Headlines Today

This is not a place for politics, but today the best headline comes from the NY Daily News. Regarding the death of Bin Laden: Rot In Hell.

God Bless America and our armed forces!

Happy Spring! There's nothing like the feeling of rebirth, renewal and the freshness that appeals to all of our senses. I especially love the color that pops up seemingly overnight and it never fails to surprise, even though you expect it.

The colors of nature inspires every artist whether the artist is a fashion designer, a chef, an interior designer(what is this HGTV?!?) or even a musician. I'm not usually one for studio photography. I have nothing at all against it. I admire the expertise that goes into it, I just never had the gear or the means so I learned to use natural light (and some flash) for alot of my work. I would just like to share with you some flower shots since it is that time of year. Some are outdoors and some are just shot from my kitchen table using window light. Enjoy the season!

Staying Motivated

• This was sent via email by MOO printers, whom I think have a great approach to business. This is good advice and a useful reminder for everyone who work for themselves. Just in case you missed it, I thought I'd share. Good job MOO and Anna Abrahams.
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• By Inspirit Founder Anna Abrahams
• Top ten tips for staying motivated

1. Have a plan

Know what you are trying to achieve in both the short and long term, and follow a plan to make sure you get that done. Whether that's a detailed business plan or a daily "to do" list, having a plan will keep you focused. Plus, it gives you a boost when you can tick things off the list!

2. Break targets down

Large goals can feel overwhelming and send you into a kind of work paralysis. Break the pieces down into small tasks and you will find that the end goal is totally achievable. So for example, if I set myself a task to myself of getting 10 new clients over the next few months, I could break this down into practical tasks such as running a special offer to encourage new bookings, or follow up on undecided clients.

3. Discuss ideas with others

Running your own business can be an isolating experience. Colleagues, friends and family are very useful sounding boards and have expertise and experience in areas you don't – amongst my group of friends are lawyers, PRs, journalists – so ask yourself, who do you know? Talking to others gives you a fresh perspective, help you from ideas more clearly, overcome stumbling blocks and feed your creativity.

4. Keep it fresh

Keep thinking of different ways to promote yourself – I love how MOO customers never run out of these types of ideas, like thesebeautiful pocket portfolios made from MiniCards. As part of my promotional plan for 2011, Inspirit is the official therapy partner to RSVP 2011, a big events industry showcase where our team of therapists will be giving out free massages.

5. Visualise better days ahead

Ok, so it makes me sound like a hippy, but I find it helpful to visualise the benefits to my life that will result from achieving my goals. Whether it's a dream holiday or simply a boost to your self-esteem, imagine how that will feel if you keep going and make it happen. At the moment, I'm obsessed with buying a mini-cooper, which I simply can't afford. So I designed my perfect mini online and have a photo of it on my wall to remind me that if I keep growing the business, one day it will be on my drive.

6. Be open to change

It can be very deflating when things don't go your way. I've had times when I have lost a client or an employee or a deal has suddenly changed its parameters. You need to adapt instead of losing hope, and think how you can work the situation to your advantage. Sometimes what seems like a setback can turn into a positive, and if not, at least you can minimise the damage and learn from the experience.

7. Do regular exercise

I swim regularly which re-energises me and yoga classes keep me calm and clear. Choose whatever form of exercise suits you best, but make sure you do some - it improves your mental clarity and decreases feelings of stress, anxiety and frustration.

8. Establish clear working hours

Don't burn out - I learned this from experience! It's too easily done, so make sure you get some work-life balance and build breaks into your daily and weekly schedules. As we all know, there's a difference between working hard and working effectively. Since my office is my home, this is a particularly challenging one for me. I have to remind myself that its ok to be at home relaxing, instead of attached to a computer at 10pm.

9. Treat yourself

Give yourself things to look forward to – a visit to a gallery, a shopping trip, a night with your friends. You deserve some rewards for all your hard work! I book a regular massage every month to relieve the muscle tension that accompanies hours in front of a computer, and to combat work stress. After a massage, I feel like a new person.

10. Accept the cycle

No one can stay motivated 100% of the time. When you're struggling, do what you can on the list to help and be assured that inspiration will return if you just keep going. And don't forget to keep putting yourself out there. Hand out your Business Card to anyone who seems interested – the upswing will happen sooner than you think.

New Work

More to see at my website www.karenkellyphotgraphy.com

Always looking for good titles if anyone has any ideas! Thanks!

Thank You

I just want to say a big thank you for all my fans, old and new for their undying support. It's because of you that I keep going.

Now...let's think spring! It's been a long, tough winter for many folks this year, but this morning I actually heard birds singing!

Cribbers...

On other photographers copying my signature style....

"I understand but look at it this way, people love what you do and will try to emulate it. You inspire them into seeing if they could make something as awesome as you do. A variation is all they will accomplish. Your style is unique so as long as they are not stealing your work directly then what is the harm? Take it as a compliment. Lemons make lovely lemonade." Felisa Michael

"I haven't seen any other pictures that capture the textures, softness and impact that your art captures Karen. I imagine it's so eye catching that people will try to copy a good thing......they'll never have your eye or talent for softening those boundaries the way you do. I'd be upset to know someone was ripping me off of my style too!It's so personal this art work......." Sherry Rooth

"Bummer.
But in reality your vision is superior so your photos are finer. If you didn't have such an awesome style no one would care. But since it is so good, people will copy. How many billions of people copy Van Gogh and Monet? Yet the original is still the most respected. And look at the "Dave Hill" style. Hoo Wee did he ever get his style ripped off? Yet he went forward with his work and is working more than ever. He made a name for himself. You are making your name.
So be smart. Now all you need to do is capitalize on your style and run workshops or whatever and make some money on your vision. Be encouraged. This is what happens when you are successful. So Congrats! Think Bigger!" Gregg Boyer

And from Mr. Kevin Skelly, "You were born an original. Don't die a copy." ~John Mason

Thank you everyone, I am grateful for you!

New Year, New Plan

Time to rethink, improve and come up with more ideas and more time. There are lots of resources out there and I'll spend some time reading up on trends, services and smart ideas.

So far I've finally changed my profile picture on my Facebook page to the maximum size of 200x600 pixels. It makes a bigger impact. I've also taken a few minutes to get a vanity url on Facebook. It is now www.facebook.com/KarenKellyPhotography. That's kind of cool, especially when I share the link, I think it looks much more professional.

I've designed a new business card, but I might like the old ones better. I'm not sure yet.

My website possibly needs a reorganization. I was thinking of breaking down the rodeo categories into events. For example, bull riding, steer wresting, team roping, etc.

Oh yes, a much hipper and artistic blog is in order, right?

Of course there is always the constant continuing education. I love the courses at NAPP (National Association of Photoshop Professionals), they offer a wide variety of subject matter. Going at my own pace, on my schedule is convenient. Technology changes so fast and I feel it is so easy to get behind to the point where I only know what I need to know. I don't want to get in that rut, otherwise I will never improve!

I've had many requests for greeting cards and calendars and the such, it is also one of my goals to get those designed and produced.

Oh yeah and to finish my plan...better get going....if anyone has any suggestions or opinions, by all means! Happy New Year!