Paycut for Happiness

This image above couldn't explain it any better. 

I get the question quite often:

How does it feel now that you are a FULL time photographer & doing what you LOVE? 

Well, it's only been two weeks and I am a whirlwind of emotions. I am so happy that I am finally doing what I love to do. Getting up every morning to start the day has more purpose than ever before. However, it is such a drastic change to my every day routine that I am a little shell shocked and scared.
I literally wake up every day and go straight to my computer to edit, market, email, research etc. with pure enjoyment that I occasionally stop what I'm doing, feel guilty for doing it, and then quickly realize, HEY! This IS what you are supposed to be doing, YES, keep going!! 

I never knew it was possible to enjoy work so much that you feel guilty about it, HA!!!

What's my biggest Challenge?
Well, like most, making sure I can keep it going financially is a challenge. It's certainly a cut from what I was used to getting. But, like I said, I am getting a paycut for happiness.
Another is sticking to a routine. I have a huge list beside me of things that I MUST get done. I have so much to do that I get quickly sidetracked and jump from one thing to another. However, I do get things done, plus more ;)

What are some other perks about your new job?

Hands down, having my 3 year old home with me 2 days a week. I spent so much time, while working my last job, booking photo sessions after work or on weekends that I felt as though I never got to see my kids. So, this is perfect in every way. Come summer, I will have both of them home with me two days a week. Time to try to make up for lost time.

What is your new schedule now?
I will be booking Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and 2 weekends out of each month for families. I thought I would have issues booking during the week since most people work, but I have yet to have any issues with that. It works out so great!

Do you have new prices now that you're full time?
Not really new pricing, just simplified pricing. My goal is to make all my prices fit everyone including myself.
http://snack.to/fhp5o55j

What is a Welcome guide?I created a Welcome Guide for all my potential clients to get to know me as a person, what my goals & objectives are, where my specialties are and how to prepare yourself and your family for your session with me. Everything you need to know is all in this guide.
http://snack.to/f71i45in

"I am so thankful for my husband and children for believing in me. There's no better feeling!"
~Lindsay Foster

Blocked from Facebook for 24 hrs.

Let me first start off by saying that I am NOT a sexual offender, I am NOT

an abuser, I am NOT cruel to animals, and I am NOT into pornography. 

So why, when there are so many awful pictures and posts on Facebook, 

would I get banned for posting such a natural, beautiful (non-graphic)

picture of a beautiful baby girl?? What is so bad about it that I must be

told that I violated Facebook's rules??     

I worked long & hard to get where I am with my business page on FB.
I am devoted to keeping my fans updated & engaged with my latest photos 

and information.  I blog, I keep a website, Google+, FB, Flickr, Twitter,  

you name it. 

This is my life.

 My worry, as a Birth Photographer, is losing what I worked so hard for.

I am a good person, with a love for the natural and beautiful components of

Birth. This my friends, is what we call a "miracle". I have never known

a miracle to be offensive, pornographic, or abusive. 

Facebook has warned me that if I "violate" them one more time I will be

removed entirely and permanently. All because one person decided to go out

of their way to open up an album that was cleary called "Birth Photos"

and report just that, a "Birth Photo".  If you didn't want to see them, why

go and look in the first place?? 

Unfortunately, from now on, I will only be posting my Birth photos on this

blog and my website.  I worked too hard for my fan base and my business

page to have it shut down. :(

Some quotes from my fellow FB fans that have kept me moving forward:

"I am shocked anyone would think them anything but beautiful..."

"Personally if you don't like it then don't look. You had it titled birth photos for a reason. I thought they were beautiful and was appreciative to the mother for allowing us to see such a beautiful thing that is so private to so many"

"I love them! I thought your photographs captured all the emotions that an expecting couple have and I am sure it will bring them memories that otherwise would be forgotten. And how fortunate we all are that they allowed you to share them with us. Made me wish I had someone like you at my children's births."

"In a world where you can see nudity, blood, violence and gore on tv on a regular basis, why would anyone be offended or upset about seeing a miraculous birth. If you don't like it, don't look- but don't be rude for goodness sake!"

"Perhaps if someone doesn't want to see birth photos they shouldn't "like" a birth photigrapher! BTW, the pics were amazing and I thought they were done in a very tasteful way."

"That I would have cherished forever. There is nothing more beautiful than the birth of a child. everyone is a little miracle and to be able to capture that would have been something you hold close to your heart. Continue with your amazing work, you get to be there for each miracle and give the parents a treasure."

"It amazes me that anyone would have a negative thing to say about one of the most beautiful miracles in life... they must be quite antiquated and out of touch."

"Why look if you don't like it? That's like walking into a strip club and being pissed that there are naked women! If you don't like that kind of thing then just stay away from it!"

"Why would someone open an album called birth photos if they don't like it?"

These birth pictures are only the beginning of many more albums to come. Like it or not!

Oh, one last touch to this blog:  ;)

Birth of Payton Feb.15th 2013

I was so I was so privileged to have witnessed the birth of my close friends baby girl on February 15th 2013. It was a long tiring day for both Mama & Daddy but they worked hard as a team and delievered a very healthy, loud and beautiful baby girl Payton. I cannot say it enough how much I enjoy capturing these precious moments in time. As every mother says during labour "I cannot possibly see how these pictures are going to be nice". Well, as you can see, they turned out great! And she is super happy with them. I am sure that she will continuously go back and look at them from time to time. to time.

I'm a Mom too, I need to do this... and be proud :)

There have been far too many moments in my life where I feel that I just haven't done enough in this world to make a difference in the lives of others. Within the last 2 years I have been able to create memories for parents and families that will hopefully be seen for generations, whether it be a picture in a shoe box, an album or a portrait on the wall. These pictures not only represent a precious time or phase in life......but they also represent me, and who I am.

I recently received a phone call from the father of McKenna Modler. This sweet girl has battled a brain tumor at a very young age of life and has also succeeded in making a difference in others through McKenna's Dream. Her father mentioned how, as parents of a child like McKenna, it is so important to have such keepsakes to hold onto forever. They get so tangled up in the busy life of traveling to hospitals and keeping appointments etc, that unfortunately, they just miss the opportunity to snap a picture here & there. So, it was so nice to hear how the pictures I took of McKenna has been a memory that they can look back on and remember for years to come.

McKenna's father suggested I continue to do this for families such as theirs. How special would it be for families who can't leave the hospital to have me come to them if needed? Or just be a part of their everyday life?  I'm a mom too, I need to do this for these families and children.

So, I am now proud to say that I am now a part of the Tiny Light Foundation.

"The Tiny Light Foundation is a non profit organization that provides professional photography for children and families that have been faced with a life altering diagnoses.

We provide families with the lasting memories through the amazing art of photography. With the help of many photographers throughout Canada we are able to provide families with photos they can share and help carry the many memories.

Our mission is to provide and capture memories that will help provide a family with one less thing to worry about. In the mist of dealing with doctors appointments, specialist appointments or just the daily life of medicines, rushing here to there for weights, check ups, and the many many other things we deal with in everyday life. A lot of the time photographs seem to take a back burner and not only with time, but with funds. When we look back we want to remember and even though you may not forget what you and your child has gone through we always want more we need the memories to last "Forever".

We at The Tiny Light Foundation feel that helping families create these memories is very important. Each of us has somehow been touched by a family member or friend who has had to endure a life altering experience and looking back we know the importance of these special moments. So whether you have a child or know a child who would benefit from a professional photo session. Please know we are here to help. Each session is specially designed and catered to your child and your family. Each session is free of charge and you are provided with a high resolution disk of edited photos ready for printing and four sheets of professional quality prints. Our photographers are willing to travel to your home, hospital, school. We want to capture a moment in the day in the life of you and your child.

Each child is different and special in their own way. When dealing with a serious illness or life altering disability we know that sometimes it takes much more patience and time then a normal in house studio can provide. Each Photographer is hand picked and selected for that special reason alone." 

~ Tiny Light Foundation

Great changes ahead... (Starting summer 2013)

Everyone has a dream right? Whether it be traveling, work, kids, money, the perfect day or how you only dream to have a "me" day. How often do we just shrug it off and say "Oh, it's just a dream that will never happen".....?

I've been making up a lot of excuses for over a year now as to why My Dream would never work, or how I was being greedy to even think that my family would allow me to pursue my dream. Although I kept talking myself out of  pursuing my photography full time I just couldn't shake the idea that, maybe just maybe, I could make it work. Why did I keep thinking about how my husband, kids and extended family & friends would be affected by my decision? Why wasn't I thinking more about how a positive job change in my life would greatly have a huge positive affect on my husband & family? I realized after lots of thought, how my happiness in life would be so beneficial for everyone around me. Not to mention that I would become a better mother, wife, friend and photographer if I made this change....


Who would have ever though that I would be trading in a nice paycheck for a happier life and less pay? ;)

So here I am.....making a change. Cheers to a Dream come true!

So how am I going to schedule myself when it comes to my business (Lindsay Foster Photography)?

Well, first off, my husband & kids are, and always will remain my number one priority. So, therefore, I will be scheduling in very few weekend shoots so that I never have to look back and realize how much of their lives I have missed out on.

However, this does NOT mean I will be taking on less. I want more! Lots more. Although I specialize in newborn, birth and child milestone photography, I would LOVE to explore it all (excluding weddings of course). My open hours (come summer) will be Monday, Wednesday and Fridays (9-4pm) with the occasional weekend for Family photoshoots and mentoring.

I have to add that I am astounded and so grateful for everyone's support. A compliment from my friends and fans are the biggest applause I could receive. You all are my fuel to keep going. I can be very critical of my work, so it's always nice when I can post a picture and get such wonderful feedback.

Now, more than anything I will continue to seek your support and positive thoughts. This is a HUGE deal for me.

From my family to yours Thank you!!!

Climbing the Ladder

I think it's fair to say that since I started photography well over a year ago that there has been progress.
It's scary at times to look back and see what I thought were great pictures at the time are now somewhat of an embarrassment, yet a sure sign of great improvement. And of course, I owe a HUGE Thank you to those that allowed me to practice this love for photography. Without such people I wouldn't be where I am today.

My goal when I started out was to keep photography a hobby, but as time went on I got busier and busier and went from $80.00 per session to $100.00 per session. Ha ha, I am sure in time I will look back at that and shake my head (What was I thinking!!??). Though, it is a passion, I must keep in mind that with all this time spent on sessions along with my full time job, 2 kids and a house, I need compensation. And that was clarified 100% when I attended the Jaiden Photography workshop in Ohio at the beginning of July. Her many words of advice was to explain WHY you are worth what you charge. Arrrghh! That is easier said than done. Especially considering that I hate to disappoint and upset people.

So I came accross this message from another photographer and she couldn't have said it better, so here it is:

This is merely an example and just some rough numbers, but more put together as an example!!!

Say you do a session for $100 with a cd of all the images. AWESOME right??? You just made $100 bucks right??!! Score!!!!
Lets break down that $100. Say you shoot 4 of these sessions in one month.

$100 received for session
$30 off the top put aside for taxes
leaves $70.
The cost for your website is $16 a month (Through portfoliositez). If you shot 4 sessions that month that is on average $4 a session to pay for it.
You are down to $66.
If you get insurance (to protect yourself and your clients) at an average of $40 a month over 4 sessions That is $10 a session.
You are down to $56
The cost for the CD and case $1.00
You are down to $55
10% towards new gear savings and replacements like batteries and such $10.00
You are down to $45
$4 for gas to and from your session
You are down to $41.00
Ok so there are more expenses, (say if you have to hire a babysitter to watch your kids or if your spouse has to leave work so you can shoot, and other things.. the cost to get a business license, Photoshop.. those kind of goodies.) but let us leave it here for simplicity. You have now made $41.00 from that session. Great!!
Lets break this down by the time you invested into the session

1.5 hours in emails and session prep. Contract signing and emailing back and forth with the client in regards to pricing and location and answering questions. Prepping your gear and getting everything ready.
1 hour in travel round trip. (30 minutes each way) (my sessions are on an average 25 to 30 minutes from my house)
2 hours shooting your session.
.5 hours downloading your images and organizing them and putting your gear away.
3 hours editing your session.
.5 hours prepping your cd and packaging it and mailing it.
1 hour sharing and posting your session on facebook and marketing the session in hopes to get new clients.

You have now spent at least 9.5 hours into your session.
If you take $41 and divide it by 9.5 hours you are making $4.31 an hour for the session. If you count the cost for a babysitter for your kids or if your session is farther or if you take longer to edit or if you shoot longer, or if your insurance costs more (mine is nearly $75 a month), or if you only shoot 1 or 2 sessions that month, you are making even less money.

Is that $4.31 worth being away from your kids? Worth the time and trouble?!! Now.... I am not saying you can start a business and charge hundreds and thousands of dollars. Everyone has to "pay their dues". That is why the government allows you to claim a loss for the first 3 years! But please be a business woman/man. Know that it is a real business, and that you are not actually making $100 from that shoot.

Please understand that photography is a real job.... and not a quick way to make a quick buck. Please please please value your time, and your families time!!! :) If you don’t, who will?!!!

So, I have sat down and made up a whole new pricing package for Lindsay Foster Photography.
Check it out.

Fitting it all in!

Well, I think the hardest part of being an adult is trying to prioritize things. At this point in my life I have everything I have ever asked for and more! So, with a house that we are currently "making our own" with renovations after renovation, two young girls that I just cannot get enough of and never will, a full time job at our family business Monday-Friday 8-5, and the most spectacular job/hobby in photography that I could ever ask for........ it can all add up!

My dream was to be able to photograph it all. Whatever came my way - I did it! However, yet again, I have to take a step back and........prioritize.

FYI! I will NOT be quitting photography and I cannot see that happening anytime in the distant future. I love it, and it makes me who I am. Not to mention all my fans & clients who have been so complimentary, Thank You.

My change allows me to make positive changes for myself, my family, my house, and in time, my clients.
My full time job at our family business is my future and my families future. They are nice enough to allow me to be flexible with my birth clients and edit pictures whenever possible. When I am called upon, I can leave, which is a bonus!

My available time for kids, house, husband and photography have to be divided on weekends and evenings throughout the week, which is why I have decided to narrow down my services to Newborns and Births. My reason? Newborns are not on a schedule and therefore can be easily scheduled in later in the evening or early on a Sunday morning. Births happen (the majority of the time) during the night which allows me to leave my kids with my husband and NOT feel guilty about time not spent with them.

This change will guarantee that pictures will be completed within a reasonable time frame for all my clients. It eases MY mind knowing that as well. Most of my clients are totally supportive and willing to wait for their pictures, but I can't! I can't stand making people wait too long.

The GOOD news for those that are reading this and feeling somewhat upset, is that I have also prioritized the older kids and families into my new game plans as well, Yahoo!!

* I will have packages for people who are wanting "milestone" pictures of their child. This will include Newborn, 3 month, 6 month, and1 year pictures!!  It must be a package, no exceptions.

* I will also arrange certain days throughout the year for mini sessions.  These sessions will include families, siblings and older children & teens.

* I will also try my hardest to continue Holiday Photo days for Christmas & Easter since they seem to work out great!

My goal is to be as accommodating as possible without making it difficult to keep up, and risk getting all you lovely fans/clients upset.

My Facebook and Website will be going through some changes, so please be patient with me.



These changes will be taking effect after I return July 8th from my Newborn Workshop in Ohio.
(All my prices are subject to change as well)

Thanks for taking the time to read this post!! Muahhhhh!


Lindsay