Logo transformations, the business of knowing the business.

 I am not a computer whizz or a business extraordinaire. Like many of you, on-the-job training has become second nature to me. I don't have it in my budget to hire a graphic designer, so I had to figure it out on my own. This is not my first attempt to make a logo. However, it is by far the best. I downloaded the font, used an actual stamp for the hummingbird, and made it all come together in my PSE program. Below, are the links to the different YouTube videos I used to make this little piece of awesomeness happen....

making background transparent
Making a logo
Installing Fonts

Reconnecting, and breathing some life into Homeschool.

Sometimes being a mother just sucks. Not even because of the kids being naughty. It sucks to sacrifice pooping uninterrupted. My coffee is often left waiting for attention from the questions and hunting expeditions for a matching set of socks. I get into a rut, and stop appreciating what a gift being a mother is. I get lazy and neglect connecting with my kids when I know they need it as much as I do. On top of it all, we are a homeschooling family. With that thrown into the blender, tunnel vision can quickly poison the gift of appreciation.
Today, I made a point to get out of that miserable train of thought.
We switched up our day, and decided books at the bakery would be a nice change.
And it was.
While Amelia was at preschool, Jairus and I made the 20 minute scenic drive to The Cottage Bakery. After we paid for our drinks and doughnuts, we settled in their warm upstairs space.
I forget how fun Jairus is to talk to. My heart felt so much joy just by listening to his big ideas and beautiful plans. More often than I'd like to admit, I am only half listening. I have mastered the thoughtless dialogue of a busy mom, trying to invest in him and everything else. It feels like so many things are vying for space in my brain, I neglect to marinate in the goodness of my children, and the great priveledge of being the mother to these incredible little tax deductions. Today was different, and I know that short hour upstairs in the cozy of the bakery was the quality time we both have been missing.

(Above) the Cottage Bakery has an adorable upstairs. He loves to find different nooks and crannies to read in.












The delicious bacon maple Sasquatch foot.

Sex, Murder, and Craigslist.

Why are you reading THAT on a photographer's blog? I love shock value, and books. Because my photography is not all I am about, I share the other sides of myself, such as my current read.... My hope is everyone will find something about me they can relate with. Weather it is my photographic journey, or why on a bad day, I want to blast Lenny Kravitz in the swagger wagon and leave the world behind. So about that book....

Lost Girls An Unsolved American Mystery by Robert Kolker

I am not done with it yet, but I just couldn't wait to share. This is the first author's book, and what a way to break into the business. Robert Kolker works for New York magazine, writes about criminal justice, and lives in Brooklyn. His writing style was refreshing, and engaging. "Lost Girls" surrounds the unsolved New York murder spree of Craigslist prostitutes. He sets the story up well, with action, and using that initial situation as a teaser to keep you wondering who the girl was running from. What I love most about this book is the backstory he gives about these girls, their families, and the suspicious characters. He highlights the rich community where body after body are found, from the shady and lying doctor, to the hoarding john named Brewer. If you are into true stories, ID Discovery, or crime, I think you will find this book a worth while read.


Order the book

McCall Back to School 2013

As a novice business woman, I am always tweaking and trying new things. The back to school portrait session is my latest endeavor. To me, it makes sense to offer families a better alternative to cattle call school portraits. This way, the clients receive more creative pictures, and for a much better value than what they will get elsewhere. I think these turned out pretty great.

A Rock the Shot Entry

www.rocktheshotforum.com/I love Rock the Shot, and am so excited to get to the place where I think my work may stand a chance against the beautiful artists I admire. The image below is my spunky three year old. My mom was chasing Amelia around the jungle gym, when I caught this. I was concentrating on the use of framing and rule of thirds during this shoot. What I find unique and good about this image is the play on the rule of thirds. the pole and her head meet center, with both of them flanking to their perspective sides. I chose black and white because the jungle gym was very colorful, as were her clothes. I felt black and white cleaned up the image, leaving one place for the eye to go- her adorable face. I shot this with a kit 55-250mm on my Canon T4i. For editing, I used Pretty Presets "Black and White Beauty", added a little more contrast, and clarity.

My Girl

This girl is my fire. My son is my heart. They are both so wonderfully unique, but for a moment, I celebrate My Girl. She is the girl my mother wished on me. And not the "I hope bows and butterflies for you" kind of way. She meant it more like a, "I hope you have a daughter just like you, and I will laugh" kind of way. 
She.
Is.
THAT child my mother warned me about.
But I love it.
I love how she is fearless, fun, and dynamic, and determined. Amelia is firey, and possibly more dramatic than I, and I love it.

Goodbye my fella

 This weekend, our family said goodbye to a loyal and beautiful family member. I am one of those people who stop others to pet their dogs. I just love them. We were blessed to have the very best be ours. We found out Duffy was sick about a week ago. This whole week, Tim and I were stressed and anxious, as we cared for him through his last days. We woke up early, and stayed up late just to enjoy the few precious moments we had left. Now that he is gone, my heart is at peace. No greater companion there is, than a dog. It is my hope that all families have a furry beast (of some kind) to share life with. Below are some pictures of our buddy, and his story.

Duffy’s Story

Tim and I have always had a soft spot for the homeless dog. In 2005, we decided to add to our pack and began looking for a companion for our 3 year old female mastiff, Sophie. It didn’t take long for us to find just what we were looking for, and in December, we welcomed two year old Duffy into our home.

                Duffy (Doodles, Dapper Duff, Big D, several of our pet names for him) had lost his first mom. She loved him, we were told, but got very sick. Once his mommy was in the hospital, he was sent to someone else’s care where he was left to live outside with other dogs, competing for whatever food they were given. A Good Samaritan called in the negligence, and Duffy was sent to a mastiff rescue. Not long after, he came to his forever home. The moment we saw him, we were smitten. He was way under weight, but so cheerful, with big beautiful expressive brown eyes. His brindle coat was freshly washed, and he was excited.

That. Was. It. We were in love. The first few months were difficult. Doodles didn’t know how to cuddle, so when Tim or I would get on the floor with him, he would get so excited, one of us would end up with a scratchy paw to the face. If we didn’t let him out right when he wanted, he would walk around the house and pee. I used to get frustrated with him, but he knew no other way

                Over time, he calmed down, and he and Sophie were true companions. As the years passed, they grew gray together, played less and slept more. The fall of 2011, Sophie passed away. For days after, I would find him searching around the house and yard for his friend. He missed her, it broke my heart.

                Once he got over losing his Sophie-Girl, he learned the benefits of being the only dog. He no longer had to be the dog on the floor. The bed was his now. All the yummy treats, and crumbs from the kids-his. All the attention from people, oh yeah, he got it. He got the best of everything.

                In February of this year, we got our first puppy. Big D has been the perfect teacher. He has taught her not to care about the vacuum, taught her barking isn’t necessary, taught her tolerance.  D has shown her how to know over the garbage can with his face and have a garbage feast. Maggie Mae has been lucky to have him.

                Today, we are at the twilight of his life. A life well lived, a life full of loyalty and affection. Duff has loved my kids, loved everyone who has graced our home. He has been my comfort, my gentle wagging tail at the door. He has shown me that even those given the short end of the stick can still be tender and patient. Duffy has proven that adopted and rescued dogs enrich lives. I couldn’t be more thankful to be his human, and it hurts so much to be saying goodbye.

I like to think all dogs go to heaven. After all, there is no more loyal, loving and dedicated animal as a dog. Somewhere where there are ice machines next to the water bowls, steak instead of kibble, and indestructible dog toys.  Cheers to you my fella. I love you so.

                If you are considering getting a pet, please look into rescue. There are fabulous, loving and loyal dogs waiting for dedicated homes; and when you do, commit to them for the rest of their lives.