5 thing's I've learned from the movies.

"You can't lose something you never had."

And Five other life lessons I learned from movie's and some of their best quotes! I admit, I like a cheesy chic flick or two, and every now and then you learn some fantastic lessons from them... like mouths + body piercings = reallllly bad idea. (AKA: The Sweetest Thing) 

Kate Hudson has had some "great advice" (or the writers of her movies do) to dole out being one of my favorite "chic" movie actresses. I admit that the one from the top, "you can't lose something you never had" is from my all time favorite chic flick, How to lose a guy in 10 days. - It's pretty solid advice and I find it works in a lot of situations, like when someone questions their sanity or memory. I find that I use it at least once a day. 


Prince Edward: "Your men love you. If I knew nothing else about you, that would be enough" - From A Knights Tale. 

Now, I know this isn't the normal "girl" movie... but really, it's got Heath, fashion, and romance... so it's awesome in my book. When you choose your mate or your friends - spend a lot of time with the people they hang out with (friends and family) before getting too involved. Chances are if the friends are lying, cheating, drinking, gamblers... you might want to question why that person like / respects them. If they don't have "close" friends that should also be a flag. If you want to learn about someone, look to their friends it will tell you all you need to know. (or they will if you buy them a drink or two)

"Maybe that whole love thing is just a grown-up version of Santa Claus; just a myth we've been fed since childhood. So, we keep buying magazines, joining clubs, and doing therapy and watching movies with hit pop songs played over love montages all in a pathetic attempt to explain why our love Santa keeps getting caught in the chimney"  -Meg Ryan from Kate and Leopold

You should be realistic about love, don't get wrapped up in the passion-blind, Hollywood-esc, magical, fix-all  dreamland version of love. The truth is love is work, you put yourself out there and you do it out of your own personal faith that it's going to be returned. Sometimes, it's not. But next year when Christmas comes around, you should still leave out the cookies, just in case. 


Hey, buck up! It's not because you're a woman. - Howard Payne from SPEED

Sometimes bad things happen, like getting on the wrong bus. Sometimes, freaking amazing things happen, like Keanu Reeves getting on the bus... but every now and then, you have to be smart enough to run like hell and not end up with a bomb strapped around your chest at the whim of a mad man. Through it all... you gotta remember, it's probably got nothing to do with you personally. Mad men (or the crazy guy in line for coffee, or on the other end of your conference call) are not typically gender specific... you just happen to be standing in line of sight for when they start ranting and raving. Buck up. It's not you. 


This Christmas - Movie 

Kelli Whitfield: Um, this is not funny.

Lisa Moore: No, it's not, but I'm going to keep drinking until it is.

When dealing with families, holiday's or crappy life situations.,.. drink more. If that fails, Use a bottle of baby oil on the floor of the bathroom and beat the crap out of the naked guy who was cheating on you... that's sure to put a smile on your face. I came by this particular movie completely on accident one lazy Sunday, but I have to say... worth it just for this line, and that scene. Totally!

"

Q and A, Verte Style

I reached out to some bloggers, crafters, shop owners, clients, friends... you know my Peeps and asked... "What don't you know?" then I clarified... about weddings, photography and such! Then I took the most popular, or uncommon and stuffed them into this post! Ok, some are paraphrased, or changed to protect the innocent.  But still... Enjoy!


Why are all my images blue?
If ALL the images are blue, outside, inside, with and without a flash then your sensor may not be working correctly. More likely you mean "why are my indoor" photos blue. Reason, you have lights where the color temperature is in that 4000-7500 K range... sometimes you find that in the "daylight" or "soft" balanced bulbs. Solution: Shoot with a flash, or find the WB mode and adjust it to balance your whites back to white! (by the way... this also answers the questions "why are my images red, yellow, orange, or green" it all has to do with the light your shooting in. More Help

Why do photographers charge so much?
1. Time.
2. Education
3. Equipment
4. Everything else.

Let's face it, we talked enough about why those big professional SLR's look better, but a "good" portrait lens can run easily 500-900$ and that's not even the "Better" or "Best". A professional photographer can have thousands of dollars in basic camera gear, not to mention bags, backgrounds, lights, props, rental space, advertising, oh and the computer and processing... not to mention having to stay on the frontier of an ever changing digital field now. Where do you expect that money to come from?

Since you don't do weddings... who would you recommended?
Let's just clarify.... I don't advertise for weddings... I don't want to tote around an assistant and deal with the choas anymore, I have done my time! However, if your throwing a party in Houston or Denver, I would totally talk to you about it! Small backyard or informal occasions are totally where my heart is right now.

However, if you want to go all out and really do it up in style. Nationally, hands down book Theresa J Photography. She and her husband Tim shoot as a team, they travel to you.. and they are the sweetest, goofiest most amazing people ever... oh yea.... and crazy talented! If I needed a photographer for myself - that's who I would call.

My daughter wants to be a photographer, where should she start?
In business school.
It is the best advice I can give anyone wanted to run their own business. You can pick up a minor in arts or photography, but the money you put in on a solid business education will hands down do you better then anything else! Most of running your own photography business is marketing, advertising and accounting!

I need help with my shop photography, what would you recommend?

1. Turn off your "camera shake" mode (that little hand with the shake marks) despite what the salesman told you it DOES not make your photos more clear. It has NOTHING to do with focus.
2. Add more light- I don't care - you need more I promise.
3. White balance is your friend. Use it.
4. INVEST in your products and just let me do them. (ok shameless plug) But, seriously up your prices $2 to cover the extra photography cost and stop spending time doing something you don't enjoy, are not good at, or are just plain frustrated with! Your clients, and new clients will buy more because they can see the quality of the product.
5. Stay tuned... I will be having many more posts on this subject coming up soon!


What do the numbers on my lens mean?
When you purchase a lens you will see numbers or the type of lens listed something like this:

AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR

16-35mm is the Focal Length (the smaller number the wider view you will get. 50mm is considered "prime" or what your eye would see kinda like if you held your arms in a v in front of you. Everything over 50mm is telephoto. The Larger that number 100, 200, 300... the closer your lens can bring subjects to you or "zoom in" on them, if you will. 

Image from Digital Camera World

   

f/4G: This lens has max aperture of 4/f. That means that the aperture will not open more then that with this lens... so no matter what you do you wont be able to shoot at 2.8f with this lens.

Some show this as f3.5-5.6 which means the max aperture will vary depending on what focal length the lens is at... at its max telephoto it will only go down to 5.6 where at its widest focal legth (smallest number no zoom) it is capable of 3.5

You also might notice a number on your lens cap like 72mm or 68mm... that is the size needed for filters, or additional lens caps... good to know in case you lose yours! 

Clears that right up. 

Right?

 ok... that was a pretty tech answer... so here it is if you didn't understand the above

The first set 16-35mm control how much you can see zooming in and out. I suggest everyone start with a lens like 18-200 its a starter lens and all encompassing with wide angle, and good telephoto. 

The second set tells you how much control you will have over your depth of field. The smaller the number (or the first number if there is two) the more control you will have.

Easier huh! Now for my favorite question...

How many times can you get married and still justify paying for "amazing portraits"?

HA! As many times as you need to "get it right"! While in a perfect world this would mean getting married over and over to the same wonderful person (without the divorce)...  but well...
I do totally think you have to spend the money each time... because if you have to ask...well maybe the this time will be the one that sticks!

Now, there are a lot of other things we could dive into... on any of these topics! I will certainly cover more with lenses and aperture, along with product photography in the not to distant future.

I thought I would knock out some random ones on a Q and A format and see if you all liked it! So now it's your turn... let me know if I should make this a monthly / weekly post! Would you like to see it again? What questions would you ask!?

   

 

The Wedding Contract

Contracts can be scary... hopefully you have taken some time to get to know your photographer, and feel good about your decision to hire them for your wedding images. However, before you sign the deal and give any money you should read the contract and make sure you understand it fully.

If possible when you are interviewing your candidates, ask them for a copy of a contract that you can take with you. This will allow you to review everything at your convenience and with out pressure. Contracts should be as specific as possible on the photographers obligations, with everything clearly written out. This will protect both client (you) and the photographer from misunderstandings. There should be no verbal additions or promises made beyond the scope of the document.

A professional photographer will have some sort of contract for you to view. Be sure your contract has:

• Your wedding photographer, and their contact information imprinted on it.
• Be sure you receive a copy of the contract for your records!
• Due dates and amounts for all payments

In a solid wedding contract there are three main parts. Here are some things to look for and be sure your contract has. If your photographer doesn't include this information generally, you may consider asking them to do a longer contract for you so that it will all be written!

General Terms/ Information:
This portion should list all the details for your wedding.

• Date, location and time of your wedding
• Contact information for Bride and Groom
• Additional emergency contact for the day of the wedding
• What time and location the photographer is to report to
• The address of any and all venues the photographer will be required to be at. (church, park, reception area)
• Bridal Party and Family information, who the important people are
• Name and Cell number of the photographer
• Name(s) of assistant photographers or second shooters (at the least a count of how many people the photographer is bringing)
• Style of photography and important must have shots listed
• Subjects, events to be covered such as first dance, pre-wedding, formal images... etc
• Any additional requests or requirements from you, or your venues.

Coverage/Price:

• Length of coverage on wedding day
• Additional sessions included and details of packages or prints included from these
• What kind of equipment will be used / back up equipment available
• Film or Digital ( Is there a min/max number of images to be shot or delivered)
• Date proofs will be available (printed or digital view?)
• Number of proofs and complete package details 
• Delivery details of finished package (how, when you will receive them)
• Editing, Retouching, or other finishing details that are included or additional cost 
• Overtime or other additional fees listed
• Total price (itemized if possible) 
• Re-order policy and prices
• Meal plan. Are you required / or offering to plan a meal for the photographer?

Liability/Terms

• Copyright: who owns the finished images, can you print them yourself, will you receive a photo release in order to do so?
• Public usage of images (who owns what, can you post images to facebook or a blog, can your photographer? )
• Additional Photographer/ Photo services (most have exclusions, to insure they are the only "photographer" at your wedding. If you plan on having a photo booth from a separate company or service you will need to have an amendment added so that the photo booth or operator is not considered "another photographer"
• Limit of liability: this covers "what if"
•  Insurance coverage of damage to property for venue
  

Sample Limit of Liability: If Photographer cannot perform this Agreement in whole or in part due to a fire or other casualty, acts of God or nature or terror, or other cause beyond the control of the parties or due to Photographer's illness or injury, then Studio will return all fees to the Client(s) but shall have no further liability with respect to this Agreement. This limitation on liability shall also apply in the event that photographic materials are damaged in processing, lost through camera malfunction, lost in the mail, or otherwise lost or damaged without fault on the part of Photographer. Client(s) agree that an entire wedding cannot be replicated, reenacted or repeated for the purpose of a re shoot and limits Studio's liability to the amount paid under this contract.

A Limit of Liability is basically a disclosure of what the photographer, studio or company is going to do if something goes wrong. It should list everything from if the photographer, or promised assistants do not show up to camera failure or cancellation of the wedding itself and under what circumstances they will offer a refund, or reschedule, or offer replacement product.

In most cases the limit will be a reflection of any deposits or monies already collected at that point. If you haven't paid the full amount, the photographer wont refund more then what has been paid. That line about "clients agree that an entire wedding can not be replicated, reenacted or repeated" basically means if the photographer ruins your day, your images, or your memories... your not getting back more then your photography money... nor will a court require them to. 

This is where all your due diligence, checking references, and trusting your decision to hire a professional will come to play. At the end of the day, because of the limit of liability your trusting that professional with your memories. 

The Photographer Search pt.2

Now you know where to look... but other then price and style what should you be looking FOR in a photographer... Here is my list of things to look for or ask before meeting with the top candidates.

Most of these questions can be answered by viewing someones website. If you don't see the answer, or it's not clear, or up to your standards either move on to the next, or if it's not a deal breaker for you then ask for clarification or explanation on the phone prior to meeting. If your mind is at ease, and you like the style and price THEN put them on the short list of photographers to meet with! Remember, you want that list to be around 3. 

1. Stability. 

•  Look how long they have been doing weddings?
• How long they have been in business?
• Do they work Full Time as a photographer? 
• Do they have a studio location?

2. Price and Service.

• Are they in your budget?
• Does the portfolio fit your style? Can you imagine those images hanging on your walls?
•  What is included in the package?

This is where I am going to put in my 2 cents... many people will want the photographer to hand over a disk of images, maybe even unedited images because they have Photoshop experience. Don't fall into the trap of discounting a photographer because they wont offer you that. First, understand digital files (unwatermarked) are basically like negatives as far as copyright laws stand. A photographer makes money based on sales, its retail as much as it is a service industry. So first, if they hand you a disk they know they wont see you again. But more importantly, photographers have a certain pride in their work as artists... handing over a disk, especially an unedited disk would be akin to a painter drawing a paint by numbers - without giving you the number code and dumping paints in your lap. It's not a finished product, and they wont give you a price break for saving them the work.

Is this true of everyone, no. I in fact sell disks of my images. However, even the "unedited" images have been touched in some way. I don't give RAW images, ever. Every image of mine is "processed" through Photoshop, in what I call my "editing" process. That doesn't mean that I am whitening teeth, or fixing out of place hairs... it means I am choosing the "best of images" tossing the accidentals, and ones I knew were bad as soon as I took them... and doing what I do to provide you with the best images I can. I offer all my clients the right to purchase a disk with a photo release so you can print your own images, or use in shops and online if it is product or commercial images. I choose to do this not because I don't want to see you again, but in truth I don't like shipping prints nor do I have the time to hand deliver them anymore. Quiet frankly I find constantly pulling out images 3 months, or a year later to print 1 or 2 images a huge pain and super time consuming... so for me, it simply makes sense to offer a disk. In addition, I offer clients what most would classify as "editing" as a retouching service. This allows me to fix the teeth, hair, and do creative edits if you want me to spend extra time on that... at your request.  I can charge you per image, or for everything, but I charge extra for that work.

Because every photographer is different in this way, it is VERY important to clarify what they mean, and include when they say "editing". Just as it is when they say they give you a "disk" of images... does that mean you get a release to print and share also, are they watermarked... etc. I will cover more of this in the contract details.. dont miss that!

3. Registered business

• Are they registered as a business with the state? You can ask to see a business license, ask for the number, or go to your states official small business website and typically search there for the name. 
• Are they registered with PPA, WPPA, or other photography groups? This just goes towards how serious they are... are they respected by peers, well known in the community? Don't discount someone because they are not members, I know many great photographers who are not. But you may ask them why they are not.
• Do they have insurance? Not just on their gear, but what if they damage something at the location? When I was doing time as an assistant the photographer I was with took a large backdrop up an escalator for a commercial gig... and it punched a hole in the ceiling. oops. 

4. Equipment / Assistance

• What kind of  equipment do they own? ( I suggest looking for professional grade slr equipment multiple flashes, lenses... this would be someone serious about guaranteeing quality for your day)
• Do they have back up gear, what is that?
• Do they have an assistant, or a second shooter? ( the difference being an assistant, helps.. carries things, holds reflectors etc. A second shooter does additional photography when they are not helping the photographer and doubles your chances or gives two perspectives of events like the bouquet toss... one photographer could capture your face - the other the bridesmaids)
• Is the second shooter always the same? Many photographers don't have an official "go to second" but I think if you are going to have them shoot - you should be able to see THEIR work as well as the main photographer! (interview both if possible!)

5.  Turn around time.

• When do you get to see your proofs? 
• Are they printed or digital proofs
• If digital, do you have a private gallery online that you can share with friends and family?
• Are they posted to Facebook or a blog for public viewing? (personally I am not a fan of that... for privacy reasons)
• How long before you see the finished product?

This should give you solid information to make a short list of photographers. Keep in mind, while some of it should be very openly displayed on the website, if it's not.... ask! Don't call a studio or office and expect to be able to ask them all of this just on a random call, however. Photographers don't make money sitting around answering phones! Be respectful of their time, tell them your a bride or groom looking for additional information and you would like to ask them a slew of questions prior to possibly meeting, ask if they will schedule a phone meeting with you, or if they have 15-20 minutes to answer your questions now.  That respect will go a long way! Also, they may have an assistant or office manager answering phones... don't feel like you have to talk to the photographer only... its a good chance to get an inside look at the dynamics of the team. If they have time and the answers you need you might get more information from them!

Starting the Photographer Search

It really doesn't matter if your searching for a family photographer, commercial, or even wedding photographer there is a vast number to choose from and many different places to find them!

The Referral: First, look for a friend who has had a similar need, in our case someone who has gotten married in the past year or so. Ask, if they were happy with the service, quality, and if they could have changed anything what would that be? Look at their images.. they could be LOVELY but just not your "style". If you find a good referral but they are out of budget, or not really the style that your looking for, ask for a referral from THEM and let them know why. Photographers tend to know other photographers in different price ranges, styles, as well as others similar to them in case they are booked the day you need!

Also, ask other wedding vendors that you have already chosen... ask at the bridal salon, DJ, Cake maker... in many cases they will know or have cards on-hand even if they don't have first hand experience of the service.

Check the online ads: There are TONS of websites that list wedding services. Most the photographer has to pay to be a part of... but show sample portfolios and sometimes offer client reviews like SnapKnot , The Knot, Wedding Photography Select and One Wed.

I personally like The Wedding Wire you can not only review clients ratings and comments, but you can talk to other brides online in the forums! Super awesome for ideas and getting more information!

A great place to check also is PPA (Professional Photographers of America)  which lists a data base of its members. PPA offers education, certifications and hosts trade-shows for photographers. While not all awesome photographers are members, its a great place to look for a serious professional! Another great option is WPPI (Wedding Portrait Photographers International) being more specific you wont have commercial or landscape photographers clouding up the listings. Plus its a great start if your planning a destination wedding!

If your style lends towards photo-journalistic there is a site for that too! The Wedding Photojournalisic Association (WPJA) Links you directly to their members in your area. Founded in 2002 it is a "newb" in the world of Photo Associations, but they have some amazing inspirational images and solid reviews of their members! 

The Budget Finds: Many "good deals" can be found for someone starting out and working to build a portfolio... keep in mind you still want someone who will be professional with your guests, you wont find them at the bar, and trustworthy! You WANT to be able to find them after and get the images! You also want there to be quality images! Rather then trusting your images to little Bobby who has a camera and took photography in high school, check the local Art Institute, or Collage in your area with a Photography program. Go to the TEACHER and ask who they would recommend! Also, checking with local studio photographers who have / or have had interns, or might be going into that direction themselves is a really good bet! Please be careful tho, not every landscape photographer or portrait photographer can do an equally good job for you at your wedding!

Now... many people will suggest places like Craigslist - where you can place an ad or review ads... like classifieds. Since this is free for both... your basically opening yourself up to any number of scary situations, not just "have point and shoot and want to do weddings" but scammers, and other crazy people alike. There are too many other good places to search for me to ever recommend this... but if you do... make sure they have a website, client referrals and clients you can call to talk to, and ALWAYS meet in a public place, and NEVER meet anyone alone. (ok, mom rant over)


Google does a good job of finding photographers with websites or blogs in most areas, so you can do that as well just to get some names to look into! Before I go on to talk to you about the meeting, we are going to talk a little about research and questions to ask before you set a meeting. This will help you select your "top candidates" as well as not waste multiple photographers (and your) time by meeting with more then three.

I hope you keep coming back to check in as we continue our month of LOVE!

Friday and I'm in Love

I don't care if Monday's blue
Tuesday's gray and Wednesday too
Thursday I don't care about you
It's Friday, I'm in love

-The Cure

Since this month is all about love... I thought I would share a few things that I love! Enjoy!

Babies, crying, sleeping, smiling.... it doesn't really matter!

Yummy treats with my coffee... sweetsies.storenvy.com

Crazy Funky designs and fabrics

Lip Butter from Streeter & CO

Lilacs, lavender and all things French

and lets not lie... I LOVE all things NIKON and most things regarding photography!

Too smart.

Growing up I remember the Christmas that I realized Santa used the same wrapping paper as Mom and Dad... and had the same handwriting. It must have been around the second or third grade. The next year I was stealthy in my shopping picking up secret presents for everyone including myself, nothing big but little things and I wrapped them with paper I bought. We lived in a house in Alaska that we built, complete with wooden steps... I remember going up and down those steps and learning where to step so they wouldn't make noise... and I planned how to stay awake long after everyone else was asleep so that I could deliver my own Santa gifts to the family.

This act probably says a lot about my personality that I don't really want to analyse.



However, in trying to preserve the holiday for my child, I continue to purchase paper and hide it each year, donating the unused portion back to schools or other places. While Santa in our house typically doesn't wrap many gifts, he un-boxes things like barbies and sets them up, installing all the batteries when needed, and recycles the packaging ahead of time. This year the request was made for Santa to WRAP everything... *sigh* apparently Santa wasn't busy enough this year!

So this was the year in the rush I forgot to stick everything back in the closet one day, and my child saw it. The paper that is. I didn't say anything and just bundled up all the wrapping supplies and put them away. Hoping she wasn't paying attention. Only to have her ask that dreaded question Christmas morning... Mom... why did Santa use OUR paper?

Crap.

There are time when I wish my child wasn't so observant and smart.

I tried to explain that I knew Santa was extra busy and since he doesn't normally wrap all the gifts I had purchased extra paper for him to use... just in case. Turns out he used it! She looked at me with that "I know your lying to me... but I'm going to let you think I believe you look" and we left it at that. I am so sad that shes that much closer to figuring out the secret of holiday magic.

On the flip side, everything she sees and hears melts into her brain. I am extremely lucky to have such a smart child. She has extreme empathy towards animals and is learning some hard facts about life and how other people are not as lucky as we are. She requested that I find a animal rescue for people to donate money to instead of always giving her gifts a few days ago. I couldn't be more proud of my smart cookie!

A Sweet Giveaway

Our lovley sponsor and my client Kim at Sweetsie's is hosting a giveaway! I was super excited to offer a very timely product for her to giveaway and I wanted to be sure each of you saw that you had a chance to win a little something from me... and a VERY big something from her! Oh yea... and some other great prizes from many other wonderful ladies! So here is the info and the links!

Thanks again Kim for offering this great opportunity for a lucky viewer! 

 <<Kim's post>>
Hello Everyone!  I have reached 100 followers and I'm so blessed and so very excited!  I've gained a few more since then!  Thank you, thank you!

So in honor of gaining enough followers and out of appreciation I, and a few of my good bloggy friends, have put together a little Give-A-Way!

Please join us and may the luckiest person win!

One winner takes all!!!

First of all, I will be giving away a {Sweetsie}Sampler!  Wait, not just one, but two!  One for you and one delivered to your friend or just keep both for yourself!!

Who doesn't love those personalized holiday cards?  Well, this is one that will beat even the best of the best!  Verte Photography is offering a card design to match your personality!

Next is Ms. Holli from over at Holli's Hoots and Hollers!  Holli has this beautiful unique ornament by one of her favorite artists that she is offering up for this special give-a-way!

And last but certainly not least is Pamela from Pamela's Heavenly Treats!  She is including some wonderful Ad Space to show you off!

Now that you've seen these wonderful prizes, get goin' on entering this Little but Certainly not Skimpy Give-A-Way!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

5 days of Thankful: Day 1

So many people have committed to doing a full month on Facebook of things they are thankful for. It's really nice to see some real content, thoughtful and memorable posts... which we all know isn't the norm. I thought a nice way to follow up my 10 days of thoughtful photos (great holiday tips) would be 5 days of why I am thankful... very specifically  thankful for my business.

This week is so busy, for everyone.. I am sure. It always has been it always will be. School activities, extra cooking, cleaning, guests coming into town.. Today I am thankful that my business lets ME set the schedule. I can close the studio for a week, and life goes on. I no longer have to work nights and weekends to accommodate family portraits, unless I REALLY want to!

So universe thanks for letting me take time to shop while everyone else is at work, spend time at the "big feast" at school, and not have to stress over when I am going to get to go ice skating with the kiddo and enjoy the season! Thank you, Thank you!

Welcome Stalker!

If you caught my post about the new coffee swap I am participating in, you know I am trying hard to give my "stalker" some good information about who I am and what I like... other then coffee and photography, so they can find the "right" mug for me!

So I thought a get to know you post would be fun!

Most people don't know that I was terrified to fly for years. I self medicated in the bar prior to flights and wouldn't talk to flight attendants prior for fear that I would be so drunk they would keep me off the plane! As part of my "conquer my fears" year. Where I spent time looking into why and what I was afraid of in my life, I took a fear of flying class online. Then had a friend take me up in a little Cessna - whew.... if you have never heard the "Eric the Pilot" spoken word by Henry Rollins (yes the guy from Black Flag, and Rollins Band) you should in order to understand when I say... this plane is a JOKE... like the little "wind gods" have to give it a push to get it off the ground! But I survived! Plus, I felt like if I could do that - I could finally do something I have always wanted to do .... SKYDIVE! So up I went... luckily in a larger plane. With a great instructor named Tom, and jump we did!


<flight image, will update with image when I scan it>


While I don't think of myself as "adventurous" but I did love skydiving and would do it again. I would also rock climb, surf, scuba dive, snorkle... in fact I plan on taking swim lessons to get over my fear of water on my face in order to accomplish those.

I do love photography. It has been my steady income, and family for all of my adult life. I was told once you have it in your blood you never get rid of it. Must be the chemicals.

While I take nature photos to document trips.. I don't consider myself a nature photographer. I am studio trained, and prior have done countless weddings, portraits and pets. Currently I am focused on product images because I see so many poor images in shops and I JUST WANT TO HELP! Plus, they are easy for me to do when my schedule allows not when its convenient for my clients family to get together - which is typically weekends or evenings. I can still have time for my family, and enjoy our weekend outings and nights together ourselves! While I offer custom backgrounds, as well as clean or "staged" shots... this is an example of my product work... clean, simple... and letting the product be showcased.

Cell Phone Charm - Compliments of CraftyGalCreations.etsy.com

Other things about me... I LOVE to cook... I have ALL the gadgets. I am a FOODtv-aholic there isn't a Rachael Ray book, magazine or tv show that I don't have, or have seen.  I have been getting into a lot more "ethnic" styles and flavors lately. Exploring more curry's, and different spices. However, let me clarify I am in no way a baker... I am not a perfectionist and how to correctly use measuring cups and spoons eludes me, apparently.

As for my personal style... I love funk. Here is the sample of what I was thinking of doing my office chair in... hopefully I can still find it in the store. It represents me fairly well. Not overstated, not too busy, but with  funk qualities. 

Oh and don't forget the obvious hint about Verte (green in french) I LOVE green both the color and the concept. Recycled, reclaimed, re-purposed... all great ideas!

While I wrote this for my fun mug project, I hope all of you enjoyed learning some personal things about me!