VIDA

So this past week something completely unexpected happened.

I received an email from VIDA. 

 "...VIDA's story is that of the rich, interconnected world we live in -- the story of contemporary life and mindful, global citizenship. We are a global partnership of co-creators, from a designer in Paris, to a producer in Karachi, and a consumer in San Francisco."

 

Simply put, VIDA invites artists from all over the world, to become designers and design completely original scarves and tops inspired from the artists' very own artwork.

Any form of art, from painting, to drawing to photography. Anything that can be digitally transferred, can be used to design these high-quality products. 

They invited me to become a designer, and design my own scarves and tops created from my very own artwork...my photography! 

To be honest, I was hesitant at first. 

So I looked into it. And it's legit! 

I began playing around, and started creating some products with my photos. 

And it was a ton of fun! 

It has taken my visions to a different level, that I would never have thought of myself!

And the best part about VIDA, is that they use part of their proceeds from the sales of the products, to create literacy programs for the makers. 

With these programs, the makers have opportunities to learn basic reading, writing and math skills, that they would otherwise not have access to. 

 

So by purchasing from my VIDA Collection, you not only support my art, but you are also helping makers across the world! 

How incredibly cool is that?! 

Here are a few examples of what I have created so far:

 

 

 I am THRILLED to share my collection with all of you!

Check it out HERE, and enjoy these coupon codes!

 Until the end of the month, there is a Fashion Portfolio Event.

Use the codes below at checkout to save:

$15 off $75 {with code Fashion15}

$150 off $450 {with code Fashion150}

 

Thank you for supporting my art, and the makers all over the world!

And thank you VIDA for introducing me to your incredible company, and it's amazing new platform for artists everywhere! 

 

Getting Reacquainted

 I am taking the time to really sit down and get to know my Canon.

It's been a long time, my friend!

Today I am sitting down and actually playing with the settings, and checking out all of the functions that this amazing piece of machinery has to offer! 

I am ashamed to say that I do not know my camera as much as I should.

And for as much as I talk about picking it back up again and shooting like crazy, I have not taken the time to do so. Why? Because I keep making up excuses, that's why! 

I have been having trouble finding inspiration lately, and I believe that that is a huge part of it. 

So today I am making the time to find inspiration!

Going back to the beginning, and remembering what it is that I love about photography!

For me, the details are everything: what someone's eye might miss, is what I try to find. 

What one might think is mundane or inadequate, I find appealing. 

The everyday happenings and objects that I am surrounded by, or the way the light hits a subject, the emotion that you get when you look at a photograph, the way it makes you feel...that's where it's at! Well, at least for me...

Here's to hoping that I find the Inspiration I want...the Inspiration I need! 

I'm Back on Etsy!

I took an Etsy hiatus while I was pregnant, and then for the first year of my {second} daughters life. But now, I'm back at it! But in a different way...

Instead of offering prints that I would have ordered for you and shipped, I am offering a less expensive, more convenient way to purchase 'prints'. I have jumped onto the JPEG file bandwagon! For a very reasonable, low cost of only $5 per file, you can instantly download the file from my Etsy shop after your payment has been received. This way you can print them through whomever you choose. Whether it be at home, or through a third party print company. {Although, as I state in my shop policies, I highly suggest you use Mpix.com. They have the best quality, at very affordable prices!}

I am pretty excited about this!
I recently had someone purchase a print and frame it, and it made me feel pretty good about my work. As an aspiring photographer, who does this as a hobby, I would say that this is quit a large accomplishment!

Please, PLEASE check it out and let me know what you think!
{Simply click on the picture below to be directed to my shop}

I will be adding more listings in the shop soon! So check back regularly!

Feeling Inspired

I woke up this morning feeling a little inspiration bubbling beneath the surface.

So I decided to bust out my camera, play around a little bit, and capture some detailed moments. I hope you enjoy.

 

My favorite set of collectibles

Behind The Lens Lately

Remember those photos I promised awhile back? 

You know, the ones that I said I was going to start snapping again?

Well here ya go! Here is a little bit of what my lens has been seeing lately:

Snow Daze

Wrapping

Until next time...

Rekindling The Hobby

For a hobby that I like to think I am passionate about, I sure have fallen out of it!

But that is about to change. Photography here I come....again!

As a self-taught hobbyist, I think that I am pretty dang good. And for those of you who know me, know that I do not compliment myself well...or at all, really.

But I really do love to take photographs. I find beauty in the details. The smallest of things that most people will take for granted, and look right past. I enjoy finding just the right angle, or just the right kind of light, to perfect an image. And just to make it clear, I hate Photoshop!

My goal is to keep the image SOOC {straight out of camera}. And for the most part, I do.

There are the occasional instances where some fill light might need to be added, and it is no surprise that black and whites are some of my favorites!

So with that being said, I am once again going to dive in head first to the ocean that is known as photography. I will be picking up where I left off with the Seattle Photography Meetup Group that I was chosen to lead, through Capturing True Emotion.

I will once again start planning meetups, and hopefully end up with good turn outs!

If you, or someone you might know, loves photography and wants to join a meetup group in any state or area, click on this LINK to sign up for the one closest to you!

Keep an eye out for photos!

I look forward to sharing my hobby with you!

The Little Things

For me, the smallest, most simple of things always make me the happiest! 

For example; a song, a good cup of coffee, baby laughter, the smell of Fall in the air, the changing colors of the leaves, a relaxing night, and updating photos in my house. 

Yes, that's right. Updating my family photos throughout my home makes me happy!

I recently realized that we did not have one photograph of Haylee in our entire home, and she has been alive for almost a whole year now! I suppose that means I'm slacker...but not anymore! I finally got some photos printed, framed and hung. Thank goodness!

The second I finished, I stood back and smiled. Like I said...the little things!

I can now look around my home and see both of my beautiful girls smiling down on me. 

Granted, we do not have any family photos of the four of us, but I guess it's the girls that are most important...right? When Emma was born, we literally chronicled her life with professional photos every single holiday! We even had some family pictures taken in between. However, since then I have stopped working, and it is just not realistic for us to do that anymore. Thankfully I know a little something-something about photography, and can take photos of the girls on my own. And luckily we have a gorgeous piece of property to use as a prop, so that helps too!

The only thing about taking your own photos, is that you are always behind the camera, which means that you cannot be in front of the lens! Maybe someday I will be able to purchase a good tripod, and put myself in a photo with the girls...someday. :)

Until then, I am Happy with pictures of my girls hanging on my walls!

So with my good cup of coffee, and with a good song playing in the background, I will stand back and admire what we have created...

Two beautiful little ladies!

Professional Criticism

While most aspiring photographers look at other artists' work at find inspiration, I tend to look at it and think that I will never get there. 

I too, find inspiration in my favorite artists. 

However, I envy them more than I should. 

This is something that I feel I will always struggle with. And it is something that I am not proud of, and need to conquer. 

All I can hope is that this will happen sooner than later.

I am sure that this stems from the fact that I have ALWAYS held exceptionally high standards for myself. And when I do not reach them, well...this happens! 

I start to think that I am not good enough. That perhaps I have chosen the wrong path. While I know that none of this is true, it does not change the fact that I am unable to purchase the correct equipment, or have the time necessary to learn how to use PS properly, and my list goes on...

But then I think to myself: "Excuses, excuses"! I am not a quitter, and I do not give up easily! Therefore, I move forward! And I learn! Those who know me well, know the patience is NOT my greatest virtue! So I must remind myself DAILY, that this takes time. And that there a million other photographers and artists out there that have been around for a very long time. And that they have so much more experience and practice than I. 

But then I have to remind myself of my accomplishments within the last year:: Jumping head first into a very competitive market, making treads where I did not think I could, being bold and brave for putting it all out there, scoring the awesome gig of being photographer for the Pride Parade this June, and becoming Group Leader for the Seattle CTE Photography Meetup Group, and being proud of the work that I have accomplished!

These things I must remind myself of. And I will!

Because after all, you never know where you might end up!

New Year, New Goals!

I have yet again been guilty of a major blogger absence...

But when real life calls, you have to answer!

Without further adieu, I wish you ALL a Happy New Year! 

While I am not the strongest supporter of said resolutions, I have a few goals that I would like to reach...

This year I am going to be a lot more business driven. I will be upgrading my equipment, leading my CTE Photography Meetup Group, shooting the Pride Parade in June, branding and making a logo, and trying my BEST to promote my photography! Which I have come to the conclusion as to what my niche is: Fine Art. 

While I quit enjoy portraiture, and I will never turn it down should the opportunity arise, I have thought very long and hard about this. Spent a lot of hours in contemplation, trying to decide what I enjoy the most. And for me, it is the fine art-side of things! The small details, the fun angles, the light, the imperfections...that is what I have come to enjoy the most! 

Now, I am not sure where any of this will take me. But I have a positive attitude. And the drive. So much so, that I have officially updated my Etsy shop! It is now up and running again!

RusticWolf - SnapDragon Photography 

And for those of you who are quick-on-the-spot, I have a special deal for you! 

 **25% off of your total, if you order within the month!**

 {This is only a New Years offer, so it won't last for long!}

Please at least check it out, and pass it along to someone who you think might enjoy it! Thank you so much, in advance, for all of your support and patience while I solidify all of this, and make it happen! 

XoXo

The Reprieve

I have been so bad about keeping this thing updated! My apologies!

I can start this post out, by saying Happy Holidays!
My absolute favorite time of the year!

And as you know, I had my first photography meetup last weekend. Then this past week, Howard and I took a few days away for ourselves and just the two of us headed over to Longbeach, and Astoria, OR. The weather was so nice! The sun made an appearance the whole time, with blue skies! Even though it was bitterly cold, we had a really good, much needed, little reprieve from reality! Emma stayed with his parents, and did great {thank goodness}!

Below you will find some photos that I took during our trip:

View from atop the Astoria Column

Longbeach, WA - The Pacific Ocean

Door at Battery Henry Ford, Cape Disappointment

CLICK!

Tonight we are headed out to see the Ivar's Clam Lights and Christmas ships at Coulon Beach! It is going to be freezing, but it will be fun! Keep an eye out for photos...!

First Official Meetup!

Today was the first official CTE Seattle Photography Meetup, and it was an overall success! While there were only two in attendance, other than myself, we had a lot of fun! We talked photography all afternoon, walked around Pike Place Market, got to see Santa, some Christmas lights, some classic Seattle street performers, and took some great pictures! I had FUN!

 

Here is the link to view the photos that I took:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150417360209383.383274.806914382&type=1&l=06780d9872

 

Also, don't forget that if you or anyone you may know is interested in signing up for the meetup group, simply visit the link below! 

https://www.facebook.com/CapturingTrueEmotion?sk=app_141428856257

CTE Seattle Photography Meetup Group

I am looking for ANY & ALL local Seattle photog's! 

It does not matter what your skill level is, what type of camera you may or may not own, the only thing that matters is your LOVE & ADORATION for photography! 

If you, or someone you may know, is interested in joining a localized photography meet up group, please sign up for this one! I have been appointed from a company in California, to run and lead the Seattle area photography meet up group for them. To say I am honored would be an understatement! 

The focus of this meet up group, is to share and learn knowledge on how to make your photography better. And to meet people who have the same interest as you. But in free, laid-back settings! This group is by no means a workshop, it is just a fun way to get together and snap away, while learning techniques between shutters clicks!

I already have some ideas, but I cannot put them to use without people to meet up with! To sign up, click on the following link: 

http://www.facebook.com/groups/132293593541551/

And if you have any further questions about the group, just ask! 

Capturing True Emotion

All Around Success!

Halloween was a success! 

We started the day off with Em's costume show at school. The class sings Halloween and Fall-themed songs, and each child speaks into the microphone and tells the audience what their costume is. SO CUTE! 

After that, Howard, Emma and I headed down to Red Robin for a family lunch. {Howard took the day off, since he left this morning Vegas bound, for SEMA!}

Then we headed on over to Cody's house {Em's 'boyfriend} to go Trick or Treating with them! It was fun, the kids had a blast, but got tuckered out pretty quickly! Plus, now we have a bag FULL of candy...let's see how long it lasts! Ha, ha!

On another note, I have some pretty exciting news {for me}!

I was selected, out of hundreds of applicants, to be the Group Leader for the Seattle area's Capturing True Emotion Meetup! I am beyond thrilled, and really excited to be doing this!! 

If you remember, the workshops that I have attended in the past are held by this company, and I will be working directly with the two main photographers to set-up and coordinate meetups all over the Seattle area! I get to plan them, organize them, and lead them! WOOHOO! 

This Meetup Group is exactly what I was looking for when I started out in photography. And I simply could not find one...but here it is, I get to help! I have a feeling that this may be my "calling". To help others learn about their passion, and interest, for photography! Granted, this is only the first stepping stone, but alas! A stepping stone has been placed in front of me! 

If you, or someone you may know, is interested in this Meetup Group, let me know! Also, check out the Facebook Group Page. It explains the steps:

Hello my fellow photography lovers! The Seattle, WA Meetup Group is up and running! And we want to invite you to join!

Step 1. Join this Group!

Step 2. Click the link below and enter your email address! https://www.facebook.com/CapturingTrueEmotion?sk=app_141428856257

Step 3. Select Seattle!

The objective of the CTE Photography Meetup Group is to have fun and make friends in beautiful settings. Concentrating on giving, and receiving, shared knowledge about: controlling the settings on your camera, light, color, metering, and composition.

 Find us here!http://www.facebook.com/groups/132293593541551/

Inspirational Photography: Day 7, Food

FEAST your eyes on these delicious delights! If these photos don't make you work up an appetite, I'm not sure what will!

{All images found HERE and HERE}