Counting Down

May 31, 2009

Things have been busy around here. Each week I think I am going to catch up and I end up digging myself in a little deeper!! My computer time has been very minimal lately......Sarah and Nick both want to be outside every minute of the day....can't say that I blame them, the weather has been gorgeous!!

We are in the home stretch with school and Nick is literally counting down the number of days left until his official summer vacation begins. This week starts final exams, so inbetween our normal weekend activities there has been a lot of studying going on. In addition, Nick had travel soccer tryouts last week and we should find out if he made the team in the next couple of days. I hope that he makes it.....last year he didn't and he took it so hard. He really excelled this year and gave it his all on the field......we are trying to remain optimistic but guarded at the same time.

Two weeks ago, I had my first official(paying client)photography shoot and got two referrals from the happy client. I was pretty excited about it.....as I have said before, I will never quit my day job for this, but if I can get a paying client each weekend or every other weekend, I would be happy. It feeds the photography obsession, and gives me the ability to make a little extra money too:)

I will not be posting pictures of my clients here for privacy reasons, but will continue to share the work I am shooting to build my portfolio of pictures and styles.

This weekend I borrowed the beautiful Alicia to practice some new lighting techniques. I am using my flash off camera for a more studio feel outdoors. To be honest, I was a little intimidated to try this alone....the last time I did it, I was being instructed by Debbie, but it really wasn't as hard as I thought it would be:)
Vintage Train Girl wm700

The Wheel wm700

In a box 3 wm 700
These pictures were all taken at different locations. I have been scouting out some new places to take pictures and struck some gold this weekend. I can't wait to head back:) Changing the scenery keeps it exciting and different......I had to go a little further than across the street from our house this time, but it was so worth it!!


Sorry this was kind of a rambling, all over the board type of post.....just wanted to get you caught up with everything going on around here!!

Hope you all have a great week!

38 comments:

Kim said...

Glad you are doing sooo well on the photography gig.. I wish you lived near me..
Have a great week..
Happy last week of school..
And I am hoping Nick makes it..
Hugs..

a Tonggu Momma said...

I love that last photo. And we have been LIVING outside lately, too. What a blessing after such a rainy, rainy spring.

Shari said...

Great to see you're continuing to follow your passion - even if it is just to feed it:)

Hope Nick does well on finals and makes that team this year - I remember his disappointment last year and don't want to see him go through that again - even if it is part of life.
Have a great week!
Sharie

Kate said...

Lovely...well done all around. You rocked the flash...and the locations are stellar! Nice!!

Kate said...

...and I forgot...good luck to Nick...I will think a good thought for him...

Colleen said...

These photos are gorgeous! I love the way you find so many cool locations to take them.
We too are counting down the days!
Have a great week!!

Briana's Mom said...

Girl - you really are talented! Beautiful pics!

And I am sending a big good luck to Nick! Hope to hear good news!

It is starting to get kind of warm in our neck of the woods. Hit 90 degrees on our deck today!

Kelly And Allison said...

Beautiful work. You are getting better every day. I love how you use the light. Some day I will learn to do that.

Gail said...

You continue to amaze me Lisa, you get better and better! Beautiful images. I'm sure A's mom loves these!

I'm hoping Nick makes the team and has a great last week of school. Our school gets out June 10th.

Jodee said...

These pictures are sooo good. You are really scoping out some great places for photo shoots.

Sending good luck wishes to Nick. I hope he makes it this year. I remember how disappointed he was last year.

I hope you have a great week!

Adele said...

Absolutely beautiful photos. You are so talented! I want to take one of Debbie's workshops. She is coming to my area this summer and I hope to attend.
Love your blog header!

Wanda said...

Beautiful photos - so vivid. It's lovely to hear the passion in this pursuit of your and you seem to have everything in balance.

Enjoy the beautiful weather!

Jennifer said...

CONGRATS on your new clients! You are awesome, they will LOVE you :) Love the pics! I will say a prayer for sweet Nick, hoping he does well on finals and makes the soccer team!!!
Have a blessed week :)

Jen

Keisha said...

YAY.. your first clients!!!! And.. I KNOW they were happy!! Those are GREAT Lisa!! Good Job! ;)

Hope all goes well with Nick!!!!

Rachel said...

Beautiful pictures of Alicia! Congratulations on more paying clients.

We have been outside a lot too. My computer time has been late night and early morning.

I don't know how I will deal with it when my boys have final exams. Its hard enough getting my 7 y/o to do his 3 minute math homework and study for spelling tests!

have a great week!

Lisa said...

I just knew your business would take off fast! Good for you!

Good luck to Nick on his exams and I'm crossing my fingers that he makes the soccer team!

Happy Monday!

Sandy said...

Hi Lisa! Your photography is just amazing! Abby had traveling soccer tryouts this weekend, too. She traveled last yr. Both my boys play, and my hubs is the Varsity hi school coach, but I think you knew that.

Just popping in for a visit! Hugs!

Jboo said...

It is difficult to get computer time these days, isn't it! So much to do outside! :)

Wow Lisa -- your photos are simply amazing! Beautiful!

Janet

Laura said...

Good Luck Nick with studies and soccer. You'll do great!!

Laura

Dita said...

Amazing, Lisa......you are just getting better and better with every passing day! You really are an OVERachiever, aren't you?!

Alicia must be in her glory with an entire portfolio at her fingertips!

So glad to hear that you are doing what you love and that you are finally getting paid for it. I can't wait to see what's next.

Keeping fingers crossed for Nick!

Hugs,
Dita

jenbusymom said...

I'm so happy your business is taking off! You go girl! Alicia is absolutely gorgeous and you know just how to capture that beauty!

Good luck to Nick, hope he makes it this year! Hope the exams go well!

Alicia W. said...

Gosh, if and when you ever come to Cola SC you must take our pictures. Or give me some lessons. Your amazing!

Launa said...

Lisa these are beautiful! I love this set of pictures! You found an awesome location! School is almost out here too....Wednesday! Mom is ready for a break too! Have a blessed week!

~L

Naturally Caffeinated Family said...

yay for summer soon, a paying happy client, and the photos are gorgeous!!!

Fliss and Mike Adventures said...

I think that I am going to have to come to you for pointers:)
Sorry it has been a while since visiting... life has been crazy...
Take care... hugs to ya..

Unknown said...

Lisa, I am so happy for you. I have been praying for you some mornings on my way to work. Praying that you will get to do lots of shoots because you love it so much! And praying for your baby in China! Hope your week is wonderful!

Sherri said...

Congratulations on your first official shoot!! Here's to many, many more.

I've got my fingers crossed for Nick. I would hate to see him disappointed again if he doesn't make the team. And, of course, they are crossed so he will pass his exams with flying colours!

fleur de lis cottage said...

These pictures are fantastic. You did a great job. Hope Nick makes the team...sounds like you're going to have one busy summer!

Steffie B. said...

you are doing an incredible job.....I hope I can get to that point someday! ;) I bought the pocekt wizards as well.....but like you said.....it is quite intimidating!

Are you coming to Chicago???? Pretty, pretty peeeeeez! ;)

Kayce said...

Beautiful pics Lisa! I think someday you will be quitting your day job. Seriously.

Enjoy the last few days of school...we too are on the count down...3 days left!!

Sue said...

Congratulations on your new venture. It looks and sounds like you are having lots of fun and success with it.

Good luck to Nick!

Sue : )

jenbusymom said...

Hop over to my blog, I gave you an award!

Jen

Our Complete Family said...

Lisa, you have the best spots in PA to take photos girl! I love the way these turned out!

My fingers, toes and eyes are all crossed for Nick with the soccer tryouts. Bryce's 1st tryout for next season is tomorrow night!
xo

Anonymous said...

How awesome!!! These photo are just amazing!!!

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE come to South FL~ have you heard we have beaches : )

Shell in your Pocket said...

I just know one day I will get on your blog and you are opening up a studio~
sandy toe

Jo said...

Oh how I wish you live closer ~ you have such a wonderful talent!

Enjoy the end of the school year.

Jo

Chasing Dreams Photography said...

Lisa I miss you {{{hug}}} We have both been so busy. I have to catch up with you soon.
These pictures are awesome!!!! : )
Livi's last day of school is Monday. We have one week off before starting OT and ST each twice a week...no slowing down here LOL

Beki - TheRustedChain said...

These are just beautiful!!