SENIOR MODELS | Goodhart Photography, Northern Virginia Loudoun County High School Senior Portraits

 Goodhart Photography is looking for Class of 2014 students attending Loudoun County and Fairfax County Highschools to represent her studio. Good candidates are enthusiastic and enjoy being photographed. Models get free sessions and can earn great prizes, including cash and an iPod touch!

 There are also a few model openings for the Class of 2013.

 Click HERE to apply.

MEMORIAL DAY | Goodhart Photography, Northern Virginia Professional Photographer

These were taken a few years ago at the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C. I am always amazed at what a holy, solemn place the wall is, a public sanctuary in the middle of the hustle and bustle of modern every day life. Cell phones are silenced, voices are hushed, as people walk along this enormous black wall of marble, engraved with the names of soldiers who died believing in their country and in a cause larger than themselves.

This was taken years ago on a homeschooling field trip to Arlington Cemetery. My daughter was seven, and, at seeing the endless rows of headstones, spontaneously stopped to pray at a few of them.

STARTING A PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS | Goodhart Photography, Northern Virginia Loudoun County Senior Portraits

I"ve been approached a few times asking for advice about starting a portrait photography business. So, I decided to blog about it. This outline is based on a brief presentation I gave last November at the northern Virginia NatureVisions Expo. I will eventually fill in all of these details in subsequent posts, but this will get you started.

 1. Set up legally.
      a. Small Business Development Centers in your area are your friend! The Loudoun Small Business
          Development Center has been invaluable to me. They have excellent checklists to help you through
          the process.
      b. Insurance (equipment, liability) -- one photographer was almost sued because a child tripped on a
          photoshoot and cut her lip
      c. Organize for your taxes and fees (sales tax, property tax, income tax, business licenses, home
          occupation permit if you do viewings in your home, etc...) -- get a system set up ASAP so when
          you are busy you'll be on top of things

 2. Keep improving your skills.
      a. Why? Everyone wants to be a photographer -- it's a highly competitive industry -- you have to
          differentiate yourself.
      b. Training seminars
      c. Associations and groups
      d. Competitions

 3. Be prepared to invest!
      a. Camera, lenses
      b. computer, software
      c. A web presence
      d. Marketing
      e. Growing in your area of expertise (props, etc...)
      f. Outsourcing tasks as your business grows

 4. Getting those first clients
      a. Portfolio Building  clients -- give them a killer special off of your rates
      b. network -- groups, photographic opportunities (golf tourneys, etc...)
      c. service projects -- some of my most widely read blog posts were my autism awareness posts
      d. creative marketing

5.  Business Practices
     a.   Legal (tracking receipts and expenses)
     b.  Workflow
     c.  Sales Practices, including pricing
     d.  Packaging and Presentation

 6. Growing
      a. WOM - keep your customers happy
      b. Social Media
      c. Marketing
      d. SEO
      e. Community events

LOOK OUT VA TECH! | Goodhart Photography, Northern Virginia High School Senior pictures

These gorgeous twin seniors from Loudoun County's Broad Run High School have everything going for them -- amazing smiles, beautiful skin, and bright minds -- they're headed for Virginia Tech this fall.

 

 It was impossible to take an unflattering image of them.

 

Thanks for visiting -- leave us some blog love so we know you stopped by!

------------------------------

 Class of 2012, it is NOT too late to get senior pictures you love!  Serving Loudoun County, Fairfax County, and surrounding areas.

 Call/text me at 703.431.3508 to set up your appointment today!

"H" You're so Heavenly | Goodhart Photography, Northern Virginia Loudoun County Baby Photographer

So much personality in one so small.  It's really precious and amazing how every baby is so unique.  This little beauty from South Riding was full of giggles and smiles, and she loved to stick out her tongue!!  She was six months old and not QUITE ready to sit up on her own, but it didn't stop her from being the life of the party.

And here's a parting shot:

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION | Goodhart Photography, Northern Virginia Loudoun County Portraits

Ah, my poor neglected blog!  I've actually been quite busy this winter and spring, and will try to post some catch-up pictures in the upcoming weeks.

But for now, I thought I'd post a special I'm running for First Holy Communion portraits.  Many of my clients come from Our Lady of Hope in Potomac Falls and St. Theresa's in Ashburn.   I absolutely love to photograph these portraits -- it is such a meaningful time in the life of a young child and I think it is so important to commemorate it.  Plus they're all dressed up and that age is just such a delight.



Please pass this along to anyone who may be interested!

Visit my website, email goodhartphotography @ gmail.com or call/text 703 431 3508 to schedule your appointment today!

ROBINSON HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR NIGHT -- Girls Basketball | Goodhart Photography, Northern Virginia Event Photographer

An exciting varsity girls basketball game between Robinson High School and Herndon High School on Friday night!  I forgot how much fun high school basketball is to watch.  I recently saw the Wizards at the Verizon Center, and we were in the nose-bleed section and it just isn't the same as seeing the action unfold literally a few feet away from  you.

Anyway, I attended on behalf of an old friend and coworker, and had a great time.  Enjoy the pictures!

CLASS OF 2012 | Goodhart Photograpy, Northern Virginia High School Senior Pictures

Not your typical senior portrait, but I love this picture of Mo, Class of 2012. We were at Claude Moore park in Loudoun County early in the morning and it was just beautiful -- albeit rather chilly!

Here's another Dominion High School senior, Kristen:



I've been loving these overhead shots on the ground, the open sky puts amazing light in the girls eyes.

I've been asked which is my favorite time of year for portraits, and it always ends up being the season I'm in.   Right now I can't get enough of the colors and textures of fall, even weeks after foliage has peaked.  Here is Emily of Broad Run High School, sitting among the thistles and weeds.




The best is yet to come --- I'll be in touch in a week or so about setting up your appointments to see all of the proofs!

*****

Unhappy with the senior pictures taken by the school contract photographer?  Goodhart Photography is offering a 2-for-1 special on Class of 2012 senior portraits!  Bring a friend and you each pay half price for your session!  Call/text 703 431 3508 or email goodhart photography @ gmail.com to schedule your appointments today! 

PORTRAITS IN THE PARK | Northern Virginia Loudoun County Family Portraits

I recently met several of my favorite clients at the lovely Claude Moore Park in Loudoun County for a day of mini-photography sessions. Claude Moore is a beautiful location in the fall, with the golden colors of grass and foliage. Here are a few of the results.







The park is also a great location for senior portraits:



Enjoy! The rest should be ready for viewing in a few days!

ALLY CLASS of 2012 | Goodhart Photography, Northern Virginia and Loudoun County Senior Portrait Photographer

This gorgeous senior has a busy schedule, with school, soccer and the Dominion High School homecoming just around the corner, but she managed to find an afternoon for some senior pictures. And look at that light! Gorgeous, golden fall light that flatters Ally's natural beauty.

Here's a few more from our session:







I can't wait to show you all of your images next week!

*************************
Unhappy with your senior pictures from your school's contract photographer? Why not get custom senior pictures that show the real you! Call/text 703- 43 1-3508 for more information or to schedule your own session today!