Crinkle Photography

Randomocities

2012-03-09T09:55:00.000-05:00

I'm pretty sure my husband doesn't read what I write. He has dubbed himself my #1 fan and if nothing else he was the only fan of mine for a long time. So if only for that he get's longest fan but when I ask him a question about something I mentioned on a post I often get the feeling of the "that's nice" brush down. Do you know what I am talking about? It is like when someone asks you a question about what they do and you come up with something quickly so that you don't stare blankly into their eyes.

It is that feeling that comes to mind when I talk to Chris. He will say things like "I really like the one where you were creative" What does that even mean? *Side note is it bad that the word creative automatically cliches to lying in my mind... I'm going to go with probably (well unless attached to "-writting" or "-ivity")

It is like one of those vacant words that can be morphed to what you will. "The post where you creatively mentioned your sisters cat?" "The one with the creative pictures of a faucet?" I mean really... it is such a vague word "Creative" I am sure at some point it meant something but I feel like it is used so much now that it is like fine. I am sure that fine was a great thing to describe an action at some point but unless someone is talking about grain thinkness I'm not a big fan of anything being refered to as "fine". Some one asks "How you doing?", fine is the nice way of saying either "leave me a lone" politely or "I'm terrible but thanks for bringing it to my attention".

Hosted by Cecily and Lolli

The FIX

2012-03-08T08:21:00.001-05:00

Today is the day. It's finally here. THE FIX.

I played around for a few days on whether to buy a ticket. Why? Because the closest location was 5 hrs away!!! For a one day conference to drive 10 hrs sounded crazy. I took the dive, bought the ticket and thought if nothing else the experience would be good to blog about.

I am so glad I did. For the past two years fully trying my hand at photography, it has been more than lonely. For the most part when I reached out to photographers I lost fingers along the way. I knew of no photographers in my area and knew nothing about the HUGE online community that I know of now. Today, for the first time I will get to meet hundreds of other photographers that are are in the same boat as me. Some at the front and some at my side but all here:

wanting to LEARN

GROW

be TOGETHER

Today I will meet those who have given me encouragement. Today I meet those who I do not know but struggle as I struggle. Today I learn how to better my art, my business and my love. Today I meet an amazing photographer: Jasmine Star. Even if I only get to say two words I know what they will be: THANK YOU!

If for nothing else for this opportunity to meet with other photographers but for so much more.

Today, I start a new and hope to make life long friends in the process.

Today I drive a long time... : P

Quite Desperation

2012-03-07T06:49:00.000-05:00

I'm not an introvert by any means necessary. I'm pretty sure that in my family being anything but loud was unacceptable. My parents probably did vocal coaching lessons while we were still "inside" to make us able to be just as loud as we actually are.

All that said, despite my non-quite self, I can be pretty quite in times I shouldn't be. I get intimidated. I know it sounds ridiculous if you know me because I puff my chest out like a baboon flaunts his butt. I am who I am and I'm not afraid to show it till I am? I am going to be going to The Fix in DC on March 8th/tomorrow! I am very excited to learn and finally be in the room with Jasmine Star. (I totally get that she is just a person but at the same time she is the first photographer I came across that was nice to other photographers and thus she will always be my favorite... sorry all you other ridiculously talented photographers... she grabbed number 1 and I only recalculate every ten years) I am totally excited about being in a room with so many photographers all with similar goals. . . but the only times I have talked to photographers in person I have gotten blocked out, both figuratively and literally. So I am intimidated, but whether they like me or not I am determined to meet at least a dozen people and I will be encouraged!

Oh, I am defiant too.

Sometimes I really wonder why my husband married me ;P

All this to say, just cause you feel a certain way doesn't mean you have to act that way. Next time you are scared or intimidated, act on in quite desperation and the boldness you don't have and step out... that's my plan anyway.

Mistakes or mis-awesomes?

2012-03-06T08:19:00.001-05:00

Today I am going to do a bit more explaining than I usually do about editing. I want you to know that EVERYONE makes mistakes. I don't care if you are an amazing photographer like Jasmine Star or my Grandmother who hasn't used a camera since 35mm film was the norm. Sometimes a shot won't turn out how you wanted and it's okay.

Today I'm going to talk about all too common under exposure/dark looking photos.

Whether you are using a DSLR or a point and shoot. Picasa has a great basic and easy to use setup to help you bring up your color and light without looking grainy.

For this particular photo I used a pairing of pulling up the "Fill Light", "Highlight" and "Color Temperature" and then added a "Glow" effect.

Make sure to go throw each step slow and see how you like the difference. Personally I pull up on a bit and skip on the another and come back to add a pinch more highlight or a tad less fill.

And the great thing is if you don't like what you get in the end there is a big "Undo" button waiting for you to try your hand at it all over again!

Don't let a dark picture get you down, besides when in doubt you can always claim you did it on purpose. What can they say they don't like your art... well it's yours so who cares!

Before:

After:

Geek references galore

2012-03-05T06:51:00.000-05:00

Whenever I get a good photo ID I feel like Gollum. Not so far as hiding in a dimly lit cave, hunch on a rock stroking the plastic card murmuring "My precious" or anything but I'm not above fighting away some clones with my light saber (if I had one... OH that should go on my "wanted list") to keep it protected.

As I look over my old passport with last goodbyes before I had it over to get an accurate and valid one for my new adventures (I state it with confidence cause I will have adventures and they will be AWESOME). I have none of these protective feelings. I'm pretty sure they took this shot in between me doing an Elvis "thank you, thank you very much" impression and a sneeze. My calics are acting up and my hair is a bit too long... Oh, wow... Just had a realization that none of you know something about me that is quite shocking... but that's for another post. Point being instead of fighting away Lord Sauron's men I kind of want to step aside and say "Plunder away"

Here's to hoping the new shot will be more like Micheal Jackson's "oooooH" face mixed with a yawn!

1. Routine

2. Music

3. Technology

4. Show me your style

5. Mismatch

Randomocities

2012-03-02T06:23:00.000-05:00

Ready for some random thoughts? Oh well they are coming anyway.

Do you ever sleep so deep it feels almost like quicksand when you try to get up? When I take a nap that's how it feels almost every time. I can feel myself trying to open my eyes but my body is fighting against me so I give in and sleep further but when I finally do I just feel so heavy. . . like have children on each limb. Am I just crazy and alone in this or does anyone else enjoy this weird experience?

It seems like winter has made it's way back to NC at least for the next couple days and I am excited because of so many reasons that I love the cold but one bright flashing reason is that I still have winter clothes that I want to parade around in. I guess I got to fit them all into the next couple of days: sounds like a "Wardrobe Change" day. . . you know in the movies when you see the movie montage of clothing... it won't be quite that big but I mean, it could be fun. Not quite as much fun as pretending to be in slow motion but still pretty great

I go through phases when it comes to food. I have done it for as long as I remember. In sixth grade I straight ate plain bagels with plain cream cheese for lunch for more than half a year. In college for almost a year my dessert of choice was a spoon full of peanut butter and whipped cream. Right now I am on an ice cream kick. But not just any ice cream I want coffee ice cream and I want it in a bowl and I want it with a bit of milk over it so that I can slowly turn it into a milkshake in my bowl. Weirdly precise right? I have tried getting other ice creams, or other dessert but in the end I still crave the same thing.

Hosted by Cecily and Lolli

Wallowing

2012-03-01T07:07:00.000-05:00

I guess you could call it that. Sitting on the couch feeling sorry for myself and being mopey. I feel like a small child throwing a fit. I didn't get my way so I will just stop functioning like a normal person for a while.

Why is it that is my emotional reaction? Who wants to wallow? What does it accomplish? Yet, I wallow.

Did you ever put your hopes on something, I mean really hedge your bets and then see it crumble to dust in your fingers...

I can't help but stare at the dust and wonder if enough glue would make it fix it... make it all better.

Instead of making the logical decision to move on. Find a new plan. Learn to not hedge your bets. If you have figured it out please tell me for I would love to know all the answers. What peace of mind to just know.

I don't know what the fix is but I know that wallowing isn't so after I allow myself a few more moments of self pity I will pick myself up force myself to take a walk and then sit down and make a new plan. Maybe have some juice! (who knows it might be the fix ;P).

All the same if you are with me in a small puddle of wallow remember that sitting in it doesn't make the puddle go away... but a hair dryer might.

Breathless

2012-02-29T06:52:00.000-05:00

My hands shake as the door shuts behind me. My eyes shut as I breath in the beauty. A store devoted to bringing you amazing things for a dollar. Not just like your average dollar store this particular store is devoted to bring ladies accessories. There are necklaces, earring, bracelets, headbands, scarves, hair clips, make up, hand bags, makeup bags, change purses, rings... it seems nearly endless and it is all a dollar.

My sister in law Diana introduced me to this Tallahassee secret jewel... why can't this be in Raleigh? Because I would spend too many dollars buying everything in the store.

After looking around the store I walked away with two awesome scarves and a pair of tweezers that work wonders compared to the pair I have now that only close in one corner!

Mischievous and I like it

2012-02-28T10:01:00.002-05:00

I love a smirk. I mean really it is probably one of my favorite types of smiles... so much still secret and mischievous about it.

Yep, officially one of my favorite smiles.

Lame duck, right here

2012-02-28T09:12:00.000-05:00

So one of the great and horrible things about procrastination is that you forget about doing what you needed to do in the first place. Chris and I have been married since August of 2008. I still haven't fixed my passport. I guess I could always claim that out of principle I wanted to wait till it was out of date before paying for a new one but I will no the truth: lazy. I keep thinking "Oh, yea. . . I should mail that in" but never seem to and I have finally come up with a great excuse, you ready?

In order for anyone to get a passport now, who has not already had one or whose last passport was issued before their 16th birthday, you have to sit down and have an interview at a local post office. Chris' last passport was issued legitimately just a month before his 16th birthday so he has to go through this process.

Another fact: the only times the post offices in NC have available for these interviews are M-F generally from 9:15-10:15am. So if you have a job. . . well, I guess you have to take a vacation day. . . in order to get your passport for a vacation?

So I blame the postal service for my lack of passport ( ; P ) for what's the point in my having a passport if Chris does not?

I was so pleased when I made that realization. . . how lame am I?

Before:

After:

Pulled up the light, highlights. I warmed the color a bit, I pulled up the saturation a bit and then added a bit more highlight.

Best friend of the week

2012-02-27T07:14:00.000-05:00

Weekends are the best. No questions asked no doubt about it. You disagree? You're wrong. Sorry you had to find out this way but you are dead wrong ;P You see weekends mean unlimited time with Chris. Weekends mean weddings, shoots and time capturing real moments whether behind the camera or with a metal image.

When my weekends come to a close it is like wishing a close friend goodbye. I totally understand that without the week (to a degree) the weekends wouldn't be as awesome as they are but still. I wish I had a remote for life and just press pause on time. Snuggling on the couch, fire roasting and something playing in the back ground as I laugh my way through the day hand in hand with Chris. Yup: I'm a fan of weekends.

1. Crossed

2. A Glimpse

3. Handwritten

Small story about this one: When Chris and I started "dating-but-not-really-dating" (Yea, I don't get it either... apparently it is common in the south) I had a lot going on and no way to outlet it. All my college friends had graduated the year before with my sister and I was alone more often then not trying to deal with everything I was doing and feeling (Chris was my first boyfriend... I know how do you make it to 21 with out a boyfriend) so I wrote in journals and unsent letters to Chris. I literally would go through a composition book in a week with all my writing.

4. Bliss

I want a vacation, plain and simple. Agreed?

5. Gray

Randomocities

2012-02-24T08:17:00.002-05:00

My pounding feet can be heard all over the house as I pout my way around in the morning. Chris gently and absentmindedly says, "What's the matter honey?" as he eats his cereal. Throwing my head back in disgust I respond, "It seems I have to check the weather everyday to figure out whether to wear shorts or under armor!"

It's official, I'm pouting. NC weather is always crazy but I think it has gone bi-polar within a 3 day period it went from being 37 degrees (the high) to 79 degrees... I'm just saying that is insane!

I went from wearing a sweater with a jacket to sweating in a Tshirt... and I'll state right now I prefer the sweater to the sweating.

So I say BOO NC weather.

Under the advice of Sunshine on uppers Chris we are going to look on the brighter side:

Positives of wacky weather:

No fashion overlap since you get to use two seasons worth of close in one week
I won't have to start mowing the yard because it keeps occasionally freezing
Pretty sure the pollen count should be down since a lot of plants keep dying by frost
I can have a fire one night and cook out the next

I think that last one might be my favorite. Do you have any more that I can add to my list?

The wind blows but it is nothing but a fresh breath on a resting face.

Cold earth grabs the warmth

Moments pass bring further ache to old bones

A resting heart beats its last

Hosted by Cecily and Lolli

Girls just want to have fun

2012-02-23T08:33:00.000-05:00

As horrible as that movie is I still love it. There is something so horrible it is awesome. I mean the hair the neon colors, the Velcro! It is just to fabulous.

This weekend, at least in my head was my own living out of Girls just want to have fun. There was presents, painting, wine and so much more but if I told you apparently you'd have stolen a tiger and pulled one of your own teeth (that movie will forever be lodged deep in my tormenting dreams because of that tooth seen)

I don't know if I have admitted this but I am a little teeth obsessed but having braces for over five years will do that to you!

My sister in law Diana chose picked a great bachelorette party at a place called "Painting with a Twist". I had heard something about this but now after experiencing it I think it was a great choice for a ladies night. You are provided an example and simple step by step personally guided directions to help you create your own version of the work of art. At the start so many of the women in our group never thought they would be able to paint anything close to the example but at the end each of us had our own personal piece of art.

I hope that you enjoy our adventure (with all your teeth beautifully intact!).

Pinterest.

2012-02-22T06:56:00.001-05:00

"I'm sorry explain that again. Pinterest does what?" Not that long ago I sat on the couch next to my long suffering friend who tried for a third time tried to explain what Pinterest was to the slow and unable to understand simpleton that is me.

Not that much later and it doesn't seem that anyone is at a lost to Pinterest. It is what people delve their hours into; where ideas are found and shown. It is the art of everyday shown to the world.

All that flowery speach to say that Diana, my sister in law and bride to be, has some amazingly talented friends who put together a lovely shower that seems fallen from the pages of soon to be posted Pinterest or pulled from the soon to be published "Real Simple" magazine.

I captured just a few of the details that made up their beautiful decor and tasty treats.

My little devil

2012-02-21T08:46:00.001-05:00

I feel like Evil Kenevil. Driving gloves in place and a silly grin after the danger has passed. Sunday was our, my mother in law and my, voyage back from the depths of the south from the wonderful weekend of celebrating my semi-newly added sister's bridal shower and what not. The drive is long no matter when you take it, by the end of the drive you get out looking akin to Igor.

This particular run we started in the car in the warm weather of 65 degrees by the time we hit Charlotte, NC it was around 33 degrees and snowing. For the last 3 hours of the trip I drove through pretty heavy falling snow. Fortunately for Emily and me, my mother was raised in Lake Tahoe, CA and was determined that all her children learn to drive in snow, no matter where they would live. So snow doesn't generally phase me, you just take the necessary precautions.

Driving down the interstate hands firmly placed on the wheel, no turn in site, no changing of lanes, no bump in the road but still I feel the tires spin out. All my mother's training comes into action as a small scream is exhaled by Emily watching as the rear end of our car becomes diagonal with the road. I wrench the wheel to counter and the car swings back and out the other direction. Emily eyes have become large taking in the sight, I try not to cave to my desire to see if the cars behind us will smash into our side as I wrench the wheel once again trying to regain control of the wild spinning wheels. After what seemed like slow motion the car finally comes to a stop perfectly parallel parked on the paved shoulder, not a scratch on the car and we sat safe, only piercing adrenaline and shaking hands to show for our adventure. We turn towards each other each trying to understand all what happened before we start to laugh and I slowly re-merge into traffic as Emily turns to me and says, "I guess we just had a bonding moment".

There are not many times that you can make two spinning 90 degree turns on an interstate and not end up with a scratch. God is so good. Thank you mom for taking the time to teach your kids how to steer out of a skid.

Before:

After

Pulled up the light and highlight, adjusted the white balance, added a tiny bit of glowing affect and pulled up the warmth a bit.

Laugh at me, with me

2012-02-20T09:02:00.001-05:00

*Deep exhale* "I can do this" is my mantra to myself as I take the long walk from my bedroom. . .

To my computer? Why is this so hard? You tell me cause I don't get it. I am just trying to be myself but it is harder than you would think. I don't know what it is. . . I mean it should come natural since you know it's well, me. But somehow nope.

It is like when I first met my in laws. My husband and I were really close friends for years, three years to be exact, but we went from dating to married in less then 10 months! I know we are a bit crazy. So when I finally got to meet my now in laws I was really worried, I mean I knew, being me, that I wanted to marry Chris before he even asked me to date him, so in my mind when I met his parents I was meeting my parents to be. I knew that being myself was the only option but all the sudden I felt like Jack from 30 Rock "could I get two coffee cups?" All the sudden the simple things like walking and talking seemed a bit more complicated than a Rubik's Cube!

I feel that way now. I look over those I idolize in my field the Katelyn James's, the Jasmine Star's... they seem to not only be completely at ease with being themselves they are also brilliantly hilarious all the time. I look over their posts and tweets looking for the secret. I sit there with a blinking empty cursor waiting to type something but all that comes to mind is bananas. Why bananas? Your guess is as good as mine.

So I say to you world: laugh at the hilarity of me not being able to be me cause that's what I do.

1. Love

This photo needs a little description. These flowers are the first flowers Chris ever gave me keeping me in mind all the things that make me crazy... like the fact I am super pragmatic. At the time he worked events and these were left over from a wedding he had worked before we met up for a late night date.

2. Duplicate

3. Trend/trending

4. Paper

5. Plastic

Randomocities

2012-02-17T06:53:00.001-05:00

My head bobs as I do my own little happy dance at the song blaring on the radio. The light's red but no one seems to notice past my spastic movements and Chris simply mouths apologies as he shakes his head amused at my antics.

That pretty much describes every drive.

So when my mother in law signed up for driving me to Florida this weekend I don't think she fully understands what she is getting herself into! I'll try to grab a photo of her face when I break into dance the first time.

So aside from intermittent car dancing this weekend will be a blast of wedding fun. From bridal showers, parties, even some painting and a bachelorette party all in the name of celebrating my sister-in-law's up coming marriage to the love of her life.

How fitting so close to Valentine's day. . .

Hosted by Cecily and Lolli

2012-02-16T09:17:00.000-05:00

Today is a silly day. Chris and I don't spend much time a part. Since we got married three years ago we have spent very limited nights apart. Legitimately we have been apart for a total of 6 nights. I realize this is kind of ridiculous but I am leaving tomorrow morning and will be gone for the weekend and I am not happy about the nights away. I mean my life isn't over and I will more than have fun at the Bachelorette party, just I like time with Chris too...

So in an over the top and cliche romantic movie way I slowly make my way down the hall to mourn the walls I won't see, the food I won't eat, the couch I won't lay on...

No, not really. As insane as I sound I just can't think of something that I wouldn't rather Chris be there for...

Even a Bachelorette party?

Not so much but all the same I think you get my point.

It is weird to think how you get used to your life and change is unwelcome even if it is wrapped in a fun "out of town Bachelorette party" package ; D

Before:

After:

Pulled up the highlights, light and warm palate. (Picasa)

A swing and a miss

2012-02-15T06:49:00.000-05:00

"No you didn't!"

"Ahuh. . . see you're it!"

Small feet scramble to get away weaving their way around the swinging obstacles.

Watching kids play makes me realize a few things:

I'm older than I think I am

I miss the ability to make everything anything

I get tired at simply watching their activity

Pretty sure it is the best way to feel young or the best way to feel old. . .

I haven't figured out which but it was fun either way.

Shaken not stirred

2012-02-14T08:23:00.000-05:00

Suits are an amazing things. I'm pretty sure most all men look pretty "dapper" (yes, that is a O'Brother Where Art Thou reference) in a suit. Sadly my husband has lacked a suit for we have just transitioned from our College years and on to... whatever you call the post college years, pretty sure it's just adulthood but who knows.

So it was time more than anything else because Chris' sister is to be married in just over a month so he had to get all "spiffed up" in prep for the event and I get to reap the benefits...

Such as well, Chris in a suit. Shall we all say "yum" in unison... probably not but I will silently to myself.

All the same it gets me to thinking about "Love is in the Air"... which I find only too fitting considering

So I wish you a

Happy Valentine's Day!

Before:

After:

I adjusted the white balance, pulled up the warm colors, pulled out the highlights and a bit of fill light and then pulled down the shadow a little bit. (Picasa)

Faded Pink Hearts

2012-02-13T08:21:00.000-05:00

Tears stream down my face as I try to catch my breath from laughter. Valentine nightmares of our elementary day self's shared from one friend to another, "I always got the lion king card cause they were neutral save for one strip 'Let's walk on the wild side'. . . the horror!"

Valentine's day is such an interesting holiday. I'll be really honest here, and please don't hate me for it: I don't like Valentine's day. I don't hate it either... just we aren't in "the same circles". I never really celebrated it. My father when I got late into high school started giving me gifts and before that I got the occasional chocolate. But I'm a bit to pragmatic. If Chris handed me a bunch of flowers I don't know what I would do but I know what I would be thinking, of all the practical and non-wasteful (I know I'm a heathen I think that cut flowers are wasteful... the romantic in me just doesn't care for them, potted flowers on the other hand: I'm game).

I'm much more a show me you love me by mowing the grass or cleaning the bathroom or by saving and going on a vacation!

But for all my protests and all my quandary on the issue, last year I had change of heart to a degree. I have a dear far flung friend who is such a huge fan of V day. She decks her house out in hearts, she wears red and pink all week, she hands out little tokens of love. She basks in all that is V day. So to you Amanda, thank you for showing me what there is to love about this interesting holiday and more than anything I hope that you have a spectacular V-day tomorrow!

1. Facial Feature

2. Shadow

3. Spicy

4. Gold

5. Fabric

Randomocities

2012-02-10T08:17:00.001-05:00

A faint scream comes out of my husbands lips followed by a glaring look back at me. I bat my eyes and give a sheepish "who me" expression as I burrow my freezing feet a little further under his leg.

Sadly for Chris this is the start of pretty much every night. I'm pretty sure I have the worlds worst circulation, like if someone tighten my hands above my head they'd have to amputate my arms a few hours later bad and I got Restless Leg Syndrome to prove it.

It took Chris nearly a year of marriage to realize that no matter how many socks I put on or blankets I wrapped I can't get my feet warm.

Now up to hear it isn't that random, more torturous (for Chris, wonderfully warm for me) then anything else up to this point. The weird comes in play when I fall asleep. I go from a decently average warmth excluding hands and feet (of which they are pretty much numb all the time) to what I'm pretty sure they could use to heat Mars (yes, the full planet could be warmed by my body heat while sleeping). We figured out quickly that "snuggling" wasn't an option for us unless we are living in the arctic with no heat.

Ladies and gents for this information I about to share I am sorry but legit: I have awoken in a pool of my own sweat before in the dead of winter only covered in a sheet...

I admit it: I'm a freak, but hey if we were trapped in a cave freezing to death I could save everyone if you just knock me unconscious . . . pretty sure that's close to a super power.

Hosted by Cecily and Lolli

Ramblings of love

2012-02-09T07:18:00.000-05:00

It is not often that people meet their sister's in law in elementary school but somehow I met two of my sister in laws under the age of 6. It was weird to me when people would ask me about how it was adding a new person to the family around the weddings of my two older brothers. I was confused most of the time because I didn't know what they meant. I legitimately have very few solid memories that they weren't apart of in some form or another.

This is a rare gift that I love. Over the years our relationships have shifted and changed but in the end I love each relationship I have with all my sisters in law.

The sloppy ballad of love written above was brought on by a recent date with my Rambling sister in law:

Thanks for the date!

Before:

After:

I pulled out the warm tones a lot, I pulled up the highlight barely, I added a bit of shadowing and I pulled it all through a creamy yellow filter. (Picasa)

Camera: uncomfortable?

2012-02-08T07:10:00.001-05:00

Stomach churning, shoulders up and tight with quickly flying thoughts of deep discomfort, insecurities and just plain being uncomfortable.

Not everyone was born with the ability of being at ease in front of a camera. For many of us it is learned. Too often we are way too cautious of every movement and facial tweak. One of the major things to look for in a photographer, whether for you BIG day or for a family portrait, is how comfortable you feel with them.

Personalities clicking, as simple and strange as it seems, is a huge part of taking down that wall: Awkwardness. Another great thing is if they can help you with posing.

Before I take a couple or family out for their portraits, wedding, engagement or other wise, I like to have a bit of a feel for them as people. Are you more laid back, are you silly? Are you traditional? Are you modern and chic? In my head I lay out a palette of posing that might work for you.

As silly as it sounds sometimes it helps to be shown what feels natural. As soon as the cameras go up everything seems to change, "Wait you mean my shoulder shouldn't touch my earlobes? But I feel so much better that way!?"

Here are a few shots of the session I had a while back and it shows how I like to do things. I'm silly and not all are, so I get up and I literally position myself how I might want them and then the results of what the actual pose looked like.

Hope you enjoy!

My heart in words

2012-02-07T11:13:00.001-05:00

Do you ever see something that gives you hope? I mean lifts your spirits on an otherwise sad day? I moment of elation.

I sit here on the other side of cyberspace (yea, I pulled that word out), hands gently resting across keys releasing my truth. Most days I sit here I and wonder "what in the world am I doing?". It has been two years of hard work and effort to get where I am today in my business... and where is that? No much in the realm of making money and being a full time gig. In the name of making a difference on people's lives, enjoying life and meeting people we are sitting pretty good. I was shocked my first steps into the blogging world. Everyone was helpful, nice and encouraging. When I first started in photography I looked around and asked some questions of a couple of photographers I knew of and got verbal elbows back. I would see their status updates mocking other photographers. I felt nervous and scared to share that I was even starting to venture out, "What will they say about me?" From that to this world of comradeship is amazing. Coming across photographers who are more than willing to "give back" to those of us begging for advice. To see the encouragement that is this world of photography online: I am amazed. Just in this last year I have been allowed to learn so much from reading other people's life stories, mistakes and tutorials given out so freely and openly.

Today is yet another edition of what is so great about the blogging community and online sharing between photographers. Katelyn James, an amazing photographer out of Richmond, VA, is doing a give away: one spot to an amazing workshop where she takes time to give tips and thoughts on the world of photography. A workshop that is personal just like her. A workshop that I would die to go to but much like a lot of us it is difficult to drop the cash, when you don't have it, even if you know it is going to be amazing and such a help.

So this is my entry for a chance to win a day of encouragement, lessons, tips and community. My chance to win getting to meet photographers in person who are willing to share their knowledge and care for each other. My chance to take what I know and build from there and hopefully give it on to others just like me. My chance to sit here most days hands typing away my hopes and dreams as I make them come true.

Thank you for the opportunity to place myself out there. Thank you for this generous opportunity to learn from you.

2012-02-07T08:47:00.000-05:00

Stomach is tight, hands are tightly tucked one under each leg, brows furrow and eyes flirt trying to figure out what to do in Limbo.

I'm not sure what it is in the south but it seems tradition in dating to have this "dating-but-not-dating" start to most relationships. You have alone times in restaurants, movies and anywhere else but it's not "dating". I'm pretty sure the rest of the world calls it dating. My husband and my relationships started the same: in limbo.

I do remember distinctly the first time I saw my husband's car. This small white and almost egg shaped thing. I stood there staring for a minute trying to understand what I saw. It didn't take long for me to fall in love with it's tiny exterior for when you enter it is like the seen from National Lampoon's Loaded Weapon, the trailer. You guys know what I am talking about even if you don't want to admit it! ;P

Now since then we have so many friends that have wanted to/are planning on/ have purchased a Yaris because of our car.

I'm not sure if all Yaris are as awesome as ours but Rogue (yes, Chris did name her): you are the best!

Before:

After:

I brought up the light, added a bit of high light, pulled out the warmer tones, saturated the colors a little and added a bit of a glow affect. (Picasa)

Six seasons and a movie

2012-02-05T21:45:00.000-05:00

No matter the number of neighbors complaints, scuffed floors or petitions signed I much like EVERYONE else at the age of 9 wanted to be Shirley Temple. No I didn't understand that you cannot really be another person. I felt like if I tapped hard enough my hair would spiral up and become wonderful head of bouncing curls. I would walk around practicing my "Oh, my goodness" as best I could as I buffalo shuffled through the house.

Sadly after 6 months of tapping my feet hard enough to skim the finish off the floor I discovered that I could never actually become Shirley Temple... Heart breaking I know. Despite my heart break I did manage to get preform a lovely yet strangely provocative dance (considering that I was 9) to "Great balls of fire" (by Jerry Lee Lewis). Hey I guess by the end of it I did get to say "Goodness" and I am sure my mother said "Oh my" when I tried to do a shimmy (I lacked the necessary body parts to really make it work).

"Why do you bring this up?" you ask... no good reason other than the "Shinny" in today's list is my lovely and expensive recital costume (part of it any way... there were also feathers involved... don't ask me I didn't know about fashion at that age).

1. Strike a pose

Compliments of my loving husband/my second shooter

2. Footwear

3. Hobby

Not one of my best photos but I couldn't help plugging one of my favorite TV shows that is sadly on hiatus but if I have anything to say about it will come back for "six seasons and a movie, six seasons and a movie, six seasons and a movie"

4. Shinny

5. Color me Green

Randomocities

2012-02-03T09:03:00.004-05:00

Walking hand in hand we sway closer and futher apart as we make our way a gaggle of children around us when an ice cream truck drives by. . .

This makes me wonder:

Who buys ice cream from an ice cream truck in the dead of winter? Don't get me wrong I am a big proponent of ice cream all year long but who buys it off an ice cream truck when it is cold outside? For me ice cream trucks have always preyed on people who are hot from the "noon day sun".

It got me thinking that my whole truck/ice cream/weather hypothesis is wrong...

What else could I have wrong? Is milk not made for cereal? Does Garlic not make almost everything taste fantastic? Is Harry Potter not real? (I've been to his world and I think it is pretty real...)

Solitude:

Alone he wandered the path unknown

At peace in the silence of nature

Each crunching foot steps push him further on his exotic adventure

Hosted by Cecily and Lolli

What to do?

2012-02-02T09:33:00.000-05:00

Once again I come back lacking ideas. Wondering at the many ideas that others must have. So I inquire:

I want to have a give away. But not just any give away. I want to give away one hour engagement session (limited to the Raleigh, NC area, unless you want to pay for travel). The question is how to do it. I have seen photo challenges: "vote for your favorite" via FB. I have also seen many a blogger give away stuff allowing for more than one entry by "liking" "following" "commenting" and so many more options.

Have you done a give away? How do you prefer to handle it?

Have you seen a give away that you thought, "So smart, I should go tell Rachel right now because it was that awesome." (yes, you thought all that and you know it!)

Please help me: lend me your knowledge!

Before:

After:

Pretty sure there is no wrong way to edit a sunrise... but I pulled down the light a bit, added a warmer tone palate base and pulled up the highlight just a tiny bit.

Ready or not...

2012-02-01T07:00:00.003-05:00

Everywhere I look I'm told to be myself.

Seems simple enough? Well it is tell you are asked to do it. I have been trying to have my photography (wedding specifically) take off for the last two years but I have been extremely focused this year. Everything I read is all about branding. "No matter what business you are in you need to define and maintain your "brand"".

What does that even mean? I have come to a place where I will make some assumptions about what that means:

It means you have to define yourself.

It means you have to categorize yourself.

It means you have embody what you have defined and Categorized.

How do I define myself?

Seems somewhat simple, again... but again it is not so easy to define "yourself" in a way that is appealing. It is like having to write an AD for yourself that will run from now until the end of time.

How do I know?

Who knew it is so hard to define yourself, to be yourself and to sell yourself?

I'm a pretty confident person, ask my husband (he thinks a little too confident, at times), and "defining myself" didn't seem to daunt me in the slightest when I first heard it but know after trying it... Yea.

After a lot of thought I have decided to scrap any stringent line of what I "should be" or what I "want to be" and leave you with "who I am". Boiled down to things about me that smack you in the face, in their simplest forms.

I am married to the love of my life., my best friend and business partner: Chris.

Continuing on in this sickeningly sweet thought process (ready for your "Ahhhh" any moment now) Chris and I love to cook together.

I love media. In all forms: art, music (though I just know what I like... not what is good), TV, movies, you name it and unfortunately for you I like to make references all the time.

I love sugar, a LOT too much but only I don't like cookies (save for Peanut butter... I mean really who can hate on some peanut butter cookies!)

I love fashion: including and not limited to hats!

I am pragmatic to a fault.

I am the youngest of five which has burdened the world with my desire to be heard: I am loud, out there and no one can stop me.

I believe in and trust in a true and loving God.

I don't know if that is what branding is "supposed" to look like but I don't care. Here without finesse is who, in a small nutshell, I am.

Ready or not world:

Here I come!

2012-01-31T07:41:00.001-05:00

Pretty sure we, in NC, have never had such a British Isles weather in a really long time. I feel like it might be time for some tea and scones!

Do you ever have one of those days that you continuously feel like left something or forgot something? Today is one of those days. My husband and I are playing house/mom and dad for a few days watching over my neices and nephew for a few days while their parents are out of town but I have a sneaking suspicion that I forgot something key like clothes... though I checked everything more than twice.

But that's me.

Before:

After:

Darkened up the shadows a bit and pulled down the cool hues a bit.

Psycho, I'll admit it

2012-01-30T07:57:00.000-05:00

I know everyone does but I don't think you understand to the depths of how I am: how much I love sugar and sweets. I fight off the urge to down a half gallon of ice cream in one day. . . after finishing off a pie I happened to have lying around. So when I say I love sweets you now have a glimpse as to what I mean (as wrong as it may be) so when I say to you: I don't like cookies alarms should go off. It is something I have yet to figure out. I really don't understand it. I like dough, and almost every kind but something happens in the baking process and they turn all... no, not good. I have over the years tried and retried all the cookies I could think of trying to get to like them. But alas, I only like warm peanut butter cookies (ironically I do not like it as dough), oh and I can occasionally enjoy a chocolate chip cookie if it is completely smothered in ice cream. I KNOW! What type of psycho doesn't like chocolate chip cookies... me?

1. Smile

2. Stand Alone

3. Rusty or Something Old

4. Artificial

5. Repeating patterns

Don't say "Won't"

2012-01-27T06:53:00.001-05:00

Late to join up I know but I broke down and wrote goals. I have an issue with "resolutions" because so often they don't happen. If I want to do something I like to do it right then and there... I do get this doesn't work all the time but I don't care/I ignore my systems faults, the best way right?

I get that "goals" aren't the same thing as "resolutions" but it is a list of things that you can't do right now... and may not happen. I don't do well with expectation without realization. It is a fault of mine. Due to this fault I don't generally write goals down but this year I broke down and wrote some for my business. The best way I can see of making the goals I made happen is by sharing them so that "failure is not an option".

Goals for 2012

Make the dive finally: invest in Photoshop (yes, Picasa you are still my first love and I will always remember you but you simple do not do all that I need).
I give myself this year to master Photoshop
I am going to increase the amount of booked weddings this year by 20%
Reveal the CHANGE! (Insert evil laugh)
Get either a 24mm 1.4 or a new zoom 70-300mm. (cause you know they are the same?)
Spend more time behind the camera and in front of it (the best way to get better at posing is to force yourself to be the person posing)

And finally:

Giving up is not an option

I talk a big talk. I am big and ferocious in a lot of ways. You say I can't do something and I will definitely do it whether I wanted to or not, just to prove you wrong. I was raised to be confident, never take no as an answer and not apologize for the perfection, for which I was to strive. But this. . . this one small thing I am unsure and timid and worried I'll fail and insecure. This past year has been a battle for me and in the end "Giving up is not an option" is where I have found myself. No matter my insecurities, worries or concerns about failure: I will not give up.

Hosted by Cecily and Lolli
;

A little too pragmatic

2012-01-26T08:40:00.000-05:00

I don't really like cut flowers. This sounds horrible but I prefer potted plants. It is like buys something that will be dead. Don't get me wrong I think they are really pretty and I always appreciate them but... in the end they die. I'm a bit to pragmatic for my own good. This is my solution for when I do get them. . .

Before:

After:

Pulled up the light, highlights, warm tones and brightened up the colors a bit before adjusting the shadows. (Picasa)

Mr. and Mrs

2012-01-25T07:13:00.003-05:00

Drum roll please. . .

You've seen the parties. . .

You've seen the prep work. . .

Now. . .

(yes, all the ellipsis are necessary)

After all this time and prep...

It's time Introduce you to

Mr. and Mrs. My sister got married!

Did you love the anticipation? I did, pretty sure I'm so good at it I should get an Oscar for my award winning work of typing ellipsis.

Yep, It's finally here some pictures from the wedding! Hope you enjoy my sister's first day of marital ... well I hate to jinx her and say bliss so I will end with Married?

The things you forget to think!

2012-01-24T09:04:00.000-05:00

In each of these editing challenges I name at the bottom of the "after" shot what I did to the picture. The reason I don't give a long detailed tutorial about how is that I use, on a day to day, basis a really simple easy to use software that is free to download thanks to Google, called Picasa. I didn't even think about the fact I never featured Picasa on my blog or gave you a link to download it for yourself, which is a shame because so often I run into people who think they need to have a mac for iPhoto to do neat things with their photos but it is so not true! So thank you Betty Manousos@ Cut and Dry for bringing that to my attention!

So if you are interested in trying out this awesome and free software check it out here.

Before:

After:

Pulled up the light and high lights, adjusted the white balance, and added warm tones. Picasa

Pros and Cons1/23

2012-01-23T09:08:00.000-05:00

I'm not good about setting up goals. Generally if there is something I want, or want to do I just do it. I don't like looming. To Do lists awesome: it all gets done in a day. But a list that stays undone... I don't do it often. I get a little list obsessed. But this year I will set goals at least professionally and possibly I'll cave and do personal goals list too... never know.

What about you pro goal lists or con?

1. Sunset

2. Black and White

3. A Day in My Life

4. Four

5. Colorful

A dollop of emotion

2012-01-20T08:31:00.000-05:00

The morning was a swirl of activities. Women with hot curling irons in hand made their way from one mirror to another. small piles of food lay all around. Small bites taken trying to avoid smudging already applied make up. At the center of all the commotion sits my sister her close friend and bridesmaid Fran slowly and meticulously applying makeup to her radiant face.

Hosted by Cecily and Lolli

2012-01-19T07:26:00.000-05:00

All things natural and beautiful: I'm pretty sure I need to shoot more people. I don't mean that from a "I need money" kind of way, though it couldn't hurt ;P, but in a I love taking pictures of people and I have been craving it recently. Odd thing to crave, yea I guess but then again I'm a pretty odd person. I mean after two years of fighting for this dream of having a, hopefully and eventually destination, wedding photography business and it is still crawling around and yet I still fight for it. At this point I hold fast to

"A man is not old until regrets take the place of dreams." John Barrymore

Not literally to that one quote... just the idea. Chasing a dream.

Do you have any dreams you are running after? My dear friend and sister is literally running down her dream in just a short while, she is running a half marathon (she like running a bit too much for my tastes ; D)

Before:

After:

Pulled up the light, added warmth and a glow affect. (Picasa)

No there is nothing special about this bush, unless you ask neighboring squirels: they seem to LOVE it.

Ashley SiskKate EyeKelly

Thanks for a great year

2012-01-18T07:26:00.002-05:00

Some of the best moments from 2011

Thank you to all those who allow me into your life, whether once or everyday.

Thank you to the brides who have invited me to be friends and take part in your special day.

Thank you to all those who challenge me to do better.

Thank you Chris from being my backbone and pushing to carry on.

I hope you enjoy photo recap of some special moments from 2011

New, exciting

2012-01-17T08:41:00.000-05:00

I love adventures. I love taking on new things. No matter how silly or simple.

"What new things will I try this year?" I muse with sweaty palms.

I already saw one sister marry and in two months I will see another!

What exciting new plans do you have for this year?

Pulled up the light, high lights, pulled up the warmth and sharpened the image a bit: Picasa.

Yet another days go by.

2012-01-16T07:03:00.001-05:00

The more I notice time the more I feel like a should have a rocking chair on my porch. You see it all over the place in the south especially: people chilling out on their porches, I don't get the real furniture on the porch though (please explain this to me), enjoy the slow movement of time. I want to be able to sit and be. I see others do this but when I try my mind moves so quickly with thought.

My husband and I are so completely differently. You leave me alone for 8 hours and I will have 8 hours of thoughts and conversations with myself to unload, my husband will have three, to which he cannot recall any of them. His ability to just be, it truly amazes me. When I sit and watch a movie my hands search out something to do, emails to check, things to knit, lists to write. I truly do enjoy the idea of just being. But unless I am conversing and allowing my mind to work... I can't seem to do this. Why? My sister can, she has often been called lazy for her ability to sit still and be: I envy this talent. In the mean time I live life one list at a time. I hope that this list is enjoyable to you, for it sure was for me in making it!

1. Stacked up

2. Winter Wonderland

3. Sweet

4. Hole

5. Frozen

To adventure and beyond!

2012-01-13T09:24:00.000-05:00

One of the great things about the Holidays: Holiday breaks.

Two of my husbands closest friends got to come and visit on their holiday breaks. If nothing else, we never know what will happen when we get time with these two. OH, so many random and completely awesome adventures were had.

I will share one with you: on our last day with our dear friends we decided to take an adventure to an unknown site in the area: Franklin County's Botanical Gardens.

If you haven't been it is actually neat... I'm sure it is all the more awesome when it is in bloom... being a garden and all, but all the same the experience was awesome. I'm pretty sure we covered all the trails... and a bit more.

So here is a glimpse into life with Michael, Zac and Chris

Hosted by Cecily and Lolli

Walk this way!

2012-01-12T08:56:00.000-05:00

I have always found it odd rehearsing how to walk a straight line. I understand it literally benefits but whenever I am apart of a rehearsal I always stop to question the necessity of practicing walking. All the same we walked! And I might add I walked well, pretty sure I am the best walker ever?

Any which way it was the first time for a lot of the different family members to get a chance to meet each other.

It was interesting to see just how much family Sarah was about to inherit... and I thought Christmas was long this year : D.

All things my sister

2012-01-11T07:59:00.002-05:00

Though most of our lives has been intertwined there is much about my sister and me that are completely opposite. I am a planner. Well, I should clarify: I like to have a guideline. If we are having people over I like to know I have food for them, know that we have options for activities, you get the picture. When it comes to big events: I like to plan. My sister... not so much.

I won't go down that road much to say that I got told what day and time I could throw my sister a Bachelorette party about 3.5 hours before it was supposed to happen. So in a mad rush I call around to all the local shops and I work out a "Plan". Unfortunately that plan was washed about half way through because of... well, life. All that to say that despite all the un-planning and the liquid plans it was a great time.

The only thing is that I would have loved to plan a whole evening devoted to all things my sister: to get to spend some focused time with her. But alas that did happen... yet?

Here are a few shots from my sister's un-planned party

I will

2012-01-10T09:30:00.000-05:00

It is the beginning of the year. I always feel like there is so much to do. I realize there isn't any more to do than any other time of year but for whatever reason (I blame it on the "year's coming to and end" but it doesn't ever really end...) but I feel held down a bit at a times. I won't be this year. I choose to take IT on... whatever "it" might be.

I will do ____. No matter the schedule no matter the hurtles: I will.

This is my mindset for this year. This is my heart.

I pulled up the light, added a glow effect and pulled down the cool tones: Picasa

Can't find the "Second star to the right"

2012-01-09T09:30:00.001-05:00

Short legs lead up to small hands mingled in a knot together as everything becomes a blur. Their eyes can only make out the other's laughing faces as they try to spin as fast as they can.

Years pass and those small feet slowly become larger, never managing to stop skipping. Each night they make their home in the same room each day to the same table. Their hands changing from small to large seemed to manage playing always inches apart, intertwined in story of their own making.

Shooting up in height, changing bodies and moving but still hands are held.

Fully grown and moving out those hands still make their way together. Each holding books as they make their way to class.

Hats thrown and tassels turned for one, the other standing at the bottom of the stairs clapping for only the other to hear. Tassels away and gowns returned, a ticket in one hand as two other hold fast to the other. The car is running outside and the crowd is thinning, all making their way. Slowly the hands are pulled apart. One set filled with a bag and a ticket the other left watching.

Countries apart those same hands dance their way across keys relaying information. One of adventure and beauty, the other of a new look of an old friend. Months pass each on their separate journeys. Ticket packed away, ready to clasp hands once more, only to find the other hands busy with another. Hands shown with adventure standing alone, watching in wonder as the hands that had always been only hers walk hand in hand with another; bells ring in the background, the two new hands now joined together forever.

The other left only to watch. Watch as the other goes on without her. Goes on seemingly unaware.

The once and seemingly forever clasped hands now separate. One riding down their sunset with another. The other unsure of what is next.

Those waiting hands find their own adventures round in many countries, before coming back to home. Home filled with life and stories to tell find a friend, who is a lot more then friendly. A friend who hands lay open waiting affection. Tentatively their hands move close but upon touch all doubt removed. In a blur bells are about to ring for these new hands when the old partners find their hands clasped once again. Affection in whispers behind a catch in the throat before placing her sister's hands in soft gentle hands of the found love.

Ring well worn on lay across her hand as she watches the new set of hand being joined; with each breath waves of emotion blow through her. With a kiss it's all done. They are off dancing away the evening. The other, well worn ring on finger, stands alone smiling at the other's joy. A large pair of hand wrap around her, a well worn ring in place much like her own. Overjoyed but somehow still with sadness, "we are not in Neverland"

My sister was married this Saturday. . .

Nothing could be sweeter than the love she shows for her now husband.

Congrats to my dear friend.

1. One Color

2. Laundry

3. Empty

4. One Dozen

5. Soft

Best face from 2011 Submissions