A Day in the Life

Last fall, I was stretched so thin by all the things I love to do, cooking, blogging, photographing, creating…the list went on.  I remember being in my bathroom getting ready one day and I prayed God, if you could just take all the things I want to do and package it all together, I’d just really appreciate it.  It was a prayer I prayed quite often.  I was trying to juggle too many things and it was starting to drive me absolutely crazy.  But by the end of January, my prayer was answered and in a way that I never expected.

My friend Holly from My Plant Based Family had a whole list of recipes she wanted to rephotograph but didn’t have the time.  So, since I was interested in all things blogs, I offered to help.  After my first few recipes, I fell in love!  I thought, I can do this for a living!  When I told her that, her response was, you can!  Let me add you to this group on Facebook!  It took me a few weeks to get up the courage to actually offer my services to bloggers, I was so nervous about the thought of failure and rejection.  But sure enough they started requesting me to rephotograph recipes that needed updating.  It quickly turned into a business where I now both write and photograph recipes.

This job is like a dream.  Since college, I’ve wanted to write my own cookbook.  I even started keeping track of my recipes, but it didn’t last too long because life got real crazy, real fast.  When that dream was planted, I hadn’t even considered being the one to both write and photograph the book.  While I’m not working on the project now, it’s always in the back of my mind.  I absolutely love what I do right now and I know it’s preparing me for what’s ahead!

Despite everything good that has happened there will still be days when I’m driving down the road and self doubt creeps in.  Ever have those moments?  I have them more often than I care to admit.  During those times God always reminds me of where I was and where I am now, and I’m not talking about my photography skill level 8 months ago. No, I’m talking about where I was 10 years ago and the pain and heartache that surrounded my life at that time.  He brought me out of the miry clay and set my feet upon a rock.  And that rock is where I have stayed.  It’s where I’ve met my husband, had my boys, built my life, basked in His promises.  Upon the Rock.

Anytime I feel like I’m just not enough, He whispers to me, I have made you for a time and place such as this.  This life, this place is where I have called you to be.

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Date Night Diaries No.1

date night diaries

I couldn’t believe what I was seeing and yet there I was watching it with my own eyes.

There we were, sitting and waiting for our movie to start.  We looked up and saw a teenage guy on his hover board holding the hand of his girlfriend walking beside him.  He hovered over to a coffee shop and left his ride outside with his girlfriend while he went inside.  I know what you’re thinking, aanndd? What’s the big deal, I hover next to my girlfriend all the time.  #facepalm

We sat there watching this scene take place in front of us and I thought, this is why I want to date my husband.  Our boys are growing up in a world of hover boards for pete’s sake and I want them to at least have the decency to put down the dang hover board and escort their girlfriends like men!

So my husband and I have made it a priority to have a date night.  If you have kids, you know this is a big deal, and if you don’t then let me tell you, it’s a big deal.   Life just zooms by too fast.  We’ve been married 5 years now and have two beautiful boys, the oldest who will be 4 in October.  Yikes, I can’t believe it.  My husband and I used to go out all the time before kids.  We were such foodies and would love finding new places to eat.  We still do of course, but don’t always have the time or energy for it.  Now that we are out of the funky newborn stage, we’ve committed to ourselves to have two dates a month.  But what is so unique about our date nights, is that we want to share them with you.

In my Welcome Gifts to all my bride and grooms, I give them a set of 10 date night ideas.  Dating your spouse is so important and sometimes you just get in such a routine of what you think a date should look like that you forget why you do it.  It’s good to mix it up every once in a while!  Ryan and I are taking those 10 date night ideas to heart and are going on them ourselves!  Last night was already planned so we enjoyed a night out at a new favorite restaurant, went to a movie and made sure to leave plenty of room for conversation.  But the next night we head out, we’re checking Date #1 off the list!

While the food and movie was great, it was what we talked about that was icing on the cake.  We talked about work and the kids some, but as we sat and waited for our movie to start, we talked about the one thing we both hold near and dear to our hearts, Corvettes.  Don’t laugh, but it’s true.  We are car people!  We were pulling up the different body styles on our phones talking about the differences we saw, what we liked and didn’t like and which one we would drive if we had the chance.  Nerds?  Probably.  But my husband was on cloud nine!  And I have to admit, I was too.

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Shelby Lung: Scottsdale, Arizona Cosmetologist

Shelby Lung

I first met Shelby when she was in Junior High!  Believe it or not, I had the privilege of coaching her and her sister in volleyball.  They are the sweetest girls with a passion for life.  I can’t believe that Shelby is already 20, has had a modeling career, graduated cosmetology school and is now working at a salon in Old Town Scottsdale.

Shelby and I have partnered together to bring photography clients the ultimate experience.  While hair and makeup is not a part of my standard packages, I am giving clients the opportunity to buy her services al a carte.  Shelby will also pop in here and there on my blog to give clients tips on how to wear their hair and makeup for their session!

So take a moment, read Shelby’s bio and get to know her!

Hi! I’m Shelby! My passion for hair and makeup began at a very early age. I remember doing my cousin’s hair for family outings and playing with my friend’s hair during school. I always admired the creativity and uniqueness behind hair styling and makeup artistry in the everyday world.
When I was in high school I started modeling professionally. I was traveling a lot for photo shoots, and training sessions, and events all over the Unites States. I continued to model here and there after high school for photo shoots and hair shows, but during this journey I really fell in love with the behind the scenes work of the high fashion industry.
Having a background in modeling I have developed a passion for hair styling and expression through makeup. My philosophy with makeup is to keep the integrity of your natural beauty and enhance it!
After completing cosmetology school and going to work in a salon I wanted to be able to continue to express my passion, and love that I get to do that on a daily basis now as a career and through photography. Whether you’re walking the runway or it’s the big day; creating a style for your occasion is my specialty!
Xoxo
Shelby

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Welcome Packets

One of the upgrades I made with my rebranding is a Welcome Packet.  The last few years, I’ve played email tag with clients trying to figure out locations, what to wear and when they will receive their pictures.  I’ve put all of my most frequently asked questions into a packet to send to all of my clients, both returning and new.  If you’re a photographer looking for inspiration, I’ve listed where I purchased each piece at the end!

In the black linen folder, you’ll find 5 inserts: What to Wear, What to Expect, Print Release, Locations and an Appointment Card.  You’ll also find my business card and a hand written note to each of my clients.

What to Wear, What to Expect and the Print Release are all pretty self explanatory.  To help me not to forget to send the Print Release to clients with their photos, I just decided to add it in with everything else so they have a physical copy already with them.

For Locations, I listed 5 places that are my absolute favorite.  I know and trust the lighting and have my favorite spots already picked out.  Sometimes there are so many options, that it’s hard to pick so giving clients a short list to choose from help boost their confidence when making their decision.  They always say, “I don’t know, you’re the photographer!” So I educate them to make the best choice.

I added an appointment card so clients will have something tangible of mine that they will want and need to keep.   Of course, most will write it down on their calendar as soon as you confirm the date, but on the off chance that they don’t I’ve provided them with something to help remind them of when their session is.  It’s all about the details.

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Black Folders: Paper Presentation

White Envelopes: Paper Presentation

Inserts: Designed and printed by me

Stationary: Tiny Prints (I also purchased matching address labels and polka dot envelope liners)

Luxe Square Business Cards: Moo

Custom Logo Stamp: Fall For Design

 

Salt River Engagement Session

As soon as we scheduled this session at the Salt River I started praying that we would see the wild horses.  If you’ve never been to the Salt River before, I advise you to put your devices down, unplug and go.  What you will find will take your breath away.  This was my first time going “down to the river” (aside from 1 float trip) since I moved to Arizona in 2003.  That’s 12 years I went without having this experience as a part of my life, and it was 12 years too many.  Before Power Road starts gradually winding down, it comes to a peak between two small mountains, right near the dam and my response is the same every single time.  God.  You.  Are.  Good.  To see the rolling dessert, majestic purple mountains and the winding river spread in front of me is a reminder of the goodness of God.  Of His grace and mercy.  That even when we’re in the desert, there is beauty to be found.  And it’s indescribable.

Shane and Jinnae’s session was the very definition of perfect.  We caught the sun at just the right time, the location wasn’t crowded and the horses were right there waiting for us, just as I had prayed!  We hiked up and down the river bank through narrow paths, dodging tree branches, anxiously waiting the time that the sun set gently behind Red Mountain.  And then, as if on cue, the desert lit up.  Purples, pinks, greens.  Even gray sparkles in the desert at dusk.

Shane and Jinnae, I couldn’t be happier for you!  I’m so honored to be a part of your day.  I love your story how you were dancing partners first and your love for each other has since grown into a lifelong friendship and commitment to one another.  I pray that God blesses you two in countless ways.  Cherish these days as you’re counting down to the best.day.ever!

 

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