Showing posts with label photography. Show all posts
Showing posts with label photography. Show all posts

Project 365 initiation
Thursday, December 2, 2010

After having recently written a blog about commitment (or lack thereof), I've decided that it would be in my character to go ahead and make another! Because people aren't really diggin' cold photo shoots, I thought it would be a brilliant idea to do the Project 365. You know, that project that you have to do to enter to photog world? Since falling into peer pressure is a rather new thing for me (all good, I promise!), I thought why not? Here's what I'll be doing: every day, for the next 365 days I'll be taking a photo. Could be a random photo with no purpose (or maybe no beauty) or could be someone that I've had scheduled for some time. I will challenge myself, step out of my comfort zone, and establish my style more. So, this means that at the end of my blogs for the next year, I will be posting a photo . . . and it may have not a single thing to do with my blog post, but it will be there for your enjoyment (or whatever). :) Oh, and by the way, today is day three, so I will flood you all the next time I blog.

Posted byAshley C. at 4:31 PM 0 Love Notes  

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I'm just preparing myself
Monday, November 15, 2010

I'm beginning to feel like I'm talking to myself on here.  People always tell me that they read my blogs, but no one comments and I haven't had a new follower since day one.  I can tell you that one reason for that is that most of the blogs I follow are the ones that I cannot yet relate to: the stay-at-home, crafty, money-saving, photographer, mommy blogs.  What interest do they have in a girl like me?  I'm kind of in limbo right now.  I've tried the whole money-saving thing and as I mentioned before, I really stink at balancing.  I'm not yet a mom, I actually have to go to work, and try to become a photographer on the side.  I love reading the blogs that I read because I have learned a lot and I can honestly say that had it not been for following the blogs that I follow, I would never had started clipping coupons, became interested in photography, or have a strong opinion for breast-feeding (and cloth diapers and baby-wearing!). 

Who am I you might ask?  A 22-year old that is engaged and planning a wedding for next July.  I am still living at home, but mostly buy my own groceries so I attempt to save as much money as I can in the process.  I do not have kids, but want a handful of them ASAP and when I do, I will try with all I have to solely breast-feed.  I would like to call myself a professional photographer but the truth is that I haven't even found myself or my voice.  Kinda funny that I'm reading the blogs that I am, huh?  No, I am not trying to become something that I'm not but I don't think you have an idea how badly I want to be at the stage in my life where I can say I am a stay-at-home mom that only breast feeds, uses cloth diapers, and carries my baby in a sling while I am balancing blogging, photography, and loving my husband with my entire heart.  I'm just preparing myself. ;)

Posted byAshley C. at 3:40 PM Post a comment (1) Love Notes  

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D90 desires
Thursday, November 11, 2010

It was a glorious day when I got my long-awaited DSLR.  I waited and waited for it . . . and my Lover made me a deal and said that if we could leave the mall, I would have my camera in 15 minutes. Deal!

But . . . I am now selling the body so that I can upgrade to something a little more "high grade."  The awesome thing is that I am still sticking to my philosophy of only spending business-made money on business desires to keep me clear from debt.  I am going to put my other lens purchase on hold until I am able to purchase a new body.  Wanna see the new body I want? 

Pretty, huh? ;)

Posted byAshley C. at 8:32 PM 0 Love Notes  

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Here I am now
Friday, October 29, 2010

I've always been the person that knew what I wanted to be when I "grew up."  I remember when I was about 6 going around telling people I'm a future nurse and really feeling like that was a job title itself.  All throughout high school, I knew for sure that I wanted to be an English teacher.  When teachers asked, I could reply without hesitation.  I knew what I was going to college for.  When I was at the beginning of my college career, I was so positive that I was going to be a Psychologist.  Any kind.  Just a Psychologist.  And after I was more than mid-way through my college career, I decided that I was going to be a Social Worker.  I wanted to work with struggling families; families that were beyond dysfunctional.

Here I am now.  I am a photographer.  Not quite "professional" but definitely chasing it and giving it all I've got, with all that I have.  Forget teaching, counseling, or attempting to save the world.  I've decided that photography is right were I want to be.  For as long as that might be.  :)

Posted byAshley C. at 9:54 PM 0 Love Notes  

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First business purchase
Thursday, October 28, 2010

I told myself from day one that I would not make a business purchase with my own money; if I wanted a new camera, lens, strobe, bag, or whatever else, I would have to save the money that my business earned.  Well, after some time now (and shopping around and debating!), I have been able to purchase a new lens!  Last night, I purchased a Nikon 85mm 1.8 AF and a strobe diffuser!!  I am so excited because I thought that my awesome 50mm was a one-lens miracle; there was nothing that lens couldn't do.  Until I shot Errika's labor and delivery.  I was able to really know and admit that I could have used an 85mm.  Then I shot April's newborn session.  I realized I needed a 35mm.  It's just a really cool and legitimizing feeling that I know what I need.  Heck, about 4 months ago, I couldn't have even told you what any of those numbers meant or how they could benefit me.  Need me to explain (because I definitely can!)? ;)  I have a family session booked for next week, so hopefully I'll be able to pull out the newbie for it! ;) 

Next purchase on the list is the 35mm 1.8.  :)

Posted byAshley C. at 4:36 PM 0 Love Notes  

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Things you shouldn't read
Thursday, October 21, 2010

Things you shouldn't read before going to bed:

"I absolutely love all of your photos and I have a huge question for you. I was wondering if you would be interested in photographing [our] wedding on November 27th. If you are I would LOVE that, let me know how much you would charge . . . "

Yeah, umm that definitely didn't catch me totally off guard (pure sarcasm).  But the problem with reading things like that before bed is that your mind immediately begins to think of the best and worst possibilities.  You don't get any sleep because instead you're thinking about the equipment you have, the equipment you need to purchase, why you can't be the only photographer shooting your first wedding, who will second-shoot, how much you are going to charge, what if it's too expensive, what if you're not charging enough for your time, how in the world are you going to edit 500+ photos, what if you don't even get a high number of quality shots?
 
But then again, I guess all photographer once felt this way, right?

Posted byAshley C. at 7:45 AM 0 Love Notes  

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Michael Scott, here
Monday, October 18, 2010

My best friend, Errika had her little one!  She had April Rayn on Friday at 5:59 p.m. and she weighed 8.9lbs and was 21.25in long with a full head of hair.  Just beautiful and perfect.  Errika made everything look so easy and smooth.  She was herself throughout the whole thing: smiling, laughing, and asking silly questions. 

Me?  Well, I guess you can call me Michael Scott (The Office) because that's exactly how I felt.  For those that don't know Michael, he's very intrusive; always has to be in the middle of someone else's intimate moments.  I know, Errika asked me to be there and I was privileged and beyond thrilled that she would ask something like that from me, but I really hope that she didn't see me as "in the way."  Haha before going, I was tempted to Google something like "labor and delivery photographer ettiquette," but figured that most photographer aren't best friends with the person in labor.  So, I told myself that I wouldn't speak unless spoken to, wait for cues to know it's okay to get certain shots, and not be in her husband's way whatsoever.  Only two of those actually happened!  I definitely talked, but wasn't running my mouth non-stop.  I cheered her on quietly, but kept it mild enough for her husband to say that he was running the show.  :)  The whole time, I acted as though my photography was second priority; If her husband stepped away or moved positions, I would jump in, take as many photos as I could, and when he came back, I moved immediately.  I know that he appreciated that because of course he'd rather be by her side, comforting her, holding her hand, and keeping the rag on her forehead cool. 

All that I have to say is that this girl is hawt!  She stayed hawt during her entire labor and delivery and made giving birth look like a piece of cake.  Her and her husband have this amazing, spoken-without-words kind of language and neither of them skipped a beat; they were there for each other in every way possible.  You can see their love for each other radiating from every thing they did and said to each other.  They are now a family of 3 and I am excited and eager to see what the future holds for them; plenty of happiness, laughter, and love, I'm sure.  Congratulations to your new family, mama!

Posted byAshley C. at 9:22 AM 0 Love Notes  

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Labor and delivery opp
Thursday, October 14, 2010

Within the next 24 hours, my best friend, Errika is going to have her baby! :)  I am excited for two reasons: 1) We are best friends and I've watched her belly grow the past 9 months, 2) She asked me to photograph the labor and delivery.  I am honored because I know that these will be very precious moments.  Her and her husband only have 2 more weeks before he goes back to Iraq to finish the last 6 months of his tour, so I am honored that she's even thinking about me while he's here haha!
People are probably thinking, "Ah, how could she let someone photograph that?!" or "She's letting you in the room?"  Let's make a few things clear . . . I'm not there to get those kinds of shots; I am there to capture the natural moments, the moments that are happening in between that they aren't paying attention to and can't necessarily enjoy; I'm there to capture the details that are missed and go unnoticed.  And not to mention, I'm there because she asked me to be and because we are best friends. :) 

So, here's to Errika and her husband's last night before becoming parents!  You guys will enjoy it and as I've said time and time before, you two make the most perfect team. ;)  I'll see you in the a.m. on the other side of the door! ;)

Posted byAshley C. at 5:02 PM 0 Love Notes  

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Just a dream

I'm just going to go ahead and say it, I feel like this is too good to be true.  After being reassured by several people, I have to admit that creating a fan page on Facebook has been one of my best moves yet.  I've got nearly 130 fans . . . about one third of which I have never even seen. :)  Everyday, I get about 2 people inquiring about my prices and availability.  This is way bigger than I thought would happen so soon.  I am afraid to pinch myself because I feel like it may just be a dream. 
When people ask me if I got this job or that job, I can confidently stand and say that photography is my job now.  I am enjoying it and throwing myself out there and watching what happens.  I love my job.  I love everything about it: the shoots, the people, the struggling with poses, the post-processing, the marketing of my my brand.  Everything.  I thank God that I did not get those jobs.  If I had, I probably won't have even dabbled in photography.  I can't wait to see where I am next Spring/Summer!  :)  Watch out, world!

Posted byAshley C. at 7:30 AM 0 Love Notes  

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The first game
Monday, October 11, 2010

As you know, I started a fan page on Facebook to get my name out there and let people see my work . . . kind of a "one-stop-shop."  I never would have thought that I would have 100 fans (and more!), so when I saw how fast it was growing in such a short time, I told myself that after I reach 100 fans, I would give away a free session and free prints.  BUT, of course, there are stipulations (or rules haha); for 7 days, fans will have the chance to get entered into a drawing (that I will have next Tuesday) by tagging LeilaniNicole Photography in their status.  They may also be entered again (and again!) for each day they tag LeilaniNicole Photography in their status.  So, each fan has the opportunity to be entered up to 7 times!  I figured this would be something cool to do because 1) I do not know all 100+ fans that I have, 2) people obviously like my work, 3) they are saving $$$!  This "game" helps to get my name out there to the friends of friends that I do not have or even know.  And a free mini-session and prints ain't too bad!  :)

Posted byAshley C. at 8:44 AM 0 Love Notes  

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Photography pricing jitters
Tuesday, October 5, 2010

I've been debating about mentioning this, but after some thought, I figured that I wanted to and is something that people need to know about photography.

Last week, a woman asked me to photograph her 3 children for fall.  I told her of course! I would love to, but please be aware I am charging $50 for the 1-2 hour session which does not include any prints, rather a disc with about 5 photos on there.  She replied by telling me never mind because I was too expensive for her and her husband.  This was very discouraging, considering the same day, I decided that I was worth more than charging people $35 for a session. Not to mention, I was giving her my rights to 5 photos on a disc.
I am not writing this post because I want to bash the woman, but instead, I want people to see the amount of hard work that goes into a photo shoot.  For starters, I will almost always shoot for 2 hours (or a little more if I can).  I am not using the most expensive equipment on the market, but it did cost me a pretty penny and I am always investing.  Second, after the shoot, I am spending time choosing the best of the best of the photos that I shot . . . then processing them, which takes about 3-4 hours.  So, at the end of the day (or week!), I am spending nearly 6 hours on a client that is only paying me $50.  Sure, if (and only if!) the client orders prints, I will be making profit through that, but depending on how much they order, I could be making very little.  Now, aside from me making very little to nothing, I am also reducing my creativity and uniqueness to something that is not even worth $9/hour and that can easily be replaced by individuals standing behind a tripod at Sears with no passion for what they're doing (needless to say, the lack of personal touch). 

People can easily get all hyped on spending "a lot" of money on photos, but are easily willing to pay $70 for a pair of jeans that aren't going to last nearly as long.  I know that if someone really wants something, they are going to find a way to pay for it . . . including photographs.  I want to be something that is valued; I do not want to reduce my prices because someone says that I'm too expensive . . . one other individual has already told me that (when I was only charging $35) and I have an upcoming session with them. :)  My point is that people will pay for something they value.  The more they pay, the more they will value that "thing."  The less they pay, the less they will value your images or your talent.  I am not promising that my prices will stay at $50/session, in fact, I promise they will not.  The more experience I gain and the more in-demand I am, my prices will also increase . . . in other words, my value will also be increasing.  Oh, and please know that studio photography and lifestyle photography are two totally different things; it's like comparing the colors black and white.  So, please don't turn me down and head to Sears for a price list . . . that's an insult to me! ;)  At least let me refer you to another lifestyle photog.  :)

Posted byAshley C. at 10:16 AM 0 Love Notes  

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Behind fears
Wednesday, September 29, 2010

As I mentioned previously, me pursuing photography has definitely had it's run of uncertainties and I have just flat out been nervous to give it my all and give myself to it.  What if I'm not as good as I think I am?  What if people think I am the worst photographer in the world?  What if I only get clients by asking them, hey, uh can I take some photos of you?  But, I heard another photgrapher say to "creat your own game;"  if I create my own game, using my own pieces, I will not have to measure up to someone else and will always come up on top.  This game is called mine.  I have no option but to win.  Plus, if I have God's blessing, I will do nothing but grow and be the best that I can . . . at the work of His hand.

Here is my game plan:
-Remember that I am doing this because I have a passion for it (despite of "bad shoots")
-Put myself "out there" and be daring . . .
-. . . but be willing to fail
-Remember my style and not change it for anyone.
-be myself and not be afraid of people not liking my technique.  Those that like it, like it and those that don't,  don't
-Listen to His voice and follow His lead.

So, here's what I have done.  First of all, I've created a page on Facebook for people to "like" and keep in touch and hear updates about how things are going with this passion I am pursuing.  Second, I have deleted my LeilaniNicole Photography blog; I want people to get to know the real me . . . not a censor for a blog about photography (after all, that's what my future website will be for).  Third, I am just going to dive in; I am not going to hide behind my fears.  I am going to chase after this as though I am certain God wants me here and I will give it my all.  People don't grow hiding behind fears. 

Posted byAshley C. at 5:03 PM Post a comment (1) Love Notes  

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Stop looking.
Friday, September 24, 2010

My and my Lover's conversation last night went a little like this:

Me: Baby, I really wish you could understand how much I feel like God is showing provision with me   wanting to do photography.
Him:  I understand.  Just make sure you continually pray about it.
Me:  Ever since talking to Krissy that one day, I really have been and ever since, I have felt more encouraged and feel like every time I turn around, more doors are opening for me.
Him:  Is this really what you want to do?  You have a passion strong enough to want to do photography for as long as God enables you?
Me: Yes.
Him:  Alright.  Stop looking for a job.  Continue working on your photography and stay at Omni until God moves you somewhere else.  This is where you are now and God has provided this for you.
Me: *crying* Really?  You're really supporting me with this?
Him: *kisses my forehead* Yes.

And the conversation above is just another example of why I am marrying this guy. 

Thank you, Father.

Posted byAshley C. at 9:39 AM 0 Love Notes  

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Finding peace
Thursday, September 23, 2010

Since my last post, I've been doing a lot of talking to God.  I've been asking Him to point me in the right direction and lead me where He wants me.  I'm tired of stressing about where I'm going to work (and be a sufficient provider to my future family), how I'm going to use my degree, etc.  I'm done.  I've prayed, asked God to provide, and I'm leaving it in His hands. 
Since I've been praying about this, I've been feeling more and more confident in my photography; visualizing myself in the future being successful; having peace knowing that I am exactly where He wants me.  The only problem is that I do not want to get my dreams mixed with His desires.  I want to be 100% sure that I am listening to His voice and not the little voices in my head saying this is right. 
Since praying about this, I've been given the most encouraging words, photography advice, and "plans" in ways people want to use me.  I've been thinking big.  Really big.  From out of nowhere, I've been feeling sooo inspired and have so much hope for my photography busines.  But, please God, if this is not for me, I pray that you would shut this door and guide me to the door that you've had waiting open for me. In fact, what if where I am now is exactly where He wants me? That would be pretty sweet!

In the mean time, I will continue trying to bring in clientele and get people aware of what LeilaniNicole Photography is.  I am pretty sure that God will make Himself crystal clear . . . I find sooo much peace in knowing that. 

Posted byAshley C. at 3:31 PM 0 Love Notes  

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I thank God
Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Remember that job that I was so eager to hear back from?  Well, I didn't get it.  And guess what, I thank God.  Remember the job before that, that I was eager to hear back from?  Well, you already know that I didn't get it (and turned the new offer down) and . . . yup, you guessed it, I thank God.  I thank God because he has placed other people in those positions . . . people that He wants in those positions.  I thank God because the girl (a girl I know) that got the first position I applied for loves it; looking back, I cannot see myself in that position.  A woman that has been unemployed (and is much older than I am) got the second position.  I am glad.  I have a job right now and she doesn't.  This all means that God has different plans for me; plans that I will love, enjoy, and be thankful for.
I was talking to my boss today and she told me that she has plans for me: stay at Omni, doing photography on the side, get married, and have a baby.  Ha!  Those plans sound great to me . . . that would be awesome if those are the plans that God has in mind, too.  At this point in my life, I love where God has placed me.  I love that God has placed a new passion in my heart (photography) and it would be amazing to be able to chase that passion wholeheartedly.  Plus, I can't really complain about my boss, either.

A side note, I just finished editing my best friend, Errika's maternity photos.  They are at leilaninicole.zenfolio.com/errikamaternity  Check them out!  And as always, if you know someone that needs photos done, share me with them! ;-]

Posted byAshley C. at 6:45 PM 0 Love Notes  

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e-session plan
Thursday, September 16, 2010

So, now that we've been engaged for almost 3 weeks (so weird!), we have finally made plans for our engagement photos.  My cousin, Ray will be doing them for us at Navy Pier next weekend; I am so excited!  I am still trying to figure out what to wear . . . I think I want to do a dress and heels for some and then a more casual outfit for the others.  I just want Josh and me to look purrrty! ;-]    We don't have any pictures of us that are frame-worthy, so this is going to be fun!  I'm wondering how this will go with a photog shooting a photog; I'm afraid I might be too "try this," "don't do that," "shoot at this range," blah blah blah.  It's kind of just how I am haha! 
But then again, I don't know how I'll be able to take pictures without my engagement ring, a locked jaw, and a "crook" in my neck.  I'm just pretty broken down right now . . . hopefully all of those problem will be fixed by the end of this weekend!

Posted byAshley C. at 9:01 AM 0 Love Notes  

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Finding my identity
Friday, August 27, 2010

I am almost positive that I'm having an early mid-life (20's?) crisis; not 100% sure, but almost.  You know how when you start junior high, you begin trying to find your identity?  You are trying to discover if you fit better with this group or that group; whether it would be cool to do this or if you'd be better off doing that.  Whether talking that way would be cuter or if you sound more smart talking that way.  If your entire life will change for the better dating this guy or just living for the moment and dating that guy (okay, go ahead and admit you've been there!).  Well, I'm sure I'm at that point again, but this time with photography. 

Do I make a better photog photographing this way or that?
Heck, can I even consider myself a photog?  Am I even "good enough?"
Is this really worth putting in years to see what might happen down the road?
Do I even really want to be doing photography later down the road?
Which direction do I see/feel myself heading?  Couples only?  Wedding?  Children?  Family?
Which direction would I feel most comfortable and be most successful in? 
Is that piece of equipment worth the investment? Will I even use it or am I just on one of those "highs?"
How can I stop comparing my skill to that photog that's been investing years of time?

Hmm.  That list is both scary and not-so-scary.  I guess the easy answer is just to practice, apply, and learn, but then again, it scares me to have to really think about all of that.  I guess if that photog is where they are, they only got there by having to jump the same hurdles as me.  So, I guess it's just watch out world I'm ready to tackle (and think about) whatever jumps at me!  Ready, set, here I go!

Posted byAshley C. at 12:58 PM 0 Love Notes  

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Courtney // Maternity
Monday, August 23, 2010

I sent Courtney a text message asking her, Do you mind if I borrow you and your belly for maternity pictures soon? And she immediately said "Yes!" We hadn't seen each other in quite some time, so it sure was nice to catch up and for her to show off her beautiful body for these photos. She did an amazing job and got comfortable in front of the camera so quickly. Thanks for your help, Courtney!


P.S.: Blogger is killing the quality of these photos!

Posted byAshley C. at 12:43 PM 0 Love Notes  

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Aaron and Brittany // Family

I asked these two if I could photograph their beautiful family and without hesitation, they were down! It was a blast sharing this growing experience with them because they were easy to please (and not to mention, one of the best-looking families I've seen!). During their shoot, I told them that either I'm doing pretty good and this whole photography gig or they are making my job way too easy! I think having confidence is key, so I'll go ahead and say that it's a little bit of both. ;-] Enjoy some of the photos!

Posted byAshley C. at 12:40 PM 0 Love Notes  

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Vacation, Weight, and Photos
Thursday, August 19, 2010

Me and my Lover are back from our short vacation.  We were gone for 4 days, but it went by way too fast.  I can't wait until I am able to spend time with him like we did in Tennessee!  We had an awesome time reconnecting with each other.  He has been working 14-16 hour days and when he gets off, he's too tired to hang out; since the school they are working on needs to be turned over by Monday, he will have a lot more time to hang out . . . which is bittersweet because he will probably be laid off for a while.  I mean, the money is sweet, but his body is exhausted and honestly, there is no money good enough for making him feel the way he has.  He deserves a good couple of weeks to relax.  :-]
Me on the other hand?  Well, I have had way too much time to relax.  I've been gaining weight, becoming lazy, and eating everything in sight haha.  Fortunately, on Monday I am starting the 'Biggest Loser' program at my work and on top of that . . . I will be doing Weight Watchers.  Again.  I know, I know.  You are probably thinking "Again?"  But really, I have never weighed this much and have never felt this gross.  I need to lose this weight some way or another and it won't be happening with me laying around and eating fast food.  We will see how this goes.  :-]
On another note, I just got my new laptop this week!  It has been a relief since I've been doing several sessions and have not been able to edit any of the photos.  So, I plan on editing the first session by this weekend and start chipping away at the other two before my next 3 sessions this month.  Eek!  :-]  But, I just purchased a Zenfolio account, so as soon as I have these photos edited, my clients will be able to go online, view, and purchase whichever they like.  I'm really excited about it!  So, as I've said before, if you know anyone interested in finding (or trying out) a new photographer, shoot them my way!

Maybe next time you hear from me, you will have a few photos to taste from my first session!     

Posted byAshley C. at 8:18 AM 0 Love Notes  

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