So here I am, sitting at my computer, writing my first ever blog post. I’m struggling as my mind is full of stuff I’ve learned over the last month. I’ve just built my new website, again another first. It would seem this old dog has learnt a few new tricks.
After more than 35 years as a commercial photographer I’ve decided that I’ve had enough. Enough bridezillas, enough naughty children, enough difficult people, enough rude teenagers just enough. I’ve had tons of great clients over the years who I’ll still do a little work for but on the whole, it was time for a change. (I’m sure a lot of my adventures both good and bad will make for some interesting and at times hilarious blog posts in the future).
After a lot of thinking, some tears a few tantrums and many phone calls to my old mate and former business partner-Rick (it was a hard decision after so many years); I decided to pull the old website down and start from scratch. It hadn’t performed well. Obviously, the bloke who designed it was not great at the SEO stuff; I really didn’t have much to lose. My hosting company also provided me with space for the new site and a user-friendly platform with design tools, all at no extra cost. Now the tears have dried, tantrums have stopped (mostly), and I’m still doing what I love-taking photos.
My website is now live, of course it needs tweaking, but I did it myself and I’m kind of proud of that. You can see the new direction my photography is going by visiting my about us page. While you’re looking around make sure to check out the galleries. I’ll be adding photos regularly. What about Facebook I hear you asking? I’m there as well. So now it’s time to blog.
Over the course of my career, I’d written many articles for magazines etc. so the writing isn’t the problem, however getting the blogs online where people can find and view them (same with the new website) is still a bit of a mystery. RSS feeds, tags, keywords, meta descriptions, title attributes, slugs (not the slimy ones) go around and around in my head constantly at the moment. Thank goodness for Google, you can find tutorials that explain everything these days. I’m seriously loving Google!
My next dilemma was what to blog about hmmm. After another phone call to Rick, I realized I have enough funny and not so funny stories both with and without my old mate (he’ll be saying enough of the old already) to last me two lifetimes. One rule I have made for myself is not to take it all too seriously (I can be rather obsessive at times). I’m going to keep it fun, whatever will be will be. If everything is successful great, if not well at least I gave it a good go.
I’ve been lucky, everything I set out to achieve as a photographer I achieved and more. I’ve shot numerous magazine covers, features, fashion, product, advertising, weddings, portraits, musicians, corporate the list goes on and on. I’ve even shot a few famous faces over the years, mentored young upcoming photographers, worked oversees, interstate and held workshops. My cup is full. Anything from now is a bonus.
