Katelyn James workshop | Part 2

Warning: this post definitely won't be as pretty as the workshop day 1 post.

Starting this off with Bokeh. Becaaause he's kind of adorable.

First of all, I probably look like a crazy lady posting at midnight. KJ blog tactic number 1 ;) It's the way to hit the most people! Not that I have world wide followers right now, but you hit the night owls, different time zones, and early risers. Facebook isn't good to business owners anymore either - so what's nice is that if a post sees traffic at different times of day, it's more likely to be seen and shared.

We talked a lot about the whole entire workflow. From first emails, to planning, engagement sessions, posing, timeline, wedding, culling, editing, blogging, album design - you name it!

Probably my favourite part is how much she talked about and explained into detail about her following. Her brides are so excited to be a 'KJ Bride' and even after the wedding, it is a family of excitement, advice and reminiscing about every little detail. She has brides from 2008 that still say, "hey! I was a KJ Bride!" It is the most outstanding community and she just has this magnetic attraction. I only dream of this one day.

If she wasn't a photographer, she could easily make a career as an interior decorator.

She is just so personal with her business, that I knew 100% who her & Michael were before I left for Virginia. I wasn't wrong in any way or disappointed one bit. This is why brides book her. They feel like they are personal friends even before the first email.

Aitn't this photo of Katelyn & Bokeh the cutest?!

Katelyn knows how routine she is now - followers and clients know to expect it and things have become expectations. If your wedding was Saturday, you can bet that you're the the blog post the upcoming Tuesday. She has workflows for everything that just become habit.

Headshot time!

As much as I am a photographer and creative, I LOVE being a business owner. I adore all of the backend things like contracts, blogging, social networking, pricing..etc. I always say I think I was a business major in another life. This workshop has changed the way I think about a lot of things, but most of all his given me this life-changing adrenaline to kick things into gear. Be on the look out of MAJOR changes happening SUPER SOON to Nicole Amanda Photography!

Last but not least, my boy & Bokeh boy. Welcoming even my boy into their home with a loving hug.

Check back tomorrow when I'll be sharing my personal photos from the remainder of my time in Virginia. Hitting the beach like the typical sunshine lover that I am.

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Katelyn James workshop | Part 1

I have so many yet not enough words for what to write today. I still feel so crazy for picking up and driving all the way down to Richmond, Virginia - but I am so blessed to have so many people that support what I'm doing.

I have been following Katelyn James for a long while now. She had always been that goal - it probably sounds creepy but I wanted to be her. Her work was stunning, her business 'following' was so strong, she had the cutest dog and the most supporting husband. I guess it has just always kept my eyes on the prize.

The famous workshop site ;)

Additionally, I had always told him with or without him that she was going to be my wedding photographer O:)

When I started my business, I had always said I wanted to go to a workshop or coaching session with Katelyn because….well no, no because. It's Katelyn. It had always been a later thought though, because it was far away and would cost money. About a month ago, I got her newsletter releasing a workshop date. I think I called my boyfriend squealing. I had received this email before, but this time I just felt like it was the right time to go.

Posing demo

I remind myself all of the time how amazing my boyfriend is for not thinking I'm crazy. Well, he probably thinks I'm crazy - but he rolls with everything and supports me no matter what I want to do. I somehow convinced him to turn it into this year's vacation, and I booked my seat to a Katelyn James workshop.

The first day of the workshop was a lot of slides (okay, both days were) but we also had the most beautiful styled shoot. I can't even put into words how much I learned. It's mind blowing how open to everyone she is with her life & business. There are no secrets. It's a breath of fresh air in comparison to so many photographers who won't help anyone else.

The part 2 post is definitely a lot less pretty, but a lot of back end business which is a surprising favourite of mine. My boy and I spend a couple of days in Virginia Beach afterwords, and writing the vacation post might be difficult since I had jelly brain. Thank you to the most amazing boyfriend in the world for supporting me 100% along this business journey.

After dinner we all snuggled up to finish off day 1.

But enjoy these beautiful stylings and behind the scenes shots! Katelyn & her husband, Michael are the sweetest most sincere people I have ever met. They are so popular because there is no way anyone could ever hate them. I am most definitely going back for a coaching session as soon as possible.

She hates photos of her at workshops, but it's because she never stops talking.

Styling & Florals: Amanda Veronee

Paper Floral Decor: Sweet Pear Paper

Furnature: Paisley & Jade

Hair & Makeup: Emily Hudspeth

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Max & Isabelle | Christmas portraits

Okay, I can't get over how cute these two are…mind you I am slightly bias as it is my boyfriend and his stunning sister. Their mom has been crazy busy lately (and as a photographer I have bugger her about last year's Christmas card photo) so I decided to take the two out to the park and get some fun shots for the family card. Enjoy!

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engaged | kayen + ryan

wedding photographer | engagement photographer | lifestyle photographer

Okay, so if you've been following my Facebook and Instagram, you know that I've been stoked to get to this image since I shot them - only last night!! It's hard not to love every photo when you have a couple as photogenic and in love as these two. I never had to pose them once, they were just such naturals and my camera loved every minute of it.

Meet Kaylen and Ryan, they're getting married in Mexico in April. I met these two for the first time at Andrew Haydon Park last night, yes there, again. Kaylen found me through Livingsocial, and am I ever glad she did.

To see their full session, check out the PASS gallery.

These are their babies, Marlow and Bob.

They just kept laughing and smiling the whole time, even the obvious joke faces look cute.

Talk about a gorgeous pear-shaped rock!

Pro models right here!

Their love was definitely not hiding from the camera, and it made for some genuine images.

This is probably one of my favourites.

Ryan could probably be a director - "how about we try this.."

See more images of Kaylen and Ryan here.

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