Arizona - Plants

If you have never been to the desert before, here is something that you should know.

Almost everything in the desert is harmful.

The hot sun.
The lack of water.
The venomous wildlife.
Even most plants have evolved to inflict pain.

Commercial Photography

I recently landed a job working as the director of photography for a marketing/printing company. When I was told there would be a lot of work immediately, I didn't take them very seriously.

About a week after things were finalized they sent me on a shoot down in LA and then put me in charge of a vending machine job that required photos for a brochure.

I guess I should listen to people when they say things :) I have been working constantly since I took on the projects.

Although stress has been higher, I am happy to be working. I am still able to be home with Sam which is the best thing I could ask for right now.

Its also very exciting to see my work being published. My images made it onto the cover of a magazine! So what if its not "National Geographic." Baby steps, my friends. Baby steps. :)

Gateway laptop. I am really happy with how this picture turned out. I had litterally 1 small light, a tripod and a white kitchen counter. Editing took me maybe 10 minutes. I am excited to say that I am not having to do a lot of after-shot processing.

The vending machine shoot was an experience in itself. These images are for a brochure to show companies what their machines have to offer. The hardest part was making foods like "Kraft Mac & Cheese" and "Dinty Moore Stew" look yummy. This was EASILY the hardest photo shoot I have ever been a part of.

Luckily during the "Cover" and "Epic" shot I had a little help. This image actually makes me cringe it was so difficult! (The hard part was impressing the "boss".)

Because of my work with the marketing firm, I have been able to branch out a bit with more commercial projects. I have done a few head shots for Doctors offices this week, and this one that is for an article about Jan Block (another boss of mine) who will be published in Encore magazine at the Paramount Theater.

I am loving this side of the business! It sure is busy, but I am getting to meet a lot of people and learn a TON. It feels good to be a professional again :)

Dont give up.

Sometimes I am really hard on myself. I look at the skills and talents I have and I compare them to other people and I find myself coveting their creativity. I shouldn't do it. But I do.

I start to wonder, "Am I good enough? Should I keep going at this?"

Then darn it, I get a complaint or two (luckily it has only happened twice) and it tips the scale. I start to really believe that I should just sell my camera, put away all my ideas, hang up the "closed" sign and give up.

Today was one of those days. I felt utterly miserable about my creative outlook and photography skills. Frustration really blankets all other emotions, doesn't it?

Just as I am about to collapse and call it quits I receive a few morsels of "thanks" and a bright "You are amazing!" from pleased and happy clients. It was all I needed. Then I took a look back at a few pictures that I am proud of and I remembered. I HAVE to do this. Its a gift given to me and I am not supposed to just "hide it under a bushel." I need to let my light shine for all to see. I am commanded to do so.

So, Ill keep on truckin'. Taking pictures of things that make me and others happy.

Mostly because, its what I do!

At the Fuller's

One of my absolute favorite places in Arizona is my Aunt Kathy's backyard. It is seriously one of the most beautiful places ever and I love to hang out there when I am in town.
Sam and I were excited to visit and I got to take family pictures for my cousin Steven and his family.
We had a blast. Sam was thrilled to have 3 big kids to wrestle with him. He couldn't get enough of them and luckily they thought he was pretty fun too.
We also had my Uncle John and his family come by and I got to take some pictures for them as well. (minus Chase who is serving his mission right now.)
My cousin Serena got married a year ago so I was able to finally meet her husband Brian.
Sam loved playing with all of the animal statues that my Grandmother (who lives next to Kathy) has decorating her yard. It was sweet to see Sam play with them since I can remember then from my childhood. The little deer in the picture is actually cracked from a time that my little brother sat on it when he was Sam's age.
 
As he should be, Sam was spoiled with attention, laughs, ice cream and cookies.

He even got to chase around Penny the dog.

What a fun time we had. I am so thankful for the family that I have, and I am reminded of that every time I get to spend time with them. Hopefully, we will get down to see them more.

Family Pictures

My friend Alycia and I traded family pictures this year. I was happy to get both the Bailey family and the Aprecio family together for a day of photos.

This is the spot where Matt took me on our first date 5 years ago.

So, there we are! Well, not really. Wanna know how we really behave?

Thats more like it! :)

Happy Halloween!