Yuck...

I am desperately trying to figure out this blog header slideshow thing...thankfully I have someone to help me so that this dotti-ness won't hurt your eyes anymore...ugh...sooner than later.  I hope.  

Under construction!

I have to apologize in advance for the white wording and busy background whatever craziness is going on right now.  I'm working on creating a snazzy new blog look...but HTML can be a B!T@H...I know ya'll know what I'm talking about.  At least Tambi does ;)  You go girl for figuring it out.  So, until it's done...a thousand apologies.  And here's something fun coming up...again my sister rocked Aperture Priority for me :)

Like the facelift???

Speaking of faces...mine is happy!  I'm still working through some kinks with the banner being pixelated but other than that, I'm very happy with how everything's looking...now I can hardly wait to get some other faces on here other than mine...I do have something really cool coming up.  Here's a hint:  super dirty alleys and a beautiful ballerina...with a splash of FUNK!  Until then...here's my happy face...and super squinty eyes :)

Thanks Ann!

so because we are changin' some stuff around here...i needed some pics of Dave and I...since he's apart of my business as my second shooter...SOOOO...we asked my amazing friend Ann to take some pictures of us.  she is obsessed with photography now too...i'm such an influence...we had fun and she was like a sponge wanting to take in any piece of advice.  you did good Ann!!!  here's one of my favorites...so excited about the new stuff coming!!!!

Birthdays & Books

There has been a little birthday confusion as I kind of took over the facebook profile Dave created awhile ago.  He never got on so naturally I wanted to check it out.  Anyhoo, I got some very sweet birthday messages yesterday that rightfully belonged to my hubby.  Thanks to all who took the time to bless us on Dave's birthday.  It was kind of a weird day to be honest...but I did give him lots of reminders that he was born and tried to make it somewhat special.  Between church, his frustrating statistics homework and me working on a project almost all day...it was like we didn't see each other much.  We gotta do something fun today...

So...the book.  Fast Track Photographer by Dane Sanders.  It was lent to me by John Mayer who also has some mad camera skills BTW.  This book was and is eye opening and liberating!  I encourage anyone who is remotely thinking about pursuing a career in this industry to read it.  He really puts an emphasis on branding yourself.  Before, when Jasmine* would mention how important branding was, I was like, "Cool...I'm down with that."  Then I kind of just stared into space not knowing how to brand myself.  Dane explained it more clearly for me in his book and I know there are many other workshops and forums I could gain valuable information from on the fine tuning of my brand....seriously ya'll just read it.  It's awesome!  

Happy Labor Day!

I always have wondered why they call it labor day when most businesses are closed...nobody is really doing any labor.  Shouldn't it be non-labor day?  Well, you know me, I can't take a holiday or take a rest either.  I have been painting trim and doing laundry on my holiday.  Hopefully I can veg out tonight though.  I wanted to show everyone my office.  I LOVE it!  I feel like I can edit without a cluttered mind.  It's like if my work space is cluttered then my work is cluttered.  Does anybody else feel that way?  I was on this huge organizing and "getting rid of clutter" kick not too long ago.  And though I don't agree with the New Age religion, this site, Zen Habits, helped me SO much to get rid of clutter and learn to be organized and stay organized.  You know what the best part about it is...it's NOT overwhelming!!!  So, check it out if you have a serious clutter issue like I do.  

I have NO idea where my compact flash that had the before pictures of the office on them.  I am so disappointed.  I love giving before and after shots.  WAHHHH!  I will have to ask Dave when he gets home if he knows where it is.  Probably lost in all the clutter that got transferred from my office into the dining and living room.  OK...that's it.  I am going to get on that site as soon as I'm done posting this...enjoy the after pictures anyway... *disclaimer - I didn't edit these but in RAW*

Looking into the office...

My cute little vintage desks I picked up at St. Vinny's awhile back...

My sweet chandelier I got from a secondhand shop and cleaned up...

This old desk I picked up about a month ago in some old man's yard for 3 dollars :)

I loved this desk because it was SO rusty! I wanted to keep the top covered in rust because it was a beautiful color but I didn't want to get tetanus while editing my photos. So I had Dave measure the desk and had Central Glass and Paint cut me a piece. It looks SO cool now. The glass was one hundred bucks so it only cost me 103 dollars for a one of a kind piece!

(Isn't the rain on the window so romantic?)

I love my Apple!

When I was in Florida visiting my parents, my mamma took me to all these amazing antique stores. I bought the antique paper weight and the frog (for flowers back in the day - but now for my pens and pencils) for some purpose in the future. They go perfect now with my vintage desk...

I use these old green filing things to organize my booked clients and my print orders..I think I got these several years ago...

Didn't Dave do an incredible job on the crown moulding? Way to go honey!

What's cuter than a little orange Home Depot Apron???

...the big Home Depot Apron from behind helping. Dave came home for lunch last Saturday and told me that on the first Saturday of every month they do a a free kid's workshop. He proclaimed that the kids even got to wear their own little orange apron...and KEEP them...I was sold!

So after some freshing up, because yes....I was STILL ripping down wallpaper...I took the boys and they had so much fun. Dave was able to sneak away for a few minutes to help so that I could take a few shots. I just love these. Right now we are going through a tough time adjusting to Dave's new job and pay, but it makes me proud to know that my husband is doing his best and working hard to support our family. These pictures make me hopeful...hopeful that my boys will grow up to be hard working men just like their daddy.  

They have their clean little orange aprons and daddy has his obviously worn & dirty apron.

They proudly display the pins on the brightly colored fabric which represents the projects they have completed. My prayer is that they will be just as proud to show the world what wonderful growing men they are. Full of love, honor and faith. 

I love the men in my life and I cherish moments like these...

MIA...

yes.  I've been missing in action...wallpaper action that is.  I have been ripping down not one, not two....nay, three!  Count 'em people...THREE layers of wallpaper in my office.  About one wall into it I was asking myself, "Why in the world did I start this???"  I have to just keep telling myself that it will be worth it.  I am a visionary...I can see things in my head and then get so excited about them but I want them to happen now.  So, now that all the aged paper is peeled away from the old plaster (and cracked I might add) walls, it is time for the texture.  I have done all the re-doing-of-the-walls in our house.  After texture comes the priming, and then finally, my favorite part, the paint!  What I want to see when I walk into my office is a tan room with chocolate brown and splashes of turquoise.  Maybe even some RED.  I want it to be wonderfully mix matched and I want every piece in there to be a treasure I worked hard to find.  My chandelier for instance...I picked her up at a 2nd hand shop for 40 bucks.  Of course she needs a little TLC but she is gonna shine like no other when I'm done with her...is it weird for me to genderize (not even a word) random objects in my house?  Kinda creepy?  OK.

So, later I will have before, in process and after photos for you.  As far as sessions, I am available for some more.  I really want some seniors..so much fun!  Thank you friends for bearing with my absence...