I love the summer!  The kids are out of school, the schedule relaxes, and the days are long and warm.  But as the kids get older, they get busier and busier.  This summer has been filled with lots of traveling, mostly to take kids to camps of all kinds.

I’m in Utah this week visiting family and friends, taking a son to baseball camp,  and enjoying the beautiful Wasatch Mountains.  Photos to come when I get home this weekend.

This week’s 20 on Tuesday was on vacation with me, but it’ll be back next week with another inspiring fellow photog.

We’re headed back “home” to California in a few weeks to visit friends and family.  I can’t wait!

While I’m there, I’m teaming up with my sister’s fabulous boutique, Flaunt in Danville, for some mini sessions!  If you’re in need (or want) of some fun pictures of the  kids  for holiday cards, gifts, or frames around your home, head on over to Flaunt and sign up for a 20 minute session or two.

When:  Friday August 13 from 9-12

What:  20 minute mini session

Cost:  Prices and packages from $50-$350

Stop by Flaunt to pick up more information and get on the calendar.

‎140 E. Prospect Ave
Suite 101
Danville

Can’t wait to see you!!!

Fall mini sessions are here!  Need pictures for your holiday cards?  Gifts to give grandparents and friends?  Updated pictures for your home?  Here’s your chance for a quick 20 minute session.  The location is fabulously rustic and country and perfect for fall pictures!  Come out and join us, but don’t wait long to reserve your spot.  Sessions are limited.  Email me at wendy@wendyvonsosen.com and be sure to include “mini sessions” in the subject line to reserve your spot.  Can’t wait!

*New*  Host a Portrait Party

What Is a Portrait Party?
Portrait Parties  are exciting opportunities for you and your friends to have professional portraits made in a fun and affordable way.  The party takes place at the hostess’s home, a park, or another suitable location for shooting portraits – Wendy will set up a shooting area inside or out. Each guest receives a 20 minute  mini session.  And here’s the best part – as a hostess, besides getting your own mini session, you receive 10% of the party order total as portrait credit!

What is required of me as a hostess?

You will be in charge of organizing the Portrait Party.  You will be the key ingredient to a successful party.  You will invite guests, coordinate food and drinks, schedule sessions (a minimum of 4 bookings is required) and confirm all bookings.  Successful hosts follow up with their guests with reminders to ensure that every session time is filled to get the most portrait credits possible.  After the party, the guests will visit their online gallery (with 10-15  images) to view their portraits and order prints.  After all guests have ordered, you will then be able to place an order based on credits from your guests’ purchases.

What type of portraits do you offer?

Portrait Party mini sessions are limited to 1-2 people per time slot (unless you choose to do a Family theme), and are best for ages 6 months (sitting) and older. One outfit change is allowed.  As the hostess, you will decide on one theme for your party.  Themes for Portrait Parties are only limited to your imagination.  Here are some ideas:  Children, holidays (Halloween, fall, Christmas, Mother’s Day, Father’s day, Valentine’s Day), Seniors, glamour (Cover Girlz), pets, maternity, football, teens, families.

How Far in Advance Should I Schedule My Portrait Party?

Portrait Parties usually have a better turn out when scheduled approximately six weeks in advance. This will ensure your guests will be able to attend and give you ample time to meet with Wendy and to prepare for your Party.

How do I schedule a Portrait Party?

Just call or email Wendy to check availability and to find out everything you need to know to have a super successful party.  She will send you all the necessary paperwork including a portrait schedule, guest info sheets, invitations and fliers.  After the first party, you will be well on your way to becoming a portrait junkie!

When the desire to turn my passion for photography into a business began, I thought all I needed to be successful was the ability to shoot, edit, and order.  That my art would sell itself.  Boy, was I ever wrong!  Since I’ve been in business I’ve learned that if you don’t have any business skills, you’re in trouble!  Although your art is essentially important, so much of your success as a professional photographer lies in how well you attract and retain clients.

I’ve spent much of the past year learning about marketing.  Much of what I’ve learned, I’ve picked up from talking with and observing others.  I’ve kept my eye out for photographers who seem to have a knack for reaching out and tapping into their market.  One of these photographers is Kelsey Anderson.  I met her at WPPI this past year and have since kept in touch via Facebook and forums. She, to me, is the epitome of someone who understands and uses online marketing seamlessly, regularly, and effectively.  And she does it in a way that isn’t “in your face” or annoying.  She walks the fine line of balancing business and personal information without toppling over one way or the other.  She intrigues and inspires me. (Not to mention her drop-dead gorgeous images!)

Hi Kelsey,

Where are you from and where is home now?

I was born and raised in Seattle but moved to Las Vegas four years ago. Yes I know HUGE climate change However this desert has sort of grown on me.

Are you formally educated or self-taught in photography?

Self-taught. Lots of reading, practicing and more reading and practicing. Funny how I thought getting a nice camera was all I needed to take great pictures of my kids… boy was I wrong! Learning to shoot on Manual and having control over how my images came out instead of relying on my camera to do the work for me was HUGE!
What is your favorite kind of session to shoot and why?

I love shooting maternity! I think that it is one of the most amazing times in a woman’s life and to be able to capture that time and really show off the awesomeness (that is a word right?) that is a woman’s pregnant body is AMAZING!
How do you form the kind of relationship with your clients that results in such stunning images?

I think that me being myself and really trying to make my clients feel comfortable in front of my camera is what does it. I seriously crack jokes all session long. I talk A LOT… so there isn’t any awkward silences when I shoot. I know how scary it is to be in front of the camera and if I can make them feel at ease and feel like they are shooting with a friend then that is half the battle.
Talk to me about marketing.  What have you found to be your most effective marketing tool?

Word of Mouth! Me telling people that I take great pictures doesn’t have the same marketing power as one of my clients telling their friends and family that I took great pictures of their child or family. Anyone can say they are great, print it on paper and paste it all over town but if you have a client love their images and they spread that all over town it means so much more. Facebook has been great as well. I tag my clients in their images and then all of their friends see those and see that I am the one that took them. It is free and so affective!

How important is it to have an online presence in this industry right now?

HUGE in my opinion. I am big into the Social Networking thing I have gotten clients from people out of state that saw my work on Facebook and told a friend or family member that lived in Las Vegas about me. I have other photographers that book sessions with me when they come to Vegas for vacation. If I didn’t have an online presence those sessions would’ve never came my way. I love the friendships I have made with other photographers around the world. I love connecting with others that share my passion for photography.
How do you stay motivated and your photography current?

My friends tell me when I set my mind on something I go full force… I guess that is the case with my photography too Everyday I think of how I can grow my business and perfect my craft. I shoot for myself often. I photograph my kids all the time and luckily my daughter loves to be in front of my camera so she is up for it whenever I am I photograph and edit MY way. I think if I started trying to be everything to everyone I would get burnt out. However staying true to myself and what I love keeps me enjoying what I do. I shoot what I want and don’t shoot what I don’t want.
If you could be invisible for one day with your camera…

I would hunt down Robert Pattinson and photograph him lol Yes I am a bit obsessed with the Twilight series right now I should probably say something or someone really inspiring but nope R. Patz it is sorry
Name a photographer you would like to take a portrait of?

I would love to photography Jasmine Star. I think she may think she is as funny as I think I am I always laugh at my own jokes… kind of a dork like that.
What’s your best advice for balancing work and family?

Your asking the wrong person! This is what I am struggling with at the moment. I have to tell myself to step away from the computer and have some quiet time with my husband. My kids get most of my attention during the day. During the evenings when they go to bed and I try to do my work is when I should be spending more time with the hubs…. So working on it… I need to set hours of when I work and when I don’t however with 3 kids who’s schedules vary day to day it seems that is kind of hard. Wow I am full of excuses
What’s in your camera bag?

I am a Nikon Girl. In my bag is my D700 which typically always has my 85 1.8, 50 1.4, 60mm Macro and a ton of memory cards and two extra batteries.
When you’re not photographing, where can we find you?

Cleaning my house and doing laundry… YEA right my husband wishes! Either driving my kids to play dates or if they are napping or down for the evening watching ‘reality’ tv.. A bit addicted!!
If not a photographer what would you have been?

Stay at Home Mom… Honestly there was nothing more that I wanted then to have babies and stay home with them. It is funny because my husband just said to me last night… wow things have really changed you are a Stay at Home Mom but now a total business woman too. I think that photography is something that is all about me for the most part and it is so important to have something for you when you are a Mama. We become consumed by our children and can really lose ourselves. Photography is my outlet.
If you could live anywhere on this awesome planet where would you build your dream home?

Southern California near the water.
What talent would you most like to have?

I would love to be able to sing. You don’t want to hear me karaoke… it is painful
What are the three words your spouse would use to describe you?

Talkative, ambitious and caring
Something that is over rated…

I have to go with laundry because it is overflowing right now

Your favorite movie of all time?

I adore 13 going on 30 (I adore chick flicks) but like I said obsessed with Twilight so Eclipse is up there right now.
If you could change one thing you did while starting your photography business, what would it be?

I would’ve really thought more about my branding. I started with a logo that I didn’t love and ordered all my print materials with it only to realize that I didn’t like it and had to start all over again. Wasted money.
Name one blog you stalk regularly.

Jasmine Star her works is great but I love reading her posts as well.

Would you share some of your favorite images that best represent your work?

You can find Kelsey’s work HERE.

Thank you, Kelsey!

When we were in Utah a few weeks ago I got together with my good friend, Melissa.  We met when we were roommates in college and, despite moves and kids and years, we have been close ever since.  She is one of the strongest women I know.  We all have trials and challenges in our lives, but it seems that some have more than others.  I am constantly inspired by Melissa, her optimism and the joy she finds in life.  I’ve watched her grow into a strong and determined woman, a patient and loving mother, and a devoted wife.  She is the epitome of unconditional love.

She came over one evening with 2 of her 3 kids to play with me and 3 of my 4 kids.  My boys think she is “the coolest” because she spent an hour playing ball with them in the yard.  When the wind got the best of the ball game, we went inside for pizza and an unstructured game of Life.

Thanks for a fun evening and for being such a good friend, Melissa!

When this crazy passion for photography first started, I joined a few forums.  Among these was a fabulous site called, Clickinmoms.  If you have even the slightest interest in photography and want to join up with other passionate camera fiends, you must check it out!  It has been some of the best money I’ve invested in photography so far.  Among learning a ton, I have met and befriended many other photographers from all over the world.

Among these was a photographer with a name even more difficult to spell than mine, if you can believe it.  Amii Wroblewski and I joined Clickinmoms at around the same time.  We’ve enjoyed bouncing business ideas off each other and well as sharing our latest sessions and favorite shots.  I admire her for her affinity for marketing as well as her amazing portrait work.  I’ve watched her photography grow and her business flourish.    Her passion for people and photography is obvious when you see the beauty and truth in her work with seniors.

Hi Amii,

Where are you from?

As much as I adore shooting my clients, personal projects are incredibly important to me.  My creativity is challenged and the sky’s the limit as to what I choose to shoot.  This year I’ve taken on a 365 project.  A picture a day for an entire year.  I will admit that I’m not caught up at the moment and that I experience peaks and valleys when it comes to being productive on my 365.  But I am immensely enjoying it so far.  On top of this challenge I have committed to taking a self portrait once a week.  I started out posting these on Mondays but at this point they are pretty darn sporatic.

During this self portrait project of mine, I’ve discovered something.  I hate to have my own picture taken.

I know.  Weird, since I’m a photographer.

But actually not that uncommon among us photographers.  Many of us would rather be behind the camera than in front of it.  But not only do photographers find themselves behind the camera, but I think most of us moms are perennially missing from pictures.  We are usually too busy taking the pictures or we rarely feel “camera ready”. More often than not we’ve spent the day carpooling or chasing after kids or working on the never-ending laundry or organizing the linen closet.  (Well, that one might be a stretch, at least for me.)

I’ve been thinking a lot about this lately.  As women, we often lose ourselves in our roles as mothers.  Each of us, at some point in our youth, felt beautiful and attractive.  Someone worthy of a catcall from the closest construction worker at least.  And we still are,  but our beauty and attractiveness are hiding behind spit-up and garden dirt,  sleepless nights and teenage worry,  Play-Doh and peanut butter.   I believe we owe it to our spouses, our families, but most especially to ourselves to take the time and the effort to unearth that inner and outer beauty again and SHINE.

I’m working on a new kind of session to do just that.  A session all about YOU.  A chance to shed the mom uniform and let your true beauty shine through.  What woman doesn’t want to get together with friends, enjoy a little pampering and a chance to come away with images that represent the amazing and beautiful YOU?  I know I do!

Keep your eye out for my new Cover Girlz sessions coming soon.

Here’s a sneak peek at a few images from some recent sessions.

Call or email me if you’re interested in getting some girlfriends together for a day/evening of pampering and being your own Cover Girlz!  I promise, you’ve never looked better!

We are out of town this week but I was able to fit in a couple of sessions during our trip.  I wasn’t sure if the timing was going to work out for this little guy but luckily he arrived a little later than expected and I was able to photograph him before he was two weeks old.  Although tiny, he had a hearty appetite and took a few breaks between poses to snack.  As the third boy in this family, he was already used to noise and didn’t flinch as his (totally adorable) big brothers darted in and out of the house stopping in every now and then to check on our progress.  Lynette, thank you for allowing me to photograph your sweet boys in your beautiful home.  Enjoy your sneak peek!

Have you ever flown to a strange city by yourself to share a hotel room with someone you have never actually met in real life?  Well, that happened to me this past March when I went to WPPI for the first time.  The invitation to save a little money on hotel expenses trumped my apprehension of  acquiring a roommate for the first time since college.  All sorts of unsavory scenarios ran through my head when I imagined how the weekend could end up.  Fortunately for me,  my roommate was awesome! She was quite normal and super helpful to a WPPI newbie.  We stuck together and endured a wacky party, lots of great classes, and maneuvering through the maze that is the Las Vegas MGM Grand.

Not only has she become my friend in real life, but Jasmine Johnson continues to inspire me with her family and child photography.  She has a knack for capturing families in their element doing the things together that they love.  Her pictures are real and modern and fun.  Take a look for yourself!

Hi Jasmine,

Where are you from? Ventura, California
Where is home now? A few hours north of my hometown in Arroyo Grande.  It’s halfway between L.A. and San Francisco on the coast.
Are you formally educated or self-taught in photography? Self-taught.  My grandpa was a portrait photographer and I grew up in photo labs watching my mom work, but I never listened to her tips about focus and exposure… so I’ve worked on it myself.
What words would you use to describe your style of photography? fun, personal, modern & clean
Talk to me about personal projects.  Are they important and what have you done lately? I absolutely think personal projects are important… but I sort of have a love/hate relationship with my camera.  I started a 52 week project this year and only made it about 8 weeks.  I don’t pick up my camera for weeks at a time.  So currently, personal projects are more about home improvements and spending time with my two daughters
What is your favorite kind of session to shoot and why? My most recent session is always my favorite.  I just photographed my first set of newborns and I’m just in love with them!  When my schedule gets busy, I have to force myself to edit sessions in chronological order, otherwise I’ll only focus on the most recent set.
How do you stay motivated and your photography current? My clients motivate me.  I didn’t previously consider myself a people person, but I love the interaction with my clients in a photo shoot.  I especially thrive on getting my ‘non-photogenic’ clients to look and feel fabulous.  Keeping my work current?  I do follow a lot of photography blogs, but have found that trying to copy another artist’s work never turns out to be an image I like or am proud of.  It’s all about people and their genuine reactions and emotions.
If you could be invisible for one day with your camera… I’d photograph births.  I know you don’t have to be invisible to do this, but it’s an area of photography I haven’t yet pursued but would love to.
Name a photographer you would like to take a portrait of Other photographers tend to intimidate me.  I’m not sure I’d be comfortable taking a portrait of someone I highly admire.  I’ll say YOU, Wendy… we’d have fun!  (Not that I don’t admire your work, but we’ve met and you aren’t scary!)
What’s your best advice for balancing work and family? Have an amazing husband who’s understanding and supportive of your artistic aspirations, and who is a great dad, cook and housekeeper!
What’s in your camera bag? Nikon D700, 50/1.4, 20-35/2.8, my iPhone, some chapstick, and gummy snacks for the kids I shoot.
When you’re not photographing, where can we find you? At the park, beach or children’s museum with my kiddos.
If not a photographer what would you have been? My first profession is teaching.  7th and 8th grade math… and I love it, but photography was a bigger pull at this point in my life.
If you could live anywhere on this awesome planet where would you build your dream home? I waver between being a small-town beach girl and craving big-city life.  So, either somewhere on the California coast, or New York City.
What talent would you most like to have? I wish I had better interior decorating skills.
What are the three words your spouse would use to describe you? (I asked… and wouldn’t have guessed these 3:) beautiful, intelligent and unselfish
Something that is over rated… Photoshop actions (maybe only because I don’t use any though!)
Your favorite movie of all time? Good Will Hunting
Who would play you in a movie of your life? Jennifer Garner
Name one blog you stalk regularly Smitten Kitchen… every recipe I’ve tried has been awesome!

Would you share some of your favorite images that best represent your work?

Jasmine’s work can be found HERE.

Thank you, Jasmine!

The other day I had one child,  who hadn’t quite mastered bike riding,  yearning for a new Lego set as he looked through his Lego catalog.  And I had another child, a “mature” middle-schooler, bumming around the house being bored with nothing to do but sit around being bored.  A frequent occurrence this summer.  I was too busy editing to take a break at that moment but not too busy to hatch a scheme.

I presented a challenge to both boys that if they worked together and one taught the other to ride a bike from point A (the driveway) to point B (the mailbox) before the end of the day, they would be rewarded with a trip to the mall for a new Lego set and a new baseball cap.  They readily took up the challenge and went to work.  Hard work.  Frustrating, hot, painful at times work.

But in the end, they conquered the challenge and we took a nice long air-conditioned drive to the mall for a Power Miner Rock Monster set and a brand spanking new Yankees cap.

It’s bittersweet.  Another rite of passage has been mastered.  I’m happy I won’t have to teach another of my children how to ride a bike.  But it also makes me sad that I don’t have another child coming along who will meet this milestone.  Such is my life right now.

We are headed out this afternoon for vacation.  I will be back after July 4th but will have access to my email.  Enjoy your 4th of July!

I am having so much fun with these 20 on Tuesday interviews, I don’t know why I didn’t start doing this earlier!  I’m so impressed with the warm responses I’ve received from these photographers when I’ve for an interview.  They are all highly sought-after, busy women with more important things to do than answer my 20 questions, but they have all been generous and sweet and willing to appease me. 

This week I’m featuring someone who is not only a fabulous photographer, but also an amazing designer.  I met her this past spring at WPPI when I approached her after a presentation to ask a few questions.  She was so down-to-earth and open and freely gave me advice on pricing and products for the senior market.  I was impressed with her kindness and willingness to share and I knew she was someone I wanted to feature.  It shouldn’t have surprised me that she was up for my 20 questions, but it did. It’s so refreshing when someone you look up to and emulate turns out to be just as sweet as you imagined.  Her designs and templates are among my favorites. In fact my senior reps are all sporting  cards designed by her this year.  Welcome, Jamie Schultz!

Hi, Jamie,

Where are you from and where is home now? I’m originally from Dakota City, Nebraska but currently live in Hudson, Wisconsin (a suburb of the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area)

Are you formally educated or self-taught in photography? Self-taught

What words would you use to describe your
style of photography? honest and emotive

What inspires you? Genuine conversations and traveling to new destinations

How did you get involved in design? Creating is something I’ve always enjoyed and having an opportunity to combine my love for design with my passion for photography is a dream come true.

How do you stay motivated and your photography
current? I make every effort to make an honest connection with each of my clients.  Getting to know my clients personally often provides all the motivation I need to keep me rolling through a session.  In terms of keeping my photography current…I do my best to stay true to my style.  While I may experiment with current trends/styles I try to keep those types of shots to a minimum.  It seems that every time I try to emulate a current trend I’m always disappointed with the results.

If you could be invisible for one day with your
camera… I’d love to photograph various random acts of kindness.

Talk to us about personal projects.  How important are they and what have you done lately? A personal project I just completed was one I’ve wanted to do for quite some time.  I gathered old photographs from both my grandmother and mother and spent days sorting through our family photos.  It reminded me of the impact and importance of photography in general.

Name a photographer you would like to take a
portrait of? Shelley Paulson

What’s your best advice for balancing work and family? My family always takes priority over business.  Establishing firm boundaries between work and family time is essential for success in both arenas.

What’s in your camera bag? I’m a minimalist when it comes to gear…I typically have one camera body (5D) and a maximum of two lenses in my bags at any given shoot.

When you’re not photographing, where can we
find you? At our cottage in the northwoods or at the library scouring for books to read.

If not a photographer what would you have been? Children’s Nutrtionist

If you could live anywhere in this amazing world where would you build your dream home? Northern Wisconsin…oh, how I love the northwoods!

What are the three words your spouse/best friend would use to describe you? Confident, Self-Motivated, Genuine

Something that is over rated… Overprocessed photos

Your favorite movie of all time? The Shop Around the Corner

Who would play you in a movie of your life? Reese Witherspoon

Name one blog you stalk regularly.  A Cup of Jo (http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/)  It’s fashion, photography & design…all wrapped up in one fabulous blog!

Can you show us a few of your favorite images that best represent your work?

(I think another reason Jamie is one of my favs is because of her incredible studio!  Before photography took over life as I knew it, I was forever knee deep in home magazines and remodeling projects.  Stick me on a deserted island with only a stack of Traditional Home magazines and I’d be perfectly happy.  So when I saw Jamie’s studio, I went a little weak-in-the-knees.) Here’s a peek:

See what I mean?!?!

Jamie’s photography can be found HERE

and her designs can be found HERE

Thank you, Jamie!

I made a fantastic discovery this week over on i heart faces.  The theme is “Celebrating Teens” and since I have teens of my own and I’ve been shooting lots of high school seniors lately, I thought I’d enter this week’s challenge.  When I headed over there to take a look at the details, I discovered that the judge this week is a fantastic wedding photographer out of Vancouver named Jamie Delaine.  I visited her website and perused the fabulous images on her stinkin cute site!  The fantastic part of it all is that she is a TEENAGER herself!  I was blown away with her talent, her foresight, the thoughts and words she shares, and all that she has accomplished at such a young age.  If you get a chance, go on over to her SITE and see for yourself.  Seriously amazing!

I had the hardest time choosing an image this week.  I’ve had the privilege of photographing some beautiful and fun seniors lately and each and every one of them could be entered into this week’s challenge.  I chose this image of the beautiful Kellie because I love the way the colors work.  Kellie is not only beautiful but she’s goofy and spontaneous, and creative, and artistic, and so so photogenic.  I have a few images of her laughing hysterically that I almost used but I kept coming back to this one because it shows off her beautiful eyes, and gorgeous red locks and the greens are so pretty.

Head on over to ihearfaces and help us “Celebrate Teens” this week!

Isn’t that what all little girls are made of?  This one is no exception.  She was sporting the softest head of hair too.  She wasn’t sure sleep was such a great idea at first, but by the time we were done, she was out like a light.  I love it when newborns are agreeable like that!

I love newborns!  This week’s challenge over at i heart faces is “All About Babies” so I had to enter.  Newborn photography has become a passion of mine lately.  Babies are so innocent and sweet and pure.  Newborns change so quickly from being covered in newborn fuzz to being covered in baby chub. My heart sings when I can capture their newness in all its glory and record it for their family.

This is little Maddex.  He’s now covered in baby chub but during his newborn session he had a layer of downy peach fuzz residing on his tiny ears and shoulders.  So soft and sweet!

Go get your “baby fix” over at i heart faces this week!

Look out, Kindergarten!  Here he comes!

Will graduated from preschool last night. I have mixed feelings.  I’ve been counting down the years for all of my kids to finally be in school.  It’s kind of a right of passage for a mom.  I’m looking forward to having a little more time to pursue the things that I love.  But on the other hand, I’m a little sad because the thing I most love, as a mother, is my kids.  And I’ll have less time to pursue them than I once did.  It’s bittersweet. But I won’t be sad until school starts again in August.  For now, I’ll enjoy our summer together.

I put together a slideshow for my fellow preschool parents.  I attempted to get at least one picture of each child, but I apologize for anyone I missed. Enjoy!

COUNTRY COTTAGE GRADUATION 2010

We’re only into day 7 of summer vacation and the dreaded “B” word has already made it’s appearance.  You know which word I’m talking about.

“Mom, I’m so…

BORED!”

And since it’s only day 7 of summer vacation, my arsenal of boredom busters is still well stocked.  So I pulled out the “let’s bake something, kids!” suggestion.

Will looked through my cookbooks and after I nixed the jack-o-lantern cookies, Santa Claus cut-outs, and candy cane twists, we all agreed on good old-fashioned brownies from scratch.

That was yesterday.  And by this morning they were gone.  Not a crumb in sight.

I guess we can check that off our summer to-do list.

How’s your summer going?

I met the cutest, sweetest new family today.  They live in a charming 100 year-old  home that they lovingly restored during the last five years as they waited patiently to fill it with little ones.  And fill it, they have.  These two were well worth the wait.  I forget how much I love newborns until I have the chance to photograph them.  So tiny and soft and straight from heaven.  Shane and Chelsey, thank you so much for the opportunity to capture this precious time in your lives.  I thoroughly enjoyed it!

I am so excited about today’s featured photographer!  Julie Cruz caught my eye when I was just starting this photography journey.  She had posted a few times on a forum I frequent and every time I saw one of her images, even before I saw her trademark Lot 116 heart-enclosed logo, I knew it was her work.  Everything she does screams FUN to me.  Fresh, fun, and modern.  Especially the vintage family session she did awhile back complete with a funky old truck and a retro polka-dotted dress.  And not only is she a talented photographer, she is a generous person.  I have asked her opinion on a few business-related ideas and she’s been nothing but open and encouraging.  I’m thrilled to be able to share with you one of my favorites, Julie Cruz!

Hi Julie,

1    Where are you from?
Born in Virginia, but have lived my whole life (minus about 9 months?) here in San Diego, CA.

2    Where is home now?
San Diego, CA

3    Are you formally educated or self-taught in photography?
Self-taught.

4    What words would you use to describe your style of photography?
Fun. Happy. Different.

5    What inspires you as a photographer?
I’m inspired by my own family and friends. I get inspired to shoot certain things by thinking about what I would love someone else to capture for me.

6    What is your favorite kind of session to shoot and why?
Hmmm….that’s a tough one because I love so many. One of my favorites is urban sessions, because I love the various colors, backgrounds, etc to work with. It’s easy to change up the look of things just by going from one spot to the other.

7    How do you stay motivated and your photography current?
I just shoot what I love and want. I try and think outside of the box a bit and try new things. Sometimes they turn out awesome….sometimes…not so much

8    If you could be invisible for one day with your camera…
I would follow around each person that I love and take photos of them…. just being them.

9    Name a photographer you would like to take a portrait of?
Tara Whitney and her family….because they are super cute

10    What’s your best advice for balancing work and family?
Family always comes first. One big part of me taking the leap to leave my “day job” to start my own business was so that I could spend more time with PJ (our daughter). The past 2-3 years in business have been a little crazy for me to balance, which is why starting this year and next, i’m taking on less shoots. Sure, I could be booking 20 shoots a month or something crazy….but then that would defeat my main purpose of starting Lot116…..which is having more time with my family.

11    What’s in your camera bag?
Canon 5DMKII,  24-70L, 50 1.2L, 70-200L, 50 1.4 (although I don’t bring all of those with me to each shoot – usually it’s just 1 or 2)….some business cards/postcards,  gum, a little pack of tissues and a pen.

12    When you’re not photographing, where can we find you?
Usually with PJ at The New Children’s Museum, Sea World, Disneyland, running errands, etc.

13    If not a photographer what would you have been?
Hmmm….most likely I probably still would have been working at DC Shoes. If not, then most likely a stay at home mom with some sort of part time job.

14    If you could live anywhere in this amazing world where would you build your dream home?
Ooh, that’s tough. I LOVE San Diego, but a part of me would love to live in New York.

15    What talent would you most like to have?
I would love to be able to sew. I would make my daughter the raddest things

16    What are the three words your spouse would use to describe you?
Funny. SuperMom (yes, i’m counting that as one). Nag? hahaha

17    Something that is over rated…
The Snuggie. Good idea, but really ugly and terrible fabric choice.

18    Your favorite movie of all time?
Acck! Way too hard. How about 3?
The Joy Luck Club (if you’ve seen it, my mom is totally Waverly’s mom hahaha)
Up (hilarious and I still tear up every time I watch it)
Meet The Robinson’s (again, funny and I tear up every time)

19    Who would play you in a movie of your life?
Well obviously Angelina Jolie or Jessica Alba!
Oh wait, that would be a dream.
Most likely someone who can be goofy, like Drew Barrymore.

20    Name one blog you stalk regularly.

www.theblogisfound.com

They are super creative, I love their work….and their kids are adorable

Can you show us a few of your favorite images that best represent your work?

Julie’s work can be found HERE.

Thank you, Julie!

It turns out that McCall, Idaho is a beautiful setting for a wedding!  Among their closest family and friends, Andrew and Katie exchanged vows and were wed in an intimate ceremony at the Shore Lodge.  The evening was full of love, friendship, delicious food and a crowded dance floor.  Despite the wind and rain, we were able to capture the beauty of this sweet couple and the intimacy of the occasion.  Best wishes to you both!

I’m so excited to introduce you to Gretchen Davis! Gretchen and I are fellow Bloomies. We “met” while taking the Bloom Workshop taught by Brenda Acuncius and Kristy Lane. Gretchen inspired me by the generous comments and advice she offered as well as some pretty incredible assignments she submitted for critique. I’m always intrigued by the way photographers find and capture light in their images and Gretchen is someone who excels at this. She has a way of evoking emotion and meaning into her art. I look forward to each and every post on her blog because I know I’ll be inspired by her images because they will be uniquely her style.

(And her answer to #15 tells me we could be BFFs.)

Hi Gretchen,

1    Where are you from?

I’m from Hardy, a lovely small town in northeast Arkansas. I spent the first 18 years of my life there and greatly under appreciated how beautiful and simple life can be there. This time of year it’s beautiful, green and growing. In a small area there’s a river, lakes and lots of friendly, sweet people. I don’t get back to visit very often, but I love being there when I do.

2    Where is home now?
I haven’t gone far! My husband, I and our two boys live in Little Rock, Arkansas which is right in the middle of the state and only about 2.5 hours from where I grew up. We love it here and feel blessed to be so happy. It might not be our forever home, but it’s wonderful and perfect for right now.

3    Are you formally educated or self-taught in photography?
I’m self taught. My first SLR was a Canon xti with the kit lens. I was so excited about photography after my oldest son was born and wanted to pretend that photography was purely about the fun, creative parts. I tried to ignore the dials and such on my camera as much as possible at first, so the learning was slow to start.  Once I quit fighting that I’d have to learn how to shoot in manual, a whole new world opened up to me. I scoured the internet for info, checked out any books I could find and studied photographers whose worked I loved. Numbers and logical thinking are not my strengths and I needed to read, practice, read, practice to get it all to click together. I still love learning about photography and am still doing the read, practice routine every time I find new information. I recently went through the Bloom workshop with Brenda Acuncius and Kristy Lane and I loved it. I am definitely looking forward to doing an in-person workshop one day!

4    What words would you use to describe your  style of photography?
This is a great question! It’s really making me think about the words I would use for how I feel when I’m shooting. I’d like to think that my work is a little bit quirky, clean, fun, relaxed, natural and most of all…real.

5    What inspires you as a photographer?
Okay, I could probably write a whole page just on this. There are certain things that just make me want to go and grab my camera, so I’m just listing them here as these things have been moments when I immediately thought – camera.    Sunny days. Unexpected moments, like when toddlers suddenly hug their friends.  My boys playing on the floor with their train sets. The last light of the day on the grass in our front yard. Neighborhood streets with trees that arch, like my sister’s street.  Hair blowing in the wind. Families that make each other laugh.  A place with lots of lines. Negative space.  The colors navy, purple, cream, olive, teal, gold and warm grey. (For right now anyway) And red. I know, random, right? Freckled noses. Children who wear glasses. Chubby little hands and feet.  Runners. Women who play the air trombone at a stoplight.  Big belly laughs.  The light and paint colors in my Mom’s new kitchen.  The way my husband smells, but not his feet.  Negative space.  Newborns with no hair, newborns with lots of hair.  Tiny little hair bows.  Missing teeth, real smiles from children.  Vintage fabrics, weathered wood. Clean sheets on the bed.  These beautiful places we have in Arkansas that are impossibly rich in color and a little wild growing right now. Colored glass.  The last light of the day, the last light of the day, the last light of the day, the last light of the day.  Also, the last light of the day. My loving, powerful, personal, creative Creator.

6    What is your favorite kind of session to shoot and why?
My favorite type of session seems to be an ebb and flow depending on the time of year. Right now, I love family sessions! I love working with families and playing along with them. I like to hear about what their kids are like and who they are. I like it when I can hear how the parents met and what they love about each other. Lately, I’ve tried to spend more time on that part of the session and it makes me so excited to go and meet that family on their scheduled date! My other favorite sessions are newborn sessions. The newness, the smells, the tiny baby things, all the extra love floating around in their home, it’s just magical. I feel very honored to photograph newborns. When a family chooses me to photograph their precious, brand new baby, they are sharing their joy with me!  Its important to me and I’m grateful for each one. I’m looking forward to doing more high school senior sessions and those start to be my favorite when they come around.

7    How do you stay motivated and your photography current?
I stay motivated by doing my best to keep a reasonable schedule. When I have enough time to plan each session and chat on the phone or over email with my clients, I enjoy my work so much more. I’ve also learned to keep a notebook with ideas as they come to me for times that I just can’t think of the right thing, or need a place to get started. As far as staying current, I love following other photographers’ blogs and watching as others develop creatively and I think that helps me stay current when you can kind of see what’s new in photography. I am amazed at how many incredibly talented photographers there are!  I’ve also applied to the National Association of Professional Child Photographers and am excited about joining a professional organization and think that will help me stay current.

8    If you could be invisible for one day with your  camera…
This is a hard question. I think I’d like to be invisible with my camera every time I use it, and sometimes I think it does make me invisible and I love that.  Especially with families though, that would be really handy.

9    Name a photographer you would like to take a  portrait of?
I think in real life, close to me, there are several. My friend Mitzi Penick needs new family photos and I love her family, she’s a friend so that would be first on my list  And also, I liked to add on there any other photographer who has not had family portraits recently or ever. Its hard to get in front of the camera when you are always holding it,  and apparently, most of us Mama’s have issues with our on camera appearance. (I’m guilty too) Be with the people you love. Make a beautiful day of memories and have the photographic proof!

10    What’s your best advice for balancing work and family?
Be organized. Ha! Those who know me well know this is not my strength. But, it is important to me to try to keep a good balance. Right now, while my children are young, I just can’t pursue every idea that pops into my head. There’s places I would like to take my photography or ideas I would like to plan out, but for now, some of those things need to be on the back burner.  More than anything, I love my family and I love being with them. I want my boys to have memories of me playing dinosaurs with and doing things they think are fun. I try to keep my shooting schedule reasonable and limit how many sessions I schedule in a months time. I also think its good to have a plan for me to look at my week at the beginning so I can see when I can maybe work at night while the kids are asleep and when I can take a night off and watch the season finale of LOST with my husband.

11    What’s in your camera bag?
My Canon 5d, a 50d for backup. 85mm 1.8, 50mm 1.4, 35 mm 2.0, 24mm 2.8. The 35 and 24 get no love. There’s also other random things in there, some camera related and some not.

12    When you’re not photographing, where can we find you?
Right now, the boys and I seem to be loving the Little Rock zoo, but mostly likely you’ll find me at home, playing in our yard, taming laundry, chasing small boys and just enjoying my life.  Also, I like Target.

13    If not a photographer what would you have been?
If I wasn’t a photographer, I would be a nurse. I have my Bachelor’s degree in nursing and worked at Arkansas Children’s Hospital for several years before pursuing photography. I loved working there and there are so many amazing babies that will forever be in my heart that I met there. The people  I worked along side were some of the kindest, most compassionate people. They truly love what they do and its an amazing place. I think that’s definitely where I would be if I wasn’t here.

14    If you could live anywhere in this amazing world where would you build your dream home?
I’m not sure. Anywhere warm most of the year and near my family. No snow.

15    What talent would you most like to have?
Fabulous organizational skills. The ability to be the kind of writer that makes you stay up all night to finish a book. This is more of a super power, but I’d like the ability to never have to go to the grocery store. Just a fully stocked fridge and pantry all the time. I guess that would be farming, which in my opinion is a super power.

16    What are the three words your spouse would use to describe you?
Spontaneous, caring, beautiful

17    Something that is over rated…
It seems lately I think sleep is over rated. I think I may be lying to myself.

18    Your favorite movie of all time?
This seems to change every time I watch a movie. Right now, its The Lovely Bones. I love the colors in that movie. I also watched UP with my kids a few days ago and like it too. I like that little grape bottle cap pin and wish I had one.

19    Who would play you in a movie of your life?
Sandra Bullock. Not because we look alike, I just like her.

20    Name one blog you stalk regularly

Amanda Burse’s Labellavitablog.

Will you share with us some of your work that best reflect your style?

Gretchen’s work can be found HERE.

Thank you, Gretchen!