{Charla Blue Photography} Soon-to-Be Destination Wedding Photographer

I'm not even sure where to start with this post! Soooo, let me just start by saying that I started this year with a new outlook on many things in my life. But for the purposes of this blog, a new outlook on what I wanted my photography business to look like is what I shall focus on. After 2010 was crazy busy I knew I needed to clarify and simplify some things for myself.

I had been thinking about rebranding for the last year and thinking a lot about what I wanted my look & 'niche' to be. When I started photography four years ago, I knew very little about branding, marketing, or even the technical aspects of photography itself. I jumped in head first and I have learned so much thanks to an incredible community of photographers that are willing to share their secrets. My friend Cora created a logo without any input from me other than the color "blue". I loved it and it has stayed with me til now. But I have evolved and I knew I needed something a bit more "me" that would identify to my clients who I am. I also wanted to appeal to clients that were more like me too. People that love to travel, enjoy culture and art, conversations of life experiences, people who like to dream, and have goals for the life they want to live. I had also decided for myself that I wanted to focus on wedding photography as my "niche" (it is my favorite, although I still love the diversity of doing a little bit of everything). And my ultimate dream would be to incorporate everything I love...travel, weddings, & photography! Hello Destination Wedding Photographer! Have I mentioned I speak Spanish fluently? (Hint hint!)

I had so many ideas for the new look of "Charla Blue", I had no idea where to start. Enter Pinterest. I began collecting images from the web in folders (or boards as they're called). The reoccurring themes quickly became apparent. Although Pinterest can be a time sucker, it's incredibly powerful to help support your vision to a web or graphic designer. You can follow me here: http://pinterest.com/charlablue.

What Cora created is perfect! 

It speaks to the soul of me...the teacher, the traveler, the romantic, and ultimate lover of blue! 

Here is her creation...

Check out my new watermark for images. 

I wanted it to look like a vintage postmark. I think she did a great job!

I'm so happy for all of this! I worked furiously to build my photography business while working fulltime as a high school Spanish teacher this past four years, not to mention the demands of being a mother and wife. What I decided is that I love my job teaching and I'm extremely grateful to work in a place with all my friends and a pretty great group of students. Over the course of the last year, I have watched too many good teachers get pink slips and it reminded me how lucky I am to have my job teaching that still allows me do to photography with summers off. I am no longer trying to build this business to quit teaching. I can't tell you how much peace that decision has brought me. I will continue to do photography but will be limiting the number of sessions and weddings I take each year...so that I will ultimately be available for family time too. Thanks for supporting me on this adventure! It's been fun and I'm excited to see what's next...