Slice of humble pie...

I have to admit, I'm slightly taken back by the OVERWHELMING response to my little survey question regarding a beginner's level photography & Photoshop class. I am so excited at the responses I'm getting that my head is literally spinning - like exorcism spinning - with plans and ideas and all sorts of good stuff for the classes. Things are in the works so definitely stay tuned and keep those responses coming... forward the survey link to friends, neighbors, anyone you think might be interested.

Through the survey I have received a few questions so I thought I'd use this blog to answer and update y'all...

Q: Would the classes be in-person or online?
A: Definitely in-person. I'm a hands on person and can work so much better if I'm with you and you can see me make weird hand gestures and point at things that I can't remember the name of or any other visually necessary classroom traits. It just makes more sense.

Q: How many people will you teach in a class?
A: I'm thinking for my first class go-round I'm gonna limit it to no more than 10 people, maybe even less. This really needs to be a hands-on and open Q&A forum so I want to be sure each person has time to ask questions, can understand the concept and can move on to the next. Any more than 10 and I'm sure this "teacher" might have an anxiety attack.

Q: Where are you located?
A: I personally am in Mesa (Arizona), but I'm not quite sure where the class will be held yet - definitely somewhere in the East Valley - Gilbert, Mesa or even Queen Creek. Could be in my home or maybe a rented facility type room?? All up in the air but that's what I'm working on.

Q: When and how do I sign up?
A: Awesome... you're ready to go... yay! The class most certainly will not happen this year... phew, I know... you're welcome! Let's get the holidays outta the way - heck you may even find a nice, shiny new camera from Santa and now you know just where to go to get hooked up with a lesson, or two. I'm thinking mid to late February at the soonest. In the next few weeks I will open up a mailing list/pre-registration list for anyone who is seriously interested. Stay tuned and be sure to get on the list for advance registration - remember 10 people or less per class.

Q: Will you let us know the cost before we sign up?
A: Heck ya! I'm no used-car sales guy... no offense... ;-) At this point it's looking to be about $50 per person for a 2-hour class. However, this may change between now and registration - but once I make the official announcement that will be the final cost; no changes, no hidden fees.

Now, let me remind you what this class is NOT. For photography: this is not a workshop, meaning an all day, live shoot with models and lecture and all that good stuff. If that's what you're looking for let me know and I'll point you in the direction of some good workshops. This also is not a class for those who feel like turning pro... right now. This is a class, however for those looking to capture better pictures, to get your camera off the Auto mode and into the Creative modes. If going pro is something you desire down, way down the road that's great. This will get you knowing your camera, it's functions and most of the technical mumbo-jumbo you'll need. For Photoshop: this can be a hands on class if you own a laptop or just an in-depth how-to class with lots of note taking and Q&A. I am self taught so most of what I will be teaching are things I have learned from trial and error.

So that wraps up the questions I have so far. If you think of anything else please do not hesitate to e-mail me directly.

And for kicks and grins I leave you with photos I took of a dear, sweet friend's baby shower... for this little guy.

A blessed event...

By no means do I consider myself a newborn photographer - I leave that one to the real pros. However, I had the honor, nay the privilege of spending some time with one of my very best friends and her brand new son. To be able to photograph this baby and to have witness their union has truly been such a blessed event in my life. I love this sweet family with all my heart and I am so grateful for the gift they have been given.

Danke schön for this baby!
(Thank you with all my heart for this baby!)




...and of course we can't forget about the proudest big sis...



(Oh, and PS... I simply adored photographing this brand, brand new baby! So, all you soon-to-be mommies out there contact me about doing your newborn shots and I'll hook you up with some swanky goodies from your session!)

Taking care of business...

Don't know if you've noticed this yet, but at the top header I've added a link titled 'Interested in taking a class'? I've been giving this a ton of thought lately and after some "gentle" persuasion by persistent friends I thought I would at least put this out to the great world wide web. So, if you click on the link above it will take you to a quick poll/survey I'm conducting to see if there is much interest out there.

The Beginner's Photography Class would consist of reviewing gear (includes point-n-shoots), settings, terminology, lighting, composition, and most importantly just how to take better pictures (of your kids, pets, anything).

With the Beginner's Photoshop Class I can offer 2 types of focuses; Class A would consist of using Photoshop for photo editing and we would learn the basics to editing including layer masks, adjustments and enhancing. Class B would focus on using Photoshop as your design software for making invitations, announcements and digital scrapbooking - we would cover topics such as brushes, creating and using elements, masking and layer styles

In either class scenario experience is NOT necessary, nor is a high-end camera or the latest/greatest version of Photoshop. However, I must warn you now... I am not a trained teacher! I will probably get off topic, I will probably make up words on the fly and I most likely will learn something new from you before the day is over. Guaranteed. So go HERE and let me know if you're interested.

And since I just finished editing this family session I thought it's only appropriate to post a few more - other than their 'outtakes'.

Enjoy!



and this one has just become a personal fav of mine... it's kind of sweet and simple!

A doozy of a sneak peek...

I am beyond grateful to have been part of this wonderful family - if only for 2 short hours. Not only was this a big occasion because it was family picture day, but it was also a reunion as some of this extended family had just arrived into town for the holiday.

So, THANK YOU for the moments I was allowed to capture!

Enjoy!

How big was your Thanksgiving...

... because this was just half, yes HALF, of the place settings for our family. Directly behind me - the picture taker - was another long table just for all the kids.



For some bizarre reason I seem to be the one "chosen" each year to make the name tag place settings for our Thanksgiving dinner. Not exactly sure why this has become the tradition - I mean we're all family and we usually can find a place to sit, but it is what it is. I usually gripe and moan and complain about this little project but I secretly love it... alright, there it is, cat's outta the bag!

So this was the place setting I came up with for this year... simple balsa wood rectangles spray painted with chalkboard paint and tied to an apple stem. Clever. Simple. Waaaaaay cute. Yes, yes and yes!

There is an abundance to be thankful for this year and I am truly grateful for where I am at today! I have a tremendous family, a husband who I simply adore, a deep love and appreciation for all the little things in my life and a hobby that has become a full-fledge passion which in turn has blessed me with a small business of my own. So, to all my dear sweet clients... THANK YOU! I have enjoyed meeting and photographing each and everyone of you. I love that you let me into your lives; I love that we laugh, giggle and occasionally snort together; I have loved all the moments we've shared together.

Happy Thanksgiving!
2009