Diary

Journey of Self. Professional Portraits is a way for the visual artist (that's me) to take people on a journey of self. To help them explore not only what others see on a daily basis but to also capture a rare glimpse of their best self. Sometimes we are to close to see what others see in us and it is my passion as a photographer to show people or to remind them of just exactly what makes them special and unique to the rest of the world.Photographic Artists like myself, use the camera to reveal what the artist sees beyond the outer world. The artist uses the camera to craft a tangible visual reflection of the inner self of the subject unseen by the naked eye, a surreal moment in time.I would like to invite you to my beautiful studio for a complimentary consultation. Maybe it's time you were shown how just how beautiful you are. And, if you have a family member or friend who you think needs to discover their own beauty, please share.

"Don't fear her father said, sometimes the scary things are beautiful as well and the more beauty you findin them the less scary they'll become." Have you had days you want to curl up and not get out of bed or see anyone; I've had many. When I am curled up and wanting to hide from the world I acknowledge my feelings, take a bit of time to sort it out then, as my mom always told me, "now go wash your face with a cold cloth and change your attitude, and get out doors." Thank you Mom for these words that have kept me going for the past 50 years.

When Cristina told me the name of her business, The Blossoming Lotus, I was curious why she chose chose the Lotus Flower, so I did a little reading. The Lotus Flower symbolizes purity, enlightenment, self-regeneration and rebirth. It grows in deep, muddy water, but rises above the darkness into the light and blooms to its most beautiful.

“Girls, said the old man are an ever flowing music no use complaining about the music just find one that makes you want to dance.” Together we designed her photoshoot; soft, feminine and strong. She told me her style was simple, clean, and classic and sometimes she added a bit of drama and surprise and she wanted a cozy feel, like ones in the bed or a comfy chair where she felt natural. So, We chose which outfit went with each backdrop and the little pieces she brought with her we accessorized with items from the studio. After all this planning now it's time to get excited and create and feel beautiful. During our shoot she told me she was modest and conservative, but wanted to do this for her wedding anniversary. I didn't notice those characteristics, because what I saw in Ellie was confidence in herself and her beautiful soul shining bright.

The first Valentine's Day was in the year 496 and started with Romans celebrating their start of Spring. Valentino was a bishop and martyr and considered the saint of lovers, but a poet from the middle ages "Chaucer" was the first to link the holiday with romantic love. Valentines Day started in the US in the 19th century and we have been celebrating love every February since.

A little bit of this and a little bit of that to tell your story. Each of us have our own style that defines who we are, whether clean and classic, soft and feminine, eclectic, bold, colorful, sassy, monochromatic, etc. That's why when I shoot I offer several wardrobe changes. I want to tell your story in an editorial type manner. So, we talk about wardrobe and backdrop settings before your photoshoot and I ask you to bring a bit of what makes you feel beautiful.More times than you can image the ladies just decide to choose something from Voulez Vous Boudoir's studio wardrobe. And I'm super excited when they ask for something more creative and fine art. Bringing in a little bit of this and a little bit of that and a hair and make-up makeover makes for a super fun filled play date at Voulez Vous.

Valentines Day is a time to reconnect and fall in love again.Take time to focus on each other and do something different this Valentines. Bond with each other over the portrait experience enjoy a new adventure together. Let me capture a giggle, a kiss, a look shared between you. Use as artwork to spice up your bedroom walls or slide into your nightstand for a quick peek for a romantic night. Keeping it classy and sophisticated at Voulez Vous Boudoirhair and makeup provided for herRefer a friend who books a session and receive a 7x10 matted print from your session as a gift ($275 value) or a $200 gift voucher.

Creative Play is so important. How do you figure out what you like and don't like if you don't take time to imagine and create? We know how important it is for children, but what about as an adult. For me, when I see something; whether an image, an object, a person, a location, or inspiring words my imagination is sparked and I have the feeling to create and just see where it takes me. Creative thinking brings new ideas and and excitement when I put it to fruition.I have an "inspiration" folder where I keep thoughts, images, notes on things that come to my imagination. This folder is many years old and when I feel stuck or uninspired I go to it and it never lets me down. I also take time in nature for inspiration and meditation. Quiet time is vital to my imagination; letting my mind be free of clutter.This particular creative play day my assistant/friend had this same inspirational photo in her folder, so we decided to work on it together. First we chose our model, Daisha Braggs. Then we did some shopping for the flowers from the dollar store and hobby stores. We also made a trip to Home Depot for the chickenwire, wire cutters, and tape. We used felt on the inside of the skirt for comfort.Time for the creativity to begin; attaching the flowers to the chicken wire. We arranged and rearranged a few times laughing and giggling and listening to fun music. As you can see the skirt ended up as a headdress as well. I don't know how heavy it was, but at least 10 pounds I would guess and I wouldn't want my model to put it on her head without testing myself first...LOL. I didn't plan for any type of posing, we just freestyled it and let our time be what it was, creative free play.Model: Daisha BraggsAssistant and fellow photographer Kelly Thompson EdwardsAnother blog post coming soon with second inspirational shoot with Daisha.

I have watched Mason grow up playing hockey, so it was special to be asked to take his senior portraits. My son has played with Mason for about 10 years for in-house and travel hockey. What a gift to me to be able to capture this young man as he prepares for his future in law enforcement. Mason came in and knew what he wanted, prepared and ready to shoot.