Catie Ronquillo, Photographer

The Blog has moved!

2009-03-08T13:27:00.001-07:00

Hello blog readers! My blog has officially moved to

http://blog.catieronquillo.com

Please update your bookmarks and RSS feeds!

Woo hoo, off to the pretty new blog!

WPPI: The Experience Part 4

2009-03-03T11:09:00.000-08:00

Wednesday was crazy! I helped out at the Shootsac booth again and they had just received a new shipment of covers so the booth was seriously packed! Don't get in the way of photographers and Shootsac covers!

This is just a little snippet of what the ShootSac booth was like. Nuts! Plus, they were giving out some super chic tote bags with the damask pattern on it. That bag is so sweet, it fit all my carry on stuff into it, INCLUDING my messenger bag, since I could only have 2 carry-on items. LOVE the bag!

In the midst of the frenzy, I was able to get a quick shot with Jessica Claire before she had to dash off to her presentation "Top 10".

After getting that funny pic of [b]ecker with his pimp cup at the [b] party, I realized I didn't have one with [b]. So here it is. Check out Becker's blog and see if you can find my photo! Hint: it has the [b]-dazzled cup that Gene Higa made!

Here's one of Christine Tremoulet, fab boudoir and wedding photographer based in Houston, and fellow "Single Ladies" parody fan! She is also an editor for the Photo Love Cat Blog, a fantastic resource for the photography business!

Let me just say that I was totally slacking on the picture taking. There were so many people who I didn't get a picture with. Next year that will be a priority! How much was I slacking? I didn't even get a pic with my super fantastic WPPI roomie, Alyssa Lang!

Wednesday night I also went shooting (with a camera of course) with my friends, Lisa Whalen and fantastic lighting assistant/husband, Andy Mark. We hired the stunning model, Jessica, who was also at the [b] school Neon Graveyard shoot. I'm still processing those, so that shoot will get it's very own dedicated post!

Final recap coming next!

A Year Ago Today...

2009-03-01T23:03:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that we have been engaged for a year now. It was one year ago that Cent got down on one knee and asked me to spend the rest of my life with him. And I said, "YES!" It's amazing that we've been through all this planning, preparations, and the big day will be here very soon. I can't believe that 12 months past so quickly. I thought that with 16 months to plan it would be plenty of time. I'm glad that I had all that time, but now time is ticking down! Happy Engaged-a-versary!

Photo by Travis Hoehne

WPPI: The Experience Part 3

2009-02-27T14:07:00.000-08:00

Tuesday. How was Tuesday? Well, just as exciting as the first two days. Since this was my very first WPPI experience, most of my time was just spent absorbing everything, quite possibly through osmosis.

Tuesday morning, I somehow crawled out of bed, got ready, and looked mostly presentable for my photo shoot with Jeffrey Neal of JNP Studios. Jeff had put an announcement on the [b] school calling for anyone who was interested in doing a photo shoot. The first five to contact him would get some shooting time. Well, apparently I've got the trigger finger, and was the first to reply! I had a blast with Jeffrey, even bright and early after the [b] party!

Here's a little sneak peek Jeff sent to me:

Afterwards, I volunteered to help at the Shootsac booth. Now I had only seen a Shootsac online until going to WPPI, where I had the full run down on the Shootsac and the brand new HipSlip. I met tons of photographers and answered their questions about the HipSlip. Who knew?! It also helped that I was standing right across from Keats Elliot the entire time, so in the event that I blanked on part of the spiel, I just had to listen to her, and I was covered.

Let me just say that while WPPI felt like going to school, it was ten times more fun and my day job just doesn't compare. While I had already heard Dane Sanders give his presentation "Photographer by Design" on his recent stop at the San Francisco PUG meeting, I wanted to see him present again. Dane is just the most genuine person who is truly interested in advancing the businesses of others. Well, Dane rocked it! He rocked it so hard that he was asked to give his talk again the next day! Dane also signed my copy of his book (I had forgotten to bring it with me in SF!).

Tuesday afternoon, my friend Elana had to take off. She had to return to reality. After a quick goodbye (I saw her later that weekend), I traipsed back up to the room to get some rest before the next party. While I'm definitely not the party animal anymore, I saw parties in Vegas as opportunities to meet new people. I've made so many "virtual" friends through the [b] school, OSP, Facebook, and Twitter, that it was great meeting these friends in person. Better!

Tuesday evening I ventured out to the Bellagio hotel for the Photo Lovecat Giveaway Gala. I hadn't had the chance to connect with anyone else who was headed that way, so I took a cab by myself. Actually not as bad as I thought. In the lobby I met two other photographers who looked a little lost, so I took a chance and asked if they were headed to the party. Yes! So we looked lost together until we found Caramel.

There I met Lara Casey, the FABULOUS Editor-in-Chief of Southern Weddings Magazine! I recently won second place in their Flippin for a Flip contest. It was great meeting her in person, finally!

I met some cool Houston photographers including Akil Bennett and Joe Cogliandro. I also met Christine Tremoulet who I initially "met" through Twitter and connected over the awesome Justin Timberlake and Beyonce Single Ladies parody from SNL! If you haven't seen it, again, your life is incomplete. It STILL cracks me up!

I met international photographer John Mateos Ong, all the way from the Philippines. We played "Rock, Paper, Scissors" aka Roshambo for one of the giveaways, and John ended up winning the prize! He went all the way! I ran into Ed and Monica Pingol from Vallejo, Bay Area represent!

I hung out with my San Diego Facebook and Twitter friends Melissa McClure, Jamie Lawler, and Charise Proctor. They are so fun! I ended up sharing a cab with them back to the MGM. However, they were staying at the Signature, and I was in the main hotel, so after we got out of the taxi, I had to hike back to the room. It wasn't that bad though!

Part 4 up next!

WPPI: The Experience Part 2

2009-02-24T13:54:00.000-08:00

Monday. Oh Monday.

I've come up with a couple of analogies for WPPI. #1, WPPI is like camp, with photographers as the campers, separated after a long season of shooting weddings, portraits, commercial, etc, and reunited during a week of nonstop fun. #2, the tradeshow is like the candy store, with some very, very, very expensive goodies.

Monday morning, I started out bright and early, dragging myself out of be at the early hour of 6:45, trying to get myself to look mostly presentable for David Jay and Ron Dawson's talk about video. I hustled out of the hotel room thinking I could stop by Starbucks for a "quick" bite and drink. Well, after the 1/3 mile trek through the casino, I quickly noticed that the line was like 5 miles long itself. So no coffee. Instead, pure adrenaline.

I found Studio B, which was luckily not all the way down the escalator, through the tunnel, and up the escalator, but merely a brisk walk past Starbucks. I checked my phone (aka my version of a watch) and noticed it was 8:02. Crap. I'm late. I crack open the door, phew, they haven't started. At first I take a seat towards the back of the room. But then I remembered some photographer somewhere online had suggested sitting towards the front of the room. So before the program started, I made my way through the labyrinth of chairs and plopped down.

Then I saw a very familiar back of a head. A "Star" couple, if you catch my drift. Yep, Jasmine Star and JD! Jasmine Star introduced DJ before the presentation began. I always enjoy listening to DJ ever since first seeing him at the Free to Succeed Tour last summer. He's sincere and honest and all around likeable guy. He talked about the benefits of using video in your marketing and leverage several really good points on how video can free up your time.

Ron Dawson presented practical tips for implementing video, qualities of a good promo video, suggesting Blip.tv and Vimeo for hosting, and using Facebook to do some free marketing for you! After the presentation, I went to meet Ron. I was honored to win a free Triple Scoop Music song from The Longest Day series. And if you don't know about F-Stop Beyond: The Experience, check it out now! Be inspired! He's recently relocated to Atlanta by way of the Silicon Valley and is launching his new business: Dare Dreamer Media, although you may just know him as the video guru extradordinaire!

After having a rushed brunch with my lovely friend Elana, (who was a major trooper, coming along for the Vegas ride), I hurried over to the Showit Suite up at the MGM Signature, which is another 5 mile hike. I ended up going up the wrong tower and looking totally confused. Luckily, I spotted some familiar WPPI badges and asked for directions. Finally finding the correct tower, Jason of the Showit Team, escorted me up to the correct suite.

It was so great meeting the Showit Team. I was able to see just how much they care about their customers' satisfaction as they do their product. They are constantly working on making it better, and it's by far the most intuitive and easiest website building program I've ever seen. And you can change it in just a few clicks. So awesome! We discussed the Showit Sites product, what we like, don't like, what we'd like to see, and it was so refreshing to see genuine interest in the customer's perspective. Thanks guys!

JD is also a part of the Showit Team!

Finally, I hit up the tradeshow. Talk about ginormous. Huge. Larger than life. The only trade show that I have been to is one for work...for Statistics. Not nearly as exciting as this Trade Show. This is the place to see and feel all the products you'd ever be interested in using. I don't think three days is enough to check everything out!

While on the tradeshow floor, Scarlett Lillian said "Hi!" to me, she beat me to the punch. Reason #1 to put a picture of yourself on the online forums and website and blogs and social media. Scarlett is a fabulous photographer out of Jacksonville, Florida. Look we match!

So when I said the Trade Show was huge, I wasn't kidding. It was held in TWO large ballrooms. TWO. I guess it's probably better that way in some respects. Imagine 8,000 to 10,000 people in one ballroom. Insanity. Two ballrooms gives a little more wiggle room. Well, while I was on the way to the other ballroom where the Canon and Nikon booths were, I ran into Jasmine* and I had to get a photo! With the prior night's swift run-in, I knew I couldn't leave Vegas without a little documentation!

For dinner, I met up with Araxi, Nicky of eight20, and Jen Berry at Sushi Roku at Caesar's. Later that night was the [b] party! And it was held at the Real World Las Vegas Suite at the Palms. I remember watching that season the Real World while in college, and I think that was the season where they really started to extra friendly with each other...if you know what I mean. Anyway, the party was a hit! Some [b] schoolers volunteered to take candid photos as well as work it in the Photobooth in one of the rooms. I met Jack Ratana, Chris & Allie Bartelski, Mike & Julie Colon, Cathy & David Bock, and many other [b] school friends! I snapped this pic of Becker with his crunk cup that Gene Higa bedazzled himself!

Last but not least, I got a quick shot with my San Francisco based photography heroes, Ann Hamilton, who specializes in fabulous dog portraits, and Gene Higa, who has has traveled the world shooting destination weddings.

I didn't stay out too late because I had a shoot with Jeffrey of JNP Studios the next morning!

Stay tuned!

It's my birthday and I'll eat cake if I want to.

2009-02-23T22:06:00.000-08:00

First of all, social networking has totally revolutionized the birthday experience, if you put in your real birthday of course. I've never seen such an amazing outpouring of texts, tweets, and wall posts. Let me just take a second to say THANK YOU SO MUCH!

While I had to go to work today, thanks to the power of social networking, I was granted the afternoon off. How's that? Well, my manager's wife used to work at the same company and we are now friends on Facebook. She left me a wall post wishing me a "Happy Birthday" and hoping that I would have a great day and get to leave early. So I wrote her back, saying "Thanks!" and jokingly asked her to suggest to her other half of letting me leave early. I was totally kidding. Next thing I know, my wish is granted. Crazy, huh? What a great birthday gift from work!

In my usual fashion, I will be celebrating my birthday for not just one day or one week for that matter, but four weeks! Celebration number one was kicked off this past Friday with a little family gathering. We usually have "Family Night" where we get together every Friday and eat and chat and watch movies. Unfortunately half the family didn't make it due to illness. Never fear, we're going to have a re-do celebration this coming Friday! But my parents still bought me some Red Velvet Ice Cream Cake. If you don't know what Red Velvet cake is, your life is incomplete.

Don't mind me, I'm in my "Friday work-from-home-don't-have-to-look-cute" mode. Ha.

Before:

After (don't worry I finished it!):

Saturday I had a fabulous dinner at Garcon in the Mission district of San Francisco. Truly French. But not stuffy as the moniker "French restaurant" suggests. Delicious food. If you are in the city and looking for a cozy French restaurant without any air of pretention, definitely hit up Garcon. We had a leisurely dinner and stayed until they were almost ready to kick us out...just kidding. You may have seen some of these faces on the blog before.

WPPI Recap resumes tomorrow! Thanks everyone for making my 26th birthday such a fun day!

WPPI: The Experience Part 1

2009-02-21T10:45:00.000-08:00

Oh man. I don't know that I've ever been this exhausted in my life. EVER. But it's the good kind of tired. My headed is totally swimming with information, vendor overload, and walking. A LOT of walking.

I think the coolest part of this experience has been meeting so many people. And the trippiest thing has been people recognizing me. ME. Like, "Who am I to get recognized?!" It's cool, but weird, but fun, but still tripping me out.

Sunday, Elana and I arrived at MGM and were ready to hang out Vegas style. We went to pick up my badge and it was like hiking three miles to the registration desk. We hit up the Margarita bar and indulged in $11 mango margaritas!

Then we tried to go to a party. A photographer party. In Vegas. What an experience.

We weren't sure how we were going to get there, so we got gussied up and went down to the taxi stand. On our way, we ran into Kenny Kim, who happened to be going to the same party with another group of people. I figured we might just share a couple of cabs, until Bob Davis swept through and led the pack towards a limo. An Expedition-size limo. So we followed. We figured the worse that could happen is that we'd be turned away. I had a game plan with the intention of saying I was with Kenny's group. Well, next thing we knew, we were boarding the limo. No way. True story.

We arrived at the GoBee Bag/Photography Mentor suite that was rented out in the Luxor and it was surreal. I remember thinking to myself, ready to pinch my arm, "Am I really here, doing this?" I am living out all the things that I thought I might do while in Vegas. There were a TON of people there. It reminded me of a college party. It was hot, sweaty, and loud. I recognized some faces as we tried to slither through the crowd towards the photobooth and danceroom.

While I would have liked to hang around for a little while longer, it was just too much. So instead, we headed down to the lobby to hang out with my UCSD homies, Daniel and Vaness Galang! Plus I met Jasmine Marie and her hubby, Adam.

Daniel and Vaness, cute as always!

While we were just chatting in the hallway, out strolls Jasmine Star and hubby JD. And she recognizes me by name, says "Hi, Catie!" and gives ME a hug! Holy moly. I'm Star Struck. Cliche? Sure. Do I mind? Heck no! It gave me a warm and fuzzy feeling as she's one of my biggest photography inspirations. Definitely check out her blog, it'll change your life.

After parting ways with Daniel and Vaness and Jasmine and Adam, Elana and I ventured back to the MGM. We decided to walk. It wasn't that cold or that far, especially by Vegas standards. What a fun night!

You, too, can survive without the Internet.

2009-02-19T15:58:00.000-08:00

For the last five days I have been Internet-deprived. And I'm here to say that I survived! It's so funny to think about what life would be like without the Internet, now that the world is dependent on it for business, communication, and LIFE. I didn't think I could imagine it until I fully experienced it.

I've been hanging out in the desert since Sunday, also know as Las Vegas for the Wedding & Portrait Photographers International convention (WPPI), without my good friend, the Internet. Now you may be asking, "Wasn't there internet at the hotel?" My response would be, "Why, yes, there was, but I'm also thrifty to the core and $15 for internet was not worth my hard-earned pennies." And while there was a FREE Wifi Lounge in the Trade Show sponsored by The Bui Brothers and FastTrack Photographer, I hardly had a spare moment to kick back in those incredibly comfy looking LoveSacs. Alas, I soldiered on.

My once chance encounter with the Internet was through an iPhone, which only further solidified the argument of why I should get one. Tuesday morning I had a photo shoot scheduled with Jeffrey Neal of JNP Studios from Orange County. I realized that I had not jotted down his phone number. It was trapped in my email, and checking email requires an Internet connection of some sort.

What did I do?

The MacGuyver in me took over. I had met for coffee with the lovely Kim of It's Just Kim Photography as well as her sister in law Shawna of StyleBerry Home and Emily Griffith of One Lime Photo from Minnesota. We were chatting away, and then it occurred to me that I could just borrow someone's iPhone to check my email. I had exhausted other options of trying to use Elana's LG Dare and calling Cent (all the way in Dallas) to check my email. Yeah, well I couldn't even remember Jeffrey's studio name. Ha! So then, in an act of mild desperation, I asked Emily to borrow her iPhone. She so kindly agreed, and I'm seriously indebted!

Then I also realized that this has been my LONGEST hiatus from Facebook. Yeah, I come from that generation of needing (almost obsessively) to check on what's new. It's kind of crazy. And as I sit here at the McCarran Airport, I'm holding out. I'm going to wait until I get back to the Bay Area. This is taking some serious self control people!

Well, I'm pooped. I'm tapped out. But I'm bursting with inspiration and great ideas for my business! A full recap on my week in Vegas for WPPI is coming up. Be on the look out for a fun night shoot and some familiar faces of the photography industry!!

Viva Las Vegas!

2009-02-15T02:11:00.000-08:00

In about 12 hours I will be headed out to Sin City! I'm hoping that I can keep my spending in check (I'm pretty thrifty so that shouldn't be a problem) and catch myself before drooling over products. What am I talking about? WPPI! Wedding and Portrait Photographers International - THE convention for photographers.

I'm so excited that everything worked out in such a way that I could get the time off and have the funds to go! I'm so stoked to meet all the cool photographers I've had the pleasure of "meeting" and friending online through blogs, Facebook, and Twitter. Oh the power of the internet and Web 2.0! I'm looking forward to the speakers and no doubt the parties!

Hopefully, if my internet connection is steady, I will be blogging my experience. I know there will be a FREE wifi lounge courtesy of Dane Sanders' Fast Track Photographer, WPPI, and the Bui Brothers, over at booth #1375!

Ok. It is really 2:11am. I need to get some sleep!

Mini [b] school get together!

2009-02-12T22:36:00.000-08:00

He hails all the way from Japan. He won a spot in Scarlett Lillian's Nighttime PhotoShoot. He's all over the [b] school. Yeah, I think you might know who I'm talking about...

Last night I received a cryptic phone call with a number that started with a "+" sign. Now I remember from my time in France that international phone calls come in with the plus sign. I was driving at the time, so I couldn't pick up the phone. My phone rang again, and I asked my mom to answer it. We were driving back from super yummy cake tasting, by the way. It seemed as though it was hard to hear. I'm sure the person on the other side was probably confused that the lady saying "WHO?" and "WHAT?" and "B SCHOOL?"

Well I knew it was someone from the [b] school, but who?

I thought and thought. Someone from Canada? No. Someone from France? Nope. Someone from Australia? Nah.

Then it clicked. It was Riz! Riz Crescini, "the guy from Japan"! So I called back the number that called me, little did I know that I was calling direct to Japan. But Riz, being the super considerate guy that he is offered to call me back with his lower rate service. (Thanks Riz!) Who knows what a 35 second call to Japan on a cell phone will cost, hahaha.

Well tonight I had a delightful dinner with Riz and his sister at a nice little Malaysian restaurant, Langkawi, in San Mateo. Riz is in the area visiting his sister and family before jet setting to Vegas! It was great chatting, speaking in "photog", and of course eating! I love Roti Prata with curry sauce! And I had some yummy Mango Chicken. Let me just say, that for someone who flew in this morning from Japan, Riz showed no signs of jet lag (at least not yet!).

Riz, it was a pleasure meeting you and your sister. I'm bummed we didn't get a photo together, but I sure we can fix that when we get to VEGAS! If you're going to Vegas, you can find Riz at the Neon Graveyard, Scarlett Lillian's Nighttime Photoshoot, and the [b] party!

Sunday kicks off the largest wedding and portrait photographer convention, also known as WPPI! I'm going to WPPI and I'm so darn excited, I don't think I can contain it. Just under three days until I'm there! If you are going too, I'd love to meet up! You can follow me on Twitter or add me on Facebook. See you in the City that Never Sleeps (that just might be me...)

And since I don't have a picture with Riz, check out his awesome entry into Scarlett Lillian's contest:

Boot Camp for the Business

2009-02-10T18:38:00.001-08:00

If you've been following my blog the past few weeks, you may have seen that I took a 4-week Boot Camp style fitness class. It seriously kicks your butt into shape!

Well, in the midst of all that, I spent the last weekend in January getting my booty kicked in another way. I also attended a Boot Camp for my business: Liana Lehman's Photo Biz Boot Camp. Wow! Let me tell you, her intensive course is quite the eye-opener for anyone thinking of starting a small business. It is not for the faint of heart. I learned so much over the few days we had together that my head was literally spinning at the end of it. I highly recommend Liana's Boot Camp! It's really great to see where you are and where you want to be.

While attending Boot Camp, I had the pleasure of meeting seven other awesome photographers in the Bay Area and Sacramento areas. It's so awesome to meet local folks and to make new photographer friends! At the end of the grueling crash course in business, finance, accounting, marketing, branding and merchandising, we had a little photo shoot.

Jennifer of the Memory Journalists. Jennifer runs her own IT firm in addition to running her photography business in the Sacramento area.

Dawn of Alba Fiore. Dawn is a photographer rocking it out of the Sacramento area.

Tiffany of Adeline and Grace Photography. Tiffany was our awesome hostess who made sure we remembered to eat! She has a lovely studio in Benicia where she meets with clients and shoots her intimates.

Terra of Terra Tabbytosavit Photography. Terra is a photographer from the peninsula, finding out that she can do what she loves for a living!

Susanna Frohman is just getting into the business after some fantastic adventures as a photojournalist.

Dia of Dia Rao Photography. Dia is based in San Francisco, but also does destination weddings in Santa Barbara and beyond.

Our fearless leader and awesome instructor, Liana Lehman. I hope you have a fabulous wedding and honeymoon!

Laura of Laura Meyer Photography. Laura flew all the way from Chicago to spend a few days with us! If you're in the Chicago area and looking for a photographer, definitely look her up!

And here's one of me that I totally fell in love with. I'm not 100% sure who took this, so ladies, if this is yours, please do claim it! Love the flare!

It was a tiring couple of days - no doubt - but totally worth the time and effort. I feel like I can apply some of the principles I learned to other parts of my life too! If there's one thing that I learned that's important, it's to make goals and put them somewhere where you can review them, OFTEN. Writing goals and never doing anything about them is just a theoretical to-do list. Making a to-do list with deadlines and reasons are goals...

Make your goals and chase 'em!

If you're interested in kicking your business into shape or getting great guidance before starting your business, definitely check out Liana Lehman's workshop here: www.bananasedu.com.

Thank you family, friends, and blogosphere!

2009-02-08T17:15:00.001-08:00

If you are socially networked to me, you may have noticed that all last week I was campaigning through emails, Facebook notes, and Twitter updates. I entered the Southern Weddings Magazine "Flipping for a Flip" contest. I was one of the finalists! You can see my photo in the blog spread here. Well, folks, the results are in...

I got second place!

photo from Southern Weddings blog

I'm pretty sure that the winning margin was REALLY slim. How would I know? Well, leading up until the final push, I took the time to count votes. Yes, I was that girl. A little obsessive-compulsive? Perhaps, but you know what? I got second place through my grass roots campaigning efforts. And while I won't lie and say that I'm not a little disappointed I didn't win the Flip, I'm still super excited that I won anything at all! Thanks to the land of Web 2.0, it was really easy! I don't think I've ever campaigned that hard. Not when I ran for Treasurer in 7th grade (and lost) or for Student Body President in 8th grade (and won!). What can I say, I wanted to win! And I did!

And I truly, madly, deeply have to thank all of you in the Web 2.0 World for your votes and support! I couldn't have done it without you all. And thanks for bearing with me throughout my little campaign! Most of all, I have to thank my super awesome sister, Stephanie, for rallying some friends, going to the library at Cal Poly and voting on all the open computers. You rock! As a BIG thanks to her, I'm sharing my prize of $25 iTunes card with her. I mean, she does DESERVE it for her efforts!

It's crazy to me that I could gather support from total strangers and online friends who I have yet to meet! (Although I will be meeting a lot of you soon! Yay WPPI!) It just shows me that the world isn't that huge as we are all intertwined thanks to this little thing called the Internet.

OOOH Announcement: I now am hosting my own blog! I know, it still looks the same, but it has a new home with my very own domain name: http://blog.catieronquillo.com. The website is brewing! Stay tuned...

I suck at running.

2009-02-05T20:39:00.001-08:00

So I just completed a 4-week Boot Camp with the fabulous ladies at Alavie Fitness. Let me just say they kicked my booty! They don't call it "Boot Camp" for nothing.

Four weeks ago, I signed myself up for a 6:30am class. When I arrived for my first day of class, it was dark. And cold. And dark. I thought to myself, "What the heck have I gotten myself into?" My butt got kicked. Seriously. Totally. Ubiquitously. I sweat, a lot. At the end of the workout my head was steaming, literally. But it was worth it. I felt energized. It's counter-intuitive...but go with it.

Basically, I'm just glad I survived all four weeks. We did a ton of drills, little hurdles, circuits, weights, and...RUNNING. I suck at running. I have and I'm pretty sure I always will. Ok, so I think I suck a little less now, but still. Running will never be something I do for fun. I'm so glad I didn't pass out while running! Because I totally felt like I was going to. Serious props to all you runners out there. I bow down to your talent in running. I blame it on my short legs. Long torso + short legs = not built for running. Alright, enough excuses. We did a fit test at the beginning and I had to run the mile, like in high school. After four weeks, I improved my time by 1:10! I was just wishing for like 10 seconds, so I was stoked with 1 minute and 10 seconds!

What's kind of sad is that today was my last day and the workout felt harder than all the other days! But I'm thinking that it was probably due to the fact that I've been having a gnarly allergy flair up due to the change in weather and early blooming season. Seriously, these sinus headaches and post-nasal drip action are super annoying.

However, I do feel like my endurance has improved. I can do REAL push ups now! I thought that I couldn't (well I think that's because I was just lazy), but when you are surrounded by other women - some at the same level as me, some older in age, some at an amazing fitness level - I feel like I'm pushed by the little voice in my head that keeps saying, "Don't let that old lady show you up!" Oh, did I mention that the little voice is super competitive? Again, I bow down to all the ladies in my class who kicked my butt consistently over the last four weeks, running in much better form than I. But I can do real push ups, improved the plank, and I realized that I can run.

Probably the most humbling experience during the past four weeks has been the realization that I CAN run. I don't love it. I'm not good at it. But I have the ability to do so. I'm thankful that I can run, I'm in good health, surrounded by family and friends, blessed to have a wonderful fiance, and the perspective to acknowledge those gifts. I'm forever grateful.

So to anyone who's wondering...YES, I definitely recommend doing a boot camp. YES, it's hard, but you'd be amazed at how much you can accomplish. YES, I am sore (still currently am). YES, I really woke up at 5am 3 days a week for a 6:30am workout. YES, I would do it again.

I probably will as the wedding approaches t-minus 3 months. That means April.

Vote for me!

2009-01-31T12:30:00.000-08:00

So I enter contests with the thought that I probably won't win. But I guess I have some luck. I once won the pumpkin carving contest at work, $50! I won the drawing at the company Christmas party, $100! I won the drawing from F-Stop Beyond TV, $60 value! And I won a $10 iTunes card from Southern Weddings Magazine! I'm totally not trying to brag, I'm just amazed that I have won stuff. Ever.

I'm up for something again.

Southern Weddings Magazine has been running a contest since they launched their print magazine in January. It's a chance to win The Flip. All you had to do was take a picture of yourself with the magazine or a picture of the magazine on the stands. Well, I happened to be in Dallas when the magazine launched and since as the title suggests, it features Southern Weddings, it was way more readily available in Texas than California. So I asked Cent for a special trip to Tom Thumb (Texas equivalent of Safeway) and snatched one up off the shelves! I was all excited about taking a unique picture. I didn't really know what to do...So I lagged. I waited and the deadline past twice, but they extended it twice. I figured that might be a sign. So I finally got my act together and submitted a photo!

Here's my entry! #11 on the page: Flipping out for Southern Weddings!

Anyway, I'd appreciate it if you'd rock the vote for me, dear reader. All you have to do is comment with #11 at the bottom of the page! Voting ends February 6!

Thanks and happy Saturday!

Dane Sanders: Finding your YOU-nique self...

2009-01-30T22:03:00.001-08:00

On Wednesday, I had the awesome opportunity to meet Dane Sanders since he was up in the Bay Area presenting to the San Jose and San Francisco PUG groups. Let me start off by saying how incredibly nice and genuine Dane is. He greeted me as if we were old friends and I said, "It's so great to finally meet you in person," and he said, "Really? We've never met?"

I always think it's kind of funny when you meet people you've "met" or connected with online, in person. The person looks the same as their avatar, and maybe you've heard their voice on the phone or through a podcast, but meeting someone in the flesh is always such a trip. And a good one at that. Dane is no exception.

I must say that Dane's presentation was highly entertaining. And of course informative. And all around awesome. How many presenters have you seen jump up on a coffee table and flash his mismatched socks? Or reenact his presentation from Pictage Headquarters that included running into the wall full force and leaving a big hole?

(image from Kenny Kim [11/17/08 entry])

He talked about how to set yourself apart from the crowd by being yourself and leveraging your strengths -- not just trying to improve your weaknesses -- because YOU are the only "you" there is. He talked about how we are not just in the business of photography; yes, photographs are important, but we are in the photographER business. We don't want to become a commodity -- like toilet paper or socks -- where the cheapest product wins out. Instead, we should brand ourselves according to what we were truly meant to do. I think this is really important, especially since the photography market is so saturated. How are you going to differentiate one from the other? How are YOU going to differentiate yourself? This of course, goes hand in hand with defining your brand. It's all about keepin' it real!

Dane is also the author of Fast Track Photographer: The Definitive New Approach to Wedding Photography. In it, Dane makes the case that a far more effective approach is to get clear on the gifts and talents you as an particular individual bring to the table and build a vision from that starting plot point. To do this, Dane includes a "personality test" of sorts called the pDNA (photographer's DNA) to identify your strengths and weaknesses. From that, the test also gives suggestions for how to leverage those strengths and assets. The path of that vision needs to be informed by the evolving landscape of service based businesses -- we can't be resistant to the changing times -- we must be willing and able to fly with the times!

And Dane doesn't stop there. He also recently launched AskDane.com as well as Fast Track Coaching. AskDane.com is a weekly podcast where Dane addresses a particular question brought up by readers. I highly recommend them if you have a few minutes. HILARIOUS! With Fast Track Coaching, Dane hosts a coaching session with an invited guest photographer, including The Bebbs, Me Ra Koh, and Jessica Claire, with many more to come! If you're going to WPPI, you must check out the Fast Track Lounge with wifi!

Alright. Gushing complete.

The Longest Day: Episodes 2-6

2009-01-28T16:16:00.001-08:00

The Longest Day continues. I've been a slacker, but with good reason! Post coming up soon. In lieu of more of my excuses, enjoy the show below! WPPI is right around the corner!

San Francisco Bay Area: Free Engagement Sessions

2009-01-23T20:36:00.000-08:00

Attention all blog readers!

I'm looking for some great couples to help build my portfolio. I'm offering a fun opportunity to go shooting! Photographs, that is, and YOU as the models. I love shooting in the late afternoon right when the light is a perfect mix before sunset. I love working with couples who are head over heels for each other. I love catching all the moments in between, the inside jokes, the things that make you, you.

I'm based out of the San Francisco Bay Area and available to shoot at the location of your choice. Most sessions are one hour in length and for your time I will provide you with the digital negatives of the best images.

Please contact me to further discuss your shoot! catie at catieronquillo dot com

Check out some samples below:

Elizabeth + Hedi = Married!

2009-01-21T21:49:00.000-08:00

I had the pleasure of second shooting Elizabeth and Hedi's wedding with the uber awesome Rob Her of nLighten Images. He had asked me back in October or so if I was available to second shoot right after Christmas. Luckily, I was staying in town and I had the weekend open so I jumped on the opportunity. Rob is in a word, awesome. Thanks again for the opportunity!

Elizabeth and Hedi had a mini destination wedding up in Atherton (they live down in the OC) a few days after Christmas. Originally, they had considered a destination wedding in France, as that is where Hedi's family is from. But Elizabeth didn't want to wait that long. This couple is seriously in love. Elizabeth was beaming with her infectious smile and Hedi was totally relaxed. They had a beautiful wedding day, with great weather for December 27! Elizabeth was stunning in her vintage gown and hair/makeup. Their vows were so sweet and even made me a little misty eyed. They had some cool belly dancers and overall it was a success! Thanks Elizabeth and Hedi for letting us share in your big day. Felicitations a vous deux et touts les meilleures voeux!

Here are some of my favorites:

That's Rob in the background. :)

Rob in action :)

See Rob's full post here.

Thanks again!

A GREAT day in American History

2009-01-20T11:16:00.000-08:00

Whoa, I didn't realize that the last time I posted was seven days ago. Many apologies on my slackerness. Yep, I made up a word just now.

I'm in week 2 of my Boot Camp and it felt slightly easier. Note, slightly. It's still a killer workout though. Waking up at 5am is tough. Plus, we just got back from Disneyland and after two days of 12+ hour walking and having fun, I didn't think I was going to make it through. But I'm typing this, so I must be alive.

Oh yeah, did I mention I just got back from Disneyland? Sunday was my sister's 19th birthday! Her last teen year. And since Disney's promotion for the year is getting in free on your birthday, and as we are all big Disney fans, it seemed like the perfect birthday celebration! Pictures coming up!

I will be posting a wedding that I second shot with the awesome Rob of nLighten Images. I haven't had a chance to post it up with the holidays, working, and a mini vacation. But I promise it will be up before the end of the month!

And how could I forget to mention that today marks one of the greatest days in American History. I finally get to say it: PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA! While his swearing in as the 44th president won't magically change the country, there is hope. We chose hope over fear.

I bring a hair dryer to the gym.

2009-01-13T15:10:00.000-08:00

I've become one of those people. Yes, those. The kind that bring all kinds of junk to the gym to get ready for the day. I'll admit it. I'm one of those gym snobs who thought that getting ready at the gym was silly. Why not go home? Why show the world how you roll? Sometimes, it's not that simple. Well, I'm officially one of those people. With good reason, I might add. I had to. Either that or look like a drowned rat all day.

Personally, I'll take the hair dryer.

I started Boot Camp today. I thought I was going to DIE. And I'm not even talking about the working out part yet. Waking up at 5:15am isn't glamourous. I don't know how Oprah or anyone else in their right mind does it on a daily basis. I love sleep. In fact, I might even dare to say, I cherish it. Let me have my sleep.

Well, it turns out that my will power won out. I decided to sign up for Boot Camp with AlaVie Fitness as a way to jumpstart my fitness program in these last handful of months leading up to the wedding. I've been pretty good about working out, I just needed to kick it up a notch. Shock my system, if you will.

Let me tell you, Internet, I was shocked. And then I about died again. No joke. As obscene as it was waking up when it was dark, having to work out when it's dark and cold is just as obscene. I didn't know how the ladies who started at 5:30am did it. They were finishing up and it was still dark. But I decided that I had plunked down the money, so I am going to do this.

The workout itself wasn't so bad, and it was nice to be in a small group. I sort of felt like the fat kid on the playground because I was last finishing up some sprints and drills. I didn't care. That's usually how I felt in high school when we had to run laps for the annual fitness test. That's usually how I feel anyway, nothing new. I must say, however, this was my first boot camp and all the other ladies had been before.

"It'll get better" they reassured me. "Good job for just making it out here!"

As dawn broke through the night sky to wake up those who were lucky enough to be sleeping, we continued our work out. I'm happy to report that I can jog without completely passing out, as I have been doing intervals outside and on the treadmill prior to this camp experience. Let's face the truth though, I was tired at the end. I was glad it was over. My head was steaming, literally. I guess I was really hot and the air was really cold. Oh Physics!

Then, in pure ghetto-fabulous style, I went across the street to 24Hour Fitness (I do have membership and frequent it) to freshen up. And I busted out my hairdryer. That's how I roll now.

Am I looking forward to tomorrow?

No.

And.

Yes.

I'm not digging the idea of another early morning, but I'm stoked that I'm doing this. I'm facing whatever hangups and fears and saying "Take that! I can do this!"

Tomorrow is the Fitness Test, a la high school fitness test...

Wish me luck!

2009 = Best Year Yet!

2009-01-11T10:55:00.000-08:00

I feel it in my bones. And I'm not talking about pain. I feel it like a knot welling up in my chest. And I'm not talking about a heart attack. No, no, it's just a feeling...that this year is going to be the best year yet!

This time last year I would not have thought that I would be where I am right now. My dream of becoming a photographer are coming together. It's not just something I hope that maybe someday I could do. It's something I'm doing. I went to my first photography seminar. I went to my first networking Happy Hour. I went from being close to terrified at the prospect of networking, to being a "networking champ", as Lisa put it. I shot my first wedding. I met some industry leaders. (It was like meeting a celebrity!)

I'm doing it folks. I'm making it happen. Thanks to everyone who has helped me along the way.

2009 is going to be huge! Here's a sample of things coming up in 2009:

Boot Camp - yes, I signed up to be tortured 3 days a week for a month. I need someone to kick my butt into shape this year. Seriously! Starts Tuesday!

WPPI- Wedding and Portrait Photographers International, the largest photography convention in Las Vegas. My friend, Elana, will be tagging along for the fun. I'm really excited to meet old and new photographer friends that I have made since August. It's going to be super fun! Sleep? Who needs sleep?

More shooting! Photo shoots that is. The end of 2008 proved to be wonderful and I can't wait to work with more awesome people. Thanks to Jennifer and Rob for inviting me to shoot with you.

Our Wedding! That's right folks, Cent and I will be tying th knot on July 18, 2009. We're super excited. And if you're wondering, our photographer is the radtastic Travis Hoehne.

Moving to Dallas - Yes, I wrote it. I will be leaving California, but not forever, there are things called planes. And there's the phone. And there's the internet. Never fear! Looking forward to meeting local photographers in the Dallas Metroplex area.

Thanks for the great ride 2008. I'm stoked for 2009!

Robin + Greg = Engaged!

2009-01-06T19:58:00.000-08:00

I met Robin and Greg through my awesome co-worker BFF Ashley. She put out the announcement to those interested in an Engagement Session, and Robin contacted me within a few days. Thanks Ashley! We met up at the Concannon Winery in Livermore on a bright, clear day (the day before the downpour!).

Robin and Greg are a totally laid-back, fun-loving couple. They were so great to work with and Robin even braved the cold out in Livermore! It was probably about 42 degrees out when she didn't have her coat on. She literally braved the cold. (For those of you used to -42 degree weather, we Californians aren't apt to the cold!)

Here are a few of my favorites:

Thank you Robin and Greg for a great afternoon. I wish you all the best for your wedding in September!

Frozen Focus

2009-01-05T20:57:00.000-08:00

Today, as part of my New Year Goals, I went for a walk/run for exercise. Since I'm in Dallas and apartment bound while Cent is at work all day, I figured I'd get some air and some exercise. I had been looking out the window all morning and noticed that the rain was on and off. The news had reported warnings for freezing rain. Did I pay much attention? Not really.

So when I stepped out the door around 3pm, I about froze. But I was determined. I started walking with my iPod Nano plugged in and my Nike + tracking my miles. I just thought warm thoughts. Let me just say that when it's that cold, warm thoughts aren't going to do anything for anyone. Oh, did I mention that I was wearing shorts? Yeah, I was wearing shorts...longish basketball style shorts, but my calves were still exposed. After a 40 minute jaunt around the neighborhood and adjacent park, I hurried back to the apartment to catch Oprah. I never watch Oprah (because I'm usually at work), but I'm working from home this week, so watching TV here and there is allowed.

I decided it would be interested in checking the weather. Exactly how cold was it? Well...the temperature at 4pm in Irving, TX was 36 degrees! When you factor in windchill, 30 degrees! That's below freezing! No wonder I was cold. Seriously, my thighs felt frozen at the end of it. Silly me didn't pack my swishy sweats. You know, the type that make swishing noises when you walk? Yeah, those were in the laundry or something.

And yet, I walked/ran 40 minutes before freezing over. Take that 2009! I'm straight out the gate!

I'll be posting some photos from the frozenness. I'm still defrosting...until then...

Southern Weddings hitting stands in 3 days!

2009-01-03T10:53:00.000-08:00

Happy 2009!

What a better way to start off the year (especially if you're planning a wedding) than with your very own copy of Southern Weddings? That's right, the awesomely delightful blog, Southern Weddings, is now in PRINT! It will be hitting stands on January 6! Be sure to check them out!

Photo courtesy of Southern Weddings Blog. Cover image by the awesome Jose Villa.

New Year: Goals for 2009

2009-01-01T11:01:00.000-08:00

I've become a firm believer in writing out goals. There's just something about putting your words on paper and seeing them that makes the goal that much more real. And looking at them often helps to remember what you are working towards.

Last year, I started my 101 in 1001 list. I went about writing my list without any real rhyme or reason. Some items were things I knew I could accomplish. Other things were more of a stretch. When I looked back at my list last week, I realized just how much I have accomplished since writing out those goals.

Here it goes:

~~blog everyday for a month~~ (COMPLETE)
learn how to cook and ease kitchen anxiety
~~learn how to use Digital SLR to its full potential~~ (COMPLETE and continuing)
~~take better photos~~ (work in progress)
~~post photos consistently on Flickr~~ (work in progress)
~~go to the gym at least four days a week for a month~~ (trying to keep up with this)
~~try a new class at 24Hour Fitness~~ (have tried out 4!)
search for other job possibilities
meet my fiance’s friends
~~learn full potential of Photoshop~~ (as of May 2008)
move out of parents’ house (July 2009... 7 months to go!)
organize my bedroom
~~clean out my closet and donate unwanted clothes to Goodwill~~ (Completed, but need to do again)
~~purchase new or “previously owned” car~~ (woo hoo completed January 2008!)
have my friends meet his friends
explore major cities – Atlanta, Chicago, Washington DC, Seattle, ~~Denver~~ (found out Denver = not so exciting)
spend time in New York City
~~practice taking more portrait photos~~ (work in progress, check my flickr)
~~crochet a gift for someone~~ (COMPLETE: Christmas 2008)
learn how to surf, even for a split second
~~go to Vegas as an adult~~ (March 2008, and got engaged!)
go wine tasting, I do live close enough to Napa & Sonoma!
take a cake decorating class
~~design logo for future business~~ (COMPLETE)
take a ballroom dancing class
move out to Texas to be with future husband! (July 2009)
~~schedule annual physicals~~ (COMPLETE: November 2008)
~~remember to have car oil changed~~ (car reminds me now, how fancy!)
have extended family meet fiance
set aside money to donate to charity of choice
participate in Habitat for Humanity Project
~~attend a photography seminar~~ (COMPLETE: AUGUST 2008)
~~get engaged, and have legitimate reason to read wedding magazines like Brides, Martha Stewart Weddings, The Knot, etc.~~ (COMPLETE: March 1, 2008)
~~shadow a professional photographer~~ (COMPLETE: October 18, 2008)
buy a house
design personal stationery
decorate said house and give it sense of style
finish painting room
take a cooking class
~~read at least one book a month~~ (been pretty good, have read a good stack!)
~~go to the library more often~~ (facilitates my new audio-book obsession)
go to Hawaii and reclaim summer color (going for honeymoon!)
document my 101 goals as completed (been bad at this)
plan fantastic wedding on my terms (IN PROGRESS)
complete my first quilt project – already bought the fabric!
go to the Philippines during Christmastime to visit family
cook semi-fancy romantic dinner for self and fiance. from scratch, without killing or making us sick
~~build photo portfolio~~ (IN PROGRESS)
~~visit the New England during the fall~~ (mostly complete, went to Boston in October)
~~buy a new computer and Adobe Design bundle~~ (COMPLETE: October 2008)
as a complement to completion of #33 and #44, apply to be a Bee
go on a cross-country road trip
~~learn more on the fundamentals of photography~~ (Always learning)
ride my bike around the park
~~go on daily walks when the weather is nice~~ (woo hoo! thanks Nike + iPod kit!)
lose 20lbs... if they can do it on Biggest Loser, I can too! (work in progress, lost 10 since January, gained back 7 lbs, sad, but working on it!)
start cooking own meals to make good on goal #56
return to Lyon for Fete des Lumieres
write a journal entry everyday for a month
keep a food journal consistently also in efforts to make good on #56 (did this in January-March, then totally slacked off)
make a pair of earrings (or more)
~~clean out wallet and purse... rogue receipts be gone!~~ (Constant work in progress)
spend the holidays with fiance’s family (next year!)
~~send out Christmas cards with photos of us~~ (COMPLETE: Christmas 2008)

28 out of the listed 64?! Not too freakin bad! To me, this is truly testament to having your goals written out. I didn't think I accomplished this much, but wow! I'm super happy with 28 complete.

This week I'll be working on my goals for 2009. I know that it's going to be a BIG YEAR! We're getting married, shooting more, networking more, and moving to the big state of Texas! (Yes, I did say Texas. And, yes, I do currently live in California. And, yes, I'm really moving there.)

Here's to a fantastic 2009!!

And so this post isn't totally boring, here's one of Cent and I at the Dallas World Aquarium when our parents met in September. My hair was behaving in the humidity...

Happy New Year's Eve: 2008 Wrap-Up

2008-12-31T01:31:00.000-08:00

To say the least, 2008 was a year of big changes for me.

January: My old car crapped out on 101 North in the pouring rain, so I bought a car...all on my own.

February: I turned 25, without any quarter-life crisis to speak of.

March: Cent and I celebrated our birthdays in Las Vegas. Cent proposed and I said "Yes!"

April: We had our awesome engagement photos taken by Travis Hoehne in Dallas. We played Mario Kart Wii!

May: We booked the "big stuff" for our wedding.

June: I discovered Jasmine Star's old blog. I was moved.

July: I got published on the BART website! And to think I was just at the airport snapping some randomness!

August: I went to David Jay's Free to Succeed Tour guest starring Jasmine Star. I listened. I met them. It changed my life. I also met Lydia and Laura, who I'm still in contact with!

September: I decided to chase my dreams and become a photographer. Met some awesome local photographers whose work I had only seen online. Oh and my parents finally got to meet Cent's parents!

October: Engagement shoots. I was invited to tag-along to a wedding with Jennifer of Candid Moments Weddings. It was awesome and I was ready to do it again.

November: We elected our new president! My first solo wedding. So fun! And the bride and groom loved the photos!

December: Second shot an awesome post-Christmas wedding with Rob of nLighten Images.

Thank you 2008 for all the blessings you've given me. I'm so stoked about 2009 and I know great things are to come!! More weddings, OUR wedding, and a move to Dallas!

I'm off to Dallas to ring in the New Year with Cent! I will be back next year! :)

The Longest Day: Episode 1

2008-12-30T12:48:00.000-08:00

Woo hoo! It's finally here. I've been reading and watching all about the lead up to the "Longest Day" where 24 of the hottest photographers came together for a 24 hour stretch to write and film a movie! Plus raising money for charity! How cool is that?

Ron Dawson, founder of Cinematic Studios and mastermind behind the project, just released Episode 1:

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-27T01:01:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a great Christmas! Here are a few of me and my sister playing with the camera in the mirror. It took some time trying to coordinate with the 50mm and the crop factor and the distance from the mirror.

Please excuse our scary faces.

And here's us looking snappy for Midnight Mass. Actually, this is post Midnight Mass, still looking awake and ready for giving gifts!

Merry Christmas Eve!

2008-12-24T18:28:00.000-08:00

Phweew. Just spent most of today in San Francisco braving the mall. No, I wasn't shopping for gifts -- I'm done with that -- we (me and the familia) were just hanging out. The mall wasn't too crazy and I came out with two new sweaters for $10 each! Original price $26.50! I know, I shouldn't be buying anything for myself, but I'm all about bargains!

I just wanted to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, and Happy Holidays, or whatever you may celebrate! We will be off to Midnight Mass and then home to open gifts! Yep, that's right, at our house, we open gifts on Christmas Eve! Ok, so technically it is really really early Christmas morning, but I don't consider it to be "the next day" until after you sleep, so....Then tomorrow, we'll be feasting and doing our Secret Santa gift exchange with the extended family.

One of my favorites, Lilo & Stitch. And bottom left corner, you can see my head... lol.

I think penguins are cool.

Vive la France!

Here's a small portion of our 9-foot tree.

Happy Holidays to you and yours!

Dinner with Friends

2008-12-22T21:23:00.000-08:00

I love my friends. Unfortunately I don't get to see them all the time. It's not like high school where you live day in and day out with the same people. It's not like college where you see people and stop to chat or grab dinner after class. No, life is currently full of coworkers, cubicles, conference calls, and confusion (as of late). My coworkers are awesome and keep me sane when things start to crumble, but it's still not quite the same.

Now I have to plan evenings to see my friends. We all have to check out our calendars and make sure we don't run into any conflicts. It's like gymnastics! But I keep at it and encourage my friends that we should keep at it. It's always a good time with them and definitely always delicious! This time we decided to try Burmese food at Mandalay on California Street in San Francisco. Mmmm mmm good.

Yummy dessert:

Angela, Vince, Amanda, Emily, Cathlin, and me.

Showstoppers: Sarah & Omar

2008-12-18T12:50:00.000-08:00

Last night, KQED, our local public broadcasting station, aired San Francisco Ballet's The Nutcracker. It was awesome! It didn't hurt that we were watching in in HD! I saw their newest incarnation of The Nutcracker, inspired by the 1915 International Exposition, a few years ago. In fact, San Francisco Ballet was the first American company to perform a complete production in 1944. Seriously, it doesn't feel like the holidays unless I've seen The Nutcracker in some shape or form.

That being said, my holiday season was officially kicked off with Ballet Petit's production of The Nutcracker. In it's 30th year, Ballet Petit has the longest running Nutcracker in the East Bay. It's crazy for me to think that I have been around for 18 of them, having danced in eleven of those years!

Throughout the years I've seen dancers come in a little ones and move up the ranks into lovely young ballerinas. Ballet Petit's focus on classical ballet: the technique, the musicality, and the grace has truly helped shape these talented dancers. I remember when I was a little kid, sitting in the waiting area watching the "big girls" (ie older girls) do pirouettes and saute de chats across the room. I grew up and so has the studio. From a little backroom studio of four little dancers, it has expanded into a production of 200+ students. As dancers have come and gone in waves, the talent has continued to shine brightly through each production.

Sarah is one of those dancers. I remember when she was a little girl in the tiny kids' class. I always knew that she had a love of dance. What I didn't know was what an astounding dancer she would become. Seriously, this girl knocked my socks off! When Sarah evolved into the dancer that she is today, performing roles of the Sugarplum Fairy and Nikiya in La Bayadere, I was away at college. I never actually had the chance to see her perform. Well, as part of the 30th Anniversary Nutcracker, Ballet Petit alumni were invited back to perform. Sarah was invited to reprise her role as the Sugarplum Fairy, with Omar as her cavalier. Omar is one of the teachers at Ballet Petit as well as a former Principal Dancer with Ronn Guidi's Oakland Ballet. These two have such amazing dance chemistry that you just get sucked in watching them.

One word: breathtaking.

Here are a few shots from my view from back stage:

Thanks to Ballet Petit, Peggy Peabody, Darlene Brower, all the teachers, dancers and families as well as, the Chabot College Performing Arts Center.

My 18th Nutcracker!

2008-12-13T01:42:00.000-08:00

I can probably hum the entire score to The Nutcracker. Yes, Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite. Yes, the same one that Macaulay Culkin was in post-Home Alone fame. Yes, the same music that they set to Macy's and JCPenney and Kohl's commercials. Why is that?

From 1990-2000 (plus this last weekend) I danced in The Nutcracker with my ballet studio, Ballet Petit. I have probably have seen over a dozen versions from animation to classical ballet to modern dance. And for me, well, it's just part of Christmas. At my house, what is the holiday season without The Nutcracker?

Over the weekend, I had the delightful opportunity to return to the stage after seven years. I danced in a bunch of different parts, each one posing an interesting challenge. Alright, before I get ahead of myself, I'm so not trying to say that I'm all that and a bag of chips. Because I'm totally not. I'm glad I didn't fall or break something. And I had so much fun reconnecting with old ballet friends and reliving the rush of being on stage, even if it was a combined total of less than ten minutes.

Ballet Petit celebrated their 30th Anniversary this year. Peggy Peabody, or "Miss Peggy" as well all affectionately call her, started the studio in the back of her mother's preschool in 1978. Her early performances featured preschoolers and cardboard boxes. Now the production includes over 200 dancers ranging in ages as little as 3 through high school, with a sprinkling of adult dancers. Thanks so much to Miss Peggy and her partner in crime, Miss Darlene for their unflinching love and support to all their dancers over the past 30 years.

Alright, enough of my blabbing, on to the photos!

Alumni photo, with Miss Peggy and Miss Darlene in front.

A little rehearsal action. (or non-action, haha).

My sister with her magical jumping skills. "Look Ma, no legs!"

Behind the scenes view.

This front row are all alumni!

Oh, and if you're looking for me in action, unfortunately there are none (that I have my mits on yet), but here's one of us in costume!

Happy Holidays!

Also, cans for comments! See below :)

Cans for Comments!

2008-12-09T15:04:00.000-08:00

Alright Internet, I'm all about giving back, especially during the holidays, so this is your chance.

Comments light up my day, (well truth is the fact that I get any traffic to my blog lights up my day), and so to say thanks, I've been inspired by other photographers across the country and from our neighbors to the north!

Chris+Lynn started sharing the love - Cans for Comments! For every blog comment for the next seven days, they will be donating a can of food to a local food bank. Thanks guys for the inspiration. Be sure to check out their blog as well as many other inspiring photographers out there including: Ed Pingol, Anne Ruthmann, Jason Groupp, Justin&Mary Marantz, Jamie Delaine, Heather Garland, Bebb Studios, Ohana Photography, Livingproof Photography, and many others!

I'm jumping on the bandwagon as well, so for every comment I receive between now and December 15, I will donate a can of food to our local food bank for Alameda County. So the challenge is on, Internet, bring it! And to show you, I'm all about jumping in and helping, here's a little photo goodness:

I survived!

2008-12-08T10:44:00.000-08:00

I've neglected the blog this last weekend because I've been in a whirlwind of busyness!

In the last four days I have driven 300 miles within a 25-mile radius, attended a performance of the Nutcracker, done makeup for some of the dancers, gone to a Toys for Tots Christmas Party, entered Jasmine Star's Six Word Short Story Contest (I didn't win, lol), learned and performed two parts in the Nutcracker, and gone shopping!

Photos to come! :)

Happy Thanksgiving Birthday, Britt!

2008-12-04T19:50:00.000-08:00

I also met Brittani in studying abroad in France. She hails from Carmel and went to UC Santa Barbara. Britt is probably THE friendliest person I know. She can seriously make friends with anyone. I'm thinking it's her wonderfully laid-back nature and her ability to just "go with the flow". Back in France, she used to host parties and I remember times hanging out at her apartment until the wee hours of the morning gabbing about everything or nothing at all. She's also a great listener and advice giver. I consider her to be our group's "sage", dishing out sage advice as needed.

Britt was born on Thanksgiving Day and this year we celebrated her birthday a little early with some grubbin' at Andalu and dancin' Blondie Bar in the Mission District of San Francisco. It reminded me of old times in Lyon. We used to go out ALL. THE. TIME. Now with our "grown up" lives, juggling jobs, rent, grad school, law school, significant others and friends, it takes a lot more to keep up with each other.

We had this spot in Lyon called Ayer's Rock. We kept trying to find different places to go out, but somehow, we always ended up at Ayer's. It was hot, smoky (because it was France and not California with no smoking laws!), sweaty, and yet soooo fun. We literally used to just rock out with almost reckless abandon, including dancing on tabletops because it was too hot on the floor (plus it deterred unwarranted attention from creepers to some degree). It was SO. MUCH. FUN. Oh, good times. This was back when Outkast's "Hey-Ya!" and Justin Timberlake's first solo album dropped. For the Frenchies it was merely catchy beats. For us, we could sing along too. And we did, all night long. Until the closing time signal of "Don't Worry, Be Happy".

Britt's birthday was kind of like reliving those old times. We had a blast at dinner (the food was awesome!). We wandered up and down Valencia looking for somewhere to dance, and found Blondie's. It was a flashback for me and so much fun to hang out with the girls + Vincent. Happy Birthday Britt!

So to add to my collection of my sweet and delightful friends, let me share some recent photos from dinner:

The lovely Britt.

So my friend Hana took this photo of me blabbering. I thought that it was so me. I talk with my hands a lot, and this picture stands as proof. I even talk with my hands when I'm on the phone, ha!

My Lyon girls - Elana, Hana, and Vanessa.

These girls crack me up. Constantly.

My study abroad buddies (minus Vincent who took the photo) - Laura, Britt, Elana, Vanessa, and Hana.

Vanessa being herself. Hana being the ghost in the background. Also, normal behaviors. :)

Me being me. Laura and I have matching polka dots!

Couldn't forget my favorite Belgian, Vincent.

If you're ever at Andalu, I recommend this dessert - the brownies!

The Pacheco Street roomies.

Thanks again friends for an excellent evening! I haven't stayed out that late in a long time!

PS, these were all taken indoors without flash, hence the ISO is in serious overdrive, with the widest aperture :) but I do like the textures!

Elana : Anytime

2008-12-01T21:20:00.000-08:00

Elana and I met in France. We studied abroad in Lyon during the 2003-2004 academic year through the University of California system. Elana went to Cal; I went to UC San Diego. She grew up in Santa Monica; I grew up in the Bay Area. If it weren't for our love of travel and love of all things French, our lives would have never intersected. I'm so glad they did intersect. We've been friends for five years now! And she will be one of my bridesmaids in my wedding in July!

I always think of Elana as the intrepid traveler, the adventure-seeker, the master networker, and the truest friend. When I first met her, she was always coming back and forth from a trip somewhere in Europe. She went to Greece, Spain, England, Italy, the Netherlands and that's just a sampler.

One trip, she came with us to Vienna and Budapest, and let me tell you a true story. Elana snuck into the Budapest National Opera House. In fact, because of her curiosity, we all did. She wandered down the hall and started talking to a Clarinet player for the National Symphony...and even tried out her Clarinet. Now, I'll admit that I was a little nervous: We were in a country not yet in the European Union. Hungarian isn't exactly the easiest language. What are you supposed to tell guards wielding big guns?? Needless to say, we made it out alive.

She's always played to the beat of her own drum and has been wildly successful in her career. I mean, can you say you wore T-Pain's hat? She loves music and music has been infused in her job. She continues to travel a bunch and may even go to a music festival in France! When she asked me if I'd take her photo for a conference profile, how was I going to say no? Of course I would! Here are a few from our impromptu session...

The sun was setting fast, so I had to grab all the available light!

Elana, je suis tellement contente que nous sommes si bonnes copines!

It's Thanksgiving and I'm Thankful

2008-11-27T16:50:00.000-08:00

So I actually started writing this post in October, but decided against posting it because it wasn't quite ready. Well, now it's ready.

I love Thanksgiving not only because my family gets together and partakes in amazing food, but because it's the time of the year to re-focus on what's important. I know this shouldn't just be a one-time-a-year reflection, but unfortunately, that's usually how the cookie crumbles. It should be a daily thing, and that's something I'm going to strive for here on out. Being thankful and grateful.

I'm incredibly thankful for a loving and supporting family. In an age where divorce is the norm and love is taken for granted, I feel so blessed and lucky to have such a great family. My parents are still as in love as they were when they started dating over 30 years ago, match-made, actually, and will be having a date night tomorrow. I am thankful for that. I'm really blessed to have a wonderful little sister who is like a chemistry genius and acing her classes down at Cal Poly SLO. I'm excited to have her back. We took some fun photos which I will post soon! I'm also so stoked to have extended family close by, with who we gather every week for what we call "Family Night". I usually block out my Fridays to hang with the family and love it. Time to unwind and reconnect...and EAT!

I'm also so grateful and so blessed to have a wonderfully awesome fiance, Centurion. Yes, that's his real name, just as unique as he is sweet. He definitely keeps me grounded and patiently listens to my rants and raves and general ramblings, and loves me all the same. He thinks it's cute when I say, "heeeeeyyyy" and thinks I'm funny when I pick up his vernacular. He pulls me back into a state of calm when I edge on the unreasonable, or more accurately, jump the threshold entirely. We're getting hitched in July, just about 7 1/2 months away! Thank you for being you and letting me be me. I love you, and next Thanksgiving we'll be spending it together!

I feel so incredibly lucky to have "fallen" into the loving arms of photography when I did this summer. David Jay and Jasmine Star were total catalysts of inspiration during their Free to Succeed Tour. I heard the call ringing in my ears and I decided that, "Yes! I'm going to do this" and to not look back. Like Jasmine said (I believe she quoted Tony Robbins?) there is no trying to sit on a chair, you're either sitting on a chair or not. So I'm not going to try this, I'm DOING it. And while I still consider myself in the shallows, all of this just feels so right. Thank you so much for the love that has been shown so far, my heart is gushing...deal with it. And thanks to all of my great friends who have been showcased here and have been supporting my endeavors all the way.

Thank you, thank you, thank you. For everything.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Dianna & Little T: Family Shoot!

2008-11-26T08:14:00.000-08:00

I met Dianna at work too. I basically considered Dianna the keeper of all knowledge when it came to publishing stuff. She seemed to know everyone, pretty much how to do anything, and smiled the entire way through it. She was always in good spirits and kept a steady supply of candy in her cube. As if she needed a reason for someone to come visit her...everyone showed up voluntarily to ask her a question...or just to chat. She too broke out of the publishing world about a year ago now, (man time flies!) and obliged when I asked her if she'd be interested in being my model.

Did I mention that she has the cutest son, EVER? He's so full of personality! Well, Dianna gave me fair warning. "He LOVES the camera," she said. And that he does. He was a natural and so adorable. When I slipped out of his sight line or walked slowly behind them, he kept asking, "Where's Catie?" I made sure to tell him that I was there and we all had a great time as the sun set.

As you can see, I'm shooting my way through everyone I work(ed) with, lol.

Not sure what he was doing, but thought this was too cute.

Serious face.

My favorite of the afternoon.

And just because I love the flare...

I'm so glad this one came out... it was almost completely dark.

Thanks Dianna and Little T! I had so much fun with you guys, playing rockets, lightsabers, and throwing rocks into the estuary.

Happy Wednesday!

Being a Lovecat

2008-11-24T21:08:00.000-08:00

I first heard the term "lovecat" at David Jay's Free to Succeed Tour with Jasmine Star. At first I was a little confused, but then he explained that it was from a book, Love is the Killer App by Tim Sanders. Being a lovecat involves reading and amassing usable knowledge in your field, networking, and showing "compassion" through sharing said knowledge with those contacts. Ultimately those that you help out may end up returning the favor. Paying it forward. I just finished reading the book a few weeks ago. And over the last couple of weeks, I've found myself being a lovecat.

I've been stocking up on business books - something I never ever pictured myself reading. But now that it's so applicable to my life, I feel like, How can I not? I've recommended Love is the Killer App and The Purple Cow by Seth Godin to my uncle who is an independent consultant. Who would have thought that I would recommend biz books? I certainly didn't!

Last weekend I was talking to my friend about the quintessential dilemma that I have found a lot of our friends have been facing lately: "What do I do with my life?" Do I go to grad school? Do I apply to law school? Do I travel? Do I find a "safe and secure" job? Do I move out of my parents house or do I move back home? I feel fortunate to know what I want to do, photographing people on one of the happiest days of their lives. Capturing those special moments and celebrating love. However, it's only been in the last three months that I've decided to actually go for it.

I began to describe to her something I learned at my work retreat. It was the high point of the two-day "respite". We had a guest speaker, Dave Ellis, author of Becoming a Master Student, educator, life coach, and philanthropist. He encouraged us to "think of the things you never thought," "say the things you've never said," and "do the things you've never done". He told us to take index cards, flip them vertically, and write one goal - whether it be totally attainable or incredibly wild. I loved this idea, and it was the one thing I walked away with, having come up with 150+ cards (not related to the day job!) So I told her, do it. Write out your goals. It may be the most concrete thing you can do to make your dreams come true. (Cheesy? Perhaps. True? Yes!) I'm all about writing out my goals now.

Then I told her about Robert Kiyosaki's Rich Dad, Poor Dad. I'm currently reading this selection on recommendation from David Jay, so I couldn't fully comment. However, when she mentioned buzzwords such as "rat race" and "good job", it immediately made me think about the book. I had just read that section that talked about getting out of the rat race and having money work for you, instead of working for money. I told her that I just started reading it, but so far, so good. I know I don't want to get worked by an inanimate object. Like David Jay, I want FREEDOM! I hope that I can continue to spread knowledge as I gather it.

They don't say reading is fundamental for nothing. I've renewed my love for reading and can't get enough. I love going to the library now and checking things out. (I renewed my membership with the Alameda Country Library System after a 7-year absence!) I always thought my mom was a little crazy for trying to read three books at the same time. I thought, man, I won't remember who is who or who said what. And look at me now, I'm currently reading: Elizabeth Gilbert's Eat, Pray, Love, Robert Kiyosaki's Rich Dad, Poor Dad, re-reading Dane Sanders' Fast Track Photographer, AND listening to Frances Mayes' Under the Tuscan Sun on my commute. Phwew. That's a lot. But it rocks!

Beth + Phil : Anytime

2008-11-20T23:36:00.001-08:00

I met Beth at work. She sat in a cubicle tucked away on the other side of the conference room. I would hide out in her cube when I was avoiding productivity. Then she was promoted and had to move to the other building. That just meant I had to take a little stroll across the parking lot to chat. And chat we did. About work. About life. About silly people in the world. Sometimes I'd go to her office with the intention of staying maybe 5 minutes, and it would turn into 45. I worked with Beth up until last month; she was able to break out and shorten her commute. When I asked her if she and her husband would be my models she said, "Yes. I love it when people take pictures of me." If you know Beth, you know this is a good thing.

Beth and Phil hail from the other coast, the East Coast, Rhode Island to be exact. They moved to California as Phil is pursuing his Ph.D. in Chemistry. I already knew that they were a totally fun couple from hanging out a few times. I remember a particular game of Catchphrase where we were all in stitches. They rock! Beth and Phil complement each other in just the right way, and I wish them a lifetime of happiness...on their goat farm in Maine (one day!)

I was excited at the chance to capture them with my camera. Some of my favorites:

I don't remember exactly what they were doing, but I caught it! It was too funny.

Thanks Beth and Phil for coming to hang out! I had a great time and hope you like the results!

Master Class with Vivi Flindt

2008-11-17T21:38:00.000-08:00

Back in the day, okay the 90's and early 00's, I danced with Ballet Petit, under the direction of Peggy Peabody. While I wasn't quite as hard core a ballerina as some of the other girls, I loved it. I love the graceful poses, the storytelling without words, and even dancing en pointe. Granted, the blisters and calluses aren't exactly a cup of tea, but amazing excited audiences is so fun. The rush of performing, the butterflies, the bright lights, and the post-performance dinners. Dancing. Is. Fun.

Well, even after moving to San Diego for college, moving back to the Bay Area, finding a full time job, getting engaged, AND pursuing photography as a full time replacement gig, I just couldn't stay away from the studio. I've been in 11 years of performances, The Nutcracker and Spring Concerts. I think that in the 18 years that I've had ties with Ballet Petit, I've only missed about 7 of over 75 performances of the Nutcracker. Not bad, huh? I still take the occasional class. In fact, I'm going to be performing in this year's production on Sunday, December 7 with some of the other alumni! It's the 30th Anniversary! Check out the info here.

With Ballet Petit, I've also had the amazing opportunity of performing at the Paramount Theatre in Oakland with the Oakland Ballet in their production of the Nutcracker, back under the direction of Ronn Guidi. Some of the other girls have been accepted to summer programs at American Ballet Theatre (NYC), Joffrey Ballet (Chicago), San Francisco Ballet, Boston Ballet, and the Kirov Ballet (Russia), among others.

A select few students have had the amazing chance to spend the summer in Denmark, dancing with the Royal Danish Ballet in Copenhagen. Two weeks ago, Ballet Petit had the pleasure of hosting Vivi Flindt of the Royal Danish Ballet. She is recognized as a world expert of the Bournonville technique, the number ONE ballet system out of the top FIVE. How exciting is that? She was also named as a national living treasure of Denmark for her work. She is in California staging the ballet The Toreador for Ballet San Jose, which I'm going to go see on Sunday!

So when presented with the opportunity to photograph and document Vivi Flindt's Master Class, how could I pass it up?! A true once in a lifetime experience. It was such an honor to meet her, a Danish living legend, and Bournonville expert! It was so fun to watch her teach class at the school where I used to dance. Then I found out that when she returns to Denmark she will be presenting the photos to the Board of the Royal Danish Theatre. How awesome is that?!

The fabulous Vivi Flindt

This one is my favorite.

Thanks to Miss Peggy and Vivi for this amazing opportunity.

Be sure to check out Ballet San Jose's The Toreador and Ballet Petit's 30th Anniversary production of The Nutcracker.

I've been Tagged!

2008-11-16T22:44:00.000-08:00

So, because Just Kim tagged the me, and I'm all about playing along, here I go.

Rules

Link to the person who tagged me
Mention the rules
Reveal seven quirky and/or weird facts about yourself
Tag seven other bloggers by linking to them
Go to each of their blogs and leave a message letting them know they’ve been tagged!

Catie like you’ve never seen before:

The wrong year is printed on my birth certificate. Therefore, I have an amendment correcting it.
I hate it when people pronounce the word NUCLEAR as "new-queue-ler"
I learned to read and write in French before English.
I enjoy celebrity gossip magazines.
I have two dachshunds, Frieda and Walter the Farting Dog.
Pinocchio freaks me out because it reminds me of Chucky (which also freaks me out)
I have never seen A Christmas Story (even when they play it for 24 hours on Christmas day)

Now, I tag:
Lydia, Jessica, Michele, Alyssa, Laura, and Camille Elise.

Christina + David = Married!

2008-11-12T20:24:00.000-08:00

Sorry to keep my loyal readers waiting! The day job has been keeping me down! But fear not, here is the post. I'm so excited to say that I blew through editing this one in about 4 hours, I love Lightroom!

It was super foggy and overcast all day in Sausalito. The sky was gray. But it did not rain! The wedding was on a yacht that sailed around the San Francisco Bay, which, if you think about it is a great way to keep a captive audience...unless they want to swim back to shore! Christina is the younger sister of one of my bridesmaids, Liz. When Liz found out that I was starting my own business, she asked if I would shoot Christina and David's wedding. Needless to say, I happily accepted. Christina and David are loads of fun! I wish them all the best as they start their lives together!

The 105mm f/2.8 is like buttah for detail shots!

The ring bearer was too cute for words!

First Dance.

Father-Daughter Dance.

Mother of the Groom. She was tearin' it up on the dance floor!

All the best to you two! Thanks Liz for asking me to share in their big day! And thanks to Maile, tag team partner shooting.

Ever been stuck?

2008-11-10T12:31:00.000-08:00

I was thinking about writer's block this morning. My friend, Cathlin, who just celebrated her 27th birthday received little note cards with whimsy patters meant to help with writer's block. That got me to thinking about being stuck. Stuck in traffic. Stuck in the rain. Stuck in a hole like Winnie the Pooh. I've been stuck. Literally.

I've been trapped in a bathroom twice in my life. Yes, trapped. Stuck. Unable to get out.

The first time what when I was about three years old. I was in my grandparents' home in San Diego, on a Christmas visit with my parents. I guess I had become accustomed to going potty by myself (I was a quick learner), and so I did. While most of the details are pretty foggy, given that that was about twenty years ago, my parents never let me forget the resounding chorus that I belted at the top of my lungs, "LET ME OUT! LET ME OUT! LET ME OUT!" I suppose it was a faulty door handle or a jammed lock. Clearly I did get out, but even though I was only three years old, the fear of being trapped in a bathroom for life, coursed through my veins.

The second time I was trapped in a bathroom was when I was studying abroad in France. I was a regular October day, and I was between classes. The first floor restrooms were all occupied so I ventured to the second floor. Score! It was vacant. So I went in and locked the door behind me. I went about my business and was ready to exit. Well, problem #1: the door was stuck. In fact, the lock was stuck. At first I thought, "Let me just jiggle the handle and the lock". No such luck.

I looked around the slightly-larger-than-a-phonebooth bathroom and noticed that there was no window. There was no other espace. I considered banging on the door and yelling, but then I remembered that there was another door in the area where the sinks were. There was a layer of insulation. Great. Then, someone tried to open the door. I thought about yelling through the wood door, but then I wondered, what would I say? In French, no less. So I stayed silent and hoped the person would go away.

So there I was stuck in a bathroom in France. I realized problem #2: how was I going to get out? I remembered I had my cell phone on me. Yes! I tried calling some of my American friends, with whom I could relay the message that I was trapped in a bathroom. No luck. Everyone must have been in class. Then I remembered I had the phone number for the director's office in my phone. Score! I formulated what I was going to say. I kept thinking and thinking about how to say "stuck". It finally popped into my head "coince", pronounced "qwin-say" (best I could conjure). I could have of course said "trapped" which would have been easier, but I tend to go the difficult route. I called Christine, the program coordinator, and explained my plight. She immediately jumped on the phone to explain to a handyman of where to find me and to let me out. She called me back to let me know. Within another 20 minutes, I was able to breathe fresh air again. I thanked the custodian profusely and thanked him for granting me my freedom.

After that, I have ALWAYS checked that bathroom doors/stalls/etc. unlocked easily before proceeding. So remember, proceed with caution.

So there's a little story to spice up your Monday.

Happy Birthday to my Mom!

2008-11-05T11:14:00.000-08:00

Today is my mom's birthday, and what a greater birthday gift than President-Elect Barack Obama! My mom is such an inspiration to me. She's a full-time obstetrics nurse (ie. helps catch the babies), full-time Master's in Nursing Education student (she teaches future nurses), and a fantastic mom, wife, sister, and daughter. I don't know how she does it all, but I'm pretty sure that after she finishes her Master's degree, she'll pursue a Ph.D.

Everyday, I see where I get my charms and quirks, like my need to match. She was talking about her need to match her scrub tops and scrub pants, and I was like, "Oh that's where I get it from." I have a need to match my earrings to my outfit - I don't care much about shoes or purses - but earrings are a must!

Love you Mom, happy birthday!

Get out and Vote!

2008-11-04T12:41:00.000-08:00

I think this election will have one of the highest (if not the highest) voter turnout in history. Be part of history! Make history! Regardless of where you stand on issues, exercise your right to vote, make it count! I VOTED!

I love this photo from Bakerella - btw, Cake Pops are totally delish! And easy to make!

Elizabeth + Andrew = 1 year!

2008-11-01T14:00:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, while we still had some beautiful, dry California weather, I had the pleasure of photographing my supercool co-worker, Elizabeth and her husband Andrew. I met Elizabeth in March 2007 when she started working at the same company as me. We immediately hit it off when Ashley (another awesome co-worker) and I invited her to lunch. She said that she was a "Burrito-holic" and I knew she had to be good people.

Over the short course of the last 18 months, Elizabeth and I have become more than just colleagues - we're friends. She's had a couple of get togethers are her house and she's been a brilliant source of ideas and advice for my upcoming wedding. As she started working with me about 7 months before her wedding, I saw her go through the ups and downs of dress fittings, rehearsal dinners, and favors. As soon as my fiance and I had registered for some gifts, Elizabeth was the first to jump online to check out what we chose.

When I asked Elizabeth if she'd be up to a photo session to help build my portfolio, she gave me a resounding, "Yes!" I was super stoked to shoot this awesome couple, who kept me laughing throughout the session. The couple of hours that we spent together flew by, and we had a great time. I got some great shots of them:

This was my favorite shot. Love the light!

I asked Elizabeth to give me her ANTM pose! (America's Next Top Model, if you're wondering)

It was so fun!

Elizabeth showed her parents the results, and now I may get to do a whole family session! Woo hoo!

Blessed

2008-10-29T11:14:00.000-07:00

So I'm feeling really blessed lately. Blessed to have a wonderful family. Blessed to have a caring and supportive and overall awesome fiance. Blessed to have great friends. I don't think I can thank you all enough.

There are those times, when life feels dark, when nothing feels like it is going right, like nobody watching my back. Then there are those times when life feels so bright, that I have been given so many infinite blessings, that I can't help but celebrate life. And be thankful. It's one of the latter times in my life.

I had a great time with Elizabeth and Andrew this past Saturday. Their shoot went great! I will be posting pics soon. We walked around Downtown Saratoga and the light was just lovely. Thanks guys!

I was looking at my calendar this week and I realized that I have something booked for the 8th, 15th, and possibly the 22nd. I'm so stoked to have these opportunities. I will be shooting my bridesmaid Liz's sister's wedding next Saturday. It's on a boat! That'll be an interesting challenge. I also have another couples shoot on the 15th with my former coworker Beth and her husband Phil, should be a blast. Finally, I might have a Mom & Son shoot on the 22nd. Yay!

I feel really lucky to have some awesome coworkers. My coworker and good friend, Ashley, asked me how I felt about her referring me to her friends for photoshoots to help build my portfolio. A resounding, "YES!" What else would I reply? Well, from her email, I may have an engagement shoot on the books. Thanks Ashley!

With that, I just feel like all of this is right. This is what I should be doing. And I LOVE IT.

Vicki + Brian: Wedding!

2008-10-26T18:57:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of tagging along with Jennifer Hosler of Candid Moments Weddings. We met virtually on the [b] School and she asked me if I'd be interested in coming along. I immediately and enthusiastically said "Yes!" The entire day was a total rush and so much fun. I learned a lot just from where to stand to logistics of family portraits to using flash during the reception. At the end of the night, I was elated. I though, "I can totally do this again, it was FUN!" A fun job? Heck yeah!

Vicki and Brian are such a fun couple. They can be serious. They can be funny. They can be goofy on command. They are clearly in love and will continue to grow together. Although I only met them on the day of their wedding, it was clear to me that they are the life of the party. They are like the floodlights that brighten up a stadium. Thanks for the honor of being part of your day!

And now, what we've all been waiting for, the photos!

This is my favorite one of the day! Brian couldn't stop making faces!

Sweet moment between Brian and his Grandma.

Brian's parents are great dancers!

Thanks again to Jennifer for inviting me to help capture Vicki and Brian's day!

PS. Turned out that one of the groomsmen was my classmate in high school!

After the fact e-session!

2008-10-23T13:54:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I guess I could have called them "anytime" photos, but it's like an e-session! A year-after shoot! An anniversary session...

I'm so excited about this Saturday. I will be shooting an anytime session of my co-worker, Elizabeth and her hubby Andrew, in downtown Saratoga. They celebrated their first anniversary on Monday, and are just such a fun couple. Elizabeth has been super supportive since the day I asked her if she'd be interested. She's as excited as I am, I think. It should be a blast!

I'm so thankful for the opportunities that keep popping up, like almost happenstance. I'll also be shooting some informal photos for my bridesmaid's sister's bridal shower on Sunday. Thank you for opportunities to do what I love! I'll be shooting her wedding day as well!

Vicki + Brian: Teaser #2

2008-10-22T00:11:00.000-07:00

Wait for it... wait for it... I swear a full post is coming! I've been swamped with the 9-5...but it's coming! Promise!

Thanks so much to Jennifer Hosler of Candid Moments Photography for letting me tag along!

Vicki + Brian: Teaser

2008-10-20T22:11:00.000-07:00

So I couldn't wait to post something, so I picked the bride's awesome bouquet. I still have to sift through everything and pick out my favorites from the day, but here is a teaser to get you through tomorrow...

Loved the bouquet!

A walk through Boston

2008-10-19T18:26:00.000-07:00

I did a lot of walking in Boston. A LOT. It's too bad I didn't wear a pedometer, because I'm pretty sure I logged a significant number of miles. On my last day in Boston, I decided to cut out of work with a little time to spare. I took one last promenade down Commonwealth Street over to the Boston Public Garden. It's so beautiful! The leaves are starting to change, and I'm sure it'll be gorgeous once everything is golden.

I had read about Beacon Hill in the local guide book, so I ventured over there. Since it was nice out, I opted to walk. I came upon these buildings and decided to look up.

This is the 7-Eleven on Charles Street. I had to take a picture of it because it was just so fancy looking for me, especially for a convenience store. The inside was pretty typical, but the outside would make you do a double take before you knew that it was a 7-Eleven.

This is Acorn Street, the "most photographed street in Boston". I just had to check it out and get my perspective in. Loving the brick and cobblestones. Not so fun to walk over those though.

So here's my self-portrait. Those bad boys over my ears are some now-defunct Sharper Image Noise Cancelling headphones my dad let me borrow. Awesome to drown out the din of city noise and concentrate on listening to Ron Dawson's totally fab F-Stop Beyond interviews! I must have blown through at least 20 interviews over the entire trip! Love 'em! I also had to document (even with a cheesy photo) that I was here! The one behind the camera.

So if there was one thing I learned about Bostonians, it's that Walk/Don't Walk signs are merely for show. As our tour guide told us, the Don't Walk sign just means "Hurry up!" I really wanted to capture this experience before leaving the city. Here's my take:

Notice the red hand and the frenzy to cross. There was a car coming.

Here are my cousins from New Bedford, hanging out at the COOP. They are big Manga fans.

Photos from the wedding I third shot are coming soon! It was awesome. Imagine the groom diving for the garter to the music from The Office. That couple was totally rad!

Crossing into Crimson Territory

2008-10-15T18:44:00.000-07:00

So the upside to autumn is Daylight Savings time and the extra hour of sleep (of course that got pushed back last year). The downside, when you're a photographer and still have a 9-5 gig, is that by five o'clock, the light is quickly fading.

This afternoon I ventured out to Cambridge where the highly revered university, Harvard, resides. I had vague memories of where things were located since I was out here last year when my sister and I visited our cousins. But without the luxury of light, the sightseeing was markedly different. I enjoy the challenge of taking photos in low light conditions. Now if only I could freeze my arms in particular positions, all the photos wouldn't have the shake factor of a slow shutter speed.

Hello Harvard

The Library

I love books and I love libraries. However, there was no love for me when I graced the steps of the Harvard Library. This is what I was welcomed with:

No library access for me.

So my next best option was this:

I love bookstores! I also sat in the cafe and has a lovely piece of surprisingly delicious and creamy Tiramisu. Sadly, I gobbled up the dessert before I had the thought to take a picture of it. Trust me, it was beautifully scrumptious!

A Taste of Boston

2008-10-15T08:52:00.000-07:00

So I'm in Boston. I went on a little photo safari yesterday afternoon after taking a nap following a red-eye flight. This place is SO FULL of history which I have such a huge appreciation for, coming from California, where history is still young. I took the Freedom Trail tour through Boston and it was a fun 90-minute walk.

Bunker Hill

Copp's Burying Ground

Quincy Market

Spring Lane - the oldest street in Boston

Beantown - Boston got the name from growing beans!

Our period tour guide. He wasn't so into speaking from first person. Lots of good information.

The State House

Plus, I love the fact that you can walk everywhere, and when you're feet are dying, there's a subway system - the "T". Reminds me of my days in France where driving wasn't a necessity or an option.

Look where I went...

2008-10-14T19:36:00.000-07:00

Can you say DE.LI.CIOUS?! I'm in Boston for a few days on business. I couldn't come out here without hitting this place up, especially after this photo, from the Facebook king, Kenny Kim.

Considering I walked around 5 miles ALL over Boston from Boston Common to Faneuil Hall up to Bunker Hill and all the way back to Copley Place, all on foot, I think I can justify these TASTY treats. Mike's Pastry is now online! www.mikespastry.com

Gaining Speed

2008-10-13T10:25:00.000-07:00

Life has been treating me well. I feel like everything is just falling into place and I can't help but smile. While I'm not working at warp speed, I do feel like I'm moving at a comfortable pace, keeping busy with some informal shoots, assisting, and learning as much as possible.

I'm finally getting into renting some gear, which is awesome! Lenses cost a pretty penny especially the sweetest ones, so it's best to give it a go before committing the cash. I love that BorrowLenses.com is located in San Mateo, a short drive from my 9-5 job. I can save on shipping which is totally rad. Here's a picture I took of my current read with my 85mm f/1.8 rental:

I actually also have to read this for work, but I can expense it! (Read = free book!) And it comes incredibly handy for building my own business. Be remarkable and stand apart from the crowd. I'm working on this everyday. I don't want to be a "pod person". I used to use this expression to describe the cliques at my high school. All the girls that look alike, talk alike, dress alike, and will only be friends with each other. There's no differentiation except for their names! This is NOT who I want to be or ever become. Be remarkable and don't look back!

Seriously, my friends ROCK!

2008-10-10T16:29:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday everyone!

In my quest to build my portfolio, I've scheduled a couple more shoots! I've been constantly asking myself, "How can I find willing subjects? How can I beef up my goods? What can I do?"

Well, it's been a little tricky. I'm the only one amongst my friends who is engaged. In fact, besides three good friends, of which two live far away (one in NC and the other in France), none of my close friends have serious relationships. Scrap engagement photos.

My sister just moved to college. She and her friends are somewhat out of reach to get some senior photos in. Maybe when she comes back for Thanksgiving, I'll bribe her with free movie tickets...Ah sisterhood.

My dogs, Frieda and Walter, are usually willing subjects at the cost of a dog treat. But even they get over it pretty quickly. I have to trick them just to get them to look at me sometimes. They must think, "there goes our crazy owner with that big hunk of metal!"

So what's a girl to do? Go out on a limb and ask more people!

My biggest *clients* have been my coworkers. The best part of my workplace is the people, the pay is a totally different story. I really like the people I work with, so I'm going to hang on until after the wedding. (Need to fund that wedding plus photography stuff!) My first engagement shoot was for my former coworker Sylvia. I have an Anniversary shoot at the end of October for my rockstar coworker Elizabeth.

Guess what? Another coworker obliged my offer for some Anytime photos. Yay! Beth rocks my socks! (literally!) She's a champion knitter from Rhode Island. Seriously, she can knit a beanie or socks like nobody's business. It'll be a blast hanging out with her and her husband Phil, soon to be Dr. Phil. (As in Ph.D., not the talk show host).

And the biggy! My bridesmaid's sister is having a small, simple ceremony in a month and she asked if I'd be interested in photographing it. Is there any other answer other than "YES!" I'm really excited about it because it's a wedding and it's my bridesmaid's sister and it'll help expand my portfolio beyond just my friends and pets.

Have a great weekend! Going to play with my 85mm 1.8!

Wow, so I think I've come to a realization. I think and write with a lot of exclamations. If you've met me, you know that's not necessarily the case. Oh well, it's all the exciting stuff coming up!!

New Kids on the Who?

2008-10-09T09:46:00.000-07:00

I was preparing my breakfast this morning - Cheerios with sliced bananas - when my dad asked me a question.

"Who are these guys?" He pointed to the front page of the Entertainment section. It was a full color photo of NKOTB! Also fondly remembered as the New Kids on the Block.

"Those are the New Kids on the Block," I said.

"The Backstreet Boys?" he asked.

So maybe he thought I meant it as an expression, like, "Oh those are the new kids on the block," and not as in a band. As a kid I was never really exposed to popular music. I hate to admit it, but as a 3rd and 4th grader, my exposure to the "cool kids" music consisted of a Barbie cassette and a Simpsons cassette. It was all I had in my trusty Walkman. I don't think I could have even identified an NKOTB song on the radio. I just heard the other girls at school talking about it. I would just smile and nod. I remember my classmate Janelle was obsessed with them. She had a young mom who let her listen to all kinds of popular music. I never thought I was missing out though. I was just ignorant to that type of music. It was always Oldies on 99.7 KFRC or soft rock on KOIT 96.5. Hey, I was a kid, what can you do when you sit in the back seat and have no control over the radio?!

Back to this morning.

"No," I said, "those are the New Kids on the Block, the original boy band" (of my generation).

He replied, "Oh you mean, Making the Band?"

Here he was not referencing the Diddy-fied Making the Band, but the original version back like 10 years ago, when they created the now-defunct, O-Town.

"No Dad, it's the New Kids on the Block, the boy band from the late 80's and early 90's. They were like the first boy band, before the Backstreet Boys and NSYNC. They are having a reunion tour." (It said that on the front page.)

"Oh I see," my dad said.

A funny conversation to start off the day. The really funny thing is that my dad is all up in the celebrity stories. He reads Page 2 to get all the day's gossip. Sometimes he hears stuff before I do. I guess it's because I was never a real fan of NKOTB, mostly due to sheer ignorance that they existed, that my dad, now twenty years later, has no idea who they are either.

My Wordle

2008-10-08T09:24:00.000-07:00

I created this little word inspiration board on Wordle. It's a fun little application to feed in anything you want really. I just used my blog and these are the words it pulled:

Happy Wednesday!

**created at Wordle.**

Back to the Blog!

2008-10-06T15:12:00.000-07:00

I spent this weekend with my fiance at our Engaged Encounter retreat out in Danville. It's hosted by the Diocese of Oakland and a preparation requirement to get married in the Catholic Church. We both went in without any assumptions or expectations, and happily had a great time. It's so nice to just get away from it all, work, wedding planning, stresses, and just focus on each other.

The weekend isn't about sharing your personal life with strangers; rather it's a unique opportunity to discuss questions and issues with your fiance(e), that perhaps haven't been discussed before. Although the weekend was intense and tiring (we had to be up by 7am), we walked away feeling closer to each other than ever before, plus we received a "Certificate of Completion" and feel that much more prepared for the plunge!

Even if you do not practice a religion, I believe that anyone who is considering or preparing for marriage would benefit from this type of program or marriage preparation. Communication is key. It's the key to a lasting relationship and union. Like their tagline says, "A Wedding is a Day...A Marriage is a Lifetime". This is so true. I'm so glad that we had the chance to address topics with each other now, instead of later on down the road. We laughed, we cried, we really connected.

I'm getting ready for a whirlwind next week. I'll be flying out to Boston for work next Monday and meeting up with my cousins and a photo shoot!

[b]eing a good citizen

2008-10-02T11:59:00.001-07:00

So, on my usual morning Google Reader updates, I found Jessica Claire's post to be rather intriguing. I don't wish to make my blog a forum for political discussion, but rather a source of encouragement to do your civic duty. This is a huge election, with some serious measures on board. If you have an opinion, vote. If you care about the future of your kids, vote. If you care about the environment, vote. No matter what your issues are, where you stand in the political spectrum, make your voice heard, and VOTE!

Come on people. It's that time of year again. REGISTER to vote. Time's a wastin'. Regardless of who you are or what you believe in, if you want to make a difference, you'll need to get off your butt and vote. So register.

Thanks to Jessica Claire for posting this on her blog.

Thanks! End of soapbox speech.

More Shoots!

2008-09-30T10:13:00.000-07:00

I'm excited that I will get some good shooting time next month, which starts tomorrow! I'm really amped about building my portfolio even more!

I have a family shoot, my family in fact, in Boston in October when I'm out there on "real job" business. I'll be visiting my family that lives south of the Boston area. They are a family of eight, with six kids, five cats, and a dog! The oldest, my cousin closest in age, has set out on her own adventure in New York City, so sadly won't be able to get in on the family fun. I know she's having a blast out there though!

I will hopefully be assisting Jennifer Hosler of Candid Moments Photography mid-month. Jennifer graciously offered me the opportunity to tag along with her on a wedding. I'm really excited! It will be my first wedding, NOT as a guest. It's funny to write that since most photographers get excited about BEING a guest. Well, here's to getting my feet wet! (That's such a weird expression when you think about it.)

Finally, I have a First Anniversary shoot towards the end of the month. I have worked with Elizabeth for the last year and a half or so, and since the first time I had lunch with her, I knew that we would be good friends. I watched as she planned her own wedding, with various conversations about her dress, the reception, and getting it all together for her Sweetest Day wedding. She's been so great helping me with suggestions for my own wedding planning. She and her husband Andrew are going to Maine to for their first anniversary. I asked her if she'd be interested in some photos to celebrate their anniversary, and she said yes! It'll be some good fun!

October is going to be fab!

New Mustang in the house!

2008-09-26T11:49:00.000-07:00

No, not the car. A Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Mustang! My sister just started her freshman year of college at Cal Poly SLO. She's the baby in the family (well, there's only two of us), but it was a pretty big deal to see her off to college. They grow up so fast! Cliche, but so true!

I remember when she just started Kindergarten. We are seven years apart, so I was already in 7th grade when she lugged her backpack that was bigger than her and walked to the Kindergarten line at our little Catholic school. I used to help her with her homework and we would watch the Disney Channel together.

When I got my driver's license, I became the chauffeur. This wasn't really a problem considering that I was so over taking the bus. I was ready to drive on the open road and picking up my little sister from school let me drive that much more!

I left for college in the Fall of 2001. Literally days after the 9/11 attacks. Even though we have a big age gap, we've always been close. When I moved down to San Diego, to UCSD, I think she was devastated. Like when your best friend moves away or when a favorite teacher changes schools. That I'm-totally-going-to-miss-you-but-we'll-call-everyday feeling. But we survived. She called me every night and it was so nice that she did. Even if I didn't talk to my parents all the time, I still had my little sister to see how I was doing.

When I graduated from UCSD, she had just finished her first year in high school. High school! I still remember her as the pipsqueak in Kindergarten. After college I moved back home, so we clicked back into normal routine. Then she started driving and going to proms and getting a boyfriend. But our dynamic has always been there. We have a great time just hanging out, going to movies, or out to eat. She's grown up into a beautiful young lady, who's really good in science and math, and loves to cook. I'm so proud!

I don't think I ever really realized what it was like for her when I moved away. But I found out. I miss you, sis! It's not the same without her here. No sister to watch a lame movie with. No sister to satisfy the craving for In-N-Out. No sister to drag on a random shopping expedition. I can't wait for her to come back for Thanksgiving.

Of course she had the option of staying at home, but I told her to move away. Learn some independence. Learn to fly on her own. So while I'm sad she's not home all the time, I'm so proud of her! Go Mustangs! Go Cal Poly! I know she's going to have a great time. Go Steph!

The picture of us together is from December '07. I can't believe I couldn't find something more recent. I need to fix that!!

Rubbing Elbows with Success

2008-09-23T20:43:00.000-07:00

Like I've mentioned before, I've always considered myself a shy person. Of course, as many of my friends know, that shyness evaporates as soon as I get comfortable with those around me. One of things I've really been working on has been meeting new people and finding my comfort level at a faster rate than usual. I'm fine once the ice is broken, it's just the initial unknown. I'm sure it's like that for a lot of people.

Last night I went to dinner with about fifty other photographers. Gene Higa and Jose Villa, two of the Top Ten Photographers in the World, held a joint workshop in San Francisco. With the launch of Private School for the [b] school, Gene invited Bay Area classmates to come out and join in on the fun.

When I received the invite, I was really excited with a tinge of apprehension. I don't have a wingman/wing woman to easily drag along with me; I would have to go it alone. But that didn't faze me, I was pumped. I went to the Free to Succeed Tour alone. I went to my first PUG meeting alone. I could do this. I want to meet people.

So I did.

And it was great. I met the two of the Top Ten Photographers in the World, shook their hands, and smiled. I met a handful of local photographers, including Orbie Pullen, Rebecca Meredith, Brook Todd of Alisha+Brook Photographers, Cate Corbitt, Danielle Stolman of Not So Still Life, Kira Stackhouse of Nuena Photography, and two photographers who I've been following via their blogs: Jennifer Skog and Augie Chang. I also met Facebooker extraordinaire, Kenny Kim! I reconnected with Gustavo Fernandez and Lilia Ahner who I first met at a PUG meeting last month. Lilia and I are both Mariners, what what!

At the end of the night, I was just in awe. It was worth my drive into the city. It was worth being a little tired today. I was so glad I went. I met so many photographers and made some connections. I expanded my network. And to think, just a month ago, I could never have imagined rubbing elbows with any of these folks.

Blog it Board Test

2008-09-22T16:49:00.000-07:00

Photoshop guru, Jodi Friedman, just released her latest set of magic: Magic Blog It Boards. This set of actions allows you to quickly set up a collage of photos for posting to your blog.

Here's my first run:

This little girl is so cute! It was hard choosing just four. I'm definitely thinking I need the rest of the Magic Blog It Board actions!

Excited. You just have to [b]elieve.

2008-09-19T15:40:00.000-07:00

So, I'm more excited than I'd like to admit. If you know me, you'd know that I don't get too excited over anything. There have been a couple of times when you could find me jumping up and down for joy (literally):

When I received a GameBoy for Christmas in 1990 after three months of diligently making my bed every morning from the beginning of the school year until December 25.
When I got my first cell phone, circa 1999, when those Nokias with interchangeable faceplates were all the rage
When I got my first digital camera, Christmas 2002, when 3.2 megapixels were a big deal
When I got an iPod for Christmas in 2003, when it was in just it's second generation, pre-color, pre-video, pre-all the cool stuff today
When we (my sister and I) got a Wii the first Christmas they were available, and were so scarce we could have turned a profit on eBay
When my fiance proposed in March, on our birthday trip to Las Vegas, right before going to Ka

So, what am I so excited about now? Well, since the inception of my journey towards a full time gig as a wedding/portrait photography, I've been excited. It's been the one thing career-wise that has made me excited about getting up for my "real" job, connecting with people via their blogs, Facebook, and online forums. I feel like this is right for me, and it's a matter of "getting there".

How do I get there? Clearly, it won't happen overnight. Obviously, it won't be magic (although I wouldn't mind that). And, as I've learned just from the last couple months, it can't happen all by my lonesome. Networking takes a KEY part in this equation. As much as technique is important, so is your network. That's why I'm so excited to now [b] part of the [b] school.

Like I mentioned the other day, I've already been able to connect to photographers in my area and across the country and across the pond. And, today, Jennifer from Candid Moments Photography, asked me if I'd like to tag along and get some experience. Woo Hoo! Thank you Jennifer! Thank you [b] school! I'm excited!

So this entry is making me chuckle because I just watched [b]ecker's latest on the [b] school blog.

Excited x 9 (not quite as many as [b])

[b]elieve it everybody. [b] connected. [b] mentored. [b] inspired.

[b] amazed

2008-09-17T23:34:00.000-07:00

I'm truly awed and amazed at the response on the [b] school. In the first 12 hours (slightly more), I've connected with other photographers in a way that wouldn't be as easily possible otherwise. I've found a couple of folks who I've made friends with on OSP, and new friends who are in the Bay Area, SoCal and even in Ireland! :) The wonders of virtual networking... I can't wait til we can meet up in person.

I KNOW this is the start of an incredible journey! Thank you Becker!

Alright, it's late, and I must turn it off for now, but today is just day 1...

[b] school application submitted!

2008-09-17T09:53:00.000-07:00

I've been following the [b] school blog for several months now. At first I wasn't really sure what it was all about. But after reading through the entries and kicking back and watching [b]ecker's awesome and informative videos as well as those of his guests, I saw how this would be something for me. In the last month since deciding to "go for it", I've learned that networking will be and is incredibly important to the success of my business. I know I can't do it alone, so I'm so excited for the [b] school so that I, too, can [b] connected.

[b]ecker's passion for the [b] school and for helping others out really sealed the deal for me. I was a little hesitant at first because of the investment (and I'm just starting out), but I have full confidence that the [b] school is going to change the industry and change my business for the better. Although I've never met [b]ecker, I feel like I have, through his posts on his own blog and the [b] school blog. I've been so excited about the launch, I even set a reminder on my phone to make sure to sign up.

UPDATE: I'm in! Be sure to check out the [b] school, you won't be disappointed!

This is the beginning of something AWESOME!

Failure.

2008-09-15T13:15:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Anne Ruthmann for posting this to the Photo Lovecat blog. Failure doesn't have to mean complete defeat, it may lead to your ultimate success. Read the original post here.

Remembering September 11, 2001

2008-09-11T11:22:00.000-07:00

I remember 9/11 pretty vividly. I was busily packing up my stuff that week, getting ready to move to San Diego for my first quarter at UC San Diego. I had woken up around 10:30, and I walked out of my bedroom to find my mom and grandma glued to the television. At that point I had no idea what was going on, and I asked what was wrong. "Two planes crashed into the Twin Towers," my mom said. I don't think I could even fathom what that meant. I watched as the towers smoldered on CNN and I couldn't believe my eyes.

I had only ever seen photos of the World Trade Center. I remember my parents telling me about how they had seen the towers when they went some time in the 1980's. My first trip to NYC was post-9/11 in 2004. I went again in 2007 and was able to visit Ground Zero and the 9/11 memorial museum, where I took this:

May peace be with all those who were affected by 9/11. We will never forget...

I found this poem on [b]ecker's blog, which I'd like to share too:
"Do it Anyway":

People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered;
Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.

If you are successful you will win some false friends and true enemies;
Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building, some could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you've got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God;
It was never between you and them anyway.

Mission Meet the Parents: Success!

2008-09-09T14:00:00.000-07:00

I'm back from Dallas, and the meeting was quite successful. Good food, good conversation, good times, how could it be anything but a success? Although, I must say that I had a slight feeling of nervousness having our parents meet for the very first time. However, I think I was definitely more nervous when I "officially" met them last year in Savannah.

We've been dating for what will be three years two weeks from today, and since we've been in a long-distance relationship for most of it, a casual Sunday brunch bringing our two families together wasn't exactly an easy option. Since he proposed in March, having our parents meet has been a major priority, but the execution has been a little bumpy. Between my mom pursuing her Master's in Nursing Education, my sister finishing up her senior year of high school, and my dad losing his job and eventually finding a new one eight months later, not to mention all of his family's obligations, coordination was a challenge. But, we made it happen, even at six months later!

While we were out exploring Dallas, and introducing my parents to my soon-to-be home base, I busted out the camera. We visited the Dallas World Aquarium, which is also one of the locations we had our engagement photos shot, by the awesome Travis Hoehne. We also walked around my fiance's office, which had some great shade to shoot in, escaping the hot Texas sun. My future in-laws were very gracious and allowed me to snap a couple photos of them, as did my sister and parents.

My future in-laws

My parents

Little sis

My handsome fiance and I, courtesy of my sister.

Mission Accomplished!

Friends are the best!

2008-09-04T09:51:00.000-07:00

I will be out of state for the weekend, for the big parent meeting. My parents are meeting my fiance's parents for the first time on Friday. See, in the midst of starting up my photography business, I'm also working full-time and planning a wedding. Everything has unfolded at the same time, but I had to answer the call of my photography, it just felt right. The right time.

To say the least, it's been an interesting ride thus far as a bride-to-be and aspiring photographer, considering that I'm seeing perspectives from both sides of the camera. I have a much deeper appreciation and admiration for wedding and portrait photographers. It's not a mere matter of pointing and shooting. You have to add in lighting, composition, and a ton of people skills. And that's just the photography aspect; it doesn't even touch the business side.

And so I leave you with a post of an impromptu photo shoot that I had with my friend Hana. She's the one who took my photos for my new header. Our other friends were great sports in allowing us to go full-on paparazzi on them. Here they are SOOC...

Our friend, Elana.

Hana

Love this one of Hana

Our friend, Vanessa.

Our friend, Laura.

[b] yourself, [b] inspired, [b] connected

2008-09-03T09:11:00.000-07:00

The [b] school is coming! October 1st! Check out the video above, you won't want to miss out!

Sylvia + Pat

2008-09-02T11:22:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had my first engagement shoot. My friend Sylvia and her fiance Pat were nice enough to agree to model for me on my first attempt with an engagement session. I learned a lot from the afternoon, just from playing with the light, their positioning, and the rapport and connection that needs to happen between photographer and clients.

Sylvia and I met at my first "real-world" job and trained me on everything I know about the marketing systems. She had just started dating Pat when I met her. She sat in the cubicle across from me, and in our downtime, we'd chat, take trips to Yumi Yogurt, and make the usual run to Kinko's during convention season. She has since left the company to go back to school, but we've stayed in contact and give her the updates on company happenings.

We ended up going to the San Jose Municipal Rose Garden, which is a beautiful location with lush green gardens and roses of every variety. Sylvia and Pat were such good sports, putting up with me directing them, telling them to turn their heads, and basically having a camera in their faces for a good hour and a half. I got some good shots, but I know I have a long way to go though. Practice practice practice!

I stood on a park bench to get this one. I like the angle!

Again, standing on a bench, trying not to make Sylvia laugh.

This was my first play on using shadows.

I like the sunflare quality of this one.

Sunny Sunday

2008-09-01T20:53:00.000-07:00

My first "official" photoshoot was yesterday. Considering all the circumstances it all went very well.

I was excited and I was a nervous wreck. First of all, I had to drive into San Francisco and into the Nob Hill neighborhood (read: lots of fancy condos and no parking). I'm generally a nervous driver in San Francisco, especially when it involves hills or vague directions.

The day started off smoothly. I left right when I wanted to and made the smooth drive up Highway 880. I crossed the Bay Bridge without any problems. I entered the city and carefully followed the directions that Google Maps populated for me. Then I hit Taylor Street. On a map, everything in SF looks flat. I know there are some major hills, but I don't know which ones they are by memory. So it turns out that Taylor Street is one of those hills, and I had the unfortunate luck to have to stop at the top of the 45 degree angle hill. Thank goodness I don't drive a stick shift, I think I would have passed out from the nerves. When the light changed from a red to a flashing yellow (it's not safe enough for a direct green!) I wasn't sure how to handle it. There was a car behind me and I didn't exactly have enough room to roll back. So I gunned it (so to speak) and my car lurched slightly and the tires screeched, but I made it over! Phwew!

I navigated through the streets and found my destination. My next challenge: parking. My clients had kindly arranged for parking in the garage of their buildings. However, the parking spot was situated in the corner spot between a handful of BMW's, Mercedes-Benzes, and a Jaguar. Expensive cars and a tight spot. Great. Luckily, I was directed into the spot and was able to relax a little easier.

Little J was so fun to photograph. She just turned three last week and had plenty to say in her three-year-old talk. After warming up to me a little bit, she was a total ham. Check out some of my favorites:

This kid session was so much fun!

The perpetual tourist

2008-08-30T15:15:00.000-07:00

San Francisco is city that I'll always feel like a tourist when I visit. I think it's because I don't live there. I actually don't have any desire to live in San Francisco, I like it as a city, but I'm not much of a city girl. Going into SF tends to stress me out, whether it's navigating through the non-parallel or perpendicular streets, dodging crazy drivers trying to bypass traffic, or trying to stay alive when you're the pedestrian and the MUNI or road rager is doesn't care if you're in the crosswalk.

But I do love walking around and seeing all the sights. It's great going into the city because I do always feel like a tourists. I'm not disenchanted or discouraged by what the city has to offer. Golden Gate Park is beautiful, the views from different points in the city are diverse and lovely in their own ways, and San Francisco is always pulsating with life. It's a place that I've come to appreciate more and more now that I've been so many more times in the last few years.

China Beach Sunset on a clear day

This is my friend E. This was the awesome light we had! I know it needs a little work, but I really like this photo of her.

Yummy warm, light! Hopefully I can get some of this tomorrow... No fog!

Happy Saturday!

My first gig!

2008-08-29T11:22:00.000-07:00

On Sunday I will be photographing the daughter of my Editor-in-Chief! This came about back in April, before I even decided to make the big leap. But I had been thinking about it and it was always in the front of my mind, so when the opportunity came about, I decided to take it.

The company I work for had a team building activity for the Spring. They asked employees to place a "service" for auction and if other employees were interested in the service, they could bid on it, silent auction style. All proceeds would go to benefit local school libraries. Pretty interesting idea. I had coworkers who offered up baked goods, ready-to-serve meals, hemming pants, knitting lessons, poem writing, and providing someone with daily breakfast for a week.

I thought about what my strengths and talents were. It wasn't cooking. I don't really write poetry. I can't hem pants and I don't really knit. But I was in the midst of taking a Photoshop class. I finally learned the power of layers, layer masks, and selection. So I decided to offer to retouch photos. I also thought about offering up a photo session, but felt awkward about it. I thought it might be weird having to take photos from someone I vaguely knew at the office. Then again, I realized that the feeling was silly because if I wanted to take my photography to the next level, I'd need to practice, even with "semi-real" clients. Clients and potential clients nonetheless.

I decided to go for it. To my surprise, my auction item had a mini bidding war. My service went for over $100, which was on the higher end of what other items were going for. After the auction was over, I learned that the Editor-in-Chief has bid on my item. She even asked her assistant to proxy bid for her, if anyone had outbid her. How exciting!

Sunday is the big day. I will be photographing her 3-year-old who I have met at the office before. She's really cute. I will definitely be posting the results when it's done!

How's about some pictures!

2008-08-27T06:16:00.000-07:00

I realized this morning that my posts have been pretty word heavy. I gotta lotta words, what can I say? But here's some lovin' from SF on the Friday after the FTS tour.

Plus one from my neighborhood, playing with a little sun flare.

Happy Wednesday!

F-Stop Beyond = AWESOME!

2008-08-26T09:19:00.000-07:00

Since launching myself into the nitty gritty of photography, I've been scouring the web for links and sites and forums (oh my!) that are helpful for a newbie like me. One such site that I've discovered and now LOVE is F-Stop Beyond and now F-Stop Beyond: In Living Color.

I first stumbled upon F-Stop Beyond when Liana Lehman posted that her interview would be available that day. I had never been to the site, but man, I was sure glad I clicked on over. I listened to the interview and it was just so blown away. Hearing the words of a successful photographer, recognized by her name and her branding in the industry, and listening to her journey from where she started to where she is now was so humbling. Not to mention that Ron Dawson is a great interviewer, who delves in past "What kind of photography do you do?" and really allows listeners to get to know the photographer on a deeper level.

And now, with the launch of F-Stop Beyond: In Living Color, there are video interviews! Even better! The first set is of the Santa Barbara rockstar (in my book!) David Jay. You get a peek into the Freedom House, get to listen to DJ's story, and anecdotes from THE assistant, Crystal. I'm not sure how to phrase this, but the interview allows us to bring him down to a more real level. You get to see that DJ is a real guy, with a real business, living a real life, and so down to earth. I appreciate and respect DJ and all his success that much more! Check it:

Thanks Ron for what you do. Thanks for sharing these fantastic interviews, and I can't wait to see/listen to more!

Over-Achievers Anonymous

2008-08-25T11:27:00.001-07:00

Well, I've done it. I emailed a group of friends and family and asked them for five words that define me. I came up with a list myself, but I think it's definitely a different twist when you get the outside perspective. Thanks J* for the "homework".

I was a little hesitant at first. I mean, who wouldn't be? What if my self-reflection was way off base from what others see me as? And of course, I cringe at criticism, even when I ask for it. I think it has to do with the fact that I suffer from "Over-Achievers" syndrome. I strive to be the best and achieve as much as I can. Like I said, I missed being the Valedictorian in high school by all of 0.18. Close like the Olympics.

It all happened since I started school -- not just high school, but grade school too. It's come from years of praise, starting in pre-school in France. Yes, France. When I was a little kid, my dad's job got moved to St. Etienne, France, about an hour outside Lyon, and about six hours south of Paris. I was about three and a half and not yet in school. When I started pre-school, I didn't speak a word of French, but being really young, languages just come naturally. I was speaking better French than my parents! When learning to read, I learned in French first, English second. My teachers were amazed that I was learning just as easily as the other French kids who were native speakers.

When we moved back to the US, I started second grade. I had a little trouble at first pronouncing some of the words in English, but for the most part, the transition was smooth. My parents were always really proud of me and I think it was that positive reinforcement that pushed me harder to succeed. I moved up to the top of my class and pretty much sailed through elementary school and junior high. But I think it was the lack of occasional criticism or constructive criticism that causes me to tense up and cringe.

I like positive praise. It's a lot harder for me to take criticism, I mean who likes it? It's tough because I know that criticism can be constructive and make me and my work a better person. I recently had my performance review at my job. It was actually the first performance review meeting that I've had since I started two and a half years ago. My first experience with a corporate performance review wasn't very positive. It wasn't that I hadn't done a good job, it was that my manager and I did not see my performance level eye to eye. Where I thought I met the requirement completely, if not above it, she said I "met minimum". This was hard for me to swallow. It was tough. After that, I decided I didn't want to work with her anymore and any bit of criticism that came from her, I took like a bullet. I was on a mission to get out of that situation.

However, from that first "real-world" job, I learned that, in a way, her review of my work and constructive criticism (even though I didn't see it that way at the time), pushed me to where I am today. I wanted to prove to her and my eventual new manager that I would out-perform and over-achieve unlike anyone else. I guess that's just my personality. While I'm not the most passionate about my job (and this is where my journey as a photographer begins) I do still strive to do well. So as I was saying, I had my performance review for the year with my current manager. It was a smooth meeting because, as intended, I met my goals and out-performed where I could. And I said to my manager, "I don't know if you knew this, but I'm kind of an over-achiever", he laughed and nodded and replied, "Yeah, I sort of noticed".

How does this tie in to my photography?

Well, I've discovered that I'm in an entirely new arena. I'm not the best. I'm not the most talented. I don't know everything. I don't have years of experience or formal training. I want to incorporate my burning drive for photography and achieve. I need to take what I do have, my personality, my honesty and candor, and my drive and in Tim Gunn's words, "Make it work." I will define me and build my brand.

Here is a sampling of the responses to my question:
tenacious, focused, honest, reasonable, authentic, funny, kind-hearted, dedicated, charming

I was really touched to receive these answers from my friends and family. These were honest answers as I didn't bribe anyone :) These will definitely get me on track with my definition.

Schmoozing or Networking?

2008-08-23T10:12:00.000-07:00

From Webster's dictionary :: schmooze: to converse informally : chat; also : to chat in a friendly and persuasive manner especially so as to gain favor, business, or connections

I told my friend that she's a professional schmoozer. I meant it with the best intentions, but I guess she didn't think it was the best compliment. I quickly backed up my assertion with direct evidence -- she is a label relations manager for a streaming music company; she speaks to label reps daily, sometimes going to dinner and/or drinks, and attending concerts. This last week, I had the opportunity to see her in action. As she "worked" the room, she was constantly called out by different people - label reps, coworkers, company partners, musicians, etc. One label rep said enthusiastically that she was "her favorite relationship manager ever!" That says a lot.

I'm so impressed with my friend E's ability to make connections and for lack of a better word, schmooze. I guess it is also called networking, but schmoozing has so much more personality. E also realized after I explained it to her that I didn't mean it in an offensive way, but in all seriousness and honesty, that is what she does, daily. She's clearly made connections and maintained relationships with those who will not only help her in her career track, but also with whom she can assist. It's a symbiotic relationship.

I've learned that I never really took advantage of the whole networking "thing", perhaps to my own detriment at times. I didn't graduate college with fistfuls of referrals or business cards from prospective employers. I was often too shy to put myself in the open and ask the questions I wanted. I didn't make contacts that would put me on the fast track to success. I sort of regret that as I look back.

But I am now moving foward. I want to take advantage of as many opportunities to meet people - photographers, future clients, future friends, anyone - to further my business as well as reciprocate however possible. I want to foster relationships, where I can learn, help, and return favors from others. There's so much to learn from other perople, and so far, I've been met with the utmost kindness from some of the biggest names in the industry. It's so humbling to know how down to earth and grounded these folks are. It makes putting yourself on the line that much easier.

Never in a million years would I think that I would introduce myself to two of the big names in the wedding industry, but I did. I never thought that I would have the courage to message industry giants and become "friends". These little steps nurture my confidence level and push me to do that much more the next time. Introduce myself to five people. Give out ten business cards. Comment on three blogs.

I'm learning from my friend E, the "schmoozer" and taking her example and applying it to my business. I see the importance of networking, and would like to make the most of it with each opportunity!

Fast Track Photographer

2008-08-22T23:49:00.000-07:00

I was so excited about the package I received in the mail! It was Dane Sanders' Fast Track Photographer, which I have patiently been waiting for since I ordered it.

I forget exactly where I first heard about the Fast Track Photographer, but I was so excited about it coming in the mail. I was even more stoked to get the eBook from Dane a few days prior to the book shipping from the warehouse. I quickly downloaded and opened the PDF and started reading. Everything started to resonate in my mind. I want to be a "Beth" not a "Franz". I don't want to get the "Grumpies".

I'm only on Chapter 3, but I know that this book will definite serve me so well as I develop my business. I also think it's so awesome to have this book now while I start my business, helping to curtail some of the frustrations of any beginning.

I just took my pDNA test and I'm ready to see where I lie and how the rest of the book unfolds! The sky's the limit!

Denver, August 2008

Kickboxing and Branding

2008-08-20T15:40:00.000-07:00

I was huffing and puffing in my kickboxing class. It's been about four weeks since my last class. Oh that pesky ankle sprain and travel for work. The ankle is back in action (thanks to cold laser!) and things at work have cooled down.

Bob and weave. Jab. Cross. Hook. Upper. Deep breath. Side push kick, roundhouse. Wipe my forehead.

In the midst of trying to follow along with the punching and kicking combinations, all my mind could go back to was branding. Branding? While kickboxing? The whole business side of photography has been at the forefront of my mind since the Free to Succeed tour. How am I going to brand myself? What is unique to me? How do I add value?

All this while doing front kicks and back push kicks. Maybe I wasn't working hard enough in the TurboKick class, but I sure was in overdrive in terms of branding. I was thinking about the 24 Hour Fitness brand and how it has been promoting its training sessions along with the Olympics. I thought about the Nike Swoosh and how it's an internationally recognized symbol of Nike and the "Just do it" slogan. I thought about how Jasmine Star built her brand from the ground up and claimed her piece of the pie in the wedding photography capital of the world - Orange County. I want to create a brand.

So while I keep working on my brand, I'm taking more action. I'm taking J*'s suggestion and asking friends and family to come up with five words to describe me. I don't want this to just be an esoteric project. I want to share it with everyone, as I craft my brand that is uniquely me. This is not a solitary endeavor! I can't wait to see what comes!

Jab. Cross. Hook. Upper. Cool down.

I'm pumped! I'm doing it!

Running

2008-08-19T09:07:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, for the first time in a good four weeks, I went back to the gym. I have "good" excuses for not going including birthdays, get-togethers, traveling in three different time zones, work dinners, and the Free to Succeed Tour. Blame the tour, right?! Ha. As one of my friends always says, "DST: Diet Starts Tomorrow" for those times when you get bogged down and know that you haven't been eating very healthy. Anyway, I started my routine over again yesterday.

I was running late for the previously usual 24SET class, thanks to a long meeting at the end of the day. Those kinds of meetings really annoy me, but no sense in beating a dead horse. I don't like being late to those classes because then you end up being that person trying to set up and distracting everyone else. Instead, after changing into my workout clothes, I approached a treadmill.

Leading up to this decision, I kept thinking about how my fitness level had improved every time that I used the treadmill. I don't know if it was just a psychological thing, or what, but if it gets me there, I'll buy it. The last time I used the treadmill was probably May? I tend to use the more "comfortable" apparatus, my favorite, the elliptical. But yesterday was different. I decided on the treadmill.

Now I'm not one of those people who loves running. In fact, I thought my best friend was nuts when she joined cross country in high school. I was the one who finished in the bottom five for the freshman P.E. running test. I've never liked it, and I think running for my life is the only real motivator. But yesterday was different.

I'm determined to make changes in my life, along every step - my health, my job, my business, my relationships. It all has to start at some point, and saying "I will" or "I'll try" just doesn't cut it anymore.I really do feel that my life changed after August 11, that faithful day of the Free to Succeed Tour. I listened to DJ and Jasmine* ever attentively and soaked in every word. I took copious notes. And what stuck out in my mind yesterday when I pressed "Start" on the treadmill was when J* said, "either you're doing something or you're not" and gave the example of either you're lifting a chair or not lifting a chair -- you can't try to lift a chair. You either are or you're not.

In my little reflection, walking at 3.0mph, I decided, I'm going to run. I upped the speed to 3.5, 3.8, 4.0, 4.5... Soon I was running. I wasn't trying to run, I was doing it. At that moment I realized that this philosophy can be applied in all areas of life. Often, I know that I think about doing things or say that I'll try to meet up with friends. That's not actually doing. My efforts depend on me and my decisions.

As a result, I have a new mantra that I want to keep reminding myself of. This personal motto comes from Yoda on Star Wars, "Do or do not, there is no try".

I ran for a few short bursts, feeling alive and free, mixed with walking on an incline to catch my breath. I pushed myself to make it through a 90-second interval. I knew I could, I just had to do it.

Well, I did it.

Oh the things you can find on the internet!

2008-08-16T17:18:00.001-07:00

The internet has been a phenomenal resource in furthering my understanding of various topics in photography, business, and marketing. I've been following the [b] school blog for a couple of months now, taking in each and every one of Becker's quick videos. It was through him that I stumbled upon Jodi Friedman's MCP Actions blog. Jodi is truly a Photoshop guru, who is so willing to teach what can be a very intimidating program.

Today, I was perusing her site and was wondering how photographers apply their logo with borders to all their photos that they post online. I figured there had to be a simpler way than opening each and every photo and applying each piece manually. Having to do it that way almost seems silly. And in the land of quick turnaround, it would be silly and self-defeating.

I searched the keywords of "borders" and "logo" and came upon an online tutorial, by guest blogger Matt Antonio. I recognized his name from the OSP forums (although, I'm still waiting for verification, and can only read topics -- it's still very helpful!), and was so stoked to find this help! The tutorial can be found here. It creates an action that you can not only run on single photos, but it's also batchable -- ie automated, so once you're ready you can just walk away. Way cool!

Here are some samples from some earlier photos:

Awesome!

SF Walking Tour

2008-08-15T23:28:00.000-07:00

I've been in San Francisco this past week for work. The week started out great with the Free to Succeed Tour at the Sheraton down by Fisherman's Wharf. It was probably the most inspiring four hours that I've sat through -- but unlike any other four hour meeting, it went by so much faster than I could ever imagine. Eventually it had to end, and reality soon set in.

I set out to San Francisco Tuesday morning, after going to bed pretty late on Monday. I was so pumped from the show that it was hard to fall asleep. I was so excited, my heart kept racing. It was like that butterflies in the stomach feeling after my first kiss. That exhilarating feeling, where you feel like you could turn cartwheels, or run a mile without breaking a sweat. Yeah, it was that kind of a feeling.

Reality kicked in. Oh yeah, I have a real-world job. I have that "safe" job that keeps me "secure". I got to sit in on presentations for our National Sales Meeting. I think it was the largest gathering of people from our company from all divisions. We basically took over the Downtown Marriott. The presentations went well, but I yearned for the outside world, where I could shoot freely in the street, and make the most of having to commute 45+ minutes to San Francisco.

So today, after my last session, we all had the afternoon free. I sat in the lobby (which has free wireless!) and listened to some of the [b] school podcasts. I haven't gone through all of them, but there hasn't yet been an episode that has disappointed. I can't wait until it officially launches. After checking my email and reading my blog feeds, I headed out on the town. I sort of felt like a tourist with my camera around my neck, but I didn't care. I was going to practice my craft and play with the manual controls.

I found that I was able to consistently take photos that had a good exposure. So apparently, I just discovered how to use the light meter. I always knew there was that thing in the viewfinder, but I didn't know that was the light meter. I felt kind of dumb after I realized it, but it also helped so much to nail the exposure! I was reading Bryan Peterson's Understanding Exposure at the airport last week, which led to my epiphany. Imagine, all this time "guessing" aperture and shutter speed! As well as constantly checking in the histogram -- I do know how to read those. :)

I walked from the Metreon, up to Union Square, and into Macy's. I knew that the little DJ had been found, but I went up to the spot that Jasmine* hid DJ. I found the spot and unfortunately for the guys in front of me, they got pooped on by the pigeons perched above.

I walked past Neiman Marcus and saw this awesome jewelry cart. I stopped to snap some photos and this lady walked by. I wasn't focusing on her, but she got in the shot. She clearly wasn't too pleased. Then I meandered up to Grant Avenue.

I finally saw the Chinatown Gate after a long time. I think I was probably a little kid the last time I had seen it.

Then I walked a bit through Chinatown and back up Bush past the French Consulate -- where I was issued my student visa for my year abroad. I enjoy my alone time. This afternoon was just what I needed after a long week.

I'm learning more about San Francisco bit by bit. I often feel like a tourist in the city, especially since I usually go into the city when I'm with visiting friends.

As I sit here...

2008-08-12T18:08:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting in the lobby of the Marriott in Downtown San Francisco, and I can't help but think about everything that is outside this building. Not just the surroundings, but the potential -- my potential -- outside this bubble of a safe and "secure" corporate job. (What corporate job is ever secure?) I'm here for work, helping with the presentations for our National Sales Meeting. I can definitely say that I'm comfortable being here in my current job capacity; however, I do crave and yearn for something more.

I remember how hard I worked through high school. I finished second in my class, 0.18 points from being the Valedictorian. I was driven and determined to succeed. That was the path that my parents put me on, without all the pressure. I desired success and I drove it to the finish line.

When I got to college, it was a whole different ball game. Classes were huge, and I became a guppy in the shark tank. Scared. Intimidated. I desired "safety". I floated through college with a major that I was interested in, but I lacked that drive and determination I was so familiar with in high school. Nevertheless, I did well in my classes, but I stayed in my comfort zone.

From the beginning there was one thing I was bound and determined to do since high school: study abroad. My junior year of college, I packed up two huge suitcases, kissed and hugged my family goodbye for now, and embarked on the greatest journey of my college career. I moved to Lyon, France for a full year. I met some of my best friends, learned so much independence, and eliminated any fear I held about travel. I also embraced my deep love for photography. At the time I only had a 2nd or 3rd generation Sony point-and-shoot digital camera, but I loved it. I captured so much of my trip and came back with a couple gigs of images. Friends, landscape, travel, good times. That year changed my life.

I've found that taking the uncertain path can have some of the biggest payoff. I knew none of the people who traveled abroad that year; I was the only one representing my university. And yet, these folks are my closest friends that I have today. Our bond from a shared experience and shared moments is unlike any other I can imagine.

And now, I yearn to take another uncertain path and pursue my love of capturing happy, once in a lifetime moments. After last night, I'm ready. I'm ready to take some action and not just think about doing it. This is something that I'm incredibly excited about -- and for anyone who knows me -- I'm not the most easily excited. That's how I know that this is different. I feel so alive. I'm not about to extinguish that feeling.

Free to Succeed Tour!

2008-08-12T01:07:00.001-07:00

So I'm exhausted, but bursting at the seams with excitement and newly absorbed knowledge. I just got back from the Free to Succeed Tour in San Francisco hosted by the awesome David Jay and fantastic Jasmine Star. I totally feel like I got to rub elbows with celebrities. So starstruck!

Here's the bus:

What can I say?! Tonight was so awesome and enlightening and inspiring. Jasmine Star's story totally resonated down to my bones. She reminds me so much of friends from college and I loved her message of "Keepin' it Real". I'm all about that. She's just as real and genuine in person, as she is on her website and blog. I loved the insight into a manageable workflow, word of mouth marketing, and the super cool ShowItWeb and ShowItSites. It's also humbling to learn how DJ started - at $1,000 a wedding and is now at $15k. As an aspiring photographer and a bride-to-be I got to experience both perspectives, and I have so much more appreciation and realize the value of my photographer's work.
I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and approached them both after the seminar. Normally, I don't think I would have done that. I consider myself to be a shy person, but I was like, "When then heck will I be in the same room as DJ and Jasmine Star?!" So I did it. I stood in line, as if to get an autograph, and said my thank you's (THANKS to YOU BOTH!), and got a photo op.

Check it:

It's 1am, but I wanted to get this out while it was fresh!

A New Challenge

2008-08-10T19:25:00.000-07:00

I've been living, breathing, thinking, and dreaming photography since that day in Half Moon Bay, when I had an impromptu photo shoot with two of my colleagues' kids. I had brought my gear to the beach, thinking that I would just take some scenery shots. When I spotted that there were some kids on scene, I thought, "perfect"! I didn't want it to be awkward for the parents and just start taking shots of their kids, but I did anyway. It turned out to be pretty great. The kids were cute and their parents now had some recent shots to share. Yes!

Here are some of my favorites:

Little C: This little guy is my manager's son. I don't think he was too sure what to make of the camera, but I was able to catch some precious moments. His dad asked me about maybe taking some photos of his wife and him, as well as their whole happy family. Cool!

Little R: This little guy was so cute! He even asked me to take his picture. He posed and smiled and said "cheese". Definite ham. And on the upside, his mom called me the next week asking if I would be the photographer at their party. Unfortunately, I was out of town. Dang, it would have been a great first gig!

In pursuit of my personal holy grail - becoming a professional photographer - I've decided to challenge myself to practice more. It's all about the practicing. In order to hone some of my skills, I've been reading Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson, and has shined some light on the basics for me. Similar to the "101 in 1001" goals list, I want to complete my new goal of "30 photos in 30 days". This would just be a start, of course, to kick myself into gear and pursue my dreams. It's so close I can taste it.

A most auspicious day!

2008-08-08T11:59:00.000-07:00

I've always been the type of person who is into seeing "signs". I don't mean aliens or anything M. Night Shyamalan style, but in that things happen for a reason. I feel like nothing happens "accidentally", but has been laid out by a force larger than us -- whether that may be God or other spiritual entity you may believe in -- and we are faced with a choice of taking up the challenge or letting it go. Our lives are determined by the steps that we choose to take or to walk away from.

Today being 8-8-2008, I've decided to launch my blog to document my journey as a photographer. I will still have my personal blog, but I wanted to keep a space dedicated to my endeavors. As mentioned on the Flickr blog, today is "a most auspicious day!", and they are celebrating 24 hours of Flickr today, so log in and post your photo from today!

I'm so excited and have been blessed with signs that have been pointing me in the right direction. I've felt the yearning to pursue photography since even before I was entrenched in wedding planning and having met with our photographer. His energy and vibe, as well as his talent in capturing a moment, served to reinforce my motivation to pursue what drives me.

I stumbled upon Jasmine Star's first blog, and her candid honesty and openness to share her fears, struggles, and doubts, has been an incredible inspiration to me. Her amazing success since launching her business in 2006 has been an overwhelming source of motivation as well. I even emailed her to ask a couple of questions and she replied back! I get a little starstruck when personalities from the industry acknowledge my emails.

Finally, I think this will be a fantastic start to an incredible journey when I attend the Freedom to Succeed Tour hosted by the talented David Jay and the aforementioned awesome Jasmine Star! Reading their reports about each stop has been so fun and gets me that much more excited about the next stop. And the next one being in San Francisco! At first I had hesitated to sign up. But then I thought, why not? It would be my hesitation that would prevent from moving forward; I want to move forward and pursue this.