The Girl Behind the Lens

It isn't very often that I get to play dress up and play in front of the camera. It is amazing how different the feeling is. I have been behind the camera for a while now and have become extremely comfortable being there too. For that reason, I feel photographers should sometimes be the subject for a change. It really is a learning tool to put yourself in your may feel. Becoming the subject on occasion has really helped me to understand how to get my client's full potential during our session.

My friend Heather K and I decided to go out to a location to scout out potential shooting spots. We decided to bring some cute shoes just in case we wanted to play model for a minute. LOL I really had no intentions of doing it but when we got there the only way to determine if the spot worked or not was to put someone in it. {insert reluctant photographer here} Heather wanted to work on her photography skills, therefore, I was the model. Oh boy! LOL Good thing I kind of wore a cute outfit and brought great shoes!   SAVED! Anyway, we ended up finding dome pretty awesome spots to shoot. We got to practice posing, lighting, locations, and client and photographer relationships. What a fun and productive day! Of course we ended  the day at a lovely little Mexican restaurant laughing over a  few cocktails :)

So I thought I would share what my wonderful friend Heather came up with that day. Also, now I am getting a taste of what it is like to "make the blog" Hahahahahah (My clients are always asking, "Are we gonna make...the blog?!" And yes!!! Everyone makes the blog! Wahoo!

Oh Yes this is the true me by the way :)

Just want to give my friend Heather a little shout out! You did great :) You are getting better and better every day! Keep it up sista!

Brian and Jenna's Engagement Shoot

Hot Hot Hot! Okay, the couple too :) After driving many miles and what seemed like the setting to The Hills Have Eyes, we finally made it to Nelson's Landing. Although a little desolate, it is thriving with history, antiques, tourists, and beautiful backdrops. This location has so much to offer and what amazing owners to let so many people on to their land and even more amazing to actually live there. What charming people! Anyway, its was only 103 degrees so we got right down to business, watching out for killer cacti and rattlesnakes! Thankfully I had two very willing and brave clients who were up for my ideas. Everywhere I looked I was seeing something fun or creative. I was almost overwhelmed with all that there was. We warmed up on the stairs for out first shot. (I like to call it a warm up because usually the client is a little quiet or shy in the beginning and once we get going, they tend to open up) I sometimes don't even use many of my first shots but these two had no problem! Gorgeous!

After this I couldn't wait to get in to the barn, partially because we were hot. I ended up getting my favorite shot there. I was telling Jenna to pretend to be at home and crawl towards Brian all seductive like....Ummm because that's what we do at home right? LOL JK

After this we went from one location to another! We were hot, sweaty...well I was anyway. But these two kept right up with me :) I just love all the color, contrast, and dimension that came out of these photos. 

This one was fun. I was just using random things I found laying around. A picture frame propped up with an animal skull and a metal box hahahhaah. Whatever makes the shot right?!

 Thank you for bracing the cacti! These things do attack!

 I wanted to get a close up of the ring with out doing the plane version of two hands clasped together and that's all you see. I found this gate and thought it added so much more to the photo. I also like the dimension of focusing on one thing and blurring out the other :)

 Did I mention I love this gate?! 

 This represents sticking together through anything! LOL Even a nose dive to the ground. 

 What a great back drop :) 

 Always a sucker for sun flare :) This is another favorite. They look so happy and the sun just added that extra element to set this photo apart.

 Classic beautiful couple :)

 Great idea with the balloons Jenna! Props are always fun and add so much personality. I know Brian wasn't crazy about the glasses but I WAS!!! You are too cute!

 Ahhh the ghetto ride ;)

 I love how vintage this came out :)

 I love this one too :) I mean I love them all but this one is very weddingish :)

Thanks you two for braving the heat and all my walking around and posing! I hope these photos bring you joy for years to come. Congratulations on your engagement and I hope your wedding day is perfect! Thank you for letting me be the one to photograph such a happy time in your life. I hope I can be there for more fun and exciting things to come. 

The Christiansen Girls

This shoot was pretty special for me. Not only have I had the pleasure of getting to know Alexis and her three beautiful girls, but I have also known her husband Wade since I was freshman in high school! We ran on the Cross country and track team together. He was kind of like my big brother on the team. Not only was he a good friend, but he did play a part in introducing to me his good friend who I had a minor crush on ;) Yup that would be the guy that I married and gave my whole heart to. You did good Wade, you did good!

Over the years we have stayed in contact and we have had the pleasure of meeting his beautiful family who is still growing. Three girls and one ? on the way! Congratulations! Watching her interact with her girls through some frustrating moments (and by frustrating I am referring to that kids do not always want their photos taken) I started thinking of how I can get with my own two girls. I had to stop during our shoot to ask her something I think all mothers feel and wonder about each other. I said, " Alexis, do you ever just feel like you are loosing it completely at the end of the day? Because I look at you with your three girls and you seem so calm and patient. I only have two girls and I feel frustration, lack of patience, and like I might just commit myself to the psych ward at the end of the day." All of this was followed by an awkward giggle hoping she didn't just call CPS on me. Much to my relief she grinned largely and shared her moments of exhaustion, frustration, and feeling out of control at times. It made me feel good that I am not the only one who absolutely loves being a stay at home mom and even wants more kids but at the same time wants to sometimes throw one out the window! hahahahahah Ok she didn't say that, I did! And for those of you who have no sense of humor...I AM KIDDING! :) Thank you Alexis for letting me know we are all human and nobody is perfect. We are doing the best we can to be the best mommies we can be.

Although these pretty little girls wanted little to do with getting their pictures taken (which happens people!) I still captured their sweet personalities. The weather was beautiful, their hand made dresses were fantastic, and there was even an exciting mountain rescue that took place. Don't worry, the climber just broke his foot but he was airlifted to safety. What an exciting day!

Overall, this day reminded me again of why I love photography so much. I get to have real life experiences with real people. I learn something from each family I work with.

Thank you Alexis for letting me photograph your daughters! I hope I can do more in the future.