The great debate...

I was at the print shop to get an enlargement for my client and I was halted by a photo technician.  She asked me how I was doing and I told her I was fine.  She preceded to tell me that I was not going to get any prints off my disc.  "Ok....why?" I said.  "Those are professional photos."  (She didn't just say that my work was professional did she?!?)  I replied, "Well, I am a photographer just starting out and I really did take these photos."  For about a minute I tried to convince her that I really did take the pics.  Then I finally said, "Would you like me to bring in my Canon EOS 40D with all my Compact Flashes with these images plus a gazillion more and would you like the serial number to my Photoshop and Camera Raw program, with confirmation numbers to the Nicole Van Presets and Actions I just bought?"  She looked at me kind of suprised (I wasn't mean by the way, just really trying to convince her) and she asked my name.  I told her and she said, "Well, I'm sorry, I am going to put you on "the list" so it will be easier for you next time."  I asked her what the list was and it was a list of all the professional photographers that use this print shop in town...ok.  I can't tell you what a boost of confidence that gave me!  I have been lacking in this and it just made me feel so good.  

And on top of that, I scheduled two more sessions today!!!  Folks are liking Christina's pictures.  I am so excited and lacked the confidence that I could really do this.  God is SO good and he is blessing me with so many opportunities. 

Here is a pic of the little boy I will be photographing next week...his big brother and mamma will be there too :-)  Isn't he too cute?!?

Proverbs 31

Do you know this woman?  The Proverbs 31 woman?  I do.  Her name is Christina.  She is one of the most inspiring ladies I have ever met.  She is always so kind, sincere and has a grace about her that I can't describe.  

Well, I had the pleasure of photographing her and her kiddos today.  What fun I had!  Her children were a joy!  It was such an easy shoot.  

And the thing that got me crying on the way home was this woman's generosity.  She blessed me SO much!  I got all sorts of homemade goodies to take home.  And she now has a new best friend (my husband) because she gave us Elk!  I was so overwhelmed by her blessing me that I just cried and thanked God for the amazing friends he has given me.  

Enjoy your sneek peak Christina :-)

Playing with texture...and man hair

I have found a nifty little action that puts texture into the image...ok...I know this probably isn't new for many of you, but I am just ecstatic with this!  

First, my husband has been growing his hair our since he separated from the Air Force...it had kind of just been blah for a while.  So, the day before yesterday I decided to take a stab at styling it.  YAY!  it turned out awesome!!!  The only drawback is, that he wants this done everyday now and that means I have to take more time away from  me getting ready for his hair...

So I used this texture because it was the perfect grunge feel to match the grunge hair...or if you want to get really specific...emo hair.

Then, I had taken this shot of the beautiful bouquet of flowers that my sister had for us bridesmaids.  Aren't they gorgeous?!?!  Anyway, it was neat to see the texture applied to this because the flowers are so delicate that it's almost an inviting conflict between the two.  

I have had the opportunity to make a little money towards my business...so I am debating on whether to go ahead and proceed with the studio lighting or to get some more of these great actions and presets for photoshop...what do you think?