I will no longer be using this blog for business purposes.
I want to save my posts here, for memory's sake, but will no longer be blogging about my business in this format. After 7 years of running my photography business, I am taking a step back. I have found that working full-time is not conducive to being a homeschooling mom, and right now that is my priority.
Thank you for 7 wonderful years, Reno :)
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Humbled
Tonight, I am sitting in the quiet of my home. Every sleepy head is sleeping, and I'm taking a break, resting up for a very busy week.
I have been so moved by this blog post by photographer Deb Schwedhelm, tonight.
Majorly moved. We're talking tears on the keyboard.
I'm left to sit here, in the silence and think about the importance of a mom's presence within her family.
We all struggle in our own unique ways. We look in the mirror and grimace at the sight of ourselves. We resent the work we do. We tire of the mundane nature of our role as a wife and mom. But tonight I am humbled by the story of Kirsten Sandstrom and the stories of others whose time with their babies was all too short. Tonight, I'm going to let go of those little self-criticisms, and bitter feelings.
It's so easy to look at a photograph of yourself and point out the problems. You forget that the photograph tells so much more about the wife, mother, and WOMAN you are, than the size of your thighs, or how long it's been since you've seen the hair stylist. Every little part of you (and of me, too!) is loved. In some way, even the things I'd prefer not to look at, are lovable and beautiful to the people who love me.
As I've thought this through, I've come to this conclusion: Avoiding being photographed doesn't make me invisible, it doesn't make anyone see any less of my roots, or thigh-size. It just makes me a smaller dot on the map of my own family history.
Time is short and to quote Deb Schwedhelm's blog: "In 20 years, your children are not going to say, 'I really love this photo of my family, but I wish my mom had waited until she lost some weight'."
This is not a sales pitch. It's a call to action.
Please don't shy away from the camera anymore. Let your beauty shine through your imperfections. Look into the camera, and smile your happiest smile. Hand the camera to someone and ask them to take a photo of you with your kids. When you look at the photo don't dwell on anything bad. Admire the good and move on.
Memories are important and we just don't get a second chance to make them.
In closing I would like to share a photograph of myself - thighs and all - with my lovely family, who love me everyday.
Goodnight, friends.
I have been so moved by this blog post by photographer Deb Schwedhelm, tonight.
Majorly moved. We're talking tears on the keyboard.
I'm left to sit here, in the silence and think about the importance of a mom's presence within her family.
We all struggle in our own unique ways. We look in the mirror and grimace at the sight of ourselves. We resent the work we do. We tire of the mundane nature of our role as a wife and mom. But tonight I am humbled by the story of Kirsten Sandstrom and the stories of others whose time with their babies was all too short. Tonight, I'm going to let go of those little self-criticisms, and bitter feelings.
It's so easy to look at a photograph of yourself and point out the problems. You forget that the photograph tells so much more about the wife, mother, and WOMAN you are, than the size of your thighs, or how long it's been since you've seen the hair stylist. Every little part of you (and of me, too!) is loved. In some way, even the things I'd prefer not to look at, are lovable and beautiful to the people who love me.
As I've thought this through, I've come to this conclusion: Avoiding being photographed doesn't make me invisible, it doesn't make anyone see any less of my roots, or thigh-size. It just makes me a smaller dot on the map of my own family history.
Time is short and to quote Deb Schwedhelm's blog: "In 20 years, your children are not going to say, 'I really love this photo of my family, but I wish my mom had waited until she lost some weight'."
This is not a sales pitch. It's a call to action.
Please don't shy away from the camera anymore. Let your beauty shine through your imperfections. Look into the camera, and smile your happiest smile. Hand the camera to someone and ask them to take a photo of you with your kids. When you look at the photo don't dwell on anything bad. Admire the good and move on.
Memories are important and we just don't get a second chance to make them.
In closing I would like to share a photograph of myself - thighs and all - with my lovely family, who love me everyday.
Goodnight, friends.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Busy Season
That whole busy season is starting to come down on me. This is the time of year, where I start to think that it's almost Christmas time, because I realize I don't have any free time until Christmas time. Heh.
That said, I suppose it would be appropriate to announce here that, except for mini sessions, I am completely booked through mid-July. If you want a summer session, call soon. If you want a fall session, you can book that now, too. Since I've stepped back my availability and taken on some weddings things are going to be a bit different this year.
I'll finalize the July beach mini session plan very soon, too, so that those of you who are interested can book that as well.
Now for the good stuff!
Dancey portraits of my sweet girl:
A baby plan 6-month-er. SO DELICIOUSLY CHUBBY! :)
And finally - head to the wedding blog to see more of this engagement session:
That said, I suppose it would be appropriate to announce here that, except for mini sessions, I am completely booked through mid-July. If you want a summer session, call soon. If you want a fall session, you can book that now, too. Since I've stepped back my availability and taken on some weddings things are going to be a bit different this year.
I'll finalize the July beach mini session plan very soon, too, so that those of you who are interested can book that as well.
Now for the good stuff!
Dancey portraits of my sweet girl:
A baby plan 6-month-er. SO DELICIOUSLY CHUBBY! :)
And finally - head to the wedding blog to see more of this engagement session:
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Somewhat homebound
Ah! Car troubles are . . . troublesome. Aren't they? Our old friend Cooper is in the shop FOR THE SECOND TIME IN A MONTH. I'm not overly amused. But I will live. I'll get a lot of computer work done! Maybe I'll even venture into the realm of Spring Cleaning. Should be lots of fun.
For now, I'm pretending that I'm stuck at home because of a volcano in Iceland. It makes the whole thing seem a lot more adventurous.
I've been having lots of fun doing fun springy photos. Lots of surprise Mother's Day and Father's Day sessions! Which of course I can't post any sneak peeks from BECAUSE IT WOULD RUIN THE SURPRISE!
But mentioning it does give me a good opportunity to mention to you that Now Is The Time to book, if you'd like prints for Mother's Day. You can use your Mother's Day photos for Father's Day gifts, too!
It's also First Communion season, and I finally got an opportunity to photograph a couple of adorable little ones on the morning they celebrated their First Communion. Here they are:
Portraits for a family with baby #3 on the way!
and a little peek of a wedding album I recently delivered:
An album like this is available at any time - not just for Brides and Grooms. I recently did a similar album for a newborn session, I've done albums with several years of family photos, and for baby plan clients at the completion of their baby's first year.
A couple visitors to my house who insisted they be photographed, okay, I insisted . . . you know how it is:
And finally, for fun, a few odds and ends:
For now, I'm pretending that I'm stuck at home because of a volcano in Iceland. It makes the whole thing seem a lot more adventurous.
I've been having lots of fun doing fun springy photos. Lots of surprise Mother's Day and Father's Day sessions! Which of course I can't post any sneak peeks from BECAUSE IT WOULD RUIN THE SURPRISE!
But mentioning it does give me a good opportunity to mention to you that Now Is The Time to book, if you'd like prints for Mother's Day. You can use your Mother's Day photos for Father's Day gifts, too!
It's also First Communion season, and I finally got an opportunity to photograph a couple of adorable little ones on the morning they celebrated their First Communion. Here they are:
Portraits for a family with baby #3 on the way!
and a little peek of a wedding album I recently delivered:
An album like this is available at any time - not just for Brides and Grooms. I recently did a similar album for a newborn session, I've done albums with several years of family photos, and for baby plan clients at the completion of their baby's first year.
A couple visitors to my house who insisted they be photographed, okay, I insisted . . . you know how it is:
And finally, for fun, a few odds and ends:
Monday, March 08, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Minor change of plans
Hi There!
This weekend's snow sessions will be IN TOWN. Call me if you're interested :)
This weekend's snow sessions will be IN TOWN. Call me if you're interested :)
Monday, February 22, 2010
Laid Up and Snowed In
I guess I should begin at the beginning.
That would be Wednesday the 17th - all beautiful and warm - the kind of day that makes you happy to live in this great little town. We took our pup to the marina for the first time and decided we'd blow off our nights' plans to stay home and enjoy dinner and a movie as a family.
When we got home the kids got their bikes out and went for a ride. I had gone out to check on them twice, and thought I'd call them in, in just a couple of minutes. I was preparing to cook dinner and Drew went out to the store, to fill a few empty spaces in our pantry.
I had the TV on, and hit pause to listen more closely to what sounded like crying outside. "No, more like screaming." I waited half a second. "Yes, that's definitely screaming". I started to walk to the front of the house to investigate. Then started to run when it didn't seem to be stopping.
I got to our entry way right as my frantic, horrified daughter got to the porch. My son had been hit by a car at the foot of our neighbor's driveway. He was alert, but probably pretty shocked at what had just happened. He had a bloodied mouth and said his shoulder hurt. The police, firemen and ambulance came - and we took a ride to Renown Trauma Center where he was diagnosed with a broken collar bone. He also had the gnarliest fat lip I've ever seen and lots of scrapes and bruises.
It wasn't until we got to the hospital that it really sunk in how lucky we were. All I can say is that I am SO EXTREMELY GRATEFUL that he'll heal and be back to himself before too long.
(On the mend, staying close to the couch, watching lots of bobsled, planning his future as an Olympian)
As you can imagine we've been staying close to home, doing lots of resting and napping and Olympics watching. On Sunday we did have plans to attend church, but that was about it.
Then on Saturday night, we watched the snow as it collected out back.
And out front.
My inner child demanded that the children (along with a friend who came to spend the night) come outside with me for a moment to catch snowflakes and admire the silent, snowy night.
It snowed all night without stopping - and all morning too. I measured Sunday afternoon and we had 19" in our backyard.
Now to the task of getting myself back to routine.
I've been taking it easy on myself these past few days, but I'll be catching up this week. I am still planning for snow sessions this weekend, if anyone is interested.
I'll keep it brief. I have a couple of positive confirmed participants, and could take 1-2 more.
If you are interested in having snow portraits done this weekend call me up. I'm here, fluffing pillows and practicing my skills as the deciding TV-show-vote. What will it be Hannah Montana or Women's Biathlon?
My phone is nearby, and I am usually free to answer.
I have a fair number of you out there who have orders to place or little strands of unfinished business to tie up. You can call me, too, if you'd like. I have appointment availability next week, if you need to meet with me. Your galleries should be open, if you have one. Call me and I'll open it up, if it isn't.
And finally: Living and running a business here in Reno is such a blessing. You, my clients and friends, have offered me such comfort and encouragement this week. I am thankful for each of you, for your kindness, concern, and loving words. You mean the world to me and to our family.
That would be Wednesday the 17th - all beautiful and warm - the kind of day that makes you happy to live in this great little town. We took our pup to the marina for the first time and decided we'd blow off our nights' plans to stay home and enjoy dinner and a movie as a family.
When we got home the kids got their bikes out and went for a ride. I had gone out to check on them twice, and thought I'd call them in, in just a couple of minutes. I was preparing to cook dinner and Drew went out to the store, to fill a few empty spaces in our pantry.
I had the TV on, and hit pause to listen more closely to what sounded like crying outside. "No, more like screaming." I waited half a second. "Yes, that's definitely screaming". I started to walk to the front of the house to investigate. Then started to run when it didn't seem to be stopping.
I got to our entry way right as my frantic, horrified daughter got to the porch. My son had been hit by a car at the foot of our neighbor's driveway. He was alert, but probably pretty shocked at what had just happened. He had a bloodied mouth and said his shoulder hurt. The police, firemen and ambulance came - and we took a ride to Renown Trauma Center where he was diagnosed with a broken collar bone. He also had the gnarliest fat lip I've ever seen and lots of scrapes and bruises.
It wasn't until we got to the hospital that it really sunk in how lucky we were. All I can say is that I am SO EXTREMELY GRATEFUL that he'll heal and be back to himself before too long.
(On the mend, staying close to the couch, watching lots of bobsled, planning his future as an Olympian)
As you can imagine we've been staying close to home, doing lots of resting and napping and Olympics watching. On Sunday we did have plans to attend church, but that was about it.
Then on Saturday night, we watched the snow as it collected out back.
And out front.
My inner child demanded that the children (along with a friend who came to spend the night) come outside with me for a moment to catch snowflakes and admire the silent, snowy night.
It snowed all night without stopping - and all morning too. I measured Sunday afternoon and we had 19" in our backyard.
Now to the task of getting myself back to routine.
I've been taking it easy on myself these past few days, but I'll be catching up this week. I am still planning for snow sessions this weekend, if anyone is interested.
I'll keep it brief. I have a couple of positive confirmed participants, and could take 1-2 more.
If you are interested in having snow portraits done this weekend call me up. I'm here, fluffing pillows and practicing my skills as the deciding TV-show-vote. What will it be Hannah Montana or Women's Biathlon?
My phone is nearby, and I am usually free to answer.
I have a fair number of you out there who have orders to place or little strands of unfinished business to tie up. You can call me, too, if you'd like. I have appointment availability next week, if you need to meet with me. Your galleries should be open, if you have one. Call me and I'll open it up, if it isn't.
And finally: Living and running a business here in Reno is such a blessing. You, my clients and friends, have offered me such comfort and encouragement this week. I am thankful for each of you, for your kindness, concern, and loving words. You mean the world to me and to our family.
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