Just a heads up that my newsletter was emailed out earlier tonight. If you aren't on the mailing list for it yet, you can sign up here. In the meantime, you can simply click here to read February's issue.
on cloud nine
I am so excited right now, I am on the verge of tears. Seriously. I want to do cartwheels of joy down the hallway. It started with a quick glance at an e-newsletter from famed photographer Jasmine Star which was appropriately entitled "Sprout Your Wings." Just a quick update from what she's been up to lately, a note from her, and... oh yeah... notice that she's holding another workshop in April. I didn't even notice any of the other the other stuff in the newsletter. All I saw was the blurb about the workshop, and mention of the last one selling out in about an hour's time. That's all the nudge that I needed.
I had been on my way out the door (and had been viewing this all on my iPhone), but I quickly made a mad dash back to my computer and went straight to her site to officially register. She only takes 20 students in each workshop, so all of my fingers and toes were crossed in the hopes that I had made it on time. The registration process was easy enough, but I still had to hold my breath with anticipation, since I wouldn't be "official" till I paid, received notice of my payment, and was given the "all-clear" that it had all gone down in time to be one of the first lucky 20. Whew!Having done all that I could, I headed out to grab some lunch. It was a nerve-wracking hour, as I checked my iphone for indications that the next steps could be taken... go here to make your payment, payment received, and then... (wait for it)... YES! YES! YES! I received THIS email:
AAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!
I am on cloud nine right now, dancing on my tippie-toes.
Celebrating the New Year with Utterly Engaged {time to par-TAY!}
Calling all brides! Calling all brides! (and friends, mothers of the bride, maids of honor, bridesmaids, and oh, yeah... grooms, too...) If you're looking for some inspiration and a way to meet some vendors in a fun, no-pressure environment, JOIN ME HERE:
I'll be hangin' out this an awesome party thrown by the people of Utterly Engaged. If you haven't heard of Utterly Engaged before, you have GOT to go check out their website and see for yourself. now. right now. Utterly Engaged is the 1st wedding e-zine. And they ROCK! Think Martha Stewart meets Urban Outfitters. Yeah, that kind of cool.
In any case, this party looks to be a great time. Check out this site to register or learn more: http://utterlyspankinparty.eventbrite.com/
in the works...
Sorry for the lack of posts here lately, but don't you worry... there are a LOT of exciting things going on in the background. Currently on my plate: separate wedding website, new wedding promo cards, and lots and LOTS of new album templates. (whew!) Stay tuned for the newsletter to be sent soon, which will have all the details.
one year old {happy birthday to me!}
It's true... time flies when you're having fun. I can't believe that November marks the one-year birthday of the Suitcase Studio. Happy birthday to my dream-coming-true; my work-in-progress; my happiness. It's been an interesting ride so far, but I'm loving the journey all the way. Just over a year ago, I turned 30 years old. And so, like many others at this stage in life... I started to think. A lot. About where I was supposed to go from here. And then, while pondering all the deep questions like "who am I" and "what do I want to do with my life," I had one of those "a-HA" moments. Seriously. Lightbulb over the head time.
I have ALWAYS been a photographer at heart, and have ALWAYS had a camera in my hand. It makes me happy. And so it made sense to let my mind wander over the possibility of becoming a professional photographer. I was bursting with excitement. I asked my husband his opinion, and he was JUST as excited as I was. It was a perfect fit for me. It just made sense. And it just felt RIGHT.
So I jumped right in. After hours and hours (and HOURS) of research, I was ready to begin. One good thing about my varied work experience is that I have picked up a LOT of skills along the way. From networking to accounting to marketing to the legalities, I felt like I had a good handle on things. And what I didn't know... I could learn. I am a student of life, and feel like there is always room to learn just a bit more. So, I took a breath and went with it...
Armed with a new camera (Canon EOS 50D), I got right to work. My friends were great sports, letting me use them for my first few projects. I built my website, got my business cards, and started to spread the word. And then I held my breath. And it happened... first one client, then another, and another. Friends of friends spread the word, and Facebook was an amazing tool. I even posted on Craigslist once or twice.
And along the way, I fell in love with it ALL. I loved meeting new people and connecting with them, I loved the magic that we made, and I loved the process of editing the photos to make something even more spectacular appear. I felt at peace. I felt like I was where I belonged.
I feel like I have really grown this year, both as a person and a photographer. I have explored different aspects and styles, and feel like I've finally come into my own. Who knew? I didn't even realize I HAD a style of my own till someone pointed it out to me. It was a strange feeling to step back and realize that I was no longer caught in the trap of trying to emulate others... that I actually had a style all my own.
So, THANK YOU to all of you who played a part in helping me to discover this. Thank you to all of you who helped to shape this first year and make my dream a reality. I honestly get choked up with emotion, thinking of how many different people have played a part in this. You all believed in me and my work, and took a chance on this newbie to capture the moments for you to remember always. Thank you for your faith in me.
From shooting friends to shooting weddings, this has been an absolutely amazing year. So here is a quick look back at some of the highlights:
This past year has been an incredible journey. And I can't wait to see what's in store for me next!
as seen on The Album Cafe blog
Just wanted to share a cool little place where my work has been featured... The Album Cafe is a totally neat resource site for photographers. I recently discovered the joys of their blogging templates, which allow me to POP my photos right in with the click of a few buttons, and they look FAN-tastic! Totally customizable, all the templates on the site are a great jumping-off point to create your own style, without spending all the extra (wo)man hours to do so.
They recently added a few of my images to their customer gallery. Check it out: www.theAlbumCafe.blogspot.com.
extra, extra, read all about it...
I have been working hard on a BUNCH of exciting stuff here at the studio. And I'm going to be sharing it all here reeeeeaally soon... well, soon enough. It doesn't quite help that my computer decided to CRASH on me. (booooo for glitches in technology. but YAY for the geniuses at the apple store for helping me with my problem, and for telling me this won't take too long to fix.) In any case, it's only a minor setback, and then LOTS of good stuff to come.
I am currently putting together my FIRST newsletter, thanks to the people over at Mad Mimi. And JUST in time for the holidays, too!
Look for that to hit your inboxes at the start of November. And if you want to be SURE to get it, just drop me a line to say hi and let me know you're interested.
I think that's it for now. More soon...
Photos Featured on Website for Star Looks {thanks, Marci!}
A few months ago I had the pleasure of working with Marci Star while doing an in-home maternity shoot for Kristen and her husband, Jason. Marci was hired by Kristen to be her makeup artist for the photoshoot, and Marci did a fabulous job! Not that Kristen needed any help to look beautiful... but Marci made her look absolutely flawless, complete with airbrushing detail on her belly. Marci was absolutely fabulous to work with. Her attention to detail was wonderful, and she was also fun to be around. I hope our paths cross again in the future.
She has featured a few images from the maternity shoot on her website (www.starlooks.com), in the "Artists Portfolios" section (located under the subsection "Film"). Here is a sample screen shot:
