Thursday, January 31, 2008

Photog buddy!

I just wanted to share how excited I was that my best friend, Heidi- now has a camera! She's been searching for the best possible price for the last 6 months and finally came across an XTi (the same one I use) for WAY below market price on Craig's list. Last night we met up with the man at Borders and he seemed very nice and knowledgeable. The camera is well used but also taken care of. He even let her keep the camera bag! The only difference in our cameras is that hers is silver and mine is black. But that's basically it. Yay Heidi!

I challenged her to spend a year with the kit lens to learn how to take great pics with those before spending any more money on other lenses. I think she's got a great eye artistically and will go a long way if she learns how to properly use her new camera :) Welcome to the shutter world Heidi :) When/if she signs up for her own blog, I'll include it with my links. I look forward to seeing her pictures :)

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Hello :)

I'm still here... Just been exhusted with having closing shifts at work frequently. Not a lot has gone on except Michelle's co-worker wants to hire me to be her wedding photographer! How awesome is that?? We'll be getting together in March to discuss details. In the meantime, I'm prepping myself business-wise... setting up paypal accounts, ordering legal forms, and learning about wedding photography. It's quite a daunting experience and there's so much to absorb! I just want to do everything right so someone else's experience is memorable.

I wanted to thank all of my supportive friends and family too... seriously, it helps tremendously to have so much push and help in this direction. Otherwise, I might've given up... Thank you :)

Thursday, January 17, 2008

'Stache with Attitude : { )

HAHA :D

Point Defiance Park

Jamie and I had a fun day while walking around Point Defiance Park in Tacoma with a good friend, Brooks. Brooks is my go-to guy for photography tips, hints and contacts :) We spent 2 1/2 cold hours taking pictures and playing with Jamie. Click on my flickr link to see the latest photos!

Friday, January 11, 2008

I'm curious...

About my readers!

If you get a moment, please drop me a comment and tell me where you're from and how you found me :)

I leave you with this:
Oy!

Dontcha wanna pinch his cheeks?!

PS...
I've got a buisness license! YEAH!

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Turning another year older...

Yeah, it's that once a year day thing again... Birthday for moi. It stinks that I have to close at work today but I have no one to blame but myself lol :) I hope everyone else enjoys today!

It's also Elvis Presley's Birthday and David Bowie's :)

Oh and my poll closes today as well. Looks like I'm going to be making a book of photos! I'll let you know how that works out :) I've got a few vendors in mind for this...

Sunday, January 6, 2008

musings

There hasn't been a day that's gone by that I haven't regretted stepping down as supervisor. It's so liberating to free my brain to focus on the more important things in life. Yes, providing for the family and assuring we have health insurance is right up there... but seriously, I'm not even sure I'd ever go back to being a supervisor-ever!
I feel as though I can look forward and consider my life without having to consult work and feel bad about it. Now, if I need a day off to do something photography related or Jamie related, I can ask and feel guilt-free. :) It's a nice feeling. I've been placing more focus on learning the fine art of photography.

Lately I've been spending time studying the more technical side of photography. Technical is not my strong point, nor does it hold my interest for long. I like to just dive in and see what I get. However, I'm noticing the need to make a split second decision in regards to shutter speed or aperture can usually make or break my photos. Obviously, right? Not ALL of my future subjects will be as forgiving or patient as my past subjects have been. Especially if I plan to specialize in children. Despite my frustrations with Jamie not ever holding still or listening when I want him to hold a pose or move his face has proved necessary in the long run. I hate to admit it but sometimes children that refuse to be told what to do can be a good thing. Forces me to take desparate measures to get his attention (toys, talking, distracting...etc). It has also pushed my patience to its limit-countless times.
I'm still waiting to photography a nice, sleeping baby... :D hehe

Saturday, January 5, 2008

Additional Information regarding the Free Family Session

I wanted disclose Feb 1st as a cut off date for the freebie session. If you've already inquired about the freebie session, your spot is reserved regardless of when the session is scheduled. All other inquiries made after Feb 1st will be subjected to a $40 fee. Fee covers cost of CDs, talent and ultimately goes towards investment.

Hey... I gotta pay for all this stuff somehow, eh? :) Thanks for understanding!

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

OMG!

I've been corresponding with a friendly woman I met at the Borders GM conference back in March and I asked her around October if Borders would be interested in a free photographer (if they pay for travel expenses). She asked me for some samples of my work and passed it along to others in the decision-making process. I explained to her that I didn't want to replace their current photographer but hoped to learn from her. She said they liked my work and would seriously consider my position.

Well, today I got an email that instantly brightened my day... what a way to start the New Year!! She wrote me and explained that they weren't able to get a hold of their normal photographer and would I be interested in taking her place when the next GM meeting is held? UH YEAH! It'll be in April and they're going to sunny Florida this year!! I'm SO STOKED!!! This is going to be such a great learning experience for me because I'll have an actual client... a huge corporate company to boot!

First step, get a business liscense ASAP!

*shrieks with giddy laughter*

Tuesday, January 1, 2008

You'd think I'd take a break from blogging after doing it every single day for a month... well, I blog when I've got something to say. There's something so facinating about making resolutions for myself. I think some of my resolutions are partly made because they're typical resolutions everyone wants to aspire to. Sure, who doesn't want to travel more, lose a few pounds, budget finances... I want to resolve to be different, learn not to let others' opinions guide me & make choices for myself regardless of what's 'right' or 'popular'.
I see it too many times where a person makes a choice just because it's the right choice to make; not because it's what they would've orginally picked. I'm not talking about life or death choices, I hope those would be made in the 'right' frame of mind. Matters of the heart is more what I'm aiming towards. Tales of unrequited love because of one small factor that the other person can't seem to look past. I'm not thinking of anything in particular and perhaps I read a little too much... but dangit, someone needs a happy ending!
Anyway, I am thinking of changing my 100 goals around a bit, make some points more attainable and fun.

I hope everyone had a great time ringing in the New Year. Here's to the future...