Love, Me Blog

The day after we moved to Denver, I left on a flight to Chicago to finally meet my biggest photography inspiration (and IDOL) … AUDREY WOULARD!  Not only was I getting to meet Audrey, but one of my best friends in the whole world, Jamie (also an amazing photographer) came with me for an unforgettable weekend. We stayed in a swanky hotel, waaaaaay cooler than both of us combined, ate some awesome food, nearly got killed in a taxi, met some other great photographers from all around the world, and of course, got to meet and be mentored by one of our biggest inspirations! I’ve been to several workshops to learn the business of photography, etc. but this time, Jamie and I splurged to learn from a photographer’s who technical skill is second to none. It was such an honor to watch her shoot and chat one on one with her as well. Needless to say, we both left on cloud nine when Audrey told us both in person she was a fan of our work … just the confidence boost we both needed to get out there, trust our guts and continue to create using what we both feel is a precious gift we’ve been given.

While, I loved hearing in person that Audrey thought my work was excellent, last night I got news from Jamie that she linked both of us to her BLOG?  WHAT??  Let’s just say the news made my night (read: LIFE)! It’s always is great to hear from clients that I am doing my job well, even better to get compliments from other photographers, but to have someone that you admire so much in your industry share your work with the world (literally) is an honor difficult to describe.

I just wanted to share my good news with all of you who continually support me and motivate me to do what I do!

Now, here’s some hilarious pics of Jamie and I being serious POSERS in Audrey’s loft.  (sorry Jame!) LOL.  We both CANONOT and SHOULD NOT try a serious face. Just doesn’t work. Case in point: Mike just walked up behind me and asked who those girls were … NO LIE. LOL!  In all fairness, we were testing out my new camera, trying to get it to focus properly.

Our signature pose, nonetheless …

I really can’t stop laughing at these pictures of us.  hehehe.

I am looking for a business person who would like to share my studio space and look after things while I’ll be traveling back and forth between here and Denver.  You’ll have a cozy little office all to yourself and we’ll share the rest of the space.  It is super cute, full decorated, has a projection room and full kitchen and bath.  It would be perfect for a graphic designer or anyone just needing an office space to work out of … also perfect for anyone who needs a cute space to meet clients.  The studio is in newly renovated Old Town Roanoke and truly is the perfect location right off of Oak Street, yet secluded enough so its nice and quiet!

If you think this sounds like the perfect fit for you, please email me at crystal@lovemephotography and we can talk about details!  Feel free to pass along to anyone you may know of that is looking into getting a commercial space, but is nervous about making the leap! This could be the perfect opportunity

Fridays are Mommy and Mia Grace day!  Yesterday, it was much needed after all the long hours I’ve been putting in.  We went shopping, had lunch and went to the studio to “play”. She’s getting better, but she’s still smart enough to know that me taking her pictures isn’t “playing”. I improvised and mainly just chased her around and captured what I could.

I’m still figuring out the lighting up there and everything is still in disarray … I usually don’t crop my images at all, but I had to for a few of these to hide things like doors that are off the hinges and piles of tools and painting supplies

You have to let me know what you think about my version of “studio” portraits … seriously, I want your honest opinion.

The brown wall is where she wanted to start.  Not the best lighting here, but ok … “you’re the boss”.

Then, she wanted the brown chair.

Don’t think for a second, I posed her like this … it was all her doing.

By the fourth outfit change and daddy showing up … she was really over this whole thing. The only reason she’s smiling is because daddy is over there

Probably my favorite and the last one of the day!

Just so you have an idea of what I am working with here.  The door wont stay open, so I was holding it with one foot and balancing on the other foot while taking this shot. Notice the dirty floor and the random doors I didn’t bother to move. We are still finishing up the painting, so these little “testers” are good for me to really get an idea of how this whole “photographing kids all over my studio” is going to work. I’m excited and a little nervous that I wont be as pleased with the results (of my images). I am just so used to boundless space and gorgeous light outside!

Oh, and if you are wondering where the other outfit is, stay tuned for a new CourtneyCourtney style that is to. DIE. for. So cute.

So, I’ve been swamped these last few weeks, which means no time for sharing all the fun things happening with Love, Me.  Stay tuned in the next weeks for LOTS of fun fun updates!!

I’ve been dying to share with you all about my first trip to NYC.  It was NOTHING like I expected (in a good way) and I can’t wait to get back there with Mike to have some fun. This trip was for “business” although it was  a total blast and I am so so glad Jenny forced me to come and see her for a few days!

So, here’s the story. I got a facebook message from Jenny “coach” Helms nearly a year ago maybe?  Jenny was the JV coach when I was on the varsity basketball team in HS. It was her first job out of college, so we are actually really close in age I hadn’t really seen or spoken to her since I graduated over 9 years ago! She commented on my work and we chatted a bit and she threw out this crazy idea that I come to NY (where she now lives) to mentor her. She was planning on taking a photo class in the summer but said she would rather pay for me to come up and teach her. WHAT?  That was my reaction followed by a giggle.  Was she nuts?  I can’t teach her what a whole summer length class could, not to mention, sometimes I wonder how this all evolved anyway. So, I successfully dodged her idea giving her lots of lame excuses followed by more extremely lame advice on what camera to purchase, etc. (on a side note: so many people ask me about what camera they should purchase and for the record, I know VERY little about equipment! It may seem nuts to people but my parents bought my first camera (thanks mom and dad!). I then splurged on a $99 “pro” lens, read my manual, read some stuff online about exposure, and viola … it just sort of came to me.  Don’t hate me.  I truly believe that its just that I was fortunate to find what I wholeheartedly believe I was created to do.  Anyway, I built my business with that camera and lens only.  I have since (as in I’ve had it 8 months) purchased a Canon 5d USED off ebay. I know … the SHAME! It’s NOT the camera people!) So anyway, I successfully convinced Jenny to get my dream camera and lens, LOL! Hey, she said, budget wasn’t an issue, so I successfully lived vicariously through her

To not make this long story even longer, basically I got a wild hair one day and said, what the heck? OK, I’ll do it.  This is after I could see Jenny virtually on her knees begging. The truth is, I just didn’t feel adequate to teach someone. I actually LOVE teaching … I’ve always had a teacher’s heart, but I wasn’t confident in teaching the only thing that has ever come so naturally to me. I could teach so many other things because I had to teach myself,  but how to use a camera?  yikes!  So, Jenny booked me on an EARLY AM flight and I was off to NYC for three days.

There really are no words to describe the trip. After the initial awkwardness of me wanting to call her coach Helms and she nearly slipping in a “Maddog” here and there (yes, that was my bball nickname, may it RIP) It truly was amazing.  I was so nervous that I would go and have nothing to teach her and she would put me on a flight back to Dallas thinking she had wasted her money and her time.  While, I can’t speak for her, I feel so great about the trip.  I found myself falling in love with photography all over again. I can’t tell you how freeing it was to not talk “shop” or anything business related. This trip was about two people’s love for capturing life through a camera lens and nothing more. I actually learned a lot about myself as an artist and feel more confident calling myself that. One thing that really resonated with me is that I realized for the first time that I truly envision what I want to capture before I ever click the shutter. I can’t really express how that knowledge will translate with Love, Me, but I know I am excited about it.

Pretty much, the entire three days was spent walking around the city talking about light, location, and life. In between we ate the best food on the planet including a few first timers for me … sushi (yes, i’ve never had it. when you are married to a carnivore, sushi isn’t really a word that get’s discussed often), the magnolia bakery ( I heart cupcakes is all i really need to say about that!), half and half (ice tea and lemonade that is), slushi’s (kind of like ice cream/ snow cone), and ZaZa’s ( a delicious free candy given out by the photographer’s heaven of a store B&H Photo).  All I can say is Jenny was by far the BEST hostess I’ve ever had!  Some of you may remember my tweet about receiving the best and most thoughtful package EVER. Well, that was from Jenny! She sent me a Crumpler 8 million dollar home (photo geek alert if you know what that is! For those non photo geeks, its a Huge and awesome camera bag) … inside was filled with a magnolia I heart cupcake t-shirt which I am sporting today in fact, a NYC drinking glass for some half and half, a pile of zaza’s which apparently she went back and hoarded for me, complete with an awesome image that she took of the little guy below holding a sign that said “Thank you, Crystal”!  Seriously, does it get any better than that?!!

While we were there, of course I had Jenny coordinate a little shoot for us.  She enlisted her best friend’s extremely cute baby boy, Jack and his equally as cute cousin, CJ.  I’ve been dying to show you this session, as its one of my favorites! Thanks again to their mommy’s for allowing their boys to model for me so I could show Jenny what I do.  It proved to be a great teaching shoot all around!

Here’s the entire session pretty much!

First up, little Jack. Isn’t he the CUTEST?

and friends

And then, his cute cousin, CJ … a little shy at first …

Thanks to strangers for trusting me when I want to take your kids clothes off

By this time, little man was eating out of my hands   Seriously, he even apologized to me completely on his own saying, “I’m sorry I cried earlier” … What three year old does that???  He had had a little melt down because he wanted some munchkins (aka donut holes) It was my fault because, unlike normal sessions I forgot to inform Jenny that sessions are super relaxed and that there is no need for moms to worry about discipline at all!  Just let me spend time with your kids alone, well give them plenty of snacks, and we will just play.  I absolutely adored photographing this little boy … just check out these images … ::swoon::!

and yes! he even wears glasses … ::triple swoon::

Off to the front yard to play!

What would a NY session be without some Mets jerseys?

Thanks again for an awesome trip, Jenny!  I hope to come back and visit soon!!

Rachel and I got back from Sierra Leone, Africa last night, but we left a huge piece of our hearts across the ocean in a little place called the Wellington Orphanage.  Eighty-four beautiful, spirit filled children stole them and I dont think we can ever get them back.

Please bare with us as we get back into the swing of things. We are both physically, emotionally, and spiritually overwhelmed and exhausted.  Thank you so very much for your thoughts and prayers.  As cliche as it sounds they truly were felt while we were there.  There really aren’t words to describe what we experienced, but we will try.  Because so many of you are already asking and we know it will be healthy for our hearts, we are going to chronicle our journey on the blog as if we had had internet access the whole time.  Give us a few days to get started.  I will of course share some of the images.  Many of my favorites, though, we be kept a secret until we unveil the huge projects we are undertaking or until we decide which ones will be included in those projects.  Until then, please know how much we are blessed by the support.  If you are interested in going to the Wellington Orphanage, first know that it will completely change your life, and secondly, GO ALREADY.  I can get you in contact with the man that can get you there.

Clients :  thank you for your patience!  We are back to work tomorrow as we needed a day to recover from major jet lag and exhaustion.  Know that you are top priority and we will contact you very soon.

Because you are dying I’m sure, here is one picture out of thousands I have to sort through.

village boy on the beach.

Today I drove up to the house while the Fed Ex truck was blocking my driveway! I was so excited I nearly tackled the poor guy. For those that don’t think I understand what its like to wait on your pictures, oh how wrong you are Rachel takes care of orders and packaging, so my “Christmas” days are few and far between. Here’s why I am so giddy today! Please excuse these snapshots.  The lighting in my home is just terrible.  That is my number one priority *if* we ever move … I need some natural light!!

I LOVE CANVAS. Everyone should buy canvas. Here is a 30×30 of the circle collage I did of Mia Grace’s 2nd birthday pictures.

and just so you can see the enormity of it, here is an 11×17 I ordered too.

The coolest part about the canvas is the word wrap I did!  Around the edges are all of Mia Grace’s nicknames wrapped perfectly.  It turned out cuter than I could have imagined

Here are my nicknames for her.

and Daddy’s

and a combo of other ones we’ve given her together …

Maybe I’ll share some pictures of her new big girl room when we finally finish it!  Complete with 30×30 canvas on the wall!!

Oh, and ask us about Canvas at your ordering session and even word wraps so you can get your very own

I am so excited to share the wonderful news I just received.  Woodbine House chose my photo of Sayer Riley (and his sisters … sort of ) for the COVER of Gifts II, the second edition to the popular Gifts : a book about how children with Down Syndrome enrich lives.  I am so honored and humbled once again.  Wow!

Before I share the cover photo, I want to share a few things.  First of all, I have had the wonderful privilege of photographing several children and families with children with Down Syndrome over the last year. Haven’t ever known or really been around people with Down Syndrome, I must say, the first few sessions were nerve wracking for me.  “What if I’m not good with these kids?” “What if they hate me and my camera?” were some of the thoughts in my head.  After session number #1 (Sayer’s session oddly enough) was a success, then my second session (Cute little Gabby, which is still one of my very favorite sessions to date), then three, then four, then five … and so on, I realized just how much these little angels had affected me and opened my eyes to a world of Gifts I had been missing out on.   So much so, in fact, that I get so giddy when I book another family with a child with Down Syndrome AND I am in the process of getting my full SKPA (Special Kids Photography Association) accreditation. So, thank you.  Thank you to all the families that have trusted your little ones with me and giving me the opportunity to capture the essence that truly makes them all Gifts … to all of us!

AND, one more special note before the picture, although I am sure you already stole a peek!  I was beside myself when Fran called me and told me that they chose Sayer’s picture and not necessarily for the reason’s you may think.  Of course I am proud that it is my photo, but more than that, I just knew how very much this would bless this family.  You see, Lisa, Sayer’s mom, was diagnosed with ALS (commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease) the DAY after our session.  I don’t have to go into all the details about what this means for her and her family for you to realize how heart wrenching this is.  My wonderful Aunt, who is a friend of Lisa’s, set up this SITE in honor of Lisa and her family and to help raise awareness and support for their family.  Please check out her story and the many ways you can help!

The other AMAZING news is that when I told Fran about Sayer’s mom, Lisa, she spoke with the awesome folks over at Woodbine House, and I just received confirmation that they are also awarding Lisa’s family with a matching $250 award (which I will also receive for submitting the winning photo). How stinkin cool is that?  I haven’t decided exactly what my $250 award will be used for, but I do know that it will be going toward our upcoming calendar project with The World Should Know, which we hope will become a staple for Love, Me every single year as our way of giving back.  Let 2009 be the year you give back in anyway you can!!!  Stay tuned for more ways to give to the orphans in Sierra Leone as well.

So, here it is (for those that played by the rules )

I know its a little late, but in case you tried to contact me over the holiday, I have been out of town visiting family.  I will be back to work on Monday (tomorrow!) and will return all phone calls and emails then.  Thanks for your patience and I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!  If you are waiting on your ordering session, I will be contacting this week to schedule.  All ordering will be completed by December 10th to ensure Christmas delivery.  If you wish to purchase additional prints for gifts, etc. from your session, please contact us ASAP so we can get it to you in time!

You are going to love this!  I had the pleasure of doing a product shoot for an up and coming business called the Swanky Shack.  This mother and daughter duo gutted an airstream trailer and created a traveling boutique filled with trendy clothes, funky jewelry, home decor and more!  I know what you’re thinking … “Why didn’t I think of that” “How COOL is that?!”  Well, here is a sneak peek of all their fun product line  and the dynamic duo themselves … Julie and Penny.

 This little pig was way too cute to get lost in the collage, so I blew him up BIG.

Keep your eyes and ears posted for more from these two!  I will post a link featuring their website once it is up and running.  If you can’t wait, you can head to Canton on 1st Monday (its a Texas thing!) to get in line for your tour inside the trailer and be the first to buy some fun goodies for yourself and as gifts for the holidays!  I already have my eye on a T-shirt that reads … “The bigger the hair the closer to God”!  How fun is that?