month.  I also shot some engagements on Saturday which turned out lovely and some bridals on Wednesday... the files are so large, they are still uploading!  I can't wait until I can post some of the new bridals... will wait until after Jessica gets married.  She was such a blast to work with!! lol She was so vivacious and such a beauty!

After the wedding today, I will be headed to Austin for more birthday fun... my bday was on the 6th, but still celebrating it. ;-) 

About to head to Arlington for a wedding...


Yvette Richardson
-Dallas Wedding Photographer and More!!

Last week I was asked to speak in front of 4th, 5th, and 6th graders at Lake Highlands Elementary school and discuss my passion... photography.  The students were able to select which classes to attend based on what they might want to be when they grow up.

It was sooooo much fun.  I spoke to 4 different groups and explained how I fell into this hobby/profession.... people.  I told them a story about my niece who was two at the time (now 14), sitting on my porch when our outside cat jumped onto the porch next to her and her eyes lit up as she exclaimed, "meow," with a wide opened mouth.  I had my camera and was able to capture her expression at the exact moment..... people expressions are my absolute favorite, capturing the moment.

I also asked the class who had a camera and if it was digital or film.  Everyone owned a camera and only 1 or 2 people in each class had both film plus digital.  There were a couple who had no clue what a film camera was.... so I explained.  Wow, have times changed.  I told them how they could benefit from being able to see their results immediately and improve on their photo skills... I encouraged them to be creative.

Among my set-up was my camera, tripod, monopod, lightstand with flash/umbrella, a canvas print of a highschool senior from Lake Highlands Highschool, a senior book with photos taken by me with photoshop special effects added, a wedding album, an engagement album, and small mini-books of the engagement album.  

Another question I asked was, "what one thing must you have in order to make a photograph?"  Only two students guessed without any hints....what do you think?  Light.  I also showed them many ways to manipulate light.  I pulled out my 5-in-one reflector, popped it open (eyes lit up with that one) and placed it over a student, showing how the light on her face was difused.  I pulled it off and said, "more light," pulled it off and said, "less light."  I did this a few times until I heard some laughter...

I explained that there are MANY types of photographers who pick a variety of subjects to capture...landscapes, animals, insects, flowers, events, etc. And that my favorite above all is People.


I also asked, "what must a People Photographer need in order to be successful?"  I think the best answer was, "they must be interpersonal."  Ok that one shocked me... I think I learned that word last year? lol  But most said, "enthusiasm, personality, outgoing..."  Yet, most did not say these until I gave an example.  I looked at a student and with a monotone, robotic voice said, "smile...face forward...turn to the left...turn to the right...sit down....stand up..."  Then I asked another student, with my enthusiastic voice, "Hi my name is Yvette and I'd love to get some great shots of you...you look great at that angle, wonderful... now step this way, turn around for me, awesome... looks good, ok smile... wonderful, now give me a serious face...etc...."  Then I asked the class who would feel more comfortable with photographer A (robot) or photographer B (outgoing)... they all picked B and then explained what it takes to be a people photographer.... I also explained the importance of customer service and getting back with customers ASAP.

Here is a link to a story written about career day in LH Today...
http://www.lakehighlandstoday.com/index.php/news/article/lhe_career_day_showcased_many_professions/

My favorite part was making the children laugh and hearing their questions like, "why do all photographers wear black."  What made my day yesterday was receiving a ton of letters from all the kids who took my class.... they were so sweet, sincere, and adorable!!  I will post a few here:

"Dear Ms. Richardson,

Thank you for taking time to come and talk to us. I liked the pictures you showed us. I still can't believe how much the whol thing costs. I just like the color.  

P.S. Can I get your number because our own photographer isn't happy when he does it."

"Dear Ms. Richardson,

Thank you for making me miss class.  I really enjoyed how you make peoples eyes brighter. You inspired me with your equipment. You taught me so much about photography and how to make peoples eyes brighter. I wanted to learn how did you become a photographer. You taught me so much in photgraphy that I didn't know. Now I want to be a photographer. Thank you for your help on photography."

"Dear Ms. Richardson,

Thank you for getting us all out of clas. You take beautiful pictures. Thank you for coming. I will remember your skills. Those will definitely come in handy one day. I hope I will be a photographer."

"Dear mom,

I thought your presentation was great. There was a lot of interesting things, but I wish class was longer so you could talk more.  I liked how you used your shield thing to put on a student. It was really funny.  It was cool that you were asking so many questions."

"Dear Ms. Richardson,

I enjoyed your presentation. I wanted to be a restaurant owner, but now I want to be a photographer. I will use the skills you told us when I go to the beach. Last year we took pictures. I really enjoy your job."

"Dear Ms. Richardson,

I really enjoyed the presenation. I really love to play with my camera. I think it is just a whole different world behind the camera. Last summer I went outside and just started taking pictures of a bunch of flowers. I would get inside of them and all kinds of stuff. It is funny that you said your favorite subject to take pictures of is people, well my favorite subject is me and my family.  I just love people because of the same reason you do.  You really inspired me to keep going on taking pictures."

"Dear Ms. Richardson,

Thank you for taking me out of class. It was nice of you to come and teach us. I enjoyed it. You were funny. You have a great career. You take wonderful pictures. You rock."

"Dear Ms. Richardson,

Thank you for spending some time with us. I like the way you decorate the pictures. I would like to be a photographer like you. And I would like for you to come next year, because I like the way you take the pictures. The one that I like the most was the one that had Melissa on it. And I like one that you showed us last."

"Dear Ms. Richardson,

I appreciate what you showed us about being a photographer. I never expected different ways of taking pictures. It just looks interesting and cool. My dad sometimes just takes pictures when we go somewhere. I thought he was just taking pictures just so he can remember, but its because it is cool, amazing, and awesome.  Now I understand him and that he wished that he became a photographer, but he makes tatoos instead of his wish."


Those were some of the letters... there were many more!  I had so much fun reading them.  I hope you do too.


Yvette Richardson
Dallas Wedding Photographer and More!

     

The Senior Pics and two weddings were awesome!! Please see my two sample galleries for some of the shots.  destinyphotos.com/seniorgallery.html and destinyphotos.com/weddinggallery.html

I've been having fun with some neat blur and color effects with photoshop.  I've received a compliment from one of my weddings and I'm still not even done uploading all of their images.  She said, "First let me tell you...the pictures are beautiful!!!! You do such amazing work! I can't wait to see the rest of them."

I'm nearing the end of her images... about to begin the reception.... more fun for me. :-)  I'm such a perfectionist with my images. I work on them as if they were my own... I hope that one day, if I ever get married... that I will find a photographer that has similar photo quirks... I just LOVE capturing the moment! 


Yvette Richardson
Dallas Wedding Photographer AND more!

So far this week I have one job... well technically next week (Sunday), I have a wedding and then I shot senior photos last friday and a wedding last Saturday.  During the week I have been photo-editing and enhancing images from previous shoots.  It's been wonderful "working" as I am doing something I love... photography.  I never imagined I would be doing this full time instead of working at a desk all week in the corporate world.  I LOVE it and I hope I can continue it.... as long as I keep getting new jobs.  Word of mouth seems to work the best for me... so all of my customers, please keep telling people about me. :-) 

My renewal for Wedding Wire is about to come up and I am debating whether or not it will be worth it to renew for another year.  I think I booked one wedding for someone who found me on that site, so I don't know if I should continue with them.  I had more luck through the Shepherd's guide and paid less. 

The wedding I have this Sunday will be at the Bingham house.  I love working with the staff there... Karen and everyone else are wonderful!! 

Goodnight...

-Yvette Richardson
Dallas Wedding Photographer and More!

Thank you Karen for the sweet remarks!  I received your comment form and your guestbook post.  Unfortunately I did not receive your email address, so I cannot respond to you directly.  Hopefully you will return to read my post.

As far as exposing with your camera, make sure you know it well.  It shot just as good with my Canon 30D as my Nikon D80 and now my Nikon D300... However I do prefer Nikon over Canon for good portraits.  Canon I loved for its speed when shooting sports.  Since I primarily shoot weddings, children, and people shots, I am drawn more toward Nikon.  

I also use reflectors and lots of natural lighting.  The best time to shoot is when its overcast, and I've been fortunate to schedule most of my photo sessions on days that turn out to be overcast.  However, I also enjoy working with direct light and diffusing it through my 5-in-one reflectors.  It turns into soft lighting and helps for really sharp photos.

 I also use the SB-900 flash and adjust it for special effects.  Though I do prefer playing with sunlight more than anything.  

 I just invested in the expo disc for even better White balance exposure, so I can't wait to play around with that!! 

Where are you located Karen?  Please email me so that I can email you directly and answer any other questions you may have.  Thanks so much!!

 

This week... wow!  I was so busy yesterday.  I photographed a beautiful senior in the morning... then off to field day at my daughter's school.... then ran a few errands for my wedding today.

Today I will be meeting with a possible new wedding client!  Wow... got another one who googled me.  I love it. :-)  Then I will be getting packed up for the Wedding tonight.  I have a new assistant who will be joining me to learn the ropes for her possible photography profession.  She was actually one of the seniors that I photographed this year.  It is going to be exciting to work with her.

 At the wedding we will be doing the traditional shooting... but we are also setting up a green screen background at the reception to shoot portraits of any of the guests.... we will also be running a slideshow of the photos that have been taken so far at the wedding for guests to watch during the reception.  This is the second time a bride has requested to have this service.... those on the staff today will be my brother, Russell, good friend Jayson, my assistant, and makeup artist Samantha. It's going to be a good day. :-)  

I have to blog about this...

I seriously think my latest booking was fate!  I emailed Tammy last week as a response to an ad from Decidio.  I typically don't have very much luck with that website, but it's another way to get my name out.  Anyway, I email her and let her know that I am available for 8/1.  However, I received a call the following day, before I heard back from Tammy, with a possible double wedding.  Kim called to find out if I was available for her date plus for her sister on 8/1.  I then planned a wedding interview for this past Tuesday to meet with Kim and her sister. 

After I booked the meeting with Kim, I heard back from Tammy indicating her desire to meet with me.  I felt horrible explaining that her date may not be available.  She was bummed and explained that she was referred by a past client, Rachel.  I didn't give it much thought at the time, just was a little confused because I could have sworn my first contact with her was my response to a lead. 

Well, it turned out that Kim is still interested, but her sister found another photographer with the location that she booked.  I immediately emailed Tammy to let her know that I was available again for 8/1.

We met today and started gabbing right away.  We had a great conversation and I found out that after she received numerous responses to her inquiry on decidio and looked at several photography websites, she noticed someone on www.destinyphotos.com that she used to babysit 10 years ago!  So she emails Rachel and found out that it was her.  What a small world!  She was excited after looking at Rachel's Wedding pics and decided to meet with me. 

Everything went great and she booked with me this morning.  I'm so excited and truly looking forward to all of the shoots... engagements, bridals, and the wedding! 



Yvette Richardson
Dallas, TX Wedding Photographer

This is one of the things I love about my job.... hearing from satisfied customers...

"You took my daughter, Melissa, senior pictures last Sunday (I was out of town visiting my mom.) She was so nervous, she called me several times before she left and I really wished that I could have been there. However, Melissa was thrilled with the shoot and even more so with the pictures.

The pictures are so incredible - where is my  little girl? I teasingly told her that there were several that would have to be deleted as she just looked too pretty and sexy in them! You obviously take a lot of pride in your work and it shows. Thank you for putting her at ease and in succeeding in showing the real beautiful and promising young lady that is my daughter.  Seventeen is such a tough age but I really think she glimpsed what she can be - confident and grown up.

I had better stop before I get too mushy (she is our fifth and last child and you would think I would be a lot tougher). 
Thanks for doing such a great job. I have already mentioned you to some friends and will be glad to recommend you.

Warm regards,

Judy"

I appreciate the customer review and will be adding it to my site.  :-)

Yvette Richardson

Dallas Wedding photographer, High school Senior photographer, and more!

destinyphotos.com 

Today I volunteered for the Parent Outreach center and assisted with a class at the highschool.  One of my strong passions in life aside from photography is teaching others.  If I am called to teach at the highschool I will definitely embrace that opportunity and continue with photography as my business away from teaching.

After the highschool I met up with the manager at Elegant Flowers in Dallas to find out about networking opportunities.  I will be shooting floral arrangements and their store as soon as they get back with me. 

I may have the opportunity for booking another wedding in June... emailed a potential client today. :-)

I also love shooting close-ups of children.  They have the most beautiful little faces... so I decided to put some close-up photos together and designed an ad for close-up kid photography.  I even used a child font.  I've added new pricing and a referral program for child close-up photography sessions.  Check out the link on my home page for more info or click here.

Have a Wonderful Weekend!!


Yvette Richardson
Dallas Wedding Photographer and More!
destinyphotos.com

I will be in Galveston on the 30th and 31st with my makeup artist, Samantha Ratcliffe.  Are you in Galveston and looking for a photographer to shoot some beach photos?

We would love to offer photography services from 6pm - 7pm on the 30th and from 9am to 1pm on May 31st for the following:

Children on the beach

Family photos at the beach

Modeling Fashion shoot


Prices:

Children and Family photos Up to 4 people:

1 Hour shoot
Unlimited photos taken
1 Photo CD of 20 images
$150

* Please add $20 for each person over 4*

Modeling Fashion Shoot:

1 Hour shoot
Makeover (about 30 minutes)
Unlimited photos taken
1 Photo CD of 20 images
$250

Call or email and book early – A deposit of $75 is required to secure your spot and will be applied toward your session.

Yvette Richardson
www.destinyphotos.com
moreinfo@destinyphotos.com
469-222-1108