Welcome!!
Here you will find all sorts of things: tips and tricks, book reviews, stories of my adventures, client features, and so much more!
East Side Band-o-Rama- Valencia High School, Los Lunas, NM
Last night I attended the Valencia Band-o-Rama concert at Valencia High School. The concert featured performances by Tomé Elementary, Bosque Farms Elementary, Valencia Elementary, Peralta Elementary, Valencia Middle School, and Valencia High School. The point behind this particular concert is March is Music in Our Schools Month, and we celebrate this by putting on a free, community-wide concert to remind people of the value of learning music in school.
Copyright Ownership vs. Right to Print
One of the questions that I find myself addressing quite often is, “Will I get copyright of my photos?'“ This is, and isn’t, a simple question to answer, because the answer varies based upon each photographer and how they run their individual business. First, let’s define some terms:
Mr. Cash's Promotion to Sergeant- Belen, NM National Guard Armory
I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Nicholas Cash since we were Freshmen in High School, and I have watched as he served six years of active duty in the U.S. Navy after we graduated high school. He has been stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, as well as Yokosuka, Japan and was able to travel the world with the Navy. After he was honorably discharged several years ago, he and his wife and kids settled back here in Los Lunas to attend college and begin their civilian lives. But the call of country and service were always in the back of Nick’s mind.
Brent and Victoria Gillespie- An At-Home Family Portrait Session in Albuquerque, NM
This little cutie turned 9 months old at the beginning of February! Sorry, guys! I don’t use children’s names in order to help protect them. His parents, Victoria and Brent wanted to have portraits taken of him and of their family for Valentine’s Day to celebrate how much he’s grown, and to send off prints in their Valentine’s Day cards for their friends and family.
Amateur vs. Pro: What's the Diff?
It’s recently become more and more clear to me that most people don’t know a whole lot about what professional photography is, or what a professional photographer (like me!) does. That’s why I’ve written the last couple of posts, but I wanted to provide you all with some context for this course of education before I go too much further, and y’all think I’ve lost my mind (clearly my children have stolen it and sold it on the black market).
Alexandria Sharpe- A Maternity Session at Popejoy Hall- UNM
This is one of those love stories that I absolutely adore! Alex and her husband met IN BAND at Valencia High School! These two are high school sweethearts, and were expecting their first baby- a little girl!- in December (I’m really late writing this post! Sorry guys!).
Putting Together a Wedding Day Timeline
I sometimes have a problem remembering that not everyone was a Girl Scout, and learned how to put together an event like I did. I have a bad habit of assuming that people can automatically lay out a timeline for an event- without writing it down!- and make it happen on schedule. I planned several dozen events for Girl Scouts over the years, so it almost became second nature to me. Today, I’m gonna share some of that insight with y’all!
"That's a Nice Camera!"
It’s something I hear- a lot. Especially when I have my monster 150-600mm sports lens on my camera body so that I can shoot from the back of the room or from across the field. Someone- usually a gentleman- will call out, “That’s a nice camera!” My go-to reply has become, “Thanks! I taught it everything it knows!” I know it’s a snarky reply, but it’s true! I have taught my otherwise inanimate camera how to take photos.
VHS Basketball
Of all the sports that are routinely played in American high schools, basketball is the one I happen to know the most about. And, because of this, I was able to fully appreciate watching our VHS basketball teams play last Saturday against LLHS!
Workshop with Maura Jane Photography
I am always working to learn new skills and techniques, tips and tricks, and business management so that I can do my absolute best to serve you guys, so when Maura of Maura Jane Photography hosted her first workshop last November, I had to attend! Maura is someone that I’ve admired and looked to for inspiration in my own work, as well as a friend and fellow photographer.
ACS CAN Day at the Capital- Santa Fe, New Mexico
A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to escort a small group of students to Santa Fe, via the RailRunner from Los Lunas to attend the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Action Network day of lobbying at the Roundhouse in Santa Fe. Whew! That was a mouthful, but the day was incredible!
My Obsession with Beauty and the Beast
By now I’m sure y’all have noticed that I LOVE to read (current read is ‘Gone with the Wind’ by Margaret Mitchell). I’ve written a few blog posts about the books I’ve read and my favorites. As far back as I can remember, I’ve loved to read. And Belle’s love of reading is one of the main reasons I love this movie so much!
VHS Soccer
Soccer is the most popular sport in the world, with the U.S. hosting several professional teams, and most nations in the world hosting a National Team. And, I’m sure that any true soccer fan can list off all the stats of his or her favorite player and team.
Beatrix Potter's Art
Artists are always asked a few standard questions about their art: ‘What inspires you?’ and ‘Who inspires you?’ Well, I’m still figuring out the complete answers to those questions, but I can tell you that one of the artists I love most is Beatrix Potter.
Family Update!!
Good Morning! I figured today would be a great day to give y’all a family update, especially since I haven’t done that in a while.
Spring in a Small New Mexican Town- Los Lunas, New Mexico
Every year, on March 1st (or 2nd if the 1st is a Sunday!) the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District comes around and opens all of the flood control gates so that all of the farmers and ranchers up and down the Rio Grande River Valley can begin to irrigate and flood their fields to prepare for the Spring planting season. For all of us, this is a sure sign that Spring is just around the corner- and it’s one of those annual markers I was just writing about over here!
You Wouldn't Think It, But...
One of the things that I most enjoy doing (beside taking photos and reading) is quilting. I love selecting the colors and patterns, and watching as each block comes together to form a beautiful quilt top that can then be painted with even more shapes and patterns through the quilting process. More so, though, I love the time I get to spend with my mom and the stories that form as we work on our blocks together.
VHS Cross-Country
From June through November of each year, there are a select group of kids that can be found running (literally, not figuratively!) around town for miles on end. They often run through sand dunes, up hills, and ‘round and ‘round large structures to build their endurance. These kids are members of the Valencia and Los Lunas High School’s Cross-Country teams, and they purposely run through our desert for miles for FUN!
Would Grandpa Be Proud?
I never knew my dad’s parents- they both passed away before I was born. I only know the stories that my aunts and cousins tell of them. But, I did get to know my mom’s parents incredibly well. Grandma stayed home to take care of my brother and I until we were old enough to stay home alone. She came to every band concert, every football game, and almost every other important event in my life, right up until I graduated high school. She was at my wedding, and she was even there in the delivery room on the night I became a mommy. She’s still here. Teaching us about love, hard work, and having your own inner strength.
A Family Photo Session in Ruidoso, New Mexico- The Edwards Family
I absolutely love traveling down to Ruidoso for portrait sessions and weddings! The town itself is in the mountains (which I love!), and is just big enough to be comfortable, but completely small enough to be a tight-knit community.