About Us
I am a portrait photographer/artist and have a small studio in Bellevue, Kentucky. I specialize in professional head shots, studio portraits, and pet photography. I offer archival wall art, books, albums, prints, and painted portraits. My portraits have a classic, traditional look.
How We Got Started
After being involved with photography for many years as a serious hobbyist, I was asked to do portraits on several occasions. This led to the establishment of my business in 2011 . On my retirement from teaching in 2013, I opened a small studio in Bellevue. I also started doing real estate photography around 2014.
Since starting my business I've participated in numerous workshops and seminars with master photographers, attended conferences, and entered juried photographic competitions to improve my skills. I earned professional certification and the Master of Photography and Master Craftsman degrees through the Professional Photographers of America in 2016, 2019, and 2022 respectively. Since 2019 I've studied digital painting in Photoshop through three leading teachers in the photography industry.
The products and services we offer
Recommendations Received (12)
"Connie was easy to work with, professional, and delivered a great final product I use in multiple..."
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"Connie was easy to work with, professional, and delivered a great final product I use in multiple places."
"Brilliant Photographer! "
Products & Services
A professional headshot represents you when you're not in the room. If yours is more than a few years old, or your appearance has changed since yo...
Looking for a very special, one of a kind gift? These paintings are done in Photoshop using your favorite existing photograph. Learn more about h...
A photo session is a great way to celebrate your pets. We can be formal or get creative! Serving pet parents in and around Greater Cincinnati. ...
Recommendations Given (35)
"Excellent dog photographer. I’ve been in several classes Margaret has taught and have learned..."
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"Excellent dog photographer. I’ve been in several classes Margaret has taught and have learned much about dog photography. "
"I have been boarding my dogs at Country Lane for more than 15 years, six different dogs..."
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"I have been boarding my dogs at Country Lane for more than 15 years, six different dogs altogether. They always take good care of my pups and give them lots of love and attention. Highly recommend."
Recent Activity
Another stimulus package would not affect me personally as much as it would help my business, because I have a retirement income. However, this has lasted longer than expected, I'm not getting clients, and I've used up my grant and most of my savings for my basic business expenses (rent), so...
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Another stimulus package would not affect me personally as much as it would help my business, because I have a retirement income. However, this has lasted longer than expected, I'm not getting clients, and I've used up my grant and most of my savings for my basic business expenses (rent), so yes, it would help. I am hoping that I don't have to close my studio, as I don't have space to create a studio in my home. I have a small loan but would rather not use it, if possible; I hate owing money. My main concern is that if this goes through, certain business and institutions who don't need it--or need it as much--will again get thousands of dollars as before and small business will get a pittance, if anything.
Finding the most cost-effective way to do this on a limited budget, and then finding clients who appreciate this service.
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Finding the most cost-effective way to do this on a limited budget, and then finding clients who appreciate this service.
I have a toll-free number through eVoice. It sends calls directly to your cell without revealing the cell number. You can return calls through it via your cell directly or using your computer and phone, and if the caller leaves a voice mail, you receive an email with a sound recording of the...
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I have a toll-free number through eVoice. It sends calls directly to your cell without revealing the cell number. You can return calls through it via your cell directly or using your computer and phone, and if the caller leaves a voice mail, you receive an email with a sound recording of the message. It's about $13/month for the most basic service (which I just described).
Virgil's. This was a wonderful little restaurant in my city, Bellevue, KY. It has been closed for almost 2 years, and I still miss it.
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Virgil's. This was a wonderful little restaurant in my city, Bellevue, KY. It has been closed for almost 2 years, and I still miss it.
While no client ever asked me whether I have certain credentials, some (or many) wouldn't necessarily know about photography degrees, think to ask, or really know what elements make a good photograph. (I am reminded of the saying, "I don't know about art, but I know what I like.") Each...
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While no client ever asked me whether I have certain credentials, some (or many) wouldn't necessarily know about photography degrees, think to ask, or really know what elements make a good photograph. (I am reminded of the saying, "I don't know about art, but I know what I like.") Each photographer's learning experience is different. Some have a natural "eye" for composition. Perhaps someone grew up in a studio environment or went through an apprenticeship of some nature. Obviously there are many fine photographers who don't have particular degrees or other credentials, but I tend to agree with points Jayna and Randy have made. For me, the processes I've gone through in achieving my CPP, and having just completed the merits needed for my master's degree, have improved my skills so much more than I ever could have done on my own.
I guess it depends on the demand in the area, but where I am, it is more work for the pay than portrait photography, unless you can get into some higher-end architectural photography. On the other hand, if you do a lot and don't mind spending the extra time, it does add up. I work for a company...
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I guess it depends on the demand in the area, but where I am, it is more work for the pay than portrait photography, unless you can get into some higher-end architectural photography. On the other hand, if you do a lot and don't mind spending the extra time, it does add up. I work for a company doing this, so my fees are more or less fixed. It might be more profitable if you are on you own and can set your own fees.
I have the free insurance through PPA but also a business policy with the same company as my homeowner's and auto insurance (State Farm) which covers both equipment and liability. I do some real estate photography, and this was a requirement of the company I work for. The PPA insurance is good,...
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I have the free insurance through PPA but also a business policy with the same company as my homeowner's and auto insurance (State Farm) which covers both equipment and liability. I do some real estate photography, and this was a requirement of the company I work for. The PPA insurance is good, but there are some things it doesn't cover. I know there are options to upgrade, but I've never looked into it, as I have the other policy. The main thing that concerns me is what coverage I have if take my equipment out of the country. If I'm planning a trip, I usually double check with State Farm to make sure.
I hope people would make their decisions considering quality and customer service first, then price. You have to base your pricing on your cost of doing business, and if you have a storefront (studio), then probably you are going to have to charge more. In my case, I charge more for to do work...
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I hope people would make their decisions considering quality and customer service first, then price. You have to base your pricing on your cost of doing business, and if you have a storefront (studio), then probably you are going to have to charge more. In my case, I charge more for to do work in the field, because there is more equipment to carry, more time to get there, and mileage, not to mention variable circumstances in the weather.
