It’s back to school time, which means it’s time to ‘sharpen the saw.’

In the last post, we applauded our graduates for all that they have dealt with in the past 18 months.  These are exceptional times, and we see how hard everyone is working to move forward. In the summer months, we take a step back from posting online to spend more time reaching out to our people: family, friends, clients, as well as colleagues.

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of attending our state convention for professional photographers, Carolina Photo Expo, and I couldn’t have been happier.  Stepping away from my desk and collaborating with others helps me to be better at what I do and it reminds me of why I became a professional photographer and a small business owner all those years ago. Stephen Covey, the author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, calls this ‘Sharpen the Saw,’ his 7th habit in the book.  It means you are “preserving and enhancing the greatest asset you have–you.”  We are all working to improve what we know and what we do.  This curiosity in my work, as well as the collaboration with like-minded business owners, has helped me to create and build so that I can help my clients get exactly what they want. I believe 100% in a No Regrets policy, and we can do that well by working with others.

In our business, we have three pillars:

• Craft
• Clients
• Community

We hone our craft so that we can offer our clients the very best work.  We know that there is a photographer for every family, and we pride ourselves on ensuring we are a match for each person who calls to inquire about photography services so that we can serve our clients to the best of our ability.  Barbara Bell Photography is made up of a community of vendors, photographers, and support staff who help us to deliver the highest level of professionalism to our clients.  It is this community that allows us to grow and thrive.

I was also honored to be sworn in as a Director of the Central region of this dynamic organization over the weekend, as well. I look forward to building and creating over the coming year.  If you are looking to join a community of professional photographers and small business owners, I encourage you to check out Professional Photographers of North Carolina.  The education you’ll receive is more than what’s covered in classes and seminars.  You’ll have the opportunity to experience community and collaboration with a diverse group who believe in lifting as they climb.

Creator: Rebecca Dost

Stay tuned, as we share the fun and fabulous sessions we’ve been able to capture this year. They include

• the proud smiles and stances of our graduating seniors
• the families who were able to gather together
• the public figures of our editorial work for neighborhood magazines like The Heart of Hillsborough and Meadowmont and the Oaks.  

It also includes the bride who waited to get married so that she could be joined by family. It is all the professionals who updated their head shots and their branding to share their work, as well as their personal messages with the world.  While the world slowly and cautiously gathers together, we look forward to sharing the events we have been able to capture.