In preparing for this post, I went back through my old journal and began to count the weddings that I’ve been a part of. Before each wedding I spend a time of prayer asking God to please go before me, as he always does, and use me to photograph and serve the bride and groom, their family and friends. The names floated past me on the pages, Aaron & Brittany all the way through Marianne & Peter. How did I get there? How had I been trusted with the memories of 37 different couples? I still can’t believe it!

What I know is that it’s been a long journey and I’ve learned many lessons along way the way. I’m so excited to be able to share them with other people! I know that I’m working my dream job and it started with a borrowed Fuji Fine Pix camera and has grown to include three Canon DSLRs and a small, happy army of lenses. I’ve gone from being too nervous to take money to working only one part time job to supplement my business. I can’t wait to discuss the process of getting incorporated, getting inspired and getting referrals. I hope that just a few of you will come to hang out so I’m just talking to my husband who is tired of hearing me talk passionately about these things.

The plan: Meet in Lynchburg (physical destination unknown until a headcount can be established) on Saturday September 19th from 2 pm to 6 pm.

The agenda: Each person who signs up for the forum will be given the opportunity to express which areas they would like to learn about most. Essentially, you can shape the discussion based on your interests!

Some suggestions from interested parties have included how to set pricing, how to encourage better relationships with clients, what kind of equipment I have and where I’ve purchased it from. I can’t wait to see what others are interested to hear about.

The payoff: Each attendee will walk away with a folder full of resources including lists of blogs, information on free methods of advertising, information on industry services and more. The environment will be built around the desire for encouragement and networking.  Networking can even continue after the session as those who are interested will be grabbing dinner together!

The cost: To help cover the cost of materials and the tasty goodies we hope to provide, there will be a charge of $25.00 per person or $40.00 for two friends who decide to come together.

The deadline: Participants’ registration forms must be received by September 7th, 2009.

Where to go from here?

1. Contact me at sabrena@scarterstudios.com to request the registration form.

2. Fill out the form and mail it in with a check for the cost.

3. Show up excited and ready to have great discussion!

What I’m hoping to accomplish with this forum is to help share how my business has grown in the hopes that this will encourage others to take the next steps in growing theirs! Please let me know if you have any questions!

PS. thanks to Liz who is helping spread the word! Please feel free to repost and share about this as well!

PPS. Here are a few more of my wedding photos by Kristen Dillow because I still haven’t made a decent post about being the bride on the other side of the lens!