It's time to revisit a section of my blog that has been neglected lately: Tips 'n Tricks. And it's not because I haven't had anything new to share or haven't been learning new information/techniques...it's because I've been really, really busy. But alas, you guys have been good to me, patient with me, dare I say it-"loyal." Over that last 12 months I've enjoyed all the new faces leaving encouraging comments, asking great questions and providing valuable input. And lastly, I want to officially welcome all of you who've meandered over from Chase Jarvis' blog.

Quick disclaimer: I am not posting an image with this post, contrary to what many of my photography com-padres do with a text post. I don't feel this post warrants an accompanying photo JUST BECAUSE this is essentially a photo blog. I WANT you to read this post and if I post a picture you'll just go straight to the photo and consume it in a nano second and move on. How do I know this? Cause I'm a photographer and I do the same thing ;)

I want to touch on the last shoot I did with Ashlee. I've received emails and comments with questions here and there about that shoot...and I'm more than happy to answer those here. I'm a completely open book...always remember that. And if I forget that, don't hesitate to remind me that I said that (if you see me in person or somewhere else). I want to start photographing kids. That is my motivation for this shoot. But not just any kid...beautiful ones, fun ones, classic, American ones. Ashlee is a model. Not a paying client. This is what is called a test shoot in the commercial world. The model shows up and is not responsible for anything except being a professional at what they do...and that sole responsibility is to be "incredibly good looking."

I styled this shoot personally, which, honestly is a good chunk of work. That means I arranged for the wardrobe, props and location. Hair and makeup were done by her mom. Assistance was provided by Shannon Sewell...she was a big reason this shoot happened. Being my local contact in the Portland area, she made arrangements for the model, the location and provided great correspondence between me and the model. By industry standards, this was done on the cheap...bare bones. But often that's all that is needed.

Tip no. 18: Shoot for yourself what you want to shoot for your clients. They will start coming to you for it eventually.

This was a shoot done for me. Because I wanted to. You need to shoot for you or else you will get burned out with what you once loved. However, it's no coincidence that much of the stuff I shoot for myself looks like the stuff I shoot for clients.