Coffee vs Photography

I like good coffee. Like, really good coffee. But I didn't always start out that way. I used to hate coffee; actually despise it is more of the correct term. There is a funny story that my in-laws still get a kick out of telling. I showed up to work one day at the needlepoint shop with my trusty Weigel's cappuccino in hand (for all those non-Tennesseans, Weigel's is like a 7 Eleven). Anyways, I came into the shop upset because my Weigel's cappuccino tasted more like coffee than it normally did. Where was the sugar water that I drank on a daily basis?!?!?! Over the years, my palette for coffee has definitely changed and (I would like to think) has become more sophisticated. I now drink 2 cups of coffee on a daily basis (most days) and I brew it right here at home. We buy strong locally roasted coffee and I know that in my previous coffee drinking days, my poor tummy would have been doing flip flops. But I love waking up and having my morning routine; sitting down with my "Cup o' Joe" and hammering away at emails, uploading images and lets be real, peruse the morning social media storm. So why on Earth am I writing a blog post about my coffee drinking tendencies? Today, I took a rare occasion and decided to go out and buy a nice cup of coffee (in all honesty, our coffee maker is on the fritz so it was a necessity)! While standing at the local coffee truck around the corner, I started thinking about how much money I would spend on coffee if I came here everyday and just bought a regular cup. Nothing fancy...just black coffee. $2.75 is how much I spent today...on a single cup. But to me, that is a yummy treat. I don't indulge every day. I normally make my pot of coffee at home and will occasionally spring for the latte or cafe au lait when out with a girlfriend or client. So, if I got a cup of coffee every working day of the week (251 week days) that would be $690.25. WHOA! If I sprung, and bought a latte for those week days ($4.50) it would be $1,129.50. Why am I sharing this? Because I realized, I view my special coffee like I do my photography.

It's not a commodity; its a luxury.

Now, do I believe this ideology is right and everyone should believe it? Absolutely not. This is my own personal opinion, and how I have chosen to run my business going forward. I can, in all honesty say, I used to be a Weigel's cappuccino. I photographed family sessions for $100-200, I gave all the images on a disk. This was great at the time. I was growing my skills; I was having different people in front of my camera; I was gaining experience. I by no means was making money...let's be real. But I'm not going to dive into that analysis; here is an amazing article if you really want to understand all the expenses being a professional photographer/business owner entails. ***I also want to reiterate that I am not calling other photographers who charge similar and who deliver images on a disk a gas station cappuccino photographer. I am simply drawing a comparison in my silly, coffee thinking head to MY situation.***

Once I began building my skills and was really in-tune with my camera, I realized I was doing myself a disservice by not charging appropriately for my photography. Not only was I doing myself a disservice, but I was also not providing the best for my clients; I was so busy, I never educated my clients or took an interest in prepping them for their sessions; I was so behind in editing I just dumped photos onto a disk and dropped it in the mail...no customer service; and yet I would get upset if I didn't get a glowing email saying how amazing everything was. I was expecting a latte response. So, instead of being a Weigel's cappuccino, I want to be that locally roasted, luxury cup of coffee or heaven forbid, that latte. I know that I won't have the same customer base; and that's ok. Some clients will want that beloved Weigel's cappucino. I know I will be a lot slower; and that's ok. I get to spend more time with my family and working "normal" hours. I know its going to take some time for me to build a solid customer base...and that is OK!!!! I'm excited for clients that take a deep interest not only in my photography, but in documenting special moments and times in their lives and purchasing heirloom products to share for generations. I'm excited for this change in my business and in myself. I'm excited to spend a significant amount of time on each individual client, and I'm excited to finally be able to have my photography business be a contributing member to our family income and not a expense!

Temescal Alley & Grizzly Peak & Karl the Fog Engagement | Oakland

I believe I am one LUCKY girl that these two fell into my lap! Their first choice of photographer is amazing and booked SO fast that Anna & Donny didn't want to hesitate the next time around! I adore Annie from A Tale Ahead for sending Anna & Donny my way...it was definitely a good match!

When Donny & Anna were discussing their engagement session and what they love to do together, how they spend their time, they immediately brought up Temescal Alley in Oakland. I've been to the alley in the middle of the day to see the horticulture shop, the incredible jewelry makers and some very hipster Bay Area wears...it definitely has its appeals! I was thrilled to start our session there. I wanted a nice counter balance to complete their session; so while we began in Temescal Alley, I wanted to find a grassy, flowy, golden hills area for the last hour. Through my amazing network of photographer friends, I stumbled upon Grizzly Peak. WOW...it was perfect for what I had in mind! Golden rolling hills, San Francisco and Oakland in the distance...it was perfect! But, I totally underestimated Karl the Fog. He rolled in and turned our golden hills session into the most amazing, dreamy, romantic and mystic fog filled session I've ever had the pleasure to photograph! It was incredible! I hope you enjoy!

Heirloom Boxes

Craftsmanship, locally sourced, and luxurious with a bit of rustic thrown in. I'm absolutely in love with the new Heirloom Boxes that I am now offering to all clients!

The USB & Print Heirloom Box is incredible for housing and showcasing your favorite images and USB all in one place! This box is handcrafted and has two compartments. One perfectly fitting 4x6 prints and the other meant to hold either a USB or sweet momento from your session. The Print/USB box comes with up to 100 4x6 prints of your session/wedding all with a white border. For pricing information, please contact me.

*The USB & Print Heirloom Box shown is stained in Provincial.

The Small USB Heirloom Box is perfect for storing your USB (small fee for lifestyle clients to upgrade to a USB) because, lets face it, its cute AND you can easily find that pesky USB when you need it! 

*Small USB Heirloom Box shown is stained in Dark Walnut.

Here are the 6 different stains that are currently available. My favorite is the Dark Walnut, Provincial and the Golden Oak!  {Colors from Left to Right: Dark Walnut, Provincial, Red Oak, Golden Oak, Colonial Maple, Clear}

I'm very excited for the new products and changes that are coming to Kayla F Photography! This is just the beginning! :D

Smiles,

Kayla F

the buehlers in the city

This family, this city, this session. Everything absolutely lined up for my FIRST San Francisco shoot! I couldn't have asked for better clients to kick start my business. It's kind of crazy how Katie and I "met". I posted K&R's sneak peak of their Knoxville wedding, and Katie happened to see it in a round-a-bout way. She then happened to see that I was located here in SF and boom I got a message! Not only is she crazy sweet, but she is also "from" Knoxville. What?! It's like it was meant to be! Her husband is completing his residency here in the city and they will be heading back to Knoxville later in June. I'm crazy sad to see them go as I've developed quite the little crush on this family!

Katie said she wanted to document her family's short time here in the city with some of their favorite local spots! A typical Saturday for them. I loved the idea! So off we went to Alta Plaza Park then for a couple of sweet treats at Sift. I LOVE some of the shots we got there!! To see Ella and Collin light up at all the cupcakes was SO stinking adorable! We rounded out the lifestyle session with a quintessential SF moment. Catching the Muni. Lets say, this was perfect. Not only was it a crowded bus, but it 100% had the feel of San Francisco. People completely did their thing while I snapped shots all around them. Then, as we were getting off of the bus, it just so happened to break down. A sweet southern accent and a question and boom, we were back on the bus for a few minutes taking extra pics. LOVE this city!!! Enjoy!

 These three next photos are so stinking cute!!! LOVE the last one...probably my favorite picture of the session!