Bill's Blog

Since graduating High School, I’ve added 72 pounds to my body. That’s pretty impressive! I’ve worked hard to add exactly one pound for every inch of my height. Lest you think that I’ve gotten lazy, I’ll have you know that I have diligently monitored my height: I haven’t gained an inch since High School! Since adding the weight, I’ve noticed a change in the way I’m perceived, and the way I act.

It’s amazing–the larger I grow, the more I’m noticed! In Wal-Mart, at a restaurant (!), mowing my lawn without a shirt . . .my extra size makes me harder to miss. The Bulkier Bill also tends to move slower. I certainly don’t change directions as quickly as I used to. Former Bill–merely two thirds the man I am now–occasionally enjoyed scaling new heights as a rock-climber.

In my previous post, I told you about the big change at Beyond Photography–closing the storefront–and answered the “why?” question. I then promised to explain some of the “how-to” questions in this post. How will our business operate differently? In a word–skinnier.

The size of our studio has made us much more noticeable, but it’s difficult for us to move as well as we’d like.

Since opening our doors, we’ve operated as a traditional portrait/retail studio. This way of operating requires a high volume of customers, and must provide a good product to anyone. While there’s nothing wrong with this sort of business, it’s not what Sheree and I want, and it’s not what most of our clients want. I’ve been at the helm of a growing business, and frankly–I’m no good at being big! Most of my time is spent handling the details of running a business [if not for Sheree & Alana, we‘d be totally sunk!]. Photographically, I’m delivering good work to a high volume. A large business can be really good for any client. I’d like to be fantastic for a few. I wanna be skinny! Here is what the new, skinnier Beyond Photography will look like.

1. All of our contact information is still the same! If you’re reading this, you’re logged onto the best way to know everything that’s happening. We’ll still send mailers, but they’ll cover only a fraction of the information you’ll find at the website. Phone numbers & email won’t change.

2. As always, we’ll still shoot most of our work outdoors. You’ll find us at some really fabulous locations–in-state, throughout the country, and even internationally!

3. Our studio sessions, those you’ve seen in our shootroom, will now take place . . .at your home! Don’t’ think that your home can accommodate us? We’ll also regularly assemble our “shootroom” at some local businesses.

4. Thematic events/Quick Pics such as Easter, Christmas, Santa, etc., will be hosted at these local businesses, or at an outdoor locale. [Take note of the Days of Summer/Watermelon event on the calendar.]

5. How will we take portrait orders? Formerly, we’d schedule a time for clients to visit the studio, and project the images on the wall. While there, we’d walk through the session as the client placed their order. This process will stay the same, except we’ll take the projector to your home! As we discuss wall portraits, we’ll know exactly the size appropriate for the place it will hang.

6. When it’s time to deliver your portraits [yes, we’ll still sell frames], I’ll deliver them! If needed, we’ll discuss the shipping of your portraits via UPS.

7. What about the work itself? At the risk of sounding pompous . . . I think the quality of our photography is now better than ever [with great strides ahead!]. Over the last 30 months, I’ve spent a good deal of time [and money] on my own training as a Photographer. I know how to create a higher caliber of work, and now I’m committed to working only at that level.

In our bulky business, I’ve created a high volume of good work. As I get “skinnier,” and give each client more focused attention, I’m excited to create great work. Without a doubt–no one is as critical of my work as me. . .and I’ll only deliver work that I think is great. Will you see a difference? Stay tuned for the next blog entry. You’ll see.