Inspiration and Passion...

There is something inside each of us that drives us to persue our dreams, visions and desires. I suppose some have not been able to follow their passions because of work, family or a hat full of other responsiblities and duties. I reached the point that I can't push it off any more over a year ago and I'm so glad I decided to follow my dreams!
I have a ways to go but I am closer to achieving my visions than I was two years ago and will continue to move forward. There is no better feeling than being behind the camera capturing and creating memories that will last generations. The satisfaction of knowing that there is purpose and enjoyment to each print.

If you enjoy music, play as if you are pouring out your soul for all to hear!
If dance is what your heart desires, move your feet, sway your body, allow your passion to flow through you for the world see and feel!

If adrenaline pulls you to your next adventure, jump in both feet!

I will be out there with my camera looking for the next moment to capture, to share your story, to imprint in time what pulls you to your destinations! The world is full of opportunities, we have but to act and make our own adventures and persue our passions. It may take some extra effort and time but it is so worth it!

Always accept a helping hand, a step up, advice anyone is willing to share with you and when the chance comes along, share what you learn with someone else to push them along!

Busy, Busy, Busy!!

Wow, what a week!
It started off with a Sunday afternoon shoot in Portland. I met up with a couple that will be getting married later this year and needed some engagement pictures. Since we lived in opposite directions we decided to meet in Portland. The Portland train station is a lovely brick building with a garden patio out front, the bus terminal next door and the Broadway bridge is just behind it. So much character in one place! Unfortunately due to the weather, we did not have much time but we were able to get some beautiful pictures before the inevitable rain appeared.
On Monday I learned some valuable information on website layout and the ever growing world of social media. Facebook, Myspace, twitter, blogs... there is so much out there it's mind blowing. Some wonderful tips and tricks to help get my business on the right track. If you would like some help in the Tualatin area, Daniel Payne is great person to talk to. A link to his business: http://www.tualatinweb.com/
Towards the middle of the week, I starting having problems with my prints, not a fun thing to deal with! Time to break down and get that monitor calibrator. The good news it worked, the bad news I need to review some photos to make sure the color balance is right. Gotta love the wonderful world of color management!
Come Thursday and it's back to the old grind stone... with the exception of getting off early to attend this month's PMPA meeting. That right there made my whole week! The information from the meeting and watching a print competition was outstanding. I am so excited to start working towards creating some photographs to enter next quarter. I know I have some work to do but I love that kind of work!
I also signed up for their workshop on March 31st, Craig Mitchelldyer Lighting Seminar up on Mt. Hood. This will definitely be an experience! I can't wait!!
Now I just have to make it a few more hours to finish out my work week and tomorrow the fun begins! So many ideas, so many things to do, some not so fun things (but necessary) to do and three days to get them going.

Photoshop fun...

I was playing around with photoshop the last few days, trying out some new techniques and ideas I've learned. They are pretty simple and most likely basic stuff to a PS pro but it fun none the less. I like simple, creative and natural portraits though I have to admit that PS can add a little something extra to an image. Here are two of the images I worked on and am happy with the results. I hope you like them too. :)