Kaitlyn

IMG_4415
Originally uploaded by dortheaofoz

Went senior shooting again today!! :) It was a great sesh.

My 'First' Wedding

One of the things I find really encouraging when I'm looking at other photographers is when I find out that they share the same faith as me. It's awesome! Some include David Jay, Jamie Delaine, Sarah Barlow, Kayla Dawn... some big time photographers, some amateur... it doesn't matter because we share the same faith! I am a reader of David Jay's blog, and he recently shared another blog, Promise Tangeman, (who also is a Christian)! She recently posted this:

How to Feel Miserable as an Artist:

1. Constantly compare yourself to other artists. 

2. Talk to your family about what you do and expect them to cheer you on. 

3. Base your success of your entire career on one project. 

4. Stick with what you know. 

5. Undervalue your expertise. 

6. Let money dictate what you do. 

7. Bow to societal pressures. 

8. Only do work that your family would love. 

9. Do whatever the client/customer/gallery owner/patron/investor asks.

10. Set unachievable overwhelming goals to be accomplished by tomorrow. 

I'm guilty of many of those things, I will no longer allow myself to compare and/or seek encouragement. I have full faith that Christ has a plan for me. This past weekend was really a blessing/encouragement for me personally.  I helped photograph my cousin Thai's wedding. He didn't officially hire a photographer, but there were 3 others there. One of which I knew about (my cousin Paul), who was supposed to be second shooting for me. The other two were apparently friends from the church. During the process, it was almost discouraging because those two were there. I was intimidated. But looking back at my photos, I am happy with what I accomplished. It was a good run for shooting my first wedding. I quoted 'first' because I've shot them before but never through the entire day like this one. I declare this my first one. My favorite part was the worship music the band played at the beginning of the reception!! Here are some previews (finally images I took eh?) There were so many I loved.. I couldn't pick. Congrats Anh Thai and Chi Loan! You two are amazing- thanks so much for the experience and being the joyful couple that you are. I have no doubt that you'll both share an incredible life together in the Lord. Enjoy all! 

Anticipation + New Website

Looking at different photographers' work and seeing how other people see is pretty rad. All the photographers off of Showit sites is awesome. I really like how the program works and once I get better, have a better and wider portfolio, and money!, I want to use Showit. 

But as for now, I went off of a cheaper place and just posted up my new website. I am pretty proud of myself and it looks pretty darn good for being an amateur. I just need more images, so if anyone needs pictures done, I'm here, sitting, waiting. Haha.

Thanks all for reading and supporting my work. I truly appreciate it.

God is good.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Acts 17:11

gabrielryan.net

Jamie Delaine Photography

Here's another great photographer... dude, she looks so young... like my age. Ahhh I want to be get better now! :/

Jamie Delaine Photography

Reesa c/o 2009

Day72: Reesa
Originally uploaded by dortheaofoz

I love taking senior photos!! Today we headed to downtown Olympia... as Reesa and I were walking back to our cars, we came to the realization that we literally walked around the whole downtown area. There's my exercise for the day... We got about 40 good shots in the hour we were there. I pat myself on the back. Hehe :)

Sammi

Day59: Testing, testing
Originally uploaded by dortheaofoz

I'm actually really proud of these photos... Sometimes it's nice to have so many cousins. :)

Let's get down to business... literally

So you know those prom portraits I took last Saturday? I basically broke even on them because I barely charged for them. Why did I do this? Well, there a few reasons.... First of all, (this is kind of embarrassing to admit, or is it?), but I love high school dances and just the rush and getting ready, etc. Second reason, I wanted something or someone else to shoot! and here was my chance. Third reason, I wanted to get my name and work out there. Fourth reason, earn a little spending cash... (I made enough to buy my Anberlin concert tickets). Fifth reason why I didn't charge so much- they're my friends (but I have to stop being so nice!)

Anyway, my mom has been making fun of me these last few days for charging so little and to be honest, it kind of makes me annoyed... yes, I do admit, I was stupid to not charge more, but my photography isn't about the money. Right now, I want money to spend on whatever but really, I don't need it, because my parents provide for me still. However, post- production takes up time and I realize I should've thought more about my pricing. 

This is all besides the point... because I did those prom portraits, in the last few days, I have received emails requesting wedding photos, senior photos as well as family portraits. So... really, I have not lost... but have gained (if these jobs pull through). :)

I've spent the last few hours compiling sessions and prices. It's kind of fun but also kind of stressful... I can't wait to see where photography leads me. It's kind of amazing, yeah, just a bit... 

Kristen Beinke Photography

More inspiration... I saw this photographer off a Myspace ad.. why do I keep doing this you ask?? It never hurts to look at other peoples' work to develop my own style... I love wedding photography and I can only aspire to be as good as these photographers. :)

Kristen Beinke Photography

Prom portraits :)

Ubben copy
Originally uploaded by dortheaofoz

I took prom pictures yesterday. I had originally planned to shoot outside at the Capitol but the rain was on and off the whole day and I had to use my backup plan which was a studio inside my house... My mom sewed together some white fabric for a backdrop and I just used a flash and a shoot through umbrella.. that's all the equipment I've got so I just worked with it... :/