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!!!:))

.

I♥ Faces Photo Challenge!: Wedding Bells

Jasmine Star is a photographer who's work I admire-- and more importantly, I admire her as
a person! There are a list of photographers' blogs who I have bookmarked and check on daily--
her blog is one of them. For my clients, and fellow blog readers, if you have not checked out
her Blog, it is sure to entertain. Click HERE!


Jasmine announced on her blog this week that she will be the judge of the i(heart)faces contest.
I had not heard of this website before, so I'm really glad I got a chance to check it
out HERE! I encourage all of you to check it out weekly-- I'll be doing the same!



There are a TON of people who entered the contest this week, and there is a lot of great work out there! Thought I'd give it a whirl anyhow!

My entry for this week's Wedding Bells contest:



This is one of my all-time favorite photos! The bridesmaids are the bride's sisters,
and one is a cousin. They were giggling and laughing the whole day... One thing I
learned about this family-- they absolutely have true joy in life.

Hot and Cold.

OH.

MY.

LANDS.


Current weather:




Heat wave in Minnesota!! Happens a couple of times a year, typically. In Minnesota, we never know what to expect for weather. One day it's 80, and the next day it snows... or 85 degrees on day, and then 40 and rainy the next. (For real! That's how it is sometimes!)

I prefer it to be 65-69 if I have to be inside all day (then I can have the windows open!) Or, 75-80 degrees and sunny with a slight breeze if I'm going to be outside:)



On Friday, I photographed Ashley and Nick's wedding in Maple Grove. It was a beautiful day, but pretty humid. We got to the reception, then the HUGE and pretty scary cloud rolled in. Stretched across the sky for miles. Everyone was a bit concerned for severe weather of some sort. Dinner at the reception started... heavy rain, some lightning, spinny clouds...warm and cold air swirling around... then the storm passed... then the sun came out.. there was a rainbow... and shortly after, a gorgeous warm-glowing sunset! Crazy how weather is sometimes.


What's your favorite weather??



Funny... right now I have Katy Perry's song in my head...
Cause you're hot then you're cold
You're yes then you're no
You're in and you're out
You're up and you're down
You're wrong when it's right
It's black and it's white
We fight, we break up
We kiss, we make up