Adversity adshmersity

I haven't felt well all week, hence the long silence, but I have gotten more emails from friends and clients that keep me getting out of bed every day.

One in particular that stands out was from a friend who sent me a link to the Erik Weihenmayer Commencement Address from May 22, 2011.  He is the blind mountain climber who conquered Mt. Everest.

This is what my friend writes:
I can't even tell you why, but I thought of you when I read this.  I think it's the whole "dig in your heels" part.  I know this pregnancy has taken you by surprise & it's been hard to get used to the idea of having 4 kids, but I also know you're strong & you'll definitely put on your big-girl pants & you'll probably even make it look easy.  Anyway, it takes a few minutes to read this, but it's worth it.  Erik Weihenmayer is one of my very favorite people in the world. 

You can check it out here.


I hope she doesn't mind that I posted this, but I just wanted to let her know how much it has helped me put things in perspective.


Now, I am off to my ultrasound and then a weekend full of family time at the lake as well as a wedding to shoot too.


Have a great weekend everyone!  I hope to be back with a vengeance.  

Music to my ears

I have been waiting and waiting for weeks now.  Patiently and diligently checking the mail daily, but I kept coming up empty.  Finally, the day came.  Yesterday.  I ripped open the letter, took a deep breath and read fast and furiously...

"On behalf of the Professional Photographic Certification Commission, I'd like to extend our congratulations to you on passing your Image Submission Review."

Woot. Woot.  I did a happy dance.  

This means I am one half of the way towards becoming a Certified Professional Photographer.  A month ago I submitted twenty images to the review board of Master Photographers for approval.  They were judged based on "good technique in quality of light (direction and exposure), the surroundings around the subject (is the background too bright?), and composition (are the subjects too crowded at the top? Are they too centered?) and if the photographer knows what they are doing."  There had to be an even mix of portraits as well as wedding images (based on the percentage of what I have based my business on) both candid and formal which display that the photographer is "in control."  It was very hard to choose the images to submit.

Now, to start studying for the written exam...ugh.  The test is designed to see if you know your light ratios and the inverse square law.  Did you know there was so much math involved in photography?  It also challenges you in: CAMERA, LENSES AND ATTACHMENTS (15%), COMPOSITION AND DESIGN (17%), DIGITAL POST PRODUCTION (13%), EXPOSURE AND METERS (20%), FILM, DIGITAL CAPTURE, AND OUTPUT (15%), and LIGHTING (20%).  Sounds intriguing, doesn't it?  I think there is such a misconception that photography is so easy.  Well, it is when you buy a nice camera and let it take the photos for you ;)  And that is what my workshop is all about -- there are a few seats left for June 17th (nice shameless plug, huh?).

The purpose of certification is to prove a photographer has excellent knowledge of the various techniques that a professional has to master to survive in this business in the long term.  Plus you get to put the initials "CPP" after your name ;)

Someone else who shares my love for photography is Melissa.  She has been an amazing supporter of my business since its inception over four years ago.  It doesn't hurt that she and her husband, Christian, have given me three beautiful girls to photograph.

Poor Caitlin would not look up because it was too bright...ha ha.  But she still manages to look adorable.

Plus she just wanted to eat my sign.

Elizabeth is just a few days older than Brynn, so we celebrated her 5th birthday this day.

And sweet Mia.  Such a dolly.

The big girls.

They can rock the Matilda Jane with the best of 'em.

I love them because they think I am funny.

So fun!!!  Love you girls!

Like a good neighbor...

We found a house.  The journey has been long and emotional, but this is it.  It comes not a moment too soon too -- the house we are renting just got a contract on it, so we would have been out on the street anyway.  I will share more details as they unfold.

We are going to have some great neighbors and amazingly we will be just around the corner from my sister and her family.  Our new next door neighbors already made us a delicious taco dinner (to sympathize for my lack of cooking for my family these days).  Carla, you have set the bar quite high for our expectations when we move in...and we need more of those oatmeal raisin cookies too ;)

Turns out this "eating for three" thing isn't really all it is cracked up to be.  I am ravenous 24-7, but unfortunately, nothing sounds good to eat.  The good news is I have been craving healthy things...fruit, cereal, red meat, veggies, but the bad part is I get sick of eating them in the middle of my meal and I just can't take one more bite without the urge to vomit everywhere.  And I can't seem to get my hands on any green grapes lately...turns out, just my luck, there is a national shortage and no one has any!  I am salivating just thinking about getting my hands on some cold, crisp, juicy green grapes.  Mmmm.

I have been shooting a lot lately which helps take my mind off of how lousy I have been feeling.  If you are thinking about booking a session, let's do it, it makes me feel better to be busy.

Here is another session that was just what the doctor ordered:

Grayson is so the man.  He is three months old now and such a little gentleman and so cooperative.

I asked him to channel his inner "George Costanza" and this is what I got.  I think he may have a future in the performing arts, what about you?

I just love baby parts.

And you can't beat a mama's love.

A little drool never hurts too.

I promise to get better at blogging more frequently.  I should start feeling better any day now and hopefully I can start enjoying this pregnancy and my life again.  xoxo

Growing like a weed

Per several requests...here are some recent snaps of Miss Haddie Paige, my niece.  She is 2 1/2 months old now and cute than ever.

Happy Monday!

All smiles

I thought I posted this post last Thursday...complete with commentary and funny anecdotes (if I do say so myself) and come to find out yesterday it was GONE.  Completely MIA.  I have no idea where it went or what it said.  I blame my prego brain for that.  It is seriously twice as bad this time around and getting worse...so bear with me.

I hope you had a great time at Prom and good luck with the last few weeks of your senior year!!

New Workshop date

Friday, June 17th will be the next "What you didn't know, you didn't know about photography" Workshop.  10am-2pm in Geneva.  More information than you can shake a stick at.  Be there or be square. $129 and that includes lunch and lattes. Email me if would like to reserve your seat.
Have a great day!

5 years old???

Where does the time go?

Moms, it sure goes by fast, doesn't it?