Double Exposure

I've been wanting to try a new technique of shooting called multiple exposure - where frames overlay each other to create one image. There is some beautiful stuff artists have created in the past - especially from Christopher Relander, one of my favorite artists -you can check out his work with multiple exposure here. But as for me, this was my first attempt. It took a few tries to get something I wanted. Still need more practice. But it's definitely something fun and different.

Prints

Fact: I am a photographer with no prints of my own work in my house. There's something wrong with that... But that something is about to change. 

Chloe Portfolio // Preview

I was blown away by this little one's talent yesterday. Her looks. Her beauty. It's all natural. This little one makes modeling look so effortless. I seriously can't get over how amazing she was. Here are just a few of my favorites from her portfolio shoot we put together. 

B&W

Some photos are meant to be black and white. 

Monday Favorites + $500 Giveaway!

Afterall, this is a photography blog

Also, remember the Frenalian Muse fashion show? Well, Jerome, from The French Stylist, is giving away $500 to one lucky person. Tonight we'll find out who that lucky one is! All you have to do is "Like" his facebook page. So whatcha waitin' for?! Like away! :)  If you're in the Seattle area, I highly HIGHLY recommend giving Jerome a visit for your next haircut! Amazing stylist!

A Little Dream

It's important to control your own destiny. It's important to have the heart for your work. And it's important to dream. This is my dream for the future (with music to help you see my vision):

Own a little gallery. Steel walls. Tall arched white windows. Showings only in the evening. Exposed light bulbs hanging from the ceilings. Bebel Gilberto playing in the background (the song posted above). A little Malegueña and Spanish guitar also. Only the best champagne being served. It's cold out. Snow flurries falling. Mostly exhibiting black and white photography. Classy. Relaxed. Smooth. 

This is my dream. Written down. And tucked away safely. 

*From what I have experienced, when written down, it becomes more realistic - so I encourage you to do the same. Control your own destiny. Have the heart for your work. And dream. 

Afghanistan // Outtakes

Innovate or Die

Last week I participated in a week long online seminar with creativeLIVE, a collaborative learning organization. It featured St. Louis wedding photographer, Sal Cincotta. The seminar was a powerful one. Everything from running a successful wedding photography business to capturing special moments on your wedding day. I emphasize the word 'business' because that's where I benefited the most. Not just, "ya, I own my own photography business..." but really - really understanding the ins-and-outs of my business. Consumer behavior, marketing, pricing, plans. GROSS INCOME (...which at the moment is pretty gross...), but that's beside the point. Before this seminar, I was operating my business in the dark hoping someone found me. I need to strengthen my marketing plan. I need to take my business seriously. 

I took a lot from this seminar. So much that I'm making changes to my plan - my business. I've evolved as a photographer over the past 3 months. I'm slowly finding my "niche." I'm seeing patterns in my work. Slowly but surely it's coming together. And as I learned recently, it's completely healthy to have my business plan grow every 3-6 months. It's all part of the process. Innovating. Evolving. If I stay put where I am today with the way I'm running my business, my business dies.

With 2013 right around the corner, I'm excited to go back to my first business plan and reevaluate it. Make appropriate changes. See how far I've come along and set my new goals for the new year. This is an exciting/anxious/nervous time of my life. But I know all the hard work will pay off. It always does.

K + S // College Station, TX.

Majoring in Anthropology has its perks. You meet your future spouse in one of your core classes. You graduate. You hope to God someone hires you based on your education. But if you're really lucky, you're proposed to. And a year later, marry the person who shares the same love and appreciation for anthropology (and cats) as you do. True love. This was Kristina and Stuart's big day in Texas. The sweetest of couples. The most relaxed of couples. And silliest of couples. 

Aggie War Hymn

WHOOP!

Venue: Astin Mansion // College Station, TX.