Week 3 EOC: Making Money for Good

Most people would be surprised to learn that Apple is one of the most charitably companies. As a former employee, I can attest to the fact that the CEOs at Apple care about their employees, customers, and the world. It all comes full circle when you really think about it. In order to make technology that people feel love for (yes, they proved that users have emotions toward their phones, iPods, tablets, and computers), they had to really understand people. What makes us tick? What makes us connected? How can we do things better. It all goes into being the most innovative company in the world to date.

Most of the programs encourage Apple Retail and Corporate Employees to donate their time and money to charities of their choice. "Apple matches gifts up to $10,000 a year made by full time employees." I really love that idea, because it means that the employees get to choose their favorite causes, and Apple matches it! "To date, Apple has contributed $78 million to charities through its matching gift program." $78 million is A LOT of money in just a few short years. PLUS, if an employee volunteers their time, Apple will PAY the charity $20 for every hour worked. How awesome is that? "Apple launched its Global Volunteer Program which is available for both retail and corporate employees. The program gives employees the tools to effectively organize volunteer events in their local communities. "

In addition to monetary contributions made to various charities, Apple has worked very had to improve the working condition for Chinese factory workers. After initial accusations of unsafe working conditions in 2012, the company has worked hard to improve employee safety and work conditions.

REFERENCES:

"10 Companies Doing Corporate Philanthropy Right." Double the Donation. WEB. 10 Feb. 2016."

EOC Week 2: Video Gaming: Old Dogs and Cash Cows

Week 1 EOC: Great Customer Service

Customer service is a very big deal to me. I will sacrifice cost for better customer service. For example, about ten years ago, I had a scheduled flight with American Airlines and my flight was cancelled due to maintenance. Knowing that these things happen, I remained calm and understanding. Until the airline told me they couldn't get me to my destination until the next day. The service desk was very unsympathetic and left me frustrated. I started calling around, and found out that Southwest Airlines could get me on a flight that day, that cost less than my original ticket, AND they had a direct flight that got me in sooner than my original flight. But most importantly, they were nice to me. Since that day, I refuse to fly with anyone else. I am such a loyal customer, that I won't even compare prices. 

I also know that quality customer service starts with how the company treats it's employees. Apple, Zappos, and Google are known for their great work environments, and it shows. Just walk into an Apple store, and look how happy the employees are. Then go to WalMart and see how those employees act. It's not a coincidence. Furthermore, I would prefer to take my business to the companies that care about the people working for them. I have not been in a WalMart for at least five years. 

I would also like to add that being a good customer is important as well. People know when you are genuine (on both sides of the counter). I have worked in a customer-centric roll my whole life, and I can absolutely tell you that being honest and understanding goes a long way. For instance, if I shoot a wedding, and the bride is terrible, she is going to get exactly what I promise in my wedding packages. However, if the bride is nice, and doesn't try to abuse her vendors, I will usually gift her with a bonus print or canvas of her favorite image. 

Week 1 EOC: My Voice

As an award-winning photographer, I enjoying fashion and design photography most. I love working with other creative people, and I never want to be stuck in one style of imagery. I feel that everything I do is to become a better version of myself. When you stop growing, you start dying. I work everyday to be a better photographer, wife, and human being. I grew up in remote, Eastern Washington and began my photography obsession in 1999. I loved working with film photography, and would play around with different shooting and editing techniques. My favorite photograph from high school is a multiple-exposure photograph I took while "camping" (i.e. drinking beer in the woods). I would not advance the film, but instead, took four shots of me in different outfits and poses. In my early 20's I worked with the cameras on military reconnaissance planes. I moved to Las Vegas in 2010, because it is a city of diversity and art. Anything goes here, and that's what I love most. 

Now, I focus on imagery of beauty. I gravitate toward fashion photography, because literally anything goes. I can do so much more with fashion than I can with standard portraits. Just like my high school photo with multiple exposures, there is no limit to the creativity and looks I can achieve.