Gratitude: My Top Ten List
10. The amazing, gorgeous Fall color we've had this year. After all the bad climate news, the drought, wildfires, earthquakes, etc., it's nice to see something beautiful from Mother Nature.
9. Nicole at Lux Salon and whatever it is that she uses on my hair to cover up the premature gray that makes me feel so old and blah. And another year's worth of great haircuts and conversation. Plus, the salon is next door to Starbucks.
8. Starbucks, especially a tall skim gingerbread latte with sugar-free syrup.
7. iTunes. Podcasts of This American Life, Studio 360 and Fresh Air. Yo Yo
Ma. Listening to all of the above keeps me sane during long bouts of
editing.
6. The many talented and generous photographers who've mentored me, listened to me, offered gentle critiques and helpful suggestions and encouraged my growth as a photographer in ways too numerous to count over the past year: Rick Ward, Beth Morris, and Regina Holder. I owe you big time!
5. My dog, Pepper, who sits under my desk with her head in my lap to keep me company during long hours at the computer.
4. Canon cameras and lenses. Adobe's Lightroom software. The guys at Southeastern Camera in Raleigh who have helped me so much during this
past year. Johnny taught me how to clean the sensor on my 5D. I still
want him to do it, but at least I know how.
3. The amazing, wonderful, fantastic couples I've been privileged to shoot for over the past year. I wish you all the very best and long lives full of love and happiness!
2. Being able to do what I love for a living. It's a crazy, stressful, pressure-filled -- and the best job I've ever had. I truly would not want to do anything else.
1. My friends and family, the ones I work for, live for, love. You make it all worthwhile. Kat, a beautiful, smart, talented and loving 13-year-old -- I thought 13 was supposed to be awful, but you're terrific. Dan, the most loving son a mother could wish for. Caring, thoughtful, funny and wicked-smart. Frank, you're simply the best. None of it would mean anything without you.
"If the only prayer you say in your life is thank you, that would suffice." -- Meister Eckhart
Happy Thanksgiving!
Alison and Brent: E-Session
I've done nine -- count 'em --- nine engagement sessions in the past eight weeks (not to mention five weddings, two bridal portrait sessions and two family portrait sessions...aaack!!). That's enough to sap anybody's creativity, but what keeps me going are the great couples I get to work with. Sometimes when I'm afraid I can't come up with anything new to shoot, just watching the interaction between a couple can spark new ideas and rev up my energy. That's the way it was shooting Brent and Alison. What a super couple -- fun, easy-going and so into each other! Brent and Alison are planning a May wedding and I am confident it's going to be awesome! Click here to view their slideshow.
Stephanie and Dave: E-Session
I met Stephanie and Dave at the Bridal Show in August and was thrilled when they hired me on the spot to shoot their wedding. When we talked about where to do their e-session, Stephanie knew right away she wanted something urban. A city girl at heart, Stephanie suggested we shoot in downtown Raleigh around Fayetteville Street and City Market. I'd been eyeing a run-down lot with a falling-down building every time I drove to Kat's school, thinking what a great spot it would be for photos. Lucky for me, Stephanie and Dave were willing to give it a shot. This couple was so much fun to shoot! I'm thrilled to post their slideshow here.
Occasionally, I'll send my mom and sister slideshow links to get their feedback. I love what my sister wrote about watching Stephanie and Dave's show:
When I look at this slideshow, it is so emotional...it gave me goosebumps. Partly b/c I really connected with that background song and the couple looks soooo in love. I felt like I was watching a music video of a love song. It really evoked a sense of joyful happiness and honest love. I really got the impression that this is a couple who mutually love each other and have fun with each other. You captured it all. They had to be blown away by that video. Amazing!
Stephanie and Dave are plannning a March wedding, so check back then for more from this fantastic couple. I can't wait!
