Fabulous Fourth!

I hope everyone is having a fabulous Fourth of July! I am grateful that in 1776 AND today, people have the courage to dream new dreams and to take action to see them realized! I am reminded that the birth of new ideas arises out of unflagging work and sacrifice...

But on a lighter note, here's what one photographer does on a holiday:

Video Insights

I bought a Flip MinoHD, and immediately put a video up on Facebook of me in my studio. Hey, it’s a business deduction, so I’d better be using it for business, right?

I was surprised by the strong response I received. Not about the fact that I stay current with technology (although I pat myself on the back for that. I may be over 50, but I’m as groovy as ever. Oops. Did I just say “groovy”?)

The observations that really caught my attention were from high school classmates whom I haven’t seen for 30 years. They commented on how beautiful I was and that, seeing my personality on the video, they could understand why I was such a popular photographer.

Wow. You see, I was not a ‘popular’ teenager. Not by a long shot. I think it was because my self-esteem, in every category except academic achievement, registered in the negative scale.

It made me think. What changed between geeky 17 and today? What caused me to turn from an insecure teenager into a confident adult? I know that I struggled through my 20’s and beyond. When did it change?

Two things come to mind. One is life’s challenges. When tribulation comes our way, we can either grow, or we can shrink. Through the grace of God, I have grown with the sorrows (as well as the joys!)

The second is photography. My passion for what I do, the response I get from my clients and my friends, the joy of CREATING, brings a deep sense of centeredness. When I am photographing, I know who I am. I feel a sense of where I belong in the universe. Photography both grounds me and allows me to fly. And I think that’s what my old classmates (and current friends) saw in my short movie.

Funny how it takes an amateurish video to bring that all to light, huh?

PS: Here's the video:

Even When it isn't Like I Dreamed...

In a photographer's magazine, I saw an article with some BREATHTAKING newborn portrait art. Babies suspended in fabric, cradled in Daddy's hands, etc. All sleeping peacefully, of course.

What the article didn't tell us is the photographer's secret to getting those serene babies. I'm thinking it must involve hard liquor and baby bottles. But perhaps I'm just feeling jaded.

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I had a newborn session scheduled for today, and I couldn't WAIT. Those images had inspired me to try even more creative poses, and I was ready with gauzy fabric, a beautiful soft baby basket, and other props to create show-stopping images.

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But little Brayden had other ideas. He did not fall into a blissful sleep. He did not think my soft bed (away from warm humans) was enticing. He did not think that being suspended in thin air with gauzy fabric was a good idea. AT ALL.

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So, after quite a bit of time spent trying to convince him that great art was worth his cooperation, his parents & I did it Brayden's way. And you know what? It was magic all the same.

Model Kaila

I didn't get ALL of my models into my blog - they came fast & furious, and I couldn't keep up! But I want to be sure to feature Kaila (since she doesn't have Facebook) - my final model of the season. Watch my website - there will be cool new pics come June 1! Thank you to Kaila for modeling for me...
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I love my clients!

As many of you know, I send out a questionnaire after every session, asking what I did well and where I can improve. I recently received one of these completed questionnaires in the mail, and it made my day.

They said, "The photographic experience was enjoyable, pleasant and timed just right - you are very intuitive and know just when to finish. We were very pleased with the quality of the prints - they were very personal, natural & fresh! We loved the personal touches, the welcome & warm feeling, the very chic atmosphere - we fell in love with the style right away. We have absolutely never had an experience like this before - it was thoroughly enjoyable! Cherie, you are a blessing."

Thank you, Sobieski family! You brought tears of gratitude to this photographer's eyes. I have the best clients in the world!

Michael - class of 2009

Michael was originally going to graduate in 2010, but he completed his requirements early, and decided to join the class of 2009. Congratulations, Michael!

His family are wonderful clients of mine - I've also photographed his sister Natalie for her graduation portraits (class of 2008? 2007? I'm getting old...) and we enjoyed a wonderful, whimsical family portrait session.
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Talisa - Class of 2009!

I don't want to slight my class of 2009 clients! Talisa came into my studio a couple of weeks ago. We had a lot of fun together - and I love her family!

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