yep, that was me. I was lucky enough to have it placed in my thoughts to attend the Detroit PUG [Pictage User Group] meeting a few nights ago, with guest speaker Mike Larson. I hadn’t been to a PUG meeting in over a year and can I just say, I am sooo glad I went to this one! Mike Larson is an AMAZING speaker and photographer and his business sense being focused on character marketing and putting God first in his life really hit home with me.
Everything he touched on I was like ‘oh my gosh, I was just thinking or talking about that!’ My assistant Emily went with me and kept looking at me thinking the same thing. It was just kinda cool to hear it coming from a BIG NAME SoCal photog and it’s the same thoughts little ol’ peon me had been talking about lately with my team and my family. It just made me feel like I was on the right track. I don’t have it all figured out, that’s for sure. And I hope I never do. I am ALWAYS learning and striving to be better. Not to be better than others in my area, but to be better than I was.
Mike shared a quote that I would like to share here on the blog:
“He who thinks he leads , but has no followers, is only taking a walk.” John Maxwell
Mike talked about having a servant’s heart. Interesting. My whole business mantra has been that of 1peter 4:10 “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in it’s various forms.” I just love that bible verse and made it a point to thank Him for the wonderful gifts He has given me.
Thanks so much Mike for taking time to do the PUG tour and teaching so that others can excel in what we love to do! (and thanks for the photo op!)
Love, JPP
No CommentsWhat’s scary is, I feel so blessed.Like, so much so, I’m starting to feel like something bad is bound to happen soon because it has been so good. Does God really want this awesome life for me?? YES! He does!
Business is wonderful. Are we bursting at the seams and making TONS of $$$?Not really. But it’s good, ya know? We get inquiries daily and even if we don’t book them all (come one, no one studio can do ALL the weddings) a friend once told me “You’ll get the weddings you’re supposed to get and [others] will get the weddings [they're] supposed to get.” She’s right. I know I’m not everyone’s cup of tea and that’s okay. JPP is growing by leaps and bounds and it is my goal to help us grow in the right direction. I’m not just talking numbers. I’m talking the whole experience. My hope is that we get referred not just for our products, but for the experience we offer our clients. The majority of our business is already by referrals. My goal is to make it 100% referral based.
For instance, a few years ago we had about 7-10 weddings on the books when January came and we started with Bridal Shows to fill up the rest. The next year was somewhere around 15-18. This January, just a few short weeks ago, we had 29 weddings on the books for 2010. Although I shoot the majority, my ever-fab associate Echo is booking as a main shooter as well and her requests are really getting up there. So, with two of us in full swing this year, watch out! It’s exciting, but scary.
My marriage is AH MA ZING. Simply, wonderfully, amazing. My husband of 20 years is my rock. We enjoy each others company. (he even doesn’t mind that I have to be the driver every time and that I sing like I’m auditioning for American Idol~ like, the bad contestants!) We laugh. We are content just sitting next to each other, being quiet. Ahhhh… *sigh*
My children…I am so proud of each of them. They ‘get it’. They are growing in their faith and becoming amazing people. They’re great little reflections of my husband and I and God’s love.
Life. Is. Good.
I know we all must face adversity in our lives. It draws us closer to each other and to Him. Just remember, God can certainly change our bad circumstances to a good one in an instant. He is awesome like that. What He wants, however, is to change our hearts.
Allow Him to.
We had a great time at the Wedding Dreams Bridal Show today! It was so fabulous meeting new brides and grooms, hearing how he proposed, and listening to their wedding plans! I look forward to meeting new couples in the next couple of weeks!
Our custom canvas collages were a hit and I am so excited to have this new item to offer to JPP clients! I love having exclusive products/ideas!
Echo, me and Emily. We got so many compliments on wearing ‘winter white’. Just one little way to set ourselves apart from the rest 
There are many great talented photographers in the Toledo area and we are honored to be among them!
(Flowers behind Echo courtesy of Beautiful Blooms by Jen )
The other great part about participating in a bridal show is that we get to see and chat with some of our favorite vendors. Although I didn’t get around to take pictures of them all, here are a few from this afternoon.
The gals from Bumble Floral
Wellspring Photography
and a shout out to some other faves: Decorative Sound, River Rd Photography by Patti Ball, Showcase Video Productions, Birds and the Bees, just to name a few
Looking forward to a FABULOUS 2010!
Love, JPP
2 CommentsAdvertising is a big deal. HOW to advertise, WHO to advertise with, WHERE to spend those budgeted dollars and HOW MUCH. I don’t do all the bridal shows, but there are a few that I think do a SUPER job with organizing and marketing their shows. Today JPP will be at the Wedding Dreams Bridal Show at the Pinnacle in Maumee from 12-4pm. We would love for you to stop by our booth and say hello and check out our new products and ideas for 2010. This is going to be OUR YEAR and we are so excited about all the blessings we have already been given!
Time is running out to give that special guy and special gift. Contact JPP today to book your Intimate session and receive portraits just in time!
Make a book, or order large prints to hang in your bedroom. Print wallets for him to carry in his pocket, or images for his laptop. The choice is yours, but call soon! Space is limited in our appointment book and V day is fast approaching!
*** last minute Valentine Day special~ $150 session, 10 high res images edited beautiful on CD for you to print! Call today!
Love, JPP
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