On being IN FRONT of the camera.

I've said it before - being in front of the camera is an uncomfortable place for photographers. We like the other side. Being the one pressing the shutter.

However, I couldn't pass up on the chance to have my photo taken by the amazing Amy & Jordan. These two are so incredibly talented and more importantly such genuine and kind people. We were laughing the entire time - Jordan does a great 'Canadian' accent and his remix of MJ's 'Billy Jean' to 'Kari Jeanne' had me in tears!! I am so blessed to have met them.

I learned a lot from being the subject of a photo shoot. It was so great to hear how Amy & Jordan interact with their client and see different posing techniques they use. The biggest thing I took away from the experience is how it makes me want to make my clients feel comfortable in front of my camera - it's a guaranteed way to get great images!

The main reason I was so excited about having them take photo's of me was to have new - non self portrait in the mirror - photo's to display on the blog! Check out the updated About Me section! I know it's kinda cliche but I really feel like they captured 'me'.













Super duper humungous THANK YOU to Amy & Jordan - you two are almost too talented for your own good ;)

Chasing Dreams.

Forever ago, Scott told me one of his life dreams was to spend the winter living in Phoenix so he could golf.

I can barely believe that we chased that dream and made it a reality.

This is our last weekend down here in sunny Phoenix before we start our long drive home and I am so incredibly thankful for these past three months. Grateful to dreams coming true. This experience was so much more than we ever thought it would be - and we are sad that it went by so quickly.

However; at the same time, we are excited to get back home. To our family and friends. To the next chapter in our lives. To our own pictures on the wall. To Tim Horton's double double's.

Watch out Canada. We're coming home.


Sunset in Phoenix - appropriate metaphoric photo about our time coming to an end down here? I think so ;)

Sedona.

After our day at the Grand Canyon, we decided to spend the night in Sedona. It was overcast and dark when we got to our hotel so we couldn't really see any of the red rocks that were supposed to be surrounding us.

It made waking up the next morning even more magical. I was shocked when I saw the view from our hotel balcony - pillars of red rocks in the most amazing formations. Jaw dropping beauty. In an instant, I was in love.


The photo on the right is of 'Elephant Rock'! And, yes. That is it's real name - I didn't just make it up! No wonder I loved this town :)

Again, just like at the Grand Canyon, the overcast sky and dramatic clouds added to the majestic of this special town.



Everywhere you turned you were met with another amazing view - each one different and unique.



One of my favourite stops - Chapel of the Holy Cross. Built right into the side of the rock.







Our last stop of the day was Tlaquepaque - a little village unto itself that was modelled after a mexican village of the same name. Which means, "best of everything".







And, last but definitely not least, my favourite shot from the day. Scott didn't even know I was taking this photo during our trolley tour. It makes my heart melt a little bit that he looks at me like that :) Even the trolley driver lady was smiling because we're just so cute!



I can't wait to go back one day and spend more time in this little gem of a town.

Zach & Jody.

How in the world can one little photographer be so lucky?!?! I honestly am feeling so incredibly blessed for this past month. My photography socks have been completely knocked off!!!

Last Thursday, I was so very excited and giddy to be going with Amy & Jordan & their friend Meggie to the monthly Phoenix PUG meeting to listen to yet another of my favourite photography teams speak.

Zach & Jody!!!!



We may have been slight groupies as we showed up 20 minutes early - first ones in line! We just had to get front row seats!! Which we did - and I even got to hug both Zach & Jody in the process! They officially know I exist!!

These two have such giving and caring hearts as well as SO much business savvy - it's crazy. They share their know-how so openly and truly want every photographer they meet to succeed, as Jody quoted: "A rising tide lifts all boats."


Yeah, just a little excited!

Giddiness aside, they gave such a great talk. It was all about No Cost Marketing - essentially tapping into your biggest referral source, you clients!

There were 3 main points to their approach:

1. Qualify...your clients. By having clients that really fit with your personality and photography style you will ensure a great experience for everyone involved! The easiest way to attract the type of client you want is to put a lot of YOURSELF into your website/blog and allowing clients to relate to the content on your site and connect with YOU.

2. Give...a great client experience. Give your clients a reason to want to talk about you - simply through going above and beyond to enhance their experience. Surprise them with thoughtful gifts, under promise and over deliver, enhance their lives!

3. Build...relationships. With clients as well as vendors and other photographers. Become an expert in building relationships and seek to help others (with no gain in mind!). I love this quote Zach used: “You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.” (from How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie)

After their talk, Zach and Jody hung around for a while and we got a chance to have a really great talk with them and snap some photo's. They are such genuine and caring individuals. When we left Jody actually gave me a *real* hug - tight squeeze and all :) I was also able to see with a few other photographer's I've met down here again, like Sarah & Suzanne, which was so great! Such an amazing night!


Amy is the most recent recipient of my crochet gift giving :)