Making bread makes me think.

 Captions: Kristi (left) stirring the ingredients, Mary-Ellen and I (right) gabbing while I knead. 
Mary-Ellen (Left) always seems to have a child on her hip. Jude (right) trying to crawl into the lake. 
The ducks - a must see whenever we visit enterprise. 
Mary-Ellen and Emily (left) Emily is scared of the ducks. Kristi and Annie (right) Poor Annie closed her eyes for the picture.  Jude is mad that I wont let him crawl into the lake. Jude petting the horse - one of his very favorite animals. He was pretty amazed.

 Ugh! I should really be editing "paid for" photos right now, but I'll get right to that in a minute! I HAD to share the fun we had yesterday.
So, for those who don't know, I am married to a twin. Marrying a twin means you kind of have to get to know the twins wife. Although we are different, I am so glad to say we enjoy each others company. In fact as a girl with few friends, I am so glad I have Kristi to call to vent to, to ask for a favor, to learn from, to hang with. And I hope she feels the same because I would do anything for her!

Kristi mentioned how she wanted to learn to make bread from her wheat. I thought that sounded amazing so I asked if I could join in on the fun and up we went to Enterprise to learn from the best. I was excited to get to hang with Kristi, learn a new skill, and of course see Mary-Ellen, our husband's Grandma. Not only did we learn to make bread, but we got to learn more about Mary-Ellen and sometimes the conversation is the best part.

Mary-Ellen talked about her life as a young married woman, how she taught herself to cook, garden, and sew. How she came from a family that was accustomed to spending versus saving. How her husband learned to farm as a young married man. It was so good to hear that Mary-Ellen -master bread maker, nurturer, homemaker - taught herself. It was so great to hear that Morley (grandpa) who is THE smartest money man I know, taught himself to save and worked for every penny, and started with basically nothing like us.
Mary-Ellen spoke of how she needed to write more of her life down - specifically these stories she was telling us and it made me think about my blog. I often toss some pretty pictures up and add a small tidbit, but I love to write. I'm not perfect at writing, but I love it.
I need to record my thoughts more. I need to share about the personal stuff because this is a record of my life. And, maybe someday I will be teaching young ladies how to make bread and they will want to read what my life was like when I was their age.

I'm a Bridesmaid

I get to be a bridesmaid for my sister-in-law AND my sister this spring. It's been kind of hectic planning bridal showers, and finding dresses, but I think that's very nice they both asked me to be a bridesmaid.
Cori (my sister-in-law, above) is getting married this coming weekend. She lives in Seattle so we had her shower here in Utah just this weekend.
Kenna (my other sister-in-law) planned most of the shower and did a really good job with food, and decorations, etc. It was very bright and happy! (I'll share more pictures later)
I was in charge of the games and had fun with that - and it seems like everyone else did too.

But, what I was most excited about was the gift I gave Cori. My other sister-in-law Kristi and I decided to go in on a gift and it was fun to do! I took a picture of the temple and we printed it as a blueprint at the copy store, adhered it to foam board, glazed it, matted it, and framed it... and! It turned out pretty cool. The way the blueprint prints out, it makes it kind of vintage looking. (Thank you pinterest!)

Hopefully Cori likes it because there is just something about creating a gift for someone that feels more personal - and exciting to give. Kristi and I were pretty excited to give it to her!

*more pictures of Cori's shower to come, but probably not for a bit because this week has me finishing up lots of sessions (my poor clients are getting neglected) and getting ready for Cori's wedding! Busy, busy, busy!

Smarty Pants.

 Practicing with manual focus on the 50mm 1.4

Sometimes I worry that Jude isnt as advanced as other children his age. Here's why:
- He's almost 18 months and he doesn't walk yet. It's not that he cant because occasionally he'll take 8-10 steps, but he just hates doing it.
- I saw a little girl at church (who is about a month older than him) looking at flash cards and naming them off like a pro. I am now really paranoid about Jude and his words.


But other days, I am convinced he is a genius! Here's why:
-This morning he was drawing on his magna-doodle when he pointed to his picture and said : "doggie!" Then he drew a new picture and said "bear!" I was so impressed that he was using his imagination. Seriously so cute!

-Today when I was feeding him lunch I gave him cheese, edamame, and yogurt peices. He exclaimed "Cheese!" and "Beans!" but didn't want his yogurt. Then he pointed to the pantry and said "crackuh!" (cracker.) So I gave him two crackers. After finishing his whole meal I asked him if he was all done and he pointed to the pantry again and said "crackuh." I gave him two more and he said "geet goo" Which is his way of saying thank you. When he was finished with those he signed "all done." I was in awe of all the words he used in a row and also how easy communication makes things. Jude told me what he wanted and told me when he was done. I have never witnessed him do something like this! So impressive Jude! 

- The other day we were all riding in the car when Jude said "Mom, Mommy, Momma, Mom!" I said "What jude?" and he pointed out the window and said "car!" This was neat because he has been saying car for a while now but only in conjunction with his toy cars. I was so impressed that he realized real cars are the same thing.

- He picks up on things like: the sound of a truck meaning da da is home. When I put my purse on my shoulder he waves and says bye bye to me. He knows his bink is only for naps and bed time and hands it right over when he wakes up.

- I've noticed he will repeat things after I say it. For instance I told him Curious George was a monkey and he repeated monkey. He is always interested in what objects are and when I say what an object is, he will try and try to say it until he gets it right or until I say "good job!"

These may not be such a big deal to you more experienced mommas, but for me they are huge. And really, these little things are what make me feel successful as person. Forget the new website, or that gorgeous photograph. My kid says Thank you! :)

And.... it's up!

Take a look at the new rgardnerphotographs.com please! Tell me what you think, will you?

Oh man I'm excited right now! This has been a long work in progress!

Temple Time

I realized we had never really taken Jude to explore the temple grounds (aside from the visitors center at Christmas) so this was a lot of fun. He loved the stairs, and knocking on the big doors at the top.
He loved all that grass for him to crawl around in and he was in awe at the temple and how big it is (I think.)
To find out more about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints and our temples click here.

WPPI Part IV - The Conclusion

The speakers shown are: first Colleen Wainwright, Second Kevin & Katie Hulett - local talent and friends of mine. - they spoke at the millers booth at the trade show and third, Jeremy Cowart .

I learned a lot from photographers such as Kevin Kabota, Doug Gordon, Jerry Ghionis, Bambi Cantrel, Jose Villa, Blair Phillips, Jeremy Cowart, Jared Platt and more! The one person that wasn't a photographer (Colleen Wainwright) was probably my favorite though. She spoke on branding and marketing and just how to be awesome.

So here is what I liked best from some of my favorite classes:
Kevin Kabota: 
Watch the pupils on your subject. Dilated eyes have a more welcoming feel. Indirect light dilates eyes. (I thought that was very interesting personally, just something I've never paid attention to.)
Point light towards a subjects nose rather than eyes.
Doug Gordon: 
Doug photographs wedding primarily and gave lots of good tips on posing...
Remember, people are remembering their lives with our photographs.
Tilt camera towards subject to make them look smaller.
For a tall groom and short bride you wan to compose them "lips to eyes" Whether you are bending the groom knees or putting the bride on something.
Jerry Ghionis:
Jerry is not afraid of his shadows and is very creative with them. He made me think about shadows as my friend rather than my enemy.
He said: Turn body away from light and face into light and Shoot from the shadow side of the face. (Short side)
Blair Phillips:
Blair talked a lot about marketing. He had wild ideas. BIG ideas. One thing I took away from him was the importance of video marketing and facebook. He targets high school seniors so he is very "with it" with his marketing. It's hard to put into words all that he said but he also talked about making friends with local businesses to shoot at and going to salvage yards and hardware stores to find cool props and DIY backdrop ideas.
Jose Villa:
Take control and be a stylist and an art director. Do anything it takes to make the photos beautiful and dont be afraid to tell the subjects your real opinion. Compose your subjects but still capture moments.
Jeremy Cowart:
Jeremy  is the founder of help portrait. He stressed using your camera for good. He talked about all the celebrities he has photographed and how that was nothing in comparison to giving children in Haiti a voice through his work and changing a prostitutes outlook on life by photographing her as a person and not a product. He was very inspiring and encourage us to bring our ideas to life.
(I met him before I knew he was a speaker and sat next to him in Jerry's class. He was a very nice guy and you would never know he was such a successful person. In fact it didn't feel right to ask him for a picture because he was so unlike the other photographers - he was more like a friend than a celebrity.)
Colleen Wainwright:
Colleen is 50 years old yet she radiates the youth of a 20 year old. She shaved her head for her 50th birthday because she said she would if she could raise $50,000 for a local charity. She raised more than double all by marketing strictly online. She is a marketing genius. She talked about taking the time to make your branding perfect and "you." She said "Branding is Behavior." She also said to {loosely} use this phrase for your business marketing: "Are you this person with this problem? I can help, here's how."
I am so glad to have learned SO much at WPPI and once again I highly encourage anyone in the photography business to attend next year. It truly changed my life. I made new friends, learned about myself, learned a load about photography and marketing, and most of all realized why I really love photography and where I want to take my business.
It is truly a long, hard road, but like any dream, it is worth it.

P.S. If you are a photographer and haven't heard about HELP portrait. Click HERE.

Settling down

 The husband helping me at a shoot.

I'm taking a break form the WPPI fun to share some exciting news.
Once again I am amazed at the way things work out - and how God continues to watch over us.

Start here for The Long Story
About 6 months ago (I may be off a bit) Trenton interviewed for a job at the County - doing electrical and plumbing maintenance. We were 95% sure he was going to get it because they went to the lengths of calling his boss and asked if they could take him - among other things. Well, after getting really excited about it (pay raise! Insurance! I could quit my job!) we were let down.

Fortunately, Trenton was then hired on working at a really good wage for a really good guy - running a plumbing job. He was finally making enough that we felt comfortable without my wages, but I had the insurance. After lots of prayer and weighing things out, we decided it was best for me to quit my job to be there for Jude and to pursue photography - despite losing insurance.

Start here to hear it In Short
Two months after we lose my insurance (now): Trenton is offered the county job again, but this time he doesn't have to interview. It's all his if he wants it. And he decided to take it!
Although it is actually is a pay cut, it is STABLE! He could work there as long as he wanted. No more wondering if he will have a job in 6 months - due to the "economy." (Oh construction!)
The perks: We get insurance, and not only is it insurance but it's cheaper than mine was and WAY better... add dental, vision, 401k and bam! We are set up!

We have NEVER been given an opportunity like this. And I would say we are lucky, but honestly I think this is happening because Trenton works hard and people notice. People meaning the county Maintenance supervisor and also God. Maybe that sounds silly, but I believe God watches us and sees our intentions and sees us work hard for things. All Trenton ever wants to do is take care of his family and after getting tossed around from company to company for 3 years, I think he deserves this.

I'm very excited//thankful//relieved. If you cant tell.

WPPI Part III

Me & Teria trying out the Smilebooth

The Trade Show...ooo!

Me&Teria looking a little tired after a long day of "Trade Show-ing" // Me with Jerry Ghionis // Teria&I in the Photobooth being dorks.

 The Trade show was mad! It was a true comparison to putting a kid in a candy store. So much to look at, so many things I wanted to purchase, lots of print samples, freebies, and famous photogs.
I had a blast with Teria and she was nice to put up with me and my hoarding... I was collecting anything that was free. Seriously! I was crazy! Ha
What I learned from the trade show:
I love PinHole Press. Well I already knew that, but I do even more since they work with Photographers now.
I also love ShootSac. I knew I wanted to splurge on one thing and that was a camera bag. One that I could wear during a shoot, one that would move with me and feel comfortable. After using it twice now, I am SO glad I splurged on it! It's VERY practical and also cute!

Stay tuned for some actual knowledge, tips, and tricks from the classes I went to. I have A LOT of notes to sort through... that's where the good stuff is.
I thought it would be nice to share since not everyone can afford (either time or money) to go to WPPI. I know I couldn't have done it if I hadn't stayed with 5 girls in one room and packed all my lunches. And also if I didn't have such a great support system that was willing to take care of my little guy while I was gone.
Next year? I hope a few of you can try to make it - for my own selfish reasons of getting to hang out with you! Tif, Cierra, Connie? Eh?

P.S. Man I'm photogenic. Not!

WPPI Part II

 Left: Me with Jose Villa, Right: Me with Jonathon Canlas. Two of my  favorite photographers.

What I learned from Jose Villa

-Don't ever stop shooting for yourself
-Shoot where and what you feel comfortable.
-Only shoot what inspires you.
-If you present yourself as a dedicated artist, your clients will respect you.
-Only show work you love.

Jose is a really nice person, I know because I met him. Not only did I meet him but I talked to him and I could have talked his ear off if I wanted because he is the kind of person that takes time for people and listens. He is very inviting and considerate of others.
What I love about him is that although he is very considerate, he knows when he needs to take charge. He was really good at explaining how to [or that it is okay to] take the reigns (as the photographer) on shoot and in your career. He was also so inspiring to me because he does things the way he wants (lighting, styling, post processing) and that's that and just look at his beautiful product.
I really needed to attend his class because my style is very different from the norm here in southern Utah and sometimes I feel like I need to cater to others... his class helped me to remember that my unique vision is worth showing.

On another note, I was really excited to meet one of my favorite photographers Jonathon Canlas. Like Jose, he shoots film and I just die over his work. Embarrassing moment: I was with Teria and I got really excited when I saw him so I said "Teria! That's Jonathan Canlas! Oh my gosh!" then he looked at me and said "I just saw you freak out." ha oh dear. I felt like a "groupy". Luckily, he's a big joker as you can tell from the picture.

Links:  Jose Villa ,  Jonathan Canlas

WPPI Part I

 The first day of WPPI was really exciting. I had no idea what to expect and once I got there, I just jumped right in to classes. I was immediately inspired and I knew that when I arrived home, I would be making lots of changes to my business and my techniques.
Throughout the course of the 4 days I learned about lighting (natural&artificial) posing, marketing, how to use my skills for good, light room techniques, social networking tips, and film photography. I even learned a little about myself and what my true passions are and that I actually like spending time by myself.
Another one of the biggest things I learned and cant wait to implement is that Photography is art. I am creating a timeless piece of art for my clients that I want them to view. I want it on there wall, in an album or even on a notepad. Images on a disc is not art. I want them to see there pictures everyday. So, one change I will be making is jumping into printing and trying to move away from the disc by educating my clients.
Anyway, after attending WPPI I have complete and total ambition to do something I have never done before, something scary, something hard but something that will set me apart from many other photographers. I am excited to jump into learning more and more about my camera and cant wait to share some exciting new changes with everyone. It's big but it's going to take a while to get there so I don't want to jump the gun.

Wish me luck and stay tuned for more jumbled//excited talk about WPPI and more crappy cell phone pictures too. (Isn't it funny that I didn't take ONE picture with my real camera?)

P.S. The middle picture is of me and my (married in) cousin Teria. I am so happy to say I got to know her a lot better during this trip. She is a great person, a great friend and an extremely talented and knowledgeable photographer. Love her!

And I'm off!

Shot taken this morning by the husband - at a photoshoot.

Well, I'm off to Las Vegas tomorrow morning for the WPPI Photography

conference. 4 days of living and breathing photography. I went through the 

classes last night and starred all the ones I hope to attend. Including learning

about developing my style, business and marketing, Photoshop tricks, aperture

intensive, fine art wedding photography, and lighting tips. Oh my! I cant wait!

I'm a little nervous for some reason. I guess I just don't know what to

expect. I am SO glad to have my cousin Teria going with me though, she will

 hopefully be my buddy  to stick with most of the time.

Anyway. I get back Wednesday night, so I'll be back with loads of pictures

and things to talk about. Can't wait! Cheers!

Oh yeah, Valentines Day.

Photos (c) Errin Andrus Photography

 Trenton and I started a new tradition where we will switch off who plans what we do. He volunteered to do it this year. He told me about all these amazing plans he was going to do but that they didn't work out. (Nice try Trenton. jk)
So, we ended up at Chili's, then we went and bought a box of chocolates (for me) and a milkshake for Trenton then picked up Jude and watched TV like usual.Trenton offered me a one hour massage (wow!) of which I cashed in 20 minutes - since he started to get really sick from a cold.

Trenton really tried to be thoughtful this year and the weather really did ruin his plans but it turns out that just having some alone time with him was really great. (I think the rule we made to not talk about Jude or money on our date helped a lot.)

And even though it was nothing extravagant, it reminded me that I actually enjoy hanging out with my husband. I'm sorry to say that sometimes I am such a crab when he gets home and I get easily frustrated with him. But, Trenton is actually an extremely patient, kind, funny person who puts up with a very high strung me. I love and like him a lot! :)

R.Gardner Photographs tidbits

Exciting things are happening behind the scenes!

The website has taken longer than I thought it would because I want it to be absolutely perfect, but I'm getting really excited about it! It is going to be BEAUTIFUL!
My personal campaign is changing also. (Lifestyle Photography here I come!)
I'm hoping for some new equipment in the near future and this just in!
I've got a mailing list! Why am I so stinking excited about this mailing list?

Will you sign up for it? I just want to send holiday cards and discounts. That's all. I wont bug you otherwise. Whats there to lose?

Subscribe to our mailing list
   
   

Anyway, I never thought it would feel so good to pursue all this. I am having a blast. I'm learning my strengths and weaknesses and feasting on knowledge! I am so, so excited to attend WPPI Las Vegas (Wedding & Portrait Photographers international) next week to learn about technique, marketing, business and of course all things photography. I know I am going to come back with my mind blown. Can't wait!

Thanks to Mom, and Kristi for taking turns watching Jude while I go party! I cant thank you two enough!

16 Months

Jude he has done a complete flip flop lately. He is the kid that everyone asks me why he is so good and what I did to make him sleep so well, eat so well, behave so well. Well I did nothing but be very blessed. I have been lucky.
Lately however, Jude will eat close to nothing and even pushes food away saying "no, no, NO!"

And on multiple occasions he has been acting up. For example, when I ask him for kisses (which he used to give liberally) he hits me in the face and says "NO!"
He throws, hits, destroys. He throws tantrums.*Sigh
For discipline, I have been doing time out by turning his high chair into a corner or putting him in his crib without a blanket or a binky and when I do so, I explain to him why he is in time out.
Also I have been pretty good at staying calm, even in public. Never mind the looks I get as if they are saying "control your child lady."
 Hopefully in a month or two I will be reporting back with a success story.

On the other side of things, Jude is learning so much and it is really fun. He is SO close to walking but just inst interested. Occasionally he'll take ten or so steps then sit down and crawl again. Oh well, he'll do it when he's ready. I just want him to be able to play without getting his clothes so dirty from crawling.
 As far as words go, it amazes me how he will point to an item and identify it or when I say something he will repeat it.
His new words are: baby, cup, bye, car, hi, yes, no, uh oh, whoa, wow, apple, blanket (beebit) and that's all I can remember right now.
These are some things he understands and identifies (which impresses me): mickey mouse, shirt, socks, shoes, pants, bum, diaper, shower, bath, snack, food, hungry, nose, ears, binky, his room, outside, bring that to me, throw that in the bin, go play, who's here? and again, that's all I can remember right now.

Jude is not so much a mommas boy right now but he idolizes Trenton. Anything Trenton does is gold. And when he gets home from work, its nuts. I think Jude gets sick of me disciplining and telling him not to get into things all day and that's why he's moved on to favoring dad. That's okay, I know its worth it in the end. And, Trenton deserves a little favoring from Jude. Jude has been attached to my hip since birth, now its Trenton's turn.

Although he is providing me with new challenges, I love him to death. Being him mom is the best job ever.

vday