spa blog

spa Member of the Week - Dave Humphrey

Dave Humphrey and spa go way back - back to the original spa Event (held in Branson of all places) and before that to SPI. We are so honored to have Dave be one of our lead photographers on a yearly basis. We love his point of view, his awesome images (on a regular basis), and incredible giving nature. 

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I'm from:  Flint, Michigan

Find my website at:  www.masters-photo.com

My last big inspiration was:  Find something you love to do, figure out a way for people to pay you to do it, and you will never go to work again.

It came from:  My Grandfather (on my dad's side).  He was one of the original "sit-down strikers" that gave rise the the UAW.

My biggest accomplishment this week was: finishing a new marketing campaign for seniors.

I love shooting seniors because:  It gives me a chance show my "kids" (that's what I call my seniors) that someone cares about their opinions, and who they are as people.  When I graduated (back in the stone age) nobody cared about what I wanted in my senior pictures.  I decided that none of my kids would ever leave my studio feeling that way.

The best purchase I've made for my studio in the last year was:  My Caribbean porch set and my beach set, in my portrait park.

Websites I love to go to: SPA (of course), http://www.regnierphotography.com/portraits/, http://www.zija.net/, http://www.cpsociety.net/forum/

Magazines I look at for ideas: W, V, Elle

Our last family vacation was to: the Cayman Islands.  Our family has four homes there! (editors note: Dave, my new best friend...you need some help looking after those houses? Come February?)

The oldest thing in my refrigerator right now is:  Something that has, as of yet, not been identified by modern science.

I couldn’t speak when I met:  my daughter when she was born.  There weren't, and still aren't, words to describe what I felt and how proud I was.  I'm sure I'll have the same feelings when I walk her down the isle this October 24th.

My favorite thing in my closet is:  my sandals!  If I have to wear shoes ... I'd rather wear sandals!

The biggest accomplishment to this point in my life has been:  Being Married for 28 years, and raising a wonderful daughter who will be receiving her doctorate in August, and getting married to a wonderful Christian man.

2 of the most important concepts I use to run my business are:  Treat people the way I would want to be treated.  I'll bend over backwards for my clients, but never forwards!

In 5 years I see myself:  Still loving what I do ... photography!

I love spa because (shameless plug):  They have those cool M&Ms with SPA on them!  Well ... maybe that isn't the only reason.  The best thing about SPA is the feeling and atmosphere of caring and sharing.  Everyone is willing to share what they do and how they do it.  What more could you ask for?!

 

spa Member of the Week - Scott Crosby

I first met Scott and Kelly Crosby a few years ago at the San Antonio ice fest, I mean spa Event 07. From the very beginning of our relationship, I think that Scott and Kelly have done way more than for our business than we have for them, but they seem to be pretty happy with spa. So, thanks Scott and Kelly!

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I'm from: Originally my momma’s uterus, but now I reside in Avon, Indiana.



Find my website at: www.avonpicturethis.com



My last big inspiration was: Writing my book “Senior Portrait Bling Bling”



It came from:  My passion to share our ideas and successful techniques that we teach about.


My biggest accomplishment this week was:  Returning all of my messages, even if I didn’t want to.



I love shooting seniors because:  They don’t cry and hardly ever pee on me!



The best purchase I've made for my studio in the last year was: The White Robert Andrew Designs Chair and Sofa.



The one place on the web I can always go for inspiration is:  Not Olan Mills!  I would have to say Youtube.



Magazines I look at for ideas: Vogue, Cosmo, W, Lucky, Marie Claire, In Style, Elle, Oh wait I mean “Popular Mechanics” yeah that’s the only one I read! :-)

Our last family vacation was to:  Chicago and we stayed in the presidential suite at the W Hotel.



The oldest thing in my refrigerator right now is:  A science experiment that could one day cure baldness!  Right now it is growing lots of hairs…



I couldn’t speak when I met: Yeah, I have never had that problem…  



My favorite thing in my closet is: Hands down my “F Lifetouch” t-shirt!!!!



The biggest accomplishment to this point in my life has been:  The “professional” recognition from my peers in the industry over the last year and a half.  



2 of the most important concepts I use to run my business are:  Always having fun and being creative, by not just doing the same old $%!*!

In 5 years I see myself:  Doing the same old Sh… I mean pushing the envelope of my own creativity to a new even higher level!



I love spa because (shameless plug):  I get to share my passion for photography with others that have the same love for it that I do! I love my “SPAMILY” SPA-FAMILY! 

Member of the Week - Joey Jones

I met Joey Jones in San Antonio just after the worst ice storm that city had seen in the last century. We had just finished spa Event and he and I shared a meal in the hotel restaurant. He told me a story about teaching a summer photography class at a local school. I couldn't believe how much time he took out to teach a bunch of kids and the connections he made. That wasn't a one time deal - it's kind of how he lives his life. I don't know why it took me so long to feature Joey...but here he is!

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I'm from:  Uranus. just kidding... “the shire” Cheshire, Connecticut. Settled in 1694, our current population is 29,178. Very much still an agricultural town with plenty of bedding plant farms and green houses, we are a pretty tight community centered around the youth and education. We are considered to be a fairly affluent town with more than our share of doctors, attorneys and university professors. Many of the on air staff of ESPN live here in town and a number of them are clients of mine. JP Morgan was a graduate of Cheshire Academy and Henry Ford lived here while attending Yale. We have seven, count them, seven photographers in a one mile radius of each other.

Find my website at: http://www.seniors.exposuremax.com

My last big inspiration was: To take on more commercial assignments and eventually phase out of the consumer market.

It came from: My former intern Drew who I mentored in his senior year. I wrote a killer recommendation letter for him and he got into the Art Institute in Philadelphia. He’s a skater and has been photographing his friends for years. He called one day last year to ask about how to charge for an image to be used as a cover for ‘One’ (a skate magazine) Long story short, he is now the staff photographer for the magazine, they bought him an insane Nikon system, everything he asked for, and has been traveling the globe on skate tours. A couple weeks ago, he was home for the weekend and stopped in to show me portraits he made of an up and coming Philly Rap artist. Drew had just gotten off the phone with Sean Combs, aka P-Diddy, who signed the guy to his label. He asked me how to figure out what to charge Diddy for his work. Trust me, you don’t even want to know what they offered. $$$$$$ He’s in Florida right now on the Mountain Dew tour. Not bad for a 19 year old kid. Yeah, I’m proud of him. But I still need to work on his metering! 

My biggest accomplishment this week was: Re-negotiating my building lease with my landlord. That prick.

I love shooting seniors because: The youthful energy and vitality of most of the kids is inspiring. Being at the edge of adulthood and the end of childhood as they know it has some bewildered and others poised to take on the world. It’s a joy to get to know them and learn of their dreams and fears at the same time. Many of the kids I photograph could really use a non-partisan, nonjudgemental adult to talk to and who will simply listen. This lifestyle is far more than just photography to me. I can encourage a kid applying to Ivy League schools and help boost another one’s self esteem in the same day. That’s pretty cool.

The best purchase I've made for my studio in the last year was: My Flokati Love Rug. It’s totally pimp.

The one place on the web I can always go for inspiration is: Life.com

Magazines I look at for ideas: Vanity Fair, GQ, Details, W

My dream vacation is: To travel across the country by train with my camera and a journal, visiting every national park and some interesting towns along the way. I may take a bite out that dream and take the train to SPA Event ’10 in January.

One unusual talent I have is: Pull My Finger! no, but seriously, I’m a graduate of the Skip Barber Racing School and have raced open wheel formula cars. A few years ago I drove an RX 7 for an owner during time trials for the Mazda Club at Lime Rock Park here in Connecticut and was on the track with Paul Newman and his Corvette for a few laps. That dude was fast. We all miss him.

I couldn’t speak when I met: I’ve never been star struck BUT Susan Sarandon - because I literally ran into her while looking the other way coming out of a building in SOHO. We clocked heads and I got a fat lip. She had just won her oscar for ‘Dead Man Walking’ and I tried to excuse myself for running into her and to congratulate her, but my lip swelled so much it was like I had just gotten a botched botox job and a root canal. I was babbling incoherently and she just laughed and said thank you.

The oldest thing in my closet is: My high school varsity letterman jacket

The biggest accomplishment to this point in my life has been: Teaching and mentoring so many talented kids through my business who have gone off to become great successes of their own.

2 of the most important concepts I use to run my business are: #1 - Everyone who walks through my door is a friend  #2 -  I’ve been given a gift, and it’s my life’s work to use that gift to the best of my ability to bring joy to others.

In 5 years I see myself: Only three years older

I love spa because (shameless plug): I just do. 

 

Member of the Week - Sam Smead

Sam Smead and his wife Jill own and operate Sam Smead PhotoCreative. They are charter members of spa and Sam has attended all 5 spa Events. This feature of Sam is long overdue!

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I'm from: 

Longview, Texas - pop. 80,000 (2 Hrs east of Dallas) - I was born and raised here - Class of ‘77 - My family has been in this area (East Texas) since the mid 1800’s. I will most likely spend the rest of my life here.

Find my website at: www.samsmead.com

My last big inspiration was:

Spending three days with Scott and Adina Hayne and Kurt Nelson at SPA in Vegas. You can’t hang out with these guys and not be inspired.

It came from:

The whole “SPA is Family” attitude. Scott and Adina just ended up at Kurt Nelson’s table (Small Groups) this year at SPA and were invited to hang out have dinner and just visit. They did and new friendships were formed. Got to love the SPA small groups thing.

My biggest accomplishment this week was:

My biggest accomplishment this week was maintaining my creativity. I photographed three schools, two girls with their horses, a one-year-old and six senior portraits. Schools are not creative and can just drain you, so to do a school in the AM and a SR in the PM and keep the edge is an accomplishment. I got to do it 3 times this past week. I’m looking forward to next week. More Sr’s and NO schools.

I love shooting seniors because:

Of all the different kinds of photography I shoot, and I shoot a lot of different subjects, I have the most fun and can be the most creative with seniors.

The best purchase I've made for my studio in the last year was:

I like to buy stuff so this is more of a Top 10 shopping list --

#10 -- Mac speech dictate -- Voice recognition dictation program. This is a great program for people that hunt and peck like me.   http://www.macspeech.com

#9 -- Apple iPhone three G. 

#8 -- two new 580 EX II speed lights 

#7 -- radio poppers to go with - Want to shoot like Scott Hayne

#6 -- WFT-E4/E4A - this is the wifi adapter for the 5D Mk2 and is awesome. I have been shooting wireless to my laptop and having an assistant project images during events. Way cool and the clients love it.

#5 -- A new Camera - Canon 5D Mk2

#4 -- A second 30 inch display for my desktop

#3 -- New props from Robert Andrews designs

#2 -- 6’x8’ (That’s a 10’ diagonal) DaLite Screen  - High Contrast Da-Mat

A smooth, gray, vinyl finish surface for high output LCD and DLP projectors. This surface improves the perceived contrast by lowering black levels.

#1 -- Canon REALIS SX6 Projector - Image is everything and this machine puts out an incredible one. Better image = better sales and...Sales are on the way up:)

The one place on the web I can always go for inspiration is:

If you don’t know about TED you need to check it out. www.TED.com

Magazines I look at for ideas:

I like Golf Digest. Great ideas on improving your game.

I also look at: Layers - The How-To Magazine for Everything Adobe, iCreate, Rangfinder and Vogue.

Our last family vacation was to:

Destin Florida - We go with three other families and rent a house on the  beach for a week. Toes in the sand with camera in hand. (A cold beverage in the other) 3 rounds of Golf, Great meals every night and recharging for the fall rush. I love vacations. We have already reserved for this summer. Anyone need a beach portrait:)

The oldest thing in my refrigerator right now is:

Do you think I have any say on what is in my refrigerator:) Jill (my wife) keeps a very clean and IN DATE fridge. We also eat out almost every night so we don’t believe in left-overs:)

I couldn’t speak when I met:

I have no problem speaking to anyone. I think as photographers we have to be people people. 

My favorite thing in my closet is:

My Reef flip flops w/ the bottle opener (For Vacations:))

The biggest accomplishment to this point in my life has been:

Resurrecting my business with the help and encouragement of my wife. It is hard to believe that was just 6 years ago.

2 of the most important concepts I use to run my business are:

1. Work hard and then reward yourself. 

2. Customer service is essential to the success of your business. I have a real person answer the phone during business hours, no machines and no cell phones. You never want to miss a call and have them call your competition.

In 5 years I see myself:

Hopefully doing something very much like I am doing now. My business is very diverse and as a creative person I need the variety. I would be board if I got in a rut. Or if I win the lottery I will be retired on an island with a golf course within a 5 iron.

I love spa because (shameless plug):

SPA was what made the difference in my business, I am a SPA lifer. I was fortunate enough to see Sana & Kia at a convention right before the start of SPA. I purchased some marketing materials and got on their mailing list. Got a flier for SPA #1 and have been attending ever since. I am excited about SPA 2010 and San Diego.  

Model Program video

Need some ideas on how to create your model program? What about how to clearly explain it and layout all the details?

Ben Bookout from Heather Bookout Photography in Huntsville, Alabama produced this video and did a great job on all of that!  Take a look...

Members of the Week - Chris & Tammie Billey

Chris and Tammie Billey, owners of Largo Photography, are about to blow up! They just opened their brand new studio space in Chandler, Arizona, they are expecting their 2nd child, they have a great wedding business and their senior business is growing by leaps and bounds, and they will be headlining at spa Event in 2010. 

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I'm from: ,Tammie's from Bloomfield, NM and Chris is from Upperfruitland, NM Just on the tip of the Navajo Reservation, but now pleasantly reside in Chandler, AZ; Land of the Saguaro!  

Find my website at: www.largophotography.com

My last big inspiration was: The Legacy Project, A project of photographing the elders of impoverished families.

It came from: Photographing my Grandmother, whom recently passed away.  She was 84 and had been fighting cancer for the last 6 months.  As she lay, painfully awaiting the next life, I had decided to document her experience.  It was most definitely one of the toughest things I have ever had to capture but I am absolutely glad that I had done it.  I look back at the images and see how much courage and strength she had in facing the end, it gives me strength.  I Shared this story and these images on our blog, and the response we got was tremendous. It had touched so many people and others came forward and shared their stories with me.  It was a very powerful experience.

My biggest accomplishment this week was: Chris: learning how to use my flash...seriously. Tammie: finally letting go and hiring someone. 

I love shooting seniors because: They're like a box of Chocolates you never know what your gonna get!  Tammie: ditto!

The best purchase I've made for my studio in the last year was: Projector, hands Down, our projector!  Tammie: ditto again!  

The one place on the web I can always go for inspiration is: Chris: http://www.schierke.com Tammie: http://www.hm.com

Magazines I look at for ideas: Wow we actually look everywhere, but as far as print we'll take a stroll through our local mall to take a look at the new Clothing displays popping up and all the sales mags that mirror them, then Communication Arts, Metro Home, and W 

I took my last date to: Chris: Pei Wei  Tammie: that was a date?? ;-)

The oldest thing in my refrigerator right now is: Film. 120, 35mm 100 and 400iso. Tmax B&W  Tammie: I wonder if it will ever get used?

My favorite thing in my closet is: Chris: My secret stash of Comic Books, yeah I said it Comic books! Tammie: my jeans which are about 5yrs old.  They're soooo comfy, but I don't have the luxury of wearing them much anymore.  It's time is almost up. :(  

The biggest accomplishment to this point in my life has been: There have been so many milestones in our lives But I think the experience of fullfilling all of the goals we have set, is the biggest accomplishment thus far. Navy - Check, College - check, Wife/Husband - Check, Business - Check, Kid #1 - Check, Kid #2 - Check, Take over the World - In progress!  Tammie: My ever growing family. 

2 of the most important concepts I use to run my business are:  1 - Regardless of Success or Failure we must always keep moving forward. 2 - Take care of our Clients, Take care of our clients, Take care of our Clients!

In 5 years I see myself: 5 years older and running a full blown studio with a Staff to boot. Not to mention a few more humanitarian housing projects under our belt and a trail full of people we have helped along the way.  Tammie: wow!  I don't think my husband will ever slow down.  Tammie: I would have just said a full blown studio + more kiddos! :)

I love spa because: How can We not Love SPA!  Hello?!?! Access to some of the top Portrait Photographers in the Nation, Being in such a great community of People, The Event! "Hold On to your WEdding clients" Because you will be blown away!  Real Feedback, Great Competitions, Style, Staying at the Forefront of the Industry, Community(did I say that already?) And This Killer Blog! and Forum! I could seriously write a Novel on why we love SPA!  But Honestly if it didn't have Scott Crosby We might not love it as much....:D  Tammie: Chris knows all the right words...about SPA...nuff said. 

Member of the Week - Lisa Slotsve

I saw Lisa again at WPPI this year, and instantly thought - this is a great member of the week candidate. So here she is. Not only is there some great sites to check out here, but Axl Rose is mentioned. Yes, GnR Axl Rose...spa people are so cool...

I'm from: Minneapolis Minnesota (originally from North Dakota)

Find my website at: www.lisaslotsvephotography.com

My last big inspiration was: the wallpaper on a design blog I follow - screaming to be used in a photo session 

It came from: decorology blog

My biggest accomplishment this week was: completing 17 hours of boot camp like training (over the last 2 days) to be a certified Les Mills fitness instructor 8 hours after landing on the red eye from WPPI in Vegas. What was I thinking?

I love shooting seniors because: let me count the ways..they allow you to be creative, they dress great, they rave about their portraits, they do what I say..(the latter is possibly the biggest reason..)

The best purchase I've made for my studio in the last year was: My iPhone, I mean, how could one run a studio without Shazam for tracking music, maps for finding my way to on location sessions, Animoto app for showing off my senior slideshows,  pandora radio for editing to whatever I am in the mood for, the facebook app for touching base with seniors, the instant internet for finding out what is going on in the SPA forum....need I go on?

The one place on the web I can always go for inspiration is: brand autopsy blog  I love anything to do with marketing and branding

Magazines I look at for ideas: domino (although sadly it will be leaving us in March), Vogue, anthropologie and room and board catalogues, instyle, rolling stone,  people, us weekly (do you spy a magazine addiction here?)

Our last family vacation was to: St. Lucia - our next is in a week to Jamaica, my 3 and 5 year old love it - Irie Mon!

The oldest thing in my refrigerator right now is: I am afraid to look...

I couldn’t speak when I met: Axl Rose..hey I was 14 and it was the 80's...

My favorite thing in my closet is: not an article of clothing (how could I decide??) but my closet organizer. There is nothing more beautiful than organized shoes on a lovely display

The biggest accomplishment to this point in my life has been: so cliche'... but my 3 year old daughter Addison and 5 year old son Ashton (see above)

2 of the most important concepts I use to run my business are:

" Image is everything" and "dont be afraid to try new things" (isn't it Albert Einstein who said the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result)

In 5 years I see myself: working the 4 hour workweek! - loved that book...

I love spa because (shameless plug): because I had never shot a senior until I went to the 2008 workshop, came home and made a 6 figure income my first year shooting them (and second year in business) using many many of the ideas from the SPA workshop. I LOVE SPA!

Member of the Week - Blair Phillips

Blair and Suzanne Phillips are new spa Members - joined just a couple of months ago, and I was able to meet them at spa Event 2009 for the first time. Like a lot of you, they do a lot of weddings, and are getting into seniors more and more - and as you'll see for good reason. Check out what Blair and Suzanne are doing and visit back to see how they do in upcoming spa Artist of the Year competitions.

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I'm from: Landis, North Carolina

Find my website at:   www.blairphillipsphotography.com    

                



My last big inspiration was: Bob and Krista Ashmun    



It came from: spa Event 2009

My biggest accomplishment this week was: Surviving career day at a local elementary school          



I love shooting seniors because: I have complete freedom to do what ever I want and I feel like we can relate to one another very well.        


The best purchase I've made for my studio in the last year was: That would have to be my Nikon D3.         



The one place on the web I can always go for inspiration is: My spa Talk forum family



Magazines I look at for ideas: Teen, prom, fashion, skateboarding, motocross

I took my last date to: WPPI in Las Vegas



The oldest thing in my refrigerator right now is: Probably some pickles. I know they have been in there for a couple of years now.  I just can’t bring myself to toss them out.  



My favorite thing in my closet is: Everything.  I am really into fashion and trying to look my best.  I never buy clothing unless I really really like them


The biggest accomplishment to this point in my life has been: I feel like that our business has really molded me into someone that I am really proud of, so I would say self development.



2 of the most important concepts I use to run my business are: Being real, and not putting up a false front to my peers and clients



In 5 years I see myself: As someone who is proud to know that I have helped and inspired other photographers to take their business to higher levels of success. This is such a passion for me and I want to help upcoming photographers be able to find the passion I have.

Member of the Week - Scott & Adina Hayne

Scott and Adina Hayne have been members for about a year now, and they attended spa Event for the first time in Las Vegas. They took the spa world by storm winning just about everything you can win (new artist of the year, spa artist of the year and a few others). As you'll see they are wedding photographers who are moving to the senior world. Here is an image of Scott and Adina...

So here is what they had to say...

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I'm from: A land far, far way. Norfolk, VA but lived in Colorado, Arizona, Nebraska, New York & Nevada

Find my website at: www.theseniorexperience.com Seriously, it's that good.

My last big inspiration was:  A bored model.

It came from: A model shoot at WPPI in studio.  The class was all taking the same shot as the instructor.  I saw the model was tired and bored....but beautiful.  I asked her use her hands in the shot.  She perked up and created the coolest look! Inspired by a bored model. Go figure.

My biggest accomplishment this week was: Hanging up our new product (frames & prints) for some consults this week. We are offering more cool stuff since our visit to SPA.  "If you don't show it, you can't sell it!", is in full effect!

I love shooting seniors because: They trust me completely. They don't ask questions. They make me look good. I get somewhat frustrated at weddings when we only get a few minutes with the B&G.  Seniors let me release some creative energy.

The best purchase I've made for my studio in the last year was: An office chair from Humanscale.  My back loves me long time.  Pro Select is a close 2nd though.

The one place on the web I can always go for inspiration is: Jeff Newsoms Blog

Magazines I look at for ideas: It's all in my head.  I make stuff up.  I have been known to pick up Blender and Rolling Stones occasionally. 

My dream vacation is: A day away from the computer.  And a slice of pumpkin pie.  I'm easy.  If you force me I would jump on a cruise to Bermuda right out of Norfolk pretty quick.

One unusual talent I have is: I can say the alphabet backwards, with my eyes closed, underwater.  I pass out around "G" though.  It's hilarious.  I can also bend myself into interesting positions to get the shot.  Call me Gumby.

I couldn’t speak when I met: I can usually find something to say when I meet folks.  It may be stupid but I will usually blurt something out.  I'll lay down some Latin, that impresses them.

The oldest thing in my closet is: 1973 O.J. Simpson trading card.  It's on eBay - cheap.  There's an old K1000 stashed around here somewhere too.

The biggest accomplishment to this point in my life has been: Birthing our workforce.  Our 20 y/o son, Hunter second shoots for me and Austin our 18 y/o runs the shipping department.....by himself.

2 of the most important concepts I use to run my business are:

1. Make friends with your clients even though they may bother the b'Jesus out of you.  You never know who they will refer back to you.  We have gotten the greatest referrals from the oddest people.  Don't take anyone for granted.

2. Never let them see you sweat (even after you drop your L glass) - you're the pro.  Yawning helps. That applies to lighting situations that don't work or poses that look hideous.  Just take the shot, chimp, nod approvingly and move on!

In 5 years I see myself: 5 years older with slightly less hair.  I will be photographing rockstars trying to make them look normal rather than the other way around.  I see some really cool stuff coming from the music industry. I try to check out the latest CD covers for inspirations and work that into my shoots.  It sure would be fun to do band shoots for a living!  Check out Joey Lawrence's stuff.  For now, I treat every senior shoot like they are rockstars.  They dig it.

I love spa because (shameless plug): They are always looking for the next great fashion, photographer and styles.  It's too easy to maintain the status quo so they continue to push the envelope.  Of course it was such an honor to be named "Artist and Top New Artist of the Year" so SPA will always have a special place in our hearts. They saw something in me that I wasn't sure about.  

Member of the Week - Wen & Sean McNally

Wen and Sean McNally, owners of Wen McNally Photography are fairly new to the photography industry, but already have a buzz-worthy business. Wen is the photographer, and Sean, who recently joined the business, takes care of the sales appointments. All of there nice words for spa are unsolicited (I swear!). They are not your parent's senior photographers...

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We're from: Fredericksburg VA

Find my website at: www.wenmcnally.com

My last big inspiration was: Sean - a completly different perspective on life and living it. Wen - Spending time with Parker J at 2am

It came from: Sean - Through Painted Deserts by Donald Miller Wen - SPA event '08

My biggest accomplishment this week was: Sofa Demolition - see video below

I love shooting seniors because: We get to go back to high school without doing homework.

The best purchase I've made for our studio in the last year was: We didn't actually purchase it. It was an old sofa someone gave us and we painted it to spruce it up. It is now an icon for our senior business. But if you are talking purchases...our spa membership. It isn't cheap, but then neither is a good education.

The one place on the web I can always go for inspiration is: SPA talk of course!

Magazines I look at for ideas: GQ, Cargo, Lucky

We took our last date to: Can't remember the last one, but the next one will be next weekend we are going out of town overnight for a wedding. Wen won a Mercedes for a weekend, so we will arrive in style :)

The oldest thing in my refrigerator right now is: You really don't want to know the answer to that. With 5 kids in our house, God only knows.

My favorite thing in my closet is: Wen - my old cammies and my Spa T-shirt. Sean - T shirt that says "Jesus Loves me and my tattoos."

The biggest accomplishment to this point in our life has been: Making it to this point in our life, with our sanity in tact...relatively. Many struggles to get here, but our marriage and family are stronger for it.

2 of the most important concepts we use to run our business are: 1. Being REAL and letting the kids be themselves. Becoming part of the kids lives, they trust us. 2. Creating a WOM buzz that does not cost money, but does cost time and personal sacrifice.

In 5 years I see ourselves: Traveling more often and seeing the world. Marketing and small business startup consulting.

I love spa because: Sean - "I'm not as tall as I seem to be" Wen - "We just fit here!"