Different Pens

This week has been hard. Ups and down with the business (mainly feeling uninspired). Maybe I'm burning myself out trying to create, create, create. Keep my name out there. Not be idle in the realm of social media. It's quite stressful. The thought of flying to Honolulu, HI (courtesy of the US Army) just to get away and be inspired even crossed my mind. 

One of my go-to books called, "It's Not How Good You Are, It's How Good You Want to Be" (no, I didn't pick this book up in the 'self-help' aisle at B&N - I actually bought it at Anthropologie - the only item I could afford, ha!) One of the sections is titled, "If You Get Stuck, Draw With A Different Pen." Here are my two favorite quotes from this section:

"Change your tools, it may free your thinking."

"It is not a solution, but it does open up the mind and it's fun."

So that's what my plan for the rest of the week is. Dive into a little pastel art and film photography to "free my thinking." If you have any tips on how you keep yourself inspired, feel free to share your secrets with me. I've hit a wall and have to break through it.

Epic Employee

Who knew 4 years later two good friends would end up in the same city? In the same state for that matter?! Well, that seems to be the case for Stephen and me. He got a job in the great city of Seattle! What's so inspiring about his story is that he came with $10 in his pocket to visit me and apply for jobs over here. I always applaud friends who go against the "conventional" way of doing things. Moving to a new state (just because) and leaving your belongings at home to start fresh. We write our own life stories; Complicated and layered works of art (I'm blessed to write my story alongside with Anthony). Why follow a script? Don't worry about not following protocol. It's okay to go off the beaten path. It's okay to try something new. It's okay to live your life how you want to. I've always loved Baz Luhrmann's song Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen) - it's a great reminder to living.  

"Don’t worry about the future; or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubblegum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind; the kind that blindside you at 4pm on some idle Tuesday."

So go out and enjoy your weekend! Be you. Be inspired. Create. And Stephen, congratulations on your new job! I'm hoping one day you'll have your own reserved parking spot similar to this sign. 

Colors. Shots. And Angles. Oh My!

Before you think this is a post about praising Shakira...it's not (because that's an entire entry on its own, just kidding!) Yesterday I came across her music video for her latest single, Addicted To You. The song was naturally amazing, but I found myself analyzing her video differently. You see, before venturing into my photography business fully, I would only listen to a song and judge it based on whether or not it made my hips move (I LOVE dancing, in case you didn't know). So as I'm watching and listening to her music video, I am completely captivated by the colors, tints, shots, poses, angle the scenes were shot at, EVERYTHING but the rhythm (because with Shakira I know it's always going to be a hit). Never before had I been interested in such detail. Ever. Now things are changing because I've changed the way I look at the world around me - I'm constantly looking for inspiration to help establish my brand. Who knew Shakira's music video could have that effect on me? HA! Anyway, here are a few shots from her video that really inspire me. If I didn't know these pictures came from her music video, I would have just assumed these were for some photo shoot she did. But nope! Straight from her video! 

The details! The shots! The angles! The femininity! The colors! It gets me every time!! Stick around this week because I'll be featuring The Lind Family's session!!! 

Refined Beauty

Before we begin, I must ask you to play this song as you read this post. It's just so beautiful to pass up!



Well it's happening again. This burning desire to create more. To do more. Most of my day consists of scouring the net in search of inspiration, education, and something fresh. The problem now is that it's all in my head. These ideas I have. But I haven't executed them. I want to. I need to. There is no excuse. These next few images give me goosebumps. There is so much beauty! They are very minimal in context - but have a huge impact on me. And that is what I strive for in my photography. Refined beauty. This yearning to be more as a photographer - I can feel it. 

Rainy Friday

Living on your own can be really boring. Like INSANELY boring. It took me three hours just to get out of bed this morning. Three. Tres. The main reason why it's so boring (at least for me) is because I have nobody to talk to in person. Nobody to "play" with, if you will. If you know me well enough, you know I love to be crazy. And just talk talk talk. Turn conversations into songs. Be loud, ridiculous, unpredictable, and careless. Every action I do ends with my mum sighing to herself, "Ay Lisa, where do you come up with these things?!" or my favorite, "LISA!" (in a Mexican tone) when I get really out of hand. I can't do these things without an audience. And if you ever do see me carry on a conversation with myself...please call for help. It's probably not healthy. 

So now that you understand why I am so bored while Anthony is away, you might be asking yourself - "well, you have a computer to surf the web and all that jazz, why not just surf?" And to you I say, "because I am bored of the internet as well." GASP! I know, write that in my baby book. You might also be thinking, "go outside! Take pictures. That's what photographers do!" Well my friends, it was raining today. No surprise there. So instead of those suggestions, I pulled out my books and just enjoyed the pictures. Got inspired. And dreamed big. 

These are the shoes I wore (out) on our wedding day. The soles of my shoes simply could not keep up with the energy I had that night. What a riot/party that was! Merengue, hip-hop, and salsa. (I am certain I got this dance craze from my grandma.) You can't go wrong with that kind of playlist. Trust me! I can't believe it's already going to be a year since we said "I do!"

Our Wedding Photographer: Shauna Maness

Lastly, this is more of a personal note for my stubborn husband who "enjoys" stomach pain, apparently. But I still love you, Anthony. Time to come home now...you've had your share of fun.

Thankfully my parents are coming to visit next week! Real people. Yay! Until then, have a great weekend! :) 

Business Cards

Today I'll be attending the "Pricing, Process, and Profit" workshop in Seattle. I'm really excited because it's my "first" professional workshop. HOWEVER, when I got my confirmation email last night, I sort of panicked... what should have been an easy task, turned into a  day's long design session. 

The email popped up and advised us to bring 3 things tonight:

1. Pen                                 (check)

2. Paper                             (check)

3. Business Cards        (oh..snap!)

Number 3 is what got me! So off to the design board I went. Here is what I found - and hope to put together in a nice, clean, modern way. Obviously tonight's version of my cards won't be as ambitious, but I've still got some ideas up my sleeve. Gotta' represent! Wha-wha!

Left Images: Seven Swans Wedding Stationary
Top Right: Shop Around Graphic Design
Book Cover: November 22, 1963