Take Time. Take Care. - Black Woman Self Portrait on Self Care

August 26, 2020

My natural hair has taught me a lot about self care and how harshly I've dealt with myself over the years.

I still struggle with looking at my Hair and the maintenance of of it as a chore, instead of a privilege.

I shared that journey on my podcast The Free Black Woman Podcast.

Sometimes I see the work of doing my hair as a burden instead of an opportunity to take my time with myself, to love on myself, to nurture myself.

I’m not gonna lie. In the end, my fingers hurt, my shoulders kink up, and sometimes my hair don't be cooperating with me.

But I'm challenging myself to see myself as worthy of the time and energy it takes to keep up with and take care of myself.

I'm challenging myself to see the beauty in my defiant and strong hair.

Instead of being frustrated with it, maybe I can celebrate the fact that my hair likes to be be close to me, likes to dance in circles around itself, giving me warmth and love... And maybe I can learn a lot from her.

DC Lifestyle and Branding Shoot w/ Black Female Photographer

February 22, 2020

I got the opportunity to capture Taneaka for Skeletons In My Closet for a project I'm working on highlighting creatives and entrepreneurs committed to their creative work.

We played around with natural light, aesthetics in her home and used SE DC as a backdrop to her portraits.

"The Portfolio": 9 Easy Ways to Build Your Photography Portfolio From Scratch - FREE EBOOK

July 10, 2019

Do you want to start making money from your art by taking on photography clients, but don’t know the first thing about putting a portfolio together to attract your dream clients?

From planning your shoots, carrying them out and putting together a stellar portfolio, I have put together an easy to follow, 9 step guide for photographers at any level.

From the beginner with not much work or experience, to the much more seasoned photographer, I show you the easy way to build the portfolio that attracts your dream clients.

You ready to build a professional portfolio? Get this book FOR FREE to build the lucrative career that you love.

DC Headshot Photographer | Natural Light Headshot black Male Model | Alecia Renece Photography

May 1, 2019

I’m such a proponent of supporting fellow artists chasing and pursuing their dreams.

My friend wanted to take headshots for his acting career.

I was so excited and happy to help!

8 Easy Ways To Support Your Artist and Entrepreneur Friends

April 24, 2019

It is your duty to support your friends.

Period.

When it comes to them creating, sharing and pursuing their dreams, you should be front and center, cheering them on in the VIP section of the arena.

Let's find some tangible ways that you can support your loved ones.

DC At Home In Home Maternity Photographer | Milk Bath Maternity Session | Alecia Renece Photgraphy

April 17, 2019

I love when my clients come to me with a creative session idea that I’ve been wanting to try.

My friend wanted to have a Milk Maternity Bath Shoot and I could not have been more honored and excited to shoot this for them!

Her and her husband were too cute and held a picnic themed shoot right in their backyard with their cute pooch!

Sometimes the best place to have your session is right in your home. there is so much beauty that we often take for granted there and we miss perfect opportunities looking elsewhere.

Check out the images form this beautiful shoot!

Click to book your session!

Click to book your session

12 Things To Include on Your Portrait Photography Intake Forms | Build An Intake Form with Acuity Scheduling

April 10, 2019

12 Things To Include on Your Portrait Photography Intake Forms Using Acuity Scheduling

When a client reaches out to you to inquire about a booking, more than likely they’re going to have more than a few questions and so will you. This can be the beginning of a looooong back and forth conversation with your potential client that may, or may not end in an actual booking. Who really has time for that?

I started my career that way. Sending emails back and forth, asking and answering questions, not even sure if I was the right photographer for the job. Now, I totally bypass all of that with an intake form I created with Acuity Scheduling.

When clients reach out to me, I can send them my form that requests all of the information I need to get all of the silly back-and-forths out of the way, so we can begin to create great art.

This makes life SO much easier and saves a TON of time.

Here are a few things to include in your intake form:

What Kind of Looks/Vibes/Moods are the Clients looking for?
1. Romantic
2. Rustic
3. Budoir
4. Fun
5. Sexy
6. etc.
Is The Photo Shoot Commemorating anything special?
What are they commemorating?
Are they looking to shoot indoor or outdoor?
Do they have a location, or an idea of an ideal location in mind?
What are the “MUST-HAVE” shots that your client wants?
How does your client intend on using these photos?
Will They Require Heavy Retouching?
When Do They Need The Photos By?
What are three back up dates in case of a necessary reschedule?
How Did Your Clients Hear About Your Business?
When is your client most free to do a phone or face to face consultation to solidify your shoot?

These are only a few items you can include in your intake form. You can edit and add as you need, and as best relates to your business. I hope this was helpful!

Acuity Sceduling has helped my business out so much. I have saved so much time and energy on scheduling, payment and intake forms. If you’re interested in giving them a try, click the link to test it out!

Try Acuity Scheduling

Subscribe for more tips, tricks and Inspiration

In Home Newborn Photographer | Washington, D.C. | Lifestyle and Documentary Photography

April 3, 2019

After you come home and welcome your new bundle of joy, maybe you want to capture photos without having to go to a studio or go someplace you’re unfamiliar.

Your shoot doesn’t have to take up a lot of space or time.

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3 Reasons Why Photographers Absolutely Need A Contract

March 27, 2019

Today we’re gonna talk about something that’s not so exciting, but is super important for any photographer, or any creative for that matter to have; a contract.

Why Do You Need A Contract?

Before The Wedding Shot Ideas | DC Wedding "Getting Ready" Photographer Session | Alecia Renece Photography

March 20, 2019

Shooting the before scene of a wedding, feeling the anticipation, the love and support is my absolute FAVORITE. Check out a few photos from this session.

Seeing the bride surrounded by people who love her brought me so much joy.

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7 Things You Need To Include in Your Photography Contract | Alecia Renece Helps Shooters

March 13, 2019

A contract details what you expect from your clients and what your client expects from you. In a nutshell it protects you and your client and saves you from the headache of being taken advantage of and unmet expectations.

Let’s go over the essentials to be included in your contract for your clients.

DC Engagement Photographer Session National Gallery of Art | Alecia Renece Photography

March 6, 2019

I had the pleasure of capturing these two Howard Bison Love Birds. They came all the way from Chicago to Washington, DC to be photographed at their alma mater, Howard University.

5 Reasons Why Photographers Should Charge a Session Fee | Booking Fee For Photographers

February 27, 2019

When I first started my photography business, I never charged my clients session fees. However, after a few years into my career, I quickly realized how much of a mistake that was. I thought I was being polite and kind by not charging a session fee, but in reality I was hurting my business and myself.

Delaware In-Home Maternity Photographer Session | Alecia Renece Photography

February 20, 2019

Sometimes having a session in your home is the best place to shoot. It has all of your most precious memories. Plus you’ll be shooting where your bundle of joy will be brought home.

12 Lessons From Shooting My First Wedding | How To Shoot A Wedding | Alecia Renece Photography

February 13, 2019

So, this weekend I had the pleasure of shooting my very first wedding! It was absolutely beautiful and absolutely nerve-racking.

At the beginning of the shoot I was nervous and spinning and by the end I was happy and comfortable snapping away candids of friends laughing and joking, toasting and dancing. I even got a few words of wisdom from the bride, herself on how to be a better business woman (Thanks to Nicole). So I decided to share a few lessons I learned along the way at my first wedding shoot.

Playful Portrait Photography Session at The Yards Park Washington, DC | DC Portrait Photographer

February 6, 2019

Early Morning Portrait Session at The Yards Park

5 Best and Cost Effective Photography Essentials For Beginner Landscape Photographers | Photography Gear Must-Haves for Beginners

January 30, 2019

So you want to get started in your photo career and aren’t super sure where to begin? Listening to experts giving conflicting information?

Trust me, I have been there. I’ve looked through numerous videos, blogs and books only to become more and more confused and torn between which model and make, which price…

Listen, I’m going to make it easy and cost effective for you. I’ve been through it all and even spent way more money than I actually needed to spend (listening to all of the experts).

A Quality Camera
Nifty 50mm Prime Lens
Dependable Flash
Sturdy Camera Bag
Hefty SD Card

Durham Baseball Theme Portrait Photographer | Traveling Photographer | Alecia Renece Photography

January 23, 2019

What do you do when your friend asks you to capture some images for her upcoming website and music release in Durham, NC?

You load all of your equipment and an overnight bag into your car and drive down 95 to do it!

Her theme was Baseball and I was SO excited and honored to take this project on.

Be sure to follow me for more awesome photographs!

If you’re a photographer and would like More Tips, Tricks and Inspiration click to subscribe!

Photographers Unite!

5 Best and Cost Effective Photography Essentials For Beginner Portrait Photographers | Photography Gear Must-Haves for Beginners

January 16, 2019

So you want to get started in your photo career and aren’t super sure where to begin? Listening to experts giving conflicting information?

Trust me, I have been there. I’ve looked through numerous videos, blogs and books only to become more and more confused and torn between which model and make, which price…

Listen, I’m going to make it easy and cost effective for you. I’ve been through it all and even spent way more money than I actually needed to spend (listening to all of the experts).

A Quality Camera
Nifty 50mm Prime Lens
Dependable Flash
Sturdy Camera Bag
Hefty SD Card

Wander Bar | DC Product Photographer | Small Business

December 6, 2018

It is always a joy to support and assist my friends and loved ones in all of their ventures; whether it be in new love, new life or even starting a business.

So I jumped at the opportunity to support my friend and her husband as they started their business, Wanderbar.