Last week I had the great privilage of shooting some amazing pieces by the very talented Sara Rae of Sara Rae Design Shop. I am absolutely IN LOVE with her pieces. Her website is coming soon, but if you can't wait, you can find her amazing work at the Sweet and Saucy Shop in Long Beach! Here is a little preview:
They met at the most unlikely place.
An anniversary party. The anniversary of Heather's friends death.
As Heather told me the story, she recalled the fact that she and her friends would be irritated by the random people that would show up each year, and in the end, that is exactly who she ended up falling for. Mike was one of those random guys, but when he struck up a conversation with her, the talkative man quickly changed her mind. They've been together ever since.
Mike and Heather, you and your love are beautiful! Thank you for spending the evening with me! I had a blast!
Last night I had the privilege of attending another OC Smug.
This time, Jasmine Star was the speaker.
If you are a regular reader of my blog, you know that I think she's awesome for so many reasons. But as my mom and I were driving home from the meeting last night, we began to talk about what Jasmine had been speaking about: Netmaking. Basically... caring about people more than business.
As we got to talking on that ride home, the conversation quickly switched to how well Jas practices what she preaches. I was given a huge blessing a while back when she took my picture. As mom and I talked about that photoshoot, we talked about how the fact that Jasmine really cared about me ended up changing my life.
You see, at the time that she did the shoot, I had recently left a bad relationship and it had left me broken and injured with no self esteem. It had left me questioning myself and my direction in life. I felt worthless and stupid and like no one really cared. When I shot with Jasmine, she made me feel beautiful and important, and loved. Not only that, but she encouraged and inspired me as a photographer, and looking back, I can point to THAT MOMENT at the turning point in my business.
My mom also blogs, and she wrote it so well in her blog yesterday, so I wanted to share an excerpt from what she wrote.
"It was interesting. Here we were at a meeting for photographers, listening to one of the premier wedding photographers speak, and she wasn't talking about camera settings or rad actions or marketing or equipment. She was talking about developing relationships with people. She wasn't discussing how to set up formal shots or how to pace the day of a shoot or how to manage your business. She was talking about helping people and making them feel comfortable and doing things seemingly unrelated to photography--just because you care. It was interesting, because that is not the way most people think about developing their photography business. It was interesting, because it wasn't about how to get ahead or be the best photographer. And it was interesting, because we have seen up close and personal, that Jasmine practices what she preaches. A year ago, she did a photo shoot for Diandra. it was an amazing succession of circumstances that led up to that meeting, and it was a life-changing experience for Diandra. and not just because Jasmine took some beautiful pictures of her, but because Jasmine cared. The photos were lovely, and we would have appreciated them even if Jasmine had just been friendly and skilled at what she does. But she was more than that--without even knowing what Diandra was going through, she was able to make her laugh, and remember that she was beautiful and smart and funny and wonderful. Jasmine made her feel like she was someone worth knowing. I look back now, and I know that day was a turning point for Diandra. I can see it happening in her eyes and in her expressions when I look at those photos. and I know that the interaction between two people who had never met before was more valuable than either of them could have known at the time."
I met her in college.
She was one of those girls that, from afar, seemed unapproachable.
But Nicole is one of the warmest, genuinely nicest girls I have ever met. I don't think she has a mean bone in her little blond body. Sophomore year we lived together and grew even closer. When I got her call asking me to shoot her wedding I was soooo excited! The craziest part? She's marrying someone I went to high school with! It's like 2 worlds are colliding, and I couldn't be more thrilled about it.
One of the things that I ask of my clients is that they choose their own location for shoots. Not because I am trying to be difficult, but because then they pick a location that is special to them. Something that is meaningful when they look at pictures... not just a pretty place. another plus to this is that I get to see all kinds of awesome new places! The location that Ryan and Nicole chose is one of my favorites that I've EVER shot. And I am even more excited because we shot at the same location where I'll be shooting their wedding next March!
Here are a few of my favorites!
A picture is worth a thousand words.
I'm a photographer... so of course I agree.
I spend a HUGE amount of time, taking what I hope are "thousand word" pictures.
Pictures that will bring back memories...
that will be a snapshot of what life is like RIGHT NOW.
I'm doing a MASSIVE amount of editing this week, and with each picture, I recall a certain moment of time, the feelings that I had, the emotions that the couples showed. Each photo takes me back... I find myself lost deep in the snapshot of THAT MOMENT.
It got me thinking...
What if I was to take a snapshot of MY life right now.
What if I were to freeze time for just a moment.
What would be in that snapshot? What feelings, emotions, hopes and dreams would come out as I looked at this snapshot of my life several years down the road?
So here is my figurative snapshot of my life... RIGHT NOW.
I would definitely be smiling. One of those big, goofy, practically laughing smiles that almost makes you hear the sound of a chuckle. Life is good. And even when it isn't, I choose to smile anyway. Someone once told me, you have a choice every morning when you wake up. Are you going to be happy? Or not? I choose to be happy. I have to admit, that I don't always succeed. I am not always the happiest clam. But I make an effort to laugh on a regular basis. To smile and try to see the best side of things.
I would probably have a little twinkle in my eye. That mischievous twinkle that says you are up to something... that you have a secret plan that the world will only find out about when you're ready to reveal it. That twinkle of excitement of knowing that you can conquer the world... even if no one else thinks it's possible.
I'd be standing up... Because my life is fast paced, and always on the go. It seems I rarely have time to sit down and rest.
One foot might be off the ground, because it seems that at this point in my life, I can't ever land with BOTH feet on the ground... one is always ahead of the other :)
And... my head might POSSIBLY be in the clouds... Because I am that girl. The one that doesn't even realize someone is talking to me because I am lost in thought... the one that at any given moment has 4 million dreams and possibilities running through my head, the one that thinks happy endings really DO exist... and mine is coming.
I most definitely would be surrounded by people I love. Because that's how it's supposed to be. After 24 years of living, I am starting to understand that in a way I never have before. I see the value of wonderful, real people. And I am so blessed to say that even on the days when I feel down and alone... I know that I am not. I know that I have great people who love me. Really really love me.
So yes, I know that a picture is worth a thousand words, but today, there are just words.
What would your snapshot look like right now?
Kentucky.
Graduation.
Rest, relaxation.
Blogging Vacation.
It's been a crazy week! I will be back to my usual blogging self this week I hope.
I was so blessed to be a bridesmaid in my friend, Sarah's wedding last weekend. It was a fun change to be in the wedding instead of shooting it. The awesomely talented Tracy Blake was Sarah's photographer. I can't wait to see what she ended up with! For now, here are a couple shots!
This one is from Tracy. (I'm the one on the end!)
The rest are from my little point and shoot. I managed to leave my other camera at home :)
I love shooting weddings, but one of the things that has held me back in the past is the pressure. The pressure of having to get it right the first time, because there is no re-do. Even now, I get incredibly nervous before each wedding. Lynzi and Jimmy's wedding was different. Lynzi was so relaxed that I think it was impossible for anyone to feel anything other than joy.
Jimmy and Lynzi, thank you for the privilage of witnessing the start of your lives together. I know it's going to be a great ride! Enjoy Hawaii!
