I know I’m so bad. I haven’t posted in way too long. Little things like life and work get in the way of sipping a good cup of homemade coffee and an early morning writing. To remain true to my hectic schedule, I will be a woman of few words today.
Here are a few shots from a quick mini session in the park with these two little cuties. They definitely helped me breakaway from the grind and gave me a much needed day of exercise.
***WARNING LONG POST
As I laid in the remote field, surrounded by bushes of thorns and creatures of the unknown, I thought to myself “What is she going to make me do? Will I do it correctly or will she think I’m a total amateur (which i am)?” Meanwhile, in this desolate and remote area, the unusual spotting of a jogger enabled my fear factor to intensify… “you know there are snakes in there” the man says and continues on jogging away. I am once again left with her. Alone. Having to follow her lead. As we ease into it, I am then told to climb up on a stump of wood with barb wire. Seriously, “you know I have a cashmere dress on” (I say to myself). “What am I doing here? I’m a grown woman.”
Now you may ask yourself, why would I hang out with someone for more than 2 minutes that jeopardized my physical welfare. And, then you will double ask yourself, why would I compensate this person for it. Well, Truth be told. I’m exaggerating a bit so you’d read my blog.
Really now…In the wild backwoods Ladera Ranch, California on this day, I truthfully had one of the best days of my recent years. Here, I had the pleasure to meet Carlie Renee of Gabriel.Ryan.Photographers.
Carlie is one completely and totally awesome chick. I don’t know how else to describe her. I have to admit I was a little nervous to meet her at first. I’m a tiny bit older and not quite as gorgeous (Yes Carlie, you are fantastically beautiful inside and out) and I was enlisting her help to build my branding.
From the moment I arrived at her house, I felt welcomed and loved (totally in a platonic friendly girls way… I’m starting to sound like a stalker). For doing my make-up, for helping with clothing options to ultimately making me feel completely at ease in front of the camera. ..For all these reasons and for the sheer talent of Gabriel & Carlie, I can completely understand their recent success in photography.
If you are a photographer, a bride, a business owner or just you, I highly suggest that you contact Gabriel.Ryan (if I’m not available of course, haha) to capture impeccably beautiful images of you… for promotion, for your husband or wife, for your mom or dad, for your family or for just lil ol you. Have Carlie do your make up (if you’re a girl). She’s pretty spectacular at it and I’ve seen some amazing make-up done in the film industry. Plus, she’s great to sit around and chat with, able to warm you up for your photo session. If you’re anything like me, you can’t stand being on the “wrong” side of the camera. Well, fret no more, I’ve found your answer.
p.s. The biggest disappoint of the day, my fake eyelashes had to eventually come off and Carlie doesn’t live close enough to come over every day to put them on.
p.s.s. Oh yeah. I met Gabriel for about 2 seconds and without hesitation, I can completely understand why they are husband and wife.
p.s.s.s Photographers, I have to say it’s so important to have photos of yourself because: (1) brand yourself (besides creating spectacular photos (2) Clients need to see you. They are intrigued to see who you are and aesthitic presentation is so important, like it or not. (3) Support other photographers in their financial status & portfolios. (4) you’ll learn a lot about your clients being on the otherside of the camera. (5) you’ll learn a lot from watching another photographer in action.
OK. sorry this is so long, but I could go on and on. Now for some my photos, taken by Carlie… (go to her blog to see the rest)
When I first arrived, I expected to encounter a mirror image of my awkward self as a teenage girl (you all know that was only like 2 years ago. ha). I was graciously greeted by Meena (aka Mom) at the door. It was one of those encounters that makes you question the reality of deja vu. The welcome into Meena’s home was like I had been there so many times prior. I was lead upstairs to meet her 15 year old daughter, Janani. I quickly did a double take when I met Janani. Not only was she graciously lean and tall, but she was poised and sophisticated. I couldn’t believe that she was 15 (well basically 16). Within seconds I realized how intelligent, calm and creative this young woman is for her age. She far surpassed my dorky lil self at the same age (or even now).
Meena invited me to take a few family photos this day, but stressed the importance of photos for Janani’s Birthday. They wanted photos of Janani in her traditional Indian Dance “gown”. I must say Janani is extraordinarily talented. Check the box for “all of the above”… Academics, Tennis, Dance and a very sincere, family oriented and actually VERY cool chick. Truly an amazingly kind woman and family. Who all gave ME an amazing meaningful painting as a thank you. I’m flattered and so thankful for the day.
Janani had many traditional Bharatanatyam poses in mind for our session, making me VERY excited. I only hope I did her justice.
AND I LEARNED SOMETHING NEW….Bharatanatyam (Tamil:பரதநாட்டியம் )is a classic dance form originating in Tamil Nadu, a state in South India and is the known as the Indian National Dance. This dance form is a 20th century reconstruction of Cathir, the art of temple dancers. Cathir in turn, is derived from ancient dance forms. Bharatanatyam is usually accompanied by the classical Carnatic music.
and of course, the futbol & baseball star, Pradeep… almost 8 years old
every once a while you meet a someone whose shear smile brightens your day. all you do is look into their eyes or their pearly whites and you can’t help but reply with a huge bright grill of your own. well, today i met everett who, well for lack of a less generic phrase, made my heart melt. most babies find my camera peculiar and a lil less preferable than the bottle or their favorite toy. however, lil mr. everett broke out with this smile almost every time my camera popped up.
i so enjoyed my session today. however, as normal, i was very nervous (and i guarantee an incessant stream of verbal nonsense), and wished i could have hung out a bit more with everett. BUT, i still was very grateful for today. i can’t say thank you enough to this beautiful family, with the most amazing home with natural light, for the priceless gift of opportunity. opportunity doing something i love
