Thursday, September 30, 2010

All I Need to Know I Learned From Models.

A few months ago, I had the opportunity to take a lighting workshop from Mark Wallace. He really is an amazing photographer, but some of my most valuable lessons I learned from the models. So if you are thinking about high school senior photos, you might want to take notes.
*Even though these are not watermarked, I do still claim them as my own.

Lesson #1: Dramatic/Harsh lighting can be flattering.



Lesson #2: If all else fails, rat your hair and try a pose from America's Next Top Model.



Lesson #3:
Photographers can be models too (thanks Wade).



Lesson #4: YES! You CAN finally pull out those turquoise spandex you have been saving for a special occasion.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Batterries Not Included

My daughter started Kindergarten! Before school started, her teacher asked all the parents to create a "users manual" for our child. Here is the diagram page out of Sarah's manual.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

K.I.R

I recently returned from a fabulous day listening to some amazing photographers at Seattle’s WPPI Road trip. I have so many new tools and ideas in my tool belt just waiting for me to put them to work. But, in the words of my “Photog. Idol”, Jasmine Star, I have to, “Keep It Real.” I know she was directing her tag line to all those who are about to make their mark in the industry, reminding them to keep their feet on the ground. But for me, it took on a much different meaning.

After a long drive home in Seattle’s rush hour traffic, I had time to play with my big ideas and dreams of where I would love to take my talent and little business. Ideas were flowing and I was getting more and more excited by the minute. I realized with more work, time and learning, I had all the capabilities needed to make my business as large as I’d like. At this same moment, I had to ask myself, “at what cost?”

Keeping it real for me may mean putting my big dreams aside for a season and doing the job I previously committed to do, be present for my children. Is this a copout for not putting the work in needed to follow my dreams? I don’t think so. Is this a self-righteous judgment call on other working moms? Absolutely not! When I create something I want to give it my all and see that it is done right, and it consumes my mind. I just know that I have to control my obsessive self and remember that my time will come. I will get the opportunity to perfect my craft, but that is not today. Today I need to carefully balance my day between three growing children and a loving husband. So do I abandon my craft all together? HELL NO! In this delicate balance I also need time for ME to grow, even if that means minutes a day. In those stolen minutes, I will happily plug away at any shoot that comes my way and I will celebrate every inch of growth as a huge milestone. Is it a sacrifice? I don’t know, maybe I will find out thirty years from now.