Sweet Alice Photography

It snowed in the Hudson Valley yesterday, so here's an obligatory snow photo.

Anyone else missing weddings? Us too - and we can't wait for the day that we get to celebrate with you again! Big thanks to Carolyn of Tesora Photography for creating this beautiful collaboration with all of us!... We: Emily Kirke Photography Miss: Francesca Dominique Photography Our: Essie Cohen Makeup Artist Weddings: Beet and Blossom And: Meredith Makeup Couples: Coppola Creative So: Jack and Grace Much: Jack and Grace And: Lizzie Burger Photography Can't: Tesora Photography Wait: Molly Morris Photo To: Amy Elizabeth Beauty Celebrate: Shaina Lee Photography With: Me! You: Simply Gorgeous by Erin Soon: Kristina Staal Photography

Sitting on the investment fence for you and your business? Then I have 2 questions for you: 1. Are you more focused on what you are spending than what you are gaining? 2. Are you expecting other people to invest in your services when you aren’t willing to do the same? ... Watch this video for some perspective shifts, and feel free to apply for my group coaching program using the link below. https://sweetalicephotography.lpages.co/get-smart/

Today is the first day of a new year. You will see a ton of mantras today. Things telling you that THIS IS YOUR YEAR to lose weight/clear up your skin/start a business/find a partner/get a new job... At the very least, organize your pantry. I would like to offer both release and permission here.... 2021 can ABSOLUTELY be YOUR YEAR. But it doesn't only have to be YOUR YEAR in what you do, create, maintain, clean up. It can also be in how you grow, where your mindset opens up, how you allow yourself to rest, where your worldview expands. It doesn't have to be outward-facing, and it also doesn't need to be shared for public consumption and congratulations. It's up to you what the next 365 days will hold. And that can be for us to see, or not. It's valid and valuable either way.

Oof. 2020 has been a doozy, hasn't it? I think I am saying that gently.... I am not thankful for the mess of a year that this was. I am not grateful for the lives that have been lost or the injustices we have seen. I am not happy that things were turned upside down this year. Truth be told, I am sad that it has taken a year like this to open our eyes - MY EYES - to so much of our societal mess. However. I wouldn't trade 2020 in for anything. Here's why: - Our eyes were opened to inequalities. In the healthcare system, for our BIPOC neighbors, within our politics. Our hearts were broken over these inequities. This was necessary. - Our eyes were opened to the possibility of rest in the midst of chaos. Our American experience praises going and doing and creating, so when we were forced to sit our butts at home, our hearts were confused - but eventually nourished by this idea. This was necessary. - Our eyes were opened to flexibility. Every wedding postponed. Every business required to pivot. Every family forced to think of new ways to be in community with each other. Our plans and rigidity were challenged. This was necessary. - Our eyes were opened to selfishness. Every time someone didn't put a mask on in our presence. Every time someone didn't stand up for what is right for fear of being ostracized. Every time we looked the other way. Our society is selfish. We are a mess, and now we know. This was necessary. And, but, most of all, our eyes were opened to grace. Grace when things are gross. Grace when things are challenging. Grace when the LAST thing we want to do is turn the other cheek. Grace for each other. Grace for ourselves. Grace in knowing that each day is new. 2020 taught us to KNOW better so we can DO better. 2020 showed us that we can run towards the challenge, and come out ok(ish) on the other side. We don't need to be afraid of the work. We need to be afraid of what comes after if we DON'T do the work. 2020 was a doozy. But I wouldn't trade it in for anything.

Taking today to shout out the incredible women who have JUST GRADUATED from my group coaching program... Maisie Snyder Photography Bell and Ivory Photography Kelly Jean Photography Photography by Mariah Mae... They are SO incredible, and just the best in the biz. If you are lucky enough to be supported by them, in community with them, and served by them, you are just the most fortunate ever. Congrats, ladies! I love you TOO much.

It's not Friday, but this is my business page, so hi - hello. Time for a WEDNESDAY introduction. I'm Erica, and I'm a Hudson Valley wedding photographer and photography industry business coach for other heart-centered photographers. I love images and words, and the instant gratification of both (I mean, is there anything more satisfying than crafting a meaningful sentence? I think not). I've always wanted pink hair, and recently dyed it to be so (but you can't see that in t...his photo - bummer). I have two dogs, two cats, and one husband. I've always loved small things, and would rather eat yogurt with a small dessert spoon than a normal-sized one. I can't figure out how to turn off the Google chat notifications on my phone, thanks to an interesting new update. I recently learned that "sus" is short for "suspicious," and I am 100% behind this slang. I grew up on Star Wars and Star Trek, and one of my most vivid childhood memories is attending a Star Trek exhibit with my dad at the Boston Museum of Science (I bought a Tribble, and a replica of Geordi La Forge's visor). I find humans endlessly fascinating, and if it weren't for the horrific idea of going back to school for at least 4 more years, I think I would be interested in pursuing the study of psychology more. I know the enneagram like the back of my hand (2w3 here, at your service). "Be Our Guest" from Beauty and the Beast often gets stuck in my head, as well as "The One" from Taylor Swift. What can I say? My music taste varies. I once drove my tricycle into gross pond water "by accident" after my mom told me not to because it was a hot day. It's not a surprise that my mom owned not one but TWO copies of that popular book "The Strong-Willed Child" when I was little. Props to her for dealing with me from ages 0 - 23. My greatest aspiration in life is to be the crazy aunt to my nieces and nephews. I'm succeeding, in case any of you were actually wondering. Happy Wednesday. And if today isn't happy, there's always tomorrow.

Some precious sweethearts are on the blog today http://www.sweetalicephotography.com//crested-hen-farms-we

You've probably heard it said that a camera is only as good as the photographer behind it. That's true, but this truth shouldn't only be limited to artistic license and skill level. It should also keep in mind client comfort and levels of client experience. Our camera can provide the welcome mat to our business, but if we don't intentionally hone what we can provide to clients as human beings over consumers, our business will be quick to either die on the vine or run rampant ...with joyless work. Listen to this video to learn more about a few important pillars to keep in mind when curating your client experience. And, if you want to learn more from me and be in community with other likeminded photographers, join my free Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/profitableweddingphotographerwithericaleman

Decidedly happy to be ringing out 2020 this week. Bye to all the Felicias.

It's easy to think that everything put in our path is meant for us - but what if it isn't? The key here is to analyze every option offered to you at both a high and granular level. If we choose to serve, we need to choose to serve WELL, and determining what opportunities best allow that for us is imperative when growing a business.

Kind reminder: You're worthy even when you don't think you are. You're worthy just because YOU are.

I used to think that I could fake it 'til I made it in many aspects of my life and business. The mantra sounds so good, right? So easy... But in my gut, I knew that I was phoning it in and operating out of scarcity instead of integrity. I wanted my business to succeed, but I was unable to allow it to grow because I connected my human worth to the success of my business, and, in doing so, kept it held tight to my chest. I craved external validation as the indicator of how conf...ident I could be in all areas of my life. Honestly, it wasn't super fun. It took several years of striving, trying, failing, and trying again to finally realize that confidence can't be contrived, and that the only way to succeed in the wedding photography business is to know that (1) my business framework is solid and (2) that my business doesn't define who I (as a living, breathing, whole PERSON) am. Want to be in community together? Apply for a chat below! https://sweetalicephotography.lpages.co/get-smart/

If you've been on the fence about working with me as a mentor - I get it. I really do. Sacrifice goes hand in hand with business investments. In various different currencies. Time. Money. Ego.... And sacrifice never feels comfortable. So, it might feel hard to say yes to working with me - and, honestly, yes to allowing yourself to soar. So many of us stay small because we are afraid of the unknown; as if, perhaps, the unknown is just DESTINED to be problematic. What if the unknown is actually DESTINED to be successful? If you are craving success, and know that NOW is the time to trust yourself and soar, send me a message, and let's get the party started. "Erica helped me turn my dream of being a photographer into a reality. Prior to working with Erica, I had all of these ideas buzzing in my head as to how I wanted to structure and grow my photography business. By talking through my ideas and different business topics with Erica, I was able to create an organized plan and improve the foundation of my photography business. I was instilled with the confidence to understand the value of my business, my value as a photographer, who my ideal clients are, and the values that I want my business to be based upon. I feel more organized than ever with how I want to run and grow my business. Erica took my concerns and questions, and transformed them into confidence and organization. I never left any of our calls with my questions unanswered, and I sincerely looked forward to the next time that we would speak. Since Erica became my business mentor, I have seen my photography business grow and become more structured, all within one month. I am so thankful for Erica, her kindness, and for the confidence that she has instilled within me as a young entrepreneur." - Allie Grammas, Wildly Beloved Photography

Sometimes, it rains unexpectedly during an engagement session. And I am a-ok with that.

If you've been looking at mentoring or coaching programs and opportunities, it's important to note where the ownership of accountability lies. We sometimes think that coaches are magic beings, able to solve all of our problems, but they won't be able to fetter out these issues until we are willing to be accountable to ourselves first - before anything else.

Autumn has really been showing off lately. And I'm honestly not really mad about it.

Parts of me were made by you. And planets keep their distance, too. The moon's got a grip on the sea. And you're gonna live forever in me...... 2020 is weird and strange, but there's nothing abnormal about these two getting married yesterday. Happy first day as Mr. + Mrs., sweet ones.

Jillian and I giggled throughout this entire session. Thankful for the joy my precious clients offer to me. What an honor to walk (ahahah, get it?) with them through their journeys. I will forever be grateful.

Are you leaving money on the table or leaving yourself and your wedding photography business open to unnecessary risks because your best practices aren't rock solid? Do you know how to identify and close the gaps in your business? Apply for suitability call to chat about mentorship here! https://sweetalicephotography.lpages.co/get-smart/

You don't need me to tell you, but...

The hustle feels exhilarating...until it doesn't. If you're under the impression that you can only build on your success by adding more to your plate, I'm here to (kindly) tell you that you're wrong. Open invitation to schedule a suitability call for my group mentorship program for ambitious female wedding photographers - https://sweetalicephotography.lpages.co/get-smart/

Signing up for every freebie from every expert in every industry is so tempting when reaching for success in your wedding photography business. But, there comes a point where the uplevel requires a new amount of trust - which includes (you guessed it) investing real dollars. If this feels scary, please know that that feeling is absolutely normal. However, how can you expect others to invest in you when YOU won't invest in you? Ready for the uplevel? I would like to invite you to invest in your wedding photo biz by joining my signature group coaching program for ambitious womxn wedding photographers at https://sweetalicephotography.lpages.co/get-smart/.