Sunday, February 28, 2010

One more Moon shot

The moon is still lovely tonight. What a terrific combination - February clear sky & a full moon. Perfect!

PS: The camera was set on Manual - 1/15 sec. at f6.3. You can't get images like this with an Automatic or Programme mode setting. Yes, it's a shameless plug for my next Camera 101 class, to be held on Saturday, Mar. 20 from 1 - 3:30 pm. Or you can join MyPhotoMentor, and for $9.95 a month, learn how to do it ALL! :)

Reflections of the Moon

It was a glorious full moon last night, and it rose large through the trees. I grabbed my camera to capture the orb's ascendant moments.

I posted the images on Facebook (of course), and was soon echatting about the beautiful view with a friend who is going through a painful time. I shared these thoughts with him:

The beauty of the full moon on a clear night ENCOMPASSES the world. There is joy everywhere and in everything. We have to look harder to see it in some places, but it’s those troubled spaces that give us a chance to grow our souls, so we can appreciate the moon moments even more.

And don't fear for your young, who have yet to experience their own dark nights, for they will grow into their souls in their own ways.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Dare to Be RED 2010

The second annual Dare to be RED event kicked off today with a visit to my studio by Vandy Bennett. Vandy is an artist in several mediums - check out Vandy's work here.

I'll be using the images from this event in my marketing for the upcoming year. Look for more images on my Facebook page: Cherie Renae Photography.

We have two weeks of great photography coming up!

Friday, February 12, 2010

Even More

I attended a spiritual retreat last weekend. It was three days of no cell phone, no computer, & no camera (!) – time to spend looking inward rather than outward. I was skeptical about the concept, but willing to give it a try.

I came away a changed person. Thanks in part to letters collected in advance from friends & family, I was able to see myself as you see me – and I realized how much gentler & kinder you are toward me than I am toward my own self. I resolve to love ‘me’ better from now on.

On Sunday night, I stopped at home, moved my toiletry bag into another (pre-packed) suitcase, and immediately headed to Portland for the annual state photographer’s convention. Again, I was feeling skeptical. I was tired and introspective after the weekend. Did I really need to go meet & greet other photographers and attend more classes?

Once again, I was amazed at what I learned. For me, it wasn’t about new techniques of lighting, posing or retouching. It was about the heart of my business – about what I love to do and how I can do it in a way that delights my clients even more.

In the next few months, expect to see tweaks to sessions and to collections. Expect to see expanded art options. Expect an experience with me to feel even more personal, as I move into an even more authentic place with both myself and my business.

I have to laugh, because I repeated ‘even more’ three times in the last paragraph. That’s a taboo for writers – to repeat the same words again & again. But I can’t change it, because in each place it is exactly the right phrase. I think I’ve discovered my theme for 2010 – EVEN MORE. Even more passion for what I do. Even more love for those around me.

And this is all because of a couple of seminars that on the surface appeared very different, but were, at heart, the same – about sharing my passion and about living life to the fullest. The opportunities to grow are all around me, even if I’m skeptical.

My deepest thanks to you, who have shared my studio and my life. Thank you for accompanying me on this wild, magical journey. The experience would be much poorer without you.