Senior Couture {by Stacy}
Belly & Baby Stories {by Traci}
Posted on June 16, 2010
Who’s ready for some changes? I AM!! Pull up a chair and lets chat. 
Coffee talk cannot be complete with out a cup…. so in case you are empty handed, here ya go….
ENJOY!
Oh and do you like the new mug I found?? How cute is this. Looks like someone made it with much love. And since it’s summer… I am all about some iced coffee these days. YUMMY.
Ok so let’s chat about change, and the new direction I am taking things.
I was handed a pretty amazing opportunity recently, and as much as I wanted to jump in, I couldn’t. For a moment I had to stop where I was and take a good look around. Upon really looking I realized I have approached a fork in the road. I could keep on keeping on, turn right {like the sign is telling me}, or go crazy and swerve left. Back in the day I was all about not following the rules, and taking huge risks without thinking. But call it getting older and wiser, I know I had only two options. I won’t lie, I played with the wild idea, and for a moment I wanted to jerk the wheel and swerve left. But my heart kept telling to STOP and THINK.
If I kept on going the way I am I think I will lose it. I don’t feel like the passion is where it should be. I’m not happy with the way things are, but have been accepting it. The path that I am on, it’s comfortable, but I wouldn’t say I am 100% happy with it.
So I have decided to take a right turn, and see where the new road takes me. It’s time for me to spread my wings and take more control of the direction my business needs to go. I need to stop worrying about making everyone around me happy, and do what is best for me… and this business that I am building. This is my legacy and secretly I hope it lives on even past the time I am gone. I am blessed to be surrounded by family that supports me and pushes me to do what I WANT to do. I am blessed beyond means.
To all my past and current clients, THANK YOU for trusting me with your memories. I hope you will be here for a long time and continue to use us for all your special moments.
Soooo changes? Tell us what these changes are Stacy!
1. Prices are going up.
I know, no one wants to hear those words. I hate to do it. I really do. But I also hate that I am not being paid for what I am worth. After paying bills and others, I am left with very little to sustain myself and the business. Times are hard on everyone, and that includes me. I’m doing this because I love it, but it takes a lot of time and money to do it. I need to upgrade equipment, computers, and the price of my products have increased as well. And then lets talk about the time I put into this. I am putting in more than 8 hours a day at this. And when I lay down at night… I am still going over it all in my head. I’m far from making minimum wage with my prices as they are.
2. No more online sales. {unless it’s weddings}
CD’s are the hot thing, I understand. It’s easy on you and it’s easy on me. BUT if my work is being displayed I want it displayed the best that it can be. I’m not your department store photographer. I customize each session. I put heart into each image that I present to you. I take my time and only want you to walk away with the best photographs that I can deliver. CD’s will still be there… but I need to make sure you have something in hand or for your wall that screams… I GOT MY PICTURES DONE WITH MCPEEK SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY!! Ordering will be done at your house until August. After August there will be a new place to meet. Watch for more info on that too.
3. Less is more.
Wedding options are being cut in half. I know every bride is on a budget. And it’s easy to want to cut the amount of time we spend with you to cut costs. But when I think about it, it seems silly that by cutting me out for a few hours to save a few hundred bucks is cutting amazing memories that I could be creating. For now on when brides ask for pricing it’s going to be so much simpler. All day coverage. From the time she’s getting her hair done till the after the party has started… we will be there. My couples will be stuck with our faces all day long!! I’ll have more on this later on.
4. New products.
Well if I am going to raise my prices, I better be offering top of the line products. I have spent the past few months looking, ordering, feeling and listening to others on what to offer. Canvas… it’s the way to go. Custom framing, I thought I would hate it, but let me tell you something. Seeing it and feeling it, you know you are getting the best for your money. Books and albums. My coffee table is delicious! And my albums, are fantastic! Ordering new samples this week so I can share them with everyone I know! I will also be offering mini books, and custom collages. More info to come!
5. Redirecting.
I will be redirecting my attention to what I love! Weddings, Engagements and Families. And I love BIRTHDAY sessions. So those will gladly be accepted! Occasionally we will pick up a senior session. We will not be looking for Senior models any longer. So if you know someone wanting a senior session with us, it’s limited, so make sure they book with us early! I will no longer be offering maternity or newborn photography in 2011. This is Traci’s niche for sure! She’s here to serve the bellies and babies till the end of the year. Traci is military, so if the Air Force keeps her and her family here in 2011 then she will be taking those as she wishes.
6. Availability
I am limiting my availability as of TODAY. My family needs me more than you do… trust me. So sessions will only be on certain days. I still need to determine that later. I will not be available on Sundays…. ever. That is the day I will be resting and directing my attention to the Fella upstairs and all the ones I love here at home. Saturdays will be devoted only to weddings and my love birds. {love birds will make sense later 
} Sessions will be held only 2 days a week. So book it early!
7. Mentoring Break
I will not be mentoring for the next year. I have spent the past 2 mentoring and it’s time to mentor myself. Fall of 2011 I will be taking names of folks that wish to be mentored. So if you are thinking about it contact me at the first of the year to get your name in the pool.
8. More to come as the days go on.
I need to get ready for a fun 1st birthday session!! So thank you for stopping by and enjoying some coffee talk. I hope the day has brought sunshine and smiles. And that the rest of your evening and week is FANTASTIC!!
Peace out homies!
Stacy
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Posted on February 25, 2010
We have many time slots available right now and I am certain these will fill quickly. All sessions must be paid in full and are non refundable if you are a no show. Contact us at thatgirl@mcpeeksmith.com or 618.514.5154 to set up an appointment!
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Posted on October 18, 2009
I am on my way out the door for another fun filled day of shooting people {a.k.a. photographing beautiful people}. 
) Yesterday I got to meet up with one of my O’Fallon Township High School Senior Reps for her fall session. All I can say is WOW! I was a like a kid on Christmas morning when I came in last night, opening all the files and ohhing and ahhing over them. Sometimes I even impress myself. Not to sound boastful, but it’s true. ) This time of year is my busiest, and just like any other job I can get burnt out. I was feeling the burn until yesterday. I love it when I get to step out of the box and step into my own. This session screams me, my style, my visions coming to life. Thank you so much Janelle for allowing me to do my thing and working along with me to give you what you want: SENIOR PICTURES UNLIKE THE REST!! Enjoy your sneak peek and I can’t wait to hear what you think!!
