Random iPhone pictures

I read once on a Facebook post that another photographer friend posted to not hold it against them that they took "crappy phone pictures". I understand as a photographer we want to present ourselves in a positive and expensive camera persona, but sometimes the closest thing we have is that pesky phone. I am one of those people who takes a gazillion(my kids' word) pictures of everything when I have it on me. I see amazing shots, funny shots, touching moment shots and I don't have my big camera with me right there at that moment. Sometimes we are sitting at the dining room table and the puppy is looking so cute and innocent. Or my daughter is snuggling with her dad, falling asleep on his chest. Or the time when I look at the pictures on my iPhone and my older daughter has taken random pictures of herself. Those pictures are the ones I know don’t turn out perfectly, but are ones I personally cherish. I LOVE being a photographer and being able to take those special moments of others, but my own pictures I love capturing are so precious to me as well. Our children grow up so fast that getting that one fleeting moment makes it all worthwhile to me. Yes, I know these are iPhone pictures that I am sharing and they are not the greatest (lighting is too much, they are a little blurry, or not centered), but these are the memories I enjoy sharing.

High School Days Ready To RIDE!

I was asked to take the official group photograph for the Elizabeth High School Rodeo team for this year's program. Every school month, the high school rodeo teams from across the state meet at a location and put on a huge high school rodeo. The Board asked if I could take the team shot for this year and heck ya I jumped at the chance! I have been involved with the rodeo team since it started almost six years ago when my oldest daughter was a member. My husband has been a board member since the team came together as well. The team also puts on a gymkhana (timed horse events) every summer to raise money for the team to compete throughout the school year as well. I was honored to be asked to do this year's photo and had so many ideas on where and how I wanted to get this done. Neighbors of our's have this fantastic 1800's non-covered, covered wagon on their property. With their permission, I was able to use this wagon and hang a painter's tarp over the top to make it look more authentic looking. A beautiful and very cold day brought the kids to the site which meant we didn't have much time before they either shivered to death or the snow started. Either one wouldn't be very good. The kids were so easy to work with and we got right down to work. I was able to have them pose quickly with either smiles on their faces or not, have fun with the members of the team to show their true persons, and got everyone involved. In the end, I am pretty proud how it all turned out. I even was asked to do some individual pictures too for the kids and am so excited to get those done.

Love it when I get asked to bring my camera somewhere

One of the best things about being a photographer, including one like me who is starting out in photography, is getting asked to bring my camera to an event. In this case, it is for the Elizabeth Networking Group meet and greet night at Amazing Fibers in Elizabeth. First off, what a beautiful day in Colorado! One of those wonderful before Spring hits kinda days too. Warm during the day with big puffy clouds and to end it in a beautiful setting overlooking the mountains as the sun goes down. Ok, off subject for a minute and back now. Anway, the organizer of ENG emailed asking if I could bring my camera for the night's event. Of course!!! First off, to say no to Jenny is not an option and the second, why would I say no? What a great idea to get my camera and my eye out there for more business. And to have fun as well. When I arrived at the event, going in to their barn which housed their business, there were a bunch of people already there eating and speaking with one another. Amazing Fiber is an alpaca farm where they shear the animals for their fur and get them ready for yarn to then be turned in to beautiful sweaters, scarves, hats, etc. The colors for fantastic, the yarn was soft, and the light was perfect! I got down to work and started moving around the crowd to take pictures of those who came. There was a great crowd of people and a goat. Ok, a baby goat but still a goat. So cute too! And yes, I took a bunch of pictures of the goat with almost everyone holding her. All in all, I had a great time. I did flub up though. I made a photo album of my pictures to show off and forget in my purse. Yea, I was having that much fun. Cannot wait to meet up at the next event at another location. Oh, and I got some amazing lip balm from the goat's mama too.