What do you Value?

Lately, I have been thinking a lot about life. Life within this area, life with friends and family, and life with my business. I have always valued treating people with respect and treating them in a way that shows they are valuable and loved. So, I carried those practices over to my business.

I know this is a day and age of "hurry up" "instant gratification", etc, but just because that attitude has permeated our society does not mean I have to be a part of it.

I have lived almost 60+ years and I have seen how "busy" life can be, how hectic life can be, and how it is often difficult to find time to rest. I lived it. With four children, home schooling, three part time jobs all at the same time, it is a wonder I am sane.

I see the struggles many young families face. I see the tired eyes and exhaustion on their faces. And, I see it with families with older children and young adults as well! The schedules are coordinated all in one "master calendar", so mom and dad can see what everyone is doing and make sure they are on the same page with everything.

Which is a good thing to do. There has to be a way to coordinate it efficiently.

But, working harder is not the answer, in my opinion.

You have heard the phrase-work smarter, not harder?

Well, I believe that is true. In our life and in our business. I recently had the joy of photographing a family and in the course of conversation, I discovered that they have had a really tough year. Life was busy, household things were breaking, and business was crazy.

I said to them, "Well, I hope that this time, right now, while we are having our session, can be a sort of respite for you- a time where you can just forget all the things that have happened this past year, and just truly enjoy your time together. "

That is the mission at Songs of Life. Family Portrait Sessions are more than beautiful images. They are a way to connect more with each other, develop your love for each other and strengthen the bond you share.

A respite. One that gives you joy and peace.

I was recently in a store getting a few items. There was only one cashier and there was one person in front of me at the register, and three people behind me. How do you think the cashier felt? Was he so excited to give the best customer service he could and help the customers feel valuable so they will want to return?

First, the cashier was extremely patient-considering the circumstance-everyone was in a HURRY. I am not fast. I have slowed down over the years, but still do my best.

I always wait at the back of the conveyor belt when someone else is paying to give them privacy and space, so that is what I did as I placed my items on the belt.

The gentleman paid, and I proceeded to the register area to pay.

But, everything went so fast. The person behind me walked right next to me.

He was in a hurry.

The employee at the register was going as fast as he could as was the bagger, who basically threw my items into two bags, placed them on the end of the belt, pointed to them, and said, "here you go", before I even paid.

I placed my card in the machine, waited for the prompts and paid.

The cashier handed me a receipt and said, "Thank you", and proceeded to check out the next person in line.

I could not get a hold of one of my bags.

I was struggling a little to grab my bag that was over the counter, and no one asked to help. They were already working on the person that was right next to me literally pushing me out of the way to get to the machine to pay.

I said, " I am sorry. I am just not that fast."

No one said anything.

I did my best to grab my bag and leave.

Do you know how I felt when I left?

Not upset. Not angry. But sad.

Sad that the cashier had to work so fast and hard because everyone was in such a hurry. Sad that they were not able to provide a better customer service experience. And, sad that everyone in line was in such a hurry.

Why am I talking about all this?

Because, if I can help you find one moment in time of fun and enjoyment, then I am doing my job right. If I can help you discover a deeper love for each other during our session, then I am doing my job right. And, hopefully, making a difference in your life.

My business is not built around "hurry up" and "get this done fast". It is built around YOU. It is built around providing you with an wonderful experience, beautiful heirlooms for your home that can be loved now and passed down to your family in the future, and it is built around giving you a time in your life that you will, hopefully, find peace in.

It is hectic getting a family ready for a portrait session, but our session does not have to be like that.

My hope is that you and your your family will feel valuable, loved, and appreciated during our time together. I want to be able to showcase your love and connection the best way I can so you will be able to see that every day.

I hope that you and your family will have at least one moment in your lives where you do not have to "hurry up" or "get it done fast", or for you to feel very rushed.

So, if you are looking for a quick, fast, rushed session, you will not find it here. If you are looking for a quick hand over of a usb drive of images, you will not find it here.

What you will find is this-people who care about and value you. A process that gives you the opportunity to make a few decisions and show up for your session with help throughout the entire process.

A studio that values giving you tangible products so you can love them now in your home and eventually pass them down to your family and children.

A studio that puts you first.

Most of all, people that value showcasing your love and connection, so you can see that everyday when you look at your beautiful artwork on the walls, and people that value developing a relationship with you.

We would love to be a part of your lives and help you showcase your love together.

Give us a call today to discover how we can do that for you.

Get in touch today.

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