30 Day Project Challenge | Day 2

Pieces of Me | Day 2

Tea Time Tuesdays

I'm realizing that many times we make things more complicated in life then they really are. We avoid things or hold tight to others because of fear. Fear of making the wrong decision, fear of the unknown, or fear of trying something new. Life is hard as it is, so why not just go for it. If you really want something in life, then you have to be willing to work hard for it. Don't let fear get in the way of your dreams.

Our Deepest Fear 

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant,
gorgeous, handsome, talented and fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.

Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking
so that other people won't feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine, as children do.

We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us.
It is not just in some; it is in everyone.

And, as we let our own light shine, we consciously give
other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our fear,
our presence automatically liberates others.

Marianne Williamson 

Pieces of Me | 30 Day Journal Project

It feels as if I have 101 projects on my plate. And I've noticed that there all for other people. It seems that my projects always get put on the shelf. I don't have any ME time. So one of my great photographer friends, Hi VAL :) decided to do this great idea/project. We will both be doing it for the month of November. It's a 30 day documentary on our lives through pictures. It will work as my personal project and as I go through this journey I'll be sure to share some of the pages so that you can follow along with me as well as give you a little more insight about me. At the end of the thirty days, Valerie and I will make the photo pages into a mini book. I am really bad with printing my own pictures be it family and friends, then I wonder why everyone is upset with since they haven't seen pictures that I've taken of them years ago. LOL. So this is a great way to start shooting and printing. You can check out my girl Valerie's website and blog. I am very blessed to have her in my life (although we have never met in person) our five years of online friendship has proved to be a great one. We motivate and support each others businesses. She's a great photographer and friend. Love you girl!!

Here is my first entry.

Essynce Meets The Country : Alyssa : Sneak Peek | Senior Portraits

Another Senior! I was asked to photograph Alyssa at The Nature Center. I like to Google my locations before hand when a client chooses it especially if I am unfamiliar with it. I immediately knew that this was going to be a great session. The location was well chosen and it really fit Alyssa's personality. Anytime I shoot a senior, they usually seem shy during the first outfit, but by the last outfit they become so comfortable being in front of the camera that I am able to really capture who they are. Alyssa definitely demonstrated that when she took the initiative of coming up with her own poses. I was so impressed that she wasn't afraid to try something outside her comfort zone.

Emmanuella | Birthday Shoot!

This is my second time shooting Emmanuella. The first time I shot her was during a fitness studio session to promote her business as a pilates instructor. But this time it was her birthday shoot! I love doing personal shoots because the subject gets to dress up and do anything they want. I was excited since Emmanuella had a theme in and mind as well as great outfits. I want to thank my friend Chantal for helping me with lighting and posing. I think the three of us worked very well to put together on this shoot.  So without further ado here they are! click here to view the previous session.

Brandis | Sneak Peek: Senior Portraits

Another great shoot! And another beautiful senior. I am guessing that Chattanooga Christian High is full of beautiful athletic young women on their basketball team. Brandis' eyes and modelesque features just drew me in. I had a great time shooting her. Go Lady Chargers!!

Tea Time Tuesdays: Location, location, location

Let me get my sleepy time tea and I will be right back...

Ok, I'm back. I know its late and Tuesday soon will become Wednesday, but I guess I work best at night.  I've noticed since I've been here in Tennessee, besides the obvious that I'm in the south now, is the difference  in locations. Being upstate I was surrounded by lots of buildings, abandoned houses, alley ways, graffiti walls and trains, etc. But not here. The scenery is so different. It's a lot prettier, that may not be the exact word I'm looking for. Its not as grungy which is what I'm used to. There's a lot more nature filled settings and I like that.  I've been shooting in environments that are not the norm for me but I've been making it work. I love the challenge of something new and I look forward to discovering more locations and places to shoot.

G'nite and Be Blessed