Bridal Portraits

Touching Base

This actually has been a busy wedding season.  I am honored to have photographed 3 weddings this summer and more to come.  However, I’m finding that handling a rapidly growing toddler with energy to spare, my regular job, the photography business, church volunteer responsibilities, our home, and (oh yeah) being a wife, I’m swamped.  This is truly a far cry from last year this time, so while I’m pooped…I’m so thankful.  The process of being a military wife has taken me through various stages of the grief process.  I used to long for home and how life ‘used to be.’ Now I’m fully in the acceptance stage and I’m happy where we are.  The strange thing is that I know this is temporary and I plan to be happy wherever we go from here.  Determining to be ‘content but not complacent’ (borrowed from this week’s sermon at church) is key to being happy wherever I am.  This arrangement may not be all that I had hoped it would be, but it’s a far cry from what it could be.  Overall, making the decision to be happy and have joy has helped the tone in our home.  Because I’m happier, my husband is happier, and that makes me happy (see the cycle here?)  So I leave you with a product of one of my exercises that I have been doing.  This wasn’t’ taken with my macro lens, but I still really like it.

Riverfront Park & NCO Club

The Springdale House

What does it matter?

My husband and I share many things in common and there are things that make us twitch about each other.  He is an optimist, I’m mostly a realist; he is outgoing, I’m generally reserved (until comfortable); he is so confident, and I find myself in need of constant validation. 

I am a person that must wear glasses in an effort to function through life on a daily basis.  My husband believes that he only needs glasses for driving at night (of course I disagree).  As a result, he leaves his glasses around the house and asks rather frequently, “Honey, have you seen my glasses?” Well, I spotted these glasses after a shower the other day and made a mental note of where they were in anticipation that he would enlist my help to find them.  As his wife I know that there are extended times where I won’t be able to find those glasses, not because I’ve lost my own, but because they won’t be there.  Extended absences are either a welcomed relief, or a time where strength is a requirement for getting through everyday life.  On this day I found his glasses I realized how precious our time is together and that no matter if he needs my help to find his glasses everyday, that’s what I’m there for.  What does it matter that I take a few moments of my time to find his glasses?  Why be present if you cannot lend a hand to help? 

I am comfortable assuming the role of helper now.  I know that I possess inherent glue that helps keep my home, husband, daughter, and both jobs together which may not be the easiest task, but it is well worth the effort.  And whenever my realist tendencies poke through, I remind myself that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13), otherwise, none of it would work, and none of it would matter.

Limitations

In a world that has made so many advancements in communication it is easy to access what someone else is doing, saying, and thinking.  While this ease of access may be great for an “iron sharpens iron” mentality, it also shines light on what others are doing, saying, and thinking, that you are not.  It is almost first nature for me to observe what others are doing, focus on what I’m not doing, and therefore become more aware of where I fall short.  The photography business is saturated with photographers from every end of the spectrum.  Some provide careful insight, well thought out composition and a plethora of quality photographs that are simply timeless.  Some other photographers provide knock off ideas that can be seen almost anywhere.  The ideas are well executed; nevertheless, they are executed as a replica.  The majority of photographers are simply unaware of their limitations and therefore their work shows how limited they are.  When we are aware of our limitations we are better able to address them, and ultimately learn from them.  Turning your supposed limitation into a professed opportunity alters the perspective and ultimately dismantles the walls of limitation you place on yourself.

Earlier this year, I did a basic SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis of the business and discovered ways to strengthen my weaknesses and seize perceived opportunities.  What are some weaknesses that you feel are necessary to accomplish your dreams? Most importantly, what are reasonable and realistic ways you can capitalize on your opportunities? Whether you are a 35-year veteran photographer who has published photographs with National Geographic, or a novice who just purchased your first SLR camera, remain open-minded and continue to discover how you can continue forward movement with your craft.  As for now, it’s time for me to move forward with my weekly photography exercise!

Once we accept our limits, we go beyond them.

-Brendan Francis

Down Time

I’m learning that juggling work, parenthood, and a photography business is not the easiest task.  My husband left home for two weeks on business leaving me to serve as Mrs. Everything for our little family.  On a day-to-day basis I found myself completely wiped out after putting our little one to bed.  I literally could not bear to keep my eyes open past 10 o’clock pm.  Upon my husband’s return, I realized that not only did I take two weeks off of my normal me-time, I also took two weeks off of research and creative brainstorming.  Of course I read blogs and viewed photographic work of fellow photogs, but I failed to take time to “shoot around,” explore, and develop.  I recall the words of Pastor Duncan at my home church, “Your down time is your prep time.”  Constant preparation is necessary for preventing dust settling on your passion.  It is my goal to stay at a place of constant preparation and inspiration.  My me-time is necessary for me to keep the fire of my passion ablaze.

In an effort to provide my passion with the fuel it needs to stay ablaze, I have decided to commit one exercise a week to my passion.  My exercises will include exploring interesting scenery inside and outside of the house and reading magazines and blogs with instructional information.  It is necessary for me to establish a routine in the same way it is necessary to set mini goals on the way to an overarching goal.  I look forward to sessions of “show-and-tell” from my exercises during my down time. Stay tuned!

It's So Simple

Last week I had an amazing experience at my first bridal show.  I stressed for the entire week prior to the show about more business cards with a new design, a backdrop that fit my budget and simplifying my wedding packages to fit the needs of the growing digital age.  I drove my husband nearly nuts by placing my anxiety on him.  Thankfully, he graciously (and ever so sweetly) cheered me on.  Most of my nerves were not about my presentation, but more on what my presentation said about me.  While I wanted to present as a professional photographer, I also did not want to come across as a snob who was out of touch with meeting basic photographic needs.  At the end of the day, I decided to put forth my best effort.  During the show, I talked with many different brides and I was proud of my presentation and truly began to believe in my work and my skills. (It’s amazing how long you can do something and still grapple with your ability.)  As a result, I was able to relax and be myself.  I found myself at such ease discussing brides’ weddings with a desire to help them capture the most important day of their lives.  The simpler I made my verbal presentation, the better response I received.  It was such a pleasant experience.  With greater confidence (and hopefully less stress) I look forward to the next show and am determined to make it an even better one.

*Here’s a picture I took with my phone. It doesn’t do it justice.*

The Balancing Act

Since I have been a mother I have learned more than I ever thought possible in this short amount of time.  Since I’ve been back at work (2 weeks and counting), I have learned one of the most important things to master, is balancing time and attention to my work, my other work, my daughter, my husband, my home (chores), and myself.  If I fail to purposely balance my tasks, something becomes deficient, and then everything is out of whack.  Designating time and attention to myself is of primary importance because I cannot care for anyone else, if I do not first care for myself.  For me I must devote time to my relationship with God first and as I allow Him to be of primary importance I find that I am able to have peace and everything falls into place.  God must be the heaviest weight on the scale in order for me to have success in any area of my life. 

--Matthew 6:33

Share the Love

When I was a child one of my favorite times in school was on the day of show and tell. My classmates and I would each bring in something we thought was worth sharing and tell what made the object so special. Photography does the same thing; however, the photograph must do the showing and silent telling. Regarding wedding photography, I have learned that love is most important object to show and tell. There is nothing quite like photographing two people in love. At first they may be nervous simply based on the fact that the photographer is directing them to do certain things (i.e. hug, kiss, snuggle a little closer), but typically as the photo shoot progresses, the two relax and the story of their love unfolds. Great photographers know exactly what to say to help the couple “tell” their own story, but it is an art that hinges on the photographer’s ability to be amusing, affable, and authentic. When the photographer shows him or her true self, those he or she is capturing reciprocate with ease and the photograph provides insight into the thoughts, feelings, and emotions of those captured.

Avoid the Digital Graveyard

Much of photography today has migrated from film onto the memory card.  While viewing a picture on a camera, cell phone, or computer screen is nice, nothing quite compares to the hard copy secured in a family photo album.  Too often I find myself taking pictures and never putting forth the effort to have the picture printed.  Perhaps too much emphasis is placed on the façade of recalling memories and not on truly appreciating a photographed memory.  While the digital age may present the idea that printed pictures are not necessary, it also diminishes the worth of the pictures by granting access by many different vehicles.  The exclusivity of the use of film increases the value placed on each frame.  While a digital photographer (such as myself) may take 5-7 frames of a similar pose, a film photographer would take 1-2.  The film photographer places great value on each frame because the manipulation and development of film requires a bit more time and resources.  Printing pictures demonstrates the value assessed in the photograph.  And as we place great value on our fond memories gone by, we begin to place greater value on our present experience and memories yet to be made.

How Low Can You Go?

I believe one of the most interesting aspects of photography is capturing objects that allow you to see them in different ways.  Showing common (even mundane) objects from different angles provides for a better appreciation.  Because I spend most of my time on the floor during playtime, I have begun to photograph items down low and up close.  On an outing at the park I was able to do just that.  Instead of exploring the beauty of trees and bodies of water the impetus to exhibit reality from the perspective of a little one (whether child or animal) overtook me.  I recalled my childhood and how simple objects comparable to pine cones and tree roots were much larger than they are now.  Getting lower in this fashion connects me to my daughter and seeing things from her perspective.  It reminds me of simpler times and changes ordinary phases into absolutely extraordinary experiences.

Harness the Inspiration

As a mom, I am always doing my best raising my daughter and constantly asking my mother questions.  As a wife, it is my ultimate goal to ensure that my family’s needs are met (to the best of my ability).  As a photographer, it is my goal to stay focused on my craft and cultivate my own creativity.  I enjoy reading magazines, forums, and ebooks that provide information about the trends of the photography industry.  They also provide great instruction, inspiration, and insight into running a successful photography business.  However, juggling my aforementioned responsibilities often leave me with much less inspiration that I desire.  The art of photography requires the ability to make the world around us worth remembering.  It is nice to take routine tasks, such as playtime, and make it worth remembering.  Even though I don’t always have external sources for great artistic ideas, I love seizing the simple inspirations that are often disregarded.  Something as simple as capturing how a child plays with a toy demonstrates the child’s personality in several ways.  So while I grapple with my responsibilities, I am learning to find inspiration in much simpler places.

Down Through the Years

Yesterday, I took some time to look back at my old work.  I admired some portraits and cringed at others.  I can remember thinking, “wow, what a great shot!” and then editing the shot to oblivion.  I used to think that those I was photographing wanted me to make them look absolutely perfect.  I used to think that bags under the eyes, wrinkles, and blemishes were all imperfections that I was to remove through editing.  I then looked at pictures I took and edited of an artist and her family.  I remember her asking me not to edit out all the blemishes, but to leave them.  I could not believe it!  Who wants to remember the blemishes? But her request changed how I process what I see.  I realized the blemishes may not be totally desired, but excessively altering the art of what is uniquely natural creates a synthetic imitation.  And why would anyone accept a replica when they can have the real thing?  I desire to help people remember how they looked, felt, and experienced the world at the time of the photograph.  It’s not always about creating perfection, but about preserving the memory.

Mommy's Little Helper

One great thing about being a mom photographer is that you always have someone to take pictures of.  My little one is just growing so quickly and now that she reaches for everything, she often attempts to grab, and drool on, my camera.  I am always pleased when I am able to get a shot of her where she is actually sitting still.  Getting smiles these days are a challenge, but most of her pictures are beautiful without a smile.  I am also happy to get these shots well before wedding season really begins and I am busy editing the hundreds of pictures that I take at each wedding. This last session, I thank Nick, Jr. for keeping her somewhat occupied while I photographed her.

New Year New Day

Another new year ahead of me and an exciting year of photography awaits.  Looking back, last year was rather quiet for photographing weddings.  At the same time, my life has been full of our new baby and acclimating to a new city and state.  Now that the adjustment period is coming to a close, I look forward to great weddings this year in both Columbia and Richmond.  Growing the photography business is so rewarding and I am so thankful for the opportunity.  This year brings the desire to become more visible in the local area and savvy regarding social networking.

Stay tuned for information regarding weddings and my development.