December, 3 years ago was a cold and all around lonely month. It was my first year living in a new state. I was a new mom and my husband was away at a police academy. I knew NO one in town, didnt have a job, and was a slave to my newborn baby. I knew how to get to the grocery store and back. That was it! Thankfully, that Christmas is when it all began for me and then that January I made the leap. I opened my “Facebook Business Page” and I had 3 likes on my page. One was me. One was my husband and one was my best friend.

I had 2 clients…both friends I begged to let me shoot them (ON AUTO I MIGHT ADD) Oh yeah—I have no shame and I will tell you how it really is….but y’all know that by now : P

For practice, I shot a goat at a local farm, or my children’s stuffed animals on my doorstep. Nope…so not kidding! But after ZERO sleep and the realization that I was either going to sink or swim….that I had to be all in or fall on my face….I AM SO EXCITED TO SAY THAT JUST UNDER 3 YEARS LATER….I NOWWWW have over 3,000 fans on Facebook. I have had the opportunity to welcome over 150 DIFFERENT families into my life….and I have gained more friends and clients than a girl could ever dream of!

 

I truly love each and everyone of my clients and fans! I am especially appreciative of those that follow me and support me on Facebook. I take great pride in the fact that my ENTIRE business is run on this wonderful form of FREE social media. No paid advertising! Simply word of mouth and equally obsessed Facebookers like myself. I owe most of my success to all of you and for that alone…I am forever grateful!

With that said…I also realize that I have a lot of fellow photographers and aspiring photographers in my fan base as well. HOLY FLATTERED! I mean….you all being there supporting me, “liking” my work, messaging me the sweetest compliments in the world?!?!?! Its still a dream to me….I pink myself when I get one of these inbox messages….so thanks for the bruises y’all!

I still have to uncross my eyes every time another photographer asks me for advice, or tells me I “inspire them”. Good golly folks….these are just not things you say to an overly emotional and grateful soul! lol

Regardless…I am beyond honored and excited to have you all on my page and I hope I get to meet and speak with each of you in the near future.

I am a huge fan of “paying it forward”. I did NOTTTT get to where I am alone…without help, guidance, failures, and obstacles. I too took workshops, second shot (and still do), practiced with other photographers…and then practiced some more. I could make a whole post on every photographer I bugged in the beginning asking that fateful question “How do you get your background all blurry like that??” lol

Oh believe me…I was the QUEEN of “Did you really just ask that” questions!

So with all this said…for my 3,000 fan giveaway…I would like to PAY IT FORWARD by gifting TWO lucky photographers, or aspiring photographers, with a day full of shooting, learning, fun and FREE LUNCH AND COFFEE! At the  end…I would also like to take a few head shots of you that maybe you can use on your own Facebook business page or website. : P

Does this sound fun?
 : P

 

 

OK SO HERE IS HOW TO ENTER TO WIN:

1. IN AN EMAIL TO KAITLINNOELPHOTOGRAPHY@YAHOO.COM—- INCLUDE A PICTURE OF YOURSELF. A 5-8 SENTENCE MINI PARAGRAPH ABOUT WHY YOU WANT TO WIN THIS MINI WORK SHOP DAY WITH ME.

2. ALL SUBMISSIONS MUST BE MADE BY SEPTEMBER 10TH!!!!!

3. BY SEPTEMBER 15TH ALL PICTURES AND STORIES WILL BE POSTED TO AN ONLINE GALLERY ON MY FACEBOOK BUSINESS PAGE TITLED “3,000 FAN GIVEAWAY”.

4. YOU THEN MUST SHARE YOUR PHOTO…THE LINK TO YOUR PHOTO IN THE ALBUM….AND GET AS MANY SUPPORTERS AND LIKES AS POSSIBLE UNDER YOUR PICTURE.

5. ALL VOTING STOPS ON SEPTEMBER 23, 2012 AT 8pm.

6. I WILL THEN PICK THE TWO PEOPLE WHO HAVE THE MOST “LIKES” AND SUPPORTERS UNDER THEIR PICTURES. IF A TIE BREAKER IS NEEDED….YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED OF WHAT TO DO NEXT : P

7. THE TWO WINNERS AND I WILL SET A DATE THIS FALL TO SPEND A FUN DAY TOGETHER AND SEE IF WE CAN GET ALL OF YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED : P

 

***Please be kind in this contest. Please tell your supporters and friends that are voting for you to remain kind to all contestants as well.  : )

 

I am so excited to see which two of you win. I wish you all the best of luck in this contest.

With that said….HERE WE GO….CONTEST STARTS RIGHT NOW : )

 

<3 Kaitlin Noel