June 16, 2009

Madison & Preston

I always get nervous when photographing clients I have not previously met. My speciality is fretting.

I asked my friend Mandi, "what if they don't like my style?" "What if they think my locations are weird?" Relax and have fun.

And that is what it is all about. Having fun with your clients. Laughing, playing and getting the shot.

It was a pleasure to work with all of you. I had a great time.























Unique Children's Portraits

Robin does such a good job picking clothes for Kylee's portrait sessions. More on clothing coaching later.







Unique Summer Portraits

Before leaving for Michigan the workshop attendees received specific instructions on what we needed to know before meeting with Amy. We also had to have five images for review.

I wanted to practice. I wanted new, fresh pictures of kids.
Palmer, candidate #1. Mandi and I worked together on clothing choices. Clothing is very important! More on clothing coaching later.






Emma & Ellie

I had a blast photographing Emma & Ellie on the brightly painted tires.

Mom had sent a picture before the shoot of what the girls would be wearing. I purchased spray paint in coordinating colors and painted five tires. The tires worked perfectly.































June 15, 2009

House Design

Josh and I spent the first couple of years of married life debating property for a future home. I wanted a lot in town. Josh wanted acres in the country.

Mandi, one of my dear friends, is a real estate agent and owner of Smart Real Estate. She is my sounding board. However, I am pretty sure she grew tired of my flip flop nature when it comes to real estate. One day I would want to purchase a pre-existing home and the next hold out for the perfect lot. Or give in and purchase acres.

Last May while searching HAR I saw a lot for sale in town. I was so excited. I of course called Mandi and she reminded me how scarce lots are in Liberty and if I wanted it I needed to make an offer and fast. I went the very next day to walk the lot and talk to the owner. I made an offer above asking and thought it would be mine. Wrong! I thought buying land would be like buying a dress. The dress has a price. You check out for the price on the label and it is yours. Wrong! Long story short...we purchased the lot.

I have searched and searched for house plans. I have yet to fall in love with a plan. Next Thursday I have an appointment to meet with someone to draw a custom plan. The first phone call went something like this...
How big...2500 sq. feet
How many rooms...At least three
Brick....yes. I would like stucco.
How big for the living room....I do not know
How big for the master bedroom...I do not know
How big for the master bath...I do not know...But I do know that I want a large walk in closet!

Below are images I googled "cottage." Most images are from European Cottage Rentals. I was so happy to have the below images and I rush to show Josh and his reply..."can't we have a normal looking house?"


Love this house. Of course I would have a window above the door.
Love this house!





















This is a Jack Arnold House
Josh and I acutally had reservations to stay at the home below. In PA.