Over the last three months of 2009, I began to contemplate the progression of my photography and the business. Protégé Images Photography was a success in attracting major wedding clients, but I knew there was much more to offer. Don’t get me wrong; I’m thankful for all of the weddings that I’ve had the honor to be a part of, but I wanted to show everyone that there is so much more to me as a person, an artist, and especially a photographer.
1. Why did you change the name?
Quite simple. Branding has always been important to me. It is a way of people being able to identify you solely through your online image, which is my logo. Rick Harris of BrickleThumb Design Works showed me the importance of just that. By branding myself as Lynsey Weatherspoon, people will begin to recognize me in the physical standpoint and the artistic arena. Being able to gain editorial, commercial, and eventual documentary clients is my goal, and one step, in my opinion, was to change my identity.
2. So you couldn’t do that as Protégé Images Photography?
Well, yes and no. After some strong deliberation (mainly me and mom), it was decided that in order to see some residuals to my dedication, I had to make the necessary changes. Protégé Images Photography has so much sentimental value and it was rather hard to let go. But with the love and support of my mother, she knows that I’ll always be her protégé, no matter what.
After taking some time research other photographers, I began to see the “trend” of using your name as the name of your photography entity. Who am I to break the mold? My photography is the only thing that is allowed to do such, and not the brand.
3. Will you do anymore Voicemail videos?
Glad you asked! I am revamping the way I think and speak about all things photography. I don’t want to claim that I know everything about photography, but there is so much that I have and would like to learn. Voicemail will still be a constant post on the blog, but they won’t look as poorly prepared as my previous posts. I’m proud of the advanced techniques I’ve learned over the past year. So stay tuned for Voicemails as I prepare to be more interactive and proactive about my brand and my work.
4. Reading any good books?
The best book that I’ve received so far is How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. I started reading this book in December 2009 and brought in the new year reading it. Though I’m not finished reading it, I’m already using some of its principles within my business. My next book is Viewfinders: Black Women Photographers by Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe. I’m really excited about this book because 1) I bought it last year for $1 on Half.com and 2) these ladies have similar features, styles, and ambitions as me. My year-long reading is the Book of Proverbs. After reading just the first chapter, I’m automatically hooked.
I’ve found the best thing to do between assignments is to read a book and begin thinking of new ideas. I want to dig into new material and learn from the masters of photography such as Gordon Parks and Dorothea Lange. I enjoy perusing the pages of those who never thought their body of work would amaze so many people.
5. Looks like you’ve changed your blogging style too…
That most definitely came with time. Some posts will be concise, and others will be rather lengthy. But they will all serve a purpose of learning, discussion, and hopefully critiques to follow.
6. Why so serious all of a sudden?
Me? Serious? Not hardly! I do know when to be serious and when to just show my everyday personality. But I do want to serve as a teacher to aspiring photographers that are trying to figure out if this is the career for them. I don’t claim to know everything about photography or even some of the intense business structure, but I do know that you have to have a team of people who are supportive (that’s a post I’m saving for later).
7. So what’s next?
There’s so much! I started the year off with a great wedding that I’m sure I will not soon forget. I have projects that I’m currently working on, but I dare not discuss without consent or until their completion. I am currently a contributing photographer for Kiss the Bride Magazine, in which I planned, produced, and shot with a great assisting team.
I hope you all now have a better grasps of the current upgrades. Until then, enjoy and keep walking in progression.
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