Photography Hobby or Career

Since I was just a kid, I've always loved to take pictures. Now as an adult it has become one of my many hobbies. But it can also be a rewarding career as well.

Photography Hobby or Career

    I may be dating myself here, but I remember when cameras took 110 film and had those gorgeous flash cubes on top. (Do you remember those?) I was quite young, so my parents didn't let me use their camera. When I was about 11, we went to neighbors moving sale, and they had a Kodak 110 camera for sale. I begged my parents for that camera. They obliged under the condition that I used my allowance for film and processing. (Yeah, I'm old enough that we had to wait for our film to be processed.) I was stoked!

    I took pictures of everything! I quickly learned that 110 film and developing those pictures was expensive. Jump forward to digital cameras. Now I could see every image I took. Which meant I could snap fifty or more pictures, and keep the best. I was gobsmacked at how amazing this was! (Yeah yeah. I'm old enough to remember the invention of digital cameras.) Now with the burst function, I am sure to capture the very best shots of my son and my furry daughters.

    That option came in handy with my son. He's autistic and getting him to look at me wasn't always easy! I've been homeschooling him since he was five. So that means no yearly class pictures. We live on a very tight budget, so getting them done wasn't always an option. Instead, I use my love of photography to stage his yearly school photos. Then I send them to Walmart to get printed for family and friends.

    My favorite way to capture these is by choosing a gorgeous setting outside. The lighting is more natural, and it's easier to get clear shots if it's a nice day. However, setting up a shoot inside isn't too hard either. Baby pictures were easy. I took his Boppy pillow and draped it with a nice baby blanket, and was able to pose him and get perfect pictures. When Liam was four, I hung an American flag on the wall, and pulled my antique trunk over. I posed him on it and got the most adorable snapshots. They're actually my husband's favorite ones. However, now that he's older, getting him to take time out of his "busy day" to pose for me is like pulling teeth. So when we're out exploring, I set my camera to burst mode and capture as many images as I can, then delete the bad ones. I did get him to pose for me this year. However, he only gave me fifteen minutes of his precious time.

Career?

    I have pondered taking my love of photography and editing to the next level and turning it into a career. Friends and family have paid me to do their family photos, and it was so enjoyable. However, being socially awkward, taking pictures of close friends and family, is much easier than capturing those memories for total strangers. So for me, turning this hobby into a career wasn't an option. However, for many it is. Take Blake Rubin for example.

Blake Rubin

    Blake is a photographer from Philadelphia Pennsylvania. Much like myself, she too loved the art form since she was a child. However, Blake took her passion one step further, and worked her tail off to go to school, and hone her craft. She uses her camera to pull viewers into her world. Blake really has an eye for beauty.

    Ms. Rubin loves to photograph her hometown of Philadelphia Pennsylvania. There are so many gorgeous things to see in Philly, it's no surprise she enjoys capturing it all. Blake also loves to travel an capture every moment. Recently she went to Italy. From taking pictures of the big cities, to small villages, Blake can pull the viewer in, so they feel that they are actually there.

I love this image of my boys (They were 14 and 4)

     Knowing how hard it was to pay for her dream, Blake has even started the Blake Rubin Foundation Scholarship. She uses this to give back, pay it forward to other college students, and help future photographers dreams to come true. How wonderful is that? We need more people like Blake in this world!

Public Relations and Your Business

    Are you a small business owner? Maybe you're just launching yourself into the business world. Either way, have you considered Public Relations and how it can help your business?

Public Relations and Your Business

    Public Relations firms, or PR firms are everywhere. But do you know what they do, and how they could help you? Basically, PR firms will help you define your branding, reach out to the public, and share your business story with people of like minds. They will help your business blossom and find clients and customers that need what you have to offer. Advertising your business and getting your name out there will help you to grow. Simply put, a public relations firm is in charge of your reputation and making sure it's positively represented to the public. Which is exactly what a good Personal Relations Firm will do.

A Good Business Plan Includes Personal Relations

    When you're starting a new business or creating your brand, there are a ton of things to consider. One of which is how you will get your name out there, get noticed, and make a positive impact on society. Which is why you definitely need a good public relations firm. They will help ease some of your start up stress by doing the foot work for getting you noticed. That takes a lot of weight off of your shoulders!

    Even if you're an established business, you can still benefit from the help of a good personal relations firm. Whether you're looking at re-branding your business, or just want to get noticed by more people, a personal relations firm can help you. 

What Can Public Relations Do For Me Or My Business?

    Let's break it down a bit. Public Relations firms can do the following.

• Write press releases, pitches, and speeches for you to inform others of your mission/business
• Create special events to spotlight your business and help you to gain exposure
• Conduct market research for you
• Help you to expand your business contacts (whether by email, social media, or even public events.)
• Blog for your business and do social media promotions as well
• Write articles or arrange for interviews so you can get your business noticed

Take Some Weight Off Your Shoulders

    Okay, so you may be thinking, "well, I can do all of that." However, you're starting or growing a business, and you have enough on your shoulders. Let a PR firm lift some of that weight for you. Also, PR firms specialize in this. They know how to get your name out there and work to get you noticed. They can help you achieve results much quicker than if you tried to do it all yourself.

Let Behrman Communications Work For YOU!

    Nancy at Behrman Communications has developed an amazing Public Relations Firm that wants to help your grow your business and presence in our world. Her team of fantastic women are brand builders, industry disruptor's, and here to make your business bloom! 

    With a team of more that thirty creative and strategic thinkers, Behrman Communications wants to help you build your brand. These ladies work with clients and businesses of all shapes, sizes, and niches. Their expertise spans from lifestyle, to beauty, health, and wellness.

Contact Nancy and the team at Behrman Communications. Let them creatively craft your story. Allow them to help you rewrite industry standards and write your own story, so you can leave your mark on our world.

Pursue Your Happiness in Philadelphia Pennsylvania

    I love the tourism slogan for Philly. "Pursue Your Happiness." If you've ever been to this amazing city, you know there's something to make everyone happy. If you haven't, well then you need to read this, and then get planning your trip!

Pursue Your Happiness in Philadelphia Pennsylvania

    It's been a minute since we've been to Philly, and we've all been talking about going back soon. There are so many things to do, and so many beautiful things to see. For us, it's well worth the four hour drive to go. Philly is gorgeous, historic, educational, and even a bit spooky! 

Historic Happiness

    Philadelphia Pennsylvania is home to the Liberty Bell. It's well worth the wait in line to see this fantastic piece of history. Independence Hall is there too. You can actually see where the Declaration of Independence was signed. If history is your thing, then you have to venture to Philly.

Learning is Fun!

    A great way to have an amazing day, and learn something new is to take in a museum. When Liam was six we took him to The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. Our entire family had a blast there. You can see mummies, space rocks, enjoy butterflies up close and personal, and so much more. Kids and adults can even dig for dinosaur bones. You can touch an actual dinosaur bone and a meteorite! How cool is that?

Cool Off on a Hot Day

    When we first stumbled upon Swann Memorial Fountain, there weren't many people there as it was early in the morning, and not super hot. Liam wanted so badly to get in and play, as just like his mama, water calls to him. However, we didn't see anyone else in it, and didn't want to let him in. So we took in the museum. When we walked out hours later, Liam was ecstatic to see that fountain FULL of kids and parents alike. His dad and I were too, because it was about one hundred degrees outside. So if you're in Philly, taking in the sites, and want to cool off, then Swann Memorial Fountain is for you. 

    Even if you don't want to get wet, you have to see it. It's one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen! Created in 1924 by Alexander Stirling Calder. Calder took the tradition of river gods, and recreated them in his work of art. Each figure symbolizes the area's local waterways. The man is for the Delaware River. The Schuylkill River is represented by the woman. The girl represents the Wissahickon Creek. Then there are turtles, frogs, fish, and swans. I have honestly never seen any fountain as beautiful as the Swann. 

Spooky Sites

   October is coming, so if you're into the macabre, then Philly is for you! Smack dab in Philly is Eastern State Penitentiary. It looks like the city was built around this looming castle. Well, it was. And those walls held Al Capone, and Slick Willie Sutton. You can explore the halls during the day to take in history on a less creepy level. If the adrenaline rush of being scared is more your thing, then a night tour is for you! 

Adrian Rubin

    We aren't the only ones that love Philadelphia. Adrian Rubin is lucky enough to be a Philly native, and he knows how marvelous his city is. Adrian is a part time writer, photographer, and full time animal lover. As a matter of fact, when he isn't writing or snapping pics, he's donating his time to local shelters. Helping four legged babies find their forever homes! (That is awesome Mr. Rubin!!)

Customer Success and Why It's Important to Your Business

    If you run a business, chances are you have heard about Customer Success. But do you know exactly what it is? If not, read on and I will tell you. Even if you do know what it is, read on because I think that you too will benefit from the following information.

Customer Success and Why It's Important to Your Business

    Simply put, Customer Success (or CS,) is the term used to describe the relationship between a vendor and their customers. The individual or team of people tasked with keeping the customer an ongoing client, by means of making sure that their businesses are successful, which in turn keeps them as a client to your business. 

    Think of it like this. For example, your business sells boxes to other companies, to use with their products. You rely on those businesses to buy your boxes, while they rely on you for the best quality and price around. Keeping them happy means keeping them as a client. Thus Customer Success. (The more successful your customers are because of you means the more business they bring your way!)

Customer Success

    So now that you know what Customer Success is, how do you manage it? By utilizing Customer Success Management, you will be integrating the functions of marketing, sales, professional service and more. Which is where a Customer Success Team comes into play. They streamline all of these services and keep your customers happy, which in turn, makes you feel delighted. After all, content customers means they return for repeated business. It also means that they tell others how much they appreciate your business. This word of mouth then brings new customers to your business. (Hey, it's like free advertising!)

UserIQ

    UserIQ specializes in helping businesses integrate their data. From your products, to your marketing team, customer success, digital user engagement, and more. They're here to help you understand the basics of Customer Success, and how keeping your clients happy, will keep your business afloat.

    Utilizing UserIQ 's features and benefits will help you to better understand your users. They will help you to track what your customers use and don't use, as well as determine customer behavior, and identify your top advocates. UserIQ will help you speak to your customers, help them to discover new features, and customize and improve onboarding. If you're looking to re-engage and build value, then UserIQ is for you! They will survey customer opinions to find out what keeps your brand relevant, and what is working.

    Still unsure? No worries! UserIQ has an entire blog dedicated to Customer Success, and how to achieve in your business. They can answer your questions, and give you tips to help run your business more smoothly. Their website is also full of customer testimonials on how well UserIQ has helped other businesses. So you don't just have to take my word for it, you can see for yourself how they have helped others. Now it's time to put UserIQ to work for you!

Photographs Capture More Than Just Images

    I love looking at photographs. That's because a good one captures so much more than just the image. It captures memories.

Photographs Capture More Than Just Images

    A talented photographer will seize images that show feeling. Photographs are so much more than just the people that are in them. They are snippets of a time, a place, a memory. Pictures freeze a moment in time, to forever be remembered. Don't trust your special day to just anyone. Find a photographer that knows how much your memories mean to you. 

Summit Shah

    Summit Shah isn't just your average human, snapping pictures. Instead he specializes in capturing your important life moments with his stellar photography. If you're looking to preserve memories of a special day or a time, then you need to contact Summit! He will even come to you! Summit has a current passport, and loves to travel. Which means, wherever you are, chances are, he can be there too! All you have to do is ask. 

A New School Year, Means New Seniors

    The 2018/2019 school year is creeping upon us. (I actually have quite a few friends whose kids are already into their new school year.) If you have a Senior student, then it's never too early to look into their senior portraits. Think about it this way. This could very well be the last images you get your teen to sit for, so you might as well get the best that you can. Summit will capture your child in all of their glory, for you to cherish for years to come.

The beauty of a German Shepherd :)

Newborns? Engagements? Family Reunions?

    If you have a new addition to your family, Summit would be glad to snap images of your precious bundle of joy! Whether you want images to announce your engagement, or you would like him to tag along to your family reunion, he can do that too. Summit will take photos of your special wedding day, and even join you if you choose to elope, but still want photographs to share with loved ones. He even does Bar and Bat Mitzvah and Quinceanera photos. Which means you can focus on having a good time and cherishing your loved ones special day. Summit will focus on seizing those memories for you to enjoy for years to come.  Imagine yourself ten or twenty years from now. When you flip back through those photos, and are transported to that time or place. Those memories, those feelings, are priceless. (Just like your loved ones!)

Most see a weed. I see beauty!

Are You a Hobbyist Photographer?

    I certainly am. When we leave the house I always have my camera and my phone on me. I drive my poor family batty by snapping pictures of everything and anything! Whether it be them, or the flora and fauna that surrounds us, I am capturing it in images. I have an entire folder of "weeds." Most people may look at a plant and see a weed. I don't. I look at it and see beauty. Sometimes the most beautiful things are what most consider to be useless. 

    Summit Shah even has tips to help people who want to turn their passion, into an income. He has tips on his blog for ways to turn your photographic hobby into a profitable income. 

The Age of Venus

    Girls and women are tired of being in the background. It's finally our time to shine. It's the age of Venus, and we're more powerful than even. (Thanks to our ancestors helping to pave the way for all women!)

The Age of Venus

    Women around the world are coming out of the shadows. They're embracing their differences, and using them to recreate themselves. Women are stepping forth, and paving the way for the girls of our future. They're doing so by starting their own businesses, and entering the world of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics.)

    No longer is it a "man's world," because women are here to stay. We are taking over the workforce, and doing jobs that were once only held by men. We're teaching our daughters and nieces that they too can have their own business or develop video games and apps. There are even programs designed specifically to instill a love of these things into our girls. 

I Am Woman, Hear Me Roar

    I myself refused to back down. I knew this wasn't just a man's world. When I was eighteen I got my first tattoo kit. After a few years of practice on oranges and grapefruits, (and eventually family and friends,) I moved to Florida. The first thing I did was take my portfolio into a tattoo shop. I was hired on the spot. Back then (in 2002,) there weren't a ton of female tattoo artists. Within a year, I had my own booth and my own clients. Eventually I relocated to Alabama, where again, I was hired on the spot. They featured me in commercials, and I worked about 70 hours per week doing what I loved.

    Now a special needs mom, I can no longer be a tattoo artist. So instead, I took my love of writing, and developed it into a freelance business. I can work from home, while still caring for my son, and tending to his home school lessons. Oh and housework. That dreaded h word! But yes, I do that too. And you know what? I'm still happy. I'm more confident than I have ever been [maybe that's just because I'm becoming (older) wise.]

Chrissy Weems

    Another inspiring woman is Chrissy Weems. She is the co-founder and CEO of Origami Owl. (By the way, thanks for having Autism charms, Chrissy! My fellow autism moms and I love that you thought of our kids!) Her experience in interior design, art, and beauty have helped turn her into the force of nature she is today. 

    Wife of twenty five years, and mom to five wonderful children, Chrissy is proof that women can be successful, and still have a gorgeous family. Women can have families, start businesses, run businesses, pave the way in the arts, create amazing video games, and so much more! We can do anything we put our minds to, as can our daughters, sisters, and nieces. By encouraging one another, lifting each other up, and inspiring the next generation of girls to do the same, we can create an equal workforce. One that doesn't see gender, just talent. Fantastic talent and minds!

Why Do You Need Master Data Management

    You may be wondering what MDM, or Master Data Management is? Basically put, it's streamlining critical data for organizations. If you have a business then Master Data Management is important for you.

What is Master Data Management and Why Do You Need It

"Master Data Management is the practice of defining and maintaining consistent definitions of business entities, then sharing them via integration techniques across multiple IT systems within an enterprise and sometimes beyond to partnering companies or customers" -Philip Russom Ph.D Industry Analyst TWDI

    If you run a business, you know all about the files and information that you collect. However, how do you keep it all straight? Or how do you make it less confusing, and easily accessible to pertinent employees? Master Data Management is the linking of all of those critical files and having them in one common place of reference. Basically put, it's streamlining your data across all platforms. This way it can be shared quickly and easily between all departments in a business.

Fewer Errors and Less Redundancy

     When you merge all of your information in this way, it leads to fewer errors. It also leads to less redundancy in your business processes. For example, when a customers information changes, it's updated in the master files, so every department has access to the most up to date information. 

Why Does it Matter?

    Inconsistent and inaccurate data can be costing you money. If you have an incorrect price on something can cause a monetary disaster to your business. Similarly, an incorrect account number can wreak havoc as well. What if you have the wrong address for a customer? They may not receive their bills, or the marketing materials that you need sent to them. All of this will cause a huge headache to you and your employees. This is why you need Master Data Management.

How Does Master Data Management Impact Your Business?

    What is your business without your customers, products, and your employees? Nothing, right? All of these things contribute to your master data. So without streamlining it and making it easily accessible, you're leaving yourself and your business open to errors. Mistakes that could prove to be very costly, and cause you, your customers, and your employees a ton of unnecessary headaches. 

Master Data Management

    As you can see, Master Data Management is a vital part of your business. Keeping it consolidated, up to date, and in check may not be an easy task, but rest assured, there's help out there! Profisee® is the fastest growing company in data management. Their platform for data management is trusted and proven to work. (You don't have to take my word for it. Check out the reviews on their website!) They have experience helping gads of other businesses, and are here to help yours as well. Contact them today. Request and demo and see how they can help your business.

eBook Download

    Profisee® even has a handy ebook that you can download. It will help you understand get started with the Master Data Management process. The ebook offers nine tangible steps that you can take, as well as, tips for understanding the scope of MDM, what topics to educate yourself on, and more.

Personal Injury is More Than a Pain

    I'm more familiar with personal injury than I'd like to be. When I was a teen my parents were in a car accident, and it turned our world upside down. Personal injury is more than just a pain. It changes your entire life.

Personal Injury is More Than a Pain

    One summer afternoon, just a mere five minutes from my childhood home, my parents were hit by a car that tried passing them as they were signaled and turning onto our dirt road. That day, my parents were changed forever, as were our lives. 

    Not only were my parents injured, (injuries they still have to deal with to this day,) but our only vehicle was totaled, and my mom suffered from PTSD. The accident was investigated by the state police, and my parents were not at fault. But what good did that do? They were hurting, mentally and physically, and now we had no form of transportation. My parents did the only thing they could, search for a lawyer.

    Our lives were in turmoil for years. The other drivers were from another country, driving a rental car, and to be honest, my parent's lawyer wasn't well versed in how to handle their case. Which is why you need to do research and find a law firm that knows how to handle personal injury cases.

Personal Injury Attorney Tampa

    Hunter Law is a firm located in sunny and gorgeous Tampa Florida. (I used to live in Tampa, and how I miss it!) The folks at Hunter Law specialize in personal injury. You can be sure that they will handle your case with integrity, knowledge, reliability, and a commitment to excellence.

    Personal injury is not something to be taken lightly. It's literally While you're resting and recovering, you want to be sure to stay focused on your healing. Which is where Hunter Law comes in. They will handle your case, so that you can keep your mind on your health. 

So What is a Personal Injury?

    Personal injury is literally defined as a physical or mental injury. This can take place from an accident, abuse, assault and more. It can also be the result of medical or dental negligence. Another type of personal injury is industrial disease. Conditions that come from the workplace such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, chronic bronchitis and more.

    According to the American Bar Association, the most common personal injury results from a vehicle accident. That's the type that most of us are familiar with. However, if any of the above applies to you as well, then it may be time to contact Hunter Law. 

Family Law

    Hunter Law doesn't just specialize in Personal Injury. They can also assist you with your family law needs as well. Whether you need help with a divorce, alimony, child support, prenuptial agreements, or more, Hunter Law is here to help. In times of need, you want a lawyer and a firm that you can trust. They will handle any case with excellence, knowledge, and reliability. So whether you contact them for a personal injury claim, or family law, rest assured, you will be taken care of.

Teeth Brushing Sensory Style

    I'm not going to lie. My son doesn't brush his teeth every day. At least with toothpaste, that is.

    I know, I know. You're all thinking, "What? Then how is she going to tell us about teeth brushing sensory style?" I'm going to tell you what I learned from my son's pediatric dentist, and his oral hygienist whom happens to have an autistic niece.

Teeth Brushing Sensory Style

    Okay, we all know that dentists recommend we brush our teeth at LEAST twice per day. However, when you have an autistic child with sensory aversions, that isn't always possible. 

    He gags. He vomits. He spits the toothpaste out. It's been years of trying every toothpaste on the market before we found just ONE he could tolerate. But he can only use it at night. In the morning he still vomits.

    Liam's eleven, and he just had his first cavity. After they filled it, they sealed his molars because he grinds his teeth all the time. I was speaking to his hygienist about our brushing struggles. He told me that toothpaste isn't a big deal.

    "As long as you can get him to brush and floss, he will be fine."

    It seems that the brushing and flossing is what gets all that nasty food and plaque off our teeth and from our gums. 

But What Kind of Toothbrush Should They Use?

    This was another expensive trial and error process. The brush can't be too big, or too "brushy." I swear, my kid is like the three bears of tooth brushing! Basically, your kid should use any toothbrush that he or she can tolerate. 

    We have found two types of brushes that he can tolerate. One is by WooBamboo and it's designed for "small dogs." Yes, I let my son use a dog's toothbrush. But hey, the dog has never used it! 

    HE loves it because it's quite small, and the front bristles are longer, and they really get in there and clean well. If he's brushing, I'm not complaining and I don't care what the brush is recommended for. If they made a Yeti brush, and he liked it, I'd buy it! 

    The other type of brush he loves are the cylindrical ones. The bristles actually go all the way around the brush. So it's 360 degrees of bristles! They are really neat, and it even says on the package that they're great for using with or without toothpaste. 

What About Flossing?

    If you're an autism parent, you know the struggle with fine motor skills. My son can not wrap floss around his fingers and get into his mouth. So I buy him those handy dandy floss pics. He can grasp them and getting him to floss isn't a fight. 

    This is what works for us, and you know that everyone is different. Basically, try your best to get your child to brush twice a day. Even if it is without toothpaste.

Do you live around Grove Oklahoma? If so, contact Karl Jobst DDS for your dental needs.
To learn more, check out Karl Jobst.