The Tradition Continues…
Blog Entries , Personal, Posted on: Apr, 11
So, it’s a pretty well known fact that my Dad and Tobe have a slight obsession with Krispy Kreme doughnuts. So much so that when our oldest, Leah, was born, my Dad celebrated by bringing a box of a dozen Krispy Kreme doughnuts to the hospital. Of course she didn’t eat one at the time but we photographed her laying next to the box. Fast forward a year….on her birthday, we took her to Krispy Kreme for her very first “Hot Now” experience. She loved it. Of course.
Then, when our son, Jacob, turned one…same story…took him to Krispy Kreme. He loved it.
We just celebrated Elias’s first birthday. Can you guess where we took him? Yep. McDonald’s. …just kidding… Krispy Kreme.
He wasn’t much into the whole hat thing.
I think he’s a fan.
Yes, Leah is wearing her Pajamas…it was PJ day at school and we picked her up mid-day to head to Columbus. If I was super “put together” and cared what other people thought about my child wearing her flannel pajamas in public, I would have made her change in to her Sunday best. But, nah, we’re cool like that.
Ohhhh, here’s the *real* Elias, by the way. Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde….see very next photo.
Clearly, Jacob needs some more sugar….pass the box of doughnuts, please.
Elias :: A personal post
Blog Entries , Children , Families , Personal, Posted on: Feb, 26
So, it’s been quite some time since I’ve posted anything personal on this here blog of mine. Truthfully, I don’t even think I blogged Elias’s newborn photos….and he’s 11 months…. #photographermomfail.
We just updated our bathroom and it’s now Elias’s favorite place to play – lol! And it actually gets some fantastic light so we did a quick little shoot in there while he was happy.
A Little of This and A Lot of That…About Me and My Photography Journey.
Blog Entries , Personal, Posted on: Feb, 10
So, this post is a teensy bit overdue, seeing as how I prompted my FB fans for questions – oh – 9 days ago. But there’s this little thing called work/family balance (I talk about it at the end) that came into play here. Thus… 9 days, a weekend out of town, a newborn session, a thorough inbox cleaning, 27 meals, 8 loads of laundry, 2 Skype mentoring sessions, a birthday boy (who also fought a fever this entire week), and cleaning poop off of the bathroom floor – yes, did that a literal 30 minutes ago…..HERE’s the blog post!
I attempted to answer most of your questions…of course, there were a few questions about posing/wrapping/etc. that out of respect for my workshop/1:1 attendees, I didn’t feel I could answer in a blog post. J In no particular order….
How long have you been a photographer?
Hobbyist….oh, probably since high school – yes, I was the one who “styled” my younger brother and sisters and took them around our family farm, taking their photos with my disposable camera. No joke. I still have those photos! lol Professionally….around 3 years. When I started, I didn’t want to “specialize” in any one genre but have since felt my heart led toward newborns, children, and families.
What made you want to be a newborn photographer?
I enjoy every part of newborn photography, the session preparation, snuggling/posing/photographing, editing, presenting the images, album design – everything! Anyone who knows me personally knows that if there’s a baby in the room, I am usually the one holding him/her. :) I just simply LOVE babies. My love for these sweet babes has transpired professionally into my love for newborn photography. In the past few years, newborn photography has evolved into quite an art form and I am always so honored to capture each one in their first few days of life! …and no, being pooped and peed on doesn’t faze me a bit. ;)
What was your very FIRST DSLR? And what is your DREAM DSLR?
Ahhh….my very first DSLR. I feel as if I’m about to divulge juicy information about my first kiss or something! 
The first DSLR that I had a chance to work with was a Canon Rebel xti…I borrowed it from a friend and took it on a family vacation – and fell in love. But I had to give it back. :( About 6 months or so after that, he decided to sell it so I snatched it up and it was mine, ALL MINE!!! That’s what I officially started my business with and since upgraded to a Nikon D90, and then to what I use now {and have nicknamed my third baby}, my Nikon D700. As far as my Dream DSLR? I suppose I would pick the most expensive Nikon that is known to man. Actually, I wouldn’t mind keeping my D700 forever…but I DO have a few lenses on my “to buy” list….I think it’s more important to invest in great glass than to simply have a fantastic camera.
Have you ever made a business move that felt like a real flop??
Wellllllll, I think that in starting any new business there are going to be “lessons learned” along the way – I have them even now! It’s important as a new photographer to establish {as soon as possible} your target market, pricing structure, shooting & post-processing style, and build a FB page & a blog/website. Once you have those items nailed down, you have a vision for yourself and your clients and can run with it!
If your home was on fire and all you could do is spare a single picture – which picture would be most meaningful to spare?
haha! This question made me giggle….but also made me THINK! I’m going to cheat and say that I’d grab my iMac while running out the door. :) Sorry Adam, lame answer, I know.
Being a natural light photographer located in the midwest, how do you approach sessions in the winter when the light is not the greatest?
Crank up that ISO, baby. I also start my sessions later in the morning than in the summer so the sun has some time to rise.
How do you market yourself?
Really, my business depends greatly on word-of-mouth from my current/past clients. If they are pleased with my work and the way that I run my business, they’re going to tell others! :) Facebook, as we all know, has been an important tool for my business as well – it keeps me in front of potential clients, vendors, and other photographers. I also market *myself* – not just my business…I want you to “know” me through my page, so I’ll occasionally post a funny personal story, what kind of chai I’m drinking that morning, what music I’m listening to, etc….because I enjoy establishing connections that aren’t purely business related. I’ve made tons of friends from my page, simply from being able to interact with everyone on a more personal level. So, by all means – if you’re a “silent follower,” – speak up! I love interacting with other photographers and fans! :)
What is your #1 “go to” trick when you have a fussy baby that won’t sleep during a session?
If I have a newborn who’s a little fussy or hasn’t quite fallen asleep yet, the first thing I turn to are my collection of wraps – this tends to sooth them quite well and allow me to at least photograph them while they’re awake without having their little arms flailing all around. :)
Do you ever go back and look at your work from when you started? Is there a big difference?
HAHA!!! Oh dear, yes. I’ll admit it. I was one of the awesome ones who edited my first official sessions in Picasa and Piknick. Ain’t gonna lie. Ain’t gonna say they were fabulous either, though. And if I wasn’t shooting completely in Auto mode, this is where I’d begin to tell you that my images were just SO spectacular SOOC that I didn’t need anything fancy like Photoshop for post-processing. ;) Truth is, I knew where I wanted to be with my photography but didn’t know how to get there, other than practice, practice, and more practice. And that’s just what I did. I think as artists, we’re always evolving and honing our craft, so yes – my work definitely looks different than it did when I first started, a good different. :)
How do you balance running a business and having personal life/family?
This is probably one of the hardest and most frequently re-visited parts of my business. Taking cues from my husband always helps. :) I am thankful that he has helped me structure my business in a way that allows me creative freedom yet doesn’t drain the life out of my family and “me” time. What has been key for me is that I only accept a certain amount of sessions per week/month. I don’t stay up past midnight editing/emailing every night – in fact, I don’t think I’ve edited past midnight YET – I won’t allow myself to become so busy and over-extended that I have to do that. (shew!) I also try to literally turn off my computer on some days so sitting down for a quick minute (that turns into an hour of sitting with my back to my kids) isn’t an option. The most important part to this balancing act? My family takes precedence over my business. Always.
Here’s a photo of a note my daughter left on my desk the other day – I will probably keep it right by my computer for a long time, what a great reminder that my family is #1, not my work. :)
There you have it. That was a fun little exercise for me…I think I’ll ask for more “personal” questions next time…get yours ready! (And hopefully you won’t have to wait 9 days for the answer.)
Fair Day! {The Forshtay Family}
Blog Entries , Personal, Posted on: Jul, 16
This week was the Kosciusko County Fair! Tobe had taken the kids on Monday while I was having fun meeting with some photographer friends…but my Dad and stepmom were in town for the weekend so we dragged (drug??) them along for the ride.
We ate right when we arrived so we could throw up on the rides…ahem…I mean so we could have energy to RIDE the rides. ;) Pardon the purple spot on his chin – it’s amazing to me how kids can transfer hand stamp ink to random places on their body within 5 minutes.
And meet my daughter, who looooooooooves to get her photos taken. lol This was pretty much the best out of 7.
It was time to walk around and decide which rides to go on!
NOPE. Not this one. I will never set foot on one of these suckers. The sitting upside down for a few second thing doesn’t sit well with me.
I actually REALLY like this one – but alas, my kiddos need to gain a few more inches before we can manage to ride. I’m sure that day will come faster than I can imagine.
Okay, NOW we’re in the kiddie section….tickets ready.
This is the first year that Jacob has been tall enough to ride the rides on his own! Woohoo!
Tobe and my Dad, supervising.
While walking around, I managed to snap a few shots of randomness…seriously, if I knew the FAIR had iPhone accessories, I wouldn’t have bothered to buy them at Verizon! ;) AND car chargers. darnit.
And here’s another beauty. Who, just WHO buys these ugly things? (Sorry if you’re one of those crazy people who has like 17 of them.) Tobe, honey, can you buy me a spray painted visor that says “I’m with him”???
I digress….back to the rides. Here’s Pappy with the kids on the pre-dizzying Dragon Ride. So glad I was not on there with them. :)
This slide is fabulous – I have to admit, I had a little anxiety climbing up those rickety stairs though. Eep.
Lastly was the ferris wheel.
I think we have a future roller coaster junkie on our hands!
Now would be a good time to mention this guy. Jacob stalked him the whole night (we saw him at least 6 times)….my son, if you didn’t know is a cowboy. He has boots, a gun, and a cowboy hat. So, when this fella walked by us in his cowboy get-up, Jacob couldn’t take his eyes off of him. :) And apparently, the guy in the blue shirt felt the same way. ;)
A quick break for some cotton candy. And Leah has officially warmed up to my camera again. :) (I actually try not to point it at them too much…I don’t want them to remember me as the lady who had a big black thing in front of her face during every little outing we took – yes, it’s totally important to me to capture their lives but for me, it’s important to enjoy being a mom and experience life WITH them, not in front or behind them shooting the entire time.) WoW. Stepping off of my soapbox now.
As I mentioned earlier, Tobe brought the kids on Monday to mainly see the animals – by the time Friday rolls around, most of the animals are gone. This little piggy was still around for a quick shot though.
One thing I have thought about lately is that I need to get out from behind the camera more and IN photos with our family! It’s kind of hard to remember to hand the camera to someone else! So, here’s our Fair Family Portrait.
Up, up, and away!
Every year, there is a cool Big Cat Encounter show…of COURSE I would have loved to jump up in front of everyone and actually get a great shot of this gorgeous lion but the rest of the audience may have perceived that to be rude. This guy’s name was Handsome. :)
And even though his jokes were the same ones he told last year, they were still pretty funny. The kids thought he was hilarious.
Aside from being a cowboy, Jacob also plans to be a firefighter and a policeman. So, this hat was totally fitting. And he wore it proudly.
I would place bets that my son is one of the goofiest (and the coolest) chap around.
And the night ended with Sheriff Forshtay, making his rounds.
A Personal Assignment: Spring
Blog Entries , Personal, Posted on: May, 02
I had a conversation with another seasoned photographer recently and he asked me this question: “Do you ever just shoot because you love to shoot?” After thinking about it, I realized that my answer was pretty much, “No.” Sure, I take tons of photos of my kids, and TONS of photos of other people’s kids, but do I ever just shoot to shoot? Hmmm. After processing about it I came to realize that I don’t allow myself the liberty to do it because I don’t want to take the time. The time to go outside and photograph. The time to upload. The time to edit. The time…the time…I feel like I’m already glued to my work chair in front of my computer. Anyone else feel the same way? But in the same regard, I don’t want to ever lose my love for photography, just because I am a “photographer.” Even as I write that, it sounds funny, doesn’t it?
Did you notice that spring is finally here?? Praise the Lord. I love spring. The changing of seasons are such a beautiful reminder that God has this earth in his capable hands. In His perfect timing, he brings the snow (and thankfully takes it away!!!), He makes the clouds pour rain when the earth is thirsty , He causes the sun to shine to allow plants to grow….
So a few days ago, I looked outside and realized it was a perfect day to give myself an assignment. Shoot for MYSELF. Because I love to shoot. I decided to capture some of my favorite views right in my own yard.
How about you? Do you ever just shoot because you love shooting? I’d love to hear about it. :)
A Thoughtful Gift : Personal
Blog Entries , Personal, Posted on: Apr, 08
Nothing beats a supportive spouse.
When I first ventured into photography – as is the story with many other photographers – I was met with resistance from a few area professionals who were less than stoked that “another mom with a DSLR is trying out photography.” And that’s okay. Yes, there are *tons* of “moms out there who are trying out photography.” So what? Now, I don’t care to write an entire post about the pros and cons of new photographers flooding the industry. To each his own. When I first started, I can’t say that I was a fantastic photographer, I wasn’t. And I knew that. But truly – no one comes out of the womb knowing how to shoot manually or knows how to enhance your images in Photoshop. It’s a learned profession. Like all professionals, I had to start somewhere. And I’m *still* learning! Aren’t we all? Anyways…I digress.
The only reason I mentioned the above is to let you know that I did not come into the industry with a bunch of open arms welcoming me! However, thankfully there were a few helpful photographers who were more than willing to share a few insights, and to them I am forever grateful. But even with the help of those photographer friends, I still needed support. At home. The last few years were what I called my “building years.” For the most part, everything I made in my business went back to my business! Thousands upon thousands of dollars have been invested in my business and it stretched our family, both financially and time-wise. Any time you’re building a business from the ground up, it’s going to be that way.
And through it all, my husband supported me. He didn’t always understand why I was making some of my decisions – and to be honest, I did make a few mistakes early on – but he knew that I was passionate about pursuing my photography business and stood by me through the whole process. Thank you, Tobe. Your support and love has been felt and appreciated.
This past Christmas, Tobe gave me a present that has meant more to me than any other gift I’ve received. By giving me this gift, I knew I had his blessing to continue to pursue my love for photography. I cried. He videotaped. ;)
A Lisa Leonard necklace. Love.
To other photographer mamas: It’s so important that you’re not throwing yourself into building your business – at the expense of your marriage and children. Something that I have found these last few years is that without Tobe’s support, I wouldn’t be able to have this business.
Much love, jaci
My Little Under-The-Weather Valentine: Personal
Blog Entries , Personal, Posted on: Feb, 15
Yesterday’s Valentine’s Day was a little rough around the Forshtay household. My little man had been suffering from a 104.0 fever for the last few days so the day was spent on the couch, holding him, watching movies, and trying to get him to drink liquids….yes, that included both Rootbeer and Sierra Mist…to which he cried,”That’s too spicy!” after each. :)
He seriously does NOT look sick here…the one little sweet smile that I caught yesterday, amid the whining, crying, coughing, and sleeping.
…and then he crashed. Turns out, I’m not the only one who takes advantage of my husband being a furnace. :) I was so glad that Tobe stayed home yesterday!
I didn’t really mind that our Valentine’s Day wasn’t filled with chocolates and a romantic dinner. This is real life. I am so blessed with a husband who loves my children and I on both our good and yucky days.
…but Tobe did come home with a beautiful spring bouquet for me today! :) And what did I get him for V-Day? That’s another post…
Goodbye, Red Balloon Studio. Hello, Jaci Forshtay Photography!
Blog Entries , Personal, Posted on: Feb, 03
I feel as if my business name change has been “a long time comin’.” When I started my photography business, I was searching for THE name. You know, a name that people would remember, since no one would remember my other choice, Jaci Forshtay Photography, right? ;) I was specializing in children’s photography so I wanted something whimsical…but since then, I have broadened my photography horizons to include birth photography, seniors, and the occasional wedding as well!
Don’t hear me wrong, I still think that Red Balloon Studio is a fantastic name – - – for a photographer who actually has a studio (which I would eventually LOVE one, but that’s a different post). I loved the name, it was catchy and memorable but in essence, I was misrepresenting myself…I don’t have a studio and I don’t utilize studio lighting. And this isn’t to say that anyone who has “studio” in their name and doesn’t have a studio isn’t legit, I just mean that it wasn’t for me.
I want to be ME. Sure, Jaci Forshtay Photography might be hard to pronounce and super-hard to spell (trust me, I know!) but it’s who I am. If someone wants to commission me for my photography, they’ll make an effort to remember it, right?!? This change also allows me the freedom to shoot who/what/where/when I want to shoot. Without the word “studio” hanging over me, I don’t feel the pressure to hold 6 sessions a week and limit myself to only one aspect of photography.
In this blog, you’ll get to preview my photography sessions and perhaps take advantage of any special offers I have going on. But that’s not all. My hope is that this blog can be a platform that you (my clients, family, friends, etc.) can learn about and appreciate photography more but that you’ll also get to know me and my sweet family!
Thanks for your love and support these past few years. It is appreciated.
jaci
