Yup, It’s true I say!  I’ve been hinting around about the changes around the studio for several months now and at some point I will write a blog post about the many things, people and circumstance that have made 2011 such a tumultuous yet outstanding year both personally and professionally but for now I’m super stoked to announce that here at Cindy Guessford Studios we are officially launching our Beloved Cinema Division.  We have been quietly shooting all year both stills and video and have made some beautiful pieces that absolutely document and preserve the memories of you and the ones you love.  We have also launched our Beloved Experience which will be the only type of portrait session that we offer moving forward.  What this means for us is that we are embracing our creativity and not limiting it to a specific medium.  My studio will be a full service hybrid photo/cinema studio.  We offer photo and cinema coverage for The Beloved Experience as well as Weddings.  To learn more visit www.theBelovedExperience.com or just contact me.  I would love to chat about future projects and commissions.

I’ve also had to re-evaluate my business model and will no longer be accepting as a studio multiple bookings.  In the past 8+ years, the studio has employed several photographers, editors, designers, filmakers etc… We have shot multiple events per date.  The new model will require that each person employed here at CG Studios to be cross trained in every aspect of studio operations as well as both still and cinema shooting.  We will only be accepting 40 weddings/events per year.  This will allow me to focus on the things I love (shooting, planning, pleasing my clients) and for the rest of the team to be fully present and available under my direction to do the same.  The 2012 Wedding season is nearly booked to capacity and 2013 is shaping up to be one of our quickest and earliest years of bookings to date. phewwwwww! such an exciting time to embrace technology =))))

Now on to the hiring bit.  I’m looking to have a few very special candidates join my team.  Specifically photo/cinema shooters.  I can tell you that my expectations are high but I will never ask of you anything that I myself won’t personally do.  Everyone here works together in unison to create not just the type of product we love but also the kind of experience for our clients that means something.  Those who do not posses exceptional client relations skills need not even read any further.  Here is a short list of qualifications that will get you to the top of the list:

Candidates must have:

• knowledge of available light photography
• ability to utilize flash, strobe, led lights, wireless triggers
• pro level gear ( i don’t so much care if it’s Canon or Nikon – just get it right in camera and in focus)
• working knowledge of at least 2 of these  -Lightroom, Photoshop, Premiere, Final cut (insert any video or audio editing software) Excel, Wordpress, HTML
• full knowledge of color theory and the color wheel
• no ego – we are all important parts of the body of work and collections presented to clients

Here’s the catch, if you have all of the qualifications listed below then I may let that trump missing some of the above qualifications:

• A great disposition, positive outlook
• the ability to leave your problems at the door and get the job done
• a thick skin and a cool head
• a passion for film, digital stills or cinema
• excitement, creativity, a point of view
• excitement, creativity, a point of view
• excitement, creativity, a point of view
• excitement, creativity, a point of view – yes – wildly important
• timeliness ( lateness is not tolerated ever – it brings the angry out in me – you don’t want to see me when I’m angry ;-)
• a willingness to learn, grow, create, prosper
• last but not least – the desire to be fearless in how you pursue the moment, the image, the scene, the shot, the task and most importantly  fulfilling the needs of our clients.

SO that’s the skinny! If you feel that you are the next addition to my team or know someone who is please send a resume and a letter of Why I should hire you to Cindy@theBelovedExperience.com

extra points awarded to those who have an affection for home brewing and/or are a great cook.  Okay, not really but we do like to have a cool, laid back work environment providing all of the work gets done.  Just sayin!

Resumes will be accepted until January 20th.  Interviews will be conducted on Saturday January 21st & Monday January 23rd.  I’m looking forward to hearing from you.

PS! I have the uncanny ability to find the diamond in the rough and I appreciate heart more than credentials but you must have photo/video skill sets.