Some AC Ellis Changes...
Ok well this year I grew more rapidly than I had planned and could ever have imagined. And while all work is being completed, it's not being done in the time frame I would like. So some changes are going to be made to help me run this business smoother and with the excellent customer service I want to give. Thank you everyone for your patience during all of these growing pains. I tried to forsee it, but just didn't and I'm sorry.
- First meet some staff:
Erin has been working with me for some time. Erin has assisted on weddings, done office work, and does graphic design. Her responsibilities are now more in the invoice and billing and graphic design areas. She will be training in Photoshop and may help process print orders in the future.
Next is Krisitina. Krisitina is now an office assistant/errand runner.... She will be taking over a lot of what Erin was doing so that Erin can be freed up for other stuff. She's a great girl who I've worked with before, a student at SDSU and we're excited to have her on board.... Erin's glad she won't be filing any more.
If you hear from either of them, please don't be surprised as they will be following my instructions and everything they do I do still have a hand in. Call me a control freak. You are still always welcome to call and speak to me or e-mail. They will only be working a couple of days a week each so often you will still communicate with me.
- Cory Ann' schedule:
I have found that the reason I fall behind is a couple fold, I am not able to sit and edit and photoshop print orders. This is because of the mass quantity of office work and that I overbooked my portrait sessions. Because of the nature of my portrait sessions and the amount of time I spend with each subject it takes me out of the office for most of the day and I loose the ability to sit and edit.
The solution was first to hire some help and second I will only be taking sessions and meeting two days a week. That way I will only be out of the office two days a week. I am not going to specify days, but rather take the first two days that fill up. So please keep this in mind for your future sessions. And because of this limited availability reschedules are going to be treated a bit more harshly.
- Sessions:
Sessions are often conducted in the home and due to this we will need to reschedule in the event of bad weather. It can be a bit overcast, but it cannot be stormy black out. I can fit a couple of sessions in each day, especially during the long days of summer. Outside open area sessions will still need to be conducted in the sunrise or sunset hours, but home sessions can be any time of the day while it's still light out.
- Fees:
I now have one sitting fee for my sessions. I may add a in studio mini session option over the summer when we can work around the studio, this will be a lower fee and available only to those that have had a home or location session first. The reason for this is to make it easier for those that do sessions multiple times a year, but still allowing me to get to know the children and other family members. Please ask for the current rates everytime you prepare to schedule your session as things change and new products get added.
- Now Hiring:
I am looking to hire someone as a shooting assistant for next year. Now that Erin is doing other stuff, Kaylla is a kick butt athlete, and Becky is well.. I don't know if I can tell, but she will be busy. So anyway it's usually Saturdays, sometimes on Friday. You need to be available all day, carry bags, get random stuff, take care of me and just do all that stuff. You must keep a smile on your face while doing it - preferably a real one. Dress appropriately. And for the record you will not be taking images. You are there to assist me, not to train to become a photographer and run your own business. We can discuss pay when you inquire. Weddings usually run from March-December. Heavy months being May-Oct. Must be available at least one Saturday a month. O one other thing - you need to have a valid drivers license and know how to drive a stick, because I usually ride with the couple. Call if your interested.
Again thank you all for being patient during this growing process. It is greatly appreciated. Keep an eye on the blog in the first few months of the new year for some specials.
Ok back to the grindstone.
Cory Ann
- First meet some staff: Erin has been working with me for some time. Erin has assisted on weddings, done office work, and does graphic design. Her responsibilities are now more in the invoice and billing and graphic design areas. She will be training in Photoshop and may help process print orders in the future.
Next is Krisitina. Krisitina is now an office assistant/errand runner.... She will be taking over a lot of what Erin was doing so that Erin can be freed up for other stuff. She's a great girl who I've worked with before, a student at SDSU and we're excited to have her on board.... Erin's glad she won't be filing any more.
If you hear from either of them, please don't be surprised as they will be following my instructions and everything they do I do still have a hand in. Call me a control freak. You are still always welcome to call and speak to me or e-mail. They will only be working a couple of days a week each so often you will still communicate with me.
- Cory Ann' schedule:
I have found that the reason I fall behind is a couple fold, I am not able to sit and edit and photoshop print orders. This is because of the mass quantity of office work and that I overbooked my portrait sessions. Because of the nature of my portrait sessions and the amount of time I spend with each subject it takes me out of the office for most of the day and I loose the ability to sit and edit.
The solution was first to hire some help and second I will only be taking sessions and meeting two days a week. That way I will only be out of the office two days a week. I am not going to specify days, but rather take the first two days that fill up. So please keep this in mind for your future sessions. And because of this limited availability reschedules are going to be treated a bit more harshly.
- Sessions:
Sessions are often conducted in the home and due to this we will need to reschedule in the event of bad weather. It can be a bit overcast, but it cannot be stormy black out. I can fit a couple of sessions in each day, especially during the long days of summer. Outside open area sessions will still need to be conducted in the sunrise or sunset hours, but home sessions can be any time of the day while it's still light out.
- Fees:
I now have one sitting fee for my sessions. I may add a in studio mini session option over the summer when we can work around the studio, this will be a lower fee and available only to those that have had a home or location session first. The reason for this is to make it easier for those that do sessions multiple times a year, but still allowing me to get to know the children and other family members. Please ask for the current rates everytime you prepare to schedule your session as things change and new products get added.
- Now Hiring:
I am looking to hire someone as a shooting assistant for next year. Now that Erin is doing other stuff, Kaylla is a kick butt athlete, and Becky is well.. I don't know if I can tell, but she will be busy. So anyway it's usually Saturdays, sometimes on Friday. You need to be available all day, carry bags, get random stuff, take care of me and just do all that stuff. You must keep a smile on your face while doing it - preferably a real one. Dress appropriately. And for the record you will not be taking images. You are there to assist me, not to train to become a photographer and run your own business. We can discuss pay when you inquire. Weddings usually run from March-December. Heavy months being May-Oct. Must be available at least one Saturday a month. O one other thing - you need to have a valid drivers license and know how to drive a stick, because I usually ride with the couple. Call if your interested.
Again thank you all for being patient during this growing process. It is greatly appreciated. Keep an eye on the blog in the first few months of the new year for some specials.
Ok back to the grindstone.
Cory Ann
Labels: 2006 Archive, Studio Happenings
posted by Cory Ann at
9:55 AM
2 Comments:
Way to get organized girl! I'm sure things will flow much smoother with your new plan.
I hope so. My poor customers. See you soon.
CA
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