Nards!

So I realize it has been about a month since I last updated this puppy. Here is what I have been up to:

I did the photo shoot for Valley Response Magazine which went really well. I was challenged fully for every shot (between lighting for indoors, photographing my first African American with my style and shooting a little boy who would not dare look at the camera) but was totally ready for the challenge. For those of you who are frowning on the African American part, any photographer will agree it is hard because the skin absorbs all the light. It is hard to get a reflection out of it so you have to pump more light with out making the skin look Ash-like. I was really happy with the over all results. They liked my work so much they they told me they want me to photograph every issue from here on out and to show they mean business, increased pay. Its always such a great feeling when people respect your work and show you that you are valued. The people who run that magazine are amazing people who are really good honest people working in the industry. I wish more magazines were like them in the way they treat their employees to be honest.

I also started to get into doing head shots for people who are in the councilor business (mental, emotional, etc.). I have actually had great personal satisfaction come from this area. I mean, its nice to be paid but what I love most about it is seeing how happy these people are when I give them their images. My biggest drive is making people happy with the work I provide them. If they are stoked on the work, I am floating from happiness. My last job I did was with a woman named Lisa Steadmen who has her 3rd book coming out called "Its a breakup, not a breakdown." After all the work was done, she said, "As a personal coach, I am just letting you know that you charge too little on the photoshoping side of your business. You need to double it. It takes you this long to perfect the images you do, you need to up the price." Then we started to talk about the whole "cop-out" of the economy. Everyone loves to take advantage of the shape the economy is in. Now don't get me wrong, deals can be cut and that is all full and well. But I know I am always willing to sell myself short on the value of what work I provide. That's why I have always said you have to believe in your work first in order to have an effective business. I need to stop talking and start doing huh? hahaha.

I also have some other things coming up which might lead to more work. I met with some people today about doing some Ads for their spray on tan company. They have some good business direction and I can not wait to get the whole thing going. I think we are going to have a solid final product. Curious to see where it goes.

I have been thinking a lot lately as to what I want to do to expand my photography to new heights. I want to start experimenting with HDR in my work. I just want to play. See what I can get. All is know is that Photoshop's HDR system is not that great and I need to get something better. I also want to start photographing more old people and add to my series. I think next week I am going to start volunteering at retirement homes again.

During the past 3 months, I learned a valuable marketing lesson. What ever you do, what ever happens, you must stay focused on your marketing plan. You have to. I lost sight of it for 3 months and paid deeply for it. All I wanted to do was work. Work for anyone doing anything. I got so caught up in trying to make any money at all that I wasn't able to do...anything. I was spreading myself so thin that I had nothing of substance to give to anyone. Its scary at times to go with full force into just one thing. Fear of commitment, fear that it wont work out, fear of the future. I learned that I HAVE TO stay consistent with marketing. Always put out those promos once a month to the 80 people on my list....even if it doesn't feel like it's working. Continue to put myself out there. Continue to meet new people. Go to art gallery openings. Just put yourself out there. Please don't make the same mistake I made. I lost about 3 months. I just thank God it was not more time than that.

And finally, I have been listening to the Reality LA podcast a lot lately. Anyone who knows me knows that I openly talk about my relationship with God. But all I can do right now is thank God for everything that has been coming my way. I really can not explain how blessed I am. Not to mention the change in my attitude. I know I used to complain at things more than not (Ref. my rant on new logos a few months ago....). Anymore though, I don't want to talk about anything negative. Especially with the state of the nation right now. I remember reading about people who survive these brutal events like being lost at sea on a life raft and they always say that those who have a positive mind set almost always make it through. I know many are putting their hope in Obama. Hope in the economy. Hope in all these things. The only problem with putting our hope in people is that...well...they are people. We are bound to be let down when we trust people. I am in no way saying that I do not support Obama. All I am saying is that when we put all of our trust in people (i.e. girlfriend, friend, family, job, etc.) we will never be fully satisfied or happy. I have been happy lately because I have been putting my trust in Jesus. It isn't like Jesus is this genie or tax payer where "I did all this work for you God. I held up my side of the bargain. Where is my stuff?! Where is the speed bumps in front of my house. Where are my paved roads!? We had a deal!" It's not like that. It is the comfort to know that no matter what comes, there will be the comfort of Jesus....the knowing and fully understanding. I hope who ever is reading this would be interested in checking out the podcast of Reality LA. It is really good.

Above are some images that I took while home a month ago. I love March in Visalia. Its so beautiful....