Film - 2nd Roll

Shooting film has been a LOT of fun for me. It is a completely different way of shooting. Sure the same technical rules apply but learning to be more intentional with my images has been a change of pace for me. With digital, I could seriously shoot 700 images from one engagement session (!!) and come away with about 70 that the client will see. Often times I'm just shooting like crazy while the client is interacting and hoping for just one good image that has both of their eyes open and hope they look cute. And when my camera shoots like 8 frames per second... eventually I do get that shot I'm looking for. And while I still don't think that's a bad way to get genuine moments between a couple, there are other times where I know I could slow it down and just really think about the shot before I shoot it. And if I know I got it... I just need to STOP taking pictures of that moment and move on to something else.

Film has kind of reminded me of that. I am only shooting it for personal use and that is the way I intend to keep it. My wedding style does not lend itself to film. But I think as a photographer, challenging myself and learning new ways to shoot is definitely going to help me in the long run. It keeps my mind fresh and it really does change me.

This roll is only my second roll of film and I know its nothing fantastic, but here are some shots from it. This roll took me almost 4 weeks to finish. But last night I put in a 3rd roll and finished the entire roll in just a couple hours. Rowan and I were just hanging out in the backyard and I was snapping away. I'm excited to get that roll back later today. I also think I want to try black and white too. ;-) Ooooh... but color is so pretty!!!

DAY THREE: My Favorite Place to Be

For those of you who have followed me for some time, wether on my old blog, on Facebook or on Twitter, you know the personality of my child. He's a wild child. He's not a snuggler. He doesn't slow down. He doesn't just lay his head on my shoulder. Not even when he's sick.

However... over the last month all he wants to do is read books. He grabs my by the hand and walks me upstairs to a stack of his books and picks something out for me to read. And in his sweet little voice he says "read book?" And for the next hour he'll sit on my lap while I read him his favorite books. Its amazing. Its heart warming and its my absolute favorite part of any day.

DAY TWO: What I Wore Today

DAY ONE: Self Portrait

30 Day Photo Challenge

So, a bunch of us girls on Twitter all decided to start a 30 day photo challenge today. I'm not usually one to participate in these because sometimes I feel like they aren't that "challenging." The main challenge for me is finding time to take a one specific type of picture each day. Which to me feels more like work than fun. But after seeing a particular list thats been floating around, I felt like I wanted to do it.

I can't promise that each picture will be taken that day. Honestly, I KNOW each picture won't be taken that day. I fully intend on knocking out multiple pics in one day (aka. when I have a baby sitter)... then just posting them on the corresponding date. I know that isn't part of the deal, but that's how its gonna have to work for me. So you deal. ;-)

So anyway... all that to say, here is the list and I hope to post Day One a little bit later today. ;-) And once I confirm who's all doing the challenge, I'll post links to their blogs/tumblers as well. Happy shooting!!!!

I am me.

As a photographer, I often get inspiration from other photographers. Most of the time awesome photography just pushes me to keep creating and defining myself. But there are also those times when the self doubt sneaks into my thoughts.

"I would never have shot it that way."

"Why can't I see the world like they do?"

How do you keep those thoughts from coming in? I understand that I am not them... and that is a good thing. I understand that what makes me unique (hopefully) is ME. But sometimes I wonder if I am unique enough. Unique enough to create something that people want. Unique enough to create something that people will pay a premium for. Unique enough to continue and be successful.

Keeping my fingers crossed that I am and that I will continue to be.

#15 A Photo from my Childhood

Just like the post says...

Enjoying some ice cream.




My family was stylish!




I LOVE this picture of my mom and I. I so badly wish Rowan would fall asleep on my chest like this.

#11 Favorite thing right now

Netflix.

I know Kyle and I were probably the last people on the face of the planet to get Netflix. But we got it. And we love it!! Mostly because of the online streaming!!!

So far I've watched countless movies... as well as Rowan has been able to have some of his favorite cartoons available immediately. But I think the best part for me are the tv series I've never seen before. I've already watched all of Arrested Development (can I just say WHEN is the movie coming out??) and My So Called Life. I can't believe I had never seen My So Called Life!!

We are now on Rescue Me. ;-) This is going to make the television off season much more enjoyable!!

My First Roll of Film

I picked up my first roll of 35mm film today. I kind of rushed through the roll because my eBay purchase only had a 7 day return policy. So I felt the pressure to power through the roll and get it developed... just in case something was wrong. And although the pictures are nothing spectacular because they were just taken around the house, I'm so excited over the color and feel of them. To many of you... they look like just snap shots. Because they are. The film isn't nearly as sharp as my digital camera... and there was no additional editing after I got the roll back. Plus, Costco (yup... I got them developed at Costco) forgot to scan the images on a CD so these have been scanned from my much lessor quality scanner at home. Either way. They give me the warm and fuzzies.

#9 Last Item Purchased

Personal projects. All creatives need them. With out them, our passion, that we've turned into a job, would simply return to being just a job. I don't often get the time to work on personal projects. Partially because it requires a baby sitter... but mostly because I haven't had any good ideas for decent projects lately.

My last project was probably 9 months ago. I loved it and it literally consumed me. But that's the thing with personal projects. They stir up passion. And if that passion is not being fed, then it will leak into my professional work. And what good of a photographer would I be if I lost passion for my work.

Anyway... I've been really feeling the need for a new project. And I've finally settled on trying out film!! Yeah!!! So today, after a few ichats and emails with other photographer friends who I know have already dabbled in it... I settled on a Nikon FE.



Then after doing some quick searching it appeared eBay was my only option. Ugh. I hate eBay. It gives me anxiety. I found a number of Nikon FE's on eBay... 4 of which were ending within the next few hours!!! I made some grave mistakes on the first two cameras. I placed bids with about 10 minutes left and then the price got to high... so finally on the 3rd camera (which actually also came with a 28mm lens too... when the first two cameras were 'body only') I placed my first bid at 10 seconds left... AND I WON!! And I spent $10 less than what the first two cameras closed at!

So... holla!!!!

But the best part about buying a Nikon is that I can use ALL my current lenses on it!! I doubt I'll be putting on my massive 24-70 on this camera, but my 50mm 1.4... OH YES!!!

Anyway... in 3 weekends Kyle and I are going on our FIRST weekend trip away from Rowan!! We've both been away from him separately, but never together. So we're heading up to Kernville with our good friend Joel and Erica... and its going to be a photographic hoopla!! Joel is a photographers as well... and I think I've convinced him to dust off his Canon ae-1 and shoot some film with me that weekend. I'm so excited and I can't wait to see the results!

Soooooo... that was my most recent purchase. ;-)

#10 Fifteen Facts About Me

#1 I have a hard time getting interested in reading a book if there isn't some sort of romance/love element to it. It doesn't have to be the main focus, but I feel like it needs to be there in some context. Like The Hunger Games. Just finished that series and REALLY enjoyed it.

#2 I'm afraid that after I lose weight from working out and eating right, my stomach will still never be the same and I'll always have to wear Spanx in order to feel comfortable. My stomach was so huge the day I delivered that I'm afrait its beyond anything that working out and eating right can fix. Meaning, I will probably never wear a 2 piece bathing suit again.

#3 I find my dog really annoying. Which breaks my heart. But he jumps and barks and is impossible to control when guests are over. He used to be my "child" before Rowan... and now I often find myself wondering if I'd be mad at myself if we just gave him to a good home. But Kyle would never allow it. But the dog hair on our wood floors is DRIVING ME CRAZY. Oh... and he is also $80 or more to feed each month.

#4 I struggle with feeling "original." And feel like people think my style (both with my own self and my photography) is just a cheap copy of somebody else's.

Wow... lets move onto more happier things.

#5 If I could live off one meal for the rest of my life... it would be Nachos. But pizza would be a close second.

#6 I'm OBSESSED with this season of The Bachelor... and I really really really want Emily to win.

#7 I drink a LOT of black coffee. And I would rather hit up a gas station for black coffee than going to Starbucks for something expensive that just tastes burnt to me.

#8 My side of our bathroom looks like a tornado hit it... and it drives Kyle crazy.

#9 I can't pick a favorite Girl Scout Cookie. But my top favorites are the Tagalongs, Thin Mints, Trefoils & Samoas.

#10 Sometimes I miss living in Bakersfield, but then I go back and visit... and I become so thankful Kyle and I never moved back. Because it was (briefly) an option. Now, I just miss my family.

#11 I am super paranoid about wrinkles... so I have been using anti-aging moisturizers for YEARS. I mean, like 8 years. So far so good... but I honestly don't know if its as a result of expensive face creams, or just staying out of the sun, or good genes.

#12 I LOVE makeup. And while I have no problem going to the store with out makeup, I will never, under any condition, go out in a social setting with out makeup.

#13 I often miss my long hair... but know its just not the look for me. Nor do I ever want to deal with growing it out again.

#14 I think I would be comfortable and capable of living on the East Coast... New York maybe.

#15 I still occasionally Facebook stalk some guys I used to date.

#8 The Last Thing I Bought

If I'm being honest... the last thing I bought was a car full of groceries. But a) I don't have a picture of it and b) that's pretty darn boring.

Buuuut... at my last trip to Target... amongst the diapers, baby whipes, birthday cards, wine, and beauty products... I bought a new book. The Hunger Games. I've been hearing lots of good things about it... and I was fully expecting on buying it on my iPhone. I've been come addicted to my iBooks... already reading 5 books this year. But for some strange and frustrating reason, iBooks doesn't carry The Hunger Games books. So I went back to reading a good 'ol fashioned paper book. I'm about 1/4 of the way in and its already got me hooked. I can't wait to finish it this weekend. Oh wait... its only Tuesday. I'll probably finish it tomorrow. That's how I get with books.... I can't put them down once I start.

Emo & #7

I hate feeling low on myself. For the most part, I am generally a confident person. Minus a small issue with my weight... that I'm working on. I feel like my style really says something about who I am. Creative, outgoing and slightly off beat.

However, there are those days when I come across a picture online and realize, I will never be "that girl." The girl with the flowing long locks and the legs and waist she never has to work for. The girl that doesn't have to work at being pretty because she looks just as good with out makeup as she does with makeup. And the girl that always gets described as "so beautiful" when somebody is talking about her.

99% of the time... I'm happy with me. But that 1% still has the ability to sting... and make me want to go eat a plate of nachos.

Me... in the last hour of an 8 hour day shooting a wedding.

Me... right now, with out makeup and in an old t-shirt.

I actually didn't plan on making this #7... me with out makeup. But it kind of turned into it. So here is a REAL picture of me with out make up... and zero "iphone changes."

#5 and #6 Talent I Wish I Had

#5 Meaning behind my blog name... that's pretty self-explainitory. Three months from YESTERDAY I will be turning 30!!! And this is my blog about that.

#6 Talent I Wish I Had... I don't know if I have a good answer for this one. As I've grown up, I've changed what I wished I could do. Play piano, play guitar, sing well, be and exceptional athlete, act.... but really, I've become pretty content with what I can and cannot do. Photography has become my "can" and while I will never be able to sing well... photography has become my artistic outlet. When some people write poems, or play guitar... I bust out my camera and photograph. Its theraputic. And I REALLY wish I had time to shoot more for myself. That is one of my [unwritten] New Years Resolutions.

Oh... I just realized I should write down my resolutions in a place I can see them daily... to remind me what I'm working on and towards. This blog post just took a 180 turn, but it made me realize that is almost February and I've yet to lose anymore weight and I haven't been photographing anything for myself yet!!!

The resolutions to keep the house clean has actually been working out well. Our bedroom is still a disaster zone, but every night Kyle and I clean up the downstairs. One of us works on the dishes while the other picks up all of Rowan's toys in the living room. Its nice to come downstairs in the morning to start with a clean slate... and quickly gets destroyed all over again.

As for the weight thing... I was doing REALLY well on my 1200 calorie diet, but then we had a death in the family right before Christmas and comfort food was all I was surrounded with. And since then I haven't been able to get back on the wagon (horse?). Anyway... today is a new day... and today starts 1200 calories AND working out!!! I think I'll keep a daily record of my working out too. Someplace I can see every day and easily write down what I did that day. I already use an awesome App for calorie counting... MyFitnessPal. Its really awesome!! Try it if you need help counting and keeping track of your calorie intake.

Anyway... maybe I'll post pictures of what I come up with for tracking my resolutions and my daily food/exercise. Maybe. ;-)

#4 The Last Book I Read

Wow. This one is going to either make me seem like an avid reader or an avid loser.

Buuuuut... I've read 10 books since Christmas. And before you go and think I'm some crazy reader and I must have so much knowledge up in that brain of mine... let me clarify.

I've read the entire True Blood series. Its about vampires and werewolves and fairies and mind readers. Aaaand its awesome!

Next on my list are the Hunger Games books. There are 3 and I hear they are amazing and quick reads.

And then after that I hope to read books that are not in either the "young readers" second OR the "supernatural romance" section. But I make no promises. ;-)

#3 Something You Refuse to Do

This one was kind of tough, because I don't know if anything I flat out REFUSE to do. But I could think of a lot of things I REALLY REALLY REALLY hate to do, there for I procrastinate long enough until it gets out of control, or until Kyle gets fed up and does it himself. Here are a few such things:

1) Take out the trash. Now, we do have an understanding that the trash in the kitchen is Kyle's responsibility. And he's REALLY good about taking it out. But some how I got in my head that I don't need to take out the bathroom trash either. Which, is kind of selfish of me considering once a month I fill it up a lot quicker than he does (if you get my TMI drift). But even then, he does it. But not before he makes a point by leaving it there overflowing for a couple days.

2) Feeding the dog. You see, if I'm feeding our child... then I only feel its reasonable to assume Kyle should feed the dog. That sounds lazy of me... but we have a special situation with our dog and his food. He requires raw food. UGH. Its such a pain in my ass. Back before Rowan was born, I always fed the dog. I even went as far as pureeing veggies and fruits to add to his raw meat patties. But once the kiddo came around, I realized that was just too much to handle. So I passed along the responsibilities to Kyle... which has slowly evolved into grain-free kibble and a 1/2 patty of raw meat. This is going to sound sad, but I'm so not used to doing it now, I've even forgotten to feed the dog on days Kyle is out of town. Oopsy!!!

3) Getting my car wash. I won't even go as far as taking it through a drive-thru. Mostly I feel like its a waste of money when Kyle can just do it himself for free. Now... I know what you're thinking... and let me just explain. My husband used to own his own business. What business might that have been you ask?? Oh, a MOBILE CAR WASHING AND DETAILING BUSINESS!!! Yes, he used to WASH CARS for a living before he sold his business!! Hence my mentality that Kyle should be more than capable to do it himself. Yet... here my car sits, dirty. For weeks at a time.

So, I think that's about it. ;-)

#2 My Favorite Part of the Day

My favorite part of the day is the end of the day when Rowan starts to calm down and wants to sit in my lap. He is an active child... to say the least. And he does not snuggle or fall asleep in my arms. So when he wants to sit in my lap and drink his milk or watch a cartoon, I just melt and I soak in EVERY second of it.