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Because a Getaway in Heels Doesn't Work
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S o remember the Jasmine of Tuesday Morning post? Well, it's been a week since I wrote it. And life is good. Strangely, a few things happened that I didn't expect...namely, people actually showed up to my WPPI presentation and my lipgloss stayed intact the entire night. Two bonus points. I won't talk about the ordeal it took to actually get me to the presentation itself (me laying prostrate on the floor begging JD to runaway with me and forget the whole thing), but once he dragged me out the door, there was no turning back.
Well, I lie. I wanted to turn back the minute I saw a crowd of people lined up at the door for the presentation, but--dang it--people had already seen me. Making a quick getaway in a mustard dress and heels wasn't exactly easy, so when Regis grabbed my arm and thrust me forward into the mass, I was all in.
Well, I lie. I wasn't all in. Once I made it past the line of people, I discovered the ballroom was already filled with people. Lots of people. There were about ten people talking to me at once about the presentation/wait time/notes/computer/giveaways/an encore presentation/the fact I didn't dye my hair before I left for Vegas. Okay, that last part was just me thinking to myself.
Well, I lie. As JD and I walked into the room, I turned to JD and asked him about my roots. They're fiiiiine! Once I had a chance to soak everything in, I became overwhelmed. So I did what any grown woman would do: I hid behind the large projection screen and cried. In order to prevent mass amounts of smeared mascara, JD and my good friend David Jay prayed with me and then everything started.
To the many amazing, talented, and unique photographers who came out on Monday night and on Tuesday morning, thank you. A thousand times over, thank you. I was the most nervous I have ever been in my life, but you made me feel like we were old friends gathering for lunch. Or churrrch. Thank you for the Facebook notes and emails and photos...totally made my trip incredibly memorable. I hope you use every opportunity to be yourself in the future. Here are a few pictures a few people sent my way...
The following photos were taken by Vithaya Photography... |
| Hey, look, it's like summer camp...just without the s'mores! |
| Many thanks to my wedding photographer, David Jay, for the warm introduction |
| I was tagged in this photo today by Samantha Meyer on Facebook and I couldn't stop laughing!! I mean, really, look at me! THAT is a face of a girl who doesn't want to take the stage!! :) |
| Thanks to Anna Kim for tagging me in this photo on Facebook as well...what an group of good lookin' heads! |
| A special thanks goes to all my special friends who showed up early for set up and flyer placement (thank you!!!!), my friends who forced me into the front door of the ballroom, the amazing crew at WPPI, and JD for being JD. |
    
A couple days ago, my sister reminded me of this one time. This one time. Okay, I cannot believe I'm going to admit this on the world wide web...this one time I hacked a loogey and it landed on her forehead. I STILL can't write that last sentence without falling into a fit of laughter. Who does that?! I was 13 years old, but STILL.
Since I'm feeling in the mood to be uber revealing, here are few of my not-so-proudest moments...
*After being taunted for being overweight when I was 10, I pushed a boy so hard he fell and broke his collarbone. At church.
*I cheated on a Spanish test in high school. To conjunct the verb Ir, To Go. Til this day, I have dreams of Mr. Sabella catching me and sending me to the principal's office. Since then, I vowed never to cheat again or I'd Ir myself to the principal's office!
*When I was 16, I encouraged my friend to get into a night race with another random car. Then we totaled her car.
*I slapped my sister on the face while in Italy because we missed our train. (A total low-point in my life...but, really...could she not have RUN?!)
*One night I made JD stay out past our curfew (we dated in high school), and then asked if he could walk me inside and apologize to my dad.
*When I was 15, I got my ears pierced again, against my parents wishes. When they asked if I deceived them, I lied and said no. But the second HOLE IN MY EAR said otherwise.
*While shopping for WPPI, I continually bought new items and stuffed them into old bags so JD wouldn't notice. Tacky, I know.
Speaking of WPPI, here's me and JD doing some damage in the Smilebooth. I met Jesse and Whitney of Smilebooth fame, and, really, they couldn't be any nicer. I kinda just wanted to reach out and squeeze them. When they offered us a chance to make some magic in their booth, I knew right there I'd have to devise a plan to stick them in my pockets and take them home with me. Just sayin... |
| And if you're in the mood for confessions, the comment box is now open... ;) |
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Darren Rowse and Digital Photography School
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W hat it felt like was a really weird version of high school. Alright, alright. It was JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL. Complete in its awkward glory and social cliques. But I knew SXSW was going to be like that. I was prepared and I was actually excited to get lost in the mass. Until, that is, I got lost in the mass.
On Thursday night I sat in our hotel bed with the SXSW catalogue/schedule and planned the following day's events. And JD just sighed. You know, in that Oh-woman-you-kill-me kind of way. And I shrugged and ignored his non-verbal communication. Because, really, I'm the Emperor of NonVerbalVille, so don't get it twisted. I let out a hmph and in that single moment I let him know I was planning our day...because as we all know, I need to PLAN TO HAVE FUN. Because I'm cool in that geriatric kind of way.
Friday was spent in social media and technology presentations, but the one event I was most excited for was Darren Rowse's. Darren is a mega blogger and I've grown to respect him in epic proportions. Most of this is due to his passion for helping others...he does it better than anyone on the web. If you're a photographer and haven't checked out Digital Photography School, you're missing out. It's a completely free resource for photographers of all levels, so be sure to check out the blog and the forum. Anyway, I was stoked to hear what he had to say, but five minutes into his presentation, the emergency alarm goes off and thousands of people are asked to leave the Austin Convention Center. Awesome.
I was hungry, grumpy, and bummed. So I wallowed at a nearby Pita Pit...nothing says comfort like a falafel. Later that night I forced myself to be social and go to a SXSW mixer. JD and I walked in and I was immediately overcome with the noise, the trading of tech business cards, and the stench of tequila. I lasted all of ten minutes. Before we left, JD noticed I was bummed so he offered to introduce me to a couple girls sitting at a table. Oh, riiight, that's exactly what I need...HELP MAKING FRIENDS.
We ended up grabbing a late dinner at Peche (seriously, the best meal we had in Austin...so amazing) and chatted the night away. Yes, I was in a funk. But what could I do to change it? Exactly that. Change it.
I got back in our hotel room and I emailed Darren. The note was short, but I offered my services to Darren in case he needed new headshots. Truth was, I simply wanted to meet him and thank him personally for all he's done. If taking his picture was my way to do it, then rock on. The next morning, I received an email from Darren and the shoot was planned.
Darren, thank you. I'm not sure in the blur of our shoot if I was able to express my appreciation for what you're doing for the community, but thank you. If you're any indication of where the industry is headed, then I'm stoked to keep moving forward. |
| Our shoot was really, really short...maybe like 25 minutes or so...and it all took place in one square block. I love Austin...I could shoot there everyday! |
| One thing I was really impressed with was Darren's quiet adoration of his family...he mentioned his kids are the calm and peace of his world...how could you NOT like this guy?! :) |
| The light in Austin was pretty awesome...I love shooting in cityscapes! |
| I was sort of nervous asking Darren to sit in this smelly alley, on these filthy stairs, but he was so awesome and agreed...and I'm extra happy pictures don't capture the smell! ;) |
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Escalate Conference : May 17-18, 2010
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S o, it's Saturday and I'm blogging from Austin, Texas. Yeehaw. I'm here for the SXSW Interactive Conference. JD and I flew directly from the WPPI Conference in Las Vegas on Thursday morning and we've spent the past couple of days soaking in mass amounts of technology related knowledge. And as geeky as it sounds, I'm thoroughly in love. A more detailed post about my experience is brewing, but until then, I wanted to share some exciting news...
I'm beyond thrilled and honored to be speaking at the Escalate Conference in Newport Beach, California this May 17-18, 2010. I've always dreamed of sharing a stage with some of my favorite people and to see this big day come to life is beyond amazing! This two-day conference is intended to move photographers forward, share knowledge, and create community...oh, and having a good time is part of day as well! |
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Palos Verdes Engagement : Erin + Mike
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T hey call it Bar Golf, and it's exactly what it sounds like. Hitting par--two beers at this bar, a shot at that bar--at each of the 18 locations on a preset list in Hermosa Beach. Mike and Erin were supposed to be set up by a friend somewhere on the course, so Mike dressed in his best golfing attire. He saw her from a distance and strengthened by the passing of each 'hole' Mike decided to approach Erin two hours later, hoping for a hole in one. Or at least a birdie.
Erin liked Mike almost instantly. The almost part was attributed to his golf attire. I had a great costume, Mike promises as Erin recounts their first meeting, but she betrays a sly smile perhaps proving otherwise. They never completed their round of golf that one night. Instead, they enjoyed each other's company and exchanged phone numbers. Less than a week later, they found comfort and pleasure in each other and the rest is golf history.
Erin and Mike will be getting married in September at Shutters on the Beach, and I was thrilled to document their love for their Palos Verdes engagement session. We had a blast roaming the streets and getting to know each other better. Here are a few of my favorites... |
| Mike and Erin are always laughing...even if it means Mike dancing for her in a random walkway! ;) |
| Hellllllllo amazing light... |
| Mike is such a ham and so playful...I loved working with someone so fun! |
| Erin...you're GORGE!! Love you! :) |
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