chasing a simple dream

I apologize in advance for how many photos there are but I am so excited to share them.

In my last post, I mentioned how excited I was to finally be able to shoot at the sign I've been gazing at longingly for years. Honestly, I am kicking myself for not doing it sooner. I sent out a text message randomly yesterday around noon, asking if anyone wanted to do a photo shoot. I got three ecstatic responses, several people lamenting having previous plans or obligations, and not a single no. My heart was skipping like a rock across a pond. My friends, who get shoved in front of my camera mercilessly, not only were willing to take part in my crazy half-planned idea but they wanted me to flush it out more and to plan more shoots. It's still hitting me now: this is my life.















The ring pop proposal was totally their idea. I didn't even know who was proposing to whom until I had my camera trained on the dry patch of sand.




While I was waiting for it to be time to head out (aka waiting for the golden hour), I posted a link on Facebook to the fabulous Boudoir Divas shoot that gave me the push I needed to just grab my friends and go shoot. While she was doing her makeup, Cassidy discussed the shoot with me and was teasing me about doing a shoot sort of like that. I feel that we did, albeit without a lot of the kick-ass styling. Next time, we will plan something out in advance and have an amazing time.










One of the funniest moments of the shoot was me trying to get Melinda into the pose I wanted. It was easier for me to hand off my camera to Andy so I could get into position and show them what I wanted... and then I got splashed by a wave and Andy took a shot and I look quite silly and wet and happy.



I 'planned' this shoot to be able to practice back-button focusing and fill flash (before I attempt to take my flash off-camera) but it certainly ended up being more of a workshop on communicating my ideas effectively and confidently. And it feels so amazing to be able to walk up to someone and say "hey, this is what we're doing and it's going to be amazing" and have them believe that it is because that's how I imagine it. This is pushing me one step closer to going pro.

this is why I do this

I posted a link to my previous post on Kat's Facebook page. This was her reply:

"I read this for the first time last night with Derek, and we had a bit of a cry-fest. You are one of the absolute sweetest, best friends I ever will have. You have no idea how much this post meant to me and Derek (and how much it will mean to Preston one day, as I intend to print it out and make it into some kind of book -- it might become the first chapter of his baby book that I am working on...) I feel so loved and so lucky to have such wonderful people in my life.

This is truly the best gift anyone has ever given me (other than Preston, although you did play a great role in making our little family be possible -- from moral and emotional support while I was preggers, to capturing special moments in photos before and after I gave birth, to providing us with baby supplies and the best baby blanket a little boy could ever have...) You have made such an impact in my life, Brenda... I've told you this before, but we are connected in such a profound way. I think soulmate, as you put it, describes it best......

I think your post really reminded Derek and I of how much we mean to each other and how much you mean to our family, as well as how much you are a part of it. I definitely would love it if you could email me the originals of these photos (and the rest) so that I can treasure your phenomenal artistry forever."


Since Kat not only said such wonderful things but reposted the link on her page, you get to see one more photo of her and her boy.