meet kayla.

There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes of a photo shoot– equipment being hauled, props being carried, reflectors being put to use and (sometimes) lens caps getting lost.  All of the background things begin to pile up and are the source of some of my biggest last-minute stressors as I prep for a shoot.  Not anymore.  Enter Kayla, my assistant.  Here’s the story:

I’ve shot photos for Kayla’s family twice over the past year or so– and enjoyed getting to know her a little bit at each session.  A few weeks ago, I got an email from Kayla asking me about some flowers I had posted on my blog, as she is getting into gardening.  That email turned into questions and answers back and forth about flowers, gardening, photography, and– believe it or not, nursing school.  Kayla’s entering her 3rd year of the program, and let’s just say I can relate to the angst of studying for finals.  Emails like Kayla’s aren’t unusual; every so often I’ll get questions from a blog reader and it’s great to be able to help out a little and get to know someone.  But one of Kayla’s emails was different.  At the end of her note, she just casually mentioned that “even though I’m kind of a stranger”, she had much of the summer off if I needed an assistant or anything.  Well, I got to thinking.  First, I didn’t consider her a stranger after two previous photo sessions, especially when I found out that her Grandpa and Paul’s dad are first cousins.  (I think I have that right, Kayla?) Second, I knew Kayla would fit in well– she’s bubbly and easy-going, polite, and full of smiles.  I knew that my clients would benefit from her assistance in helping me get memorable, quality images from our time together.  I also knew that most of all, my family would benefit from me not being stressed, and I would be happy for the help during sessions– with things like lugging bags, carrying blankets, buying balloons, holding the reflector, running errands, and cleaning up after me– You know, all the ‘fun’ stuff that an assistant gets to do.  So I agreed, and I’m so glad it worked out.  I warned Kayla partway through the engagement session that I was going to grab a few images of her at the end so I could introduce her to my readers– and she agreed to let me.  Please join me in welcoming Kayla to Betsy Jo Photography– and if you have a session this spring or summer, you just may be privileged enough to meet her in person.

Thanks again, Kayla– you were a huge help, and I’m looking forward to our next session!