As by now, I'm sure you've heard of Pinterest.  I remember going on the site about 6 months back and getting overwhelmed by all the pinning and following and commenting.  So I quickly logged out before I got lost and forgot all about it.  Until one day, I saw it popping up on the many blogs that I follow.  From design blogs to home blogs to photography blogs, it seemed like everyone was loving it.

See, I clip and save photos from the web in a folder on my desktop named "Inspiration".  The problem: never remembering the source, except for the ones that are clearly Jose Villa.   After seeing how everyone was using Pinterest to organize their inspiration, I went forth and conquered the new social platform and installed the Pin It button and started pinning.

Ohh emm gee... is Pinterest the best thing evah!  It has brought finding and clipping inspiration to a whole new level.  And the best part?  Knowing exactly where the original piece came from and being able to credit the rightful owner.  Which now a days, gets lost in the sharing and reposting.

So if you're on Pinterest, happy pinning!  And if you like my pins, follow me :).

I've got soooo much coming up soon!  At the end of December, Living Social ran a promo for family portraits and they featured me!   I have 63 new clients to photograph and have already had 6 wonderful sessions!  I've met such great families, energetic kids, and some beautiful individuals.  I couldn't be happier and can't wait to meet more of the families that purchased the deal!

In the meantime, I leave you with some sneak peeks!  Now, onto more editing, an album to design and more sessions!  

It was a perfect day.  A sunny day.  A perfect, sunny day for a wedding.  All week it had been gloomy and cold.  But not on this day.  Because this day was for Amber and Kevin.

Amber and Kevin were introduced by my previous bride, Analicia.  Being a mutual friend, she knew that they were perfect for each other.  And they truly are.   Each one compliments the other in many ways one of which is LOVE.  

Upon arriving at the Riverside Arts Museum, I knew that it was going to be a special day.  Amber and Kevin had opted for a small and intimate wedding filled with rustic and artistic details, much like their personalities.  The whole wedding was a reflection of what their life will be like as one.  

Amber & Kevin:  Thank you so much for allowing me to photograph your beautiful intimate wedding.  I cried during the dim lighted ceremony, danced along to your first dance, and happily drank some of your Mexi-Colas :).  I hope that I have made it as memorable as you two did.  I wish you much happiness!

Whew!  It has been a whirlwind and I kicked 2011 in the butt with a wedding, four portrait sessions, and a Living Social deal that ran for 6 days during the holidays.  I am more than ecstatic to start the year off with a whole new list of clients, families, weddings, and tons of work.

I can't believe that 2012 is here.  2011 was such a great leap for me both personally and photographically. I am truly grateful for all of my clients and the trust they give me when they have me photograph them.  Be it a wedding or family session, I am a better person because of my clients.

I look forward to many more tears at weddings, laughter at family sessions, and fierceness at portrait sessions.  Here's to giving all of these new clients a little piece of their life story in 2012.

In the meantime I edit all the wonderful sessions I've had and will have coming up, I leave you with these three that are up next on the blog roll!

2012, I have a feeling you and I will be BFFs.

Amber & Kevin's Wedding

A little fashion!

And a new approach to head shots :)

 I remember sitting below the hideous fluorecent lights at my full time receptionist job hoping that the phones would stop ringing long enough for me to drool over all the beautiful images on photographer's blogs.  Yes, I confess, I spent more time gawking at beautiful photos than taking messages.  And no matter how many full time jobs I got, or how many different desks I sat behind, I was still under hideous lights and still hoping for the phones to not ring.  And that the office had great internet connection.

Never in a million years, did I think that I would be sitting here writing about photography.  From the time I was 10 until around 12, I wanted to be a lawyer.  I was certain that my life would be full of black suits, briefcases, and a corner office in a big city somewhere.  I'm sure being a lawyer is just like it is in the movies, I am glad that my life was given a different path.  

I spent a lot of time afraid of what would happen if I jumped head first into something that I couldn't deliver.  I also spent a lot of time writing out goals to which I knew I would never cross off because I was too afraid to do them.  Then one day, earlier this year, I woke up and finally asked myself, "Self, what the hell are you afraid of?"  

2011 was a turning point for me.  The year when goals shifted in a new direction.  And were finally getting crossed off, one by one.  Many of them will be on next year's goals list, some will never see the light of day again, and others will never get crossed off.  But you can be certain that tonight, I will be sitting my bed, with my large sketch book and favorite pen in hand, writing them out.  Ready for what ever 2012 will bring.

I just hope that 2012 will be ready for me, because I'm bringing it.

Happy New Year.

As I close out my fourth year of blogging, yes, this little blog completed four years in October, I look back at how far I have come.  At how far my friends have come.  At how far my family has come.  And how everyone in my life has grown, changed, learned, failed, and kept moving forward.  Through the highs and lows that life often slaps us in the face with, we're still here.  Breathing and very much alive.  Through money troubles, houses lost, and days of darkness.  Through new beginnings, blessings in disguises, and new baby cousins.  It's been a whirlwind of a year.  And I am happy to say that I wouldn't have it any other way.

This year, I decided to make photography my official occupation.  It was a bold step towards a dream that had been getting bigger and bigger each day that passed.  Kind of like a balloon ready to burst.  But one of those really big ridiculous Disneyland type of balloons.  And finally, it bursted and let out all of it's confetti making my life colorful, joyous, and at times difficult.  Confetti is a pain to get out of your hair!  Metaphor (or is it an analogy?) aside, I made the leap.  Like many greats before me.  And, now there's no looking back.  

As I enter my fifth year, I hope to make many more leaps.  Take more risks.  Dream even bigger, and run wild.  After all, you don't get anywhere by sitting still :).  

Here's to eating homemade cookies, sipping champaign and making resolutions.  

Merry Christmas and May you all have a glorious and fruitful New Year.  From me, to you.

It's a matter of he said she said.  The all time classic story of lives intertwined by fate and each side, telling an entirely different yet similar story.  

He says she was checking him out.  She agrees but argues that she was noticing him noticing her.  He says that she was with a friend, so naturally he didn't want to over step any boundaries.  You know, just in case the friend was her boyfriend.  Once she made it certain that the friend was indeed only a friend,  he says he began to talk to her.  

He said.  She said.  However, no matter the minor difference in details of how it all when down, they will both be saying "I Do" in August.  

Deanna & Edgar:  I had the most fun getting to know the both of you and your wonderful fun story.  I am honored that you have chosen me to photograph your wedding next August!  ♥ Jackie

Location: Wedgewood Wedding & Banquet Center, Corona

Oh hello gorgeous!  Deanna, you are going to one beautiful bride!

Had to get one of the bling!  Edgar: good job :)

Happy Tuesday!

So now that the year is winding down a bit and the holidays bring us onto a slower pace, I thought it'd be a good idea to make this Inside Scoop more specific. Specifically for portraits. 

When I began developing my technical skills in photography, I was set on photographing still life. I was afraid of having people in front of my camera because, well, because of a myriad of reasons. Mainly one reason. That they would notice that I had no idea what I was doing. And quite frankly, I didn't know what I was doing. This did not mean that I couldn't learn. Being that my major was geared more towards photojournalism, people became an important element in creating compelling photos. A story with in a story. This forced me to flex my skills and now, portraits are one of my favorite type of session.

 There is still a story with a story. My client's story. So this leads to this installment of Inside Scoop: The Portrait Series.

1. Ask questions and don't stop asking questions. 

 This is possibly the best advice I've ever received. It is what made me less nervous. And in turn also relaxes my subjects. It helps alleviate the silence and awkwardness of the session. I ask them how the drive was, if they have ever been to that location before, how their day was and if they feel nervous. Yes, you read right. I ask this question because it helps me pinpoint why they are nervous. This in turn, allows me to make the experience less stressful and more fun. I learned early on that talking and asking questions keeps the sessions light and fun. Plus, when you are first starting out and all wrecked with nerves talking helps to relax yourself. Try it. I bet you'll see a difference in how fun your sessions can be.

2. Keep moving. Keep the energy positive. 

 This is also something that I've learned to keep the nerves in check. Clients don't know angles or if something is just not working. All they know is that they're trusting you to know. So, when you keep moving on, with out making it apparent that somethings not jiving, be it the light or location, they just experience a fluid session. The client will feel like you really worked it. And in conjunction to keeping the fluidity of the session, keeping the energy positive will give your client a positive experience. Because lets face it, getting photographed professionally is intimate. And when your client walks away with a positive and excited energy, then it's a win-win. 

 3. SMILE 

 Photography is one of those things that if you do not love it, then seriously, why do it? When you show up to a portrait session, and any interaction with a client for that matter, it is so important that you keep smiling. No matter what. On the phone, smile. When you meet for a consultation, smile. When you are behind the camera, smile. Trust me, your client can see you. A smile goes a long way. It's the energy you create that your clients walk away with. And you want the, smiling after a session, right? Right.

 4. Be a big kid. It's fun! 

 A couple years a go, I had the privilege to attend Sandy Puc's seminar on photographing children. The biggest piece of information I walked away with was to be a big kid. To not worry about being silly and getting kids to really trust and respond to you. To tap into your inner child and play hi-five. To say "weeeee". To jump and play. Parents will thank you and appreciate that you were fun and made their family portraits such a great experience, rather than a stressful-the-kids-are-crying-what-a-mess experience. 

 5. Prep yourself. 

 This really applies to anything you're about to shoot. Prepare yourself. Go to a location and scope it out if you have to. Send clients wardrobe recommendations. Give yourself enough travel time. Prep yourself with poses. Preparation will allow you to show up with your A game and rock the session. 

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 So that's all for this installment. Next month will be the Wedding Series! And if you'd like to sub,it questions, leave a comment and I'll add it to future Inside Scoops! 

 Happy Monday!

Oh blog, please forgive me!  I went through the whole month of November and completely spaced on getting an Inside Scoop up.   So, to make it up to you, I will be doing two installments this month! Hooray!

1.  Keep your self inspired!

Recently, I went through a creative block.  Think of it like writer's block but for the creative person.  Yes, I made up the term, but its fitting for what I'm going to talk about.  I went through a slump and was feeling completely uninspired.  Before I could sulk in my non creativeness, I realized that inspiration was all around me.  In the form of books, in my sketchbook that I post clippings in, movies, the world outside, and other creative people.  And the flickering light bulb finally turned on.  Like it's little 100 watt life depended on it.  

When you feel like you're in a slump creatively, just take a second to stop focusing on the slump part and get back to the creative part.  Get online, Google is your friend.  Watch your favorite movie.  Look through old magazines.  And when nothing seems to work, go out and get yourself a coffee and people watch.  Yeah, I went there.  You never know when someone, something will spark your imagination. 

2.  Take a break.

This is crucial in any life situation.  Taking a break can help you recharge your batteries, get your mind off a stressful situation, and allow you to breath easier.  Too often, people do too much and they end up feeling stressed, unrested, and then they get crabby.  Don't allow yourself to get crabby.  

Breaks for me usually consist of prying myself away from the computer and going downstairs.  Far away from the "ping" of my inbox.  I also make sure to go outside at least once.  Working from home can mean long hours in front of the monitor, hours of music humming, and going cross eyed.  It is easy to not walk outside.  But do it.  The fresh air will help you relax and enjoy the day.  Even if you're at the office all day.  Talk a walk outside.  Away from the noise, the reminders, the to-do list, and maybe your co-workers.

3.  Write down your goals.

I like lists.  I make lists for everything.  Packing, groceries, wedding prep lists, I even have a list for this segment on my blog.  It's called:  Inside Scoop Blog Series Topics.  Along with check marks to make sure I don't repeat myself.  Your goals shouldn't get any less attention.  In fact, they should get seen everyday.  

Goals are a great way to keep your self on track.  To keep you motivated to achieve something you really want.  To help you get to a bigger goal.  Make sure to make them specific and reasonable.  Sure, you can have a goal to shoot for Vogue.  But is that really attainable and reasonable?  Instead make a goal that get's you closer to that goal.  Like, take a studio lighting class.  Or take a fashion photography course by June of 2012.  Those are specific, reasonable, and attainable.  And maybe, they'll lead you to your goal of shooting for Vogue :).

4.  Value yourself (and your work)

When I started out, it was really hard for me to accept the notion of valuing my work.  I just wanted to shoot and someday be able to be a good photographer.  However, if you do not value yourself, your skills, what you've learned and ultimately your work, people will take advantage of you.  They will set the limits for you and will box you where they see fit.  

Break the box and set value for yourself.  This goes hand in hand with confidence.  The more you shoot the more confidence you'll have and in turn the more value you'll give yourself.  But don't think you have to be the best to be valued.  Don't allow for other's to limit your value, even if right now you shoot flowers and your dog.  You just might be the best floral and pet photographer ever.  Only you can limit value.  

5.  Criticism.  Learn to take it.

I remember I got an email about a year ago from an anonymous person telling me that I needed to go back to school and learn photography because everything on my website looked like it was a snapshot. I read the email and sat there with my mouth wide open in shock.  The first thing I did was go over to my website and scrutinize my work.  I looked closely for anything resembling a snapshot.  I tried to find reason as to why they had to be so mean.  And then it hit me, this guy didn't even leave a real phone number or email.  I didn't even have a chance to ask him which photos he was talking about.

Criticism is like that.  You can either sit there and cry, overlook it, or get angry.  Or, you can take it into consideration and make sure that you do the best job you can.  Learn from it. Why did this person email this hurtful email?  He was giving me a reason to prove him wrong.  

Now, not all criticism is like this.  In college, we would submit our assignments without names and the class would critique it.  I'd cringe every time critiques came around.  Never the less, valid points were made, both positive and constructive. 

 And all have made me a better photographer.  Even the guy I aim to prove wrong every day.

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And that's all for this installment!  Hope you learn something from my personal experiences!  

My sister and I are 3 years and 9 months apart.  When I was learning to crawl, she was playing with Barbies.  When I started playing with Barbies, she was experimenting with make up.  When I started making up my face, she was kissing boys.  And, well, when I started thinking about boyfriends, she moved out.  We kept a notebook of letters and would give it to each other when we'd visit.  And I spent that summer at her apartment.  

We didn't play together and because of the age difference, we were in different stages in life.  Now that we're older, and now in the same age bracket, we get each other.  Often we say to each other with deep conviction, "we're all we've got."  Many times we fancied the idea of the infamous what-ifs.  What if we had a brother, what would he be like?  What if he were older?  What if we were the only child?  And right then, together, we declare, that it would just be way too lonely.

For the Moran family, they know the meaning of family, love, and most of all fun.  And they do it with style! 

Here's a sneak preview of this beautiful family!
More coming soon!  

Happy Wednesday!