Zero to 30 in 94,608,000 Seconds

I did 30 family mini sessions in the month of October.

I rarely post my “numbers in any capacity. These are simply not the metrics in wish to share when communicating the success of my business. But there is one number that really matters.

ZERO.

The first time I offered family mini sessions, I had exactly ZERO people sign up to do a spring mini session with me. To be fair, I was 6 months into my business and 6 months into my moving back to Des Moines. But ZERO. That was a hard set back. I had a few more than zero when I extended the offer in the fall, but I'm fairly certain I did far less than 30 family sessions in my first year of business.

My point? I could have stopped then. I could have seen that big fat ZERO and thought I was not good enough. That nobody wanted what I have to offer. That perhaps I should go get a job and some stable income and stop chasing this big, crazy dream of mine.

But I didn't. Instead, I realized that I had just begun. That before I could reap the benefits of a booming business, I first had to establish myself as a contributing member of this community. I had to show up, time and again, doing unpaid work, saying yes to way too many things, establishing my personal brand and really diving into this beautiful community I call home.

And now, nearly 3 years into my business, I'm already at the point where I get to say no. I get to reevaluate and take a step back. I can raise my rates and know that people will still say yes. I can set my own rules and have faith that people will follow them.

But I couldn't do any of this if I had stopped or if I had thought the world owed me something I hadn't earned yet. I've spent almost every single second of the past 3 years plotting and scheming and shooting and hustling and figuring out EXACTLY what I want this business of mine to be in peoples live. This did not happen quickly. This happened with 12 hour days and massive sacrifice, both emotionally and financially.

And now - I finally am starting to recognize my own success. I can't walk down the street in Des Moines without seeing a friendly face I've photographed. I have several families that I've photographed 3 times or more. I am capturing their always. I'm a part of their legacy. And all the hard work? It’s so increibly worth it.

Learning to Be a Plant Parent

When I bought my new house and was preparing it to become both my home and work space, I realized that I needed to freshen the place up. To inject a little more life into these spaces that I was making my own, I asked Shylah, plant stylist at Des Moines’ Art Terrarium to come over and impart some much-needed advice on how plants can invigorate my space and, maybe more importantly, how I can be a good plant parent and keep them alive and happy.

Pictured: Andrea Metzler, owner and Shylah, plant stylist at Art Terrarium.

When Shylah came into my home to begin our consultation process, I think she knew right away that this space would benefit from some greenery. She is, after all, a professional plant stylist: a career she began recently when she realized that many people coming into the Art Terrarium shop wanting more plants in their lives but weren’t sure what or where or how. And with a background in art and event facilitation, she decided to let her creative spirit guide this burgeoning consultation business.

“Plant styling is a title I made up to describe a role where I show up with plants for people, and put those plants in places,” Shylah says. “For Whitney, having just moved into a new house, I get to be a part of the creative process that brings her home to life. It’s so special.”

We started room by room, identifying whether each will be a personal or work space, and what my goals are for each. Shylah assessed the amount of natural light that would be reaching every corner. (The lighting proved to be a bit challenging because of all the gorgeous mature trees around my house. I love them, but they sure block a lot of sunlight.) We also talked about how often I’d be able to pay attention to them and water them. This particular factor made me want to lean more minimalist. I didn’t want the chlorophyll of dozens of dead houseplants on my hands!

Shylah took down my goals and feedback on a notepad and returned to the shop to start pulling some plants that would be suitable for my space. “I worked with Whitney’s budget, picking out some specific things. Keeping her goal of moderation in mind, she wanted greenery in every space. This was a little tricky because they all had to live near the windows, but luckily there are many types of plants that thrive in lower lighting.”

She invited me to come check out what she had pulled and to bring in the few vases and vessels that I already had in mind to put plants in, plus pick out some more from the shop. I was so impressed by both their selection and by Shylah’s styling suggestions that my initial impulse to keep things minimal went straight out the window.

When she brought the plants over to my house to finally stage them, I could barely contain myself. The difference that a dozen or so fresh, green, lively houseplants made was unbelievable. I was totally hooked. And I might have mellowed out right then and there, but Shylah assured me so thoroughly that I can indeed keep these plants alive and thriving, beautifying my home and impressing friends and clients alike, and they looked so amazing in little groups, rejuvenating each room...well, I got more plants. I am now the proud parent of 33 happy plants, breathing life into every room in my house.

How, you may ask, did I go from killing cacti to confidently raising so many houseplants? I have Shylah to thank for that. On top of her wonderful styling skills, she gave me some very simple, straightforward advice that seemed to take the mystery out of plant parenting.

Shylah’s Simple Tips for Raising Houseplants

1. Most of the problems with plants come from overwatering them. People think that watering them equals caring for them, when in fact, most plants just kinda want to be left alone.

2. Light = food, so pay attention to how much your plant is getting. South-facing windows get more direct light than north, so stage your plants accordingly.

3. Plants are very resilient. If you notice them turning yellow, it’s most likely either from overwatering or not giving them enough light. Move them around in your home and find a spot that makes them happier.

4. Having daily contact with your plants gives you a chance to check the soil, prune any dead leaves, and make sure they don’t have dust building up. This also ensures that you are watering them as needed, and not just when you think about watering them.

5. Practice with your plants. Don’t be afraid of killing them, and don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help. There are lots of great resources on the Art Terrarium website, plus the folks at the shop love sharing their plant knowledge!

If you’re still unsure whether plants are right for you (spoiler: they are), or are looking for someone to come in and tell you exactly what plants you should get, where to put them, and how to care for them, Shylah is your gal. Check out this great new styling service here and start the process of elevating your home or office space. The best part is, their $75 consultation deposit is redeemable toward your plant purchase of $350 or more. Shylah also does plant rentals and staging work for parties and large events.

I can’t thank Shylah enough for her styling skills, advice, laid-back approach to plant parenting, and most of all, her confidence in me. If I can successfully care for 33 plants in the middle of my nonstop schedule, anyone can!

Professional Advice from Emily Abbas

Click above to watch our Wednesdays with Whitney interview with Emily Abbas.

Throughout her career, Emily Abbas has been fortunate to work with amazing leaders and teams. Here are a few simple pieces of advice she shared while in our studio this week.

Surround yourself with people who are not like you

It’s extremely rewarding to work with a team that is diverse in both thought and identity. If you have a room full of people who share more in common than not, those people won’t push each other or challenge each other’s viewpoints. Creating an inclusive environment, filled with people who have different experiences and backgrounds, will inherently result in more dynamic ideas and solutions.

Be a counselor instead of an order-taker

Don’t be afraid to ask questions in order to gain insight. For example, if someone asks for an ad, an order-taker will give them the best darn ad they can, while a counselor will ask questions to determine if an ad is really what is needed. Two great questions to start with include: What are you trying to accomplish? Who are you trying to reach?

Add value by contributing

When others see you add value, they will seek out your opinion. Being able to think on your feet and come up with an immediate solution based on past experience is one way to earn that respect. Of course, you aren’t expected to know everything and can always change your mind, but leaders appreciate an in-the-moment gut reaction, when possible.

Be true to yourself

You will find the most success when you play to your strengths. If you’re naturally bossy, be bossy (in a kind way). If you’re naturally funny, use your humor. People will quickly figure out when you are not being genuine. Self-awareness, or how others perceive us, is something we can all work on improving.

Give back to your community

We are fortunate to live in a great community, and it is great because of those who have invested before us. First explore many options, but at some point find an organization you are passionate about and commit to it. This allows you to more easily say no to other requests and focus on giving at a deeper level to two or three nonprofits in order to truly make a difference.

From Whitney:

Do any of these topics spark an interest in you? If so, please reach out to Emily. I’m sure she would be as willing to discuss with you as she was with us in this week’s Wednesday with Whitney Facebook Live video (see above).

About Emily:

Des Moines native and community advocate Emily Abbas joined Bankers Trust in 2014 as the Bank’s first Chief of Staff. She currently serves as Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer for the largest community bank in Iowa. Emily gives back to our community as Chair of Drake University’s National Alumni Board and a member of the Drake University Board of Trustees, a member of the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council, and on the Board of Directors at the Robert D. and Billie Ray Center as well as the Downtown Community Alliance. She was named one of “14 People to Watch in 2014” by The Des Moines Register, and in 2016 she was honored as the “Emerging Woman of Influence” by the Des Moines Business Record.

Travel Wedding Tips

Click above to watch Wednesdays with Whitney: Travel Weddings!

I have shot weddings all over the place: La Jolla, Austin, Charleston, Sonoma, the Hamptons, Los Angeles, St. Thomas, and the Finger Lakes. I’ve shot engagement sessions in New York City and Washington, D.C., and I am about to shoot a wedding in San Francisco. For anyone who might be planning a travel wedding (or a destination wedding, the difference being that the bride and/or groom actually live in the place we're traveling to), here are some important things I’ve learned.

Destinations are amazing for those of you really, really desiring an intimate wedding. They are great for people who travel and want to experience new things, but lets not kid ourselves:  Planning a travel or destination wedding does not mean less work. You have to rely 100% on internet referrals and the opinions of people you've never met. Oftentimes, once you’ve picked your venue, the venue will provide vendors and you just have to trust that those are the best people to handle your big day.

My advice when planning a travel or destination wedding is to think about who you're inviting and whether they can get there. Cost is prohibitive, and so is location. For example, the Zika virus has taken out half of the places we normally have destination weddings, and there would be many people who couldn’t attend an event in these areas. That being said, some of those locations are the most beautiful, magical, romantic places on Earth to get married. Just know going in that there will be unexpected factors to consider if this is the route you choose to take.

One of the biggest benefits of a destination wedding is that you don’t have to pay for any decorations. The location itself is the best decoration you'd ever need! When people are in a new place, everyone will be more relaxed if they don't have to think about planning their local transportation. I highly recommend keeping your wedding all in one location by picking a place that would accommodate the ceremony, reception, and where guests can stay overnight.

When considering what you need to bring, keep it simple. You have to rely on the site for food, decoration, venue, and DJ. This leaves your personal items, wedding attire, and of course, your photographer to fly with you.

Reasons to Bring Your Own Photographer

• Frequently, resorts will have  a designated photographer. These preassigned photographers are rarely going to match your stylistic tastes. If you go with a local or venue-preferred photographer, make sure you vet them and their work just like you would any other.

• You're not going to know this person before the day of your wedding, so you will not have an existing rapport with them. Taking a trusted photographer with you guarantees that you will already have a relationship with the person capturing this day, in a location you and your guests have invested in.

• Best of all, your relationship doesn't end when you get back on a plane to fly home. You get to continue working with that person in your hometown after your wedding. There is an added element of accountability when you're designing an album or viewing your files back home. Whoever you chose should not be the default choice. You are already investing in an incredible location, and the photographer you choose should be up to your standards and able to capture your day in unforgettable images.

A Word about Beaches at Sunset

While a beach at sunset sounds ultra romantic (and it is!), you're dealing with serious backlighting and unpredictable weather. You need a photographer who is technically adept to pull that off. This is not the time or place for a friend or uncle with a nice camera to take over. My travel weddings have been some of the most technically challenging shoots I've ever done. Not only are we all dealing with heat, bugs, water, and waves, but the lighting itself can be a real issues if you haven't had education and experience shooting in these kinds of areas.

I think having a destination or travel is one of the best decisions you can make if your priorities are a small wedding, adventure, and travel. Just go into it prepared and know that this kind of event doesn’t equate to any less planning or investment.

Unapologetically Extra

The day we held our first Unapologetically Extra mini session was absolutely magical. It was day full of constant, positive energy with each woman showing up for herself. But instead of selfishness and self-consciousness, as it could have so easily become, the vibe was truly that of self-confidence. Our unassuming spot in front of a gravel pit in Water Works Park provided us with extraordinary results. These women came with fierce energy and enthusiasm for 15 minutes each, and the results are stunning.

I asked everyone to show up just a little bit extra, with flashy jewelry and big hair and that jacket they could never wear to work. It was their attitudes brought the rest of the sass. The side of themselves that opened up for me on this day was the best, most confident version, the woman that sometimes hides deep down inside for fear of being labeled “too much.” I love this side of people, and I love capturing it in photographs. I think that this side deserves to come out more often. Our Unapologetically Extra shoots are just that: a way to let her out for a little bit and celebrate that side of herself.

Retzlaff Wedding

A couple of weeks ago, I had the absolute pleasure of photographing the wedding of John Retzlaff and Mackenzie Hawk at the Rollins Mansion in Des Moines.

Click to watch their epic wedding slideshow

The weather forecast was grim but the spirits were high. Everyone was constantly checking WHO’s weather map all morning to see when the rain would start. Despite our nervousness, there was one immutable fact that hung in the air with the Iowa humidity: Today was going to be a magical day.

My first interaction with Mackenzie was a phone call during which we discussed her wedding details, including a rain backup plan. She said confidently that the ceremony was going to be outside, no matter what. “We’re getting married, and we’re willing to get wet doing it.” That’s when I understood this bride’s wonderful attitude, and that nothing could seriously go wrong with this wedding.

And as fairy tales go, not a raindrop fell from the sky until all the festivities were over. This day was truly magical because of the people who gathered and the pure, joyful, overflowing emotion. Oh, and the dancing.

John and Mackenzie are two of the kindest most loyal dedicated people I have ever met. It has been my pleasure to become good friends with them and capture the most magical day of their lives. Thank you for choosing me to photograph your wedding, and for the dance party I’ll never forget!
 

Vendors:
Hair - Alexis Hawk and Kelly Fitch
Makeup - Alexis Hawk and Kelly Fitch
Wedding Dress – Modern Dress in Boone
Groomswear - The Good Fancy
Florist – Originals by Beck
DJ - Tony Bonekamp (ceremony), The Flashdance (reception)
Catering - Delmonico Catering
Chocolate Bar - Beaverdale Confections
Wedding Coordinator - Defining the Details
Venue - Rollins Mansion

Look @ You Fashion Collaboration Shoot

One of my very favorite places to shop in Des Moines is at the East Village boutique Look @ You. If you've ever met me in person, chances are I was wearing a jacket from this store. And if you haven't checked it out yet, do yourself a favor and go! (This recommendation, by the way, is coming from a gal who detests shopping. That's how awesome this store is.)

Last weekend, I got together with Amber Keppler, owner of Look @ You, and a few more of my favorite local vendors for a collaborative shoot. We met at the store, chose several outfits, glammed up our model, and hit the street of the East Village for some fun shots that showcase not only the boutique's range of clothing options but also the capacity and flexibility of our hair and makeup stylists.

Our model for this shoot was the always glamorous Julie Wulfekuhle, whose frame and attitude were perfect for Look @ You's clothing. Julie is the brain and creative force behind Le Foyer, a lifestyle blog that also incorporates career, travel, shopping, and health advice. I met her when she contacted me about taking her headshots, and was impressed during our shoot when her nerves melted away into an incredibly relaxed, confident version of herself. I instantly knew that I wanted to photograph her again. When she came to me about updating her blog, the idea for this collaborative shoot was born.

Ivy Boyd is my go-to gal for clean, classic makeup for every face and skin type. I have the privilege to work with her on a regular basis for my creative portrait shoots. Ivy has the innate ability to make our clients feel comfortable, confident, and 100% themselves, even if they're wearing more makeup than they normally would. Her work on this shoot ranged from clean and light to evening elegance, No matter what look she's trying to achieve, Ivy pulls it off effortlessly.

Working at Elevencherry, Stacy Syroka is my favorite new hairstylist on the scene. She has quickly proven herself to be multitalented, demonstrating her talent in every facet of her job. Her sarcasm never fails to keep me giggling, and I have so much fun on every shoot we get to work together! Stacy's styles for this shoot varied from tousled, sexy curls to a mermaid-esque braid to a playful ponytail. Her skillful styling lent the perfect touch to Julie's multiple looks.

Finally, Miss Amber! She brought everything together with her boutique's phenomenal array of day-to-night looks. We had no shortage of options for Julie to wear on this shoot, and in fact we ended up with three extra looks that we didn't even have time for. Amber specializes in elegant clothing that is every bit as comfy as pajamas. I am so comfortable in everything that I buy from Look @ You, and I love it even more because I can wear the pieces all day and then go out after work in the same thing and feel absolutely fabulous. 

This shoot reminds me of the importance of developing relationships (both business and personal) with other entrepreneurial spirits in our community. Projects like this are great for promoting all of our endeavors. And in situations like this, that old adage is true: A rising tide (or a fabulously styled shoot) lifts all boats!

Finding Stories in Woodland Cemetery: A Walk with Buz Brenton

Today I took a tour of one of the most historic places in Des Moines: Woodland Cemetery. I was joined by my mentor and friend, Junius (Buz) Brenton. Currently 83 years old and thriving, Buz is responsible for initiating some pretty amazing projects around our city, such as the revitalization of the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden and the Brenton Arboretum. He is passionate about history and passing along knowledge to the next generation.

One of his current passion projects is restoring the headstones in Woodland Cemetary to their proper upright position. This cemetery was established in 1848, before Des Moines was even the state capitol. This makes it the oldest cemetery in the city, and as a result, parts have fallen into disrepair. Many of the deceased no longer have relatives routinely checking on their gravestones. The ground has also shifted over time, causing some of these stones to lean and occasionally tip over. Buz commented that after five generations, there is usually no family left who are connected to the namesake. 

Buz believes in the legacy of Des Moines in both big and small ways. He is also interested in dendrology (the study of trees). In fact, he loves trees more than anyone else I've ever met! While touring around Woodland Cemetery, Buz pointed out his favorite tree to me. He described this particular tree as "flamboyant but modest." Its sturdy trunk rises and splits evenly into beautiful, even branches that reach upwards as if honoring the people buried beneath its canopy. We stood marveling at its complexity and symmetry, the beauty of its branches dividing into themselves in some effortless, majestic pattern that only nature can accomplish. As Buz dove into the topic of trees, he anthropomorphized them, talking about their longevity, their lack of frivolity, their ability to weather the storm. "Trees embody so many qualities that men should, but so rarely do." 

As we walked underneath the tree, it struck me how true these words were. Underneath the ground, the roots of this tree and others nearby had been growing together for decades, sharing nutrients in the warmer months and standing solidly through the colder ones. It's something similar to a community: On the surface, we are all individuals living our own lives. But underneath, and where it really matters, we hold each other up. We share resources and depend on one another. We shape the landscape. 

As Buz and I strolled around the cemetery, he explained that most of the trees in this cemetery were planted at the same time, which you can see by their similar size and shape. He also pointed out the oldest stone building in Des Moines: the cemetery's Receiving Vault, where the city stored the remains of those who passed away during the winter when the ground was too frozen to bury them. He pointed out the gravestones of prominent Des Moines leaders of the past. Familiar names like Savery, Hubbell, Frankel, Crocker, and Sherman are scattered across the 69-acre plot. The people who built Des Moines, who started this journey and laid down the foundation for what has become such a vibrant city, are lying so close to us, and I feel like I know so little about them.

I am guilty, as many of us are, of being obsessed with the grind, the trends, the latest events and social gatherings. Of being "in the know," of knowing the people in the know. But how much do we actually know? Where would we be today if these brave men and women had only forged their own paths without regard to where their city would be in 100 years? And is that any less important than understanding where we were 100 years ago?

This trip to Woodland Cemetery with my dear friend Buz opened my eyes and my heart to the rich history that's often lying right under our feet. It's a privilege to live in a city with so much to learn, and it's our responsibility to take an interest and pass on that history, these feelings, and this knowledge to future generations.