"it doesn't happen all at once," said the skin horse. "you become. it takes a long time. that's why it doesn't happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in your joints and very shabby. but these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand."
- the velveteen rabbit
we went to the petting zoo the other day with my friend, leah and her little ones, and had such a blast. not many had visited the zoo the few days prior due to the fires and the animals were hungry. our favorite part was the bunnies. there were hundreds of them. ryder found this one bunny that was rather magical. all the other bunnies squirmed and scratched out of your hands, if you tried to hold it. but this one bunny that ryder found just sat in his arms. he probably held it for half-hour or so. it was so precious to see how much ryder adored holding the little bunny. after we left, he said, "mom, i love that bunny". and the photos...they just melt my heart. i think i'm going to have bunny photos all over my house.
- the velveteen rabbit
we went to the petting zoo the other day with my friend, leah and her little ones, and had such a blast. not many had visited the zoo the few days prior due to the fires and the animals were hungry. our favorite part was the bunnies. there were hundreds of them. ryder found this one bunny that was rather magical. all the other bunnies squirmed and scratched out of your hands, if you tried to hold it. but this one bunny that ryder found just sat in his arms. he probably held it for half-hour or so. it was so precious to see how much ryder adored holding the little bunny. after we left, he said, "mom, i love that bunny". and the photos...they just melt my heart. i think i'm going to have bunny photos all over my house.
celebrate your success and stand strong when adversity hits,
for when the storm clouds come in,
the eagles soar while the small birds take cover.
- author unkown
once you choose hope, anything is possible.
- christopher reeve
we are safe. we are in our home. but sadly, so many others in san diego are not.
over 500,000 people evacuated.
241,000 acres burned.
1,250 homes destroyed.
2 deaths.
approximately 50 injuries.
23 shelters open; many are full.
every hotel from here to orange is completely booked.
roads are closed.
the worst fires in san diego history...have already destroyed so much, for so many. it's so sad. it's so scary.
we walk outside and while we can't see any of the fires, we can smell them. we can taste them. there is a haze in the air. ash is falling from the sky. the air quality is very unhealthy. we are stuck in our home. windows closed...stuffy and hot, but we are safe. our home is safe. our belongings are safe.
san diego schools have been cancelled for the rest of the week and i needed to find something for the kids to do. so we decided to go to michael's to buy some craft projects for the kids. as we pulled up, a michael's employee was bringing in carts, wearing a mask. it's all a very surreal experience. like we're living out a movie.
for the moment, all we can do is hope...and pray.
love is the best medicine, and there is more than enough to go around once you open your heart.
- julie marie
a fellow photographer, S, posted this (below) on a photo sharing site a couple months ago.
This morning I had an amazing realization. A few years ago I went to a funeral of a little friend from the Children's Hospital... and as I sat with tears on my cheeks the thing that hit me the most was PICTURES. "I need more pictures of A. I need more memories. Why don't I take more pictures?" With his health being so precarious right now that memory came back to me...and I realized that it was only a month or two later that I bought my first SLR. I never realized it...but I believe photography was God's answer to my heart's tears that day. No matter the end of this story I will hold beautiful pictures of my baby...whether its in 10 years or 2, I will have his face immortalized in photography with the beauty I see in my naked eye.
a brief history: S and N adopted their oldest child, A, when he was three years old. prior to the adoption, he had been in a group foster home and almost continuously in and out of the hospital (sometimes in for months at a time). A suffers from a condition that is not curable, only treatable, and they don't know for how long.
i only had met S briefly once before, but i also followed her work as a photographer. when i read what she wrote, i immediately let her know that i would be honored to photograph her family. and i secretly hoped that she would let me. i so wanted to not only give her beautiful photographs of her baby, but also her family. she did take me up on my offer and today was the day.
it was the most amazing session/experience. their love for one another was so evident. the boys love their mother more than words can even describe. i not only saw it...i felt it. they are truly a family that loves life, lives life to the fullest and cherishes every moment.
i've shared some images with S and she has thanked me numerous times but i keep telling her that i am the one that needs to thank her. i am blessed to have gotten to know their most incredible, kind and loving family.
when i asked S if i could share her inspiring story on my blog, she said, of course, and shared this poem with me, the poem that they put on A's adoption announcement four years ago:
today i kissed an Angel
i knew it from the start
the first time he smiled at me
i gave away my heart
today I kissed an Angel
this Angel child of mine
though not of my creation
my child by God's design
today I kissed an Angel
my heart is dancing wild
a family, by a miracle
blessed by this Angel child
i offer you peace.
i offer you love.
i offer you friendship.
i see your beauty.
i hear your need.
i feel your feelings.
let us work together for unity and love.
- mahatma gandhi
let us be grateful to people who make us happy;
they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.
- marcel proust
this past week, a friend of mine (and fellow photographer), erin, came to visit from seattle. she was here for four days and we had such a blast. i'm sure my kids and i drove her crazy at times (she's hoping to have kids of her own soon)...atlhough if we did, she graciously never let on. erin has such a wonderful, genuine, fun personality. she's one of those people that is such a joy to be around. the only things i wish...she stayed longer and lived closer.
i'm so thankful for the friends that have come into my life.
they fertilize my soul.
they help me grow.
they help me blossom.
even the wildest dreams have to start somewhere.
allow yourself the time and space to let your mind wander
and your imagination fly.
- oprah winfrey
erin and i, photo courtesy of ingrid kaslik
they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.
- marcel proust
this past week, a friend of mine (and fellow photographer), erin, came to visit from seattle. she was here for four days and we had such a blast. i'm sure my kids and i drove her crazy at times (she's hoping to have kids of her own soon)...atlhough if we did, she graciously never let on. erin has such a wonderful, genuine, fun personality. she's one of those people that is such a joy to be around. the only things i wish...she stayed longer and lived closer.
i'm so thankful for the friends that have come into my life.
they fertilize my soul.
they help me grow.
they help me blossom.
even the wildest dreams have to start somewhere.
allow yourself the time and space to let your mind wander
and your imagination fly.
- oprah winfrey
erin and i, photo courtesy of ingrid kaslik
when you do dance,
i wish you a wave o' th' sea,
that you might ever do
nothing but that.
- shakespeare, from the winter's tale
bigger is better: please click on image
i wish you a wave o' th' sea,
that you might ever do
nothing but that.
- shakespeare, from the winter's tale
bigger is better: please click on image
problems arise in that one has to find a balance between what people need from you and what you need from yourself.
- jessye norman
this post really made me think about striving for a healthy well-balanced life--children, spouse, home, friends, work, spirituality, self (to name a few)--and how this can be so hard at times. finding an optimal balance is something i continue to strive for, especially since starting photography.
i also thought about how photography, in itself, is a huge balancing act.
there's:
the sessions
editing/proofing the photos
launching galleries
answering phone calls
answering emails
editing photos for print
designing coffee table books (long process)
working on special projects, e.g. military spouse magazine requests
organizing orders
packaging prints
delivering prints
maintaining the formal business aspects
contining to read, learn and grow
and of course, i must do all of that (and do it well and in a timely manner) while also trying to be the best mother and wife i can be. having a home business can really blur the lines between personal and business. my attempt at trying to keep those lines as separate as possible often results in 2 AM nights. one might recommend better time management but i'm not sure that's it. it's that being a mom is my priority. so my photography work typically begins at 9 PM, after the kids are in bed. sure, sometimes it sucks but i so love what i do that it never really feels like work. it all works for me right now but is my life balanced? i can honestly say, no.
in the end, the key word is balance. you need to find the right balance that works for you. celebrate your successes and don't dwell on your failures. life is a process, and so is striving for balance in your life.
- randall hansen
- jessye norman
this post really made me think about striving for a healthy well-balanced life--children, spouse, home, friends, work, spirituality, self (to name a few)--and how this can be so hard at times. finding an optimal balance is something i continue to strive for, especially since starting photography.
i also thought about how photography, in itself, is a huge balancing act.
there's:
the sessions
editing/proofing the photos
launching galleries
answering phone calls
answering emails
editing photos for print
designing coffee table books (long process)
working on special projects, e.g. military spouse magazine requests
organizing orders
packaging prints
delivering prints
maintaining the formal business aspects
contining to read, learn and grow
and of course, i must do all of that (and do it well and in a timely manner) while also trying to be the best mother and wife i can be. having a home business can really blur the lines between personal and business. my attempt at trying to keep those lines as separate as possible often results in 2 AM nights. one might recommend better time management but i'm not sure that's it. it's that being a mom is my priority. so my photography work typically begins at 9 PM, after the kids are in bed. sure, sometimes it sucks but i so love what i do that it never really feels like work. it all works for me right now but is my life balanced? i can honestly say, no.
in the end, the key word is balance. you need to find the right balance that works for you. celebrate your successes and don't dwell on your failures. life is a process, and so is striving for balance in your life.
- randall hansen
comfort on difficult days
smiles when sadness intrudes
rainbows to follow the clouds
laughter to kiss your lips
sunsets to warm your heart
hugs when spirits sag
beauty for your eyes to see
friendships to brighten your being
faith so that you can believe
confidence for when you doubt
courage to know yourself
patience to accept the truth
love to complete your life
- author unknown
smiles when sadness intrudes
rainbows to follow the clouds
laughter to kiss your lips
sunsets to warm your heart
hugs when spirits sag
beauty for your eyes to see
friendships to brighten your being
faith so that you can believe
confidence for when you doubt
courage to know yourself
patience to accept the truth
love to complete your life
- author unknown
left brained or right brained, that is.
check the dancer out here.
is she spinning clockwise? or counter-clockwise?
she spins full up clockwise for me. can't get her to switch no matter how hard i try...peripheral vision, doing math, etc. i have a friend that saw her counter-clockwise and then flip back and forth in direction. if someone would have asked me, i would have told them that i'm left brained but the more i think about it, i really think that i'm right brain...i just never realized it till now. that's why i'm doing what i'm doing.
me, being right brained, i:
use feeling
am "big picture" oriented
imagination rules
symbols and images
present and future focused
philosophy & religion
can "get it" (i.e. meaning)
believe
appreciate
spatial perception
knows object function
am fantasy based
presents possibilities
am impetuous
am a risk taker
i'd love to hear what you are.
check the dancer out here.
is she spinning clockwise? or counter-clockwise?
she spins full up clockwise for me. can't get her to switch no matter how hard i try...peripheral vision, doing math, etc. i have a friend that saw her counter-clockwise and then flip back and forth in direction. if someone would have asked me, i would have told them that i'm left brained but the more i think about it, i really think that i'm right brain...i just never realized it till now. that's why i'm doing what i'm doing.
me, being right brained, i:
use feeling
am "big picture" oriented
imagination rules
symbols and images
present and future focused
philosophy & religion
can "get it" (i.e. meaning)
believe
appreciate
spatial perception
knows object function
am fantasy based
presents possibilities
am impetuous
am a risk taker
i'd love to hear what you are.
it's not what's happening to you now or what has happened in your past that determines who you become. rather it's your decisions about what to focus on, what things mean to you, and what you're going to do about them that will determine your ultimate destiny.
- anthony robbins
when things go wrong, it's so easy to blame the dysfunctional part of my childhood. but then i think...i can't do that or it wins. i really don't want to blame my past...on anything. it makes me angry when i do. i feel that doing that is taking the easy way out.
i once heard that practically every household has some form of dysfunction and that true, complete dysfunction doesn't really exist. it's more like a continuum of functioning, some families better functioning than others. hearing that made me happy. my life, my family was normal, just on a different part of the continuum than some others.
in the end, i know my mom did the best she could for us, her kids, and that's what is important. i have to think that that's what created function amongst the dysfunction in our family. sure it wasn't what i would do but things were different for my mom. how can i fully judge her for the decisions she made when i have never walked a day in her shoes. my life, growing up and now, is very different than hers was.
my mom.
born and raised in germany.
no american education.
she couldn't spell/write.
divorced when i was 13.
we had little money.
her focus was survival.
her focus was her kids.
she did what she had to do.
she did the best she could do.
and i love her for that.
during good times and bad, i hope that i can always remember to focus on the joy of today...and the greatness and possibilities of the future. it is my life and i am the one that controls my ultimate destiny.
- anthony robbins
when things go wrong, it's so easy to blame the dysfunctional part of my childhood. but then i think...i can't do that or it wins. i really don't want to blame my past...on anything. it makes me angry when i do. i feel that doing that is taking the easy way out.
i once heard that practically every household has some form of dysfunction and that true, complete dysfunction doesn't really exist. it's more like a continuum of functioning, some families better functioning than others. hearing that made me happy. my life, my family was normal, just on a different part of the continuum than some others.
in the end, i know my mom did the best she could for us, her kids, and that's what is important. i have to think that that's what created function amongst the dysfunction in our family. sure it wasn't what i would do but things were different for my mom. how can i fully judge her for the decisions she made when i have never walked a day in her shoes. my life, growing up and now, is very different than hers was.
my mom.
born and raised in germany.
no american education.
she couldn't spell/write.
divorced when i was 13.
we had little money.
her focus was survival.
her focus was her kids.
she did what she had to do.
she did the best she could do.
and i love her for that.
during good times and bad, i hope that i can always remember to focus on the joy of today...and the greatness and possibilities of the future. it is my life and i am the one that controls my ultimate destiny.
happiness is not in our circumstance but in ourselves.
it is not something we see, like a rainbow,
or feel, like the heat of a fire.
happiness is something we are.
- john sheerin
it is not something we see, like a rainbow,
or feel, like the heat of a fire.
happiness is something we are.
- john sheerin
i wish they would only take me as i am.
- vincent van gogh
me...well i wish that I would only take me as i am.
turned 38 today. got a nose ring last night. yep, it's something that i have always wanted. and it was just time. compared to my tongue ring, it didn't hurt a bit. and...i love it.
tonight, my great friend, steph, asked me to see a photo. at first, i told her, no way. i look like hell today. spent the day at the airshow. she said, you know...true love is when your friends don't care that you look like hell. and she's right. but i couldn't help but point out all the flaws i saw, as i sent the photo to her. i'm not sure if i'll ever be at peace with myself. i've always been this way...so hard on myself. i wish...that i could just take myself as i am...and be happy. maybe. someday.
my other birthday first: i learned what sweetbread is...the hard way. i ate it last night at dinner, not knowing what it was. yuck. yuck. yuck. but the french onion soup that surrounded the sweetbread was the best ever. who knew that sweetbread is thymus gland tissue of an animal? i still gag just thinking about it.
all in all, i had an amazing birthday and...38's not too bad :-)
- vincent van gogh
me...well i wish that I would only take me as i am.
turned 38 today. got a nose ring last night. yep, it's something that i have always wanted. and it was just time. compared to my tongue ring, it didn't hurt a bit. and...i love it.
tonight, my great friend, steph, asked me to see a photo. at first, i told her, no way. i look like hell today. spent the day at the airshow. she said, you know...true love is when your friends don't care that you look like hell. and she's right. but i couldn't help but point out all the flaws i saw, as i sent the photo to her. i'm not sure if i'll ever be at peace with myself. i've always been this way...so hard on myself. i wish...that i could just take myself as i am...and be happy. maybe. someday.
my other birthday first: i learned what sweetbread is...the hard way. i ate it last night at dinner, not knowing what it was. yuck. yuck. yuck. but the french onion soup that surrounded the sweetbread was the best ever. who knew that sweetbread is thymus gland tissue of an animal? i still gag just thinking about it.
all in all, i had an amazing birthday and...38's not too bad :-)
part of the email that i received from K, after photographing her daughter's birth and showing the sneak peek...
i keep looking at the ones you sent from the birth and i swear they just make me cry every time. seeing the photo of me holding her for the first time and G kissing me just chokes me up. it's so overwhelming. you captured so much more than you can imagine. you managed to save that moment in time for me like nothing else. i am just so grateful to you i struggle with how to express that. it's just so outside of any word or phrase. thank you seems so empty compared to the well of emotion your photos give me. your gift is second only to J herself. everything else she'll outgrow or eventually not need, but your photos.....irreplaceable and timeless.
truly, that is what being a photographer is all about.
and some photos from our newborn session today (three days later). can you believe how beautiful and radiant mom is?! i surely didn't look like her three days after giving birth.
i'm so thankful for my job...and the people that i have met.
i keep looking at the ones you sent from the birth and i swear they just make me cry every time. seeing the photo of me holding her for the first time and G kissing me just chokes me up. it's so overwhelming. you captured so much more than you can imagine. you managed to save that moment in time for me like nothing else. i am just so grateful to you i struggle with how to express that. it's just so outside of any word or phrase. thank you seems so empty compared to the well of emotion your photos give me. your gift is second only to J herself. everything else she'll outgrow or eventually not need, but your photos.....irreplaceable and timeless.
truly, that is what being a photographer is all about.
and some photos from our newborn session today (three days later). can you believe how beautiful and radiant mom is?! i surely didn't look like her three days after giving birth.
i'm so thankful for my job...and the people that i have met.
only as high as i reach can i grow
only as far as i seek can i go
only as deep as i look can i see
only as much as i dream can i be
- karen ravn
only as far as i seek can i go
only as deep as i look can i see
only as much as i dream can i be
- karen ravn
the leaves had a wonderful frolic.
they danced as the children played along.
they whirled, and they floated, and scampered.
they circled and flew in the wind's song.
-anonymous
another photographer emailed me and said that she remembered some leaf throwing photos that i posted last year and asked if i would repost them, for inspiration. i immediately knew which photos she was referring to...and of course i would. finding these photos again brought the biggest smile to my face and yet, some sadness too. living here in san diego, one can easily forget the joy of the changing seasons, especially fall. yea, i love it here...who wouldn't...but i sure miss the beauty and magic of autumn.
yes...it's fall! and we need to take a trip to go soak up some autumn and play in the leaves!
(the photos were taken last year around this time, in oak glen, ca.)
tuesday (early ;-) morning, i had the most amazing opportunity to photograph a birth--the birth of a healthy, beautiful baby girl. simply amazing. having a baby is the absolute greatest gift a person could ever dream for. there truly is nothing greater in life.
congratulations K and G!
we never dreamed you'd be so beautiful
in all of the times we tried to imagine
every last detail of who you would be.
through all of the nights we spent
quietly thinking of how we would feel
when we first looked at you.
we patiently waited
and silently wondered.
we hoped and we prayed
and we tried to imagine...
but we never dreamed you'd be so beautiful.
- author unknown
congratulations K and G!
we never dreamed you'd be so beautiful
in all of the times we tried to imagine
every last detail of who you would be.
through all of the nights we spent
quietly thinking of how we would feel
when we first looked at you.
we patiently waited
and silently wondered.
we hoped and we prayed
and we tried to imagine...
but we never dreamed you'd be so beautiful.
- author unknown
live your life fom your heart.
share from your heart.
and your story will touch and heal people's souls.
- melody beattie
my photographs...
are from my heart.
i can only hope...
that they touch people's souls.
share from your heart.
and your story will touch and heal people's souls.
- melody beattie
my photographs...
are from my heart.
i can only hope...
that they touch people's souls.
i see a nose on every face.
i see noses every place!
a nose between every pair of eyes.
noses!
noses!
every size.
- dr. seuss
yes, i see noses on every face and every place but how cute is R's nose. i especially loved it when i noticed that he's a nose scruncher like me. when i laugh, i scrunch my nose (as my daughter says, like a bunny). it wasn't bad until i started getting bunny nose scrunching laugh lines (aka wrinkles). R and i got along so well and then...he grabbed his blankie and started sucking his fingers and omg...i melted.
I got an email from another photographer, telling me that she loved my work and that she was my new blog stalker. I giggled to myself, in a flattered way, like a giddy schoolgirl, in awe of what's in front of me. She asked me if I would be willing to answer some questions on my blog, for her and others. Of course, I told her and again, I'm beyond flattered. So...here's her questions and my answers.
How did you learn photography? Are you self taught?
Photography is something that I dreamed about doing since I was a teen. In college, I took my camera everywhere...and I mean everywhere. I remember, in 1993, after I first got in the Air Force, I met a friend's friend, who was a photographer (she was trying to get hired by the Detroit Free Press, where I grew up). I so admired her and was constantly drilling her with questions. I told her that I dreamed of one day being a photographer. (I still have one of her prints hanging in my house..it's always been an inspiration for me.) But I was a nurse in the Air Force and being a photographer was only something I dreamed about. In 2003, I got out of the Air Force to pursue getting my oldest a cochlear implant and stay at home with my kids. Because I always have to be doing something, I taught myself Photoshop and began digital scrapbooking. I scrapped Sky's entire first year. Then in Jan 2006, after a discussion with my husband, I decided to go for it...follow my passion...and pursue my dream of photography. I bought a 20D and never looked back.
Yes, I'm completely self taught -- forums, workshops, books, magazines, friends and lots and lots of practice. I have to say a special thanks to Carrie Sandoval and Jen Kerker, who were such great mentors in the beginning of my journey. Carrie formally became a mentor and Jen became a mentor through friendship; both taught me so much and I'm so thankful. Most of my studying happened between the hours of 9 PM and 2 AM. And then I'd practice on my poor kids during the day. Yep, I'm sure they'd tell you that my learning photography was torture for them. Now I really try and limit them as my subjects and never force. I want them to enjoy being my subjects. Having three kids, most of my work continues to be between the hours of 9 PM and 2 AM. That is life...shoot on weekends and work during the night (every night).
I also have to mention Cheryl Jacobs, who I so admire. It was her workshop that provided me my 'aha' moment. It's very easy to get caught up in forums and stuff and if you don't fit in, it can be discouraging. And I don't think I ever fit it. I went to CJ's workshop eight months after picking up my camera and I was scared to death to share my portfolio. I thought my work was different and I just wasn't sure about myself. It was Cheryl's support and encouragement, at the workshop, that pushed me to just be myself and go for it. Keep doing what I'm doing. Believe in myself and believe in my work. It's okay to be different.
And last but not least, I hope that I never stop learning and growing. My journey has only just begun.
What brand of camera do you use?
I started with the Canon 20D and had lots of problems. I sent it back four times in six months and ended up buying a Nikon D200 because I was so frustrated with my 20D's problems (I think it was a lemon). Later I got the Canon 5D and when I did, I sold my Nikon D200 to a friend. It's not because I didn't like the D200 (I loved it) but I was tired of being a bi-shooter. I purchased the 5D because of it's low noise performance at high ISOs and well, I guess I got caught up in all the hype. I told myself that if I purchased the 5D, I had to sell my Nikon. Too much money invested in lenses. But seriously, you can't go wrong with either; they are both awesome brands and cameras. I recommend testing different brands and see what feels best to you. I'm sorry that I can't speak about any other brands; I've only used Canon and Nikon.
What is/are your favorite lens(es) to photograph with?
Right now my fav lens is the 24-70mm f/2.8. I also really enjoy the clarity of my primes, 50mm f/1.4 and the 85 mm f/1.8. For the longest time, I shot solely with primes. I rented the 85mm f/1.2 for the wedding this past weekend and that lens so rocks (but expensive). I think primes are a really great lens to start with, especially the 50mm.
Do you photograph in RAW or Jpeg?
I shoot manual and in RAW. It's great to be able to do basic adjustments in RAW. However, I still think it' so important to get as perfect exposure as possible ROOC.
Do you like to photograph at a particular time of day? What kind of lighting to you look for?
Early morning or evening is when I typically photograph. I'm always searching for some open shade when shooting outdoors. I DO NOT like full sun at all, at least not for standard portrait work. I also enjoy shooting indoors, if there's enough light, and that can be any time of day. You just have to find the right window...light.
What does your post processing consist of? Do you use actions or your own mix?
One of my biggest recommendations for aspiring photographers is to learn the power of the basics...curves, levels, etc. So many get caught up in actions, etc. (which definitely have their places) and they've never learned what the basics can do for an image by themselves. My processing consists mainly of levels and curves and depending on the image, I might run an action or two. I try to look at an image and make an artistic decision as to which direction to take things. The processing of each image is unique. I spend a lot of time (sometimes too much) editing each and every session.
What inspires you?
Life inspires me. Getting shots that feed my soul and make my heart happy inspires me. Having people like you, who asked me if I would do this, inspires me. Truly feeling that this is what I was meant to do in life inspires me. I also love viewing other people's work--there's so many amazing photographers out there (sometimes i'ts almost scary :-) I'm inspired by the possibilities.
Do you have any words of advice for anyone who is new to photography?
Stay true to yourself. Shoot from your heart. Don't get caught up in trying to be anyone else...or shoot like anyone else. You'll find that when you just shoot for you (and your clients) amazing things happen. Learn all you can learn. Make sure you learn the basics. Be thankful for each and every moment in your photography journey. Be thankful for each and every opportunity and success.
Have you ever taught a workshop or considered teaching one?
I've never taught a workshop. This question again made me giggle (in a flattered way). No, I've never considered teaching a workshop. I feel like I'm still so new to photography myself, having picked up an SLR for the first time in Jan 06. I feel like I have so much more to learn and so much more growing to do. I hope I never stop doing both--learning and growing. Thank you for asking though.
With all my heart and soul, I thank all of those who have supported me in this journey. You know who you are and I know that I couldn't have done it without you. I can only hope to give a little back of what those have so graciously given to me.
A friend shared this quote with me this morning and I so love it:
If one andvances confidently in the direction of his dreams,
and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined,
he will meet success unexpected in common hours.
- Henry David Thoreau
How did you learn photography? Are you self taught?
Photography is something that I dreamed about doing since I was a teen. In college, I took my camera everywhere...and I mean everywhere. I remember, in 1993, after I first got in the Air Force, I met a friend's friend, who was a photographer (she was trying to get hired by the Detroit Free Press, where I grew up). I so admired her and was constantly drilling her with questions. I told her that I dreamed of one day being a photographer. (I still have one of her prints hanging in my house..it's always been an inspiration for me.) But I was a nurse in the Air Force and being a photographer was only something I dreamed about. In 2003, I got out of the Air Force to pursue getting my oldest a cochlear implant and stay at home with my kids. Because I always have to be doing something, I taught myself Photoshop and began digital scrapbooking. I scrapped Sky's entire first year. Then in Jan 2006, after a discussion with my husband, I decided to go for it...follow my passion...and pursue my dream of photography. I bought a 20D and never looked back.
Yes, I'm completely self taught -- forums, workshops, books, magazines, friends and lots and lots of practice. I have to say a special thanks to Carrie Sandoval and Jen Kerker, who were such great mentors in the beginning of my journey. Carrie formally became a mentor and Jen became a mentor through friendship; both taught me so much and I'm so thankful. Most of my studying happened between the hours of 9 PM and 2 AM. And then I'd practice on my poor kids during the day. Yep, I'm sure they'd tell you that my learning photography was torture for them. Now I really try and limit them as my subjects and never force. I want them to enjoy being my subjects. Having three kids, most of my work continues to be between the hours of 9 PM and 2 AM. That is life...shoot on weekends and work during the night (every night).
I also have to mention Cheryl Jacobs, who I so admire. It was her workshop that provided me my 'aha' moment. It's very easy to get caught up in forums and stuff and if you don't fit in, it can be discouraging. And I don't think I ever fit it. I went to CJ's workshop eight months after picking up my camera and I was scared to death to share my portfolio. I thought my work was different and I just wasn't sure about myself. It was Cheryl's support and encouragement, at the workshop, that pushed me to just be myself and go for it. Keep doing what I'm doing. Believe in myself and believe in my work. It's okay to be different.
And last but not least, I hope that I never stop learning and growing. My journey has only just begun.
What brand of camera do you use?
I started with the Canon 20D and had lots of problems. I sent it back four times in six months and ended up buying a Nikon D200 because I was so frustrated with my 20D's problems (I think it was a lemon). Later I got the Canon 5D and when I did, I sold my Nikon D200 to a friend. It's not because I didn't like the D200 (I loved it) but I was tired of being a bi-shooter. I purchased the 5D because of it's low noise performance at high ISOs and well, I guess I got caught up in all the hype. I told myself that if I purchased the 5D, I had to sell my Nikon. Too much money invested in lenses. But seriously, you can't go wrong with either; they are both awesome brands and cameras. I recommend testing different brands and see what feels best to you. I'm sorry that I can't speak about any other brands; I've only used Canon and Nikon.
What is/are your favorite lens(es) to photograph with?
Right now my fav lens is the 24-70mm f/2.8. I also really enjoy the clarity of my primes, 50mm f/1.4 and the 85 mm f/1.8. For the longest time, I shot solely with primes. I rented the 85mm f/1.2 for the wedding this past weekend and that lens so rocks (but expensive). I think primes are a really great lens to start with, especially the 50mm.
Do you photograph in RAW or Jpeg?
I shoot manual and in RAW. It's great to be able to do basic adjustments in RAW. However, I still think it' so important to get as perfect exposure as possible ROOC.
Do you like to photograph at a particular time of day? What kind of lighting to you look for?
Early morning or evening is when I typically photograph. I'm always searching for some open shade when shooting outdoors. I DO NOT like full sun at all, at least not for standard portrait work. I also enjoy shooting indoors, if there's enough light, and that can be any time of day. You just have to find the right window...light.
What does your post processing consist of? Do you use actions or your own mix?
One of my biggest recommendations for aspiring photographers is to learn the power of the basics...curves, levels, etc. So many get caught up in actions, etc. (which definitely have their places) and they've never learned what the basics can do for an image by themselves. My processing consists mainly of levels and curves and depending on the image, I might run an action or two. I try to look at an image and make an artistic decision as to which direction to take things. The processing of each image is unique. I spend a lot of time (sometimes too much) editing each and every session.
What inspires you?
Life inspires me. Getting shots that feed my soul and make my heart happy inspires me. Having people like you, who asked me if I would do this, inspires me. Truly feeling that this is what I was meant to do in life inspires me. I also love viewing other people's work--there's so many amazing photographers out there (sometimes i'ts almost scary :-) I'm inspired by the possibilities.
Do you have any words of advice for anyone who is new to photography?
Stay true to yourself. Shoot from your heart. Don't get caught up in trying to be anyone else...or shoot like anyone else. You'll find that when you just shoot for you (and your clients) amazing things happen. Learn all you can learn. Make sure you learn the basics. Be thankful for each and every moment in your photography journey. Be thankful for each and every opportunity and success.
Have you ever taught a workshop or considered teaching one?
I've never taught a workshop. This question again made me giggle (in a flattered way). No, I've never considered teaching a workshop. I feel like I'm still so new to photography myself, having picked up an SLR for the first time in Jan 06. I feel like I have so much more to learn and so much more growing to do. I hope I never stop doing both--learning and growing. Thank you for asking though.
With all my heart and soul, I thank all of those who have supported me in this journey. You know who you are and I know that I couldn't have done it without you. I can only hope to give a little back of what those have so graciously given to me.
A friend shared this quote with me this morning and I so love it:
If one andvances confidently in the direction of his dreams,
and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined,
he will meet success unexpected in common hours.
- Henry David Thoreau
happiness...
it lies in the joy of achievement,
in the thrill of the creatve effort.
- vincent van gogh
and this image makes my heart happy.
i really don't like shooting weddings and i'm not going to shoot another but it's amazing how many images from the wedding speak to my soul. they just bring me happiness. maybe it's b/c teddy is my friend and he's an artsit himself. i know he'll feel the images just as much as he sees them. i'm thankful for the opportunity to have been a part of my friend's special day.
the more i think about it,
the more i realize
there is nothing more artistic
than to love.
- vincent van gogh
it lies in the joy of achievement,
in the thrill of the creatve effort.
- vincent van gogh
and this image makes my heart happy.
i really don't like shooting weddings and i'm not going to shoot another but it's amazing how many images from the wedding speak to my soul. they just bring me happiness. maybe it's b/c teddy is my friend and he's an artsit himself. i know he'll feel the images just as much as he sees them. i'm thankful for the opportunity to have been a part of my friend's special day.
the more i think about it,
the more i realize
there is nothing more artistic
than to love.
- vincent van gogh
for a long time there were only your footprints and laughter in our dreams
and even from such small things,
we knew we could not wait to love you forever.
- storypeople
my back tattoo maternity couple had their baby girl a couple weeks ago (congratulations cass and dan!) and we photographed her yesterday morning. unfortunately, she had a bad rash on her chest, she was really fussy and wouldn't sleep (even when she did, it was only for a minute or so...she would wake with every click of my shutter). even so, i got some photos that i so adore. and can you tell that i was in love with her eyelashes (the longest i've ever seen). we're going to try and do some family shots this saturday. can't wait to do a daddy/daughter shot with daddy's back, to compliment this shot.
got home last night at 10:30 PM. and a newborn session this AM at 8:30. so yes, still running...just in a different direction.
shooting a wedding is an amazing experience...that i won't do again. ha...said that with the last wedding too. no seriously, i don't know how wedding photographers do it. it's such an emotional, stressful, exhausting experience...but i had a blast. teddy and i were friends long before he asked me to shoot their wedding. it was so awesome to finally meet him...and jacquie.
congratulations again teddy and jacquie. it was truly my honor to be able to photograph your wedding. thank YOU! and always remember...1+1=1.
heres's some of my favs that i've edited so far.
and this one of kath's (my second shooter)...i just love, love, love. i'm so thankful i had her by my side. thanks kath...for everything.
shooting a wedding is an amazing experience...that i won't do again. ha...said that with the last wedding too. no seriously, i don't know how wedding photographers do it. it's such an emotional, stressful, exhausting experience...but i had a blast. teddy and i were friends long before he asked me to shoot their wedding. it was so awesome to finally meet him...and jacquie.
congratulations again teddy and jacquie. it was truly my honor to be able to photograph your wedding. thank YOU! and always remember...1+1=1.
heres's some of my favs that i've edited so far.
and this one of kath's (my second shooter)...i just love, love, love. i'm so thankful i had her by my side. thanks kath...for everything.
