Last June, Tory and I started this blog because there was nowhere to submit family and children photographs. And we were jealous of all the wedding photographers saying Oh I got featured On Style Me Pretty, or Once Wed or 100 Layer Cake.. and there was nowhere to submit family images.
So on a whim we started Let the Kids. We knew nothing and learned as we went. We now know next to nothing. But one for sure thing we have learned is that blogging takes time. Lots of time. And if you are a mom with young kids, and working as a photographer, then time is something in very short supply. So we need to be compensated for our time. That is where the business part comes in.
Time = money. We need money to run the blog. To compensate for our time. To pay the designers and the hosting and the giveaways and basically to keep the lights on. To get those husbands off our backs.
In the spirit of Yan Photography‘s now infamous “Sick of It” post and to be totally candid, we have also learned that we know really nothing about marketing a blog such as ours. Our readership continues to grow. We have steady readers and add more every day. (we have had over 50,000 unique visitors). But we definitely have not gone “viral”… I only wish. (Should have built an arcade out of cardboard boxes — wasn’t that cool?)
There are now a few family photography blogs out there: Ontobaby and Grey Likes Baby. Both are very pretty and well done. What is the difference between us and those blogs? Both have a stronger emphasis on newborns and babies. We show newborns and babies, but also kids, and families, and high school seniors and couples. They both focus on lots of details. Our focus is the people. We have been focusing on the photography. On the connection between people documented. On the images that the clients want to see and buy and put on their walls.
Tory and I love creative photography. We wanted to and have succeeded in creating a place where creative family photography is showcased, where different photographers’ voices can be heard, where each feature looks different than the last. Where photographers can come for inspiration and potential clients can come to see just how good their family photography can and should be.
But is that enough? The jury is out.
And big huge thank yous to Richard Photo Lab, Instaproofs, VistaPrints, Clickin Moms for their continued support.
images by me (wendy laurel).
Thanks for hanging with us today,
Wendy
when I found your blog i just let out this enormous sigh of relief. children weren’t airbrushed to within an inch of their life……….just real, honest, beautiful photos, nothing was overly styled or “fake” – I will def contact you to advertise – this blog is worth keeping alive forever!
I was so nervous putting this up. Its such a relief to read your post Rachael before I head off to bed. At least I feel a little less nervous now. Thank you.
I love Let the Kids! Like Rachael above, there was such a sense of relief when I came across it the first time. It is such an inspiration and as soon as I have a portfolio that is worthy I will be signing up for your listing…in the meantime I will be following, liking and spreading the good word about what you guys do.
I agree. It’s inspired me to become a better photographer. I submitted, was rejected and it made me look at my work and think .. OK, I need to be better so I can be accepted. And now I’m working on it. Just hoping I can get clients because I also raised my prices — it was time. I know I’m worth it. I have worked hard to get where I am and I need to be compensated, but it is still nerve wracking. For now I am concentrating on improving to your standards, without losing who I am as a photographer.
This is a beautiful blog and I hope it keeps going!! I loved it when I first saw it and liked on FB straight away!! And this post is beautifully written! xoxo
i love your blog… i love the photographers you feature! you girls rock xxx
Your blog is so inspiring and I feel so honored to have been published here already! You guys rock!!!!
i freaking love this blog. it reminds me to keep trusting my eye and shooting what *i* see that means something to me and will mean something to my clients. i’ve wanted to submit but have just been too nervous. i *love* the work you show here.
maybe i’ll get brave enough to list myself as a favorite here and FINALLY submit some work. LOVE this blog!!!!
I too love this blog for all the inspiration you put out there! Also love that you post images of families and kids and are not just focused on the newborns and babies, it’s a blog that just wasn’t out there before and I’m so grateful to have found it! Thanks!
Just found your blog via a link on Facebook… your campaign seems to working! Well done. I’ve been hoping there were blogs like yours out there. Can’t wait to look around and send then submit something to you. x.
I love you ladies and your beautiful blog! Best wishes for even more success in the future! 🙂
I love Let The Kids! It’s a breath of fresh air in a world full of posed and “too perfect” photos and blogs. I hope to one day have a strong-enough body of work to show off here 😉
Wow.. we so appreciate all your comments. It is really nice to know that others feel the same about our blog as we do. Thanks so much for letting us know!!
I love y’all and was so honored when you featured me last year! 😉 I will keep spreading the word about your awesomeness! 😀
2 reasons why I love this blog…
1. It is a breath of fresh air… I mean there aren’t many family photography blog out. I’m a huge family person.. I love shooting them and being around all the love and ruckus taking place.
2. The ladies that are running this whole shabang are dope!!! Tory and Wendy you ladies are a class act and it was a honor to be featured on your blog! Keep pimping the film family photographers!!
ha! we love you Reggie
I’ve been in love with this blog from day one! I will definitely add myself to the Favourites list and continue to read and share. Seeing other people’s work is inspiring and keeps me on my toes. It makes me want to grow and improve and try new things.
i still can’t figure out how you two do it all! love the blog, love the work that’s chosen to be featured, keep it up ladies!!
What about google ad sense?
Ill have to google it and see…. I know nothing about it, but thats a great idea. Thanks!
I love this blog! Please don’t go away. I will spread the word around these parts.
what you do is priceless, and i am so happy to support you in any way. i am PROUD to be a favorite, i adore everything about this blog, and can credit you both to introducing me to my favorite photographers. being featured was the highlight of my year, to be among such talented, real, soulful company. there is heart behind what you see here, and you realize that perfect is subjective, a living, changing, colorful concept. and that each photographer needs to show their own unique voice, love, and experience. big love from here <3
Wow… Can we quote you? We are going to try writing some articles to get our name out there. Maybe you should write them. Only half kidding.
I love your blog and I am happy to support it by joining the Favorites and added it to my faves blogs in my own blog. 🙂
Keep the good work coming!!!
I’ve just recently discovered your blog, and I feel like I’ve “come home.” Now I just need to figure out which session to submit. Thank you for finally giving family photographers our day in the sun!
xxoo