We're getting all gussied up to ring in the New Year in there here parts. What started off as a roadtrip to San Francisco morphed into a Oh-my-goodness-you-mean-you-didn't-call-the-hotel-to-see-if-it's-pet-friendly?! We made a pleasant detour (all on account of POLO), and we're spending the weekend ringing in 2011. Together.
May this year bring happiness, joy, and love.
Afraid to Un-Dream
12.30.10
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I
wish I was better keeping a journal. I do, however, have a book that surfaces when I travel. A small, paperbound book filled with thick paper and my penmanship dresses quite a few pages. JD's too. Our travelogue, of sorts. I opened it a few nights ago by chance and came across a post from New Year's 2010, almost a year ago to the day. The entry chronicles life as it was in New Zealand, and the predicts how we'd ring in the New Year. It also had a list of goals. As I read back through the entry, I laughed.
JD is sitting in the other room with Polo right now. The house is freezing, I should probably turn on the heater. But I look back at the book.
This year appeared nothing like I imagined it would. My goals--as sincere as they were at the time--missed a major component: Dreaming. On the list were items I'd feel great to scratch off and think to myself Look! What! I! Accomplished! But none of them dared me to fail at something. Thankfully, opportunities came my way to remind me the value of risk, but I'm disappointed I didn't challenge myself before. To be honest, I was afraid.
A few nights ago, I sat down with that book and created a list of goals for 2011 and made sure I was afraid. Afraid to un-dream. Because one thing I've learned this past year is in the darkness of dreams, strength is revealed and passion takes flight...
My dreams and goals will stay privately tucked away in this book for a while, but I hope one day I can look back and be satisfied with daring to dream and failing. Or, better yet, succeeding.
Shooting Star : Overcoming Fear + Second Shooter
12.29.10
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Y
esterday I rushed home to prepare for an interview. I had very little time, so I ran around the house like a tornado, leaving a trail of clothes in my path (I, apparently, had a hard time finding something to wear). Seeing how I consider sweatpants acceptable attire most days, I figured it'd be a good time to record a video FAQ. Because, really, who knows the next time I'll actually take the time to do my makeup. I'm still trying to figure out if this makes me sound all earthy and natural...or flat out lazy.
Either way, this installment of Shooting Star is slightly different from the last, based on your feedback. And, really, THANK YOU for the feedback!!! Before the video is watched, please note...
*No music is played.
*I tried talking slower (emphasis on tried).
*I flubbed a few times, but didn't start again. Yup, I'm definitely lazy.
*I reference both OSP Photography Forum and The B School.
*I referenced Tony Burch...but I really meant Tory Burch. I get way nervous doing these videos.
*I make up words. I counted five in this video alone.
In this video, I'll be discussing...
*How many photos a client receives after a wedding and engagement session.
*Overcoming fear when photographing your first wedding.
*What shoes I wear when photographing a wedding.
*Tips to becoming a second shooter for weddings.
Please don't ask why THIS photo is used as the screen capture for the video. It looks like I enjoy spending lots of time in Amsterdam.
Happy Wednesday!
**UPDATED TO ADD**
For future FAQ questions, you can submit them on Facebook!
Good Reads : Hunger Games + The Imperfectionists
12.28.10
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Every year I make the decision to take December slow. Realllllllllllly slow. I intentionally leave blank days on my calendar and feel my soul replenishing itself. Much of my time has been occupied by reading and I've come across some amazing books. On my favorite evenings, you'll find me laying on the sofa--just after dinner--with Polo curled on my belly and JD at the opposite end of the sofa, almost like our feet our kissing. I become wrapped up in each book and the characters shape my view of the world...I love it.
Here are a few books I recently finished, some of which you may also enjoy...
* Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins - Okay, so where do I begin with this book? Firstly, WHERE HAS IT BEEN ALL MY LIFE?! Yes, I'm dramatic. In all honesty, when I saw this book (in the teen book section, no less!) I immediately second guessed my purchase. I mean, it was a sci-fi teen thriller of a courageous girl thrusted into leadership. Sci-fi isn't really my thing, ya know? I waited a few days before diving in...then remained submerged until I was losing sleep and sneaking the book when we went out to dinner. I was obsessed. Hunger Games is the first in Collins' trilogy, so by the time I was ready to read Catching Fire and Mocking Jay, I was shopping at Barnes&Noble at 10:30pm challenging a teenager to step in my way of buy them. Do yourself a favor and become obsessed too. I give the series *****/*****
* Then We Came to an End by Joshua Ferris - I thoroughly enjoyed this book, although at times it was a little thick to get through. Ferris sure loves building his story. The beauty of the book is that it's written entirely in first-person plural, which is so compelling and immediately draws you in, like you're a co-worker in the office in which the book was written. It's layered, well-written and humorous...best of all, Ferris accomplishes a true feat using a unique narrative and I appreciated it. I give it ****/*****
* The Great House by Nicole Krauss - I've been a huge, huge fan of Kruass' ever since stumbling across The History of Love a few years back, and it still remains one of my favorites to this day. She's an impeccable writer and uses words like a paintbrush. Krauss is truly a master. I had high expectations for Great House and it lived up to them for the most part. The book documents the history of a desk and the stories of each owner and how the desk impacted their lives. Some stories are richer than others, but each section is beautiful and ripe. I give it a ****/*****
* The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman - I ordered this book, it arrived, but I never opened the box (cut me some slack...it was during the busy season for me!). A couple weeks ago I cleaned out a desk drawer and discovered it. Much like a nugget of gold, this book was a true surprise. It's a series of connected short stories about the lives of people who work for an international newspaper in Rome. It's extraordinarily well written and Rachman is brilliant at character development via action, instead of words. He's so good! The story ended a little flat for me, but--then again--I like a let's-win-the-lottery-and-ride-off-into-the-sunset kind of reader, so take what I say lightly. I give it a ****/*****
was photographing a wedding the weekend of my sister's bridal shower. My mother sent me photos of the event to my phone and I smiled. And yet, my heart ached. I longed to be at the shower, but didn't have a Saturday off in the months leading to my sister's wedding. So I relived the event via iphone photographs.
Lucky for me, my sister agreed to attend a smaller bridal shower planned by the ever amazing Amanda Auer of In the Now Weddings and Events. The day was nothing short of spectacular I can't thank the amazing vendors who came together to make everything so special. I'm blessed with such amazing industry peers...and friends. Photographing (and participating in) this event was an honor.
Much to our delight, Inside Weddings Magazine featured the bridal shower and we couldn't be happier! I'm incredibly honored and can't thank the team behind the day enough...
There were a ton of photos taken that day, so I'll likely follow up with another blog post detailing the many components to this bridal shower...is it wrong of me to want to have another shower for no apparent reason?! Amanda killed me with all the details and thoughtfulness, so I'm trying to think of ways she can help me plan another party. Happy Groundhog's Day? Happy Secretary's Day? Happy Fruitcake Toss Day? Com'on...who's with me?!
