A Great [Dane] Christmas

This morning I took a few minutes to take some shots of our seven-month-old Great Dane, Gunner. Here are a few of my favorites. He's quite a ham:

If you like these photos, make sure to check out our Facebook page! Merry Christmas

Dancer on Driftwood Beach | Southeast Georgia Senior Photographer

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of shooting a dancer on Driftwood beach. This senior girl has talent beyond what I ever imagined. She's simply stunning. Though I don't know much dance jargon, she was completely willing to work with me until we got all the shots I imagined. These photos are even more wonderful than I pictured in my head. Take a look at a few of the shots we got:

For more photos like these, make sure to like Victoria Simmons Photography on Facebook!

I AM a Photographer

In the last week or so, I've been forced to do something that I've been trying to do for a while. I've been pushed to own that I am a photographer. For a long time, when someone asked me what I did for a living, I would respond with, "I'm a stay at home mom," or "I am a college student." Rarely ever did I state, "I am a photographer."

Since I've been catching up with so many people I haven't seen or talked to in years, I've had to put a little thought into who I want to be now. I want to be a photographer. I am a photographer. No longer am I beating around the bush, "doing the picture thing," or "doing photo sessions on the side." No more... Now, I am a photographer. I'm owning it.

I'm finally at a place that I am not afraid to dedicate myself to this business. I'm ready to dive in, and give this my all. I want to give my business all I've got and not turn back. I want to get to know myself as a photographer more. Now that I'm not afraid to grow my business, I'm beyond excited to see where life takes me now.

In the next few weeks, I hope to define Victoria Simmons Photography. I'm going to decide exactly what I want to offer as far as sessions, products, and pricing. Big changes are happening! I'm going to decide what my "specialties" are, and which types of sessions that I will no longer offer. I'm excited to focus my business to reflect who I am as a photographer. So, stay tuned! Victoria Simmons Photography is going to grow like wild fire!

600 Fan Giveaway

As promised, here's the giveaway in honor of reaching 600 fans on Facebook! Enter now and send your friends. The giveaway ends July 27th at midnight!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Prizes are to be used only with the purchase of a session. Subject to availability. Open to Georgia and Michigan fans.

Good luck and thank you for supporting Victoria Simmons Photography! 

God Bless ♥ V

Dedicating More

In the last few weeks, I've felt more driven than I ever have to pursue photography as my actual career. For a long time, I planned on photography being a "side job" or "weekend job..." or even a "hobby."

A few weeks ago, a great photographer friend of mine added me to a group on Facebook, "Inspire Me Photo." The (mostly) ladies in that group are just awesome. There is so much positive encouragement and good vibes in the group, who wouldn't want to be a part of that community? A while ago, I heard a phrase that completely changed my view on other photographers: "Instead of looking at other photographers as competitors, look at them as coworkers." Woah. Mind = Blown. At least mine was.

Since then, I've been "liking" about a million other photographers on Facebook, exploring different forums and blogs with tutorials, encouraging messages, and success stories. I desperately want to be one of those bloggers. I want to be one of those "big time photographers" who helps the new kid on the block. I want to be a photographer that others look up to. I want to rock this.

So... I'm taking a semester off of school. I was a full time student at Georgia Southern University, but I've officially decided to take the fall semester off. I took the summer off like "normal" college kids do, and have done some major soul searching. I feel very called to photography, so I want to see where this path will take me. I'm going to dedicate the next few months of my life to it, to see where I can go from here.

I was looking back at some of my old work, and comparing it to where I am now. I've learned so much, and I still have tons to learn. I'm going to push myself though. I want to upgrade my software, try new processing styles, and get a few new lenses. After that, hopefully my business will soar. I'm going to push, and hopefully exceed my limits. Here are a few "throwbacks" for you all:

I hope you all see how much improvement I've made as much as I do. I look at some of those old photos like "eesshh!" but I'm glad that I'm learning as I go. Everyone has to start somewhere, and I have to always remind myself that my learning and growing is never done.

I'd like to thank you all for helping me realize that I really can make my dream become a reality. I'm beyond excited to see where I'm at in a month, and in six months. A few big changes are coming to Victoria Simmons Photography! Stay tuned tomorrow for a giveaway in honor of my Facebook page hitting 600 fans! Thank you so much! 

God Bless ♥ V

Why I Shoot Homecomings for Free

As an Army wife, I know what it's like to have my husband deployed. Though I've yet to experience my own homecoming ceremony, I believe that no military spouse should be deprived of having their homecoming documented. Affordability should never be a factor for something like this. I was fortunate to have an amazing photographer capture my homecoming moment at the airport for emergency leave, who shot it for free. Those photos are something that I will cherish forever.

A few things you should also know about how I shoot homecomings:

• Before the ceremony, it's likely that I'll wander around getting pictures of anxious families and homecoming signs.
• I focus on the family that hired me first. They are my main priority.
• After I capture the main family's moment, I will wander around getting other families' reuniting moments and family photos
• Once the commotion settles, I will find the original family again and take a few family photos

Some other things to keep in mind: 

• I can't get photos like this if you don't give me emotion:

        Don't expect pictures like this if you don't react like this. I can't create passion in my photos, I can only capture what you give me. 

• Moments like this do happen: 

       You don't know how kids and babies are going to react to your soldier coming home. Their reaction is more unpredictable than yours by far. Please don't stress if your child doesn't take to your soldier immediately. Reintegration takes time and is definitely a process. 

• Homecomings are chaotic! Sometimes it's hard to find your soldier. Sometimes it's hard for me to find you! There is no guarantee that you'll get the exact photo you want. There are so many factors that play into the perfect image: weather, crowd control, you name it... 

One thing that I cam promise you is that I will do everything I can to get you images like these: 

That last one is one of my favorites to date. Some of these photos are for the people who hired me, while others (including the last) are for complete strangers. Homecomings are one of my favorite parts of being a photographer. Every experience is unique and one that I will remember forever. 

If you are interested in booking a homecoming with Victoria Simmons Photography, please fill out the form below: 

Click Here!

God Bless ♥ Victoria

 

Event Photography

I'm beyond excited to shoot one of my first events today. A little girl who is very close to my heart is two! Her mom is one of my best friends here. Since daddy is deployed, I'm honored to capture this little girl's princess day so he can enjoy it too.

I'm really excited to be using my 50mm 1.8 to good use. I love experimenting with it. If today goes as well as I'm hoping, I will start widely offering event photography as part of my business. Stay tuned for previews this weekend!

Happy Saturday!

God Bless ♥ Victoria