Beverly Hills Wedding Photographer Jen OSullivan

Engagement Shootout

Saturday, March 6, 2010 at 8:55pm

engagementshootout_web It is finally here! My annual Engagement Shootout! Here’s the skinny:

Get in on this once in a lifetime chance to get some great photography of you and your fiance from multiple wedding photographers! Absolutely Free!

When: Saturday April 17th from 4-7pm
Where: El Matador Beach
What: Get photographed at no cost with some extraordinary photographers (up to 6 shooters will work with you for 20 minutes each.)
You Get: All your files from each photographer at no cost! A donation of any size to LETMESAIL will be encouraged. http://www.letmesail.com
The Catch: There is none! You get to test drive some really great shooters BEFORE you hire one with no strings attached.

Rules:
Please RSVP to me no later than April 14th.
You must be engaged to be married with an actual date set
You cannot have a photographer already booked for your wedding.
There is limited space so please get your RSVP in soon to jen@jenosullivan.com

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Copyright © 2010 by Jen O’Sullivan http://www.jenosullivan.com
Beverly Hills Wedding Photographer, Jen O’Sullivan is a boutique wedding photographer who specializes in portrait journalism.
Jen O’Sullivan Boutique Wedding Photography | 357 South Robertson Boulevard, Beverly Hills, California, 90211 | 310-494-6547

Posted in UPCOMING EVENTS | Tags: "El Matador Beach", bridal, Engaged, engagement, fiance, Photography, photos, shootout, Wedding

by Jen

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Sometimes we need a little Peace

Saturday, March 6, 2010 at 12:40am

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There is nothing more peaceful than a two year old at rest. Especially a 2 year old boy. There is a lot to be learned from simply watching a child sleep. Generally speaking I am an upbeat positive person who honestly likes to help people. I get a ton of support from my family and friends who know first hand how crazy my life is. I love my life! I love my family! I am passionate about what I do for a living and I think that upsets people sometimes. Upsets them because they want it too and can’t seem to get it, or they are afraid to take the steps necessary to get there. There is a lot of change in this world and things move at a pretty fast clip. I encourage every one of you to just get yourself out there. Move forward. Do whatever it takes. And most of all find peace in your life, however small, just make sure you find it.

Blessings, always!

~ Jen

Copyright © 2010 by Jen O’Sullivan http://www.jenosullivan.com
Beverly Hills Wedding Photographer, Jen O’Sullivan is a boutique wedding photographer who specializes in portrait journalism.
Jen O’Sullivan Boutique Wedding Photography | 357 South Robertson Boulevard, Beverly Hills, California, 90211 | 310-494-6547

Posted in ABOUT JEN, Jacob, Jen's Random Life Tips | Tags: blessings, change, life, passionate, Peace, positive, support, world

by Jen

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Pre-production day for Unveiled

Friday, March 5, 2010 at 4:58pm

Unveiled is the newest hottest wedding show happening this month! We just had our prep meeting and I am super excited to be a part of it all. Here is the skinny: It is on March 28th from 11am to 4pm on Melrose Place. They are literally shutting down the street for this event. Check out their website for more info: http://www.unveiledevent.com/what.html Here are some quick shots of the meeting with owner of Plan A Events, Tarin Wilson at the helm.

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Copyright © 2010 by Jen O’Sullivan http://www.jenosullivan.com
Beverly Hills Wedding Photographer, Jen O’Sullivan is a boutique wedding photographer who specializes in portrait journalism.
Jen O’Sullivan Boutique Wedding Photography | 357 South Robertson Boulevard, Beverly Hills, California, 90211 | 310-494-6547

Posted in ABOUT JEN, Business Announcements, UPCOMING EVENTS | Tags: "Los Angeles", "Plan A", bridal, event, Melrose, show, Wedding

by Jen

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Wedding And Event Specialists Open House

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 at 10:14pm

I hosted a successful Open House for Wedding And Event Specialists today at my studio in Beverly Hills. There was a lot of positive energy in the room… just the way I like it! Special thanks to Marc Dahm of Bluecat International for setting up his new Flippin’ Cool flip books booth, Melinda Piligian of CAKEgoodness for bringing her new and most fabulous “CAKEpops,” and Sabrina Vegnone of Sabrina’s Sweetery for bringing her delicious mini cookie bites!

Here are a few snaps my assistants, Santiago Valencia and Samantha Logan took during the one hour event.

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Melinda’s yummy (and I mean YUMMY) CAKEpops.

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Sabrina’s delectable mini cookies. (the lemon were my faves!)

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Wedding And Event Specialists information brochures.

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Mark with is trusted (and might I add extremely talented photographer) office manager, Brittany. Check out her work here: http://www.noirseries.com/

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Some guests taking a look at their “created on the spot” flip books. These things are super cool!

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Guests in attendance of the Wedding And Event Specialists Open House
(in first name alphabetical order.)

Members:

Betsy diFrancesca
Betsy diFrancesca Hair & Makeup
(818) 786-0422
betsy@betsymh.com
www.betsymh.com

Jaime Macias
Lensley, LLC (Automated Portrait Studios)
(310) 895-0974
jaime@lensley.com
http://lensley.com

Jen O’Sullivan
Jen O’Sullivan Boutique Wedding Photography
357 South Robertson Boulevard
Beverly Hills, California 90211
(310) 494-6547
jen@jenosullivan.com
http://www.jenosullivan.com

Lorna Small
Small World Travel (Destination Weddings and Honeymoon Specialist)
(310) 397-2704
lorna@small-world-travel.com
www.small-world-travel.com
www.onelovetravelclub.com

Marc Dahm
Bluecat International, LLC (Videography and Flip Books)
357 S. Robertson Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
(310) 360-0631
marc@bluecatintl.com

Melinda Piligian
CAKEgoodness (Cake Artisit)
(661) 755-1367
info@cakegoodness.com
www.cakegoodness.com

Guests:

Arley Ann Laman
Events Me! (Event Planner)
(310) 909-4049
arleyannlaman@gmail.com
www.aalstudios.com

Cheryl Jablow
Social Frog Designs (Event Producer and Custom Correspondence)
(661) 722-9966
cheryl@socialfrog.com
www.socialfrog.com

Rev. Clint Hufft (Officiant)
(323) 936-9027
revhufft@mac.com
www.ReverendClint.com

Gretchen Gill Durgan
Flower Power L.A.
(310) 923-1322
moreinfo@flowerpowerla.com
www.flowerpowerla.com

Joanna Chong
J. Soiree (Event Producer)
(323) 244-8865
joannachong@gmail.com
www.joanna-chong.blogspot.com
www.jsoiree-events.com

Josh Kafka
Blisscape (Travel and Bliss Agent)
877-78-BLISS
josh@blisscape.com
www.blisscape.com

Julia Hewitt
Eventures Inc. (Event Producer)
(818) 673-2961
Julia@eventuresinc.net
www.eventuresinc.net

Mary Jean Valente
A Ceremony of the Heart (Officiant)
(323) 650-3020
mjvalente@prodigy.net
www.ceremonyoftheheart.com

Michael Quarterman
Sound Stills (DJ and Photography)
(310) 729-2200
mqueman@yahoo.com
http://www.soundstills.com

Nesly Palacios
Nesly’s Floral Design & Events
(323) 428-7017 cell
neslyp@sbcglobal.net
www.neslysfloraldesignandevents.com

Pam Bloch
Celebration Cards (Wedding Branding and Couture Invitations)
(877) 725-7897
pam@celebrationcards.com
www.celebrationcards.com

Sabrina Vegnone
Sabrina’s Sweetery (Custom Cookies)
(323) 632-8470
sabrina@sabrinassweetery.com
www.SabrinasSweetery.com

Tami Brown
Celebrate with Tami Brown (Certified Wedding Planner)
(310) 691-9961
tami@celebratewithtamibrown.com
www.celebratewithtamibrown.com

Tara Dowburd-Luftman
Make-Up Therapy (Make-Up Artist)
(310) 709-6585
tara@makeuptherapy.com
www.makeuptherapy.com

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Copyright © 2010 by Jen O’Sullivan http://www.jenosullivan.com
Beverly Hills Wedding Photographer, Jen O’Sullivan is a boutique wedding photographer who specializes in portrait journalism.
Jen O’Sullivan Boutique Wedding Photography | 357 South Robertson Boulevard, Beverly Hills, California, 90211 | 310-494-6547

Posted in BUSINESS PRACTICE, Marketing | Tags: "Wedding And Event Specialists", event, groups, house, Marketing, networking, open, specialists, Wedding

by Jen

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Joanna Chong - Jen, thank you so much for a wonderful opportunity to meet and share with such amazing people! I had a blast, and of course, the photos (and the cookies and cupcake pops! super YUM) were great! -Joanna, J.Soiree www.jsoiree-events.com

Photo Studio Practice: Finding, Hiring, Training, and yes, Firing Assistants

Tuesday, March 2, 2010 at 10:27pm

There are two roles an assistant can take: studio assistant or production assistant. They sometimes cross over each other, but most times do not. Studio people tend to be the ones really good with the left brain stuff like organizing, tracking, billing, paper work, filing, etc., while production assistants are the more creative types. They want to be in the action. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of people who are good, if not great at both, they are just harder to find. So, how do you FIND an assistant? How do you interview and HIRE an assistant? How do you TRAIN your assistant? And how do you FIRE them if they are a bad apple. Sorry folks, some people will just not work out and you HAVE to fire them. It is part of being a business owner. Here are some helpful tips within each stage of the employment process.

Click HERE to learn more about FINDING AN ASSISTANT
Click HERE to learn more about HIRING AN ASSISTANT
Click HERE to learn more about TRAINING AN ASSISTANT
Click HERE to learn more about FIRING AN ASSISTANT

Beverly Hills Wedding Photographer, Jen O’Sullivan is a boutique wedding photographer who specializes in portrait journalism.

Jen O’Sullivan Boutique Wedding Photography | 357 South Robertson Boulevard, Beverly Hills, California, 90211 | 310-494-6547

Posted in BUSINESS PRACTICE, Studio Practice | Tags: assistant, assistants, Finding, firing, hiring, Intern, photo, practice, Production, Studio, training

by Jen

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Photo Studio Practice: Finding an Assistant

Tuesday, March 2, 2010 at 10:26pm

Here are ten tips on how to find just the right assistant:

1. Write out a list of things you will need them to do on a weekly basis.

2. Determine the number of hours per week you will need them.

3. Decide what the best days would be for you to have them in your studio (home office or brick and mortar.)

4. Decide if you want to pay an assistant or hire them as an intern for work experience as their pay.

5. If you decide to pay them, you will need to set up a W2 or 1099 for them. 1099s are easier and you can just get their Social Security number and have your tax person send them a 1099 at the end of the year.

6. If you decide to have a work for trade internship, clearly define the agreement. For instance “For every 25 hours of work you give me, I will give you an hour of private lessons.” What I do is “pay” my assistants who work for trade $15 per hour to go as credits towards whatever they want: photography lessons, Photoshop or Lightroom lessons, or actual portrait sessions.

7. Ask around first. Remember there is “strength in weak ties.” You never know who is looking to assist in your area of expertise so put the word out EVERYWHERE.

8. Go to the local community colleges in your area. Connect with the department chair of your field of expertise and give them a physical job description for them to post up and email out to the students. They are more than happy to do this and you will most likely find some really eager people.

9. Connect with your local High School Career Resources person. They are the ones who work closely with the Juniors and Seniors to help them figure out what Colleges and career paths to take. They really know the students and can usually hook you up with someone who is incredible. Just tell them the type of person you are looking for and they will pass your info on to the students.

10. If you are involved in a Church or Synagogue, these can be great resources too. Let a few people know you are looking for an assistant and the news will travel like wildfire (especially if you or your spouse is involved in any women’s groups.)

Click HERE to learn more about FINDING AN ASSISTANT (You’re on this Page!)
Click HERE to learn more about HIRING AN ASSISTANT
Click HERE to learn more about TRAINING AN ASSISTANT
Click HERE to learn more about FIRING AN ASSISTANT

Click HERE to go back to the beginning of this discussion.

Beverly Hills Wedding Photographer, Jen O’Sullivan is a boutique wedding photographer who specializes in portrait journalism.

Jen O’Sullivan Boutique Wedding Photography | 357 South Robertson Boulevard, Beverly Hills, California, 90211 | 310-494-6547

Posted in BUSINESS PRACTICE, Studio Practice | Tags: assistant, Finding, firing, hiring, Intern, photo, Photography, practice, Production, Studio, training

by Jen

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rachael - I like the idea of paying $15 an hr in trade. When I wanted to get started in photography, I sought out an internship with the photographer in my area who I felt was at the top of her game. Alot of ppl sought an internship with her, but somehow she chose me. I felt like I had to prove myself to her in order to earn training. She was very protective of her knowledge and even said she was worried about training competition. Anything I learned was soley by observation. It was extremely difficult, even when I was editing her images she seemed frustrated if I had questions about it. Rather than equipping me to best help her. (?????) I should have realized what a huge red flag that was. But I felt like if i did the work she would train me. 6 mos. later I BURNT OUT. She always complimented me on my work ethic and other things.. but I just never was given any semblance of hands on training at all. I felt very cheated by the end of 6 mos. and felt like I had done enough to prove myself, but she wasn't going to share. It was a horribly dissapointing experience for me, and it did leave a bad taste in my mouth for her and her business. I feel like I could have been even more of an asset to her if she would have utilized and treated me properly. I was always volunteering to do even the most menial tasks.. I even offered to clean her house to free up her time (her office was in her house) I JUST WANTED TO LEARN.. and was SO willing to earn it. I appreciated this blog series, Jen... I guess I vented enough.. sorry :)

rachael - I think I would have loved being your assistant, Jen! ..bummer I live so far north :)

Photo Studio Practice: Finding, Hiring, Training, and yes, Firing Assistants » Beverly Hills Wedding Photographer Jen OSullivan - [...] Click HERE to learn more about FINDING AN ASSISTANT Click HERE to learn more about HIRING AN ASSISTANT Click HERE to learn more about TRAINING AN ASSISTANT Click HERE to learn more about FIRING AN ASSISTANT [...]

Photo Studio Practice: Hiring an Assistant

Tuesday, March 2, 2010 at 10:24pm

Here are ten tips on how to successfully HIRE an assistant:

1. Write up a list of thoughtful questions to ask. Click HERE for a list I use.

2. Create a simple form for them to fill out. Go to any local store and ask for an application, then copy it for yourself. You may want to email this to them and have them email it back BEFORE you meet.

3. Meet with them at the place they will be working if for a studio position.

4. Meet with them at a neutral place such as a coffee shop if for a production position.

5. If you are meeting in a coffee shop, or the like, YOU pay for their coffee or drink.

6. Dress professionally. It will show them what you expect of them. If you show up in ratty old jeans and tennis shoes they will start out with a “friend” impression of you rather than a “boss” impression.

7. Bring a note pad, and actually take notes. If you are interviewing more than one person, believe me, you will confuse them. You will need to make the most informed decision. After all, this is YOUR baby!

8. Do not let the interview take longer than 30 minutes. This is not a time to get chatty. Keep it professional.

9. Have a list of work responsibilities for them as well as the agreement in plain terms. Go over it with them so they fully understand what you are looking for and what they will get in return.

10. Look for these key things when conducting the interview: body language, are they giving you eye contact?, are they slouched back or perched forward on their chair?, what are they wearing (note their shoes,) are they well groomed (look at their finger nails,) do their answers seem rehearsed?, are THEY taking notes? It is not that all these things are super important, however they will tell you a little bit more about them. People put their best foot forward (or at least they should) with interviews, so look at the details.

Click HERE to learn more about FINDING AN ASSISTANT
Click HERE to learn more about HIRING AN ASSISTANT (You’re on this page!)
Click HERE to learn more about TRAINING AN ASSISTANT
Click HERE to learn more about FIRING AN ASSISTANT

Click HERE to go back to the beginning of this discussion.

Beverly Hills Wedding Photographer, Jen O’Sullivan is a boutique wedding photographer who specializes in portrait journalism.

Jen O’Sullivan Boutique Wedding Photography | 357 South Robertson Boulevard, Beverly Hills, California, 90211 | 310-494-6547

Posted in BUSINESS PRACTICE, Studio Practice | Tags: assistant, Finding, firing, hiring, Intern, photo, Photography, practice, Production, Studio, training

by Jen

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Photo Studio Practice: Finding an Assistant » Beverly Hills Wedding Photographer Jen OSullivan - [...] HERE to learn more about FINDING AN ASSISTANT (You’re on this Page!) Click HERE to learn more about HIRING AN ASSISTANT Click HERE to learn more about TRAINING AN ASSISTANT Click HERE to learn more about FIRING AN [...]

Photo Studio Practice: Training an Assistant

Tuesday, March 2, 2010 at 10:23pm

Here are some useful tips on how to train both a Studio Assistant and a Production Assistant.

TRAIN an Assistant (Studio)

1. For Studio Assistants, give small repeatable tasks at first to get them warmed up. You will learn a lot about HOW they learn right in the beginning. Get them into a routine. This will help build their confidence.

2. Set them up with their own space. Don’t hover over them all the time.

3. Tell them how you would like the phone answered and how you expect them to talk to people. You will be surprised at how little people really know about phone etiquette.

4. It is important to make yourself available for them for the first few weeks in case they have any questions.

5. After a couple of weeks start giving them more responsibility. Consider training them in something a bit more advanced by giving them a “lesson” in how something is done.

6. Have tasks ready for them before they come in. Think of ways to show them your business while they help you.

7. Create time cards or have a place they can keep track of their time.

8. Be kind and thank them. Tell them they are doing a good job every once in a while.

9. Correct them when they make an error. Some of you hate the idea of conflict. Sorry, but it is part of being a business owner. You need to get over this and remember they need your correction if they want to learn. Just do it in love.

10. After they work for you for a while (30-60 days) do an evaluation with them. Ask them how they are doing, questions they might have, if they feel this is something they are enjoying. At this point determine if you need to move into phase 4: FIRING an Assistant.

TRAIN an Assistant (Production)

Click HERE for my Assistant Guidelines.

Everyone is different so you will need to figure out what you want and need from a production assistant. Do you want a bag carrier, lighting assistant, second or third shooter? My assistants come in 4 forms: principal assistant (the person who shoots the groom and other things I cannot get to), second assistant (the person who shows up at the start of the ceremony to capture extra shots and then to capture the cocktail hour, portrait studio assistant (sometimes is also the principal, however this person is strictly in charge of shooting the portraits in the reception studio), third assistant (an intern working for free in hopes of gaining experience or working up to a paid position.)

Click HERE to learn more about FINDING AN ASSISTANT
Click HERE to learn more about HIRING AN ASSISTANT
Click HERE to learn more about TRAINING AN ASSISTANT (You’re on this page!)
Click HERE to learn more about FIRING AN ASSISTANT

Click HERE to go back to the beginning of this discussion.

Beverly Hills Wedding Photographer, Jen O’Sullivan is a boutique wedding photographer who specializes in portrait journalism.

Jen O’Sullivan Boutique Wedding Photography | 357 South Robertson Boulevard, Beverly Hills, California, 90211 | 310-494-6547

Posted in BUSINESS PRACTICE, Studio Practice | Tags: assistant, Finding, firing, hiring, Intern, photo, Photography, practice, Production, Studio, training

by Jen

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Photo Studio Practice: Firing an Assistant

Tuesday, March 2, 2010 at 10:22pm

Here are 5 tips on firing your assistant:

1. For Production assistants it is easy: don’t ask them back for your next job.

2. For Studio assistants you will have to sit down with them and actually tell them they are no longer needed. Be honest. Do not tell them a lie or give them an excuse. It will make you look like (and actually BE) a weak business owner. It is kind of like breaking up with someone. You may wish to give them constructive criticism on why you are letting them go and how they can improve, however I think it is best to just let them go by telling them it is not working out and move on. Don’t drag it out.

3. End things on a positive note. Remember, every connection you make is still a connection and you do not want ANYONE having a bad taste in their mouth about you or your business. It is bad for business.

4. Sometimes you have to let them go because you do not have enough work. This is fine but only if it is true. You would look like a louse if you let them go and then they found out you were looking for someone again.

5. Finalize your work agreement within 2 weeks. If you owe them money, pay them right away. If you owe them trade time, get it done within 2 weeks. If for some reason you cannot complete the trade within 2 weeks, give them an end date that it must be completed by.

Click HERE to go back to the beginning of this discussion.

Click HERE to learn more about FINDING AN ASSISTANT
Click HERE to learn more about HIRING AN ASSISTANT
Click HERE to learn more about TRAINING AN ASSISTANT
Click HERE to learn more about FIRING AN ASSISTANT (You’re on this Page!)

Click HERE to go back to the beginning of this discussion.

Beverly Hills Wedding Photographer, Jen O’Sullivan is a boutique wedding photographer who specializes in portrait journalism.

Jen O’Sullivan Boutique Wedding Photography | 357 South Robertson Boulevard, Beverly Hills, California, 90211 | 310-494-6547

Beverly Hills Wedding Photographer, Jen O’Sullivan is a boutique wedding photographer who specializes in portrait journalism.

Jen O’Sullivan Boutique Wedding Photography | 357 South Robertson Boulevard, Beverly Hills, California, 90211 | 310-494-6547

Posted in BUSINESS PRACTICE, Studio Practice | Tags: assistant, Finding, firing, hiring, Intern, photo, Photography, practice, Production, Studio, training