Brand New Engagement!

Sometimes its so hard for me to step out of my comfort zone. But, I am learning very quickly that you cannot grow, if you don't challenge yourself and try something new at least, every once in a while. With that being said, this girl below, is breaking my shell and having me reach new limits in photography. Its scary and wonderful at the same time. 

First, let me tell you how wonderful she is. I actually went to High School with Sandy, then shortly after I started doing photography as a business, she asked me to do family pictures for her Danny and her two children. THEN, she got me a couple jobs doing advertisements for a magazine company she worked for. (Once, I actually made the front cover!!) Now, she is recently engaged and getting married this August. Here is the cool part... 

Without any hesitation, she asked me to do her wedding pictures. I think she called me close to the same day, her fiancé asked her to marry him. She couldn't wait to book me and know if I could be her photographer. You have NO IDEA, how much that touched me! I mean me? Why me? I'm not that great!! There are so many wonderful photographers out there. I'm SO small time. Yet, she trusts me. She wanted me. I'm floored to say the least, that she one thinks so highly of me and two that she trusts me, with one of the most important days of there life. Sandy, you will never know how much I appreciate you and much of an impact you have made on me!

So, here is why I am being challenged. For the last 7 years, I've been taking pictures for people and families without actually being official. Close your ears...I've never had a business license. I know, I know...funny thing, is I actually thought I did have one, but it turns out I filed for the wrong business thing years ago, so I really never had one. But, I am filling for one now. AND Sandy's wedding venue is asking for me to carry a liability insurance policy on myself, so I am also getting insurance covered for my business. Lastly, I'm an outdoor, on location photographer with very little experience with flash and lighting BUT I have found a friend so willing to guide me and teach me lighting for her wedding venue. I'm a little nervous, however, I can see this all, as a good thing to learn and grow my business in photography. And its all because of Sandy. Sandy's trust in me and believing in me. 

YEAH, SHE'S AWESOME!

Styled Shoot hosted by Huntridge Park Productions

So last week as WPPI was in town, there were a lot of styled shoots happening around the Vegas area. I entered into a contest to do one of these styled shoots, not necessarily to win, but to share the event for a girl I had just met through a local photography group. I was trying to show some support and be kind, BUT I WON!  I truly didn't think I had a chance, but it must have just been, meant to be. Because, up until a couple weeks before this contest, I had NO IDEA what a styled shoot even was. That's sad and kind of lame. Considering, I've been taking pictures for over 7 years. Sometimes, I'm just so in my little bubble of doing my own thing, I forget to look up and reach out.   For those that may not know what a styled shoot is, like me...LOL! Its when a bunch of different vendors get together, such as hair/make-up, decorations, paper invitations, florist, models, etc to show off their skills and products they have and do collaboratively to put on a FABULOUS event. Then photographer get together to take photos of all these things and everyone gets used to market. Its a fabulous idea. 

It was an awesome experience to meet other photographers and vendors in the area too. I found everyone was super nice and helpful in learning during the process. I can also see myself doing more of these in the future. 

This photo shoot below, was Part ONE of the styled shoot. (We had two different styles that day. ) 

This one was a non-traditional wedding in downtown Las Vegas, on Fremont. The location was at The Atomic Bar. The Bride and groom go through a "traditional" wedding format here with vows, ring exchange and kiss. Plus, they even got Fruity Pebbles thrown in place of confetti and in their case it was a breakfast themed wedding, for treats and food during the "reception". Super fun and very creative. All the vendors will be listed below the photos.  Thanks again to everyone who helped make this happen! It was a wonderful experience!

Type	Name	Website
Florist	Miss Daisy	http://missdaisyflowers.com
Photographer/Host	Jamie Y Photography	http://www.jamiey.com/
Photographer/Host	Taylored Photo Memories	http://www.tayloredphotomemories.com/
Stylist/Event Planning/Vintage Rentals	Nostalgia Resources	www.nostalgiaresources.com
Paper	Paper & Home	http://www.paperandhome.com/
Cake	MadBatter?	http://madbatterusa.com/
Hair/Makeup	Makeup In The 702	http://www.lasvegaswedding-makeup.com/
Wedding Dress for Boho Bride	Liz Le	https://www.facebook.com/lizle310
Officiant	Peachy Keen Unions	http://www.peachykeenunions.com/
Venue	Atomic Liquors	http://www.atomic.vegas/
Models	Andrew & Chelsea
Models	Amanda & Peter
Sugar Cube Favors	aMessofGood Etsy Shop	https://www.etsy.com/shop/aMessofGood
Macrame pieces	Vi-Vero	Viverogreen.etsy.com
Lunch	Pinches Tacos	http://www.pinchestacos.com/

Severon turns 2

Little Fall Baby Scarlett is here. Hightower Family