Getting closer to the "Big Leagues"

So, I know I should have posted on the 19th when I did my first big event for Microsoft (program users group), but I have been so busy. Can you say "star struck"? OMGoodness! Ok, so I know it wasn't the biggest deal, but any affiliation with a big name like that is super awesome! They used my photo on their website the next day and also in their newsletter! Exclamation points!!! Here is the link to the discussion forum post http://www.mpug.com/Pages/MPUGForums.aspx/MPUGForums.aspx?action=ViewPosts&fid=7&tid=735&page=1&ref=replypost

That's right, I am going to be proud of this moment.

Pretty little bow...or not.

Sometimes my little clients don't want to cooperate and that is fine, because life isn't perfect.

 I know parents want the kids to behave and smile pretty for the camera, but then we would miss out on those moments where the child is acting, well, like a child!

I mention this because I recently had a family shoot where half-way into it, the little girl melted down. (I want to remind you that I have an Autistic son, so I am no stranger to melt downs.) Her mother was so upset with this behavior, after all it was ruining the "perfect" family photo session. I assured her that even though she was upset at the moment, she would appreciate the photos I took of the tantrum later. When she reviewed her images, she not only appreciated the images, she said  "We love them all! Even the ones where she is crying. You were right. My favorite is the one where the three of us are posing and she is off to the side, love it!"

I guess that is my job after all. Not only to capture what the client says they want, but what they really want and will love. Even if it isn't perfect.

Fighting Brides

Last night I had a back and forth with 2 brides over wedding photography on October 20th this year. It was first-come-first-served and the first bride made sure to schedule her consultation on Tuesday. The second bride offered to pay her deposit today, but I wouldn't have that. I try to keep things fair as possible. The first bride had the advantage of having her mother be the corespondent. Mothers of the brides (MOBs) can be ruthless, lol. I have to say, it feels good to be wanted and fought over.

Military Honor

I recently did a newborn shoot for a baby who's daddy is serving as a Marine in Afghanistan.

Mommy loved the photos so much she just invited me to photograph her husband's homecoming!
I am not sure if I will be able to do it as of yet, but I am still honored that she asked.

Happy Dance!

I got a new camera! Woohoo! I am so excited! It is the Nikon D7000 and it is fabulous! I can't wait to play with it. My husband is amazing for getting me the upgrade. Oh, and he also got me a 5-in-1 reflector set and a new flash. Thank you Curtis, you are the best!

Blood Lead

My Doc told me to go get my blood drawn first thing in the morning. So, after getting the kids to school I went to get poked. My phlebotomist was amazing! With 4 C-sections, I have been poked many times, but this is the first time in my life that I didn't feel the needle! Of course I had to give her my card. I mentioned that my session is only $60 and includes the CD and she got really excited. (At this point I should have looked at her name badge to get her name, but I had not eaten breakfast yet so I was too hungry to use my brain). This magical phlebotomist described to me her vision of the classic cowboy pose with her family hanging onto the corral. I would love the opportunity to get that shot!

In queue for editing, I have an engagement and a newborn shoot. This week I have a HS senior and a family for sure. I may be picking up another newborn on Friday, but the mom has not gotten back to me yet.

Next Saturday I have a wedding. I am so excited! I will post more details about that later.

Good News and Bad News...

 Bad news... my great-aunt passed away unexpectedly. She was such an amazingly talented artist and super sweet. It saddens the family that she snuffed out her candle too soon.   Good news, I get to do a military baby newborn session tomorrow. It all makes me reflect on life in all its phases. This is why I do photography, to capture the best moments to cherish.

Here is my Aunt Dee Dee's first painting. She had a knack for seeing the beautiful in everything.