With this ring...

I love weddings.  Planning my wedding was so fun...even if it was 3,000 miles away!  The internet was relatively new ten years ago and I have a blast getting all the details set.

It's not surprising to me that my Photographic journey is pointing me in this direction.  I am looking forward to opportunities to capture the most of memorable days for people.

Lots of hours have been invested and more are soon to come!  I am not one of those, "hey I got a new camera let me be a photographer" peeps.  I have been studying for a couple years now and learning all I can through numerous resources.  In two weeks, I will be heading to Cape Cod for a week of intensive training with NEIPP.  This is going to be amazing!  Five days with two amazing teachers.

I love learning and look forward to applying all I learn to create what you dream of!

If you know of any brides to be in need of a Photographer, please share my information with them.  My first few will be getting special pricing.  I am available to all of the New England states.

Inspired.

Yesterday, I drove two hours to Connecticut to see Jasmine Star.  Since I began studying Photography, I have been reading about her and following her blog.  What an inspiration to listen to her story and meet her in person.

She hasn't been at her Photography career long (2006!), but has made a splash.  She had a couple of lucky breaks and encounters, but she has done so very well for herself and now is an A list Wedding Photographer.

Her focus is on doing good and helping others.  I agree with this wholeheartedly.  You get what you give.  And, that the tortoise does always win.  Little by little, I will get there!  Every day I am closer to my goals.  Whether it's advancing a rank in tennis or a certain earning level, with hard work and focus, I am on my way.  And, I will continue to give back along the way how ever I can!  

Work Hard, Play Hard

This has always been my philosophy.  Funny how my play is mirroring my work.

After 22 years, I picked up a tennis racquet again last summer. I wasn't sure how it would go, because, I wasn't even so fabulous the last time I played (in high school).  I took lessons, practiced and set a goal for myself...to achieve a certain level by the end of the summer.  I did it!  And then, got crazier and joined a team for winter play.  I kept practicing and taking lessons and hey, I was getting better.  The Captain asked me to play first doubles.  Wow, really?

First match, we win!  Second, we were slaughtered.  It was painful.  I wanted to cry.  (There were tears during one practice game, actually)  Who did I think I was thinking I could play tennis?  I was never the athletic type.  I should just go back to crafting and be done with it.  Nope.  Kept practicing and playing and realigned my thinking.  Played again in a match yesterday and we won.  Played at practice today, and didn't do very well.  Must keep practicing and learning to move forward!  It's a lifetime sport, right?

Anyhow, I share this story because it has hit me recently Tennis is like Photography.  I have studied and practiced and taken a zillion lessons (seminars, classes, etc).  Some days I feel like the best Photographer on the planet (well, not really, just making a point) and the next day, I am frustrated.  But, I know this is my path and I continue on learning, practicing and realigning my goals.

Professional Photographers aren't born when they are handed a nice camera.  They grow from the time invested in the craft and in learning...and the learning never stops.

Life can be like a roller coaster or like a merry go round.  I have always chosen the roller coaster.  It's a wild ride, but worth at the end when you get off and are so exhilarated, you can't wait to get on again!

Are you a roller coaster lifer or a merry go round?

Life, here it is, catch it! :)  He may only get snow, but he's going for it.  There just might be a treat in it.