I just wanted to let everyone know that my website is temporarily down. I’m doing some re-vamping and using some new programs (that have a steep learning curve). I don’t do well when I don’t understand something, so I’m working in it.
In the meantime, here is a funny photo of my dogs. They like to snuggle up really close on this tiny little bed. Always makes me laugh. I had to hurry to sneak this photo before they moved so it is not exposed well.
Here is the Flickr photo of the week. I forgot to do it last week, but I was busy!
The search term I used was “Sunshine”. I picked this because I’m so anxious for some warm sunshine.
User: giagia
That bump, that bump, that lovely lady bump.
Okay sometimes I really crack myself up. haha.
The bump I am referring to is that baby bump. I’m doing discounted Maternity only sessions for the month of April and May.
Details:
Urban Maternity Mini Session
Cost $100.00
Includes a mini session for the mom-to-be, up to 45 minutes.
A photo gallery with at least 25-50 photos to choose from.
$25.00 print credit and the option to purchase the full CD of prints for $50.00!
Session will take place in downtown Boise in the Linen District.
Contact me as soon as possible, as April is almost completely full and May is filling up fast.
On Monday and Wednesday nights, I have to commute to Nampa and take classes through Boise State University at Columbia High School. Boise State sold their official building to the College of Western Idaho and moved all their Nampa classes to Columbia.
On those nights, I try to grab food before class so I’m not completely starving and distracted by my hunger. I’m a little bit of a food snob, so I refuse to eat fast food if I can really get away with it. I’m driving down Garrity Blvd looking for something, and there literally is nothing else.
Then I spot this sign:
So I pulled in really fast and decide to try something new. It is really tucked back there, so I wondered how much business he could really get in such a secluded spot.
I walked in to a very empty room. Straight ahead, there was a tall and skinny man sitting behind the counter eagerly waiting for me to come up to the counter. I felt like I couldn’t turn back. So I walked up to the counter and told him I had never been there before.
He proceeded to show me the menu. There are hot subs, cold subs, sandwiches, pitas and salads. Another food snob tendency that I have is bread. I refuse to eat white bread. I asked him if he had wheat bread and he said all they had was white. I got the point, he is a very simple kind of guy.
I ordered a wrap and it came with a choice of chips, potato salad or antipasto salad. I chose the antipasto salad.
I sat there as he hand mad everything. He even had made the antipasto salad, I watched him mixing away in a small bowl adding the amount of italian dressing, vegetables and spices that he seemed fit. I figured out that he was Greek. After I saw his business license on the wall with his name on it, I really knew he was Greek.
After thinking for a moment, I jumped up and looked at the menu again to see what came on the wrap. Immediately I noticed the word MUSTARD. I asked him if he hadn’t gotten too far if he could skip the mustard. He looked up and I knew that he had already put mustard on the wrap.
I told him that it was okay and that I would eat it anyway, but he insisted on making me a new wrap. I felt bad because it seemed like this guy might barely be making ends meet considering how small and empty this, if you could even call it a restaurant, was.
Overall, I enjoyed his kindness and encourage everyone to experience and support this very small business owner. If you’re picky, this place is not for you as the food is not anything but ordinary. The thing that really grabbed me was how a business so small could still be in business. The man was extremely kind and I plan on bringing Matt with me to try the place.
I tried to sneak photos of the restaurant on my cell phone without seeming weird, but it didn’t happen.
Anyway, I felt the need to share my experience with you, though I cannot explain how it really was. You’ll just have to go and eat there for yourself. Support small business!
I have made some changes to a few of my photo packages.
I used to have a theory that people only wanted a CD of photos. Lately I’ve been having clients ask for a print option.
So…. I’ve added some print options to my single session photo packages, and family packages.
MELISSA ENRICO!
Congratulations. I have sent you an email letting you know you’ve won. If you don’t get it let me know.
For everyone else, I’m offering 15% off any photo package (excluding wedding packages). This offer is exclusive only to the people who entered the contest. Contact me if you would like to set up a session. April is almost full.
If it wasn’t for Random.Org, I would have never been able to choose a winner. Just to show you that the contest was not rigged. Here is how I set up the contest.
First I assigned each commenter a number.
1. Amie Vanek
2. Jen Harris
3. Nicole Adams
4. Megan Astorqia
5. Kortnie Bodkin
6. Brook Woodburn
7. Cody Heller
8. Amelia Mendoza
9. Rachael Scott
10. Julie Verkerk
11. Becky Guyette
12. Rachel Bramhall
13. Chantel Orcutt
14. Lindsay Frazee
15. Melissa Enrico
16. Kasara Dodge
17. Brandie Campbell
18. Abbey Montoya
19. Jenny Mattravers
20. Kamie Moore
21. Maegan M
22. Angela Sherman
23. Drew Martinez
24. Marc Orcutt
25. Amy Corona
26. Julie Jones
27. Ashely Evans
28. Erin Morrison
29. Jessica Showalter
30. Samantha Williams
31. Gidget McD
32. Jen Johnson
Then, I went to Random.Org, typed in my number range and they choose for me.
Congrats again to Melissa, stay tuned for more fun contests.
Again, not very photography oriented, but I like to mix it up. I’ve been talking to a few people and so I am finally posting my workout mix. Mind you, this is a workout mix coming from a female. This means, that it might not be for everyone.
A little background before you judge me 
. I have a very eclectic music style. I really like everything. BUT, I’ve never been a huge fan of hip hop, EXCEPT for my workout mix. This isn’t my full list, this is just what I have for right now. It always changes because you can’t workout everyday with the same songs. With that, I can proceed to tell you my songs.
I’ve decided to break them down by my activities and workout routine. I’ve also decided to censor the songs that might have inappropriate titles in order to salvage my reputation. I’ve put links to the songs that I could easily find on Playlist.com. Others you will have to find yourself.
Warm Up Songs
1. Taxi Radio -Michael Franti
2. Ecstasy – Rusted Root
3. The Rock Show – Blink 182
Running Songs (not in any particular order, but ones that I like to run to)
1. Drum Trip – Rusted Root
2. When I Grow Up – Pussycat Dolls (thanks to my mom)
3. I Like to Move It – Reel 2 Real
4. Rock Star – N.E.R.D
5. S******** in Y*** M**** – Nickleback
6. Crazy B**** - Buck Cherry
7. Burn It to the Ground – Nickleback
8. Face Down – Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
Almost Cool Down (when you’re done with a hard run but are still walking to cool down)
1. Bad Influence – Pink
2. Thrash Unreal – Against Me
Lifting or Abs (or anything not cardio)
1. We Run This - Missy Elliot
2. Pump It - Black Eyed Peas
3. Womanizer – Britney Spears
4. Single Ladies – Beyonce
5. Fighter – Christina Aguilera
My cooldown songs completely vary on the mood that I’m in. I didn’t even put anything on my playlist specifically for this.
Today was my first outdoor shoot with the new camera. I’m so excited with the new things I can do. My other camera did a great job, but not the quality I was really looking for. Here are some of my favorites from today’s shoot.
Her pink boots were the cutest!
This girl would show us the funniest laugh, and make this face.
Mamma
Auntie
Jade wearing my sunglasses (if you look close enough, you can see me in the reflection).
I got my new camera on Thursday and I’m so anxious to use it. I have a session today that I will get to experiement with today. In the meantime I’ve been experimenting in low-light and with my flash (because that’s always been my weak point). Here are some fun ones.
No flash, under the kitchen light.
Flash.
Flash
Flash and piggy in her normal state
Flash in the hallway.
Funny shot.
He always makes this funny face. I was excited to capture it.
Today I found some great advice to help people choose a wedding photographer. If you’re not in the industry, or do not know someone, it can be a hard decision. I recommend going through this process with at least 3 photographers.
1. Referrals
This is probably the #1 best way to find a photographer. You can do your homework easily by taking a look at photos they have taken for someone else. You get first-hand knowledge.
2. Visit the Photographer’s Website
These days, every photographer should have a website. If they don’t, I wouldn’t consider them. This may seem harsh but the fact that they do not have a website would make me feel like they are not up with today’s trends. Their website will give you insight as to the style and quality that they provide. You can easily judge a photographer by their website. Is it organized and clean or is it cluttered and messy?
3. Call for Availability (ie: phone interview)
By making this call, you are able to first see if the date is available, but you can also get to know the photographer’s personality. Are they fun and charismatic or are they awkward and dull? You can’t always judge with this method, but you can get a small idea. You can ask some questions about their work, but most of the questions should be answered at the appointment.
4. Schedule an Appointment
Everyone who is making monetary contributions should be at this meeting. Ask the photographer to bring some work. These days, everything is digtal. Ask them to bring in a slideshow or some other photos besides what is on their website. Generally the website will have the best work on it, so you want to see some of the “not best” work.
5. Ask Questions!!
Wedding photography is not cheap. These are photos you have to live with your whole life. You only get married once. Make sure you ask all the right questions.
Here are some suggestions:
How will you show me pictures for selection (e.g., electronic, proofs, contact sheets, online gallery, etc.)?
Will you help me choose the final pictures?
How will you make it easy for friends and family to order reprints?
What are the costs of the various levels of coverage?
Are there different degrees of coverage?
What is your photography style?
How much for the duplicate prints, albums, folios, enlargements, thank you cards, etc.,?
What’s your time frame for preparing the pictures for my selection?
How about engagement session?
How long do I have to make up my mind as to which pictures I want and how many?
How long have you been in business?
What kind of guarantee comes with my hiring you?
What’s your philosophy to photographing weddings?
Will you have an assistant?
Do you have travel fees?
How much is your overtime fee?
What do you plan to do at my wedding to make my wedding photographs unique and personal to me?
Do you have a backup?
Will you be shooting my pictures personally?
Who will I be dealing with after the wedding?
What’s your payment policy?
Do you give any guarantees on your services and photographs?
Here are some tips to help YOU prepare for the meeting with your photographer:
1. Focus on the relationship first, not the money
2. Know your budget to avoid sticker shock.
3. All-inclusive packages can save you money.
4. Be honest if you can’t afford the price: If the photographer’s price is still too high, lay out your budget for them and ask how they can help. Most photographers are flexible, especially if they click with you or think your wedding might be something special. Finally, if you can’t afford the photographer and there isn’t any chance to make it work, ask for a referral. Odds are good they know a photographer with a similar approach that you can afford. It may be the other photographer is not as established, but if you have good rapport and their pictures are good, this may be the right choice for you. (Taken directly from http://rising.blackstar.com)
Sources:
http://rising.blackstar.com/how-to-finding-the-perfect-wedding-photographer-meetings-and-negotiations.html
http://www.iqphoto.com/choosing.htm