Happy First Year!

When I first started thinking/dreaming of photography, I would think about what I DID NOT like about Picture People, Penneys, Sears experiences. I had 4 kids ranging in ages from 12-5. I realized that my oldest had all the pictures, but my youngest had none. Sound familiar? As you have more children, life gets busier, and it is so much harder to coordinate pictures.
I also knew that my kids would have moments of meltdowns and fussiness. To me, that was just something to avoid. When we would attempt pictures, we would often get a photographer that was 12 and unhappy in her position. Okay, so I exaggerate. However, the unhappy part is true.
I would wait for my appointment and then have to hope that my kids would cooperate. There was only a short time period that the photographer would work with us. Then they made you either choose within 5 minutes or wait around for hours to get your photos developed. By the time everything was done, I was exhausted. I guess that is why I ended up with such few pictures of my younger 2.
Then I thought---maybe I could take their picture. I always enjoyed photography and I could certainly teach myself the ins/outs.
With the help of a friend who loaned me my first DSLR and some Scott Kelby books (thanks Ben!), I was on my way. Then I was asked to teach a photography class. Since I did have media/production experience and loved cameras, I went for it. You know if you teach a class, you learn along with your students. Probably why I love homeschooling. After teaching and learning the class, I had some awesome friends who asked me to take their pictures (thanks Jenn!). I had a fantastic friend who loaned me her lighting equipment (thanks Kat!)I learned more, took pictures, read, studied, took more pictures, and then BAM! Here I am. A year later, and loving every moment of my photography biz.
The fun part is that I am still learning. There is nothing better than learning through application. So my goal is to "just keep shooting."  I love being creative and working with kids and families. Nothing compares to a brand new baby! And I am okay with taking my time.
To wrap up this first year journey of photography, I thought I would post one of my favorite photography subjects--Mikayla. I was at Mikayla's birth and I have photographed her throughout this entire year. She will be 1 this month and I am excited to photograph her 1st Birthday celebration. I have a few others just like her that I have photographed during their first year of life. Stay tuned as they are about to celebrate after Mikayla.
My goal is to be the photographer that makes you "WANT" to get your pictures/kids pictures taken. Not because you have to. But because you know that life is passing by so quickly and you want to remember each moment!

Check out our 2011 session options and schedule your appointment today. We have some exciting specials! http://mariposapix.zenfolio.com/about.html