The New Studio

I am now officially in the new studio! 1100 square feet of shooting space! Sara and I went in last night to shoot some fun headshots using all the silly hats and wigs that I have.

Yummy Couch

I did a bunch of freelance work for Citiscapes last week. They are working on their home and garden issue and I had to go around photographing different furniture stores. I ran across this couch as I was leaving the store and fell in love. I grabbed a quickie snapshot ...I had already put my flash and tripod away but grabbed this shot on the way out the door. Doug and I are seriously considering purchasing this couch. It looks perfect.

Boudoir!

I am currently working on some sample boudoir albums to keep at the studio. As I was working on some images for the book, I thought I'd go ahead and post a few more before/after images. The images show how I've corrected coloring, smoothed skin, de-wrinkled, got rid of dirt spots and cropped!

I've booked more boudoir shoots for February and have them booked into March! Give me a call ladies! You won't be disappointed! :-)

All over the place

I shot the centerfold for ONDA OK magazine again. Lots of fun!

Booked 2 more boudoir shoots today...I'm so excited to photograph these in the next coming weeks! It will be fun!

Today I spent all day photographing different furniture stores from Rogers to Fayetteville. I was shooting for Citiscapes magazine.

I booked another wedding with Janet.

AND.......we finally moved into the new studio space in Fayetteville. 1100 square feet of yummy space! Hardwood floors, track lighting, new paint and furniture! I have a big shipment of some awesome lights coming in. My way cool metallic backdrops just arrived! I can't wait to play with all the new goodies!

Snow day at school

It snowed/iced yesterday and school was cancelled for Amelia. We woke up this morning and school was cancelled fo her again. Anytime we get a snowflake, school is cancelled. Anyways, I brought Amelia to school with me today. I only had 2 classes today but we still had a lot of fun. She brought along markers and paper as well as her Nintendo DS. I kinda wanted to play Nintendo instead of take notes! HA!


Waiting at the bus stop....Amelia is saying "hey, when's that bus gonna get here???!!!"


Here we are on our way to my 1st class - world literature 2.


We are having lunch at RZ's on campus....Amelia having her yummy Chick-fil-A and what is that we see behind us? Someone tell her that it is freezing cold outside!!!




Sara and I at lunch acting silly.


Finally! On the bus going home!!


We bought a new flat screen TV. 52 inches of sports bliss for Doug. The Wii is hooked up and we are hooked to the new addiction of the big screen.


Doug brought me 2 dozen roses again...just because. He is too sweet. He's still my charmer.

I couldn't have said it better!

My friend Michelle wrote a blog:

http://www.echoesbleeding.com/

"Coming to grips"

I couldn't have said it better. Women are so worried about being sooooooo thin, perfect, etc.

When are magazines going to start featuring REAL women?? I mean....really!

Funny

Did I mention that the roller girls rock?

Funny of the day:
Mom Test
I was out walking with my 4 year old daughter. She picked up something off the ground
and started to put it in her mouth. I took the item away from her and I asked her
not to do that. "Why?" my daughter asked.
"Because it's been on the ground, you don't know where it's been,
it's dirty, and probably has germs," I replied. At t his point, my daughter
looked at me with total admiration and asked, "Momma, how do you know all
this stuff, you are so smart."
I was thinking quickly. "All moms know this stuff. It's on the Mom Test.
You have to know it, or they don't let you be a Mom."
We walked along in silence for 2 or 3 minutes, but she was evidently pondering this new information.
"OH...I get it!" she beamed, "So if you don't pass the test you
have to be the dad."
''Exactly," I replied back with a big smile on my face. When you're
finished laughing, send this to a Mom

Absurdity's

I swear....the changes in weather are bringing the strangest absurdity's and happenings. A few ramblings.....Oh man, actually I have too much to list out!

Roller girls ROCK out!!!

Bus stories. Ah yes, I posted this blog on my personal myspace page. Riding the bus proves to be really interesting. The stories are crazy. I wonder about people.

My flashes went haywire at the roller girls shoot. Is it in the weather? So now I need to take them in & find out why they are flash-a-licious.

I counted my philosophy teacher say the word "right. right?" 105 times today. I started 20 minutes into the lecture so had I counted the entire time, I think the count would of been more like 150+ times. On Wednesday I am going to count how many times she says "so" - oh my. This is going to be a long semester in this class.

Tartuffe by Molière is an incredible read. I haven't laughed so hard reading for a class!

Doug's surgery was postponed today as the doctor was held up at the airport in California. It's probably a good thing since he came down with the nastiest flu. The flu sucks. I hope Amelia and I can avoid it. I've pumped her full of orange juice and airborne. We shall see.

Chocolate brown paint looks yummy, eating it is not advised. The new studio has a client meeting space and the walls are now chocolate brown. Makes me wanna eat chocolate in that room. I'll post images soon!

Funniest line I have heard in 07/08 - "I am a christian woman, my church group of women would back me up." Hey yo - there's a lot of christians in jail and a lot of christian crooks. And being a christian means?? (hey, I'm a christian folks but I don't use that word when coming to my own defense!) Aren't Christians supposed to turn the other cheek? Love thy neighbor and all that good stuff? yeah....I thought so!

And finally.......Colleen........might beat me in the Harrington card game at school....but will she beat me with the book I purchase to have autographed?? Hmmm??? Let's see how far this game can go Colleeeeeen.......it's on!

I won!

I just received a letter today from the 28th annual college photography contest!!!

Over 4,000 students participated from the US, Canada and around the world. 5% of all submitted entries to be in the finalist group.

We are pleased to inform you that your entry is in the finalist selection group. Winners and honorable mentions will be notified by mail by Feb 18.

The editors of Photographers forum magazine are now publishing all the contest finalists in the Best of College Photography Annual 2008. Because you are a finalist, your work will appear in this year's annual.

YAY!!!!!!!!!! I am a finalist. I am on cloud 9!

I haven't really entered any contests before....maybe I should start doing that. I've won two 1st places with the PSNWA....but nothing this big! Out of 4,000+ entries!! OMG! I am so proud! :-)

Photos from Dan Murphy Shoot

Here are photos from my photoshoot last night with Dan Murphy.

Being on the other side of the camera.

This is an old image of me...taken in 2003 or 2004. I can't remember.

It has been quite a long time since I've been on the other side of the camera. I've been so busy shooting weddings and boudoir sittings that I have forgotten what it's like to be on the other side! I got to shoot with Dan Murphy this evening at his studio. I lugged in all of my costuming, shoes, accessories and make-up....but this time I did not have to bring my cameras. It was an odd feeling. I did a Sarah Brightman inspired photoshoot but then we did some really different stuff in the crazy basement. I cannot wait to see those images.
It was a really great reminder of what it's like to be in front of the camera. It helped me to remember what my clients may be feeling and what it's like to be standing there under studio lights.

Images from Dan...coming soon!

Back in school

Here's a pic of me and Colleen from a 3D class. She's in Art Survey 2 with me this semester. We laughed a lot in class today....because there are only 12 "survivors" to part 2 of this class and the rest were newbies and they all looked like deer in headlight. It was great.

I have World Lit. 2, Philosophy of Art, Graphics Design 1, and Art Survey 2. Nothing too exciting. I'm not thrilled about philosophy because my philosophy is: who cares. I know...that sounds so negative but really....art is art and you interpret it the way you see it. I don't know....I'll get thru it, though. Not thrilled at all. Can ya tell? Anyways I'm excited about graphic design because I'll learn more about illustrator and in-design. I'm still not very proficient with those 2 programs. I love -LOVE- photoshop and we'll be starting with that so I know I will zip right through it. I really want to learn illustrator badly. Duane came over and worked on a logo today in illustrator and he had it done in 15 minutes. I need to learn how to do that, too. Next semester I am taking Web design 1. I can't wait!!!! And I'll probably end up with graphic design 2 and hopefully sculpture 1 and some boring science class or something I have no interest in. Ah, the joys of classes you don't want to take! HA!

Well I am going to Virginia and to Chicago in June for weddings. I've never been to Virginia....I'm pretty excited because the venue is FABULOUS!!! I will be there a whole week. Now I need to find someone to go with me. Doug isn't too interested in using precious vacation time for Virginia.

New Dance Studio - Open House Party!

Here is cutie Madison!

I got to photograph the ever so cute Madison yesterday! She is 3 months old and a doll!!!

Achieving goals for 2008

Image by Colleeeen!

I don't do New Years resolutions. I make goals and try to achieve them.

I made a list:

--Purchase another camera, because I have a lot more weddings to shoot.
**OH ding ding ding** I purchased a new camera today! YAY! And I'm about to purchase 3 more alien bees, 30x60 softbox, and the way cool vagabond battery pack.

--Invest invest, invest
**Ding, ding, done! People, this is IMPORTANT. For those reading this - even if you don't have much to invest - all it takes is like $250, even less! Do it now & keep adding every month!**

--Establish my major in school and stick to it. It changes every day. I want to do visual design, sculpture, set design and costume design. I want to do it all!
**Ah yes, I need to get with a person on campus who can direct me in the right direction - I'll be making that appointment when I'm back on campus**

--Go to Florida and talk with the Disney recruiting offices & find out what they look for in potential candidates for employment.
** Ah yes, another cool goal! Doug & I are planning a trip to Orlando for this year!**

--Learn how to sew better and make a huge crazy gown to put a model in for a photoshoot.
**Hmmm....I need to do this!! It can't be that hard!**

--Sign Doug up at the hper for our workouts
**It's only $18 a semester for him to join! Cool!**

--Be involved in some kind of charity event
**I need to get back into fund raising for people. I love that kind of thing!**

--Have some kind of functioning, 1/2 way working communciation with my ex.
**My goal is to somehow have a somewhat 1/2 functioning parental something with my ex. They interpret is as me wanting to be friends or be with my ex (YUCK!) but I'm just trying to show our daughter that we CAN be her parents. It's a shame. It may take until 2018, hopefully not.**

Why is buying a car a pain?

So I went looking at cars. I test drove some sweet acuras after hunting down a salesperson. Then I went to about 7 more lots and not one person would come out to help. I want the salesman to bother me. I want to ask all the questions. I want to tell them "don't give me a sales pitch, the car will sell itself." I like saying that. Well...maybe it was cold last week and the salesmen were being dummies. The last lot I pulled into, I sat there forever and no help. So I dialed 411 and got the number. I called them up and said "do you not want to sell a car????" After telling the saleman he was lot #7 of NO help, I decided to call and gripe. I told him I wasn't gonna go back that day but maybe the next because I saw a Mazda6 that I wanted. Well I went back the next day....car is gone. DANG IT! Well the salesman says "it's getting detailed" and then he asks me to drive him down there so I can see it. I do...and the car is NOT there. The detailers drove it back to the lot as I was driving the salesman to the detailer. I said "forget it. I give up." And so I did. I gave up. Forget it. I haven't had a car payment in about 12 years. I have an old 1995 Honda, but she has been so good to me! That car just keeps going.

I went looking for a new car because I have booked all these weddings in Little Rock and further out. I figured I'd either just rent a car or pay someone to drive me in their nice car. HA! I may go look at one more lot....one that I haven't been to yet. And if I get no service, I truly give up on my search.

Happy New Years!

I went to the Blue Masquerade Ball last night to ring in the new year. It was so much fun!
I am the queen of makeup and hair......muah ha ha ha ha!!!!! I LOVE to do crazy hair and makeup!

My horoscope

This one is mine:
PISCES - The Partner for Life

Caring and kind. Smart. Center of attention. Messy at times and irresponsible! Smart but lazy. High appeal. Has the last word. Good to find, hard to keep. Passionate, wonderful lovers. Fun to be around. Too trusting at times and gets hurt easily. Lover of animals. VERY caring, make wonderful nurses or doctors. They always try to do the right thing sometimes get the short end of the stick. They sometimes get used by others and hurt because of their trusting. Extremely weird but in a good way. Good Sense of Humor!!! Thoughtful. Always gets what he or she wants. Loves to joke. Very popular. Silly, fun and sweet. Good friend to other but need to be choosy on who they allow their friends to be.

Pisceans are interested in everything that isn't quite real: illusion and disillusionment, fantasy, drama, emotion, art, and spirituality. So any date that involves the arts, from painting together to attending the theater, will make your Pisces smile. Romance will be appreciated by this Sign, so try a beach picnic with wine and cheese or high-tea in a garden. Whatever you do, put a little magic into your date - creating the right mood will romance your Piscean more than any money you spend.

Oh my...it is almost right on! This line says it all: Too trusting at times and gets hurt easily. That has happened to me more times that I want to count. I am WAY to trusting. And I get used a lot because of my trust. And yeah...."magic" of dates with Doug, emotions, art, etc.......that is so me! LOL


This one is Doug:

GEMINI - The Twin (Doug is a twin! Crazy!)

Nice. Love is one of a kind. Great listeners Very Good at confusing people... Lover not a fighter, but will still knock you out. Gemini's will not take any crap from anyone. Gemini's like to tell people what they should do and get offended easily. They are great at losing things and are forgetful. Gemini's can be very sarcastic and childish at times, and are very nosey. Trustworthy. Always happy. VERY Loud. Talkative. Outgoing. VERY FORGIVING. Loves to make out. Has a beautiful smile. Generous. Strong. THE MOST IRRESISTIBLE.

This is so Doug! Gemini's will not take any crap from anyone -- that is SO Doug!! After comparing the two - we are a match made in heaven! His love is definitely one of a kind. I've never experienced anything like it before.

Oh....holidays

Although this is the 2nd year in a row that I did not get my daughter for Christmas...I made the best of it. My ex knew the custody papers got screwed up but did he care? Nope. I was pretty devestated not to have her this year because I didn't get her last year either. But I believe in the saying of "what goes around, comes around." Doug and I made the best of the situation. We went to see a movie wiht Diana, Jim & his brother - I am Legend - It was pretty good but not a favorite for me. It was kind of a scary movie. After we came home I made green bean casserole and we headed off to Lucy's for fun. A bunch of people were there and my friend Sara and her sister came along. We ate tons of food, played scattegories and then played dirty santa but the key to the game was the gift had to come from your house. It had to be something you wanted to get rid of. OH...I took it to the extreme and packed 2 boxes full of crap! It was HILARIOUS!!! I don't think I ever laughed so hard. It really was a good time despite the fact that I didn't see my girl. There is always next year and Doug and I are planning on taking her on a Disney Cruise for Christmas 2008 or maybe in the summer.

My sweet Doug spoiled me ROTTEN. He got me a diamond necklace from Kay. I need to break out the pro camera with macro lens so I can take a better photo. He also got me a new point & shoot digital camera - Nikon S51 - this way I can keep it in my purse for quick, fun things! He also got me a 19 inch flat screen computer screen. It's a wide screen. I love it! He spoiled me rotten. Amelia got me pink luggage.

My parents got me a gift card to walmart and a digital photo keychain that plays 60 photos. How cool is that? Doug's mom got me a candle and a nice gift card to Hobby Lobby. I love that place! Really, I got a lot of stuff.....I'm entirely blessed and loved by many.