Ana’s favorite quote…
“Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure.” –Oprah Winfrey
Name: Ana Brandt
Business Name(s):
Anamaria Brandt Photography, Inc.
Where do you live?
Orange, California
Website URL(s):
Main Web Site: http://www.anabrandt.com
My Pregnancy-Baby work http://www.bellybabylove.com
TAoPaN: The Art of Pregnancy and Newborn
http:///www.theartofpregnancyandnewborn.com
What is your favorite subject to shoot?
Depends on the day! Depends on the time. Portraiture is my thing – starting with pregnancy.
And, on that note, what would be the perfect photo op for you?
I don’t believe there is one perfect photo op that would ever be it – because I am always trying to do better. I work around people’s energy and it really affects me in a shoot. So my perfect shoots are when people are just open and relaxed and trust me.
When you’re processing your images, what process do you use consistently?
Sharpening and working my levels. I do a lot of black and white work so my curves and levels are very important to me.
Who is your biggest inspiration in our industry?
Anne Geddes and Ansel Adams. Is it ok to have two? Ansel for his black and white work. It is how I learned in school and for years I studied his work. Anne because she has single handedly led the photography world in newborn art.
How would you define your style?
Simple. Classic. Hopefully timeless.
When you’re on location, what do you always bring with you?
My camera and reflector.
Please share with us some of your favorite images you’ve taken over the years.
Let’s chat business!
Do you have a “business” Bucket List? If so, what’s on it?
Hmmmm – my list is very very very long. Too long for this blog. I am looking into getting a second studio – perhaps by the beach – that’s a big one. My bucket list changes, because as my business changes and my kids grow my mind will adjust to what will work with my family. We used to live by the beach and want to go back there (its only 20 min) and I shoot a ton at the beach, so that’s at the top of my mind at the moment. But when that will happen – I have no idea. So in the meantime, other things come in mind daily!
What marketing tactics have been successful for you?
Well constantly communicating with my clients for one. I send out email newsletters/promos, etc. 2-3-4 times a month, depending upon the time of year. Someone always needs something so by constantly sending things out, it may appeal to one client one week and another client another week. When my clients don’t hear from me, business slows down. I also have a pretty successful baby plan and many of my clients on my plan refer other clients.
Can you share a bit about your marketing plan?
Well I have several. I have marketing all year around that is seasonal. My clients have come to depend on long time traditions at our holiday times. These are very important – so much so that we book Santa in July and by August he is usually 99% booked. I have clients that plan to just come for the seasons, but end up using me each year for their children/family photos too. I also work on displays all year round for pregnancy and newborn. I never stop looking for display or marketing ideas that wrap around the pregnancy-newborn stage. Most of my advertising and displays are all around the early stage. This is important, so that all year round we have pregnancy and newborn – regardless of the economy. I mainly specialize in pregnancy-newborn. While I market all levels of portraiture, this is my main focus.
Do you use old-school print methods to supplemental digital or social media marketing?
This year I sent out a postcard mailing to 2000 of my clients. There was no call to action, but simply to let them know that all of our promotions will be listed on our social media outlets – Facebook -Twitter – Blog and Website. I knew I had a ton of clients who weren’t on my email newsletter, or facebook, etc. so by sending out a snail mailing, it showed people the need to visit us at any of these sites for updates and promotions. Because of that mailing many of our clients signed up on our email newsletter, and also booked sessions. I believe you do need to reach out via snail mail every once in awhile. People do love printed matter, especially with photographic images – and I am not sure that will change any time soon.
Do you have any tips for photographers coming into the business?
Know your craft – your equipment – your style. Back in the day, there were no forums and hardly any websites filled with eye candy and tools. I spent days in fields and beaches learning how to use my camera, reflector, filters – whatever tools I had. Then I spent years learning how to pose woman in pregnancy and newborn babies – all with barely glancing at another photographers work. Many times, I tell people to just bury yourself in your own work. Don’t look around at websites and other places. If you need inspiration – go ahead – sneak some speaks – see what you see – find what you like. Then go to work. Book sessions, shoot anything and everything and develop your own style. People will come to you for you – and your work – regardless of the price.
With that being said, know what’s out there. Know your competition and pricing. Don’t be afraid to raise your prices 3 times a year if you need to as you grow. But don’t go from 0 to $100.00 overnight either. Photography is a life long process. I don’t think its a jump in quick type of business. As artists, our styles and tastes change – they evolve. We need to allow ourselves to change and grow along with this and know that it is ok. It is ok to be new, fresh, young and naive. It is also ok to be older and coming back a second time around to renew a craft. Allow yourself the time and energy to grow and evolve into the artist you want to be.
Let’s get personal….
How does the family handle things when you’re working or traveling a lot?
Well I don’t really travel a lot. I have only taken 4 trips this year and one was to NY with my family. When I do go, I take the red eye and I fly in and out. I literally leave a workshop to catch my flight. I never linger ever. It is important for me to be home as quickly as possible. My workshops are not ,more than two days, so I will usually take a red eye – do a workshop later that day – then leave the following night. I have 2 more trips to make – both are quick plane rides and I will be gone less than 48 hours. I am then taking a break from traveling for at least 6 months or more.
Please share a family image with us!
What do you do to unwind?
Lay in the pool or sunbathe. Walk the dogs. Sit on the floor and do crafts with the kids
What’s your favorite music?
Oh my depends on the day truly. I can tell you I don’t like rock or country – how’s that? Everything else is good. I love music, movies and tv! I think it’s such a great pleasure in life. Sometimes I can dance to Hannah Montana with my girls, or listen to Christian singer Jana Alayra with the kids in the car – other times its Pink or Lady Gaga – if I want to work out it could be something else – sorry no straight answer there!
Your favorite TV show(s)?
Oprah of course. Fun comedies such as Entourage, Modern Family, Family shows like Parenthood – I love TV and my TiVo is full of shows to watch when I get really lazy!
We sure do appreciate you taking the time to spend with us this month!!
Thank you so much!
my pleasure – thanks for asking!
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