Mentoring Session 2015

I had a mentoring session this week...

It was actually the day after I had a trial "Snapshop #2" with one of my Snapshop Grads who won a contest I ran on our private facebook group.

It was a week of loads of information...

well, that and laundry...but, you don't read this blog for my laundry updates, so I'll get back to the main point!!!

Mentoring sessions are really fun...

Please don't misunderstand and think that a mentoring session is better or worse than a regular Snapshop class...they are just different.

They are different type of challenge for me because the "curriculum" that I provide is completely customized and ever changing during our 2-2.5 hours together.  When we touch on something of which you are already familiar, we quickly change pace and switch to something else...always connecting the dots so that all the learning flows together...

Ashleigh was enthusiastic and so excited to get started...and we crammed every ounce of learning and questioning that we could before I had to run out the door to decorate the middle school bulletin board for my daughter's big play performance that same evening.


I'm excited for Ashleigh to join that online group because I could tell from her enthusiasm that her practicing will increase and she'll be ready for more in no time at all!

I mentioned that I was working on that Snapshop #2...I've thrown around this idea for a couple years...I'm not one to just be into something for money...I'm too frugal myself, to try to jip people out of their hard-earned cash for something that isn't worthwhile...therefore, I've struggled with trying to create a curriculum for a Snapshop #2...

With Snapshops, everything is foundational...ground level...therefore, even if you are a little bit ahead of the game in understanding composition or manual settings, you're still getting a firm foundation of definitions and application...and that will ultimately help you further your knowledge of your camera and photography in general.

The difficulty lies afterwards...everyone progresses at a different pace and in different areas...therefore, to develop a "one size fits all" curriculum for a Snapshop #2 just doesn't seem quite advantageous.

So, I've been holding contests on my Snapshop Grads private facebook page to invite winners to spend some "free" one on one time with me so that I could actually determine first hand how my grads would like to continue their learning.

Roberta and I had a great morning.

It began by perusing all her chosen images on her laptop and diagnosing issues.  I was able to listen to some of her frustrations and where she felt that she had the most trouble.  While she talked, I took notes...writing down key things that I knew would make a big difference in her photography journey.

We then spent the next hour just going through those points and applying what was learned.

It was refreshing and empowering...I hope for her, but also for me, as a teacher.  I love that feeling of hope you get when you discover a potential solution to a problem...

My grads all make me proud of their determination and passion to document the lives of their families.

I hope to have a structured outline posted soon for future Snapshop #2 one on ones!!!

Hope to see you there!!

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Home Sweet Home

I love it when families want to showcase their homes...

sometimes that means their actual HOUSE...

other times it means, the PLACE where they live...

Living in central Ohio, we don't have mountains, we don't have white sands on beaches...and I still love it!  It's MY home...and that is what makes it special...

This family enjoys showcasing that as well...the quaintness of the small towns...the little nooks and crannies that you find in your own little city...

It's funny because the mom here, is familiar with that good ole state up north...our dad's actually live off the same street in the same small town there in Michigan...

however, it took us living here in Ohio to eventually meet up...isn't there some scientific research about 7 degrees to everyone?  Anyway....

It's always a pleasure when I get to photograph them all...their enthusiasm and togetherness jumps off the screen...they are all in, 100% and I love it!

It's how they do family...it's how they do life...

and it's even how they do business...

you can check it out HERE, because their passion is contagious and their dedication & loyalty shines in all that they do!







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Lifestyle

My earliest memory as a child is actually a sad one...I have a recollection of standing at the storm door watching my daddy get in his car...I'm crying....I don't know how old I am, probably between 2 and 3 years old.  I'm not even sure if it's a true memory, or if it's some fabrication in my mind, woven together from stories that I've been told. He may have been going to work...it might have been morning or afternoon...

My mom gave me a box full of pictures from my childhood...my dog, Sammy, was in lots of them...the old couches, my stuffed animal...the clothes my parents wore, and what they dressed me in...a swingset, pots & pans...my high chair and old Mattel toys...

all these details set the stage for my memories...they create a timeline for me...I was too young to impress those moments into my brain to recall later...

but the pictures...

the pictures help to tell my story...

Lifestyle photography is something that I firmly believe everyone should do at least once in their life.  And, if it's not an actual session...then, learning your DSLR camera so that you can capture those moments is priceless.

This little man's life is being documented well...

His images ultimately tell the story of attentive, sacrificing, selfless parents who adore him...
his eyes show his own adoration and alertness to the caretakers in his life...

images that show the time & thoughtfulness put into every aspect of his personality...from his clothes, diapers, room & decor...

This little guy will have no problem piecing together his history as he grows...the pictures will become part of his memory...part of the story that is him!

I'm so thankful for this couple...their REALness and vulnerability is refreshing & inspiring. No pretense or fakeness about them.  It is rare to find, and something to be treasured.
















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So much energy

I think you will appreciate the energy on which this little guy runs...

I will be the first to admit this (although I probably should feel embarrassed by it), but, I'm a rather needy person...and by needy, I mean that I need people...

I not only get energized by people, but somehow...someway, other people just feed into my soul...

I know this sounds rather odd...I don't mean it to...I just know that it's the way I'm wired...

I love the outlet that photography affords me because I have the opportunity not only to have an avenue to express my creativity, but I get to invest in other people...I get to help show them how beautiful and energetic and alive they are...

being able to provide that for someone else may seem like an expenditure of one's self...because, I'll tell you...running after these sweet bundles of enthusiasm can be wearing (and not only on my shoes)...however, we all know that the things you strive the hardest for, are the same things that give you the biggest satisfaction and reward.  

This little guy made me smile...and not just with my lips...he's got a happiness and fervor that bubbles up from deep down...spending time with them was exhilarating and FUN...

I hope I am fortunate enough to see them again this year, because their LIFE and ENERGY is just the kind of thing that my heart loves!






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senior:taylor

Only a few more weeks left of school...

I can't imagine what the parents of seniors are feeling at this point in the year...

They've seen it coming for a long while...this is the moment, the goal toward which they have worked...their babies grow & mature to adults, who will begin life on their own...

I only have a few more short years with my eldest...but my heart squeezes every time I think about her reaching that last year of high school.

I remember talking with Taylor's dad who also accompanied us, along with Taylor's mom for her shoot.  He was not only the chauffeur, but the carrier of all wardrobe changes as well!  I asked him how he felt about his baby girl graduating...

He responded as I'm sure all dads must...with so much pride & love, I thought for sure his chest might explode...

She brings much happiness and joy to her family...she's confident and stylish, compassionate and spirited...she has a gentleness about her, that even in the excitement, she has a way of making others feel comfortable and at ease...

I have no doubt that her future will be amazing!

Congrats Taylor!








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Family of Four

I've known her since their son was first born. 

She's a kind-hearted encourager, a classy, creative designer, and a fun & carefree personality.

I have so enjoyed watching their family grow...I love her sweet spirit and the joy she gets from her little family.  Their children have no doubts about how much they are adored and because of that, it is evident that big brother is a protector and little sis knows she always has her brother on her side.

The smiles and the energy is authentic...I hope you'll enjoy!


 





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Remind you of anything?

  When we arrived at this location, we could not believe the colors...
It almost looks like the old backdrops from Olan Mills...remember that?

But, it's real people...that fence, the leaves, the trees, the sun...

we were THERE...IN PERSON!

and we couldn't have picked a better weather day!

Family pictures are important to them all...

the kids love to see how they grow through the years as mom keeps the frames on their walls filled with pictures...

They each brought a different dynamic to the family unit...and it never ceases to amaze me all the different personalities and temperaments that come from the same mom & dad!

I enjoyed their enthusiasm...it gets me excited when the kids are totally into having their pictures taken...it's fun to take them up on "their" idea of a "good picture"...

sometimes, those end up being the very best ones!!









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Sisters

I love watching little ones grow...

these little sisters grew so much in just a little under a year from the last time I saw them...

the curls just kill me!!!

those precious moments of growing up together...

Mom even saved some dry leaves so that we could capture the fun they have together during that fall season!

I think their smiles will make your day!!








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How can I reach you?

The best way to contact me is either through Facebook Messaging or emailing me at ctphotomemories@gmail.com

I can't wait to hear from you!
"Teach us to number our days, (savor the moments) so that we may gain a heart of wisdom" ~Psalm 90:12

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