One year ago...

One year ago I stopped playing the role of a pawn in the rat race.

One year ago I started writing the rules to my own game.

One year ago I walked out of the "office" for the last time and stopped wasting an hour driving morning and afternoon to a job that I had previously enjoyed but now dreaded to go to every day.  

Now I wake up in the morning, eat breakfast with my kids, drive them to school, tell them I love them before they head off for the day, and then head home again to our in-house office and sit by my best friend and love of my life to work through our day together.

There have been sacrifices.  We spend many evenings and weekends away from the kids while photographing our clients - almost every weeknight and weekend in the late summer/fall.  There've been sacrifices financially.  The budget is super tight - but the investment that we can have in each other, our family and the legacy that we will leave beyond through our kids is so worth it.

Heather and I love what we do.  We each have our roles in our business.  We love our clients and we love taking care of our clients and getting to know them.  Most of all we love laughing, living and working together.  Every.  Day.  One year ago today we made a very difficult and scary (perhaps even dangerous) decision and I don't regret it for a second.

No, that's a lie….I regret not doing it sooner.  

Don't let fear hold you back from doing what you know you should do.

Kevin Autry - photographer and small business owner

Photo credit goes out to Jill Lenkowski of Two Ring Photography.

Designer Tabletops {Event}

Photographing different events is a great way to market the name of ignited Photography, as well as to give the client images for their own use of marketing. So when Clearly University approached Kevin and I and asked us to photograph their table decorating event, we were happy to say yes. Cleary University is an independent, not-for-profit, multi-campus, specialized business university. Their campuses are located in Howell, Michigan, and Ann Arbor, Michigan. 

Cleary University is a business school that is focused more on their student than the money intake. So in order for the school to help their students, they hold an annual fundraising auction. 2014 was the 22nd annual auction for the university and it was called Designer Tabletops. Michigan event designers could come decorate a table which would be voted on by the people attending the auction. The winner would be crowned "People's Choice" and a then fabulous dinner would be served. There are also 10 vacation, collectibles, and unique item packages that were auction off as well.

We were able to attend this year's Designer Tabletops in order to photograph the tables that were decorated within the contest. The designers were extremely talented and it was obvious throughout their work. This years Designer Tabletop winners were Sandra Bostwick of Ruby Slipper Designs and Kelly Newell of Serradella Vintage who joined forces to create their steampunk masterpiece.  The night was a complete success for Cleary University, and we definitely captured some awesome images as well. 

Exciting news - we need you!

There comes an exciting time in every growing business - a time to expand and a time to add.  A time that can be scary and nerve racking, but also a time that can be absolutely joyous.  A time worth celebrating something exciting, while all the while being terrified ... you know, that moment of trepidation where you relinquish authority and responsibility to another individual.  :)

Yes, we have reached the point in our business where we know we can't continue at the pace we're going without loosing our sanity, our family life, or our beauty sleep (and of course we DON'T want that, lol). We have come to realize that it is time to take on our FIRST OFFICIAL ASSISTANT!!! Yes, that's right - WE NEED YOU!

We are looking to add a contract office assistant/part-time editor to our team.  The job would require about 10 - 15 hours a week in our office (Howell, MI), with room for more hours as knowledge and ability increases.  Organizational skills and self-motivation is a must.  Knowledge of Microsoft Office and the Internet is a must.  Knowledge of Lightroom and Photoshop preferred, but we are willing to train.  The position will require training in our Studio Management Software, Pixifi.  Photography knowledge not required.  We are looking for someone who is above all trustworthy, organized and motivated.

This is a paid position that also includes the bonus of one-on-one time with Kevin and Heather, with the potential to learn unlimited first hand business and photography knowledge.

Scheduling is flexible and there will be seasonal busy and slow times.

If you are interested, or know someone that could be, please contact us right away - we can't wait to start the interview process!  Our email is info@ignitedphotography.com.  Our phone number is 248.670.6346.  We'd love to hear from YOU!

~ Kevin & Heather