Archive for March, 2010

I am a huge believer of loving the small things in life. Reading between the lines, that amazing things come in small packages and it doesn’t take much to make me happy. That’s why when I received my sample mini-accordion albums yesterday, I was smiling from ear to ear and radiating simple joy.

The albums are PERFECT for any shoot. Simple, small, magnetic so they stay closed well and the print quality is amazing. I can come up with a thousand ideas you could do with these, but I will leave that to you. Since I like simple, if I had one made (besides my samples), I would just have one on the bookcase and perhaps one on my desk at work. It’s a nice, compact way to showcase a few of your best photos and easy to carry around in your purse or pocket to show off, too!

Albums come in either 2.5×3.5 or 3×3 dimensions.  They also come in custom covers or cloth on either size, with plenty of cloth colors to choose from.  The 2.5×3.5 books come with 12 image sides and the 3×3 books come with 10 sides.

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I made this 2.5×3.5 album with a custom image cover and metallic paper, which gives it a small sheen.

My 3×3 album is a cream cloth and linen paper.  I LOVE this paper!  It has a slight linen texture that feels sturdy and unique.

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This is a close up of the linen texture.  Glorious.

The sun caught the sheen on the custom cover album just perfect.

I don’t think I’ve said it enough (or maybe I have), how happy I am that Spring is finally here!  I love seeing the color burst everywhere, being able to wear short sleeves and light fabrics and being able to actually enjoy being outside again.

I have compiled a list of a few of my favorite things for this Spring.  Each item will have a description and link for those interested.  These are just my honest opinion and I hope you like some of them, too!

1.  Boudoir Photography.  I am really enjoying meeting such lovely, strong and different women and proving to them just how beautiful and sexy they really are.  We share an experience and I think we both walk away from the shoots learning something new about ourselves.  Something BETTER about ourselves.  The shoots themselves are SUPER fun and relaxed to boot and I love seeing the final product in a professional album! (Photo referenced taken by me).

2.  Being a red-head.  I made the sad mistake of dying my naturally blond hair black.  It has cost a lot of time, damage and money to go back blond, but my amazing stylist is very patient and forgiving.  When processing my hair to take the steps back to blond, we stopped at a color very similar to this and both loved it.  She sealed the color in with a little dye and gloss and I’m thinking I’ll be a red-head for a while.  She also gave me a whole new cut, which I adore.  So much lighter and fun than the dark black – especially for Spring!

3.  Dark Cherry Mocha.  For those that didn’t know, Starbucks now has a dark cherry flavor.  I have had it in both a hot latte and a frappuccino and it is to die for.   Both refreshing and a little sinful with the mocha, the flavors are perfect together!

4.  YMCA.  It’s true!  I joined at the beginning of the year and have been so happy with my membership.  The staff and other members are very friendly and respectful and there are so many classes and activities to join.  For the first time ever, I actually look forward to working out.  Also mentioned here is an exercise bike, which is one of my favorites of the moment.  It’s a lot like running, but with less impact on the legs.  For me, shin splints are a big deal, but switching it up between the treadmill and bike really seems to help with that issue.

5.  Reflector.  I have been asked a lot in the past if I used a reflector.  My answer was always “no”, because until recently, I hadn’t.  I am really glad I decided to purchase one and try it out.  After a friend brought one along to a shoot and we both used it, I knew it was going to help me tremendously, and it has!  I can’t believe I went this long without it, but I love the freedom it gives me of still allowing me to shoot all natural light, but with a little help!  (Photo referenced taken by me).

6.  Jo Totes Camera Bag. It has taken me THIS long to buy a new camera bag because I just couldn’t find one that was both affordable and accommodating to my needs.  Then I came across Jo Totes and fell head over heels in love.  I ordered the black bag, since it will go with everything, but that is just a simple perk.  This bag is very light-weight, yet sturdy and VERY well made.  It is plenty spacious for me to carry my keys, phone, wallet and a few other things along as well.  The funny thing is, with my camera body, 3 lenses and all of my junk, this bag somehow feels more lightweight than just carrying my camera on my shoulder.  It’s very well padded and super cute and afforadble to boot.  I highly recommend this bag to female photographers that are looking for a stylish, sizable and affordable camera bag.

7.  Wedding shrug.  I am in love with these shrugs.  They add a classy and classic look to a simple wedding dress with just the right amount of lace and feminine touch.  They can be made sleeveless, with cupped shoulder sleeves or long sleeves.  I personally think there is a style out there for every season you may have your wedding in, but think they would be exceptionally cute in the Spring.  I wish I were planning my own wedding right now so I could snatch one up.  LOVE them!

8.  Forever 21 Military Jacket.  I actually bought this exact jacket on sale last week.  I saw it online but decided to purchase in the store and I’m glad I did.  This material is very light-weight but perfect for a little spring cover up.  This jacket is SO comfortable that I could wear it all day, and have!  I keep running into different options with dresses and shirts that I could pair it with and it flatters almost any body type.  They still have them on sale, so take my word and grab one for yourself!

Last week while driving about, I noticed how beautiful the trees were looking.  With Spring in the air, everything is beginning to bloom and it feels so refreshing.  I posted on facebook that I was holding a few mini-sessions this weekend for anyone interested to do a small shoot with the blooming trees.

Andrea came to the calling and though this shoot was for something completely different (her new business venture!), I couldn’t help but take some photos of her alone.  Seriously, how cute is she?!  Not only is Andrea super cute, but she is a sweetie pie to boot, an inspiring business woman, someone I found I shared the same humor with and could laugh with and just a wonderful lady all around.

Here are just a few snippets from our shoot.   Andrea, thank you for coming out at such a short notice, for being up for anything and I cannot wait to share your new business adventure with everyone! :)

I seriously think this shot looks like it came out of a catalog.

Mmm, natural sun-flare!  I also brought out my bigger lenses for these shots.  I mostly shoot prime but was really wanting to capture the essence of the tree and Spring.

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Believe it or not, we were INSIDE this Magnolia tree.  It canopied to the ground all around us and we were covered on all sides by it’s branches reaching to the ground.  It has to be hundreds of years old and seriously felt like a magical world once inside.

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Naturally beautiful.

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Speaking of Facebook, I have a fan page for those interested!  I often times post sneak peeks along with special little offers or tidbits that aren’t posted anywhere else.  Just click on the image to go to my page and become a fan! :)

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I think one of my new favorite things to shoot is portraits in someone’s home. I love the personal feel of it and my clients seem to connect and relate more when they’re in their own element. They feel comfortable, comfy and I feel blessed to be invited into their homes. To me, this is the ultimate lifestyle portrait. A beautiful person in their home with their things and you can tell they are in love with their safe haven.

I had the pleasure of photographing Andrea yesterday and while most of those photos are personal for her, these are a few I have permission to share. Heather, of course, did her makeup (as well as hair) and she looked so stunning and natural. I had a blast getting to know her and her best girl-friend and seeing them interact and laugh. They are starting a new business soon which I will showcase here and am excited to share! Until then, Andrea – thank you for inviting me into your home, letting me have a glimpse into your heart and sharing your time with me today. You are stunning and I cannot wait to see your business adventure take off!

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