Documenting the journey....it's worth it!

What's it all for? All of this? Photography? Life? Love?
It's an age old question. In times of confusion and trial we ask our selves is it worth it? The sacrifice and the risk for the sake of doing something we love...and I say HELL YES!

My business is not JUST a business, it's my passion, it's my calling, my purpose in life. All the work I shoot is a part of me, it's a part of my vision. My creativity has been such a big part of me being me since I can remember. And to have the opportunity to share that creativity and to share that vision with people like you has made all the risk worth it time and time again.

I constantly have to remind myself (especially this week) that choosing this path, and doing the work to get here hasn't been easy, so respectfully, the road along the way isn't always going to be smooth. Weeks like this make me want to stay in bed and pull the covers over my head. But where would I be if I did that? Well, yes in bed, but I wouldn't be continuing my journey. I wouldn't be making my mark.

This work, shooting and capturing, it is as much for me as it is for my clients. And I love when a client sees that. The moments of life that we capture are our signature, the only documentation of our journey. And they tell the story of our lives...how could it not be worth it?

Each and every post, every photo, every link I share is a part of me. I share these things so that I can relate with those who see the world the way I do. And those who see the world the way I do will inevitably want to share in my journey. And I thank them you. It is for these people that I continue to share. But it is for ME that I continue to take the risk because it not about the journey, but about the documentation of moments along the way that make it ALL WORTH IT.

It's moments like these, and people like us who capture them that make my journey worth treading.

Thank You to Claire & Todd Roeth for capturing these images for us. Rouxby.com

Recollect. Go get yours.

Last night, as I simmered the mexican rice and chopped the avocado to top our chicken, a swarm of memories flashed. Have you ever had that happen? When just out of no where a whole years worth of memories pop into your head. That's what this was. I remembered back to when I was working at the country club and going to school full time. Days like yesterday happened maybe once a month back then.

Back then the laundry piled up, dinner consisted of a can of soup and there was wouldn't have been time for watering the freshly planted grass in our lawn. Or for planting grass at all. Back then life consisted of late nights, writing papers and finishing paintings. It consisted of early morning managers meetings and long holiday shifts. It never consisted of a Monday that was equal parts productive and leisurely. NEVER. I used to sleep all my free time away because working 50 hours a week and taking 4 or 5 classes a semester left no time for sleep during the week. 

I remembered all these things as I looked around at my house. Clean, organized, put away. Everything. I thought how lucky or blessed or determined I am. Who knows, maybe all of those things I guess. But there was a time in my life I never thought I be able to live this way. The thought of enjoying the sunset on a spring evening while the birds chirped wasn't for me, it was for those 9-5ers. And how unfair it was that they had those opportunities, and I would probably be in school forever. That's what I thought.

And then I started my own business. I still work 50 hours a week, but I do so watching the sunset on a spring evening while the birds chirp. Without me even knowing it, this was my dream, my goal...and it just so happened that somewhere along these years, I found it.

Find your dream. Go out and look for it. Sit quietly and look within. Find it however you can.
Dream your dream, and go get yours too!!

Dreaming big dreams.

Last night I sat in my living room, legs crossed on our tiny sitting couch from Ikea. Justin was in the kitchen putting together the french press coffee and I was making small talk with a couple who's wedding is in 2013. I went to high school with the groom, and was just meeting his future bride for the first time.

Doesn't seem like much when I put into words but when I think about the context of each of those situations independently, those are dreams coming true.

I'm with the man of my dreams. And we're getting married. I so blessed to have a couch, and a kitchen and in general a wonderful life. I've worked so hard over the past few years and I'm taking inquiries for years in advance for couples who want to hire us, couples who aren't strangers.

In our conversation I realized another little dream I didn't know I had had come true. In the years before starting my business I often stalked other photographers on facebook, even asked to assist in ways so that I could learn in any way I could. It never resulted in anything. Either no response, or a simple and polite "no thank you" was all I ever got.

Tonight, our possible-future clients sat telling us that they had a list of about 10 photographers to meet with. Not only were we lucky enough to be on that list, but the name dropped of one of those other companies that I had frequently fawned over, and asked to follow around like a lost puppy. Today, I was in a long list along with the photographers I had so feverishly envied.

Tomorrow our programmer will compile the design for my new website. That I built. We've got so many awesome things in the works for our clients, and all of you!! I'm giddy!
Friday we will set out for a whole days worth of fun shooting a styled shoot. That I put together. We're teaming up with local people, big dreamers like us who support the idea of doing it all just for life's sake.

Not only do I want to tell you all to go out and dream your big dreams, I'm telling you to do it on your own if you have to. I did. And when you find others who are like you hold on to them tight.

Big dreamers aren't day dreamers...we're the people who stay up all night with excitement just for the POSSIBILITY of our dream becoming a reality. And let me tell you, the biggest of dreams don't come true over night.


THANK YOU to our big dreamers:
Rebecca Heller, our assistant-in-the-works.
Gabby Forchione, Friend and Hair & Make Up for the styled shoot.
Abby Salvino, Salvino Dolci Bakery
Sweet Mary's Bakery owner, Mary.
Laura of Paper Allure & Twigs and Twine
And the wonderful Paula of Encore of Canton
Susan and JD Lowry, our wonderful models and blog readers
Mark Franklin, our Programmer
And all the women and men who have expressed an interest in being a part of my yet to be named summer portrait project.
All of the fabulous people who reached out to me and let me know they were there in my last post, Dear Noone
& Mom, for reading and commenting on my blog.

Giving Hope, and a full calendar.

This is a topic I've been reading on lately from other photographers and I wanted to share just a snippet of my WHY.

Why do I do this? Why do I photograph people and love and weddings. I got an email recently from an acquaintance...I'd call her a friend, but she was more my sister's friend, and I was always tagging along. I mention that because somehow it makes her appreciation more credible.

Her email read:

Speechless. Chills. Tears. It might not sound like much, but for someone to step out of their comfort zone, step into my world and give me a pat on the back...is everything to me. I'm grateful, shocked, giddy and excited. If she's the only person in the world that I give hope to through my work and through sharing my life, then my heart is full. 

I'm happy to report that we are completely booked for August and September 2012. 

And the rest of the calendar is spotted with amazing couples that we CANNOT wait to photograph!


Thank you all, forever.

Mint & Metal

A styled shoot.

Mint & Metal
A little spring thing, with hues in coral, gold and a glamorous minty-zing.
It's here...the pin-board for the winter-gone-spring-themed wedding shoot.
March 9th, 2012 we'll be teaming up with a great list of vendors for a full on fab photo shoot. 


Here's the look!!

It might have been.

I have a collection of diaries, and in them a collection of quotes.
"For all the sad words of tongue and pen, the saddest are these; it might have been."

It might have been. Or not. It could have gone either way, like an aimless leaf on the wind. In my life there were many things that might have been; I might have never met Justin, I might have been a teacher, I might have moved away, I might have worked a rewardless job, I might have never known the life I know now. And sad couldn't begin to equate the feeling I imagine I would I feel, having sipped a taste of what my life should be like had it ended up in one of those other ways.

My life now is filled with simplicity, and all the things that are important to me and none of the things that aren't. Stepping back and realizing that at some point in the course where I could have gone left, but instead I went right got me to where I am now is inconceivable.

It might have been hard work, it might have been the work of a higher power, it might have been luck. What I think it was was a series of decisions, and a collection of choices. Just like my collection of diaries and quotes that tell the story of who I was at each entry, each choice I've made up until this point tells the story of where I am going.

What will your story tell?

Get it together, kids. How to organize your home office.

I'm so cheerfully pleased to present my new office organization! This one will stick, I swear it!
We've had a home office since 2005 and it has been a work in progress ever since, but this time...we've got a system nailed down!
Check it out!

A head massager is a vital tool in a home office.
Tiny decorative boxes and baskets make a world of difference for decluttering!

Everything I use on a daily basis is on this shelf.
SD cards, Post Its, Biz Cards, Hand Sanitizer, Inspirational Magazines...

I condensed a whole drawer of stationary into one colorful, cute little basket that's easy to access from my chair!

A photographer's office is not complete without a vintage camera. My uncle gave me this one!

Our 'out the door' organizer.
Outgoing mail, stamps, check books, random items to put away or give to people...right at the door as you walk out.
CONVENIENCE is KEY!

A safe box. This is my client product/sample cabinet. I can now put albums, prints, and any other products I have for
client pick up here, save from animals or people!

THE BEST PART!!!!!!
My new equipment closet.
Houses all my gear, bags, shoot shoes and wedding clothes and a charging station!

New chalkboard!!

All of this means a decluttered desk to work at!

My progress board is hidden beside my shelf, and behind where I sit,
so I have a nice clean view of the room and the windows instead of lists.

INSPIRATION!

And of course, a spot for Tyson!

Happy Monday!!!

Resolutions and goals, and all that jazz...

I'm sometimes surprised by our effort to stay focused on our goals. We can be a little couch-potato-esque...but hey, most people my age are still in school and wouldn't even think to make a list of monthly or yearly goals. Well, we did...and I am equally surprised by the amount of check marks on my list this year! Being that 2012 started yesterday, and we made our goals list in August I still have a little time. BUT, I've got so many checked off that I wanted to make a new list and share them with all of you. Now, be inspired! :-)

Here's August's list:

Yearly Goals:
1. New website and branding concept- Check
2. Promotional video- In the works...
3. Book 10-15 more weddings...MAN I HOPE SO!!!
4. Travel with family- we're working on a plan!
5. Travel with Justin- Check
6. Pay off debt- Get a check because we're doing good even though its a slow process.
7. Save money- Check
8. Buy new camera equipment- In progress.
9. Be kinder to Justin, bicker less. Check
10. Improve our social/personal life. Check---and within this one, I got an added bonus, not only have I been blessed with many new friendships I also started a jazzercise class, and work out regularly with those friends- Check.

2012's Goals:
1. Book 10-15 more weddings.
2. Visit another conference of some sort.
3. Finish ALL home projects.
4. Have a solid routine for all business practices.
5. Teach a photography class.
6. Have a wedding.
7. Go on a honeymoon.
8. Workout 4-5 times a week.
9. Eat healthier.
10. Cook more.

Let's do this!!!

10 Ways to fuel your creativity.

The winter months can be stagnant and boring (especially in Ohio.) They are super depressing and overbearing on my emotions. How about you? I found this article and thought I'd share, might give us some guidance on putting a stop to that, before it happens!

Read Article

6 years, and how I know he loves me.

6 years is a long time. Think of all the things you couldn't do when you were 1, and then all of the things you could do when you were 6. Or think of the difference between yourself at age 10, and yourself at age 16. Yikes. That was a scary comparison. Had I been driving, wearing make up, and trying to walk in "spice girl" wedge heels at 10, I might have never made it to 16.

6 years and some weeks is how long Justin and I have lived happily together. 6 years of marriage. No, not the legal kind, but marriage of our lives, together. Everything about us is married, except on paper, for 6 years. Sometimes Justin does little things that will remind me, that will back up and make up for all the time that passed since I was last reminded that he loves me. Like the time he combined our movie collection, and said that because of it we were now committed to a lifetime together, because he wasn't going to un-combine them. That was last month. Or the time he got me a card that said "Sorry to hear about your break up, I heard that guy was an a#$&*%3 anyway". Cute. But this time, it meant more.

This time, he read my blog. He told me he read all the way from the first post. And with skepticism, I said, "you really read it all?" And it was when he smiled sweetly after his response to that question that I was reminded, he really does love me. "Yes, and I took notes" he said.

I walked over and sat on his lap at his desk to read the notes he'd taken. Honestly, surprised that he REALLY DID take notes. He suggested a few things, and commended a few things. And then, WHAM! He threw in another reason I am reminded that he loves me. He said, "you're an inspiring person, and I'm sorry if sometimes I'm not"

6 years together, between 4 walls of a house, within the 4 walls of our office can make you forget to love each other. But not this week...this week, I'm inspiring and I'm reminded he loves me!

Happy Wednesday!!!

Exercise your soul.

Lately, I spring out of bed, before my alarm goes off. I kiss Justin's cheek and I almost literally skip out of the house to my workout class. It might be because my friends are there, or because I can't wait for the adrenaline of the work out, or maybe its the music and the moves like jagger. Either way, I love it. I am better because of it. Today, I literally "la, di, da'ed" out loud as I was getting ready for the day. Now, don't get me wrong, I have down days, we all do, but since this new routine I feel inspired and creative. I feel that feeling of fulfillment and joy within, not because someone complimented me, or made a joke.

The soul, or the essence of a person, your mind, your "spiritual being" according to Wikipedia, is the most forgotten about "muscle" of your body. It needs exercise just like the rest of our bodies. If we don't take care of ourselves and our souls, who will? The music is medicine, the adrenaline and endorphins are energy for the day, a little treat from the coffee shop feels like a present instead of a regret. Exercising is more than a work out for your body, for me, it keeps my attitude and mood in balance. Exercising your soul comes from doing things for yourself, little moments of the day that are meant just for you. Your favorite song on repeat, your favorite T-shirt, a cup of hot chocolate with 2 marshmallows instead of 1. Doing a session for fun, instead of for hire. Editing photographs of yourself for a boost in confidence...all these things are good for your soul. And if you're not taking part in something similar at least once a day, then your soul is going to get as out of shape as your backside will if you don't get up and exercise it too!

Love yourself. Exercise your soul.

Simplify. Focus. Go.

Running off the fumes of inspiration from wppi, I put together a very important, very concise "presentation" last night for Justin. With quotes and fill in the blanks and everything. About what, you ask...well this is where you might think I am weird.
Justin had been struggling with the transition from full time- office job, to full time- work from home- office job. He was having anxiety and missing deadlines and getting frankly, a little grouchy. So, I knew I could help if I put my psychology skills to use. With the help of this blog Zen Habits I compiled a question and answer session to outline Justin's view of success, then we outlined goals, monthly, yearly and lifetime goals. Then we listed routines and make processes for annoying tasks. I showed him ways to avoid distractions, like working off-line, and leaving the cell in the other room, and turning off skype.

The most important tip that we gathered from this process was 'large rocks first' theory.

If you fill up your bucket everyday with all the little rocks and debris and particles that blow at you with the wind, soon you won't have room in your bucket for the big rocks, and every day those big rocks will sit outside your bucket, and they will pile up.

The bucket represents your day, or your life and the little rocks represent the little things, checking email, answering chatty phone calls, surfing facebook. The large rocks represent the tasks that push you towards a goal.

So today, we did large rocks first. (and blogging wasn't one of them....so I've got to get back to work)
But check out the blog, and implement it's concepts into your life....you'll be happier. I promise.

Helping hands in this industry.

Photographers are cut throat. Most of the young photographers I have met are a lot like me, struggling to find their niche, their own brand, and a style they can stick with. The industry is so heavily saturated with professional photographers, and amateurs gaining valuable experience quickly (like me) that it's hard to differentiate. Photographers that have been in business for 15, 20+ years are starting to reconstruct their practices because the industry has made a rapid sprint towards social media, networking and branding rather than the old staple of canvas backdrops and studio lighting.

As I lay in bed last night recalling all the blogs written by inspiring photographers that I have been reading, about what the jump from "career" or "school" to full time photographer is like for people, I felt glad. Glad that I had virtually nothing to lose. I was an ambitious 25 year old who was finally finishing her bachelor's degree, I worked in a restaurant and got paid enough to make my house payment. That was all I had. I didn't give up much to make the change. And as I look back sometimes I wonder what actually gave me the big push to go "full time". I think it was an evolution; of my skills, of my client base, and of my interest in the medium. As I learned more, I loved it more. I have many people and blogs to credit for my photography education! Its thanks to the many talented photographers who began posting insider details on blogs, and putting tutorials on youtube and before and after post processing shots in their portfolios. It is them I thank for my education. But my business sense I learned from my own experience. I learned from the mistakes and misfortunes of others in customer service, because after all that's what this business is. I knew from my parents that owning a small business was work. Hard, long work. I knew that my conversations at the dinner table would slowly change from weekend plans to details about current projects. That my time at home was spent at a desk, though in my pjs, I was still working as hard as the lady in the next cubicle would be at a real office. I knew my heart and my soul would be exposed for all to see, and that my morals and ethics would be the staples of my operation. I knew I needed a solid foundation to stand on, only because I've seen what happens when you build on unstable ground. It was this knowledge that lit my path in the beginning. My history and my previous experience in many different businesses, some failing and some successful guided me through the evolution of hobby to business.

It wasn't until I heard of Jasmine Star that I had read about those same ideals and concepts so readily and so thorough, published for all to see, for the photography industry. She's no holds barred. She never claims to know it all, she only presents it just as she has experienced it, for you to read and gather what you wish, and leave the rest behind for someone else.

While she is inspiring, this post isn't about J* in particular, it's about the helping hands of this industry as a whole. Jasmine Star may or may not make up more than 50% of that in my opinion, but it's for all of those inspiring photographers who put themselves out their. It's also about my attempts to be a part of that movement. My goal in writing a blog is for exposure, for my work, but most of all for my personality, as much as it is a mental release and a journal. In a world where quality, above-and-beyond customer service comes by about as often as leap year, I hope to give clients a good idea of what working with me would be like. And in that to like it, or leave it. So, I will continue to voice my opinions, and give advice though I may hardly seem credible. I will continue to educate others of skills and trades I have learned. Why? Because if you were a friend or a stranger, sitting right here in this room, I would do that for you. I bag strangers groceries in the self-checkout lane because they're busy with their 3 small children. I tell people about products I use when they're shopping in the same aisle for like items at Target. I tell people when the dress I'm wearing cost $3 at goodwill. I hope that my helpful gestures are passed on from that person, to another. And the same goes for this industry.

A helping hand goes along way spread by word of mouth, or "word of mouse" (as J* says).

Spread the love:
Jasmine Star, Starting a Photography Business blog post | 7.27.2011


Happy Wednesday!

Newbie, I am.

I've decided to publish a somewhat negative comment on a previous blog post because it's the first "constructive criticism" I've had anyone give me. I only wish it weren't anonymous, so I could thank this person. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and I value the effort one puts into sharing it.

However, "know-it-all" is not something I am. The right to give advice doesn't come after a certain number of years in this business. My right to give advice comes from learning from my mistakes, and if someone reads my "advice" and learns from it too, then I have been successful.

If a post about current trends in the industry offends you, whether I wrote it, or someone who has been in the business for years, I'm sorry. I wrote the post because I see trends in photography that I don't like, that I think are trends, and that I choose not use in my work. I never discredit others for trying them out, and specifically acknowledged that I, myself have used several techniques and grown out of them. I want my clients to want for themselves, what I want for them, and for this reason I educate them. I put myself out in the world to be represented truly, and how I am received will produce a positive response from people and prospective clients that have similar tastes as I do. I plan on that.

I have vowed from the beginning of my adventure to be an open book, to be open to the criticisms of anyone willing to share, and to take the good with the bad and grow.

With that said, thank you all for the support and interest in my work. As I continue to grow as a photographer, and a business owner, I grow as a person.

Here are a few posts about trends and techniques and more from AWESOME photographers that I have learned SO much from, these are common names in my household. And my belief is that all of these photographers, and the list is as long as my leg, but this is enough for now, started out just like me, but now, as they are, none of them use the trends I highlighted in my post and they are the people and entities that I look up to, and hope that I have half of the passion and success as they.

MCP Actions:FAD post
A Brides Guide


Jasmine Star (above all)
Kaitlyn James (in my opinion, the West Coast J*)
J&M- Justin and Mary Marantz
Braun Photography (Who I may hire as my wedding photographers)
Matt and Katie
Rebecca Cerasani
Jessica Claire
Jared and Heather of Inlux
Genevieve Nisly, and so many more....

Thanks for reading!!

Strong.

The word means a lot. For such a small word. It means making it...or not. It means everything. Your being strong plays a direct role in your life, reaching your goals, finding fellowship, earning and being successful, and living up to the person you want to be. With strength often comes power, with power comes greed. I once heard a saying that few great men are good. It takes strength to be good; to be yourself in the face of trials; no matter what.

Few people in the world are stronger than a Soldier. So today I am reminded, with the arrival of my yellow ribbon/strong necklace, handmade, with a portion of the proceeds going to the USO, to be strong, in spite of anything!

 

Purchase at Noah's Ark Creations on Etsy.

Double wedding weekend, bad posture and public indecency...

We'll start this post off with the most obvious point; my awful posture. WHAT? I mean really, I am craning my neck. The doc said my lower back is always strained because of that stance right there, straighten up, girl...jeeez!!

 

We had a double wedding weekend! 

And it went great! 

On Friday night we had the pleasure of hanging with Krystal and Jake all day. Their families were probably the most cool, calm and collected group I've experienced to date. The flow of the day was flawless. Jakes mom, who I've known since I was a kid, set up a buffet of snacks for the guys while they were getting ready...how sweet. We had enough time to hang out, get to know the wedding party and get some really amazing shots. 

Highlights from the Friday night nuptials; the beautiful church, the groovy wedding party made us feel so comfortable, the dinner was AHH-MAZE, so good and plentiful that I took a photo, thanks to the La Pizzaria and the couple for feeding us, we had a secret spot in the coat room that was perfect for hiding out! And last but not least Krystal and Jake had the most easy going attitudes, probably thanks to Krystal doing such an AWESOME job planning all the details of the day!!

Saturday's wedding started with groomsmen in Chuck Taylors, who doesn't love that. It was here that I had my first experience with public indecency, but don't worry it was completely unrelated to the wedding party or any guests, lets just say it was bad timing...

Crystal and Rob got to lay and frolic in the grass at sunset and will have some pretty amazing images! Their train-dance, complete with tambourines completely rock'd it!

Needless to say, Justin and I were whooped, but today, I went at it again with a family of four, that I hope to have as wedding clients someday!!

As I conclude, I'm left with one thought, from my favorite movie of all time, and it pretty much describes the pile of thoughts I have;

"business is very food." 

"you just said business is very food, maybe you said food because you're hungry."

I've lost my mind, I'm hungry, and business is very good. :-)

Good Night Ya'll

Elle on an airplane...

On the flight back from Denver last week, I wished I had noise canceling headphones, between the guy behind us telling his life story, and the constant movement of the busy-body stewards, I was more than annoyed in my aisle seat. But one good thing did come of the flight, and that was the article I stumbled upon in Elle magazine. I don't usually read magazines, I get them to take to the beach or on flights and that's about it. I should read them more. But I was glad I snagged this one, it was a relevant article! I looked for it everywhere, but I couldn't find it to tag to, so I'll describe it!

The author, Candice Rainey who is a street-style blog 'addict', so the article says, wrote about how dreadful she thinks she looks in all of the pictures she has of herself. She comments on her over-smiling and even in an idyllic location how her hair still makes her look less than appealing. She states that shes always felt she looks better in real life than in photos.

This is genius. Especially in this age where every single photo you take is posted to twitter and facebook immediately, its like every posted image is one step closer to reaching the unattainable goal of getting the 'perfect' shot of yourself, standing in front of the mirror in the bathroom, or driving down the street. Don't deny it, I do it too.

She goes on to quote John Steinbeck, "I hate cameras. They are so much more sure than I am about everything." And that looking at yourself in photos is like hearing your voice on the answer machine; not what you expected. She states that part of the displeasure of hating images of yourself if because the camera sees you, as others see you. Not how you see yourself in the mirror.

Another new age phenom, is that, and she mentions this as well about a friend of hers, that people retouch and edit their portraits before posting them to facebook, because for single people, facebook is like an ever changing personal ad. She says, which I disagree with, that social media has stripped away the notion that a photograph is a moment captured in time. I disagree. A good photograph that captures emotions, in raw form, is still as meaningful has it ever was. But she says that now a photo is more used as an ad meant to sell a certain idea of you to others, to the popular girl from high school, or to the cute boy at work, or to those friends of friends that you think are cool but have never actually hung out with. So, what does this mean for photographers? That we'll start doing more portrait shoots, styled, and used for personal use on social media networks! Then, rock on!!

Rainey points out that any time a lens is pointed in her direction, she gets all -oh-someone's-watching-me-awkward, and "I better act cool-ish" She said she puffs up her chest like a peacock, and attempts to avoid the double-chin roll by straining her neck out. I feel like clients could take some notes from her actions, and NOT do that. You've got to feel comfortable in front of the lens, that way it sees you exactly as you really are not something you're trying to be.

So, long story short...she goes on to quote a few books, and other photographers in basically saying that its our own fear and suspicion that keep us from enjoying the way we look in images. As soon as the camera is on you, you fear that you'll look fat, or fear that your hair is a mess, and you suspect that the person behind the lens is seeing all of those flaws. When you're so worried about trying to pose, and control how others see you, you end up getting inauthentic photographs. You don't look yourself. 

The last thing a photographer wants, and she mentions this as she describes a photograph of her parent's wedding, is for the subject to be "aping" for the camera. I like that word. It makes me think of the way the apes and monkeys at the zoo perform for the viewers, they act ridiculous. We don't want that. 

She says she has a prized possession in her office, and its the photo of herself dancing with her father at her wedding. She describes herself as looking "pretty and unaffected", her eyes are closed, but shes smiling, and her dad is laughing. She said looking at it mid-day makes her want to pick of the phone and call him. Now, that's magic, a moment, one tiny little moment in time, captures a life-time worth of nostalgia and love!

So a recap, for your reading pleasure: don't stress over making yourself look a certain way, just be yourself, own it, rock it. Don't worry about what others will think,the camera doesn't lie, it doesn't fake it! Be comfortable with what you've got and confidence rather than a lack of authenticity will shine through!!!!

Reads:
Camera Lucida, Reflections on Photography
Camera Ready, How to Shoot Your Kids
Photographers mentioned:
Scott Schuman

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Some of us live everyday without giving a thought to the treachery that takes place in the distant worlds around us. Some of us live each day in a bubble, and contently so, in order to own a cheerful demeanor. I am one of those people. I don't watch the news, I don't read the newspaper, I don't follow crime reports or politicians. I just live everyday in my world as best I can. And, then one day. My brother signed up for the military.

Its been a year or so since he completed basic training, and I still don't follow the news or pay attention to the media. What I do, is pray for the safe return of every single soldier that isn't spending everyday home with his or her family. I pray that peace will come, and that war will end.

Yesterday, my little brother, a wise 22-year old, packed his bag, and said his goodbye's as he boarded a plane to Fort Hood, Texas for 55 days to train for a one year deployment in Afghanistan. His story isn't any more or less important than the others along with him, in fact some of them left behind much more than my kid brother. What makes his story a blog-worthy post is that he's my brother, and he is a part of me.

So, onto the details.
I'd like to compile an album to send them, around Thanksgiving. I want fans, friends and family to send me their images of patriotism. I want to remind the Soldiers what is waiting for them here at home, with a local flare.
Specifically, I'd like to gather images of local summer events like the balloon fest, and the hall of fame festivals, and other events in the Akron and Cleveland areas. Fireworks, flags, lawn signs, support out troops ribbons and whatever you see, snap photos and send me the .JPG files.

I am going to layout a handcrafted album, with collages and large pages of these images for the company to keep.

Send images to Mallory@mauicreativedesign.com
High resolution images preferred.

Also, if you'd like to send items and cards, please message me directly for my address, and I'd be happy to ship the items along with my own.

Please pray for my brother, his comrades and all their families during this tour through the sand.

"May they bring themselves home whole, in mind, body and soul." (I just came up with that!!)

Start of basic training.

With tears in his eyes, they hug a long 'see you later'

My brother, a Soldier, my hero.

On networking and chain letters...

I just had lunch with a photographer who I'd never actually spoken to, only chatted through facebook and blogger. We attended the Jasmine Star talk in Akron a few months ago and started following each other then. We shared stories of how to improve, and learn from our experiences. I think that it was one of the most influential chats I've had regarding my business. Its nice to talk with someone else who shares the same opinions and goals.

And then for fun, my sister just sent me this chain letter and I thought it was very fitting for today. I seized an opportunity today to not only better myself, but to share my knowledge, by getting to know another professional in the industry. I have widened my network and reached out and encouraged others to do the same...

1 * Accept the fact that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue!

2 * Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them.

3 * Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it.

4 * Drive carefully... It's not only cars that can be recalled by their Maker.

5 * If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.

6 * If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it.

7 * It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to others.

8 * Never buy a car you can't push.

9 * Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then you won't have a leg to stand on.

10 * Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.

11 * Since it's the early worm that gets eaten by the bird, sleep late.

12 * The second mouse gets the cheese.

13 * When everything's coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.

14 * Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live.

15 * You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person.

16 * Some mistakes are too much fun to make only once.

17 * We could learn a lot from crayons. Some are sharp, some are pretty and some are dull.  Some have weird names and all are different colors, but they all have to live in the same box.

18 * A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.

19 * Have an awesome day and know that someone has thought about you today.

20 * It was I, your friend!

21 * Save the earth..... It's the only planet with chocolate!

Have a marvelous Monday!! 

I thought a pic of me in Seattle would capture the essence of this rainy Monday!

Locations, are not always what you may imagine...

I haven't posted in 5 days. I am ashamed, I was doing so well. Hope this is a good one! Enjoy!

"Don't you go to the park to take your photos" , "I think we're going to get arrested, it says no trespassing"...

Ahh, gotta love the skepticism of your family, when they're being drug out to a train yard in the middle of nowhere, Ohio. The quotes above provoked a thought in me, that I should share with photographers and friends the types of locations that are BEST to shoot in, because more than likely, they are NOT what you would imagine.

A park is nice, yes. But, when you look at the pictures, it, well, looks like a park. I'm am all for green trees, flowers and flowing streams; but that's not what I want in every session. Sometimes, a local park is too recognizable and I feel like it steals some of the essence from the images. On lookers are registering the location in their brain and familiarizing the setting with their own experience rather than being in awe of your awesome-ness in the photos.

Standing a cute couple up against a tree is all fine and dandy, but sometimes, I'd rather that tree be 100 yards behind you. You've got a nice backyard for your family session, lots of tree and bushes, awesome. But do you have any peeling paint on your 100 year old barn, or how about a wide open grass field and an old chair? That's what I'm talking about!!

So, what are my favorite locations? Well, I like a spot where I can find the grunge, the urban, the rustic and the country all in one walk-able area. So, this tends to mean I go to the outskirts of the 'downtowns' in my area. However, I have been known to, without shame, stop my car in driveways, and have clients stand on stranger's property, I've knocked on doors to ask permission to use a barn, (ahead of time, of course) I've braved 'no trespassing' locations, and have never been asked to leave, yet. The way I look at it is we're not doing anything wrong by utilizing a public space as long as we're out in the open, and non-destructive. Its all God's land, so...there.

Sometimes it may not make sense. Clients and hesitant little brother's may be skeptical of my ideas. "You want me to stand in front of this bright yellow dumpster, uhhh ok?" YES! And I want you to trust me! I know it may be hard to look longingly into your soon-to-be-hubby's eyes whilst standing near a stinky, grimy yellow dumpster, but trust me, it'll be beautiful! I won't be capturing the stink, or the garbage, or the tell-tale signs that give away you're standing in front of a dumpster. I will, however, capture the ambient yellow glow, and the reflection of its light on your skin, or the way the light shines off of it behind you, and the way it makes your outfits pop!!

Your eye sees the scene differently than my camera sees it, so try to be comfortable where ever you are, if you don't like the location of a shot, speak up.

I always want to hear your ideas! --Happy Cinco de Mayo!