Archive for the ‘Personal’ Category

I’m sitting here this morning, up early on a Saturday, drinking my coffee and eating a Moravian Sugar Cake.  This cake should be be sitting on my table this morning.  For one thing, I haven’t made it to the gym once this past week.  Also because it was meant to travel with me today.  Travel a few hours away, to shoot a personal project with two other amazing and inspiring ladies who enjoy photography as much as I do.  But today?  Today was postponed, due to weather.

I think it’s safe to say that it’s known that I am a natural light photographer.  Basically, this means I do not shoot with flash or artificial lighting (unless the situation calls for it and I have NO other options – I’m not dumb about it).  Sometimes, this can be an issue if I have a photo shoot scheduled.  If it is a client shoot, I work around it, figure something else out (shooting in a room with a lot of natural light flowing in, or under shelter).  Since today was supposed to be a personal project, not only including 2 other people, but also horses and wedding gowns, we decided rescheduling would be best.

I was pretty disappointed, since I don’t get to do personal projects often and I am finally meeting photographers that are willing to be allies, not competition.  Women that are business oriented, take their job seriously and have a passion for learning and teaching.  This trip has been a few months in the making, and while it’s pretty low key, we are all investing our time and money and since we are all natural light shooters, weather plays a huge factor in our plans.  I am excited that everyone involved is still willing and just as excited to reschedule as I am, but I couldn’t help but feel a little let down.

But as I sit here this morning, eating this cake I shouldn’t be eating, in my house that I should have already left, I remember.  I remember that today?  Today is September 11th.  Today is a day which should not be taken for granted, looked over because of weather, or mourned upon because of failed plans.  Today, I am grateful to be here, to be alive to make plans and have them fall through and to know that I am able to reschedule time with my friends.  Today – I remember that I am alive, and I am reminded to be thankful for that.

As I look over at my inspiration board, sigh, and take another sip of coffee, the clouds are forming outside.  While it hasn’t begun to rain yet, I am now ready to accept it without anger.  Without sadness or frustration.  Today, I remember, and I am thankful for the rain.  I am thankful to be here another day, safe, and remembering all of those that aren’t – because of this tragic day in 2001.

September 11, natural light photography, winston salem photography, natural light photographer

September 11, natural light photography, winston salem photography, natural light photographer

I have been asked lately about what type of camera bag I use and what equipment I take to shoots.  I figured the best way to demonstrate this is with pictures and a short description!

I own a camera bag by Jo Totes.  I cannot express enough how much I love my camera bag!  I was looking for something sleek and professional, yet still pretty and with enough room to carry what I needed.  The fact that you can’t exactly tell this is a camera bag is a huge plus for me, especially since I shoot on location with plenty of people around.  This bag is faux leather and even though the texture looks rough, it’s not at all.  I blame lighting and sharpening. :)   The inside is a fun pattern with plenty of removable padding which you can place where you need it to go.  They now have new colors and styles, so I may have to snag me another one, soon.  Besides, you can’t beat the price!

Inside of my camera bag, there is enough room to hold the following.  This is also a lineup of what I take to every shoot:

  • 2 camera bodies.  Nikon D300′s in my case
  • 2-3 lenses
  • Wallet
  • Keys (yes, that’s pepper spray on my key-chain.  You can never be too safe).
  • Small bag with extra cards, batteries and business cards
  • Gum.  Admit it – who wants to get close to fix a stray hair or turned necklace on a client and have them smell what you ate for lunch?
  • Phone
  • Chapstick.  Can’t leave home without it.

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Nicely fit with room to spare.

jo totes camera bag, feminine camera bag, cute camera bag, unique camera bag, what to carry to a photoshoot

On top of making incredible camera bags, Jo Totes also has a super cute logo!

jo totes camera bag, feminine camera bag, cute camera bag, unique camera bag, what to carry to a photoshoot

I always carry a backup battery and extra cards with me.  I shoot with smaller cards (4 to 8 gig) because you never know when you’ll have a failure and while there is recovery software, it is better to lose a hundred or so pictures versus a thousand.   I also keep business cards on me at all times!

jo totes camera bag, feminine camera bag, cute camera bag, unique camera bag, what to carry to a photoshoot

I have been needing new photos for a while. I have gone back and forth between having my camera in the photos with me or not. I mean, if I post the photos on my photography website, it should be pretty obvious that I’m the photographer, yes? Does having the camera with me just scream TACKY or PROFESSIONAL or DUH!?

I don’t know where it came from, but I just decided to ask Andy if he would mind taking my picture yesterday. I decided against having my camera in the photo for the sake of him using it and (hopefully) getting a decent photo of me. It’s not that I question his skills at all, it’s just, I’m not used to being in front of the lens. I put on an outfit that I thought was pretty cute, but he told me it was tacky, so of course I immediately changed. After seeing the photos he took before, though – I saw he was right. I then changed again, for the second time. I was nervous, stiff, begging for some sort of direction. He gave me a little, but I didn’t know what to do with it! Now, I know some of the pressure my clients have while in front of the lens! After a few minutes, I began to warm up and have fun with it. Those are the photos that eventually made the cut and I have to say, he did a really good job! I kind of felt pretty after seeing them and now I’m trying to talk him into second shooting for me. So far, it’s not happening.

You might notice, along with the new blog design, the new photos above and on the ‘Meet Stacey’ page. Be nice – I’m not used to being in front of the camera and having the man I love behind it!

As for the “tacky” outfit, I still think it’s cute.  The dogs eventually showed up to crash my shoot.  The nerve!

I switched lenses and showed Andy the angle and shot I wanted. On the left is my shot, the right is his. Fast learner! :)

I have a confession to make.  My legs?  They’re not exactly great.  They’re not gross or anything, they’re just regular ol legs.  I’ve had big calves all my life.  Not fat, just big.  Muscular, I guess – but not toned enough to be attractive.  Maybe it’s from years of riding horses, running around for hours a day, playing baseball?  I’m not sure, but I’ve never been a fan of them.

Now that September is here (already!!!), I couldn’t think of anything else I’d rather to do than go boot shopping!  Only, boot shopping for me is usually like swimsuit shopping.  I LOVE boots.  Cowboy boots, leather boots, ankle boots, zip up boots.  I love them all.  I wear them all year around, with jeans, skirts, dresses, whatever I have on hand that will match.
Because of my not-normal sized calves, though, I usually have a hard time finding boots that fit over them.  This saddens me greatly, especially when I find that perfect pair and they’re on sale, but they just need to be an extra inch larger at the top!

Imagine my surprise when I made a trip to Target yesterday, found a super cute boot, and they fit!  Ya’ll, I was so happy, I bought 3 pair.  Seriously, who does that?!  Apparently I do – but I promise it was for a good reason.  It’s not that often that boot stars align, but when they do – it’s on!  I bought a black, brown and gray pair, only the gray is a little different style than the black and brown.

Today, knowing I have three new pair of boots in my closet, I just feel a little better.  The chances that my calves are shrinking are slim, but that’s OK.  They may not be my best physical attribute, but at least they can look a little more cute this fall!  It’s the little things that count, after all.

boots, cute boots, winston salem photographer