**SUPER LONG POST***

Last week I got to meet Jasmine* but all I could think was, “Oh mah gawd…I forgot to put lotion on my hands.”

So, I follow (literally on Facebook, Twitter, her blog, her husband on Twitter, if her dog had a blog I’d follow him too) Jasmine Star. She is fantastic. She’s considered a rising star (no pun intended) in the wedding photography industry. As usual, I was reading her blog and she mentioned in her post “I’ll be headed to the Professional Photographers of Sacramento Valley meeting…” and I blanked on everything else that was going on around me and said “I AM GOING TO SAC ON WEDNESDAY, HELL OR HIGH WATER.”

Wednesday rolled around and getting to the meet-up to see Jasmine* was seeming impossible.

[Side bar-Justin and I are doing our part to help Mother Earth by living "greener". One of the things we gave up a few years ago was our 2nd car. Our world was so small last year that everything we needed to do was within a three mile radius. Then Justin took a new job across town (7 miles from our house) and started coaching basketball and we are kicking ourselves for our commitment to the earth. Coordinating schedules for four people with one car is RIDICULOUS. And after driving circles around town to drop off and pick up my clan I was so tired that day. OK, side bar done.]

Wednesday came and making the drive up to Sacramento wasn’t happening. I felt defeated with the tasks of the day. I was sulking and looking pathetic. Finally, Justin looked at me and gave me the Phantom of the Opera’s “Go now, and leave me” song verse. I grabbed all my stuff, hopped in the G Ride and hit the road. In 5 o’clock traffic. Praying that the hour drive wouldn’t be any longer than that.

And you know what. I made it in an hour and five minutes, found the PPSV location, and received the best message about why being yourself in this industry is so important.

“People are choosing photographers, not photographs.”

There it was. The message I needed to hear. It was refreshing. And surreal to see her. To know that three years ago she made a life changing decision to do what she was passionate about. And that passion has positively affected her clients, her peers and others that are aspiring to get where she’s at. And I compared my story to hers and thought, I could have gone back to being a school counselor when we relocated, hitting my head on the desk because there is just so much baggage that comes with that job. But I stepped out. And it hasn’t been that long but I am getting used to my new job.

So anyhow, you want to know what happens when you meet a Star? You walk with a little more purpose, knowing that your road isn’t paved but the path is there. You just need to get to work.

And Jasmine Star didn’t even notice that I didn’t have lotion on my hands. Phew.

Here she is closing out the meeting. I am sure she was looking at JD, her sweet husband.

It was crazy that there was a line that wrapped around the room so people could say “What’s up?” It was like meeting the queen.

Thanks, Jasmine*. See you in 2010!

A little late! Um, when was Halloween again??? Yeah, I have been a little back logged with work! GAH! I had it all together and then BAM-it’s the middle of the month???

This year the gals wanted to be WITCHES for Halloween! Thankfully, I was able to order some cute boutique tutus from Kellie, who also made this awesome baby tutu for my newborn baby sessions!

Anyhow, super simplecostumes! Tutus, scored some cute patent boots, they wore all black underneath, super inexpensive witch hats that I added tulle and fake spiders to, and VOILA! All done. The girls had a blast, they looked cute and we scored on some awesome candy!

NEXT!

Here’s a few more with the Zepeda family. Elly and Bri are the tiniest little things…EVER! I had to lift both of them to get them through some of the greenery and it was like lifting an air balloon! No joke! Both of them have crazy, whispy golden hair and when they move it flows like feathers around their little heads. Gorgeous! And their eyes! To die for! Love having beautiful clients! Thanks for the fun morning!

I just wanted to take a quick moment to share one of the best photography forums on the good ol’ internet…

the [b]school.

I cannot say enough about my new home for everything photography. The guy who started the [b] school is an awesome wedding photographer named Becker, based in Orange County but traveling the world to capture beautiful couples on their beautiful day.

I don’t remember how I found the [b] school but after about 30 minutes of looking up information and reading the blog I knew I had to be a part of it. And so I added it into my yearly business expenses and signed up for a year membership. It has been one of the best investments I have made for myself and my business.
In a nutshell, Becker stresses the “IIAI.” What’s that?

Image (helping your brand and marketing)
Images (your actual images, how to improce critical feedback)
Attitude (networking and being a better photographer)
Infrastructure (everything business related and your workflow and all the stuff that gives you anxiety)

I think I found the b school about one month after I actually decided I was going in to business and for weeks on end until the wee hours of the morning I read every discussion (practically), watched most of the videos in the classroom and got this mind boggling amount of information in one place that I would have to ask fifty people and read countless articles to gather myself. And as much as some photographers seem happy to help out others, really, they aren’t. There are some shady people out there in the photog world who would rather see you fail then succeed. Oh and that’s the other great thing about the b, “No assholes”. (I know, I know but I was quoting Becker). But seriously, there are no jerks allowed in the [b] school. Becker said so. Some other forums have people that are ready to cut you down at the ankle if you ask “Where should I host my images”, “Is my website okay?” I mean the negativity out there is ALARMING. And this place is all warm and fuzzy with hot cocoa and marshmallows and a fluffy brown, spotted bunny thrown in for good measure.

Anyhow. If you’re a photographer just starting out or a few years into it, go check out the blog and then take my word for it and sign up for the [b] school and be a part of something amazing.

Come back and thank me later.

The Zepeda Fish had a session with me recently. Mama, Papa and the two baby bears. SO FUN! Living in Tracy I was able to take advantage of some of the agricultural stuff out and about town.
We headed out to a field with some alfalfa and then an orchard with fall colored leaves.
Way fun. The Zepedas have two girls and they were dressed so cute in little striped sweater dresses. If it was a little warmer we would have hung around outside a little longer but since its fall in Northern Cali that means cold, cold days!

So late on wishing my girl birthday wishes!

Olivia Talei popped out into the world like a princess late to the ball on October 6, 2003. And since then it’s been a crazy good growing experience for Justin and me.

I honestly believe you can’t truly experience life until you’ve experienced parenthood but more specifically motherhood. The selflessness that comes with this responsibility can never be experienced in any other situation. The fact that I have it in me to hurt somebody if they threaten my child is proof.

Olivia has made me stronger and smarter and I have been blessed and amazed to see her grow into this little opinionated (I will not wear that skirt), particular (I don’t like spaghetti with red sauce) little lady. Standing at 9 months, walking at 10 months, and speaking clear sentences since 11 months, I have been proud and boastful.

Self weaned off breast milk by 12 months, gave up her binky shortly after and potty trained all by 18 months..who is a proud mama??? I AM! I AM!. Those tasks were just little glimpses into how fast Olivia would pick things up and how self-directed and motivated she can be in certain areas.

Her sense of humor is developing to be similar to Justin and sometimes it is witty, others nonsensical but all the time it makes Justin and I giggle at her crazy life observations. She has the biggest heart any little 6-year old could ever have. I mean, her sister Ella gets her in trouble for something at least three times a day but still Olivia is right there to help her reach a water cup, tie her shoe or carry her to the table. And although she seems very adult in some things (making and packing her lunch) I have to remember to still praise her, nurture her, love her because that’s all her little heart wants.

Even though she’s 4′2″ and pushing 60 pounds she still wants piggy back rides, shoulder rides, and for me to pick her up when I hug her. She still wants to snuggle on the couch, be held when she’s has a rough day and hold hands when we walk. She’s shy in new situations and even shy in familiar situations. She gets in trouble for “not thinking” and has been grounded twice in her short life.

(Sorry for the pixelated pictures but these are Kodak digital camera circa 2003. We were big timing it then!)

So above, is little Miss Olivia. Popped out paler than a ghost. OK, well almost. But seriously, she was shockingly bright. Thank her daddy for that. The other picture is her at 7 months. That is the “Cheerio Face”. LOVED THAT STAGE. She would sit, finger and eat Cheerios for like an hour. Also notice the faint traces of a short-long haircut. It took her a little while to grow some hair.

This next set is Olivia at age 1 (clapping for her birthday pancake), age 2 (a little after she had her birthday and we were carving pumpkins), and then age 3 (loving on some Charlie and Lola). Note how her hair kind of just sprouted. One day I remember being sad that she didn’t have any and then I was happy that she had the cutest little afro, and then I was sad that I actually had to maintain it. Her little face at those ages was so cute. Those cheeks, that nose and that cute little smile!

Look at Olivia at age 4 (on the left) and age 5 (on the right). Note the hair again. Still getting bigger, longer, crazier and harder to maintain. Oh but her eyes and her smile!

HELLO, SIX-YEAR OLD! No more chubby cheeks! But her eyes and smile will always be the same! Love you big girl! Way to rock it out after the 1st trimester. Your teacher had nothing but praises and is recommending you test for the GATE program. And you’re reading a chapter book a week?!? WOE! You are amazing my little one. God is working on making you into something great!

The other thing I loved about Barb’s family is they all look like they work out and take looking good very seriously. And I think that all of them really do work out. From the gym, to the golf course to the dance studio, it shows. Here’s all of the fam. More to come!