Happy One Year Birthday Melinda Tuttle Photography

So it has been one year since I decided to open my business Melinda Tuttle Photography, and it has been quite an exciting endeavour. This year has been a whirlwind. From my very first "real" session: Natalie The Christmas Baby, to my very busy end of this year where I thought I was going to lose my mind trying to finish up every one's edits so they could order prints in time for Christmas. I want to thank everyone for supporting and encouraging me to do this. I am truly inspired daily and my love for this art form has never been so high. Sometimes I just think things happen for a reason and as they should. There are certain people who I have met along this journey that have been such a support like my Target Friend Holly who is my business "go to girl" and will hopefully help me soon with my bookkeeping! She is awesome at that . To my Photography friends I have met or have only known virtually along the way like Ben Bender, Marie Martineau, Keri Meyers, Melanie Defazio, Heather Lynn who created my awesome logo, Michelle Kane, who's photography is amazing and I am in awe that she even talks to me.
I have learned so much from different forums and groups through Flikr, DPS, PPA, and people I had the guts to ask a question and they generously answered.
My ability to process images has grown immensly and my workflow has become much quicker now that I have the fundamentals of Photoshop and hopefully soon Lightroom. I will need a new computer for that though since I have maxed out the capacity of the one I have. I have a wish list that is pretty long.
In this short year I have branded myself so I have coordinated brochures, packaging, and business cards so that people recognize me when they see it. I have gone to a few classes and trainings and have been mentored by some wonderful photographers.
I have purchased a new 50d body along with new lenses: Canon 28-135 IS, Canon 85 1.8, Canon 35 f2 and have a wish list for even more items to add to this. (I really wish Santa would bring me the Canon 24-105 IS, or the 100 mm Macro. The Canon 5d Mark II would be awesome too~)
I have purchased a studio light set and played with it along with my speedlight. Studio lighting is not really my favorite style to shoot. I definitely prefer outdoor lifestyle portraiture. I feel like I can be so much more creative and free.
I have learned through this year that I adore taking pictures of maternity, newborns (which can be very hard but rewarding), seniors and boudoir. I do enjoy family sessions too but I feel like I can really connect to a one on one session or a couple. I think the connection to the photographer is one of the most important aspects to photography. When they are comfortable with you then the pictures just seem to happen.
If you are still reading this, thank you because you are probably one of my supporters.
I have made some big changes this year and hope to make even more big changes next year for the better for me and my clients.
Beginning Jan. 2010 I will have some new studio policies in place along with some exciting new products.
I am so excited to be offering Press Printed Albums and Coffee Table Books. The first ones I have printed I am just in love with! I will be offering books in sizes 5x5, 8x8, and 10x10...and in the future 12x12. In addition the newest craze are accordion books. They are just so darn adorable. They are sized 3x3, small enough to fit in your purse or pocket and hold up to 12 images. This will be a specialty item and will only be able to be purchased after a minimum order.

In any case I hope everyone has a safe and wonderful Holiday and spend lots of time with your family!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year~