Hurley & Me
I NEEDED AN EXCUSE TO SHOP ANYWAY.
I’m packing up to leave Guam after 13 days, but now I have more room in my luggage because of this furball [in the photo below] … He’s the family dog, a 7mo Pomeranian-Bichon. See, I walked into the bedroom looking for him like I have each morning since I’ve arrived on this little island; I usually find him up to no good … Alas, he topped it on my last day with his mischief ways … I found him face down chewing on something black. My H&M sandals that I bought in Berlin last summer!
I’ve worn those sandals through Berlin, Prague, Manila, Jakarta, Bali, Narita, and Guam. I never would’ve thought its last days would be on my last day in Guam! But, how could I be mad at that little hairy face? Actually, he did me a favor … I needed an excuse to shop anyway!
Image(s): This was taken this morning right after the crime he committed on my H&M sandals. Bad Hurley!
Tip: Get Help (Live Your Life)
DISCLAIMER: I am not an expert. But, I am a believer that sharing is caring!
I’m not sure why some photographers insist not to reveal if they outsource their workflow or not. I don’t understand the issue? I have no problems admitting that I.NEED.HELP. There aren’t 10 of me: shooting, culling, editing, retouching, designing, ordering, etc. That’s just for one session, however, when I have a ton of sessions in one weekend then 10 just ain’t enough. I can’t do it all alone. There’s no way unless I spend every waking minute working — without overtime pay. No, thanks!
I’ve extended my vacation in Guam another day because, simply put, I can. I know that outsourcing has allowed me to finally be able to do something so spontaneous, though, I’m not at the office to finish all the editing that I need to have done. Right now, Photographer’s Edit is working on the 1800 wedding images for me; Revolution Imaging & Design is working on the 200+ portrait images simultaneously. What’s great about Photographer’s Edit is that you can use the “jstar2010″ code for a 20% discount off your first order (thanks to Jasmine Star!). What’s so cool about Revolution Imaging & Design is that they are local to me, based in Wilsonville, OR, which means I can easily drive to drop off and pick up my order. I love that! (NOTE: They both offer postal and/or FTP service.)
Image(s): We found a blue starfish at Tamuning Bay (Guam); yes, it’s really blue. Can I take him home with me? Is that legal?
Q&A: Looking for answers to other photography questions on your mind? Just shoot me an email or post a comment below!
Bunn, Just Breathe
DOING WELL, BUT NEED IMPROVEMENT.
I haven’t blogged in a week and I did that intentionally … I wanted to take a break from work and recompose myself as I’ve been feeling like a robot on auto-pilot. Exactly one week ago, I flew out here to Guam along with Romie and his 82yo mom so they could revisit family and friends after 30 years absence; I’m meeting everyone for the first time. I had only planned for a one-week vacation, but Romie had changed the dates on me and our trip doubled to two weeks. I nearly had a heart attack. I mean, I had so much to do! Like, so much. I had many sessions before our departure date and my two-week turnaround had already been botched when my MacBook fried on me. I couldn’t edit much that I normally would during downtime, but now to be totally disconnected from my office for two weeks!? *just breathe* Actually, I started to twitch before I could even convince myself to breathe.
This experience has reminded me that I truly need to outsource everything. Like, everything. Seriously, I need help … Yep, I said it: I.NEED.HELP. I can’t do this alone … I need to deliver what I’ve promised, but I also need to live my life. I need to be with my friends and family. I left my old cubicle two years ago to have the freedom to do whatever I wanted to do. To enjoy life and have fun. But, I’m not doing a very good job. Don’t worry, be happy? I’ve started outsourcing things here and there, but I’m such a control-freak that I still haven’t been able to let it all go. That will change when I return home.
(I’m posting this because I want to remind myself of what I don’t want to happen the next time I’m on vacation.)
Image(s): Romie blind-feeding a caribou named Betsy in Umatac — yes, by mouth. See those spots around her? Those are bugs from Betsy. Ack!
@Guam (08/19-08/31)
THE RUMOR IS TRUE…
I fly out to Guam today for not one, but two weeks! Yes, GUAM!!! I know, I’m totally spoiled to be able to travel so much. I LOVE IT!!!
NOTE: I’ll be out of the studio/country from Aug. 19-31; unfortunately, I will not be able to return phone calls and have limited access to my email while I am traveling. But, if you have booking inquiries, please feel free to email me and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can. I promise!
Image(s): Are y’all jealous???
Tip: Get More Memory
DISCLAIMER: I am not an expert. But, I am a believer that sharing is caring!
Did you know that your CompactFlash (CF) memory cards have an expiration? Yeah, they do … It’s usually listed in the spec sheets from the manufacturer. One thing you should try to do is write the date on the back of your cards so you can easily decipher which one you may need to replace soon. It depends on how much you “write” on the card, like some of us may shoot more often than others. Hopefully, you remember to format your card after every shoot; don’t just delete the images.
Do you shoot a wedding on one big card, say a 16GB or higher? I used to, but then I learned a few things that made me habitually change out my cards throughout a wedding day. What if something happened to that card? What if it gets corrupted? Or, what if you accidentally hit Delete All? Eeks! *my head starts to pound then spin* Your client’s entire wedding day was on that card … That single card. That scares me! By changing cards after the ceremony or whatever — even when it’s not full — and keeping them all close to me the entire time, I feel more secure than having them all on one card. If by some unfortunate event I lose a card, then I pray it’s the card that won’t have all the vital shots my clients wanted. I still have their wedding coverage on the other cards and will be able to provide them memories. You see what I mean?
Image(s): Say hello to my little friends!
Q&A: Looking for answers to other photography questions on your mind? Just shoot me an email or post a comment below!
Friday Find #14
*** GAME IS NOW CLOSED. ***
UPDATE (08/16/10 03:55 PM PST | 4 Correct Entries): WINNER: Adriana
ANSWER: June 14, 1976
PRIZE: $50 Gift Card (of your choice!)
Instead of #FF or Follow Friday — if you’re familiar with the jargons on Twitter — I am doing it a little differently. Each Friday, I will post a question here on The Blog … One winner (with the correct answer) will be randomly picked, via a number generator, so be sure to input your correct email for contact of winning.
PLAY: Enter below in the comment box. Only one entry per person. Comments will be approved and a winner will be revealed on Monday. Good Luck!
QUESTION: What is my birthdate?
HINT: Answer can be found on The Blog or Website.
Image(s): Sneak peek of Rhonda & Aaron‘s Cambodian-style wedding that’s coming up on The Blog!
Boudoir Marathon
UPDATE (08/18/10): SOLD OUT!!!
Yes, it’s really happening … A boudoir marathon that some of you ladies (and your special someone!) have been waiting for! It’s going down on Oct. 22-24 in Portland, so if you’re interested then email me and I’ll send you more info. I can’t wait to announce the new and su-weet location. I totally cannot wait to shoot there!
NOTE: Your images will not be shared without your consent. So, your secret is safe with me!
P.S. If you would like to include your special someone in the session with you and you like the whole Calvin Klein feel, then let’s chat details.
Image(s): This was shot over the weekend. Just a sneak peek of what’s to come for this special lady with the killer legs!
09.02.10 - 01:53pm