Our Photography Journal: Day 22 : Certified Event Planner

We are telling our story of how we entered into this photography journey and how things began for us……

Our Story!

The Year : 2009

Certified Event Planner

This particular year we had added celebration decorations to what we do and open a Etsy shop and we are now selling the things we make. Always wanting to learn more after searching through Craigslist I came across an event training certificate class this was a perfect opportunity to enhance my knowledge and skill and learn more of this party stuff that I’m doing Signed up attended them class and walked away with a wealth of knowledge

The instructor Helena Paschal was great very knowledgeable about everything regarding events planning marketing and how to get paid what I learned in class was more than me making cupcake toppers ,banners for parties and making things look cute It would be 2years later before I saw Helena again and this time is was for a grand opening of her business initially when I signed up I didn’t know whose event it was I just knew from the description of the event it would be fabulous and it did not disappoint.

When I saw my instructor Helena I was at awww and I ask did she remember me and she said to me nice and graceful “I never forget my students” After the re acquaintance I ask if it was alright to take a few pictures at the event. It was at that time my Instructor learned of my photography business. It would be several other events I attended of hers and would share my images that she gave me the opportunity of hiring me for many of her events.

Our services were able to assist in building portfolio images capturing headshots for her and other students of her event certification classes and capturing special events. We went on to be published in online publications and more

To this day my instructor Helena has assisting us in this journey referring our business in her classes providing business coaching support and having our photography work published.

Helena Paschal is currently residing in Houston and hosting a women’s retreat this October 1-3 , 2021

Grab your tickets today!

https://www.pinkchampagneretreat.com/

Also to become certified in event planning sign up for her classes : http://correlationsllc.com/

It’s Our Anniversary!

15 years and counting…

Kustom Kreation Photography

www.Kustomkreations4u.com

Our Photography Journal: Day 19: Kustom Celebration Decorations

We are telling our story of how we entered into this photography journey and how things began for us……Our Story!

The Year :2009

Kustom Celebration Decorations

Oh what a pivotal year this was so before we dive into it.. this major event change things for us totally.

When my Aunt called onto me to co host my cousins baby shower I was thrilled to be apart.

We put ideas together and we would meet plan and shop

My Aunt allowed me to have creative control and add all the little fun details.

So we were able to make the shower so cute.

So the day came shower was a success so what happened next and when something new in our business occurred After the shower one of the guest inquired about the décor and was interested in our supplies.

So they reached out to us and ask us about our décor packages.

At that time I just did stuff for my love to craft and create I had no décor packages or anything… so after the inquiry I reached out to my nephew (Antar) who assisted me in putting some packages together…

So just like that we added custom décor to our photography services

So we are now : Kustom Kreation Photography & Celebration Decor

The guest from my cousin shower booked us for décor and special event photography….

Alright now we are on the move…

Thank you Sharon & Alisya (RIH) I've always been grateful for the call

It’s Our Anniversary!

15 years and counting… Kustom Kreation Photography

www.Kustomkreations4u.com

Our Photography Journal: Day 17 : 1st Official Wedding !

We are telling our story of how we entered into this photography journey and how things began for us……

Our Story!

The Year :2008

1st Official Wedding Event

We received a call from my cousin (Denise) who is /was a wedding planner and she ask me to do photography for a wedding that she was planning for her client

Once again … I was nervous and scared and declined the job… I still was learning and jumping out to do a wedding I’m just not comfortable with yet….

My internal thoughts were **I was afraid that if my shutter didn’t go off and I missed the big kiss that would ruin the day and the pictures seeing the kiss is one of the big things to capture in a wedding ***

My cousin convinced me that I do good work and I’m more than capable of doing the job and that it pays $300 (which was the most I've made at that time for a project)

She went on to give me the confidence I needed to secure this job.

Ok. I’ll do it.

Nervous and All I accepted the challenge.

Called up my nephew who also was an inspiring photographer and we went out to capture the day.

No formal training no shot list just a few thoughts on what you think a wedding photographer to capture.

Everything seemed to work out nicely I was able to overcome the fears I had and just like that I begin to offer wedding packages because I was more confident now that I had the experience.

Thank you to my cousin who gave me the nudge I needed to overcome my fears

Big Thanks to my nephew who always was down for these moments in my journey to assist me!

It's Our Anniversary

15 years and counting...

Kustom Kreation Photography

www.kustomkreations4u.com

#itsouranniversary #dslrcamera #ourjourney

Our Photography Journal: Day 16 : Celebrity Event *** The Big Lesson***

We are telling our story of how we entered into this photography journey and how things began for us……

Our Story

The Year :2007

************The Big Lesson! *****************

So your girl got a referral from one of her clients and this project /event was a celebrity weekend event immediately I became nervous and scared and told the client I’m an amateur and that I’m not qualified to do this. He convinced me that I had a camera and knew how to take pictures I would be fine.

Ok challenge accepted

Called up my good friend and she became my photo assistant 😊

1st event

Charity fundraiser

Went around snapped photos tried to get what I could and he had me captured a few with people

1st night down 2 more to go

2nd day bowling charity event

Once again snapping pictures all around

Was able to capture a few of Atlanta celebrities…

Ok great we good.

3rd event pool party… ok this one got canceled due to the parking challenges being at a private home.

So we cleaned up the images burned them to a disc and scheduled a meet time.

Okay we’ll everything was good we met I gave him the disc he gave me the check for my services I cashed the checked immediately paid my assistant

And we good…. Until we were not Received phone call from client he started they would be canceling the check….

1st Night Event

Bowling Charity Event

I’m like huh what??!!!

Yep canceling the check because my images they could not use…

So there you have it… I did 2 back to back days of services with an assistant and got paid $0

Canceled Check

I was livid upset angry 😡 why would someone do that to me…

So after processing this awful experience I prayed about it and after that the spirit gave me the words to follow up in an email.

In my email I explained to him that I did the work he ask me to do and I told him that before you hired me I was an amateur and you move forward to take a chance on me anyways so for that alone I should be compensated.

It was then what he said next that changed everything for me… he told me my pictures weren’t bad… it was that I had too many images of the backs of peoples heads they would not be able to use those images in their magazine.

AHHHH HAAAAA Moment!

The Big Lesson was in this critique of the work I did for him .

1st thing because I was shy I was too afraid to walk up in people and ask for a picture or even take one.

It was easier to just shoot a bunch of images from a distance since I’m delivering you hundreds of images I know you can get what you need out of those images

2nd the quality of images you needed for your event.

I didn’t understand the need of the images for the assignment. Being that all this is new to me I really didn’t know how to properly capture an event.

Between being shy and lack of knowledge

Landed me with one of the biggest lessons in my journey.

So after our email exchange he then told me I was right and to call there Dallas office and have another check sent to me.

Lesson for me was.... After this fiasco I knew to capture images that people can use. Images that if needed for a magazine they would be quality

I also learned to be more assertive, you are in this business you are going to have to deal with people you cannot be shy, you just be kind and ask for the shot.

So moving forward in the special event space, I strive to give you the best quality images for your event capturing details candid and posed images. All that you will be able to use whether in a magazine on your website or marketing materials This lesson here taught me to be better and capture great images!

It's Our Anniversary

15 years and counting...

Kustom Kreation Photography

www.kustomkreations4u.com

10 Types of Events to Capture

The “Fun” damentals of Social Event Photography As a Photographer who captures lots of

social events we are listing 10 Types of Events we Have Captured!

Birthday Party

1. Baby Shower

2. Anniversary Celebration

3. Business Launch

4. Family Reunion

5. Prom/ Homecoming

6. Festival

7. Back to School

8. Workshop/Conference

9. Holiday

Stay tuned for Our “Fun” damentals of Special Event Photography . We will be breaking down more of how we work and capture these various memorial images.

www.kustomkreations4u.com

The Black Hair Experience- Popup Exhibit Atlanta

#blackhair #popupexhibit #Atlanta We recently visited The Black Hair Experience and we had a great time going down memory lane of the various hair experiences and memories we have in our life. We visited each exhibit and took a number of fun photographs! If you are in or around Atlanta make sure to check it out: https://www.theblackhairexperience.com/

**New Ebook Release**Atlanta Venue Guide!!!

We are excited to announce the release of our New E Book!!!! Atlanta Venue Guide!!!!

After many years of capturing events at some of the finest places Atlanta has to offer we are excited to offer this Atlanta Venue Guide! This Listing features many of Atlanta’s venue spaces for all your celebratory needs. So whether your planning a a baby shower , birthday party wedding event or a conference this listing is available to save time searching for the just the right place to host your event. We have over 100 places listed in our guide. Download your guide today Only $4.99

Kustom TV: 30th Birthday Celebration

Recently we had the opportunity to captured moments from a recent 30th birthday celebration. Family and Friends gathered together for a night of food fellowship and spirits to celebrate Phillip Anthony as he celebrated his milestone birthday!

Melvina's White & Gold 50th Birthday Celebration

It’s been awhile since we’ve blog and boy oh boy we have got allot to catch up on. We’ve have been busy all summer long capturing a variety of events! We are happy to share this beautiful White & Gold 50th Birthday Celebration we had the opportunity to capture.

We were contacted earlier this year and booked for this Summer All white party. The theme was Chicago since the honoree was originally from there. Family and Friends travel from near and far to be apart of this great night.

Hosted at Eagles Landing Country Club in Stockbridge, Georgia. The DJ kept the crowd on the floor with a great mix of old school new school and classic Chicago! The MC of the night kept the crowd engage. Their were gift being handed out all night by raffle tickets that were given to every guest as they entered the room. Chicago Skyline was the Step and Repeat and a delicious dinner was served your choice of Salmon or Chicken. The guest danced the night away as they tossed to the birthday girl. We were so thrilled that we could be apart of this celebration and captured moments from this milestone.

Venue- Eagle’s Landing Country Club

Event Designer - A&K Audrey & Kacey Batiste 254-338-5704 or 254-535-9255

Happy Father's Day!

Sending out a Special Father’s Day Message to all the Great Men of the World. We Salute you today and everyday for all that you do to support your children & families! Enjoy your Special Day!

Sending out a Special Father’s Day Message to all the Great Men of the World. We Salute you today and everyday for all that you do to support your children & families! Enjoy your Special Day!

On Location: Aj's Catering Atlanta- A Baby Shower Brunch

Being a mobile photographer that specializes in special events has all the perks of being at a celebration quite often... and being friends with folks in the industry is the best... Today we worked as service staff to assist Aj's Catering Atlanta in preparing for a beautiful baby shower brunch !

Aj’s Catering Atlanta- All Occasion Catering

Behind the Veil Academy- Atlanta Behind the scenes look inside workshop

This past Saturday we had a great time today capturing behind the scenes images for Behind The Veil Academy It was an amazingly awesome day! Meeting a beautiful bunch of event planners and designers! One of my favorite things to capture is special events! I have a love of detail and decor! There is so much work and planning that goes into events at the end of it all it’s the awesome images you have to display all your effort and creativity!!! So today was nothing short of amazing! Thank you Atosha K. Barboza Bennett for inviting us out to capture the beautiful work I’m honored!

Planning/Design/Decor Larger Than Life Events and Design
Venue The B Suite
Chair/Table Rentals Custom Events by Wendy
Stationery Shayla Parker Design
Tabletop The Prissy Plate Company
Bridal Styling Vainglorious Brides
Groom Tux Perfect Tux
Hair/Mua Scoobie West & Company
Wedding Cake Cakes By LaMeeka Custom Cake Designs
Bride Candace Chavous
Groom David Perez
Shoot Photographer Fotos by Fola
Videographer B Bryant Productions, Cinematic Weddings
Workshop Photographer Elisha Akram @kustomkreations4u

I Love Your Smile!!

I love your Smile! Kustom Kreation Photography has been connecting and capturing beautiful smiles for over a decade! We pride ourselves in our work! Having the opportunity to connect and grow with so many people over this span of time has been nothing short of a blessing!!!! We thank all those who have supported us and our services over the years! Thank you Thank you!!! We were beyond honored to work for you and with you to create memories that will last a lifetime and beyond!

Dear 2018, Thank you for the Relationships & Experiences Part two

We are back to share more highlights and moments from our 2018!

Social Events, Weddings and Functions in between!

Donnie Davis - On Location Photography Session - July 2018

Kj’s Birthday Celebration - July 2018

Marcus Long- Flo Wines- Corks and Cuvee - July 2018

TCM Lifestyle - Atlanta Launch - February 2018

Prayer Vision Board- Tangy Henry- January 2018

Raven’s 16th Birthday Session - July 2018

Jasmine Block - Headshot Session - July 2018

Symphony and Leonard - June 2018

June Altridge 90th Birthday Celebration - July 2018

Pastor Roy’s 70th Birthday Celebration- June 2018

E-Chixx Networking Mixer - July 2018

Aj’s 50th Birthday Celebration - June 2018

Glitter and Goals - July 2018

Studio Expansion Masterclass - Westin Hotel Atlanta- July 2018

Cakes By Keon Block Party - May 2018

Maddy & Me Birthday Photo Session - May 2018

Christina’s 9th Birthday Celebration - May 2018

Elijah’s Preprom Photo Session with Family - May 2018

Ronda’s 40th Birthday Dinner Party with Friends- April 2018

Shawana’s Surprise Birthday Celebration - Lake Lanier Island -May 2018

Dear 2018, Thank you for the Relationships & Experiences! Part One

So here we are… days away from the New Year.. and we were looking for a easy way to share our year of relationships, experiences and work throughout the year. For us to look back through our file images, is amazing, because you will say to yourself Wow that did happen to us this year So we are going to present to you our year in review in pictures, Not in chronological order, but we will add the dates along the way. Enjoy our sharing of our services with you!

Monica Epps Graduation Photos! Class of 2018

Georgia State Graduate! December 2018

Walker Legacy Power Awards - Atlanta, Georgia - November 2018

Correllations LLC Event Planners Retreat- Chicago, Illinois - November 2018

Royal Baby Shower - November 2018

Halloween Brunch - October 2018

Hamilton’s Halloween Party - October 2018

Vanessa Parker- Business Services Images - October 2018

Endre & Lenorris’s Engagement Party - October 2018

Megan and Mark Newbern Wedding Ceremony - October 2018

Kierra & Jimmy Franklin Wedding Ceremony - September 2018

Olde Town Conyers Wine Festival Chef Table Dinner- September 2018

#Whenwomenheal Brunch Event- August 2018

Jasmine Block’s Baby Shower - September 2018

CeCe’s 50th Birthday Celebration - August 2018

Augustine Wedding Celebration- August 2018

Jordan’s Dedication Services- August 2018

Jerrye William Camp Celebration of Life Service- August 2018

Kim and Carlos Foster 20 Year Vow Renewal Ceremony- September 2018

Stay Tuned for more…. Part Two Up next!

Special Event Tips : Hire Live Entertainment

Social Events we all love to attend Birthday Parties, Graduations, Baby Showers and Weddings! It’s fun preparing and getting ready to attend the event. Besides meeting and greeting an arrange of people and enjoying good foods and drinks, Allot of us all enjoy some form of entertainment.

I will admit I love live entertainment and a live band… Whew… That just brings a smile over my face. As a social event photographer during any given year we are always on location at someone’s special occasion! We have such a happy job!!! Always at a Party!!! Well we came across this gem from a college graduation we had the opportunity to capture. This dynamic duo really wild the crowd with their classic tunes! Very talented couple! We are working to get the information to give these two proper credit! Enjoy Let’s Stay Together!

Kustom Kreation Photography - Mobile Photography Services Capturing Special Events and Business Images in and around Atlanta! We will Travel!

My Truth ... My Success.....

Reflections of Success on my journey in Photography….

Shiny Pretty Success Business 

Dreams of Success using the natural gifts that we possess and learning things along the way. 

I never looked at myself as successful. Although I've been running around with my camera for years and at one point I was capturing so many special events I was like ... I am the women I'm running this event scene in Atlanta 

I'm the go to event photographer and I'm working with so many event planners and what makes it even better is that I'm a Certified event planner too!

That makes my job even better. Not only do I capture great images to tell the story of the event, but I pay attention to details and I'm building everyone’s portfolio! 

Yay me!!! 

Well well.... it wasn't until I attended a photography workshop and I straight came out of my bubble.... I thought everyone in attendance were new to this game of photography , but when I start seeing all the photo gear and seeing photos taken by my fellow photographer I suddenly realize... Oh you are not who you think you are for sure. 

I became intimated and now I didn't want to show my work due to being called out by rookie errors and not knowing the proper way to balance light for the photos. 

Well I continued into my dream world of being the go to social event photographer and I was determine to polish up my skills 

So again I would look at all these magazine worthy photos and great shots with beautiful lighting with hopes that one day I will be that successful photographer

I had hopes to work with some of the finest vendors in Atlanta! 

Then one day after going through some images from an event I realize I worked along side of a vendors that is in the who's who of events around Atlanta and that wow... You really are successful.

uncertain of what that really meant for me in the beginning but through this journey I realize you have captured amazing images you work with amazing vendors and your images have been used in magazines, blogs book covers flyers and so much more. So success is all in what it is meant to you personally and goals that you set out to achieve... 

So re design success on what that means to you and you will be and Already Are successful!

It's a great day to be alive.

Elisha ~ 

Olde Town Conyers Wine Festival 2018

Recently we were on location to capture images for this first inaugural Olde Town Conyers (Georgia) Wine Festival hosted by the OTC Wine Group. Great night of networking with a mix of great food prepared by Chef Paula and delicious wines provided by Corks and Cuvee!

Olde Town Conyers Wine Festival 2018 OTC Wine Group, LLC host "An Evening of Curated Cuisine & Wine Elegance" This Inaugural event features local celebrated Chefs and exquisite wines from around the globe.

Portfolios & Perspectives Workshop - One year Ago

One year ago today we hosted our very first workshop entitled Portfolios and Perspectives!!! This day was such a special one where it brought together my love for photography and event design!!! AJs Catering Atlanta, GA provided the delicious delights and dynamic speakers Vanessa Parker The PinkBoss Helena Paschal Correlations, LLC-Event Training provided the attendees with solid information to build their businesses... and Me!! All I could do is smile from ear to ear.... When you see a vision come to life and everything came together!!!! Thankful for all the participates and staff!!!! More to Come! Let's build Together! 

Captured Quotes

They say a picture is worth a thousand words... 

During a recent networking mixer Tawanda Lane (E-chixx Events) is speaking with one of the guest.