Monday, August 6, 2007
Need Some Growth!
Well, it would appear that we have flattened out on the growth curve at $500 to $600 per day. I have mentioned that before, but we have another week's data to confirm... College starts up again in a couple of weeks. Colorado College and Pikes Peak Community College are not far from us. I'm going to start doing flyers around the campuses soon... Kids will be moving in over the next couple of weeks.
We are also going to get some signs made and have someone stand out by the street advertising $1 coffee and $2 lattes during the morning commute hours. Pikes Peak Ave goes straight into downtown. We obtained traffic data last week and 80,000 cars go by our shop DAILY. We need to tap into some of that, as we have not done so yet.
Paul Kulik came by this weekend and swapped out his amazing photos again (third set of artwork to be on display). They will be up until September 8th, at which time Paul's work will come down and we will support another local artist. It has been a real blessing to have Paul's beautiful work on display since our opening, and we look forward to showing his work again in the future. We can't thank him enough! What I look forward to even more is to go to some of those places myself! He is a great inspiration. Bottom line, though, is that you need to get in here this month and see his photos of Western Colorado, Antelope Canyon in Arizona, and some other beautiful locations...
We had a meeting with the local event organizer for the Diabetes Walkathon. It is confirmed... We are going to provide the coffee service, after Starbucks backed out. I will also be doing candid photos of people on the walk for their website, and I will also be doing formal group shots for 85 groups. In exchange, we get to have our logos on the event t-shirts, flyers, brochures, and have flyers in the event bags that all participants get.
We spent some quality family time yesterday by checking out Red Rocks Canyon, which the city of Colorado Springs recently purchased from a private owner. They have built a some trails, a technical mountain bike practice area, lots of rock climbing areas, etc... I only took the point and shoot, and the batteries went dead after just a few shots. Here are a couple of them of the kids doing what boys do best:
Gotta run,
JD
We are also going to get some signs made and have someone stand out by the street advertising $1 coffee and $2 lattes during the morning commute hours. Pikes Peak Ave goes straight into downtown. We obtained traffic data last week and 80,000 cars go by our shop DAILY. We need to tap into some of that, as we have not done so yet.
Paul Kulik came by this weekend and swapped out his amazing photos again (third set of artwork to be on display). They will be up until September 8th, at which time Paul's work will come down and we will support another local artist. It has been a real blessing to have Paul's beautiful work on display since our opening, and we look forward to showing his work again in the future. We can't thank him enough! What I look forward to even more is to go to some of those places myself! He is a great inspiration. Bottom line, though, is that you need to get in here this month and see his photos of Western Colorado, Antelope Canyon in Arizona, and some other beautiful locations...
We had a meeting with the local event organizer for the Diabetes Walkathon. It is confirmed... We are going to provide the coffee service, after Starbucks backed out. I will also be doing candid photos of people on the walk for their website, and I will also be doing formal group shots for 85 groups. In exchange, we get to have our logos on the event t-shirts, flyers, brochures, and have flyers in the event bags that all participants get.
We spent some quality family time yesterday by checking out Red Rocks Canyon, which the city of Colorado Springs recently purchased from a private owner. They have built a some trails, a technical mountain bike practice area, lots of rock climbing areas, etc... I only took the point and shoot, and the batteries went dead after just a few shots. Here are a couple of them of the kids doing what boys do best:
Gotta run,
JD
Friday, August 3, 2007
Another studio shot
I spent a few minutes in the studio during a slow period today. I took this flower out of one of Tracy's arrangements on the tables in the cafe. I used a main light to the right of the camera, fitted with a 10 degree spotlight grid, to give highlights and shadows, giving the flower a 3D look. The center of the flower was in deep shadow, so I added a second light, at about 15% power as compared to the main light, to add a little fill. This light was just to the right of the camera, fitted with a 20 degree grid (snoot).
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Coffee Photos
Finally, after three months, I got around to taking a couple of coffee photos. I only spent a few minutes with this, since it is late. I used one studio light only...
This is my favorite of the two. I adjusted my single light (with a 10 degree snoot) to create dramatic shadows across the cup, reflect the handle in the cup to create an abstract heart, and to allow light/shadow to spill onto the background, which would contrast with the cup. It was a little tricky to set up, but I'm very happy with the outcome. I converted it to black and white using calculations (which creates an alpha channel in Photoshop), then toned it with a nice, coffee brown.
Here is the second, which used one light, and a reflector to the left side... I'm not too excited about this composition, but thought I'd post it anyway...
Everybody have a great night...
JD
This is my favorite of the two. I adjusted my single light (with a 10 degree snoot) to create dramatic shadows across the cup, reflect the handle in the cup to create an abstract heart, and to allow light/shadow to spill onto the background, which would contrast with the cup. It was a little tricky to set up, but I'm very happy with the outcome. I converted it to black and white using calculations (which creates an alpha channel in Photoshop), then toned it with a nice, coffee brown.
Here is the second, which used one light, and a reflector to the left side... I'm not too excited about this composition, but thought I'd post it anyway...
Everybody have a great night...
JD
Still Life Photo Contest
Click this link for information and to RSVP:
http://photo.meetup.com/586/
When:
Wednesday, August 22, 2007, 6:30 PM
Where:
Nemo's Coffee
2230 E Pikes Peak Ave
Colorado Springs , CO 80909
719-635-2745
Description:
After having the Still Life Workshop tonight, I thought it would be fun to have a Still Life themed contest to give everyone a chance (and the motivation) to practice what was discussed tonight.
Here is the plan:
-Create a still life image, subject of your choosing, between now and August 22.
-Editing rules are wide open, although your entry must be a single photograph (not a compilation of two or more photos). Artistic filters are allowed, but remember that this is a Photography exercise.
-Attend the Meetup on Wednesday August 22 with an 8x10 print of your entry.
-We will have a review and critique session, where members can provide feedback and encouragement!
-Voting will be by secret ballot, and only those participating in the contest will vote (others are welcome to attend, though)
-First place prize will be 1/2 lb of premium whole bean coffee from Nemo's! (if you have other ideas for prizes, feel free to email me).
That's it... Keep in mind, this is just for fun and to put into practice the Still Life concept over the next few weeks.
I will make my studio available if you need a place to shoot, and would like to borrow my lighting. Just stop in or call to schedule a time. I am typically here from 3:00pm to close, and on Saturdays. We are closed on Sundays.
I hope everyone had a great time tonight and I look forward to seeing all of you again...
Take care,
JD Anderson
719-635-2745
RSVP limit:
Only 25 members (including guests) can RSVP 'Yes' or 'Maybe' for this event. There's still room for 22 more.
http://photo.meetup.com/586/
When:
Wednesday, August 22, 2007, 6:30 PM
Where:
Nemo's Coffee
2230 E Pikes Peak Ave
Colorado Springs , CO 80909
719-635-2745
Description:
After having the Still Life Workshop tonight, I thought it would be fun to have a Still Life themed contest to give everyone a chance (and the motivation) to practice what was discussed tonight.
Here is the plan:
-Create a still life image, subject of your choosing, between now and August 22.
-Editing rules are wide open, although your entry must be a single photograph (not a compilation of two or more photos). Artistic filters are allowed, but remember that this is a Photography exercise.
-Attend the Meetup on Wednesday August 22 with an 8x10 print of your entry.
-We will have a review and critique session, where members can provide feedback and encouragement!
-Voting will be by secret ballot, and only those participating in the contest will vote (others are welcome to attend, though)
-First place prize will be 1/2 lb of premium whole bean coffee from Nemo's! (if you have other ideas for prizes, feel free to email me).
That's it... Keep in mind, this is just for fun and to put into practice the Still Life concept over the next few weeks.
I will make my studio available if you need a place to shoot, and would like to borrow my lighting. Just stop in or call to schedule a time. I am typically here from 3:00pm to close, and on Saturdays. We are closed on Sundays.
I hope everyone had a great time tonight and I look forward to seeing all of you again...
Take care,
JD Anderson
719-635-2745
RSVP limit:
Only 25 members (including guests) can RSVP 'Yes' or 'Maybe' for this event. There's still room for 22 more.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Sales Data, Aug 01, 2007
Well, today marks our fifth calendar month in operation, although we were only open the final four days in April.
Here are some cumulative sales data information:
We have sold 4036 espresso beverages (lattes, mochas, americanos, etc), by far our biggest seller (which is good, since we are a coffee shop!)
We have sold 2326 lunch items, which includes salads, sandwiches, hot dogs, soup, breakfast burritos, etc.
We have sold 1403 bottled drinks out of our merchandise cooler, which means we only need to sell about 2100 more for the cooler to pay for itself!
In 14 weeks of operation, we have sold 13,775 items!
We exceeded $600 in sales today, which is only our third time to do so! Today was also our second highest customer count ever!
Thanks everybody, for your support, patronage, and your prayers!
JD
Here are some cumulative sales data information:
We have sold 4036 espresso beverages (lattes, mochas, americanos, etc), by far our biggest seller (which is good, since we are a coffee shop!)
We have sold 2326 lunch items, which includes salads, sandwiches, hot dogs, soup, breakfast burritos, etc.
We have sold 1403 bottled drinks out of our merchandise cooler, which means we only need to sell about 2100 more for the cooler to pay for itself!
In 14 weeks of operation, we have sold 13,775 items!
We exceeded $600 in sales today, which is only our third time to do so! Today was also our second highest customer count ever!
Thanks everybody, for your support, patronage, and your prayers!
JD
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Update...
Sorry for taking so long in between posts... We've been super busy.
Some highlights from the last 11 days:
Starbucks backed out of providing coffee service to a Diabetes walkathon at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in early October. We have a meeting Monday with the event organizer to become their new coffee service provider. As it turns out, they also need a photographer for about 85 group photos, as well as some candids/event photography. I will be providing those services as well. I love it when we have the chance to meet a need that Starbucks has agreed to do, then bailed...
We are continuing to grow our 'regular customers'. We are having new people in daily that comment on how much better our coffee is than anywhere else in town. That is encouraging...
We are still not capturing the morning commuters. Most of our day business is from people in the surrounding buildings. We have considered hiring cute, energetic girls to stand out by Pikes Peak during the morning rush hour and wave signs advertising $1 coffee and $2 lattes. No, there is no profit in that, but we want to get some rush hour drivers to know we are here and try our product. Once they have tried it, and noticed that our prices are cheaper than Starbucks, then we'll have 'em hooked for good.
My Photography group is really coming together. I have been named an assistant group leader. I don't have time to devote to it right now, but I am looking forward to when I do... We have gone from monthly meetings to a meeting every one or two weeks. We have one tomorrow, which will be a Still Life workshop. It will be a hands on, cameras out, firing away photo session to experiment with depth of field and lighting for still lifes. We have also discussed going to two meetings a week to accommodate the group size. We limit an individual event to 25 or so, but the group membership has grown to almost 60 people. We have some really great people, and lots of photographers are also making friends and business acquaintances out of the group. The meetings are supposed to run from 7:00pm to 9:00pm, but I've had people here until 11:00pm or later the last several meetings!
I know this isn't all that exciting to you, but Tracy and I both got new shoes today! Tracy wanted to get some shoes that will help her to be on her feet for 12-14 hours a day. She found some great shoes for a whopping $165! I decided to go the athletic route instead of the 'work' shoes route and got some Solomon hiking shoes (low cut, not over the ankle). They are super comfortable, are all leather, and provide great support. I think these will last much longer than cross trainers or trail running shoes... We have not had an income for awhile, so we have bought absolutely nothing for months and months. If you have gotten to the point where nothing is exciting anymore and you don't appreciate the little things in life, then I suggest you go six months without spending ANY money, except for absolute necessities like house payment, food, gas for the car, etc. Once you have done that, then buying a new pair of shoes becomes very exciting, and much appreciated. In the past, I have always picked out two or three pairs that I like the way they look, try them on, and buy a pair. Today, I wanted to make sure that I spent money wisely and get something that will work well and last a long time. I tried on over 20 pair of shoes!! I took two hours to narrow it down to the Solomons, or a pair of New Balance trail running shoes. I went with the Solomon hikers because of the leather construction and they have better arch supports in them...
Updated prayer list:
Andrew Harris - he is here from Ohio for medical treatment. He came in today and asked if we had anything healthy for $2. He came here for specialized medical treatment and the airline lost his luggage, including his cell phone and his wallet. He looks like he is healthy enough to be playing football for a college team, but apparently has a medical issue that he does not expect to survive. It is such a contradiction to see someone young and visually healthy, who is suffering from something that may take his life.
Bobbi's mom - Bobbi is one of our best 'regulars', and is also someone we knew from a church we attended together back in 1997. Her mom has been hospitalized with MS, and is not doing well.
Jo Renda - my little sister had shoulder surgery last week and is recovering...
Sharla - a woman from our church, who is also interested in buying our rental house. She was diagnosed with breast cancer on Friday. We wish her well with whatever treatment her doctor chooses...
Aubrey and George, my brother and neighbor who are both serving their third tours in Iraq. Please pray for all of our troops, everywhere. I've been there, done that, and I know from personal experience that they could use our prayers, no matter where they are stationed or what they are doing on a daily basis.
James, our nephew. After some rough teenage years, James has been out of trouble and attending college, studying pre-med, working at Starbucks, and just doing really well in life. He met up with an old friend from back in his 'trouble' days and has followed him down the wrong path... James was recently arrested driving a stolen car, plus apparently had some drug paraphernalia on him, and is in more trouble than he cares for right now. There are consequences in life to poor choices, and I am not asking you to pray for his troubles to go away. I'm asking you to pray for him to learn to make better choices in life, and that he can turn this around before he gets in trouble that will take his whole life away from him.
There are many more people out there, friends and family, as well as total strangers, who need prayers. Take a look around your own life and find someone you can pray for... They are there, all over the place.
Gotta run,
JD
Some highlights from the last 11 days:
Starbucks backed out of providing coffee service to a Diabetes walkathon at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in early October. We have a meeting Monday with the event organizer to become their new coffee service provider. As it turns out, they also need a photographer for about 85 group photos, as well as some candids/event photography. I will be providing those services as well. I love it when we have the chance to meet a need that Starbucks has agreed to do, then bailed...
We are continuing to grow our 'regular customers'. We are having new people in daily that comment on how much better our coffee is than anywhere else in town. That is encouraging...
We are still not capturing the morning commuters. Most of our day business is from people in the surrounding buildings. We have considered hiring cute, energetic girls to stand out by Pikes Peak during the morning rush hour and wave signs advertising $1 coffee and $2 lattes. No, there is no profit in that, but we want to get some rush hour drivers to know we are here and try our product. Once they have tried it, and noticed that our prices are cheaper than Starbucks, then we'll have 'em hooked for good.
My Photography group is really coming together. I have been named an assistant group leader. I don't have time to devote to it right now, but I am looking forward to when I do... We have gone from monthly meetings to a meeting every one or two weeks. We have one tomorrow, which will be a Still Life workshop. It will be a hands on, cameras out, firing away photo session to experiment with depth of field and lighting for still lifes. We have also discussed going to two meetings a week to accommodate the group size. We limit an individual event to 25 or so, but the group membership has grown to almost 60 people. We have some really great people, and lots of photographers are also making friends and business acquaintances out of the group. The meetings are supposed to run from 7:00pm to 9:00pm, but I've had people here until 11:00pm or later the last several meetings!
I know this isn't all that exciting to you, but Tracy and I both got new shoes today! Tracy wanted to get some shoes that will help her to be on her feet for 12-14 hours a day. She found some great shoes for a whopping $165! I decided to go the athletic route instead of the 'work' shoes route and got some Solomon hiking shoes (low cut, not over the ankle). They are super comfortable, are all leather, and provide great support. I think these will last much longer than cross trainers or trail running shoes... We have not had an income for awhile, so we have bought absolutely nothing for months and months. If you have gotten to the point where nothing is exciting anymore and you don't appreciate the little things in life, then I suggest you go six months without spending ANY money, except for absolute necessities like house payment, food, gas for the car, etc. Once you have done that, then buying a new pair of shoes becomes very exciting, and much appreciated. In the past, I have always picked out two or three pairs that I like the way they look, try them on, and buy a pair. Today, I wanted to make sure that I spent money wisely and get something that will work well and last a long time. I tried on over 20 pair of shoes!! I took two hours to narrow it down to the Solomons, or a pair of New Balance trail running shoes. I went with the Solomon hikers because of the leather construction and they have better arch supports in them...
Updated prayer list:
Andrew Harris - he is here from Ohio for medical treatment. He came in today and asked if we had anything healthy for $2. He came here for specialized medical treatment and the airline lost his luggage, including his cell phone and his wallet. He looks like he is healthy enough to be playing football for a college team, but apparently has a medical issue that he does not expect to survive. It is such a contradiction to see someone young and visually healthy, who is suffering from something that may take his life.
Bobbi's mom - Bobbi is one of our best 'regulars', and is also someone we knew from a church we attended together back in 1997. Her mom has been hospitalized with MS, and is not doing well.
Jo Renda - my little sister had shoulder surgery last week and is recovering...
Sharla - a woman from our church, who is also interested in buying our rental house. She was diagnosed with breast cancer on Friday. We wish her well with whatever treatment her doctor chooses...
Aubrey and George, my brother and neighbor who are both serving their third tours in Iraq. Please pray for all of our troops, everywhere. I've been there, done that, and I know from personal experience that they could use our prayers, no matter where they are stationed or what they are doing on a daily basis.
James, our nephew. After some rough teenage years, James has been out of trouble and attending college, studying pre-med, working at Starbucks, and just doing really well in life. He met up with an old friend from back in his 'trouble' days and has followed him down the wrong path... James was recently arrested driving a stolen car, plus apparently had some drug paraphernalia on him, and is in more trouble than he cares for right now. There are consequences in life to poor choices, and I am not asking you to pray for his troubles to go away. I'm asking you to pray for him to learn to make better choices in life, and that he can turn this around before he gets in trouble that will take his whole life away from him.
There are many more people out there, friends and family, as well as total strangers, who need prayers. Take a look around your own life and find someone you can pray for... They are there, all over the place.
Gotta run,
JD
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