It’s funny how stuff happens when you least expect it. My most recent engagement shoot was a prime example of this.

When my brother gave me an “Ohio University” license plate border as a gift… I proudly had my husband put in on the back of my car. I didn’t expect it to strike up conversation like it did but my client noticed it and said “OU Bobcats!....I went there!” I couldn’t believe it! I had just moved to Texas a month ago and the last thing I expected was to randomly meet a fellow Bobcater during an engagement shoot! Needless to say, it helped make the shoot more fun and comfortable for all of us!

Jeff & summer chose a random abandoned barn in the middle of nowhere for their session. I gotta admit—I was a little worried about having enough creative backdrops to work with. To my surprise, we found so many cool spots utilizing the barn, the field, surrounding fences and random props. Jeff & Summer also brought their own picnic basket and save the date sign…as well as their dog, Gibson. Great ideas!

Ultimately, I had so much fun during this session! I hope to be a part of their big day in August…. The love between them is inspiring and super cute... and they are very photogenic as well!

Until next time…. -Katie

As a photographer, we are constantly learning new techniques, poses, creative ways to please our clients, what works, what doesn’t, etc. but most importantly, we are always looking for some sort of inspiration. That spark! That foot in the door that leads us to something new, unexplored and creative.

While shooting my last homework assignment, an inspiration developed for both my client and myself! How often does that happen? During the shoot, I realized that my neighbor, Megan, has great potential! This trendy teen would switch poses in a way that just seemed natural. She had to have done this before! By taking direction on her own, Megan allowed me to focus my attention on creative composition and making sure my settings would result in just the right exposure. Of course, I don’t expect this from my clients but it sure was nice!

After seeing the pictures, Megan has since then submitted a few of her favorites to a local modeling company. She’s decided to not only give professional modeling a shot but also to break out her camera more often as well. Even further, her mom has decided to explore her old photography passion again too.

What a great feeling to be able to inspire someone else! To give them that little spark they needed just to get started—and pursue their dreams. But it’s funny how this inspiration has come full circle. Megan`s quick decision to send her pictures into a modeling company has inspired me to fully pursue my photography business. Why not? What’s the worst that could happen? If anything, I’m sure I’ll continue to gain more inspiration that will lead me to a greater unknown. Thanks Megan!

A few ways to gain INSPIRATION:

1) CALL UP YOUR FRIENDS & FAMILY: I’ve found that a lot of my inspiration comes from a simple conversation with my loved ones. Whether they suggest an idea or give me the courage and support I need, I usually take away some sort of inspiration that drives me.

2) LISTEN TO SOME MUSIC: One thing I depend on for inspiration is my love for music! My friends often joke about my obsession with “House” music and I`m sure they all think of me when they hear "Push me, so I can get my Satisfaction." But I do gain inspiration from other genres too! Really! For example, Frank Sinatra…. A legend... A crowd pleaser for all ages! I think his song “My Way” says it all for me!

3) SURROUND YOURSELF WITH GO-GETTERS: I make a point to get updates on my close friends/family as they pursue their dreams and achieve success both personally and professionally. Whether I follow them on facebook or just check in every once in awhile, I find myself inspired when I hear of my friend’s accomplishments.

4) PRAY: Listening to some Christian music or reaching out to the Lord in prayer and asking forgiveness and thanks has often inspired me to become a better person. I trust that he will continue to give me inspiration especially when I need it the most.

Best of luck as you go for your dreams! ~ Katie

Well…. Here we go! My first ever BLOG entry. I gotta say this is putting me way out of my comfort zone but I know it’s essential in jump-starting my photography career. So I’ll do my best to share my thoughts and opinions along this exciting journey. WISH ME LUCK!

In an attempt to gain some courage, I reached out to my fellow photographer friend, Erin Vancura, for some advice on blogging and the professional photography business in general. If you get a chance—check out her website too—www.erinvancurablog.com. You’ll be sure to laugh a few times. My favorites are her entries on Tucker, the goldendoodle… especially the one she posted after his “devastating” haircut. Classic!

So anyway, Erin encouraged me to make sure my logo was the perfect representation of ME. Wheww! At least I had that part down. It would be a simple picture of a flower that I snapped in my backyard. But not just any flower—a HIBISCUS. And also one of my very first purchases after making the big move to California. Something to remind me of home. They are my favorite! You see… I get that from my Dad. He loves gardening and nurturing his flowers… especially his hibiscus. Although I enjoy some aspects of taking care of the yard such as mowing the grass and watering the flowers, I can’t say I have his full passion for gardening. BUT when it comes to hibiscus… I would do anything to keep them alive and well!

I’m not sure what it is about hibiscus. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that they are low maintenance. Or maybe I love the feeling of anticipation as I await their first bloom and the many more that would follow. Perhaps this constant cycle of new beginnings, the fact that they come in various types and colors… or that they remind me of the Caribbean, where I got married to my wonderful husband, Jim. I always look forward to the spring when My dad and I exchange hibiscus without giving any indication of their color. It would usually take a week or two before they would bloom and reveal their colors. Yellow? Orange? Red? It’s always an exciting couple of weeks! I’m sure it’s a combination of it all that makes them so beautiful to me!

As I started my photography classes, we were given various homework assignments based on our lessons learned. After a couple of sessions, my husband decided he was sick of being my subject so I was forced to look elsewhere. Being new to the Sacramento area, I really didn’t have anyone to shoot yet so I started looking around the house for something interesting. And there it was— MY HIBISCUS. They didn’t talk back. They didn’t complain. They just sat there and posed! PERFECT. No offense to my wonderful hubby… but let’s just say it was much easier shooting the flowers!:) In this particular lesson, we were encouraged to shoot different angles of our subject. This was such a valuable lesson for me. I realized the importance of “thinking outside the box” and trying the “unthinkable” because sometimes the most bazaar shot can turn out to be the most unique way of capturing that moment. I found myself laying on my back, standing on top of our hot tub and even straddling and attempting to balance myself on top of the flower pot. Thanks to my gymnastics background, balancing came more naturally than my ability to flawlessly focus on the flower. Regardless, my creative wheels are now spinning and my eyes are now searching for the most extreme way to be creative through my photography. In a way this reminds me of a response I often like to give when people ask me “Why?” I tend to respond “Why not?” So I hope to take that approach into my photography sessions and ultimately obtain a creative edge on my competitors. With that said, I’ve attached a picture from my hibiscus photoshoot. Am I on the right track? I`ll let you be the judge! Remember, being an ex-gymnast... my goal is a Perfect 10! ;)