Insane Clown Posse--{Britney's Ramblings}

Okay, wait! Before you freak out and close out of this blog, let me assure you, this is not about clowns.
"Yeah, okay, then why did you title your Blog after the ICP?!?"

Does anyone remember in grade school, starting from Kindergarten, you would have to fill out your "ICP" form? Also known as an Individual Career Plan...but we all would joke around that it meant Insane Clown Posse. Why a bunch of five year old kids were joking about clowns. I'll never know.

So what did you want to be when you grew up?

For me, up until fifth grade, I just knew deep down in my heart I was going to be a horse trainer. For a circus. Of course.

Well, that never quite happen.

Then from sixth grade until about my sophomore year in high school it jumped and skipped and danced around to everything. From Forensic Scientist, to a Journalist, to back up dancer, culinary artist (this one was short lived when I burnt the no-bake cookies in ninth grade), Veterinarian, "Book Writer" I believe was the term I'd use, and a jewelry sales representative.

Never once did the idea Photographer come into mind.

Well, Until Later.

As a Senior in High School I had the ingenious idea to get my certification as a Medical Billing Specialist. Needless to say it didn't quite work out as planned, I ended up working for a sub-contractor cleaning businesses and some houses on the side. Oh joy of joys.

I had always taken an interest in photography, but never anything serious. And funny, never was it on my list of things to be when I grew up...but here I am. Photographer. But at least now I know what I want to be when I grow up. Whenever that happens.

So don't get too discouraged if what you thought you were going to be when you grew up, didn't quite work out as planned. Just work hard, make more plans, and who knows? Maybe something better will turn out!

Mascara, Lance Armstrong, and 2012

Even as I'm typing this, I'm laughing. And it's one of those laughs you'll do at yourself when you truly recognize you are only using 31% of your brain. I keep telling myself this is a bad idea. Why are you blogging Britney? We just spent almost 10 hours straight brainstorming, thinking, doing that whole big decision making stuff..and you decide to come home at the end of it all and Blog? Reeeeallllyy? Oooookaayyy.

So, I apologize when this blog is complete rambles and bounces from left to right.

Because my dear friends, I just noticed there is mascara wiped all over my fingers, which means I have been going probably half the day with only make up on one eye. Yeah. That's how I roll.

Also, you know it's been a long (But definitely very good!!) day when at the end, you forget how to spell the word Pictures. (Thank goodness for Google auto correct, phew!)

But anyways, enough about that.

I really wanted to get my thoughts down, no matter how scattered. So ..here goes.

Today Sara and I had our second annual Saritney Business Meeting. We have it at the end of the year and spend the few months previous making lists and lists of things we need to discuss. Then we wake up nice and early (unless one of them sleeps through 10, yes you read that right 10 alarms that they had set..and shows up a few minutes late..hair in a tangled mess...) (and I'm not even going to tell you that it was actually me, that way you think it was Sara....) and begin our meeting. Which we do not end until all the things on our pretty little list is crossed out. And the best feeling in the world my lovelies, is when you cross out. that. very. last. to. do.

For real. It's what I imagine Lance Armstrong felt like when he crossed the finishing line in the Tour de France in 1999. Triumphant. Powerful. Strong. And knowing he was gonna do it again for several more years to come.

Did I just compare us to Lance Armstrong.
Possibly.
Even though, I can barely make it to ride my bike up and down the sidewalk outside my house.....
....and I don't have any sidewalks outside my house.

But it was so different this year. We were in control of our business. We knew what we wanted to improve. We knew what our strengths were, we recognized our weaknesses and knew what we needed to do to change those. We dared a little more for the year 2012. More confident. More excited. More ready.

And to be honest, it was quite a bit different from last years meeting. Spent just as long. So many hours. Planning. Talking. Thinking. Decision Making. A little nervous. Worried alot. Not sure what all we should do. And, I choke back soft tears as I type this, we did not get to cross out everything on our to do list.

So for anyone out there who is trying to start a photography business. Or you have already started it, but you're in your first year, and you are struggling, and constantly double guessing yourself. Keep it up! Double guess. Worry a little. Panic over the random things. I don't know if it does any good, but it's what we did, and we were able to survive year one and year two! Just keep at it. Make your self do it. And remember to always have fun with it. Be sure to continue enjoying being behind your camera, and capturing those laughs, smiles, and kisses.

Anyways, sometimes I think we shouldn't really offer advice, because what works for us, may not work for others, and we ourselves are always learning. But every little bit can help, right? Maybe? Sometimes? Possibly??

But I absolutely cannot wait for this next year! Which is a good thing, because it's coming in six days. So..technically, I don't really need to wait much for next year. Anyways. That was rambling wasn't it? Sorry.

We hope you all are just as excited! We wouldn't be able to keep going if it weren't for the kind words you share, the support you show, and the willingness you have for being super stars in front of our cameras.

So..are YOU a photographer and in a growing business? What are some changes you are making for this upcoming year?! How has this past year gone for you?! We'd love to know!

Arayah & Jamey --Engagement

Arayah & Jamey definitely win the award for not being easily scared off by two crazy photographers.
Both of us could not contain our excitement. Our shrieks and squealing could be heard the next state over.
It's just, when you envision something, and you get the perfect couple to help follow through with it.
There really is nothing more exciting!!
In our "get to know you email" that Arayah & Jamey sent us,
they said "we love to laugh together."
And they couldn't have been more right!!
We had such a fun time!
They trusted our crazy marshmellow mason jars idea.
(And didn't so much as shudder when the candles had toppled over near their heads..more times than one..)
heh heh?
It was the perfect last engagement session of 2011 and we cannot wait for their wedding this Spring!
Arayah & Jamey, keep laughing together!
And prepare yourselves for one epic wedding day!!

There is a 1 in 1000 chance this blog might maybe make you crack a smile. Maybe.

Before I continue into this blog, I just feel you all should know I am currently typing this from my new desk chair.  "Yeah, okay Britney, that's great. What's the big deal?" Well, let me tell you. I'm so glad you asked.

It's not actually a chair.

It's a....

bouncy ball!!

And please, no one burst my bubble and tell me it's actually an exercise ball, as the "e" word is something I am allergic to. In fact, I'm still swollen from the last time I exercised, and that's why none of my clothes fit.
Yupp.
You know you wanted to know that.

So we are very excited! Soon we will be in a fresh year! More changes to come, new things to try, and more amazing people to meet! And November 27th came and passed in a blink of an eye. Why's that date so special? It was Saritney's 2nd year officially! So here we go..venturing into our third year...and we are so glad we are getting to share it with so many of you.

We wanted to have a little fun to end the year with. We thought about a contest. Yes. A contest. It's exciting right? Because I really want to add "!!!" but only if it's exciting. Okay, I'm going to be bold, and say it is exciting!!!!

This year I have been doing a 365 project. A picture a day. For a year. You can read about it here. I have been sharing the experience and posting all the pictures on my personal facebook page. You can glance through those pictures here oh yes, and here too. The amazing support I have gotten from friends, family, and perfectly random strangers has been more encouraging than anything!

Over the year I have had a surprising amount of people ask if I was selling prints. Or mention they would buy the print. (Honestly, if one person had asked me, it would have been a surprising amount..) So I have decided to open an Etsy account, (which will be open within the month). It'll be interesting to see how it goes. My little side adventure. I mean, I won't lie, there are some pictures this year, I've been pretty proud of, (honestly, it's more...shocked I was able to know how to press the button to take that picture) but I feel super silly putting them out there as artwork for others to enjoy, purchase, share, decorate with. Just because I like this picture, doesn't mean anyone else will, right? But, a chance you don't take is an answer you'll never find out. (I think I read that off the pink foil wrapping from one of the Dove's chocolate truffles once.)
And if it takes off just right, I can put back into Saritney Photography, and help give all our clients an even better photography experience.

"Excuse me Britney, I don't want to be rude, but, you said something about a contest? Anddd I wanna know what I gotta do, and what's in it for me??"

Ohhhh yes yes! The excitingness I was going to share!!! 

So here are the deets: (Yeah, I feel cool saying deets...)

Help us reach 1,000 fans on our facebook page. We'll just trust you'll help us out. No need to force your friends to leave your name on our wall. Although, I'm sure you have a beautiful name.

Leave a comment on THIS blog. Right here. Underneath. Where it says "Post a Comment" 

(Not sure how? Under the comment box, there is a drop down menu next to the font "Comment as" select Name/URL and simply type your Name. Click continue. Leave a comment!)
You can say whatever you want in your comment. We'll be choosing a name randomly. But if you make it funny, it'll make me giggle. And, I do like to giggle.
(Did that sound creepy?)

And that's all you need to do!

Once we reach 1,000 fans we will choose a winner to receive our giveaway.
What do you get, you ask?

An 11x14" print gallery wrap. (It's the photo print itself wrapped and laminated  with a mounting block on the back. Gives you the gallery feel to your home, office, front porch, your favorite gas station, wherever you decide to hang it.)
You get to pick any of my 365 pictures (with a few exempts, you can't pick any pictures that feature our clients, my family,  or that picture of me & Sara singing in my car. I know, I'm sorry.. just none with people in it.)

And well, if this doesn't sound like that great of a giveaway, you are off the hook. You don't need to share it with your friends, or even continue reading this blog. In fact, you can just cancel out of it now! Bye! Thank you for stopping by! We'll miss you.

We can't wait to find out who the winner is! And the sooner we reach 1,000 the sooner you get your Print Wrap! Feel free to even comment which picture you would like! If you want one!

All of you are awesome!!! Is it too cheesy to say we love you like crackers love cheese? Like peanut butter loves jelly? Like wishes love dandelions? Because we do! 

The Best Medicine

We entered this contest in at www.iheartfaces.com  and we think you should enter one too!

laugh (lf, läf) v.

1. To show or feel amusement or good humor.

2. To feel a triumphant or exultant sense of well-being.

I love laughs. I love laughing. I love the sounds of laughter.
Love the way people look when they laugh.
They are contagious.
They make the soul soar.
They force the heart to be content.
Laughing is my favorite thing to capture.
Whether it's an all out belly laugh
or a sweet & shy one.
There shouldn't be a day that goes by that one doesn't laugh.
So find the people that make feel triumphant or have a exultant sense of well-being.
And surround yourself with them.
And don't forget..
when in doubt..
Laugh.

Alejandra

We love when someone wants pictures.
Just Because.
It's a time to capture yourself.
In that moment of time.
To be in front of the camera
to shine.
To show the world, I am beautiful.
Even if you do think you are terrible in front of the lens.
You're not.
Alejandra was so much fun to be with!
My grandma wants some good pictures of me.
Was her reason for us meeting that day.
Could that be any sweeter?! No.
She put her poker face on. "I'm so terrible in pictures."
Yeah. Uh. Okay.
And I hate eating Oreos.
Alex totally rocked it in front of the camera.
Stunningly Gorgeous
so much so she causes wrecks.
*giggles*
We like inside jokes.
Thank you Alex for following us over cliffs,
across crazy traffic,
around creepy buildings,
and chasing the sunset with us.

Three Hundred Sixty Five Reasons to Live

"Take a picture every day for a year. Wow. That's a really awesome idea! And look at her pictures! She will know what she did every day this year for years and years to come!" I sat in front of the glow from my laptop. Oogling (yes, it's a word) over another photographer's pictures. Legs crossed over each other. Most likely munching on peanut butter m&m's and drinking down my 5th Dr Pepper for the day. (Yes, Yes, I know. It's not healthy..I've since cut back.) "I should do something like this one year. ...I should do that this year!! It's almost January. Yeah....I'm gonna do this! Take a picture every day. For one full year. I'll share it with my facebook family & friends. It'll be soooooooooo cool."

Did you know. There are three hundred sixty five days in one year? Yeah. Did you know...that's alot?! One year. That don't sound bad. One. Uno. 1. It's a small number. But really..it represents. Three Hundred. Sixty Five. 365. This is why, my friends, sometimes, a mixture of adrenaline, love for all things photography, and a pinch of naivety is good for one's soul.

The first month into this project, I was so excited. Taking pictures of everything around me. But by month 7. I was tired.

"WHY DID I START THIS PROJECT?!?!?!?!?"  This has been shouted many times. And to be honest... still does. Followed with a loud "UGHH" and a few eye rolls. And about six times a week I wake up in the middle of the night from a mini spazz attack thinking I've forgotten to take a picture.

I've not forgotten. ...not yet....so...let's hope for more of those spazz attacks to remind me.

But now we are into month 11. (ahh!!) And I can't believe it's almost done. And now I get to look back. And see...what I did. Every day for a year. The places I went. The people I was around. (Sometimes, even the foods I ate) The project forced me to try and be original. Forced me to look at a place I had seen a million times. Had already taken a million pictures of. And find something unique. again. Sometimes I've been able to accomplish this. Not always. There are some pictures I look at and cringe..slap my face and think.. "Com'on Britney..that was lame." 

So anyone who has a passion for photography. Or you've heard of the 365 project and think "Boy, I'd like to try that one year."  Well...I'm here to remind you...January 2012 isn't that far away.. and I'd say the 1st would be the perfect time to start this project! And keep shooting! Don't give up! You'll learn so much, and even though there will be nights you're tired. Had a long day of work. Have the same creativity level as a headless chicken (I don't know why I said that....they're probably very creative..I'm sorry) and it's month 7 and you're wondering why you even started...keep on! Because if you can take a decent picture at that hour..in that condition....you can truly rock it out when you're alert, awake, and ready!

I definitely wanted to thank EVERYBODY who has helped me with this project! Every comment and like on any picture has been like a personal high five and "ra ra britney you can do it!!" (can you tell I was never a cheerleader in school?) To all who have just said such sweet things and told me I can do it. I give each and everyone one of you a HUGE hug and a virtual cookie. (because, let's be honest, they're better than anything I could bake.) A 365 project cannot be done without a support team....so THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU x's ten million THANK YOU! 

Amber and Clay

 Amber & Clay
Your Wedding Day was gorgeous. Breath taking. Simply Marvelous.
Your family was so sweet.
Your Bridal Party so fun.
Your groomsmen so cooperative...it literally blew us away! haha!
And we loved how your bridesmaids were so on top of everything.
Good people attract others like them. And that's what you two have done.
We wish you many happy years together!!