What Inspired Me to Start my Photography and Printing Business?

     Are you in Facebook groups that help you inspire and grow your business?  I am in several and one of them is #BoldBossTribe.  The two leaders of the group post Mondays through Friday to get the group to interact.  One of the questions inspired me to write a blog post so I could tell you all a little bit more about myself to you all.  What Inspired you to start your business or blog?  That is a very good question and insightful.  So the summer before I graduated college I interned for a photographer in hometown name Mary Margaret Chambliss Photography.  When she was ordering professional photograph prints she was ordering them from New Orleans.  I was telling my professors about this and they thought this was interesting especially since Birmingham has some magazine companies located here.  My professors and I discussed my options during my senior year.  Photographers go to L.A., Colorado, or New York (those general areas).  But my professors knowing how much I dislike like the cold did not see me up north or in the west.  The also did not see me in L.A.  So that is when we began discussing going back to my hometown and beginning a business.  I could sell my artwork and advertise printing professionally for other photographers.
     But now how to come up with a name for my business?  The name was quite simple actually.  I went by my nickname Allie Ray.  It just flowed really well and it also was a way to honor my dad who passed away before I entered college.  He always loved art and nature.  Now I just had to get my business started and my name out there for the world to know!
     As an introvert that takes some time, but as someone who has learned to give up I work hard and promote like crazy.  I have found several ways to keep getting likes on Facebook and Instagram despite the algorithm changes.  I have a great support system and I have many willing models to practice my photography skills on throughout the year.   I still can't believe I started my business almost 6 years ago!  Thank you for following along this journey with me.

A Christmas gift a mom gave her adult child

A Christmas gift that a husband gave a wife

At a recent art show in February

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It's a Crazy Time of Year But Beautiful

     I never thought in my wildest dreams that in the last month I would connect with so many different people through my photography.  I have photographed birthday parties for a fellow artist.  I have been photographing a few Christmas card photos for families and working hard on my gold and silver leaf woodblocks.  I was even asked to photograph a surprise birthday party for someone.  These things have made me very grateful for photography career.  
     I have also been making sure to take the time and enjoy the holiday season by going to the Christmas pageant at my nephew's preschool, joining in with the family when decorating gingerbread houses, but most of all during this time of year I have been taking care of myself.  I know as an artist, a person, and someone who loves to who help people I need to take care of myself.  I need that one day to relax so I am able to enjoy the Holidays.  So yes you might not see me posting a bunch of photos at the moment on all my social media pages or even posting to my Facebook business page every week.  But trust me I am working hard making these wonderful gold and silver leaf woodblock gifts for you that I can't show my followers until after they have been given to loved ones as presents.  
     I just want to remind you all that I love showing you all my work, but during this season you might see more of my Christmas tree until I can post things I worked on this December.  Until then Happy Holidays!

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New Interests

     One thing I have done this summer is take some fun creative classes.  I took a hand lettering class from the shop owner of Wood Ya Look at That.  You should totally go check out her work by clicking this for her Facebook page link and her Instagram is just so fun!  Check it out here!  Okay now let me tell you about what this artist does... She makes wood signs in her free time while being a paralegal, going to law school, and studying for the bar.  Oh wait that is not all she is engaged and planning her wedding!  The first class I attended with her back in August she taught a room of 30 women how to hand letter and helped us all with a sign! So here is the artist helping me with my piece and then you can see my finished piece.

     When we were leaving she told us about how she was going to have another class where we made pumpkin door hangers!  My birthday is in October so of course I was thinking this will be so fun and who doesn't love making decorations!  The class was smaller than the first one and I enjoyed painting a white and an orange pumpkin.  I was able to use my creativity in her class.  And learned more about her!  Now time to show you the pumpkins! 

     Seriously I had so much painting and learning how to hand-letter.  I did not know what it took for these type of artists and I loved learning about it.  Thank you for the two great classes and opening up my heart to some new fun passions!  I hope you all check out this artists work and give her a follow on her Instagram!

#woodyalookatthat #handletteringclass #creativevibes #allierayphotography #artistpassions

Thank You Letter

     This is a thank you letter to my photography professor who I had him multiple times as a student during my time at Savannah College of Art and Design.  I think the thing that really stuck with me is that the last days I was in college my mom came to pick me up and we went out to lunch with Professor Christman.  Professor Christman, my mom, and I were sitting there eating lunch and he talked about my first class with him during my freshman year spring quarter.  I have to admit to you right now that this was a year and half after my dad died.  I was still in a rough place.  I was doing my work and sitting in the back of the classroom.  Professor Christman could tell I was struggling in some ways and needed help.  He did not know how to help me, but he found a way.  Professor Christman told my mom and I how he talked to a graduate student from my hometown (who is now an author -- you should totally read her book Unmapped and get it here).  Anyways, she was kind enough to tell our professor about my dad.  After that he really helped me hone in my photography skills so I could use them to express myself.  My senior year in his class I made a book which I used photographs and words to talk about my dad.
     My professor took the time to get to know me when he knew I was struggling.  He kept pushing me and taught me everything I know today about Photoshop and Lightroom.  During my senior year he took the time to talk to me about where I wanted to go after graduation.  I know some professors do this during everyone's college years.  But the thing that stands out to me is that he did not let me stay that shy, lonely, sad person in the back of his classroom my freshman year.  Professor Christman took the time and effort to get to know me during my years at Savannah College of Art and Design.  He took the time to get me to be an artist and teach me.  He took the time to become my friend and a mentor.  You will forever be missed Professor Christman and thank you for all you taught me at SCAD.

Here are some photos I made in during my first class with you!

Oh Pete Christman you influenced my art in so many ways.  Rest in Peace my dear mentor Professor. Thank you for taking the class to your house to see all your art work and meet your precious dog.  And also when we had that very small class for taking us to breakfast one morning.  Thank you so much for everything you taught me.  I am so glad you are finally meeting my dad.  Please tell him hello for me.

Sincerely,

Your student who I think tried to get in your class every quarter at SCAD!

#SCADalumni #SCAD #SCADphotography

Inspiration as a Wedding Guest

     I want to talk about weddings.  I am attending some weddings this year as a guest.  I have read many blogs about things that brides should know before their wedding or as the blog writers say the BIG DAY.  The thing about weddings is that I love experiencing them.  I have been a second shooter at a wedding, but I still feel like I missed some of the magical parts of the wedding.  As this wedding that I am attending approaches I remember some of the magical things that I love watching:

1. How all my relatives talk with one another like we just saw each other yesterday
2. Everyone dances
3. Everyone eats the food and cake
4. So many fun photos on your iPhones and cameras to remember the next day

     I could name so many funny memories about weddings past that I have been to, but each one of them have some what inspired me especially the bridal gowns.  I have no clue when my big day will arrive but all I know is that each wedding, the invitations, the flowers, the cake, just all of it inspires me.

     I will probably want to include my dog in my wedding or maybe a small ceremony, but I will just have to keep getting inspired by all the weddings.  Where do you get your inspiration for your wedding or where did you get your inspiration for your wedding?

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Hello 2018!

     Does anyone else think that 2018 just walked on in here without being invited?  I mean I was not nearly as prepared to celebrate or do any of the things I normally do for a New Year.  It literally just waltzed on in here and I was like, 'oh wait it happened!'  I barely had time to think about my goals for this year.  And everyone was posting on Instagram about them.  They even posted their highlights from the 2017 year.  I feel like I am late to the game this year.  But you know what I am okay with that.  I know that I spent time thinking about my goals.  I also realized that sometimes you can wait to make those lists or plans, because you see other people's ideas and you think that is a great idea for me.  Some of my goals for 2018 include things for my business and some of my goals include things like cooking one day a week.  What type of goals did you make for the New Year?

Here is a photo of the snow day we had in Alabama in December.

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#goals #newyear #alabamaphotographer #allierayphotography

November Already

     I can not even believe we are already through ten days in November.  If you are like me as a photographer or person in general who makes art you are thinking about what to get people for Christmas and also how to keep advertising your work to keep working till the last day of the year.  You are probably also thinking how in the world am I supposed to get holiday shopping, wrapping, and cooking, etc. finished?  Why is it always a never ending to-do list during the holidays and only begins during the first of November. 
     I have to begin by promoting my hand made gold and silver leaf pieces as much as I can through emails and on social media.  Then I have to make the time to shop for gifts and make the list out.  Am I the only one who makes lists anymore?  I really hope not they are really helpful.  You should just see my notebook that I have filled with lists!  This is what happens when you are a creative artist as working a part-time job.
     I really should be promoting by hand made pieces that are on wood blocks covered in gold and silver leaf pieces. So here are some photos.

 My Artwork Set up at Birmingham Artwalk

My Artwork setup at the Tartan Classic Marketplace

My Artwork setup at the Tartan Classic Marketplace

     But I also want to know how you find out about your favorite hand made art pieces and do you go to home shows?  What hours are the most convenient hours for you to attend if someone does a home show for you to come?  I love hearing your opinions.

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Opportunities in September!

     I can honestly say that I would never have dreamed that I would have entered myself in not one but three art shows in basically a one month time frame.  But I did and I am so excited that I did.  I had so much fun at the Highlands Country Club Art Show that helps raise money for a scholarship fund.  During this after show week I made a few more connections, saw some of the people who have been supporting me for years and took photos for more of my handmade work.

     I already knew I was going to be in another art show near the same location as the Highlands Country Club Art Show towards the end of September so I started making my digital skins before I left for my first art show.  The art show at the end of September is called Tartan Marketplace and I am thrilled to be a part of it.  But more about that one probably on my social media sites.

     The one I am very excited about is this weekend in my hometown called the Birmingham Artwork.  It takes place over two days in downtown Birmingham.  The dates are Friday, September 8th and Saturday, September 9th.  When I got the email last weekend they had found a place to put me I was thrilled.  I knew it was short notice, but it is such an exciting opportunity to exhibit my work.  These opportunities help me get my name out there and to tell people about my handmade artwork.  I have no idea what will happen at the art shows in September.  I know though that I will have to do a lot of promoting for the next couple month!  

The entrance to the art show at Highlands Country Club

My art work at the Highlands Country Club art show

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#artshows #alabamaphotographer #handmadart #allierayphotography #birminghamartwalk2017

August is for Art Shows

     As July is coming to a close and August is about to begin I am so happy to begin getting ready for an art show that I have participated in for the last five years in Highlands, NC.  Each year at this art show I always feel like I have a great audience of people who really show an interest in my work.  They also try to find me and ask me questions about my work which I am always happy to answer.  But I have to tell you when I am explaining my artwork they all look 100% confused.
     Art shows sometimes can be nerve-wrecking, because for some of them we have to fill out an application.  We have to wait to see if we will be partaking in the event.  If it is an art show that has a party along with it or a festive theme more people come to see the art.  Sometimes though it is all about how much you as an artist promote the event and your work.  Every time I prepare myself for an art show whether it is in my hometown or I am traveling to it -- 'I say to myself I will be happy if I sell one or if someone is interested in my work.'  I try to make sure I relax and remember that it is a process becoming an ARTIST ---- it does not happen over night and never give up.  Another key thing to remember is to always be patient when people begin asking you about your work.  You might get the same question over and over again.  The more you are willing to talk to people about your work, the more they will want to work with you as an artist and as a person.

Some of my gold and silver work you might see at the Art Show in North Carolina!

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Photography puts A SMILE on my FACE

     I have been trying to come up with the perfect blog post for a while now, but I can't so I am just going to talk about how for the past year I have been trying to do more of my photography since my bike accident last July 2016.  I was hit by a car while riding a bike in France.  Since then I have really been trying to get more business and keep doing my photography.  Because photography is what really makes me happy.  I have been working on my social media to try to gain people's attention with my work past and present.  I have been trying to connect with more creatives whether it is through the internet or trying to make it to a meeting in person.

     Here is the thing that I have learned since I got hit by a car -- I love photography and that is definitely my passion.  I will work as hard as I can to get people to see that.  I love photographing my nephews and niece.  I have fun photographing birthday parties and events.  I even photographed someones clothes they designed for them this year.

     I really enjoy however making my photography into art pieces.  I mean printing them on the digital skins then laying them on the woodblocks that I have covered in gold or silver leaf.  I know you are thinking what in the world is this girl talking about right now.  But printing photos is part of photography.  The quality of paper that you print your photos makes your photograph.  So yes let me print your photographs or help you capture your special moments.  Photography puts a smile on my face.

Here are some of my pieces:

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Time Management

     Honestly, I thought I was always good maybe even great at time management until this past weekend.  Somehow I let the month of April fly by me without a second thought.  Maybe it was due to the fact I was super excited that I had a niece born this month.  I have also been editing these adorable dog photos from the Mutt Strut benefiting Hand in Paw that was over Easter Weekend.  I am not really sure, but when I realized last weekend I only had 2 weeks - 14 days until the PreSchool Partner Food Truck Round Up and Art Show (for more information about the art show click here) I was like WAIT!  I honestly thought I had another weekend somewhere between April 22nd and May 6th!  Nope, nada, wrong!  I worked a lot over the weekend and even skipped taking my dog a good long walk.
     Time management is hard and I know I struggle with it sometimes.  During these times when you realize you have way to much to do make sure you do some things for yourself as well.

Some suggestions:

1.  If it is nice out take a short walk (if you have a dog take your dog with you).  I take my dog on several short walks during the days I have to work on art all day.  Sometimes we sit outside on one of our breaks.  This always refreshed my mind.

2.  If you are like me sometimes you forget about eating when you realize you don't have a lot of time.  Make sure you make time to eat.  If you have friends or family close by schedule a meal with them so you are able to take a break from your art.

3.  Always schedule your time for your art, exercise, grocery shopping, etc. or at least try.  Calendars are great.  I have a paper calendar from Erin Condren click here to personalize your own.  I love how there is a column for a to do list each week! I also use my calendar on my cell!





#timemanagement #allierayphotography #birminghamphotographer #alabamaphotographer #artshow

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Don't Throw in the Towel!

     You know those times while you are running your own business you want to throw in the towel?  DON'T!  I repeat DON'T.  I know everyday is a struggle to find clients, working on SEO, and even reworking your website.  You try to make sure your website is up-to-date and attracting your ideal client.  You begin to think you are doing everything wrong.  I just can't let you give up.  I believe so much that we are all meant to be doing what we are striving to do in life.  You might notice it takes some people less time than you, but trust me they all struggled when they began.  

     I am going to be honest for a second everyday I think is my photography (Allie Ray Photography) business worth it?  Then I make someone happy with my work and I know it is!  The thing that I remember while being in this art world is that I just have to have confidence.  Confidence goes a long way.  I painted two paintings in the last month and was so happy with how they turned out.  I was even happier when my client was happy with them when she saw them.  I have been working harder on my social media to get people to know my work (I post more than I used to post).  I have been following advice from other members of the #risingtidesociety group on Facebook - check them out here.  The one thing I can't do is give up on my #photography

Here are a few reasons why I can't give up on my #photography or in other words my #dreams

1.  Every time I make a piece of #artwork and see someone smile it makes me smile. 

2.  I enjoy making my #handmadeart so much! I wish everyone could see it in person, but it is just so unique.

3.  While I make art I feel like I have a connection with my dad who taught me to notice all the details in life.  He also taught me to stop and admire the beauty in life.  I love sunsets, because of him.  

4.  I have people who believe in me!

     I know these are very simple reasons, but it is my truth on why I can't give up on my #photography dreams.  And in case you have not heard my Spring Mini Sessions are coming up soon. #springminis

Thank you for taking the time to read!  Here are some other ways to stay connected with me: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram 

#birminghamphotographer #bhamphotographer #alabamaphotographer #allierayphotography

Finding a Way to Make Art Less Stressful

     There are days I wonder how people make art not stressful for them.  Most artists begin their career, because they dislike their 9 to 5 job or they love art.  I love photography, but the other day I was painting for a client and I remembered how relaxing it was to paint.  I used to paint all the time when I was in middle school and high school for fun.  It was a way to do something other than read or go play outside.  I used my mom's old acrylics.  My mom is a painter who uses oils!  The thing that is crazy about my painting is that from one painting I did for fun I have had two commissions from it.

     How do you balance making art fun during the stressful times?  We have commissions, due dates, and lives.  I took to #social media and asked fellow artists on The Rising Tide Society page on Facebook and was able to get some great replies.  

     I heard from one artist named Kate Heitkamp say, "I take breaks to write out what I'm thankful for, either on my big office white board, or in a journal."  I have a journal also so I was like check that one off the list.  

     Next I heard from Tammy Roede Murray who said, 'I go outside and think small when life, photo work or the day job gets stressful, Macro is my escape.... no clients telling me what they want, no one to pose (I really struggle here because I get so shy and uncomfortable giving direction).... just bugs and flowers, water droplets and mushrooms!  This is something I try to do, but I definitely need to do more of in the future.

How awesome is this image by Tammy Roede Murray?

     Last I heard from Michele Bourquin who is a painter.  She said, "I'm a painter.  I try to stagger my work - commission piece.... independent piece.... commission piece etc.  It relieves the stress of commission work." 

      There are so many ways we can make art more and not #stressful.  We have to remember to maintain the balance between friends, family, work, social media, and everything else in our life.  We need to make time for ourselves.  Balance is definitely my answer for keeping art fun!

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#birminghamphotographer #alabamaphotographer #art #fun 

Social Media

     I just want to discuss my love/hate relationship with Social Media.  #SocialMedia has now become the number 1 thing to promote my photography business is through my Instagram and Facebook.  They have however set up if you don't get the likes and comments no one ever sees your posts.  So you have to pay for followers!  You try word of mouth and getting your work in stores.  The stores change their style or people come in and say they like your work, but they just do not follow through with buying it.  You keep trying to sell your work and keep working hard to promote your name.  You have business cards with you in your purse constantly to give to people.  You tell people about what you do even though you are an introvert and would love to be sitting at home editing photos with your dog.  They say post at least once day, but two to three times is ideal!  They tell you to make your feed look cohesive!  You try, but how do you do that?  You make digital skins that you put on gold or silver leaf woodblocks.  You have photographed at rehearsal dinners, engagement parties, birthday parties, sip and sees, traveled around the world, and baptisms.  You have been a second shooter at a wedding.  These people are experts and get contacts through #Instagram and #Facebook throughout the year.  You blog fairly regularly, but have not gotten comments and feedback.  

     Now my opinion on this is probably different then everyone else's.  I believe we should all have a life away from #socialmedia and get outside.  Maybe spend some time with your family and friends. So I show photos from hikes and tell you how fun it is to #optoutside.  I have a part- time job, try to exercise daily, and work on eating healthy while trying to maintain my photography business.  I 100% take my business seriously and get all my work done for my clients!  I work with them.  I might not post everyday, but when I do I hope you enjoy what I post and take the time to read what I write.  I love hearing from all of you.  

Ruffner Mountain, Alabama

A View in Alabama

Would you want to miss an opportunity, because of #socialmedia if you had the chance to see something new?

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#SocialMedia #birminghamphotographer 

Mentors

     The other day I was meeting someone for coffee and later that afternoon I began thinking of what I wanted to talk to you all about in my next blog post.... Mentors!!  Mentors are very important in our lives these days.  Eventually your mentor could even become a friend you want to hang out with weekly or monthly.  You go to this person for advice or even when you just want another opinion.  Mentors may have been through some of the things we are trying to figure out doing today or even a month from now.  You do not only find them in business, but when you go to the gym.  You have that one friend who you may have met in your class you go to for advice.  Mentors sometimes are your age or maybe they are a bit older than you.  They may have been in your life since you were young, but somehow they were put in your life to help you.  According to dictionary.com a mentor is a wise and trusted counselor or teacher; or an influential senior sponsor or supporter.  Both of these are a great definitions.  Some of my mentors have become more like family.  Who are your mentors?  Where did you find your mentors?

     Meet two of my mentors who are like older sisters.  I have gone to them many times for advice while growing up.  They babysat me when I was younger.  The one on my left asked me to be her oldest daughters godmother.  I love how much they have helped mentee me into who I am today.


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#mentor #photography #birminghamphotographer

Goodbye 2016

     It is almost time to say goodbye to 2016.  I learned a lot in 2016 in my business and with life.  The thing I learned in life is that I have a guardian Angel.  I know that sounds absolutely crazy, but I really do.  In an earlier post that I wrote The Truth about Fear I talked about my accident where I was hit by a car while riding a bike.  I walked away with seven stitches on my chin, a bruise all down my left leg, and loss skin in two or three places (which not many people can say that happened to them).  I still have to say in some ways I am in shock I was not more seriously injured after the car hit me.  I am surprised I was able to go back to working out just six weeks after my accident. Honestly, I did not think that I would be committed back into my exercise routine like I am today.  I still do IronTribe, but I have also started some home workouts through a program I heard about through a high school friend.  These home workouts have been great for me, because I was able to join an accountability group.  The people in my group give me tips on modifying my workouts and great healthy snack options for work.
     Another thing I have done this year is become more active in my creative life.  I have become more involved with my Instagram through an Instagram group where we try to post every day and comment on everyone else's photos.  I love this, because it gives me great feedback on my photographs.  It also gives me feedback on my gold and silver leaf pieces.
     When it comes to thinking of the New Year and New Goals for 2017 I always say to myself I am going to keep up with my networking.  I also think of how I can get my gold and silver leaf pieces to be seen.  I think of stores that might like them.
     However, the one thing I have to say about 2016 is that you taught me fear is real, but you have to keep going.  You showed me how to keep pushing myself when I wanted to give up.  2016 I have to say I think you taught me some of the best life lessons ever.

Here are a few photos from the trip! Enjoy! 

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Thanksgiving is Coming!

     Wow this year has flown by so fast.  It is already time to start thinking of shopping for Christmas presents.  I know many photographers are finishing up their mini sessions and advertising for Santa photos.  They are also putting up some specials for the end of the year.  While this year is quickly coming to a close as a business owner I have to renew my business license.  I am doing all of this while keeping a part-time job, helping my mom with her Christmas cards and delivering some of her Christmas presents to friends, and have a life.  Haha!  Holidays are crazy - with last minute orders and holiday parties.  I sometimes wonder how any and all people who run their own business get it all done?  I think that is why to do lists and organization is key.  

     I would love to hear from you all how you all get everything finished over the holidays.  What do you do to keep your stress level down?  How do you find time for YOURSELF while running your own business?

Leaving you all with a sunset: Take your time this holiday season and enjoy nature.

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Dedication

     It is a Saturday afternoon turning into night while I am sitting here editing some photographs to the background of football.  Photography is my passion so sometimes I have learned I have to do things I would not like to do, but the brilliant thing about photography is I am able to bring my laptop with me to edit photographs wherever I go.  Yay!!  This is really helpful when I am with football fans who do not want me asking questions about what is going on during the game.  My dedication to photography reminds me of how I am sometimes with training my dog.

     My dog is a rescue dog and lately I have gotten compliments on how she is not barking as much when the postal worker is outside the door delivering the mail.  Even when I would love to just sit back and watch a funny TV show I think I have work to do.  I might be in a hurry, but I still take the time to make my dog sit before she exits behind me to go outside or come back inside.  It is hard at times to work constantly, but in the long run I am doing things to help my business succeed.  I take this dedication with me when I am on a vacation and take a job.  I could say no, but I think to myself about my schedule.  I consider how this will effect the others with me. 

Photos from Little River Canyon

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The Truth about Fear

     Starting a business is scary!  Why did I do it?  Because I wanted to follow my passion of being a photographer.  Sometimes during the first few years of any business or new endeavor we have fears. We have to knock those fears down with our head held high.

     Today, I want to talk to you about an accident that happened to me over the summer.  A little over a month ago while I was on vacation in France with my family a car hit the bike I was riding.  I was in shock, but I was hungry.  While waiting for the ambulance in France with my cousin and his wife and a bunch of people speaking French I was eating m&m's and having some water.  You never know how organized you are until they are asking you for every detail like your medicine, your birthday, your insurance, your passport, and so on.  I had my phone with me so I could take photographs when I was not taking photos them with my DSL camera.  In my phone I had a list of all the medicine I take daily.  I had my passport on me since we were changing hotels, my ID, my health insurance card (like it would really help in another country), and I knew my birthday.  Did you know in Europe when they write down your birthday they write the day then month?
     Since arriving back to the states I have had irrational fears.  I have to keep telling myself I am stronger than I really am.  I walked away from being hit by a car while riding a bike with only seven stitches on my chin, a few places where skin came off, and a big bruise on my leg.  I still however see someone riding a bike with no helmet and want to yell 'idiot' at them or I see a biker not obeying the traffic laws and have a mini panic attack where I have to take a deep breathe to relax.  I see a child riding a bike when I pull into my apartment complex where cars are trying to park (not focusing on the child at all).  I want to say something calmly, but inside my head is saying 'I just got hit by a car please use the sidewalk.'
     The thing about fears whether it be in a business or from an accident it is not always easy.  We have to work hard.  We have to be BRAVE and keep putting our name out their for people to see we are available.  We have to tell people about our unique business and how it might be different from others.  We have to be vulnerable.  We have our supporters who have followed us from the very beginning.  We have people who are spreading our name out in their the community.  We have to do our part and say fear is not going to keep me from what I love doing.  I am going to keep doing my photography.

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Believe in Yourself

     One of the hardest things to do as a photographer, in my opinion, is to believe in yourself.  Sometimes you have a lot of projects that keep you busy and other times you are actively seeking job opportunities.  Recently, I had an accident while traveling through France with my family on vacation.  It could have been way more serious than it ended up being.  While being in France I enjoyed traveling on bikes through the countryside and experiencing the culture.  It is not everyday any of us get to be a part of new cultures in general.
     Photography is more than art to me.  It is my way of being who I am.  I express myself through my photography and I find myself in different ways when I am able to find something I want to remember forever.  I see poppy fields and immediately think my dad would love this.

Poppy Field in the French Countryside

     Besides being enjoying the French countryside I saw a movie being filmed in a small town, a coffee shop I remembered enjoying with my family on a previous trip to Paris, France.  Half of the time I was traveling I was enjoying every aspect of the trip with my family and the other half I was injured.  I kept going, because I thought to myself when will be the next time I am able to come back to this place.  I am a travel photographer at heart and that was one of my motivations that kept me out exploring France.  If I am able to walk throughout France after an accident than we should all believe in ourselves!

Movie being filmed in France

Beautiful Fields in France

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