I would LOVE to not love sleep so much. I’d get up an hour early and would shampoo AND condition (something I only do about once a month), dry and flat iron. I might even throw a few curls in every now and again when I’m feeling extra sassy. But, instead I love sleep. So much so I’m fine having dry, frizzy, poofy hair. It’s just who I am. And, frizzy or not it’s not that bad, is it?

taken with my phone.
(Does my forehead make it obvious that I don’t use Botox? I totally want to though. Don’t judge.)

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So, if you’ve ever read this blog you KNOW that you must back-up EVERYTHING to an external hard drive AND to an off-site server. An external because healthy laptops get broken or crash every single day. None of us want to think that along with our lifeline to the internet, our pictures, documents AND music are no longer alive. What a sad, sad day. So, instead we buy a priceless external hard drive and keep everything backed-up. Then there are fires. And, floods. So, we must back-up online. Except backing up online is exactly where my problem has been.

Backing up online takes a lot of time - even the best offsite server companies can only upload about 3-5 GB every 24 hours. I have at least quadruple that much in RAW files from one shoot. So, I’d get lazy and put it on my to-do list to “don’t forget to back-up!”. Then, they would stack up & stack up and all of a sudden the other night I realized I had MONTHS of stuff to back-up. Ouch.

I’ll spare you the night I had making the best discovery ever (all with one smart Google search, thankyouverymuch), but I can sum it up to this: IT WAS AMAZING! Because. Are you ready for this? I discovered an external hard drive that is FIRE PROOF and WATER PROOF! Say wha?! Say AMAZING!

So, now my “off-site” server is sitting on the floor under my desk (it weighs 18 lbs so the floor it stays). It only cost me $369 and it holds 2 TB worth of stuff. Wowza, amazing, yoohoooooo!

If you are as excited as me - which you TOTALLY are - watch this video for proof of it’s amazing efforts. Then, click here & buy yourself one. You will NEVER regret taking every possible measure to protect your family’s heirlooms.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

love,

jc

The winner is Tracey! : )

Congratulations! Email me the prize you want and we’ll get it to you.

xo,

jc

p.s. check back in tomorrow … errrr … later today when I share the BEST purchase I’ve made in 2010. I’ve never been so excited about an 18 lb of metal!!!
p.p.s. don’t forget … April 1st - a new challenge will be announced!

So, why do I think I’m going to have this easy-peasy time narrowing AMAZING photos down to 4 (for past students) and 1 (ONE!!!) for wannabe students.

ONE?! Really?

I even called in help and everyone’s favorite was different. Like, totally different.

I want everyone … everyONE to know that all of your photos were amazing. I got weepy with some, totally humbled by others, laughed out loud by a few. The stories and tag lines that came along with …. man, all of them just about blew me away. It was if almost every photo - happy or sad, full of celebration or grief - gave me this full story with just one photo.

I truly think that next month I’m going to have to send the photos off to a team of people and just stay out of it. This has absolutely consumed me and it’s now just become plain ol’ ridiculous.

So, without further adieu, here are the top 5 photos we selected for this month’s challenge. Again, for any of you who’s photo is not on this page, please, please do not be discouraged. There wasn’t one we didn’t love. Truly. Honestly. I’m writing with total sincerity.

I look forward (even more since I won’t be so involved) in what next month has to hold!  We’ll announce a new challenge on the 1st.

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ARTIST 1  …  little ONE

ARTIST 2  …  just ONE won’t hurt

ARTIST 3  …  ONE spring day

ARTIST 4  …  ONE tooth missing

ARTIST 5  …  ONE.

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Remember that 4 of these photos were taken from past 503 students and 1 in the mix is from a wannabe student. Look ‘em over and vote below. Forward this post on to your friends & tell them to vote, too! You can only vote once a day so the more friends the better! : )

Voting will close Thursday at midnight.

I signed up for Twitter. Again. Third time. Ridiculous, right?

It’s just that the times before I tried to think of something amazing to say and it never came and then all I saw were #’s and RT’s and @’s and I had no idea what that Twitter language was all about.

But, then - again - I was talked into signing-up, networking, connecting, laughing, caring, sharing.

So, I did it. Tweet, tweet, re-tweet! #, @, tweet!

Dear friends, join me. Say hi. Give me a lesson. Any lesson. I’m clueless. Totally clueless. The #’s, the @’s, the RT’s … and there’s more.
What. Does. It. All. Mean?

I need help in a mah-jah way!

@503Jess!

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We started sorting through photos tonight & we had to bring in the forces. There are SO MANY great ones! How will we choose? Check in tomorrow to see! : )

]]> http://503galleries.com/blog/503jess-its-a-comic-post-save-me/feed/ http://503galleries.com/blog/503s-growing/ http://503galleries.com/blog/503s-growing/#comments Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:10:15 +0000 admin http://503galleries.com/blog/?p=2537

Hello Sweet Friends and Monday morning,

I’m throwing this out to the universe to see what comes of it. I started to think that just maybe someone knows of someone who knows someone who I would never know of myself. So, here’s the deal … I am looking to add to my team for the summer. Here’s what I’m after:

- Must be a male.

- Must know the nitty-gritty technical stuff about photography.

- Must be able to teach.

- Must also be good at photography. Meaning they must be able to produce solid images themselves, not just teach how to.

- Must be available to work for me 10 hours a week through the months of June and July.

- Must be enthusiastic, kind, caring and proficient with the computer.

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Yes, this person will be paid. As of now I am putting no age limit on who I’m looking for. Obviously a 12 year old will not be a good fit, but that doesn’t mean a 16 year old won’t be. Also, and this is the best part … this person can live anywhere in the world. Just as long as they have the internet and all the aforementioned criteria.

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If you have any specific questions or are interested in this position please email me @ jessica@503photography.com.

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p.s. Contest photos due tonight by midnight.

Many of you told me that you loved how Kristie shared her editing steps. So, today I thought I’d share with you how I turned this:

Into this:

Kelly is totally, 100% scared of the camera. Since she’s a photographer herself this is not okay! If we as photographers are uncomfortable in front of the camera we will inevitably cause our subjects to feel the same way. The more we get photographed the better we will be at making others feel comfortable.

Kelly made it obvious that she was going to be a challenge for me, but I loved it. Well, minus the fact that she would not agree to go anywhere outside of the room. So, we were stuck with the balcony and as you can tell it was a less than desirable location. But, she wouldn’t budge. I had to make it work.

To start, I made sure to totally freak her out with my camera, getting close and personal (this is why I like to shoot with my 35mm). Eventually, she settled and even had fun with it. I’ll share more of those photos later. Until then, here’s how I made the photo above:

1. First, I had Kelly sit here:

2. I sat down right in front of her. So much so our knees were just about touching. She inevitably scrunched up and giggled (partially because of how close I was, partially because I’m incredibly funny) which scored me the photo above.

3. In Lightroom I edited the photo two different ways. One for her, one for the background.

In Lightroom I do all of my basic edits (subtle exposure fixes, brightness, contrast, sharpening, etc.). For the photo on the right I simply way-overexposed the photo (by bumping up the exposure slide) to totally blow out the background.

4. I then opened the two photos in Photoshop and layered the photo on the right on top of the one on the left. Using the eraser tool I erased where she was revealing the darker version below.

5. Flattened image and using the curves tool gave the entire photo a bit more boost in brightness.

6. Using the healing brush I fixed that little place in the top right where the shadow was.

7. Next - and here’s my trick - I duplicated the layer. On the top layer I went to Filter > Other > High Pass to add a bit of sharpness. Instead of selecting Overlay, I selected Multiply to give that subtle gray color to the photo. I dropped the opacity down to about 20-30%. The result was a bit of added sharpness and a dreamy look to the overall photo.

And, wahlah! My final photo:

Canon 5d Mark II  //  35mm 1.4L  //  Shot manually  //  1.4  //   SS: 1/2500* //  ISO: 100

*The balcony wasn’t the ideal location, but it did have one thing going for it. The lighting was nice and bright.

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Isn’t she gorgeous?

Was this helpful? Photoshop can be such a beast so I’m happy to help with any tips & tricks if you guys enjoy learning. Just let me know! I’d love to know any specificis you might want to know, too. Drop me a note. I always love hearing from you.

Have a wonderful weekend!

jc

p.s. Don’t forget that Monday is the 15th. All contest photos are due by midnight.

]]> http://503galleries.com/blog/photoshop-before-after-and-a-little-trick/feed/ http://503galleries.com/blog/wppi-left-me-changed/ http://503galleries.com/blog/wppi-left-me-changed/#comments Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:05:22 +0000 admin http://503galleries.com/blog/?p=2513

That sounds terribly cliche’ doesn’t it? It’s so crazily true though. I went with low expectations and returned home a different person. A different artist, business owner, dreamer, entrepreneur. I feel confident and alive. I feel loved and connected and energized. I feel tired and fearful and overwhelmed. I love feeling all of this.

I just watched Jasmine’s video again (which I saw once at WPPI) and I’m all weepy. I know this is partially due to the music and the lack of sleep I’ve had, but mainly … mainly this is due to the energy I feel as a human being, a photographer and a teacher. I am so excited with the energy that is behind my business. It rests in me and now thanks to WPPI it rests in other photographers (and industry leaders) who have a desire to support and help. I am SO excited to share this with you all in the next few months. Stay tuned!

I most definitely want to share here a bit of how I was inspired and challenged at WPPI, but I need just a day or two (or 5) to rest up and process.

zzzzzzzzzzzz …

jc

p.s. the picture above is of my WPPI partner in crime, Kelly. I’ll be sorting through photos I took of her and our other roomie, Amber (who forced us to get the absolute most out of WPPI), soon!

via Google Images.

So you can imagine how I’m feeling tonight as I prepare for my trip here:

via Google Images.

Yet alas, it’s WPPI and I’ve heard enough about it to want to experience it myself.

I’m excited to learn from a few favorites (like Jesh and Jasmine, Brianna and Tamara.) and also spend some time with Fred & Jory. I’m also very much looking forward to networking. I’ve gotten to the point in my business where many of these people I’ve corresponded with, but never met face to face. I’m looking forward to building into these business friendships.

I’ll most likely be silent this week since I’ve heard Las Vegas tends to take you in and take you over. I’ll make sure to catch everyone up when I get home, get rested and process all that went down in the big city!

Wish me luck! (I’m nervous!),

jc

The Before:

The Metadata:

I learn of new talent every single week through networking, reading blogs and connecting with other photographers. It’s quite easy to get overwhelmed by all the insane talent out there, but even in the midst of all of the eye candy only a few times has a photographer’s work stopped me in my tracks. Kristie Serra’s work is no exception. I’m not sure exactly what it is, but my best guess is that it’s the untainted way she captures pure emotion and relational connections. It’s that “X” factor that you only see in a small percentage of artists. Her work is not only spot-on technically, but her anticipation for those “in-between” moments is brilliant. Since I first stumbled upon Kristie’s site months ago I have been an avid reader. If you do not already know her I think you will be awed by the influential simplicity of her photography.

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Hi Kristie,

From your blog I know you have a husband who is a real-life “Biggest Loser” and two adorable sons. I also know that you just recently moved from Florida to Washington State. That’s about it.  I’m eager to get to know you better.

Thank you, Jessica! You are so wonderful! I am honored that you’ve asked me. This is my very first interview, so I’m truly excited!

How did you venture into the world of photography?

My mom was taking a photography class as an elective in nursing school and I was the worst photography subject. She eventually gave up and got me my own camera when I was in kindergarten. I was an only child, so I turned to my stuffed animals and my fury four-legged family members and clicked away. The cats were dressed in baby hats and onesies, the dogs were dressed in my t-shirts and socks and my cabbage patch kids were probably some of the most photographed dolls on earth. I moved on from there and became that friend that you could ALWAYS count on to have a camera. And, then down the road I became a mommy. We almost lost our twins when I was 22 weeks pregnant, I underwent surgery and then spent three months in the hospital on bed rest. We had so many close calls, but by the grace of God, I made it 34 weeks. Their three weeks in the NICU were probably some of the longest weeks of my life. They came home together on Christmas Eve. I wanted to capture every moment and not forget a single detail so that’s what I set out to do with my camera.  My passion for photography was ignited!

When did you take the leap into photography as a profession?

In late ‘07 I had a few friends of friends pay me to do photography sessions for them. I started my business as Green Croc Studios. I thought I was on my way, but the true leap came after attending Cheryl Muhr’s, the Secret Workshop, in January of ‘08. It was AMAZING! I felt so inspired and encouraged and by February my blog was up and running and I focused on portfolio building.

When you first got started what were some of your biggest fears?

Passing out at sessions because I forgot to breath (hahahaha) and clients second-guessing their decision to hire me because I didn’t have any formal training.

How did you overcome them?

With every session came more confidence; I couldn’t let the fear stop me, I just had to shoot through it. Oh, yeah, and remind myself to breath (it’s so important)!

Knowing what you know now, what do you wish you knew when you first got started?

I wish I would have known how important it is to get a handle on the business side of things. Setting your pricing, your policies, procedures and getting organized is crucial to a successful business. And, that the only way to see how far you’ve come is to compare your work to your earlier work, not to other photographers’ images. Photography is a personal journey and it’s different for everyone.

What is something (or some things) that has surprised you (good or bad) running your own photography business?

The power of word of mouth. It’s an amazing thing!

If you were sitting over coffee with …

• Someone currently studying photography with hopes to one day get into it professionally …

• Someone who is a veteran, looking for some inspiration …

• Someone who is looking for a photographer to photograph their family …

What would you say to them?

To the person with hopes of getting into photography professionally I would encourage them to take their time in choosing their path in photography, do the research, shoot as often as they can and from the heart, experiment with light, do a little more research, join a forum to learn and connect with other photographers and a attend a workshop if possible.

To the veteran looking for some inspiration I would ask them to remember what drew them to photography and encourage them to reach in their heart and shoot from that place.

To the person looking to hire a photographer I would encourage them to visit websites and blogs, view galleries and choose a photographer that they connect with and who truly reflects their style.

How have you adjusted moving to a new city and market?

It took a little time, but the break allowed me to step back, do some soul searching and get inspired. I’m grateful for it!

How would you encourage someone who is anticipating a move such as the one you just recently made?

From a business perspective, I would encourage them to update their website, blog, SEO prior to the move (this was great advice I got from a friend). I would suggest that once they’ve made the move, to get out, have FUN and explore their new city or town and blog about their adventures. Talk with people, visit stores/places that your target market visits, make connections.  From a personal perspective, moves can tend to be emotional experiences (especially 3,000 mile moves), I would suggest increasing your cell phone minutes (hahahaha) and set up a Skype account so you can stay connected with the ones you love!   

How do you plan to market yourself in your new city (i.e. word of mouth, promotional sessions, advertising)?

I’ve always relied on the word of mouth. So, the plan is a few promotional sessions to kick start it here in Seattle.

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Nikon or Canon?

Knock, knock!

Who’s there?

Nikon!

Favorite lens(es):

I love my 50mm f/1.4. I’ve recently rented the 24-70mm f/2.8 and the 35 f/1.8–both are fabulous!

Do you ever shoot with artificial lighting?  If not, how do you deal with situations when the lighting stinks?

I don’t use artificial lighting, but not because I’m against it, I just haven’t had much success making it look natural. I’ve been known to move furniture around in my clients’ homes and open doors, blinds and curtains to maximize the light.

What software do you use to edit with?

I use Adobe Photoshop and Bridge. I’ve heard great things about Lightroom and would love to learn it. I would also love to add an additional day to the week to be used to learn new things!

Favorite actions?

When I started using actions, I found my favorites and stuck with them… I use Cheryl Muhr’s personal action set that I got from attending the workshop (her color proofing and aging gracefully actions are my favorites). I also use Itty Bitty Actions’, sweet action set (lovely is my favorite).

Any favorite artists, blogs, teaching sites or forums you gain inspiration from?

They are SO many that inspire me, but just to name a few… Tara Whitney, Cheryl Muhr, Amy Smith, Jose Villa, Erin Vey, Amy Wenzel, Michele Anderson, Joyce Smith and Sean Flanigan (okay, that was more than a few). Blogs I love: Lifeography (Stephanie Beaty), 503 Photography, the Creative Mama, Ashley McNamara’s, Michelle Moore’s, Tara Whitney’s, the Savvy Photographer, Two Photogs and Erin Vey’s.

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And, just for fun …

What’s something you want to do before you die?

Meet my great grandchildren! A million other things too, but that’s what comes to mind first.

Your bags are packed, your tickets bought, your boys taken care of – where’s one place you’d love to spend a week with just your husband?

I’d love to explore Northern California together. My other top choice would be New England with a stop in our favorite city, Boston!

A favorite song or musician you’ve recently discovered and love:

Petracovich! You Waited for Me turns my heart into mush.

If you could eat lunch with a group of photographers who are some people you’d be thrilled to see sitting around your table?

How big of a table are we talking here? There are so many photographers that I would love to meet and so many that I am blessed to call my friends. Sitting with those who helped me get my start and who continue to encourage and support me along the way would mean the most to me, but with one surprise guest, Tara Whitney (I would love to meet her)!