Keepin' it Real

Let's talk about this phenomenal workshop I was fortunate enough to help with: "Keepin' it' Real." On the last day of the workshop, we get a chance to beef up our portfolio. These are some of the pictures that I was able to take of such amazing children. There were many more, but I only wanted to show a few. Here they are - so deal with it!



These two girls are so cute! I've had the opportunity to babysit for the older one. Only once, so I'm not sure that says much about my skills. Hopefully, my photography skills are much better and I will get to shoot them again. By the way, the oldest gave the photographers the "what for" and I loved it. I could only get these shots once she was bribed with chips. Stay strong, sista!

Gorgeous! I loved shooting this chica. I could have sworn she has been watching America's Next Top Model. She definitely knew how to find the light. Before posting this I sent it to my "mentor", she told me that my focus was set on the fence and not the eyes. I wanted to post it anyways because this journal is all about what I am learning. I am now learning to use my selective focal points. Plus, I wanted you all to know that I am always learning how to take better pics. Thanks for all the tips - you know who you are.

Wally and the Beave! I love, love, love these boys. They too know how to pose. This is one of the shots that I'm most proud of. It was hard to get the shot just right because one is really fair and the other is more olive. But, I think I did it! Thanks for being such great models.

Just FYI, I cannot wait until October - next workshop! For more info, check out http://www.willettedesigns.com/

Haven't left you with any good music lately! So here you go: Postal Service "This place is a Prison."

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Week in the Life (Day 3)

Yes I know I'm one day behind, but it's the weekend. This weekend started out kind of crazy. But its always a good crazy when you can look at yourself and know that you are proud of what you do no matter what other people think about you. "I love money!" This is something one smart person told me. They also said that is why they are in business (oh yeah, and business is good.) This made me realize I LOVE MONEY TOO! There - I said it!

Bar - I needed a good drink after Friday. The place I work for hosted a 3K, and I had to be hoisted up in a lift to film the start of the race. By the way, I hate heights! But the race had a great turn out. Then I went to the New Belmont for a New Castle. It was delish!

I hate pictures of myself, but my friend wanted to turn the camera on me! So here I am (loving every minute of it.) She did a really great job! I changed the picture to grayscale, which I think made it better.

I am assisting at a photography workshop this weekend. Kelly McMahon Willette (www.willettedesigns.com) has graciously let me help her this weekend with her "Keepin' it Real" workshop. It's hosted in a 19th century house. Creeped me the hell out, but I had to get some pictures. This was the scene upstairs. I was all by myself and freakin the eff out, but I wanted to get this shot.

Only one person will know what this means. I saw these numbers on steps and just loved the placement. I love this type of photography. I converted it to grayscale, but not sure that I needed to.

Day 3 - check!

Week in the Life (Day 2)

Alright, day 2 in the "Week in the life" project. I was thinking that this is a little sad because I basically do the same thing every day during the week. Wake up, drive to work, work, school and go home - oh my! Then I realized that sometimes I like to shake it up a bit. And away we go!


Lottery tickets! You can't win if you don't play. So I played and I won! Only two dollar, but I won. I don't play all the time, but I do love to play. I believe that the money goes to education in VA. So you should play and support the kids!

I work at an elementary school and we had to come up with some songs for the kids to sing at graduation. I love music, so this is right up my alley! Cannot wait - it's gonna be good!

This is just something I deal with daily. Most people hate it, but I love it! This is the time where I don't have to talk to anyone if I don't want to. I get me time at least 5 days a week.

Yummmmm! Love this cereal. You cannot beat blueberries. I love Perrier too - except if it sits too long it starts to taste like Alka Seltzer! I usually end up throwing it away 3/4 way through. I know - its a waste, but it keeps me from drinking Diet Pepsi all day!

Day 2 down - 5 more to go! Can't wait to see what goes on tomorrow - it's Friday! I love this project because it forces me to carry my camera all the time. You should try it!

Week in the Life (Day 1)

Let's talk about why I have all of these pictures posted on my blog. I follow Ali Edwards blog http://www.aliedwards.com/, and she posted a blogging challenge called A Week in the Life. And as all of you smart people can figure out it's about all the things that happen during a week in my life. So here are a few pictures that will give you a little insight into how my days roll!


Wow - this picture was suppose to say mom! I think this shows how me and my co-worker think very differently. She was think about Mother's day and I was thinking..."What comes before part B?" (Think about it!)


Yeah, time perpetually escapes me. I hate mornings, but I love that I wake up!

Talk about some good shit! I love Perfectly Franks in Norfolk. So cheap, yet so yummy! Dinner with Jason is always entertaining. I felt weird whipping out my camera in the middle of dinner, but hey its what I do!

Lastly, some of the most unhealthy relationships that I have. Damn my Blackberry! That red light rules my life. I can't stand to let it blink. Also, I am so addicted to Twitter and I have it right at my fingertips with my BB. There's not much I can say about the Skinny Vanilla Latte from Starbucks, but yum! Schoolwork - I've written too many papers this semester! I am so glad it's almost over.

So, here is my day one of The Week in the Life. It is what it is!

Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star

I know I know - three posts in one week. Shits gettin' crazy 'round here. I had to post this one because I am so proud of these pictures. It was 98% me from start to finish. I say only 98% because I use some other eyes to give me feedback about them.

Well my co-worker asked me to take pictures of her baby. She kept reminding me that I promised to take pictures of her daughter. I am so glad she continually reminded because I know that I would have never done it without her pushing. Sometimes that little bit of doubt creeps in and it deters me from doing what I know that I could be good at. So attached are two of my favorite pics that I took of this little one. Let me tell you, Baby Einstein works miracles with her. She will definitely be a rocket scientist if its true about those videos. She is so engaged while watching them that she forgets that anyone is around. Especially someone with a big camera in her face! Thanks again Baby Einstein! You saved my life!

I hope you all enjoy them! I had a blast doing it.

Now on to the teaching portion of the blog. It's okay - don't be scared!

Please look at this blog, beautiful pictures!

http://www.dispatchesfromkansas.com/

And listen to:

Radiohead "High and Dry" \m/ This song calms me down. It's nice to chill to!

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Confederate History Month! Really?

I'm not sure if it was just because I was feeling a little patriotic - you know this being confederate history month and all. Thanks Guvner! Just what we all needed.

Anyways, yesterday I took a trip up to Williamsburg. I have found myself doing this a lot lately. Whenever I just want to get away by myself I find that W'burg is the best place to go. There is no chance that I will run into any of my co-workers or friends. Not that I don't like seeing them, but sometimes you need to get away. It was so beautiful out yesterday and because of this (plus Spring Break) there were so many people out. I was able to walk around a place called "Merchant's Square." I hadn't been there since I was really little-it was great. It's interesting how as you get older the places you remember disliking as a child now seem so different. I guess you really can appreciate much more when you are older. I felt the same way about visiting DC. Try it just once, you'll see.

I saw the pictured band perform yesterday. Are they called a band? I have no clue, but for the sake of this blog let's just call them that. I guess good times in W'burg include playing in a colonial band. To each his own. They were very good and they had a captive audience. Can you say that about yourself?

I'll leave you with some lyrics describing the day:

"Just waking up in the morning; gotta thank God; I don't know, but today seems kinda odd; no barking from the dog; no smog; and momma cooked the breakfast with no hog!"

Thanks Ice Cube! (Today was a good day)

Hmm whose blog should you follow this week:

http://www.rooferonfire.blogspot.com/

I love his blog! So random, but so good!

Music: Dirty Projectors Song: "Stillness is the move"

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A give away for those that like those sort of things

So, I was trying to figure out how this post would fit with the theme of my blog, and I decided that it's my blog and I can put whatever the f*#k I want on my blog. It' mine anyways! So I am entering into this contest on one of my friend's photography website.

I have to post about the giveaway on my blog, so that other poeple have the chance to enter too. See how nice I am to you all. (Yeah, you can thank me later!) Alright, enough with all the love. Enter the contest as many times as you can, the prize is worth it. Here is the website:

http://www.willettedesigns.com/

By the way, she is willing to answer any photography questions you have. But, I am almost certain this happen only if you bring her yummy, delicious cupcakes! At least that's what works for me.

L

Happy Easter! Hope it's eggcellent.

Happy Easter! However you celebrate it, I hope that you have a great day. This picture is less about being creative and more about the holiday! The pictures that I took along with these eggs were great, but they have children in them. My rule: I try not to put kids on the internet. You know what I heard - that someone had their picture on the internet then they went to a foreign country and their picture was used on a billboard. How sick would that be?

Anyways, a short entry isn't usually my style, but I wanted to wish everyone a Happy Easter!

Oh, I almost forgot, yesterday I was able to accompany Kelly McMahon-Willette on a editorial shoot. She was kind enough to walk me through everything she was doing. If anyone is fortunate enough to get to work with someone as talented as Willette, then you know how trully greatful I am. Thanks Willette for letting me be a pain in your ass and then calling me your "assistant." Nice!

So who shall you follow this week:

www.twitter.com/lindsaylohan

Just because one of my friends describes her as, "One shaved head away from a 1015!"


http://www.joshmadden.com/

Read this blog! He is the brother of the twins in Good Charlotte. Doesn't sound attractive - read the blog, you might change your mind.

Lastly, I'm reading 13 Reasons by Jay Asher. Although I did find it in young adults, it's a very good read. Chuuuuch!

So maybe it wasn't such a short entry.

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