I just returned from Imaging 2012, a convention for professional photographers in New Orleans, and what a trip it was!  Not only did I have a chance to meet up with some wonderfully talented photographer friends but I also had the opportunity to speak at the Miller’s/MpixPRO booth.  As nerve wracking as public speaking is for me, it is always so neat to meet with people afterwards and hear what they took away from the presentation.  A huge thank you to all of you who stopped by and a very special thank you to Miller’s and MpixPRO for selecting some of my products to display in their booths!

Now I’m back at the studio gearing up for some winter studio sessions along with WPPI 2012: Las Vegas!  If you are a photographer planning to attend WPPI this year you can pre-board for my platform presentation HERE.  This year I’ll be talking about how limiting distractions and the simple act of giving transformed my portrait business.  I’ll provide some concrete solutions for photographers who feel overwhelmed and are struggling to find balance in their everyday lives.

It’s hard to believe that nearly a month has passed since the Van for Dan Workshop.   The event exceeded every expectation I had going into it and I’m thrilled with the amount of money we raised for the Van for Dan fund.  It was truly an honor to share that weekend with such an amazing group of women.  Even though we were only together for two-days it seems to me that we developed a bond that will last for quite some time.

I do want to take a moment to publicly thank not only the workshop participants and models, but also the vendors who donated amazing gifts for the event.  I was overwhelmed by the generosity of the vendors in the photography community who gave more than I ever dreamed possible.  If only I had a video of the participants faces when they dove into their bag of goodies at the start of Day 1… headbands from Paislee Lane, beautiful newborn hats from Spun Candy, camera straps from Made by Meegz and August Blossoms, hair clips from Starlit Nest, lens cap holders from Crafty Staci, custom image boxes filled with samples from Miller’s Professional Imaging, and last but not least a Barnwood Rug and Dry Erase board from The Savvy Photographer.

Needless to say, the workshop attendees were over the moon with their treasures.  It was so nice to reward them for giving to such a great cause!  To all of you who attended the workshop, modeled for the event, or donated items for the participants, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your contribution.  Dan is just a few days away from getting into his new van and he is beyond grateful to each and every one of you.

More information coming soon…stay tuned!

When PPA (Professional Photographer’s Association) contacted me about doing an interview for the January publication I was thrilled, honored, delighted…there’s just really no adequate way to describe it.  They were interested mostly in talking about how I’ve grown my business over the years and how I’ve been able to establish such a strong and loyal client base.  It was an incredible experience and seeing the final article in print is really icing on the cake.  I’ve been eager to get copies to all of my clients featured in the article and their response has reignited my excitement over the project.  I’ve received some of the most kind and thoughtful e-mails from my clients and for that I am so very grateful.  I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…I have some of the most wonderful clients in the entire world!  Thank you all for your support!

This time of year my blog entries slow down a bit, but I promise it’s for good reason.    We’ve been hard at work pulling everything together and the studio is starting to overflow with orders ready to ship.  I’m so very excited for my clients to receive their goodies!  Seeing the final results of projects I’ve been working on for a while is truly one of my favorite parts of this job.

When I started my photography businesses five years ago I had a lot of ambition and big dreams for where my business might take me.   Opening my studio was a dream realized and the relationships I’ve built with my clients are invaluable.  I’m honored by the response to my work and to my studio…to the point that I often have to pinch myself to make sure it’s all real!  A few months ago I was contacted by MpixPRO, a Miller’s Professional Imaging company, about being featured in their Fall ad campaign.  It didn’t hit me until the magazines arrived in the mail and I could see the ad in print.  This is such a surreal moment for me and I would really like to take a moment to thank my wonderful clients who have allowed me the opportunity to work doing something I am so very passionate about.  You are all the best!  Many thanks!

I’m gearing up for what is sure to be an exciting shooting season at Jamie Schultz Seniors. To all who have booked a session with me this summer or fall…I’m very much looking forward to working with you!  Here’s a peek at just a few of the many products I’ll have available this year.

I’ve been a bit behind with blogging lately (no worries to my clients…I’ll get caught up in no time)!  Things have been a bit hectic around here as I prepare for my trip to a big photographer’s convention in Las Vegas.  This is always a much anticipated trip for me as it serves as a great opportunity to meet up with some great friends I’ve made from around the world.  It also allows me to catch up on the latest happenings in the photography industry.   I was honored when the crew at MpixPro invited me to speak at the convention this year and I’m looking forward to the opportunity!  If you are a photographer planning to attend the convention, please stop by and say Hi!

Here is the video from the ad campaign I mentioned in my last blog entry.  This was such a fun project to be involved with! Enjoy!

Sheer Addiction from Tamara on Vimeo.

A few weeks ago I posted about a commercial project I’m working on for  Sheer Addiction, an incredible jewelry line produced locally in the Twin Cities area.  We just wrapped up the video portion of the ad campaign and I just have to tell you…this particular project was truly a dream come true for me.  I’ve always wanted to be a part of a project like this and the experience was everything I imagined it would be.  Here are a few still shots from our shoot…the video portion is scheduled to arrive any day.  Stay tuned!!