Out of Office-- Again!

Hi, everyone!

It's been such an irregularly scheduled past 2 months... I'm looking forward to August and beyond, because I feel like it will be more consistent. In the meantime, I'm headed out of town for the rest of the week(one last time before the BUSY season of 15 weddings in 3 months hits!!). I'll be back in the office on Monday/Tuesday.

Just got a new point and shoot camera, so I'll be testing it out-- yay! Will share pics from it later.
Here it is:

It's a Canon Powershot SD1200.

This is a secret, so don't tell anyone... The last two Point and Shoot cameras I've had were Nikon... but I shoot Canon for weddings... However, my first Nikon P&S was way more impressive than the 2nd one I had... so I thought I'd switch it up!
Just for reference, though... I'm not one of those "Canon is better than Nikon!!!" photographers... I know nothing about Nikon cameras, ha:) But i do have to say, I will miss shooting with my 5d Mark II up north this weekend! Thought it would be more safe when left home, however.


I wanted a green one, but they didn't have it... only crazy bright colors, which aren't so much my fave.

Random-- I really enjoy wearing dark purple lately.



Everyone have a fantastic weekend!



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Volunteering

Two days ago I was on call for Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, and I got a call. Often times when a volunteer is on call, he/she doesn't get a call, but every so often we do. People sometimes say to me, "I don't know how you can do that... I would just cry the whole time." The truth is, sometimes I do cry later. During the actual session though, my main focus is to help the parents enjoy the photo session with their baby, and my goal is to get photos that they will love-- which is not difficult, because these are photos of their baby who will not make it, or has already passed... and these are the only photos they may ever have of their beautiful little one. Yes-- it is terribly sad, and it does effect me... but I really am in professional mode when photographing. It comes very natural for me, and because I CAN do it, I believe I SHOULD do it.
If you are interested in finding out more about the organization-- whether it be for support for a child you have lost, or to volunteer, please go to their website here:
http://nowilaymedowntosleep.com


I also volunteered today for 4H. Actually, I can't say that I volunteered, really-- they paid me, AND gave me lunch. I judged the Photography Enhancement and the Video entries of 4th through "13th" graders. It was a good learning experience for me. I loved talking to the kids and young people about their work. I was so impressed with some of them and what they knew. It's interesting, because there is always something new to learn about photography enhancement, and there is always new art to be created. I really enjoyed looking at some of the art that these individuals created.

During part of the judging, around 4:15, there was a HUGE storm that rolled through. A huge chunk of the people at the country fair piled into the 4H building to hide from the ridiculous down pour.
Here is part of the 4H building during the storm:


And here is the deserted street during the storm (You can't really see how hard the rain was really coming down... but on the tin roof of the 4H building it sounded like it was coming down 10x's as hard!)

(Pics taken with my camera phone, obviously;))

After the storm passed, I was able to have my dinner break, and I got a super yummy gyro.... and then of course I saw the Cheese Curds stand. MMM! So of couse I had to have some of those. And no, I did not, and could not, finish them. For those of you who do not know what Minnesota fair cheese curds are... it's fried cheese... full of hot grease and goodness. Nothin' like them. There are different kinds of cheese curds in Minnesota, but the ones at the Anoka County Fair and the State Fair are the best.

Alexa and Joshua's Wedding

As promised: I am doing two posts today. I have so much catch up to play on posting images on this blog!

Alexa and Joshua got married on a lovely day in May.
This couple is SO very much in love that it moves me. It's beautiful.

Here are a few of my favorite pics from the day:










They were very proud of their cake. Isn't it AWESOME!!???





Ok, this isn't a serious photo-- I just happened to snap it as Alexa was walking out, and Joshua was probably shifting his weight-- it makes me giggle!! :)






The song in their slideshow I created is by Amy Seeley. She partnered with David Jay and Showit Web(the slideshow software) and offered the song for Showit Web users to use for their slideshows for a very reasonable fee. There is a lot of royalty free junk out there(going through royalty free websites gives me a HEADACHE!), so it was AMAZING of Amy to put this song out there for us to use. Being a musician myself, yeah, I'm a bit picky I'm sure-- but really-- there is such a limited amount of good royalty free stuff out there. I only use royalty free music (or, I purchase the necessary licenses) on my website, slideshows, or for anything that promotes my images or business. Amy, you rock my world:)

Mindy Miller was my 2nd shooter for the day. She captured some beautiful stuff. My favorite image of hers from the day is the shot of Alexa on the stairs, coming up to meet her groom (I photographed from the bottom, while Mindy was at the top).

***You can watch the slideshow of more of the images RIGHT HERE!!! :)

My new Logo!

Hey everyone!

My new logo is completed!



I very much like it. A client of mine, amazing person, friend, and professional graphic designer designed them for me(that's one person-- not four:)). She was so patient through all of my indecisiveness and little tweaks. Amanda, you are wonderful!


Soon, I'll be having my new website designed... and I CANNOT WAIT!!!! It will feature a lot of my new work, my new colors and logo, and my promo vids!


I realize I need to do more posting of photos. Some of the blogs I mentioned in a previous post are updated almost daily-- I enjoy reading them BECAUSE they are updated daily. AND, I enjoy that people like Jasmine Star always try to put at least one photo with a post. You'd think this would not be so difficult for me, right!??

Ok, well I will try to change my barenaked posts by adding a photo to each one, from here on out! I'll do two posts today!

Out of Office

FYI:: Will be out of office until Wednesday.


Also, Aaron and I will be celebrating 3 years of marriage on Tuesday!! :)

Websites/Blogs that I frequent....

If you are wondering, these are the blogs and websites I frequent most/have bookmarked!

Facebook.
A way for me to stay connected to a lot of people & learn about people. I honestly enjoy people. I enjoy encouraging others, commenting on photos and videos and statuses. I have had people ask me if I am constantly on facebook. Yes, and no. I am in front of my computer most of the day, editing, emailing, writing up quotes, doing some research for business, reading about business, and getting inspired. In between exporting some newly edited photos, or resizing them, I will jump on facebook. It's a little break of sanity for me during the day, because I am at home alone (well ok, Sparty is here with me), but for those of you who do not know me, I am a people person! I love going out for coffee/drinks/food with new people. Because I can't do that during the day while I'm working, Facebook serves as an awesome outlet for me. I can honestly say that I am interested in all people. Not in the sense that I want to be a stalker, LOL! But I have an honest interest in people. I care about them. What is going on in their lives, what can I help them with, connections with them, etc. Sometimes, a person's status update can make my day:)

Open Source Photo forum
It's the "nice" photography forum for photographers who are looking to help others succeed, get some answers to questions, and just commune with other photographers. There are a few forums out there, and some of them are full of competition and mean people. Seriously! If you are a photographer and have not joined OSP yet, please do so! I love the community there.


FastTrack Photographer Forum:
My new friend Dane Sanders started this community. I went to Dane's workshop in May, and it was fantastic. I highly, highly, recommend it. I'll be starting a Minnesota group dedicated to encouraging one another, setting goals, and so much more. If you're interested, contact me. He'll be coming to Minnesota in a couple weeks-- sign up on MNPPA.com asap! Also, if you're able to, sign up for his workshop-- you will not regret it. It is life changing.

****Photographers' Blogs*****
Paul Johnson's Blog:
I think Paul is one of my favorite artists in the country right now. His work is inspiring. He sees things in a way that are so refreshing, and breathtaking. You rock, Paul!

Ohana Photography Blog
If anyone knows how to have a good time, and take photos of that good time, it's this family!!! I don't feel I need to say much more-- go check out the blog!

Braeden Rogers/Ambient 11 Photography
Inspiring that someone so much younger than me (ok, not THAT much younger) can have such a developed feel for his own style already. His style is consistent, and love for light is obvious. Braeden, I hope we'll get to meet in person at some point! Continue to be awesome in the meantime. Much love!

David Jay's blog
The creator of Open Source Photo forum, and the owner of the Showit business(tools for photographers), DJ has been an inspiration for me for the past 2 years. Had the pleasure of meeting him in Vegas and hear him speak in Missouri. A truly genuine guy, interested in helping photographer's succeed. I admire his faith, honestly, and ability to deal with so many fans and haters at the same time, ha! He's now put aside wedding photography (for awhile, or forever?) and pursued speaking gigs and Showit. He's almost 30 and could retire if he felt like it. I'm way jealous, ha!! But he's worked hard for it, and continues to bless so many people (including myself). Love ya, Deej!

Photo Lovecat Blog
Sharing the love, is what they do! Lovecat, a term coined by Tim Sanders, I believe, is simply all about being a loving person, and helping others-- and you'll get so much in return for doing so. A blog written for photographers to help them get ahead in the business-- we're in this together! :)


Jasmine Star's Blog:
Does this girl need an introduction in the photography world?? NOPE! But to ANY lover of photography and of blog reading who hasn't checked out her blog, go now! She is definitely an entertainer... and she takes some pretty photos too;)


The Blog of Stacy Cross
The spunky/crazy gorgeous curly haired, Texan photographer-- I adore her work, and her personality, and I can't wait to meet her in person someday. She is an inspiration with both her photos, and her amazingness. You are fantabulous, Stace! Love ya!

The Blog of Amy Wenzel:
Her work is absolutely phenomenal.
Aside from that, she has a true strength-- her faith in God. Her husband was diagnosed with brain cancer recently. You can read about it on her blog. I pray for her husband, and their whole family.

En Pointe Photography Blog:
Susan takes TRULY breathtaking images.... just fabulous!!

Brandi Thompson's blog:
A friend from Open Source Photo forum, we are similar in age, and amount of sass.

Melissa Koehler's Blog:
Been following Melissa's blog for a year and a half, about? This girl gets better and better, as if that were even possible! She has an adorable son with the most amazing blue eyes, too! She is one to be admired for being both a mom and a business owner, all while taking some pretty great pics!

Jesh de Rox:
A true visionary...
An amazing person, and artist. Sometimes words can't express... just go look at his work:)

Megan Elle's Blog:
Just came across her while doing the I (Heart) faces contest! I love her style-- looking forward to possibly getting to know her!

Andrew Vick/Living Room Studios/Vick Photography:
A friend of a friend, I was introduced to Andrew's work when a classmate of mine had him for her wedding photography. I recently decided to look into his blog again, and BAM, I am slapped with incredible imagery. I told Andrew he is my favorite Minnesota photographer, and he has got to be one of the best in the country. Truly wonderful work... just WOW!!!!!


Other sites I visit frequently:
The Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep metro/MN blog. As a volunteer and member of the NILMDTS community, it's where we can find out what's going on, support other volunteer photographers, sign up for on call days, and post some of our work. It's a private forum only for members, but it is a site that I frequent.


Anthropologie.com, BananaRepublic.com, and JCrew.com
(I don't feel I need to explain myself with these:))

ResellerRatings.com
When I was starting out as a photographer, Brad Person pointed me to this website because I didn't understand, "Why is this lens going for so cheap!? Is it too good to be true!?" "Yes!" He said, and sent me to this website. I now check out all photography gear sellers on this website, and also compare prices between all the reputable sellers.


Of course I visit other blogs, and other websites from time to time!

These are the fabulous blogs of my Minnesota "Photo Girls."-- A group of fellow female photographers who rock! :)
Melissa Louise
Olivia Wagner
Photogen/Eliesa
Erika McCauley
Sally/La Vie Photography
Dolce Studios


OH!!! And I can't forget YouTube, and the Fail Blog -- both often provide me with a good laugh! :)

4th of July Weekend

This weekend, I had an annual July 3rd get together. We've been doing this for something like 11, 12, or 13 years. Anoka High School has fireworks on the 3rd, and that's how the tradition started. We eat, play yard games, head to the fireworks, come back, and eat more and have a bonfire.

The night of the 3rd, my good friends Sarah and Dan(who are now married, and back from their 2 week honeymoon!!) slept over at my parents' with Aaron and me, in tents down by the river. It was really fun! I swear I heard an animal in the water, so as long as I know it wasn't like a wolf or a bear, I'll be sleeping down there again. (Then again, I'll probably never know what it was! Maybe just a raccoon?)

The next day, we watched some of Wimbledon, took naps, and Sarah read 2/3rds of a book. We ate a ton of Special K bars, and did some more sitting on the couch. We were trying to decide when to have dinner, and I go, "Well what time is it?"
Dan goes, "It's about... (checks watch)..5:30."
"FIVE THIRTY!" Sarah and I exclaimed.
We did nothing all day, and all of a sudden it was 5:30.
It was a truly wonderful lazy vacation day! :)


Here is a photo of Dixie from the night of the 4th... all tuckered out from having company for two days, ha!

(Pic from my camera phone).

(She'll be so embarrassed I put that pic up!!!:))

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