This business is tough. Really tough. And it’d be silly of me to pretend I haven’t had help getting to where(ever it is that) I currently am. I’ve been so blessed – both in real life and over the Internets – to know so many wonderful and amazing photographers who have shared their wisdom – their mistakes – their triumphs – and all of the in-betweens with me. They’ve allowed me to learn from them – and to learn with them.
Speaking of internet friends – I came upon Jasmine Star before I was even a photographer. It was nearly four years ago – and I blog stalked that girl like a crazy lunatic person. Luckily for me, Jasmine is incredibly down to earth and kind, and she didn’t mind my stalking -or my frantic, panicky emails. So when she launched her magazine I jumped at the chance to support her – and was equally excited to read through what was basically her photography business diary. “Exposed” really helped me feel a sense of kinship with this industry. I knew that the mistakes I was making and the heartache I was feeling weren’t mine alone. Jasmine’s magazine reassured me that others were going through the exact same things – because Jasmine had gone through the exact. same. things – and it gave me the strength to push through the resistance and keep going. No matter what.
Mary Marantz is my soul sister, I swear it. She has a way of saying exactly what my soul is feeling – and then posting those words on the exact day I need to hear them. I feel such a kinship with her -even though were basically strangers – and I’m sooo blessed to internetknow her. As such, when her and Justin released “The Guide” I knew it was something I needed to read. It’s helped me gain a better understanding of building a brand experience for my clients and how to run my business based on what I want for my business as opposed to making decisions based on some main construct or status quo of what a photography business should look like.
Because it’s my birthday (tomorrow!) – and presents are awesome (duh!)- I am super triple excited to announce that (because of the extreme generosity of Jasmine and Justin+Mary) I am giving away a copy of both “Exposed” and “The Guide” to one lucky photographer!!
Eeeeeeek!!!!!
To enter: Leave a comment and tell me why you would benefit from these amazing magazines – and how you hope to take your business to the next level this year. The contest will be open until midnight next Thursday, April 11th, and the (randomly selected) winner will be announced next Friday!
Good luck!
(This contest is now closed and the winner is…..>Brooke! Congrats darling! and a huge thank you to all who shared a piece of your journey with me. You’re all destined for greatness – just keep your chins up and keep working hard. You’ll get there. Promise! xxoo)
Noelle
Athena, you are amazing. That is all.
Noelle
Oh, I didn’t read directions. I’ve been feeling so lost these last few months…trying to figure out what’s best for *my* business as opposed to everyone else’s, and trying to follow the small voice that’s telling me to not give up. This is the year I start really working to get my ideal clients and feeling ok with saying ‘no’ to someone who’s not a good fit. So needless to say- some biz guidence is sorely needed.
Nicole
I would love these magazines. I am currently at a crossroads with my biz. I think I am ready to stop photographing families and focus on weddings and boudoirs. I am scared though! HELP!
Abbie
Hi Athena! Happy early birthday, girlie! First of all, I think Miss Jasmine Star is funny, funny, funny— approaching Ellen Degeneres funny. And to throw on top of that her willingness to share knowledge about running a photog biz, I totally dig her. I have been contemplating putting one of those Exposed mags in my shopping cart for a bit now so it would be super duper cool to win it! Number two, I haven’t been following the famous Justin & Mary recently, but perhaps their book will get me hooked. I’m excited about the prospect of finding out. Okay… that’s my speel. Pick me, pick me! =)
Brooke
At the moment, I am at a major fork in the road with my biz. I’m hoping to take a step into higher end weddings (and maybe only shoot film in the future)…and…well…that is SCARY! I’d like to refocus my brand in hopes to attract the couples and weddings that make my heart sing. You explained this to me in one of our past emails and it really hit home. I have been wondering how to jump on this new path without falling over. Hence, I have not made the leap yet…! Anyway, I could really use a boost. Thanks for the opportunity to grab these invaluable reads and Happy Birthday!
Emily Steffen
WAHOOO for amazing generosity like yours! :)
Jenna Leigh
What a sweet way for you to spread the love and joy. Love it! Happy Birthday my friend!
sooji
what a timely find! i’ve been trying to catch up on my google reader and i just came across this blog post :) happy belated birthday first of all! and thanks for doing this giveaway! <3 i've been putting off keeping up with all the feeds on my reader due to the creative rut i've been feeling the last several months. i think it's that voice inside of me that's telling me that i can't do it and that i'm wasting my time… or that i'll never be at the place all the other photographers i follow are at. i'm definitely reminded that you shouldn't compare your beginning to somebody else's middle – i'm grateful for photographers that are earnest and open with their struggles. i just want to really truly believe this and go on and conquer these voices/fears inside of me in 2013! sigh. thanks! :)
Serena
I would LOVE to read these books. Lately I have been at a creative crossroads, these books could be just the inspiration I need to get over this virtual hump that has been looming in front of me,
Stay fabulous my friend.
XOXOX
SLP
Joni Bilderback
I’m lost. This time of year, it always happens to me :( Lots of doubt, loss of creativity & overall panic. From your descriptions, it sounds like I need to ready those books!!!!
Thanks for this giveaway, happy birthday & I love how you write! Great post!
Carissa S.
I would love a win, /fingers crossed tightly!
BECAUSE : We should always be learning, always taking in new things and I would love the opportunity to learn from their works, wisdom and pasts success and failures!
Amber
Hi Athena,
I have been following your page since I noticed a comment you made on one of Clayton Austin’s posts. I really love your style, both as a writer and artist. I have had my photography business in Alaska for the past few years, and have been focusing on nailing down my style and improving my work as much as possible. I have not created a website yet, but will be as I am moving to Montana and will be replanting my business! I am so nervous, sad to leave my comfort zone, but excited as this new opportunity could lead to anything! I have been focusing mostly on family photography, but have relished every opportunity to do engagements, weddings, and senior portrait photography. These are my favorites. If these magazines would help me to grow in any way, in my art, in my business skills, I would be extremely thankful. Thank you so much!
Amber of Sweet Adeline Photography
Rochelle
These books, where to start? I love Jasmine Star and her wealth of knowledge, as a new photographer, I have really learned a lot from her. Both would be great knowledge pieces to read as a “newbie” to the business. Happy birthday!
Kari
I would love to venture on a greater path and become something more with photography and the business. I take any words that are read and the wisdom from others as a guide, a map really, to finding my way and style with this beautiful love for photography.