Probably the smartest thing I have done for my business is connecting with other business owners. Not just any business owner, but talented, professional, honest business owners, who carry that reputation with them in our community and throughout social networking sites. Developing relationships with my clients is a trait that I covet as being “known” for. But, I’ve found that building relationships with other business owners is just as important.
I can’t imagine a prettier backdrop for a photo shoot than ballerinas on pointe. For this shoot, I teamed up with Karen Wade, the owner of Stafford Dance Center in Stafford, Virginia. Tina Dean designed some amazing dance bags, fashioned from plarn, or yarn made of plastic bags. Yes, grocery store plastic bags. I’m still amazed at what she does! Kristal Lacy Lee, owner of Atututudes Hand Made Tutus, sent us some of her amazing tutus for the shoot. Karen loaned us her dancers and instructed them with her wonderful technique and unique style throughout. She makes dance look so easy, and fun. It turned out to be a wonderful promotional shoot for Stafford Dance Center, Tina Dean Designs, and Atutudes! We are quite the team, along with our make-up artist Heather Haas, who worked her make-up magic on already beautiful models. We were so excited about the shoot, and even got some amazing accessories sent to us to use from a couple of other wonderful designers. Shannon Szemenyei, owner and designer at Sweet Stella’s in London, Ontario, sent us some of her amazing hand sculpted hair pieces. Susan Nussbaum of Town of Beadrock designed the gorgeous bracelets you will see in the images. These first images include TDD’s logo for Tina Dean’s promotional purposes and to me have a more finished look. All of them represent Atutudes and Stafford Dance Center. I’m so blessed to know these wonderful women. I can tell ya one thing, it’s not an accident that we are connected!
Every shoot is a team effort, and this was no different. All of us played a major role, and we all bounced ideas off of each other throughout the shoot. Our dancers had some fresh ideas that we built on. Enjoy these images from our shoot, and some of my favorite candids of us in action.
I’m pretty sure you’ll be seeing more of KPP, TDD and SDC working together in some capacity. One thing I’m certain of…I’ve fallen into this amazing world of product and editorial photography that I absolutely LOVE! Stay tuned…the best is yet to come! xo
one great thing leads to another! you are a wonderful talent and beautiful person!
Thank you Kate! I’m so excited about the amazing connections I have made, including you!!
Very proud of my DIL. Very talented. I’m so glad she has found a calling she loves, with associates who work together for the good of the group. Great products ladies!
Thank you, MIL! I couldn’t do any of it without the support of an amazing hubby. xo
oh wow.. that is great.
WOW! What a lovely post! Great pics! The last one is a lot of fun! Can see the fun that everyone was having! Thanks for sharing this, Karen!
Thank you Alexandra, we had a blast!
Some truly amazing photos that capture the simplicity and beauty of the dancers. Love them!
oh my goodness! I am so blessed to have been a part of this shoot! Truly amazing work!
Cannot wait to work with you more Shannon! Your products are fantastic!
Those are some incredible photos, Karen! I love the composition and the lighting!
Karen, I enjoyed the post and the photos. I also love photography – what a great way to spend your time. I also appreciate what you say about the value of connecting – and totally agree.
The photos came out so great. I love dancers, and the pictures are amazing.
Thanks so much Sally!
Beautiful photography! I also love how you brought your business relationships into your blog, promoted them and set the stage for a great post showing your expertise. Yours is an example of business blogging at it’s best!
Thank you Sherry! They are all wonderful people and have wonderful businesses. I couldn’t do what I do without them. I appreciate you stopping by and your sweet comments!
The first photo at the top of this post with the lady in the red top is striking! I love this!
Martiel, thank you for stopping by and for your sweet comment!
Just magnificent photos, Karen. I love the analogy to team effort in your work and social media connections. Fabulous!
I am so very blessed to be a part of this and to have been able to introduce and meet so many talented people. Your photography is beautiful and creative, and I’m happy to call you the official photographer for Tina Dean Designs. 😉
Tina, you are the driving force behind this! Thank YOU!!! I am honored to be TDD’s official photographer. WOW, what a title! And an amazing plug to add onto my resume. xo
Amazing photos! I admire your work 🙂
Thank you Anita!
Talk about a win-win solution! And an energy of authenticity somehow emanates from the combination. Is there any cross-promotion potential there as well?
Absolutely Sharon! We are working on a few ideas:-) Thank you for your comments!!
Wow what amazing pictures! That is am awesome talent!