What does the phrase "Body Positive" mean to you?
It means embracing one's body in whatever form it takes and finding beauty the variability of physical appearances. (Plus, resisting the urge to associate personal self-worth with the unreasonable standards commonly found in the media.)
Why is performing important to you?
Performing is one of the main ways I find balance in my life. My sassy and extroverted stage persona balances out my introverted, to the point of being misanthropic, off stage personality. As a Dark Fusion dancer, performing allows me to express and embrace all of those emotions society views as "negative". Thus, performing gives me an outlet for my "dark" side and provides a balance to the more socially acceptable "light" side usually found in my interactions with others.
What was it about your chosen art form that drew you?
I have loved to dance since I was a small child, but was not physically built for being a classical dancer. When I found belly dance as an adult, it reawakened my passion for dance while allowing me to develop my personal style to fit my body and my artistic needs. My large, inflexible, curvy frame stopped being a detriment and became the source of my power. Within the world of belly dance, my personal sensibilities and need for unstructured self-expression led me to Dark Fusion. In short, dance has become my version of therapy.
What has your journey to body positivity been like?
My quest to love and accept my body has been a constant uphill battle, and I'm still fighting it each and every day. Belly dance has been a huge part of my journey. There is nothing so wonderful as putting your body out there in a performance or even class setting, and then getting so much love and positivity from friends, family, students, teachers, and even random members of the audience. That said, I can walk out on stage and dance with total confidence, but if I watch a video afterward my ingrained response is to judge myself as "fat" and "ugly". It's getting better little by little, but I still have a long way to go.
What, if any, impression(s) do you hope your audience walks away from your performances with?
My only real hope is that my audience will be entertained for a few fleeting moments. If my art speaks to them on a deeper level I'm ecstatic, but mostly I just don't want to be boring. One of the best things that audience members occasionally walk away with is an altered perception of the physical characteristics of a dancer. I REALLY don't look like the average Fusion dancer, so if I can break that stereotype for someone I am thrilled. Curvy women have told me that they didn't think they could be Fusion dancers, but I proved them wrong.
What do you want people to know about your story as it relates to participating in this project?
Life is Art! All we can do is embrace the materials we are given and create something beautiful. My personal adventure has been learning to love my body, because in the world of dance it is my greatest resource.
I'm please to let you know that I'm booking my Halloween Magic Minis for the weekend of October 19 and 20! These 30 minute sessions are available for kids, families, and adults. Come rock your family costume, or get a set of fun portraits of your littles' dress up of choice for 2109. Booking is available through October 18, but the sooner you reserve your session, the better chance you have of getting a day and time you desire.
You can reserve your session by visiting the event page: 2019 Halloween Magic Mini Sessions
I look forward to seeing your Halloween enthusiasm in studio!
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Hi Friends!
I wanted to share with you my exciting new session offering for 2019: Smash to Splash Sessions!
If you have been spending any time exploring Pinterest for Cake Smash references, you'll see cake smash sessions that end with a bubble or milk bath. I'm happy to be able to add the Splash into my session offerings. Here are my three Cake Smash offerings:
Standard Cake Smash
My all-inclusive Smash sessions are $375 and include the following:
- 60 minute studio session
- Two outfits (one Clean and one Smash) provided by parents
- One set design from my collection of themed backdrops
- After you select your theme, I will work with my professional bakery to have a cake created to match that theme
- Fully edited, ready to print or share, online, digital gallery with 30 images from your session
Smash to Splash – Standard
My all-inclusive Standard Smash to Splash sessions are also $375 and include the following:
- 60 minute studio session
- 30 minutes for Smash and 30 minutes for Splash
- One outfit provided by parents for Smash section
- Two set designs from my collection of themed backdrops
- One for Smash and one for Splash
- After you select your Smash theme, I will work with my professional bakery to have a cake created to match that theme
- Fully edited, ready to print or share, online, digital gallery with 30 images from your session
Smash to Splash – Deluxe
My all-inclusive Deluxe Smash to Splash sessions are also $450 and include the following:
- 90 minute studio session
- 30 minutes for Clean, 30 minutes for Smash, and 30 minutes for Splash
- Two outfits provided by parents for Clean and Smash section
- Two set designs from my collection of themed backdrops
- One for Smash and one for Splash
- After you select your Smash theme, I will work with my professional bakery to have a cake created to match that theme
- Fully edited, ready to print or share, online, digital gallery with 45 images from your session
The new sessions are now available for booking. Come on in and let me create some precious memories of your little one's first birthday to cherish for a lifetime!
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Baby bump shoots, popularized by Beyoncé, are big with Bay Area moms
Want to learn more about my all-inclusive maternity sessions? Clink the email link below, and I'll happily tell you more!
I want to know about booking a Maternity session.
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Jennifer put on an adorable swing dress with bright red petticoat, and joined me in studio to celebrate her 40th birthday! She was so much fun and we both had a blast creating the images to celebrate this milestone birthday! Happy Birthday, Jen!
]]>I got to meet this incredible family and photograph their journey from pregnancy to new baby. We created maternity images along the Carmel coastline during the most EPIC hike for a photo session I have ever undertaken. Seriously, I think I lost 2-3 pounds that day! Then a little bit later I joined the family in their home to create newborn memories of Baby Jacquelyn and her family. I was honored to be able to do record their journey.
]]>Remember, Moms (and Dads) that we are always our own harshest critics. We have a laundry list of things about ourselves we don’t like, and wish we could or hope we will change. Here’s a secret, we assign those flaws to ourselves. Our children do not notice or care about the flaws we fight with in the mirror each day. When we are no longer here, our kids, family and friends are not going to be critiquing our body flaws (many of which only we see anyway) in photos of us, but they will, instead, be grateful to have a way to remember our face, the quirk of our smile, the color of our hair, and how much they loved us and us them. I ask each of you to be willing to step outside of yourself and your own self judgement, and be willing to leave memories for those who love us no matter what, and will always see us through the lenses of perfection that love provides. Be photographed. Exist in pictures. One day, those images of you will help those who love you keep you close. What is remembered, lives.
I am guilty of not being photographed enough. I fight against the chorus of internal voices always willing to remind me how I don't love so many thing about my vessel. But I do try. I want a record of not just my existence, but of my love and joy of being with my family.
This is the family portrait time of the year, and I'm already hearing my clients speaking power to their personal insecurities, and allowing those negative self-judgements to create a barrier for them to be photographed. Whenever I hear this kind of self-talk, I do my best to encourage a different perspective. The long and short of it is, the photos are for us today, but they are for our children tomorrow. I'm conscious of how often I hear people speaking to the regret of not having any or very few images of their parents or loved ones when those precious individuals have passed on. Regret is one of the worst feelings on the emotional spectrum, and not one that I, personally, want to leave my family with. And, I'm pretty confident that I'm not alone in that sentiment.
So I implore you all to keep in mind that you are worthy to exist in pictures with your family and for your family. The people who love you do not hear or share in the negative voices that haunt our own minds, and if they could, I think they would argue against those thoughts with ferocity.
Exist in pictures. What is remembered, lives.
]]>Jennifer is starting the induction process today so let's all send her much love, support, and buttery baby thoughts as she welcomes Autumn earthside.
I have never truly opened up about this but seeing as Autumn's arrival is now hours away it feels like it's time. When we lost our baby last October I felt like there was a gaping whole left in my heart. At first, I put on a strong front, I tried to be strong and I tried to only let others see that I would be ok, but I wasn't. I shut down, I didn't want to go out, I didn't want to talk to anyone, I just wanted to be left alone, I wanted to cry and I didn't want any reminders of what we lost. I am responsible for the life growing inside of me and I felt like I failed our baby. After a few months the tears dried and I began realizing what I needed to do to begin healing my heart. I took the time to reflect on what the GOOD things are in my life and how lucky I am for what I do have. In that mindset I was able to be happy again and to put a smile on my face, even though I thought about the baby daily. I found comfort in talking to the spirit of our baby and I cried when I felt like I needed to. In time my heart healed enough and I was able to face my friends, family and the world again.
When I found out we were expecting again, I was excited but mostly scared. I brought Patrick a box I had made him, on the outside it was painted black and grey with clouds and said "after every storm" and the inside was Sky blue and it said "there comes a rainbow" because Autumn is our rainbow baby and that is truly something special! I also knit my first baby hat! It is white with a rainbow on it and I placed it inside, I knew he was happy but I started crying, I was so scared to go through that again, I couldn't lose another baby, I couldn't feel that pain again.
As the time went by, the fear left. Naturally, every once in a while I was hit with a scare but something else hit me, something that made me feel completely joyful. We are getting ready to welcome our daughter, I wanted so badly to experience the close relationship I have with my mom. To know what it's like not only to watch my wonderful son grow, but my daughter too, to see that close relationship that a brother and sister share grow and warm my heart, something I never got to experience with my brother. I cherish the memories I have made with my mom, the talks about life, shopping, going to choose my wedding dress and her watching me become a mother and my own woman. I look forward to making those cherished memories with Autumn.
As I would lay and talk to the spirit of my angel each night, this overwhelming feeling came over me. I used to think that the day I died I would finally get to hold my angel BUT I don't believe that anymore, I know this is her, she came back to be with us. It's a feeling I can't explain but I know with every fiber of my being that it's true! So instead of waiting a lifetime, we will have to wait just a little longer to meet our angel. I know in my heart that her spirit never left me, she stayed with me, I felt her presence every day and I talked to her everyday, I know this is her.
Losing the pregnancy was the hardest thing I have ever had to deal with, losing a life that had yet to really live is the worst pain a mother could experience. But it also gave me the opportunity to reflect on myself and my life, on what I have that makes me happy and who I have that makes me happy. Then my angel came back to me and I'm going to hold on so tight. Without this awful experience I wouldn't be the me that I am today, every bit of what has happened to me, good or bad makes me who I am, and I have learned to be happy with that and to not dwell on the negative. Everyday I'm thankful for the gifts I've been given, my mistakes are lessons that I can teach my children, in hopes that they don't make the same ones.
Having unconditional love and support not only from my wonderful husband and son but from our closest friends and family have helped me exit the storm that our loss created and enter the bright light of the rainbow that is our daughter. I can't wait to meet you, my little angel baby, my Autumn Rain 
P.S. The next time I see my Pookie he will be a big brother!
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photo collage from Jennifer |
I had the joy of photographing these wonderful parents as they waited for the arrival of their first daughter two years ago. When I learned they were expecting again, I was able to coax them into the studio for a bump to baby. I got to photograph the family during toward the end of mama's pregnancy, and saw them again after baby Mya had made her debut, at 13 days new.
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This family was amazing. This mama was amazing! She brought her soon-to-be one year old twin girls in for a double cake smash. I learned just before the session that mama also had four and a half year old twin boys! Totally by the grace of nature. (And wow! I would NEVER have guessed she had carried twins, let alone two sets!) This family was adorable, stylish, and charming and I enjoyed every minute of their session.
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Baby Myra came in to celebrate her 1st birthday with a cake smash. This little girl wasn't quite sure about the cake itself as American sweets were not part of her usual menu. But she had fun and we got mom and dad (who were great toddler wranglers) came away with a great set of memories.
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It's been 16 days, and I realize that I haven't written a blog post about the significant news about my studio. As of August 1st and after 12 years, The Naked Artisan Photography brand was retired and re-branded with a new and better fitting business name: Bits of Magic Image Studio.
After years of trying to figure out my specialty, I have finally settled into photographing maternity and the first year of infancy for families. After much reflection, I came to the conclusion that I had finally outgrown my original business name. I appreciate all of you who have offered your enthusiastic love for uniqueness of the old brand. I hope you're equally enthused by the new name. I know I am.
What isn't changing? Everything else. My services, my quality of work, my dedication to creating beautiful images for your family are just the same as they were on July 31st. If anything, I will continue to improve my skills so I can offer you even more unique, beautiful and compelling images and service offerings.
So welcome to the new brand. I look forward to capturing and creating your special moments and memories in the near future.
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June Specials
Dads & Graduate Sessions
It's that time of year again. The end of another school year and the beginning of summer! With June comes two great things: celebrations of our little ones taking significant steps toward adulthood, and celebrating the men who help our little ones along their path of life and who are often, although not always, known by the name Dad.
Life is always marching forward. There is never a better time than now to take a moment out and celebrate the milestones in your life now. Celebrate the men in your life and the transitions from child to adult by booking a photo session for your loved ones with me.
In honor of these two June events, I’m offering Daddy & Me as well as graduate portrait sessions through the entirety of June for an all-inclusive price of $200. Sessions can be done on location or in studio.
Headshots for College Grads
I'm also offering $75 headshots for new college graduates. 2 outfits. 2 finished images. Get those professional profiles polished up and ready to go!
LGBQT Family Mini Sessions
It's Pride again and in honor of this year's pride, I'm offering my LGBQT families $45 Family Mini Sessions. Sessions can be shot in studio or on location.
To request further details about any of these specials, or to schedule your session, please visit http://thenakedartisan.com/contact.html
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!
CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES OF 2017!
HAPPY PRIDE!
July Specials
Celebrate Harry Potter's birthday with the return of Harry Potter Minis!
Every Harry Potter fan knows that Harry celebrates his birthday in July. While other photo studios offer Independence Day minis, I have decided to go in a different direction and bring back Harry Potter Mini Sessions this July! These mini sessions are shot in my studio. These themed minis are for ages 3 months through adult. I invite families to participate and welcome cosplay!
These mini sessions are 30 minutes with 5 magically finished images for $100.
Don't wait! These sessions will leave by owl post at the end of July!
To request further details about any of these specials, or to schedule your session, please visit http://thenakedartisan.com/contact.html
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As a mother, I know, first hand, that mothers have two general positions when it comes to photography. The first is that we are the ones most often capturing the family memories. Whether we have our smart phone camera or a professional DSLR, we’re the ones documenting our family life so we can both revel in the memories and share them with those we love.
The other position is one of hiding from being photographed ourselves. I don’t know a mom who doesn’t have a host of reasons why they can’t step in front of the camera, myself included. We’re wearing our mom pants. We don’t have makeup on. We need to loose (X) pounds. Or we simply just don’t like ourselves in that moment.
Here’s a bit of magical thinking that us mothers need to embrace. Our children love us. They don’t care that we didn’t brush our hair, don’t go to the gym, are wearing yesterday’s yoga pants, hate the way we look or feel in pictures. Our children are under a spell of wonder and don’t see our flaws. They love to squish up against our soft parts as it makes them feel warm and safe. They dance in our laughter. They think our crazy hair is beautiful and our smiles make them smile, too.
Moms, we’re the ones judging us. We’re the ones saying we’re not worthy. In the years to come, our kids just want to have memories to hold. They want to see the tiny versions of themselves alongside their ever so precious mommy. They are not going to look at an image and judge us. They are going to look at an image and remember how much they love us and us them.
So, I invite you, Mom, to celebrate Mother’s Day with a photo session with you and your children. I also invite those of you who still have your moms in your lives to consider having a photo session celebrating you and your mom. We all know time only ever marches forward. I invite you to put aside the litany of reasons why you can’t be photographed now, and spend an hour with me and your most precious loves celebrating one of the most powerful relationships in nature: the bond between mother and child.
In honor of Mother’s Day, I’m offering Mama & Me sessions through the entirety of May for an all-inclusive price of $200. Sessions can be done on location or in studio. To request further details, or to schedule your session, please visit http://thenakedartisan.com/contact.html
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I will be doing May the Fourth mini-sessions the weekend of April 28th and 29th. Sessions will be 20 minutes and feature two different Star Wars inspired backdrops.
Sessions cost $100 and will include 5 images delivered after the event.
Sessions shoot between 10 am and 5 pm Saturday and Sunday, and require booking in advance. Cosplay is strongly encouraged! Bring yourself, your little one(s), or the whole family. Share this with your Star Wars loving friends!
Start by purchasing your session reservation using the PayPal button below.
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I will reschedule soon.
If you're looking for an opportunity to update your professional head shots, get some pointers on improving your resume by a Silicon Valley talent professional, and meet some great professionals from a cross section of the valley, then you may want to consider reserving a spot at my first head shot and networking event! Spread the word! 25 spaces available!
Description
Head Shot and Networking Event
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What does the phrase "Body Positive" mean to you?
Accepting your body and the changes it will experience as you move through life with grace. Being kind to yourself about things that society may make you dwell on , such as stretch marks, weight gain, wrinkles etc.
Why is performing important to you?
Performing allows me to move through my fear and negative associations I've formed with my body . Pushing through and sharing my expression with the audience always ends with support, love and renewed sense of " I can do this. I am beautiful no matter what ". It's also just plain fun :)
What was it about your chosen art form that drew you?
I've always been a performer, even in my childhood I loved the spotlight. Bellydance and Burlesque happen to be my 2 chosen forms for now. Bellydance because I love exotic dance forms and learning about other cultures and Burlesque for the pure , raw sex appeal . Being able to feel confident, sexy and supported is totally empowering.
What has your journey to body positivity been like?
Still going through ups and downs. Like many I've gained weight throughout the years and it's a struggle to be ok with it and yet be ok with wanting to change. Questioning if my motives for change are from a health standpoint or a disgust standpoint ( because I've had both). Some days I cry when I see my performance photos because of my perceived flaws and other times I feel I'm a damn tigress. It really is an ongoing journey that I hope continues to move toward a more positive end.
What, if any, impression(s) do you hope your audience walks away from your performances with?
"Damn shes sexy !" for Burlesque is always a win.
I love to have fun with both my dance forms, so I hope that people who watch me see that I'm totally immersed and enjoying what I'm doing.
Also that anyone can do it, you just need to smile and have fun .
What do you want people to know about your story as it relates to participating in this project?
I want people to know that it's hard to get past your bodies perceived flaws, that it's hard to really listen when others tell you you're beautiful. And that's ok. You don't have to believe it every time, but smile and say "thank you" before that little voice in your head responds with "really? because I thought I looked (insert body shaming here)". I hope that by getting outside my comfort zone that I will inspire others to do the same. To dance, free your mind and your body from the mental shackles of shame. Life is too short. Share who you are with the world, no matter what size. <3
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I have been a fan of the old fashioned fabric drape or fabric wrap. Fabrics are versatile as I can use them as a bean bag baby backdrop or as a maternity wrap. This weekend I was able to play around with some fabric wrapping and a hand made (yes, by me!) tutu. I am thrilled with the result. I look forward to bringing more to my maternity clients as we move into 2017.
My beautiful mom-to-be came into my studio this weekend to help me model these looks and do some maternity images in studio, which I do not get to do very often. The last shot, is one of her own saris which I invited her to wear during her photo session. I look forward to sharing more images form this shoot soon.
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Nicole gave me many amazing shots during her project photo shoot including other stunning veil images, but this one took my breath when I saw it. She's lit beautifully. Her shoulders are relaxed. She's got the most beautiful smile on her face. The veil is frozen perfectly in space and time. It's an exultant image. I've photographed many dancers and many veils, but there's something special and different about this image. So because of that, I'm celebrating this photograph with it's own blog post. I hope you enjoy this image as much as I do.
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This is my favorite time of year at CreativeLive. The holiday season boasts the BEST of the year's content rebroadcast live, FREE, daily. You can tune in any day and find something great to watch! Also, it's not too late to take advantage of the site wide 40% off all of the CreativeLive content library! Have you wanted to access to content, but haven't tripped over the right price. NOW is a perfect time to get anytime access to the classes on your wish list! Do you know someone who has a huge CreativeLive wish list, or should? You can now purchase CreativeLive Gift Cards! How awesome is that? I know my Christmas list could be shortened by a couple of these! Get a CreativeLive Gift Card
Lastly, if I'm preaching to choir I have one more note. If you missed that iOS users can download the Creativelive App from the App Store, you need to go get it! It's fantastic! You have access to all live streams as well as your content library on your iPhone and iPad! LOVE LOVE LOVE! I believe Android users will have the app available soon. Sorry, you guys. It's worth the wait. I promise!
Go forth and learn fun stuff! Happy holidays my friends!
**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.
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What does the phrase "Body Positive" mean to you?
Any action or attitude that helps break down the preconceived notion of what a "perfect" body is.
Why is performing important to you?
I love to show people the beauty and emotional complexity of belly dance. Dance is also an incredibly fulfilling way to bring some joy and give a little bit back to the world.
What was it about your chosen art form that drew you?
I love that belly dance can express the full range of human emotion, and in limitless ways. It's just such an expansive dance with so many styles and variations.
What has your journey to body positivity been like?
I started belly dancing when my first child was 8 months old. I was at my heaviest weight, with loads of new stretch marks and the dreaded mummy tummy. Through belly dance I went from "I hate my belly" to "Check out what me belly can do!"
What, if any, impression(s) do you hope your audience walks away from your performances with?
I want them to feel inspired, and like belly dance is something that they could do and enjoy.
What do you want people to know about your story as it relates to participating in this project?
Belly dance helped me get in touch with powerful, confident side of myself that I didn't even know existed. Every woman deserves to feel that way.
What does the phrase "Body Positive" mean to you?
Loving, accepting and celebrating all body types.
Why is performing important to you?
It is my mode of self-expression and activism. And it's really fun and empowering!!! Just 60-70 years ago there was not a safe space for women to express themselves and perform sexually in a way that was empowering, fun, safe, and totally up to them and in their control. I deeply value the right and ability I have in my country today to be able to get up on a stage with other amazing ladies and strip, perform, express myself and have fun, and do this all while knowing that I am safe, respected and empowered. That is a huge blessing that I never take for granted.
What was it about your chosen art form that drew you?
I love that the heart of burlesque is sticking it to the man, and going against social conventions about what is appropriate, beautiful, sexy, acceptable, and ok. It is a truly revolutionary and activist art form in my opinion. It also allows me to express my sensuality in a way that is empowering, fun, involves community, and is safe.
What has your journey to body positivity been like?
WOW! Big question! It has been a roller coaster and I have been fiercely dedicated to empowering myself and those around me because we live in a society that disempowers us very intensely with regard to our body image, self-esteem, and out sexuality and gender expression.
What, if any, impression(s) do you hope your audience walks away from your performances with?
I hope they walk away with a feeling of being totally empowered, inspired and fired up about how who they are is OK, beautiful, worthy of love and expression, and they can do whatever the fuck they want!!!
What do you want people to know about your story as it relates to participating in this project?
My story has been a long an bumpy one that began at day one! Everything I have experienced in this lifetime has brought me to this point of being fiercely committed to empowering and freeing myself and others to love, embrace and celebrate their body and everything about who they are. Women especially are so beaten down in our society with ads, media of all types, and the deep cultural heterosexism and misogyny that is rooted in our culture, giving us subtle and not-so-subtle messages about what we should be and look like and how we should compromise who we are for the ego of others. Being a performer, therapist, empowerment coach and teacher, and participating in awesome empowering projects like this one are all a part of my passion for empowering all humans, no matter what gender they identify with or were assigned to at birth. Empowerment, love, and radical self-acceptance and self-trust all start with each of us as individuals and with how we choose to relate to ourselves. Choose to relate to yourself as the powerful, miraculous, worthy, gorgeous badass that you are.
I am all for people taking back and owning their power and their Divine birthright to unconditional love, acceptance, and self-expression. I have pulled and grown myself out of low self-esteem, and self-hate and rejection, into a person who is whole-heartedly committed to self-love and acceptance, forgiveness and reclaiming our birthright for love and enoughness! And I am dedicating my life to helping others coming back to that empowerment and freedom!
What does the phrase "Body Positive" mean to you?
Embracing all body types and celebrating our differences!
Why is performing important to you?
As a professional performing troupe, we love showing that anyone can do what we do. There is no age or size limit. Just dance!
What was it about your chosen art form that drew you?
You do not need to be the perceived social standard of beauty to be a performer. No matter what the performance media is in, if everyone looked the same and did the same moves in the same costuming it would be extremely boring. Diversity in performers means diversity in performances.
We love how we can change who we are with a costume or a song or an event theme. We are called Progressive Fusion because you never know what we are going to do next!
What has your journey to body positivity been like?
Since 2006 we have been an ever evolving troupe of many ages, body shapes, personalities and skill. We are a very close group of women who celebrate each other both in and out of the dance. There is no shaming, just encouraging.
We all have our personal journeys, but as a troupe, we thrive on love!!
Well, that and booze.
What, if any, impression(s) do you hope your audience walks away from your performances with?
DAMN THEY ARE FANTASTIC!! I WANT TO BE JUST LIKE THEM!
Sister Sirens are well known in the dance community for our sassy, snarky style and how close knit we are. We want the audience to have fun because we are having fun too! Watching us should be a relaxing romp that will put a smile on your face and have you thinking "Hey, I can do that too!"
What do you want people to know about your story as it relates to participating in this project?
Always evolve. Our style changes. Our troupe members change. Our costumes change. But it is our love for each other that gives us that drive to go out there and create magic.
Although, the sparkly things don't hurt either!
What does the phrase "Body Positive" mean to you?
Body Positive means being confident in your body.
Why is performing important to you?
Performing is important to me because I like making the audience feel happy. If I can inspire an audience member into thinking "If she can do that, so can I", then I have done my job as a performer.
What was it about your chosen art form that drew you?
I was actually "dared" into taking a belly dance class. I thought it would be easy. Boy, was I wrong. It was something that you have to train your body for. It takes years of practice to develop the muscle memory required to become a successful belly dancer.
What has your journey to body positivity been like?
That is an easy question, my journey to body positivity has been a very "positive" experience due to my dance sisters in my belly dance troupe. We encourage and support each other, even beyond performing. We are sisters of the heart.
What, if any, impression(s) do you hope your audience walks away from your performances with?
I hope that my audience felt delighted,inspired and entertained. I hope I made them smile.
What do you want people to know about your story as it relates to participating in this project?
Well, for me it would be that you can do anything at any age. Do not let the limited perceptions of others diminish your unlimited perceptions of yourself.
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What does the phrase "Body Positive" mean to you?
That I can be whoever I am and love my shape without being a size 4.
Why is performing important to you?
I love the various characters that we portray. That I can reach the audience and they see the story and feelings that I am presenting. And I can connect with them on a visceral level.
What was it about your chosen art form that drew you?
I love the colors. The connection with history, music and the connection with my fellow dancers.
What has your journey to body positivity been like?
It has been a struggle. Learning to see the positives and embrace them. Learning to not give voice to the negatives and not to let them control what I do. That negative voice can be really loud in my head. But everyday I remind myself that my mirror lies. That even though I am not the Hollywood standard I have stories to tell and I am allowed to tell them. I don't have to wait from some mythic tomorrow or "when I get in shape/When I lose weight." In fact I feel that if you have a story to tell you should tell it as it may be the thing that inspires someone else to tell their story and something great will happen because of this.
What, if any, impression(s) do you hope your audience walks away from your performances with?
Joy. I want everyone to have a sense that if there is an activity that makes them happy they should be able to share it and bring more smiles into this world. For it is far to serious a place on most days!
What do you want people to know about your story as it relates to participating in this project?
The best thing that happens is when someone comes up to me after a performance and asks if I know any teachers in their area. That now that they have seen someone with a similar body to theirs they can dance also!
What does the phrase "Body Positive" mean to you?
Being happy with the body you have
Why is performing important to you?
I love to perform in the troupe, solo wok is not my favorite but I do love showing that no matter how old you are or what size you are
What was it about your chosen art form that drew you?
The beautiful costumes and that you can show as much or as little amount of skin that you feel comfortable with.
What has your journey to body positivity been like?
I am definitely more confident than I used to be.
What, if any, impression(s) do you hope your audience walks away from your performances with?
That no matter your size you can be beautiful and entertain your audience and they will love you for the confidence you bring to the art and the stage
What do you want people to know about your story as it relates to participating in this project?
That beauty does come in all shapes and sizes
What does the phrase "Body Positive" mean to you?
The acceptance that all body shapes, sizes and colors are beautiful.
Why is performing important to you?
Becoming another persona in dance, frees my mind and soul from "everyday life". My dance persona doesn't worry about her job or bills. I dance to be free.
What was it about your chosen art form that drew you?
All Body Acceptance! One of my first teachers was my size and it gave me the confidence to enter the dance world whole heartedly. The original troupe I was in had every body type you could think of and all were embraced.
What has your journey to body positivity been like?
it has had its ups and downs like any person. There are days when I am confident and radiant and nothing can pull me down. There are days when I feel more negative and I give too much energy and time to self-doubt and media ideals of beauty. It has taken years (decades?) to become the confident person I am. Dance has certainly helped with my self esteem and positive body imaging.
What, if any, impression(s) do you hope your audience walks away from your performances with?
"Wow!"
I want people to watch me as the professional, funny, sexy dancer. Not "She is great for her size" but just enjoy the performance as art and not focus on my body shape.
What do you want people to know about your story as it relates to participating in this project?
I can remember being teased for being bigger than all the kindergartners. I remember my friend's mother saying how lucky I was to be her beautiful daughter's friend. I remember the absolute torture of middle school. I remember being the "funny, fat one" in a high school of all thin girls. I remember men trying to keep me a secret so their friends don't know they are dating a plus sized girl.
I remember waking up and deciding to surround myself with positive people.
I remember finding dance as a way to feel beautiful, strong and safe.
I remember creating a troupe of beautiful women who care more about the size of a person's heart than the size of their bedleh.
I remember meeting the love of my life who fell for my laugh and biting wit (and unquestionable love of cookies).
I remember that I am me.
And that is perfect.
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I am also looking for expecting mothers who's bellies have passed their breast lines (usually around 28 weeks or later) for conceptual in-studio photo sessions in November and December. For your time and model release, you will receive 3-5 finished images. These images are for testing concept looks; and will involve makeup and body painting. If you're interested in being a model, click here.
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HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY, LOGAN!
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| 20 Minute Minis |
Mini are most ideal for small families, and children. |
| 45 Minute Session |
Larger families or families who would prefer group and individual shots will find this option the most friendly. |
I'm accepting session bookings for weekends starting November 3rd through December 2nd. Don't miss out. Reserve your date now. I am accepting bookings for Thanksgiving Weekend.
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MISCHIEF MANAGED!
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Newborn photography doesn't have to be out of reach. Book your session today!
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What does the phrase "Body Positive" mean to you?
Body positive means not being afraid to show my body. Not being shy. Being proud of what God gave me.
Why is performing important to you?
I've always performed in one way or another. I love moving my body to music. It's what I love. It's all about the music. I love to move my body to the rhythm.
What was it about your chosen art form that drew you?
I've always been into dance of all kinds. When I was a little girl, my favorite movie was Gypsy. I used to dance in the mirror and pretend I was Gypsy Rose Marie, instead of Gypsy Rose Lee. I was always drawn to burlesque. I love the art of the tease. I've always been considered a tease myself. I started studying burlesque 8 years ago, and have been constant student. It wasn't until I suggested I join Elvis for this year's America's Got Talent auditions that I started performing it. And now from a fluke, I'm getting jobs as a dancer!
What has your journey to body positivity been like?
My journey to acceptance was sudden. I was a Catholic school girl, a cheerleader, and a tease, but pretty innocent, really. I was a working makeup artist and a 49er cheerleader when I got married in my early 20s. My honeymoon was a surprise. I found myself at a nude resort on a tropical island. I had barely taken my clothes off for anyone including my husband, and I was at a nude resort. I had to decide if I was going to stay in my room, clothed, or be nude in front of a bunch of strangers. I wore my two piece bathing suit to the nude only beach, and was soon approached by two female security people who told me I couldn't have clothes on. When I didn't respond immediately, one of them told me to look around the beach at all the varieties of bodies, and told me that I wasn't any different from all of the others. I realized the wide variety of ages, shapes, sizes, and colors, and really looked at the other people and took it in. And they looked at me since I was the one with clothes on which made me stand out. When the suit was off, I no longer stood out. It was an abrupt lesson in body acceptance, but experience forced me to learn to become comfortable with showing my body.
What, if any, impression(s) do you hope your audience walks away from your performances with?
I don't care. I'm doing it to enjoy myself. I just go up on stage, and act like myself.
What do you want people to know about your story as it relates to participating in this project?
Age is no object! I'm in my middle sixties. I'm living the dream!
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What does the phrase "Body Positive" mean to you?
Body positive means we do not let others give or receive negative words to any body and support that all bodies are good bodies, no matter the shape or size.
Why is performing important to you?
Performing is important to me because I feel like myself when I Dance with friends and get the ability to show my true self to an audience.
What was it about your chosen art form that drew you?
I saw a magazine with these pictures of swirling ATS tribal dancers full of color and grace and fell in love.
What has your journey to body positivity been like?
It has been full of ups and downs. It's an ongoing process that gets tested every day. I have to remember that my journey isn't done so therefore neither is my body.
What, if any, impression(s) do you hope your audience walks away from your performances with?
I want my audience to walk away entertained and excited to see more.
What do you want people to know about your story as it relates to participating in this project?
I've come far from where I was as a kid. I've learned to accept and sometimes love my body. But it's a long, never finished journey and it's okay to learn to be happy with your body as it is now, not what it could be.
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I've been looking for a new personal project for a couple of years now. My last project was a 32 image project photographed between 2008 and 2009 called, "I dance..." and was an exploration of what motivates dancers to dance. I knew I wanted my next project to focus on dancers/performers as well, but I wasn't sure how. I have a classical dance background myself, and have been photographing the ATS/Tribal Fusion belly dance world for nearly a decade. My immersion into the ATS/Fusion world made me very aware of how wonderfully accepting that community is. All bodies are welcome into the dance family. It's about coming together as a community and loving the dance.
My husband took me out on a date night recently to see Bad Influence Burlesque. I've had feather edge connection to the burlesque community as I once did an art show at Bombshell Betty's San Francisco studio 10 years ago, so I was excited to see this show knowing that some of the performers where her students. Long story short, the show inspired me as I realized that I was watching a collection of performers of all body types and backgrounds, owning that stage and commanding the spotlight in much the same way as the belly dancers I've photographed over the years have done, and it hit me that in this time where there is active conversation over all bodies being beautiful and capable, that here was my story for my project. I knew I needed to create a new project around the powerful and beautiful spirit of these communities of performers who are like-minded in promoting body positivity and body acceptance.
The project has begun shooting. If you're interested in participating, please send me an email about being placed on the shooting calendar. The project is currently open ended.
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Hi Friends,
I know many of my clients are also amateur photographers or mom/dad-tographers. If you want to learn more about photography, your camera, how to manage your life, how to sew, how to sell your crafts, how to..... a lot of awesome things, you MUST check out CreativeLive! I have been a fan and a member of the CreativeLive community from nearly the beginning.
Here's a great deal, just in time for Photo Week 2016@
Offer: 20% off all orders for new customers only
Valid: 8/18 - 9/20
Code: APWELCOME20
20% off all orders for new customers only
Check 'em out!
]]>As part of the program, I was allowed to choose a class to view and review. I choose Pregnancy and Newborn Photography with Ana Brandt. I had seen a little of Ana during Photo Week and on YouTube, but I hadn't seen her in depth course on newborn photography. Let me just say, I can't believe it took me so long to watch this workshop! Ana is a very straight forward instructor from Orange County who has been dedicated to newborn photography for her whole photography career. I found myself identifying with her personal story as well as the way she delivered her instructions and insight in a very matter of fact way.
Ana's course talks about everything from why or why shouldn't you pursue newborn photography to how to run a successful studio and business. I personally really liked the fact that she's a mom of three just like me, doing all the things while being all the things. She's honest about the challenges of the genre, and honest about state of the photography community regarding the genre. I'm so happy to have this workshop in my library.
CreativeLive started out as a learning destination for photographers from around the world. Now, it's a destination for anyone looking for help with their music, movie making, maker/craft, business, or work/life balance, too. There are workshops, in multiple genres, streaming 24/7. If you haven't explored the deluge of greatness, please please please, click on the first link above and check the site out. I can't believe you will find yourself disappointed.
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Padawan Logan is turning one Jedi-style
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Padawan Logan will be celebrating his 1st birthday, Star Wars style !
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Ms Maria is turning one this week. This chatty little lady preferred exploring the props, but she was adorable !
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I'm going to try to get back on the ball with blogging more regularly. There's so much I've been up to. So many beautiful babies and families to share with you. For those of you who follow me on Instagram and Facebook, these features will be of familiar faces. Let's start today with Baby Vihaan. This little doll was 3 weeks new when I met him. I was invited to the family's home to photograph this little man. The parents surprised me with a request to use one of Grandmother's saris during the session, and the last few shots of Vihann show him cocooned in a beautiful green and gold sari.
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It has been several months since I've taken the time to sit down at the keyboard and type out a blog post. I have been up to my eyeballs in being a mommy to three boys (yes...three! I added one final cub to my brood since my last post.) and working to attract new clients and build my business. Let me catch you up briefly on what your friendly neighborhood photographer has been up to.
Photography Studio
Last August, I had an opportunity to create a studio space. My goal is to one day photograph full-time, so with that in mind, I jumped on the opportunity to have a dedicated shooting space to invite my clients to. It's been a lot of hard work, but I'm finally gaining a little ground. I've been able to successfully maintain the space for a year now which has allowed me to continue to polish my work so I can continue to attract new clients. It's been stressful, but very exciting. I've just put up canvas samples in the space to celebrate surviving the first year and to showcase to my clients examples of what my work could look like on their walls.
Pivot in Subject Focus
I've always been a bit eclectic in my portrait focus, never limiting my subject matter to any one genre. Over the last year I have discovered a love and a growing talent for newborn, infant and maternity portraits. Having 3 babies in 2.5 years might be responsible for it, but I'm really enjoying photographing the first memories of so many families. Most of my babies have been firstborns which makes capturing these early days even more special. Although I still will photograph dancers and women...the under 1 crowd have become my new love and focus. #photographALLthebabies !
What's Coming
Now that Fall is upon us it's time to start shooting Fall and Holiday portraits. I've already started shooting Fall images. I'm working on a few mini-session events to hopefully include:
- Fall Littles Mini Session Event (ages 3 months to 5 years)
- On-Location Halloween Mini Session Event
- Fall Maternity Mini-Session Event at McClellan Ranch Preserve
These events are in the planning stages. They will be one day only events, so space will be limited. If you're interested, keep an eye on my Facebook fan page for event announcements.
Here are some of the littles I've photographed over the last year. I look forward to meeting more littles and sharing them with you here.
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I know it's been a while since I've blogged, and this will be just a quick one. I just wanted to let you know that I have joined the website Thumbtack.com It's just another place on the internet where I can connect to you and vice versa. If you're interested in looking up my profile there, please visit the links below. You can find and leave reviews or submit requests. It's just one more way to reach out and get in touch!
Photography
My style is bold, fun and genuine. I take joy in encouraging my subjects to feel comfortable, confident, and beautiful. My goal is to provide the means to spotlight the bold, fun, and genuine you!
Contact Now
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There have been many blogs where wedding photographers, in particular, discuss the disconnect they experience routinely between perspective clients and themselves when it comes to pricing. The summary of those discussions is that there is a disconnect between the client and the photographer as to the value of the total time and effort the photographer puts forth to capture the once in a lifetime event. I’ve seen many breakdowns of the upfront and the (invisible-to-the-client) backend time versus resulting dollar per hour chart many times. What I don’t see discussed as often is the value of photojournalism.
No matter the style, any photographer who is hired to record an event is a documentary photographer. A client asking a photographer to perform such a task needs to understand the value of the duty. Paid photojournalism is not just a job. It’s a responsibility. The photographer is being tasked with capturing and recording memories that will only happen once. Unlike a portrait, you cannot ask a couple to share their first married kiss again because you missed it the first time. You cannot ask a mother to re-shed her first tears of joy as she looks at her baby for the first time. As a photojournalist, you bear the great responsibility of recording life as it happens. You must be able to both anticipate and recognize the moments of value, and capture them with skill. Photojournalistic photographers dedicate hours of their time to be available to capture these precious moments. Birth photographers remain on-call until mothers are close to delivering. Then they must rush to the bedside and wait some more. Many wedding photographers follow the bride and groom throughout their entire wedding day starting almost from the time they leave their beds until they are whisked away at the end of the party.
I think it’s a photographer’s job to educate their potential clients as to the value they are getting. A photographer should be rightly compensated for taking on the weight and responsibility that comes with a photojournalism job. There’s also a large liability taken on by photojournalists in these circumstances. Since you only have one chance to get it “right,” getting it wrong is a horrible failure. Wedding photographers are the most litigated against type of photographer. With the quality of a photographer’s work being subjective, it’s too easy for a couple to see their photos and be unhappy with the result. Those moments are forever passed and so unleash the hounds of hell upon the photographer. Secondly, it’s also very true that you get what you pay for. Experience and vision are intangible values that should be compensated as much as time and availability.
If you’re being haggled down by a potential client, don’t be afraid to champion your value. And don’t be afraid to educate your client as to why you’re valued the way you are. Speak to the time, the diligence, the artistry, and the expertise you bring. And if in the end the client is still unwilling to recognize and pay for the value you bring; then recognize that they are not the client for you. Your clients will understand, recognize, and properly compensate you for the services and skills you bring to capturing the special moments in their lives.
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What did I not have when I started photographing dancers? I didn’t have an understanding of the mechanics of my camera. I needed to understand that I had to compensate for the tiny delay between when I engage the button and when the shutter actually moves. I needed to understand that in order to capture frozen movements without a flash, I had to shoot shallow (low f/stops) and practice my follow focus techniques. I also still need to learn a new dancer’s style which takes about 30 seconds of watching how her body phrases the music.
I’ve learned to minimize the amount of “spraying and praying” I have to do when shooting dance or any performance set to music. I have sat next to photographers who I know have been shooting dance for years, and marvel at how many runs of burst fire shutter clicks I hear. The music and the artist provide plenty of direction to the photographer if one just takes the time to pay attention.
Dance photography is the art of capturing art. It is the art of anticipating the moment. It is the art of capturing movement. I adore photographing dancers. It is one of my joys in life.
I have a lot of opportunities to photograph dancers brewing up, and more that I’m trying to manifest. I got to photograph an Odissi Indian classical dance ensemble called Shakti Bhakti during the Santa Cruz Fringe Festival. Their Ocean of Bliss show was wonderful. Here are a few photos from the performance.
This venture is about taking chances. However, you cannot take a chance without putting forth effort. You cannot "take a leap of faith" without bending your knees and jumping. I'm networking. I'm jumping on opportunities, even if I think they may not pan out because there's as much of a chance that I'll hear a yes as that I'll hear a no. I have a mental image of a tiny me vigorously jumping up and down, waiving my arms above my head frantically, and yelling in a tiny voice, "Look at me! I'm over here! Come find out why I'm special!"
So, I will continue to throw my hat into every ring that comes my way. I will continue to be resilient. Resiliency seems to be a cornerstone in the success of the photographers I look up to. I will blaze, and burn, and keep putting myself out there. I have to believe in myself and my skills and have faith that you wonderful people out there will choose to have faith in me and my skills enough to come spend time with me in front of my camera! I hope to see you soon!
And now...time for a toddler with a camera!
I’ve had some great opportunities such as a short-lived commission where I took black and white landscapes from San Francisco to Monterey for the 2008 remodel of the Cupertino Inn. I tried my hand at the art festival market, which I quickly discovered wasn’t for me. I tried my hand at offering portraits at a three different belly dance festivals which proved to be a great idea in theory, but a difficult model to execute. I tried my hand at portraits as fine art. Again, didn’t really work out. I then did weddings for a few years. I loved my brides, but dreaded the long days of shooting in uncontrolled situations. Weddings are supposed to be bread and butter work for photographers. Although it brought in some “dough,” weddings weren’t the way I wanted to be going as a photographer, and so they had to go, too.
Here’s the truth. I “tried” those things. I jumped in, without a good strategy, path or vision. I didn’t commit to making myself successful doing those things. I wandered like a blindfold child in the dark holding onto a good dose of optimism and a belief that if I just hung on, I’d figure it out and find my way. What did I learn about myself? I learned that I didn’t really WANT to be doing those things which is why I didn’t put in the focus and effort necessary to make them successful. I had the desire, but not the passion. Each thing I tried was a stepping stone to discovering what I really wanted to do: take beautiful, personal portraits.
Now, this is not really news when you look at the timeline of my photographs. I have always loved portraits. I have always loved editorial images and my test work shows my desire to learn how to create those kinds of images. I have always loved dance and performance portraits. Again, I was a dancer growing up, so this is a no-brainer. I have learned over the last almost 10 years that I love photographing women, and revel in a woman enjoying her time with me and my camera, and then again in her reaction when she sees her photos. I love it when my subjects can see the wonder of themselves the way that I see it though the camera. But then I had my beautiful boys. I was consumed by all things mother, baby and child. I started photographing my sons, and I reached out to photograph babies of friends and friends of friends. I also did some maternity which is an extension of my existing portrait knowledge. I love mommas and babies. So what did all of this self-discovery lead to?
It lead to today. The day I announce the re-launch of my business, my brand. Over the last few months I have been redesigning everything from my logo to my website. Most importantly, I’ve redesigned my focus and vision. I declare, loud and proud, that “I AM A PORTRAIT AND PERFORMANCE PHOTOGRAPHER!” The Naked Artisan Photography is now focused on the subject matter I love most: WOMEN, PERFORMERS, BABIES. I have designed a whole new menu of delightful offerings starting at $150. Along with this news, it should be known that I will be photographing most of my subjects from my new photo studio starting in August! As most photographers do, I have dreamed about having a dedicated shooting space to work in. I am overjoyed to be able to have one, and even more excited to start shooting in it. That’s where you come in! I need to photograph you! To celebrate all of these great things, I am taking $75 off any photo session booked in August! Grab your sessions now as spaces are limited and this offer is only good until the end of July! I can’t wait to see you in my studio!
Sessions are available on Friday nights, Saturdays and Sundays.
Don't forget! Your discount code is RELAUNCH!
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Courtesy of: SnapKnot
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As you can see from the photo above, Chase's guest was Tina Roth Eisenberg aka Swiss Miss. In brief, Tina was Chase's inspiration to create a voice for himself as a photographer on the internet, becoming one of the first photo "personalities" online that people were drawn to. Now he's co-founder of CreativeLive and many other amazing things. The theme of this discussion was "Your Side Project is Your Next Big Win". Tina spoke about the evolution of some of her side projects such as Creative Mornings and Tattly amongst other things. The big take away was don't be afraid to try out your ideas because you may hit on the something and you'll never know until you try.
Other fun details about this broadcast was it was the first chasejarvisLive filmed at the CreativeLive studios, and chasejarvisLive will be broadcast from and aired on CreativeLive going forward. Pretty neat! Here's some images I took during the broadcast.
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At the end of the broadcast, I hung out to take a minute to say hi to Chase and get a picture with him. I didn't freeze completely, but I did forget what I wanted to say when I met him, so I just thanked him for all he's offered the photographic community and for helping birth CreativeLive.
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All in all, it was a great experience. I hope that I can visit the CreativeLive studios again as a guest for a future broadcast. I'm continuously trying to be inspired. Thanks, Chase, for all the new inspiration!
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The last community show I had participated in was UpRoar 2009. That was FIVE years ago. It doesn't feel like that long ago, but I guess time flies when you're getting married and having kids.
Walking into the gallery space, which is in the common area of the former KSJO radio station, was awesome. The above sign was on the right side of the lobby and my piece hung on the left!
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I was excited and honored to see my 20x24" piece displayed prominently at the front of the show! There were sculpture/castings, mixed media, digital, conventional, photographs, and performance art. All of the artists are very talented in their respective fields. A new art show experience for me was presenting ourselves and our art to the room. A microphone was passed from artist to artist for us to introduce ourselves and talk about our work and our pieces. I went last. Although my mind went blank as soon as I was handed the microphone, I felt I did pretty well presenting myself and talking about my piece and the project it's part of.
After the artist statements, the performances began. We were first treated to a delightful Argentine Tango demonstration performed by Ivan Shvarts and Julia Sharova. Before their performance, I never knew that an Argentine Tango can be slow and sensual. It was wonderful.
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After the Tango demonstration, it was time for performance art. Susan Rippberger performed a piece representing the weaving together of the lives of people she has met through the years between her time in Mexico and in the US. It was a very interesting piece.
Next we returned to see Julia perform a stunning solo ballet piece. She is a truly elegant dancer.
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The reception wrapped up with some more mingling, conversation, and a little music by two men who's names I, unfortunately, missed.
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I really enjoyed the experience of being part of art show. I'm very inspired to host a solo show next year. I LOVE seeing my work displayed and it's been almost, if not, ten years since I last did a solo exhibition. I know that I will invite my performer friends to share their talents during the opening reception. Watch for details...this will happen!
Special thanks to curator Lourdes Morante-Mieses for all of her hard work putting on this show. I am glad to have met her and look forward to future opportunities.
]]>Up until yesterday, it was a fairly uneventful week. Then yesterday, I walked out to my car to leave my day job, put my bags in the back seat, closed the door as I always do and then - CRACK!!!! My back windshield shattered to pieces! Like...edge to edge and tiny pebbles of safety glass everywhere! Luckily, with the help of my awesome mom and my insurance company, my care is, as I write this, getting a new rear windshield. It was the strangest, most freaky thing I've experienced because it was completely random. Add in a cranky toddler and a teething infant when I got home, and yesterday suddenly became the longest day.
Yesterday also saw me take what I'm considering to be the first (and arguably the most important) tangible step toward launching G&I. For those of you who don't remember what that is, it is my next personal photo essay project. I drafted and sent an email to the individuals I'm hoping will provide me with the ideal location to capture the majority of images for the project. I'm trying not to wonder if the email has been received, read, discussed, and decided upon. It's been less than 24 hours since I sent the email, and I'm trying to not bite my nails off from the anxiety of waiting. I do have a plan B, but it's FAR less ideal. Keep your fingers crossed for me that I hear positive news back soon.
I'm looking for MUAs and/or hair stylists for client shoots. If you're interested, send me the link to your portfolio for review. I'll contact you if I like your work to discuss further details. If you or someone you know is a MUA and/or hairstylist and need to build your portfolio, I have some creative opportunities brewing which can be a portfolio building opportunity for creatives. CONTACT ME and put "Client" in the subject line to share your portfolio to be considered for client work. CONTACT ME and put "Creative" in the subject line to be considered for portfolio building work.
This Saturday is the opening reception for the group art show I've an image hanging in. Keep Living, Keep Feeling, Keep Dancing! is my first art show in...wow! 5 years! Holy cow! Well, I'm showing a framed 20x24 "I dance..." image in this show. You should come out and see it. It looks AMAZE-BALLS!! If I could only afford to print and frame all 33 images. They would make an IMPRESSIVE solo show. Maybe I can still make that happen in conjunction with G&I. We'll see. Follow the link above for details about the event. I hope to see you there!
That's the news for the week. Stay out of trouble and chat you up next week. And now for a baby!
This past weekend, I delivered an image from the "I dance..."series for a community art show. It felt great to have one of the images framed and ready to hang. The details about the opening evening reception are on my Facebook Fan Page if you're interested in attending. This gallery also has let me know that they are available for solo shows. I'm definitely putting that into my box of tricks to work into my plans over the next year. I haven't had a solo show since I started shooting. Maybe 2005? I think it's time to make that happen again.
I've been putting a lot of effort into creating a document of information for my portrait clients to help define what to expect when you book a portrait session with The Naked Artisan Photography. As part of that effort, I wanted to make sure I addressed retouching. I do not do extensive retouching. I've been a strong believer that my photography not be dramatically retouched. I've run across several conversations online around this topic amongst photographers of women lately. I thought I would share what I wrote as I think that it's important to explain my philosophy on why I do not do extensive retouching.
"A fundamental principle of my photography is to capture the inherent beauty that you radiate. That being said, I do not do extensive retouching. I will not remove lines and wrinkles, although I may soften them. I may choose to remove a pimple or blemish, but all in all, my retouching is minimal. I will not dramatically alter your images by reshaping your body or resurfacing your skin. I want to show how beautiful you are, not how beautiful I can make you."
It's quite simple, really. "I want to show how beautiful YOU are, not how beautiful I can make you." As women, we inflict so much unnecessary judgment upon ourselves. I think that we expect ourselves to be Wonder Woman in today's multifaceted and fast paced society, and because of that we leave no room to allow ourselves to be human, to be gloriously imperfect, and to be ok with that. We wrap up our self worth in our body image, and we project that out to those around us to reflect back at us whether they feel that way or not. We don't feel worthy of our own love of self. Are you doing your best? Are you forgiving of yourself? Are you just trying to live life as well as you can, just like everyone else? No one can love us until we love ourselves. If we feel "ugly" in our skin then that's all we will see reflected back at us in the eyes of others. Not because others feel that way about us, but because we BELIEVE they do.
Now, grant it. Are there people who judge us? Of course. But they do not pay our bills, care for our families, or live in our shoes. Those people and their opinions do not matter. Those people who love us...they matter. And they do not judge us like we judge ourselves. So I give each of us permission to stop it. Stop judging ourselves. Start small and find little things to love about yourself. Keep adding the small things together until you wake up one day and realize that you love you! Will we have bad days? Yes. Who doesn't. Life is a marathon, not a sprint. Live. Love. And then wake up tomorrow and do it again.
So I do not do dramatic retouching. I want to encourage women to see in themselves what I see through my camera. A beautiful, radiant, worthy being despite the waist line that's not thin enough, or the skin that isn't perfect enough, or teeth that aren't straight enough. We have to be enough for ourselves, and learn to embrace the things that make us uniquely who we are...and that most definitely includes our imperfections.
Be enough for you.
It's been quite a while since I've touched my blog. I've been busy. Not busy taking photos, but busy growing my family. I have had two beautiful boys in two years. So like I said...busy! I haven't had a chance to take many photos where my sons weren't the subjects, but it's time for all that to change. It's time for me to pick up my camera and start shooting again. I don't know about you, but I say "Yay!"
I've been working hard, the last few weeks, re-evaluating and examining myself as a photographer. I’ve been taking the time to look at my business and where I want it to go. What kind of photos do I want to take? What kind of projects do I want to pursue? I have loved the weddings I have photographed, but it's not my bliss. My bliss is portraiture. As a result, I have decided to let other photographers handle the weddings and I'm going to focus on building my portrait clientele. Now for some good fortune to assist in the execution of my new direction and vision: I will have a private shooting space by late summer! Obtaining this space is both opportunity and motivation to really focus and execute on growing my business in this new direction. I’ve got my dream: a space to shoot. Now to get the gears moving to keep it.
I needed to redefine myself as a photographer. I’ve been watching a lot of creativeLive workshops and one of the photographers, Jen Rozenbaum, talked about choosing three pillar words to describe yourself as a photographer. I chewed on several combinations, but many felt cheesy and insincere. I finally landed on three that rang honest and true. I decided to define myself with three words: BOLD. FUN. GENUINE. You’ll see these words displayed prominently on my website homepage. I want to be BOLD in pursing my art as a business. I want to take BOLD photos which stand apart from others. I want to have FUN photographing my subjects, and I want them to have FUN being photographed. Lastly, I want to be GENUINE in my interactions, in my approach to making pictures, and in my art. I want my photos of my subjects to reflect their GENUINE selves with all the grace, power, and beauty encapsulated within.
Next, I asked myself, “What kind of portraits do I want to take?” The answer was easy: Women. Babies. Performers. Ok! Next, “What kind of offerings do I want to have?” This part of the planning was almost easy and definitely fun! I then went to work on designing portrait packages. I have choices for the individual woman. I have choices for an afternoon/evening with the girls. I have maternity and baby’s first year choices. I have options for performers. And I created some mini-session options for both value and simplicity. I think I’ve got something for everyone, and I’m very excited.
Ok, so if I’m updating things, my website should be updated too, right? I’ve been slowly updating, altering, and changing my website to a new look and feel. I’m updating photos and text through the sight. You’ve probably already noticed the new look by visiting this blog. Let me know what you think? It was time for something lighter and brighter.
Then, I have finally figured out what to do with my first photo project, “I dance…” It’s been published on my website. It’s been published on Facebook, but that’s not what was supposed to happen with it. It was originally intended to hang as a show in a gallery as 16x20 prints (or larger) to be enjoyed and contemplated. I had envisioned an opening reception including performers from the dancers who participated, but the galleries I approached felt the show wasn’t edgy enough, and production cost was also prohibitive. These wonderful pictures haven’t had the grand coming out party I had wanted for them. Well, it is six years later and I’m finally going to do something worthwhile with these images. I’m turning the project into a book! I’m working on format, text, and cover right now and I hope to have it published and available by mid-June!
Lastly, I’ve been brewing my next photo project for the last couple of years in my mind. I’ve decided that I will shoot it starting in August! I’m uncontrollably excited. Dance is my heart. I grew up as a dancer and adore all things dance, so as my first photo project was dance related my next one will be as well! I’ve also decided that this one will be a book right from the start! I can’t give away too much, but I expect G&I to be epic. It’s going to take a lot of help from many places, but I feel good that my vision will fall into place and I can execute on it over the next year. With some good advice from Matthew Jordan Smith’s creativeLive workshop Turning Personal Projects Into a Career, I’m psyched and ready to make this new project come to life. Please stay tuned for more teasers and details.
That, as they say, is the story. I’m making plans and laying foundations. I’m also making a pledge to blog at least once a week. Thursdays seem a good day, don’t you think? Thanks for hanging in with me. I hope you’re ready to join me as I set out in this new, distinctive direction as a photographer.
This fantastic couple is expecting their first child in September. When making the plans for their wedding, neither could have foreseen that pregnancy complications would throw the wedding plans off the rails. A couple weeks before their date, Jeannette was placed on bed rest due to high blood pressure issues. As the wedding got closer, more restrictions were placed on her until two days before the wedding she was admitted for observation. Well, nothing's going to mess with a woman's blood pressure more than putting her in the hospital right before her wedding.
Luckily, all was not lost. Although she wasn't going to be released and able to throw the originally planned wedding, the hospital and doctors allowed the couple to have a small, short wedding in the Labor and Delivery courtyard. Changes and decisions flew fast and furiously as friends and family worked to cancel the original event and create a whole new one at the hospital. Things were being settled and finalized up to the last minute in order to make sure mom's blood pressure stayed within safe limits.
When I arrived, the courtyard was decorated with handmade paper hearts, Gerber daisies, and a couple of flower arrangements loaned by the hospital. The nurses were excited and quickly pointed out unique vantage points I could use almost as soon as I arrived on the ward. They even arranged for the couple to have a harpist who just happened to be working in the hospital that day. AWESOME!
The bride was wheeled out into the courtyard in a wheelchair decked out in fluffy white crepe paper by the nurses. The ceremony was performed in the round which was a little bit of a challenge for me, but I was able to find a way to work it, even if it wasn't perfect. This whole day was about adapting anyway, right? The couple exchanged heartfelt vows while surrounded by closest friends and family. It may not have been what they planned, but it couldn't have been more special.
Jeannette was cleared by her care team to participate in a small reception that the nursing staff helped arrange. They even designed a "Just Married" sign for the back of her wheelchair! Super cute. There were short speeches, a cider toast, and delicious homemade pies. The paparazzi of friends and family surrounded the couple. I only snapped a couple of photos during the reception as it was a tight space, and I was also working the camcorder during the reception for the couple. For these two, I multitask. ^_^
I want to send out a special thanks to the fantastic and wonderful team at El Camino Hospital in Mountain View, CA. I already knew from my own birthing experience that this staff was top notch, but they created something magical for this couple. The couple, friends, and family are all powerfully grateful for their efforts.
Congratulations Geoff and Jeannette! You've earned it. We look forward to meeting that baby in the near future. Stay healthy and always remember how much you're loved!
Here are a few images from the day.
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If you follow my Facebook Fan Page, you've no doubt noticed a new and regular model doing holiday inspired photo shoots. In case you missed it, I gave birth to a wonderful and adorable baby boy last November. Although the majority of my photos of him are taken with my phone, I've been trying to pull out the real deal for holiday themed photo sessions with my little one.
I think this is a fun project, and I am thinking of offering it as a package for parents who may want to have a fun collection of images to show how their tiny humans grew throughout their first year. Here's my collection so far of my tiny human's progress:
Thanksgiving |
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Winter Solstice |
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Christmas |
Christmas |
New Year's Eve |
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Valentine's Day |
Valentine's Day |
Valentine's Day |
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If you're interested in doing this with your little one, send me an email to inquire about pricing.
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Gina and Jeff were my last gig for the year. This wedding was the most challenging for me at nearly 8 months pregnant, but I was able to recruit a trusted super shooter to second shoot for me, and between the two of us, we were able to document this special day with little issue. The ceremony and reception took place in the courtyard of the Stanford Barn building just outside of the Stanford University campus. The California Cafe provided the event logistics. The couple lucked out by getting one of the last warm days of the Fall, and celebrated well into the evening. It was a great day.
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Congratulations Gina and Jeff!
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I was a guest at Jennifer and Jon's wedding this summer. I didn't shoot many images, but I did get a few. Congrats Jenn and Jon!
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Jennifer and Patrick were a lovely young couple celebrating their wedding at the magnificent Kohl Mansion in Burlingame, CA. They are passionate about Disneyland and celebrated that with a Haunted Mansion-themed wedding. The Haunted Mansion-themed wedding cake was created by Christopher Garrens bakery, one of the bakeries featured on WETVs Amazing Wedding Cakes!
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Congratulations on starting your lives together, Jennifer and Patrick
]]>I have been shooting student models for the Academy of Cosmetic Arts in Los Gatos for over a year. I really enjoy getting a chance to work on the spot with models, most of whom aren't used to being models. It gives me a chance to work with all body types, ages, cultures and ethnicities. Here are a few of my favorites from the second half of 2012.
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Katie and Karl had an unexpected last minute venue change and landed at the Felton Guild. They were luckily blessed by one of the first warm, sunny days of the spring. Nestled just off of Highway 9 among some pine trees, they were handfasted in fairy tale fashion, and followed with a lovely dinner, drinks, and some dancing.
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Congratulations and best wishes, Katie and Karl!
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I got to photograph two sets of siblings at San Jose's History Park last spring. It was especially special as the portraits of the twins was being done as a special gift for their mother who has lost her husband a while back. The mother of the sisters took up the mantle to make sure her friend still received the special birthday presents, and such, that would have been her husband's task had he still been with us. This year's present was portraits of her awesome twins. These kids were great. It was a sunny, but a little cold, and they hung in there like troopers! We had a great time, ending the day in the ice cream parlor for treats!
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Although officially married 11/11/11 in a private ceremony, Cortland and Josh celebrated with a formal ceremony and reception in March of 2012. Their daughter, family, and friends celebrated the new family with much love and joy in Gilroy on a rainy, Spring day.
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Congratulations on your marriage and family, Cortland and Josh!
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It's time to play a little catch up with my blog posts, so let me start with the first here. Last March, I got to spend the afternoon creating some sassy images for her and her husband. Here are a few samples. It was a great time. I definitely want to shoot more boudoir in 2013.
It's been a little while since I've posted. This is a short, but spectacular one. I wanted to share my awesome end to an ordinary day.
Earlier this year, you all know that I photographed Emily's Traveling Red Dress moment. It was an honor and a pleasure to be part of that experience for her. Emily had let me know that she had an opportunity to share the photos and her story for a media piece, and asked if I was ok with her doing so. I said yes, and then kinda let the request slip from my mind. Apparently, I should have been paying closer attention to details.
After coming home from work today, I checked Facebook to find a post on my wall from Emily saying that three of our photographs were featured during a segment of the Katie Couric show discussing Jenny Lawson and the Traveling Red Dress project. The theme of the show was Daring Greatly. I was floored. I had just heard that Katie Couric's new daytime talk show had premiered as the number one show in the daytime talk genre! Here we are...getting our photos shown not only on national TV, but on the number one show in it's genre! Our photographs were shown during the fourth show in the premier week of the Katie show! If I wasn't almost 8 months pregnant, I would have literally jumped up and down, screaming. One of the photos can be seen in this clip from the show's website!
While we wait to find out if Emily will get a copy of the segment, she grabbed her camera and photographed the key moments (for us, of course) during the show so that I could share in the total kick-assness of this moment.
First image shown during Jenny Lawson's explanation of the origin of the Traveling Red Dress.
There's Emily in the upper right hand corner!
Emily told me she got to do a brief voice-over about her experience when this one was shown!
A wide shot showing the previously shown collage behind Katie Couric and her guests.
A Thursday just can't get better than that!
]]>Jenn and Patrick agreed to play with me at Stanford's Rodin Sculpture Garden on a very chilly Saturday night. Their work schedules created a challenge as they were only available in the evening...and it was still winter: dark early and cold. Here's the result of all the fun.
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I had heard of The Traveling Red Dress about a year ago as I drifted here and there across the great internet galaxy. For those of you who are unfamiliar with what has become The Traveling Red Dress project, here is what is said about it on the Facebook community page:
| About |
The Traveling Red Dress is a project about generosity...both to others and yourself.
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| Description |
The traveling red dress was born in 2010 when I wrote about wanting "just once, to wear a bright red, strapless ball gown with no apologies. I want to be shocking, and vivid and wear a dress as intensely amazing as the person I so want to be. And the more I thought about it the more I realized how often we deny ourselves that red dress and all the other capricious, ridiculous, overindulgent and silly things that we desperately want but never let ourselves have because they are simply “not sensible”. Things like flying lessons, and ballet shoes, and breaking into spontaneous song, and building a train set, and crawling onto the roof just to see the stars better. Things like cartwheels and learning how to box and painting encouraging words on your body to remind yourself that you’re worth it."
I got my red dress and it was exactly as freeing and magical as I thought it would be. Then I sent it on a journey across the globe so that others could experience it. People celebrating joy, people fighting deep tragedies, people who needed a moment to mark for their own. In 2012 we revived the #travelingreddress as thousands of men and women vowed to go after whatever their "red dress was" and hundreds mailed total strangers red ball gowns to celebrate each other. And it was amazing. Now I'm flooded with pictures of people in their red dresses and people who want to donate red dresses and stories of victory that can't NOT be shared. So this is why this page exists. You can share your red dress pictures. You can offer up red dresses for total strangers. You can keep an eye out here for when the red dresses I'm buying come in to pass on to others. The Traveling Red Dress. Take one, then pass it on. It's magical. |
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A good friend of mine contacted me about photographing her daughter who had received a Traveling Red Dress and needed a photographer. Emily is facing some particularly difficult challenges and wanted to have her own "red dress moment" in order to celebrate, as I understand it, the joys of now as well as to do something wonderful and deservingly indulgent for herself. We met up at Vasona Park in Los Gatos and spent a good chunk of afternoon taking glamorous photos and creating Emily's "red dress moment." We also made sure to photograph Emily in a way that would represent her career. She's one hot momma!
I'm honored to be part of her journey and her moment. I'm honored that I got to give her beautiful and magical images for her to have and celebrate forever. Thank you, Emily. I'm honored to know you. You're absolutely magical.
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I am constantly notified of various figurative models offering photo shoots all over the South Bay, but when I saw a call for a nude aerialist, how could I not be interested? I immediately scrounged up the cash to book a photo shoot. Nicole is a local aerialist who both performs and mentors. Here are my favorites from our session.
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Janet and Rick are one of the gentlest, most loving couples I know. They found their perfect wedding location within a circle of tall trees at Sanborn Park located in the hills of Saratoga. A small intimate gathering, the couple declared their intentions on a sun dappled afternoon. This wedding had a special challenge as the groom has a severe back injury and cannot sit or stand for lengthy periods of time. The couple incorporated a massage table into their plans so that the groom could be as comfortable as possible. He did, however, make a point to stand with his bride during the receipt of the water blessings and the exchanging of vows and rings.
Some of my favorite things:
- The bride's dress! It's truly stunning and unique, and suited her beautifully!
- The stolen moments where no one else existed but Janet and Rick looking at each other.
- The antique dishes and silverware used during dinner. Every dish and utensil at every place setting was part of either the bride's or the groom's family's antique dishware: grandmothers and great grandmothers. A very, very special and intimate detail to make dinner just a little more personal for everyone there.
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Can you guess the most common question people asked me during the planning? Yup, "Who's going to shoot YOUR wedding?!" Luckily, a friend from high school, Brian G. Lee, has developed both talent and skill photographing weddings, and I placed that responsibility into his hands. On top of that, my friends and family are peppered with cameras and talent so I am blessed to have images of our day rained down on us.
I, of course, figured out a way to take photos at my own wedding! (Yes, roll your eyes as you should.) My husband and I shot some photos of ourselves for our wedding invitations which we had custom designed by the AWESOME S.C. Watson Illustration (I will have to blog about him in the very near future.) I picked out one of those photos to create a cardboard cutout of ourselves so that our guests could pose with "us" at our photo station. I liked it so much, that I'm going to start offering a manned version as a wedding/party add on. Here are a few of the shots from the photo station.
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It was a great time and there were plenty of props to play with. If you're interested in something like this for your event, reach out and let me know. Your guests will appreciate the end results and so will you.
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We met up with Michelle and Brandon in scenic Monterey, California for their engagement shoot.
Wedding ~ Michelle and Brandon: Willow Glen & San Jose, CA
Michelle and Brandon got married at The Stone Church of Willow Glen and had their reception at the Drying Shed restaurant in San Jose. This couple was so excited for their special day that I couldn't help but go along for the ride. I spent the whole day with the bride, and really enjoyed getting to spend some special time with her on her special day. Loving, personal, and fun, they had an amazing event.
Shelly and Devon are great friends of mine and I was honored to photograph their special day. As a side note, the bride's parents are my FAVORITE parents to date. I adore them. I'm now an expert fist bumper thanks to Shelly's dad. ^_^
It's been quite a while since I've had a chance to blog. I'm going to make it part of my 2012 goals to blog more frequently. I want to catch you up on some of the weddings I've photographed in the last few months.
Engagement ~ Karen & Pedro
Wedding ~ Karen & Pedro - Los Gatos Opera House: Los Gatos, CA
Karen and Pedro had a magical wedding. From floral dresses to a singing groom, there was never a dull moment in this very sweet wedding. The bride walked down the aisle escorted by her younger daughter while her eldest daughter sang from the balcony. They celebrated the groom's family's mariachi roots with an eight member mariachi band who were frequently joined by the amazing vocals of the groom, his brother, and their father. It was a GREAT party, and I was so happy for them.
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Congratulations to Cortland and Josh who welcomed baby Ember into the world at 1:35am on April 23rd! From all reports, baby and parents are doing well.
I’m so excited for the addition to your family, and I can’t wait to meet your little girl! All my love to you guys! – G
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Sincerest congratulations to these proud parents. I can’t wait to hear that the little baby that you’re brewing has arrived!
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I was asked by the Silicon Valley Artists’ Collaborative if I could come out to Art Objects Gallery in San Jose on Halloween, last year, to photograph the closing reception of their 2010 art show. This was the second annual Momentum art show. You can find the whole set here, but here are some of my favorite images and art from that night.
]]>Introducing The Naked Artisan: After Dark
For some time now, I’ve been trying to figure out a way to reconcile my “all audiences” work with my “mature audiences” work. I do, occasionally, explore more provocative subject matter such as nudes, fetish, bondage, and the like. After much pondering, I have decided to create a new section of my website called The After Dark Collection. This section of my website will feature the images that don’t have a place in my standard repertoire of work, but which still has a strong audience. The After Dark Collection’s images are not only available to view, but to purchase as well, straight from the website in a variety of print sizes and product offerings. I’m also considering doing an After Dark blog so that I can still keep my two photography sides somewhat separate from each other. I am not sure exactly how it might work, but as soon as I figure it out, I will be sure to let you know.
So, in the mean time, please check out The After Dark Collection and enjoy your walk on the dark side!
]]>The Venue:
The guests had some wicked style:
The details were romantic but fun:
The bride:
The reception:
The rings:
Congratulations, my friends! May your lives together be all that you wish them to be!
]]>Performed by Afoutayi Dance Company and designed to promote an understanding of the Vodou religion and pay tribute to the Haitian water deity Simbi Dlo, the spirit known as Sweet Water and counterpart of Mami Wata. Choreographed by accomplished Haitian dancer, actress, and storyteller Djenane Saint Juste, the program features a procession, rhythmic dancing, and drumming accompanied by singing and storytelling. The event is sponsored by the Joan and John Jay Corley Fund for Performance.
The next photos I want to share are from a client shoot this weekend. Janet is very easy to photograph and when we work together we always end up with photos we fall in love with. Here are a couple of favorites from her most recent session.
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Holiday Time
Winter Special! – December and January Events Only
Have a winter wedding or holiday party? Need a photographer?
Candid Coverage Package
- 4 Hour Events – $400
- 8 Hour Events – $800
Includes:
- One photographer
- Unlimited digital photos
- DVD containing all usable, edited images
Photo Booth Package
- 4 Hour – $800
- 8 Hour – $1100
Includes:
- On-site portrait station (backdrop with lighting)
- Secured, online photo album for printing or downloading images by your guests.
- DVD of all photos sent to the host after the event.
**Christmas Eve – add $500. New Years Eve – add $850.
*Wedding coverage will be standard candid/portrait and includes b&w and color edited images, unless specifically requesting photo booth work.
*Additional time can be purchased for any package at $150/hour
*Additional photographer can be requested for and additional $300
I’m booking evening and weekend events right NOW! Remember: This pricing is only good for events in December 2010 and January 2011 so book your date before it’s too late!
CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR DATE
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Joey
Joey playing aloof.
Still cute as a kitten.
And finally, direct eye contact!
Hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving! I’m available for holiday portraits and corporate holiday parties so feel free to contact me about booking details!
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Jeni and her parents.
St. Joseph's had a large painting behind the alter instead of a crucifix.
A depiction of the marriage of St. Joseph.
The tossing bouquet
The cake topper was created from the couple's design by Urastarhouse from Etsy.com
The cake.
The back of the cake topper figures.
The first dance.
The proud father dances with his little girl.
The couple shares a sweet moment with a kiss.
The groom toward the end of the money dance. "Dolla, dolla bills, Yo!"
Always a good night when a three olive, dirty gin martini is involved!
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