I frequently get asked questions about my business.  Everything from what equipment do I use, to how I interact with my clients, to how I edit, and recently a few of you have asked advice for starting your own business.  So I figured I would take a few minutes to address that question in a general matter!

First of all, even though a photographers goal is to take pictures, as a profession it is merely the beginning. I would dare to say the actual act of taking pictures probably only takes about 30% of my time.  My other 70% is widely distributed between editing, designing albums, placing orders, communicating with my clients, networking, training/expanding my skills, followed apprehensively by the "paper work" of the business.  I am sure there are a ton of other things I have not listed here but just to sum it up, if you want to be in the business you have to run it like a business! There are 3 major business lessons I encourage for all photographers not matter what your level!

First, if you are not incorporated, then you should really check into it.  One of the biggest reasons is simple, it protects you personally. Also it is very likely it could save you money during tax time.  Before I continue with that statement I want to follow it with, that is a broad statement.  Everyone runs a business differently but for me there were definite tax benefits to being incorporated over a sole propertor. 

I am following that with, you really need a great CPA!!  I will promptly follow that with, if you are looking for one because you don't have one check out Alex Pappas he works with Edwin Gray, CPA he is great!!! He totally keeps me on track and makes sure I am doing what I need to do.  Now I say that to say, before you go see your CPA  you need to be organized in your bookkeeping.  This is not my strong area, so I have an amazing mom (who is highly qualified in this area) that has helped!

The last thing I would stress to all photographers is simple.....if you are not a member of PPA, then you should join like NOW!  It is the largest non profit organization for photographers.  They have an amazing amount of information that will help you on your journey.  They also have a team of legal counsel that is there, if the need should ever arise, to guide you through any situations.  Their team will advise you and if need be appoint a local attorney to defend you.  It is without a doubt, a photographers best friend!

So there you go 3 "business" tip....

#1 - look into incorporating

#2 - hire a great bookkeeper and CPA

#3 - join PPA (you will not be sorry you did!!)

Hope that helps!!!!

Almost 3 years ago I realized I needed to get back into shape....I was frequently tired, ate lots of "junk food", and couldn't fit into my once adored clothes.  Once I started back I was HOOKED!!! The adrenaline I felt when I left the gym was intoxicating to me...I  loved the way I felt and the clothes I once adored slowly began to take shape.  Eating healthier and exercising on a regular basis truly made me feel like a new person.  Once Dad got sick 2.5 years ago, lots of stuff came to screeching halt including my exercising. Once we lost him, at first, it was difficult to remain focused on daily living, much less an exercise routine. But through a year of healing and refocusing I am ready to begin again.  

This is where you come in!! I know the first 2 weeks will be the hardest so I am asking for your help!!!! Starting Monday Jan 25th and running through Friday Feb 12th if you ask me if I have been to the gym today I will enter you in a drawing!!  You can do this by email (lcphoto@suddenlink.net), posting a message on my facebook wall, sending me a message to my inbox on Facebook, mentioning to me in passing, or if you are brave enough to call me....have at it! You can enter up to once a day...... at the end of the 2 week session I will pull one lucky winner.  That person will win a free session, plus my largest package of their favorite pose!  If you are the winner you can keep it for yourself or give it to a friend.....just the perfect gift for Valentine's Day!!!

After 2 weeks I expect I will totally be addicted to my adrenline rush again and won't need as much encouragement.  But I would love to be flooded the first 2 weeks with reminders to get back at it!!! So help me out and get me back on track.....living healthy is such a gift and I'm tired of wasting it!!!!!!!

When answering my phone I never know what opportunity I may be presented with.  So almost 2 months ago when the phone rang and Andre asked me if I would be interested in capturing him proposing to his girlfriend, Monet, I was all ears!  He had a well laid plan.  It started with me meeting them outside of Winston Salem on January 2nd. He had already secured an helicopter ride from Heli-Xpress. They would travel from the small local airport to RayLen Vineyards. There Monet would be treated to a tour and a traditional wine tasting. Before I could ask how he knew about me, he began to tell me how much Monet was in love with my work.  She had seen it and talked about me frequently.  So then the trick came, how we would explain me with my big ole equipment.  After passing through a few ideas we decided, I would show up at the airport explaining I was working with Heli-Xpress. As part of their package, I was there to capture their experience that day.  We knew if she heard Laurie Crutchfield she would get very suspicious, so I decided if she asked I would use my maiden name....technically it wasn't a lie because I kept it as a middle name when I got married.  The day arrived and all went as planned.  You could see she was surprised by all that was happening but she didn't seem to catch on.  He was able to go through the entire experience without her suspecting anything until he got on one knee and asked with every bit of love he had, "Will You Marry Me?"

Wow, talk about an experience!!!!! Monet and Andre, I am so grateful you chose me to be a part of your special day!!  It was such an honor!! I am excited to work with you as we prepare for the day you become husband and wife!! So here are some of my favorite images!

Did I mention the vineyard called Channel 8 out of Goldsboro that morning to capture it...and to explain why he was there...he said he "happened" to be there doing a story on the vineyard. Then asked if he could follow them to document a day in the life of RayLen.  So yes, their proposal was on the evening news...AWESOME!

I can remember shooving stuff under beds or in closets, just enough to appear I did my weekly cleaning so I could get out the door to head to the Goodwin's house. I spent many a day riding my bike to see my friends, Leah and Ali.  Years later we are all grown up, married, with kids of our own! So when I went home for Christmas I had to stop to get a few pictures of Leah's newest little one, Tyler.  He was so tiny, sweet, and completely relaxed.  I got to feed him, burp him, kiss him, and yep take a few pictures!!!!  Leah and Greg, Tyler is beautiful and I'm so excited for you guys!!! I know all to well how quick he will grow so I hope these pictures will always remind you of this special time in your life!  Love you guys!

Ellie is such a proud big sister!

Thanks so much for coming by to see my work, I am off visiting family though the New Year!! I will back working Monday January 4th...so until then HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!