We are gettin' down and dirty around here. This weekend is a big weekend for me. My first "showing" at a public event since I really decided to give this business a go. The Midwest Ability Summit is a big gathering that happens every year, aiming at the disability community for equipment and services that they might need. I first went as Ms Wheelchair Kansas last year, and it was so fun. Besides just vendors and companies with disability needs, it also hosts an "art show" for artists with disabilities. AKA me.
 

I have a table display ready to go, along with photos, canvases and photo albums to exhibit.  I am nervous mostly because I have never done this, especially to this extent,  BUT it will be good experience for the bridal show next year.

My personality sometimes makes it hard for me to network, but it is time for me to branch out and meet new people. Meet new clients. Tell more people about what I do.

So if you are in the Overland Park area, come by and see us on Saturday. You won't be disappointed!
 

If there is one thing I have learned in the past 4 days, it is that Kansas people LOVE their sunflowers. Of course, I already knew this since it's kinda a Kansas "thing," but it has definitely been solidified!

I decided to do a mini session day in a few weeks when the sunflowers in Lawrence are estimated to bloom. And people jumped on it. My one-day mini session day turned into a two-day event plus a few sessions scheduled during the week! It's been crazy. I have received more questions, messages, likes, and posts in the last 4 days than I have all month.

I am not complaining one bit. It's been a great opportunity for new clients and expanding my market. If I had more time and energy to commit to a third day of shooting in the sunflowers, I would, but I have to be realistic. I am going to be WORN out after two days. 

Sunflowers. A Kansas photographer's best friend.

I know that most of you who are going to read this already know me. Some of you are new, so welcome and hello!

I think that a big part of my business is hinged on who I am as a person, what I believe, how I approach life, and how I interact with other people. I don't want to pretend it's all about me -- because my favorite thing about photography is that I get to make YOU all happy, but essentially, my brand is me.

I thought it would be fun to write a little "get to know Carrie" post and include five things that are important to me or my life. I *might* even make this a series so stay tuned.

• This business isn't my only job. I work full-time in the manufacturing world, and I started this business on the side because I just loved photography so much. It makes me excited and motivated, far more than my day job does.
• I am a bullet journaler. If you don't know what this is, it's a planner system. I'm a huge planner nerd and need my calendar with me always. On paper. Digital planning and scheduling is hard for me, but if I have my bullet journal with me, I can always jot ideas down or schedule sessions on the go.
• Even though I am a photographer and firmly believe in booking sessions and buying prints, the last time my husband and I had professional photos taken was AT OUR WEDDING three years ago. One of my huge goals this year is to finally get a family session set up for us with our daughter!
• I am learning to outsource and delegate tasks for my business. I have long been a slight control freak/perfectionist about most things in life (like when I refused to have a note-taker in college so I taught myself to write again after my car accident) (or when I made my wedding one big huge DIY project). Now, I have a child, and she deserves the attention that would go into some of the aspects that I can trust others with. Baby steps.
• I love living in a small town. At first, I was apprehensive. All I could think about was a 45 minute drive to Target and not running just down the street to grab food if I was too tired to cook. Instead, I love the drive to and from work as a way to gear up in the mornings and wind down in the evenings. It's quiet at home. No neighbors. Nobody just drops by for the heck of it. Now, driving in the city frustrates me, and lots of people make me feel anxious.

So anything you didn't know? Anything you WANT to know? Ask me!