Name: Natalie Childs
Project Name: Preparing for a Photography Career: Photo by Natalie Nicole
Emphasis: Digital and Social Media
Professional Photo: 
Project Summary:
As a soon to be BYU-Idaho Communications graduate, I have spent a lot of time reflecting on my long term goals, which led me to creating this project. For my senior project, I branded my photography business, Photo by Natalie Nicole, to prepare myself for a photography career.
I separated my project into three different parts: styled shoots, wedding photography, and real estate photography, including professional headshots.
Attending styled shoots has boosted my photography business immensely. I was able to connect with many photographers and other vendors such as florists, make-up artists and event decor specialists. I attended three styled shoots for my project, one in Utah and two in Idaho. Advertising with the content I was able to create at these styled shoots has helped me book many clients, including a few weddings.
Wedding photography was the most intense part of this project, and is the niche I want to be most involved with long term. A lot of work goes into photographing a wedding and it is a huge responsibility. Before this semester, I had never shot a wedding. To prepare myself for this I was a second shooter for another local photographer at a wedding. Using pictures I took at styled shoots and as a second shooter, I marketed myself though Instagram and Facebook to book clients. During the duration of this class I have booked three weddings as the main photographer.
After I book a client, I meet face to face with them to have them sign a contract and talk about details and expectations for their big day. I prepare for wedding days by getting my equipment in order, checking and double checking. I look professional and arrive early to the venue. When I arrive, I have the bride give me a bag with items that we discussed in the consultation meeting for flat lay pictures. After flat lay shots are done I photograph other things, depending on what was requested in the consultation.
My last niche is real estate photography, including homes and professional realtor headshots. Real estate photography is a very important part of the real estate industry. Home owners are often in a vulnerable place when pictures of their home are placed on the web for everyone to see. I was able to shoot two homes this semester, as well as some headshots for a realtor.