I'm a Pro Photog!

Hee hee... did I push any buttons right there?  Are you twitching a little bit?

I have some amazing relationships with some equally amazing photographers here in San Diego.  We often lament the creation of "photography businesses" by Joe/Jane with a Camera - folks who think that they can buy a decent camera and become wedding photographers.  I've discovered that if I'm in the mood to bug my favorite photographers I can tell them that I'm also a pro-photog because not only do I have my very own camera, but it's pink!  And I'll shoot the entire wedding for $200.  Um... not so much.

Here's the reality.  I was handed a Nikon D700 to "play" with by Nick Lamb.  These first three shots had no flash.  And the first two I was really dumb and tried to take a picture with the light behind my subject.  Not so smart.

So then I thought, okay, lets put the light behind ME instead.  Turns out I have a lot of really bad lighting in my house so I still end up with a lousy picture (not because of Nicky... because of the lighting and, oh yeah, I'm a terrible photographer)!

Then Nicky gave me the flash, a longer lens and some actual directions (like the focus button or something?) and I got one great shot.  At least I think its great.  I'm sure for you pro's out there its nothing special but it makes me excited that I got at least one decent shot!

Check out this handsome devil!  The background is blurry (er... out of focus? what's the technical term here?) and everything - almost like I know that I'm doing.  Except not so much 'cuz the camera was really heavy, I was really nervous and I just happened to click the button at the right moment.

Thanks to stopping by to see how good a photographer I'm not (and apparently how bad I am at grammar)!  Just so you all know: I have a huge amount of respect for all of my photographer friends.  I love photos, I love having my photo taken, but I know I'll never be a pro photog.  A good camera doesn't equal good skill.  Skills = good skills.

Alright, my rant is over.  Peace out!

Oh, and Nick said I had to include these words which really mean nothing to me but since he sent the photos to me from his camera he doesn't want to take credit for the bad images.  I don't blame him!

"SHOTS TAKEN IN RAW only editing was RESAVING files as JPGS. ALL SHOTS IN CAMERA. "

Okay now, really, peace out!

I'm exhausted!

No, not really, actually. 

Yesterday I had planned (and even Facebooked, much to my embarassment) to go for a hike with the hubband, my pooch, my girl Gemma and her hubby, Josh.  We got up. We got dressed.  We picked them up.  We grabbed coffee and a bagel - you know, a nice light meal before a hike - and then it all went down hill.  It was cold!

Okay, I understand that cold is relative.  My friends and family back home are shaking their head and rolling their eyes at my new idea of "cold".  To me (now, that I live in sunny SoCal) cold is anything that requires more than a long sleeved t-shirt.  Am I a wimp?  Probably but I like it this way so :P

We endured the cold winds and eventual rain for about 20 minutes while we ate our bagels.  We clibmed an ardurous incline of 6" (there was a curb on the way to the deli) and an exhausitng 60 yards to and from the vehicle.  We were whipped so we took a few hours to rest and watch Land of the Lost.

All in all a successful day.  I won't even speak of the horrors that Superbowl XLIV wrought on my book wracked body! 

Peace out!

I love... Monster Trucks

Over the past couple of days, due in large to some inspiration from some of the amazing Wedding vendors I work with, I've been taking stock of who I am, what I love, what I represent, and what I believe.  Some pretty deep thoughts have come from it and I'm attacking 2010 with a new zeal... albeit a month later than I would have liked.

With that said, I'd like to share another "Love" with you.  Monster Trucks.  Oh yeah, you read me... Monster. Trucks.  Loud. Smelly. Crazy, flippy, rough and tumble, make your boots shake and your stomach quiver Monster Trucks. 

For those of you doubters our there who think it's a 'hick' pass time, or for gun-toting rednecks... well, you're kind of right!  And I guess I'm one of them at heart!  There are plenty of jacked up trucks with lift kits and gun racks in the parking lot, accompanied by the almost mandatory pile of Pilsner beer cans and cigarette butts.  You'll see the odd "gentleman" (I use the term very loosely here) relieving himself of all of his imbibed liquids behind his big ol' truck when he thinks no one is watching, and perhaps a Camo jacket or two (thousand), BUT! Don't knock it 'til you try it.  Think of it as a mini-Halloween.  Pull out your nastiest, ripped jeans (not the ones that are in style this year, the ones that you paint and mow the lawn in), your multi-pocket vests and your Dad's old trucker hats and head on down to the Monster Jam.  Seriously.  If you don't have a good time I'll eat my words but I LOVE 'EM!

Take a gander at these here pictures and tell me you're not just a little bit interested...

It keeps this crazy Canuck family happy!  I hope to see you there next January with your mitts, toques (that's Canadian for "beanie") and your open minds at Qualcomm Stadium to see whether Monster Mutt can finally beat Grave Digger (though the odds are pretty slim...)

Oh, and don't forget your earplugs!

 

I love... new shoes!

So I think its come to light that I'm a bit of a geek.  For example, I recently met with a photographer, Kevin Mudd of Cool Cake Photography, who found out that I'm a fan of Monster Trucks.  Yep, my geek was showing that day.  Here's my disclaimer: I tell my Wedding associates that they enter my personal blog "at their own risk".  I'm not responsible for what they learn about me from this page.  My Wedding Blog is professional and "safe".  My personal blog... not so much.

So here's today's geek moment: my new shoes.  You may have seen my fabulous boots on my headshots profile with La Vida Creations Photography on their blog.  But here are my newest additions to my family:

My question to you is: what are they?  Pumps? Heels? Stiletto's?  I don't know the official definition and my girlfriend Gemma and I are at odds.  What's your opinion?

Another disclaimer: I'm not a photographer!  Just enjoy the shoes for what they are and ignore the poor photography skills!