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. 

I love Animals!

I am so excited to go and celebrate Love Your Pet day tomorrow at the Animal Rescue League in Bedford, NH.  I love working with animals.  They are always kind (so far...) and happy.  They always want to play.
I love just getting on the floor, or ground, and being with them, long enough they stop noticing me.

Tomorrow will be a taste of Pet Photography at the Animal Rescue League.  No charge mini sessions for your pet (and you if you would like!).  I have put together some great packages, too, to make sure you have some art for your home (and office) of your fuzzy family members.

I hope you will come by, there will be lots of other fun vendors, too.  Hope to see you there!
Learn more about the event here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=173555962680266

This Could Be Bad...

It could get bad...remembering Stuart from Mad TV.   Luckily, all the kids I work with are much cuter. :)

Some More Details on the HOT Photos...

Post your photos until 2/13 here: in this album.  The photo with the most appreciation will be the hottest summer photo and thus the winner!
So, get it done, go through those HHH memories and share your favorite at the above link.

Happy Hot memories to you.  Can't wait to see the times that made you sweat!

We Need Some Hot Sunshine!

It's time.  The snow banks in my yard are going to be around until June...they are so tall, we have to hire a front loader to come and remove them!
Thank you Mr. Groundhog for tempting us with the promise that Spring is coming.  But, it just doesn't seem likely today.  Today, snow day #?.
I love snow days.  But..I love summer even more.  I want to have a fun in the sun contest!
Here are the details:  post your favorite summer photo...it can be of people, flowers, whatever...just make sure we can tell it's summer.  We will all take a look and like our favorites.
The winner will receive a Beach Portrait Session this Summer at one of my beach days, dates to be determined and an 11x14.  (value of $225)
Go back and relive those summer memories and post your photos on my fb page at www.facebook.com/debbieellisphotos.

Please, give us all something to look forward to!