Four and a half years in a few paragraphs …
This blog was born late 2007. The first several posts were of photos taken with my Panasonic point and shoot. When I took them I had no idea what I was doing, but I did know one thing: Something in me came alive behind the camera. I knew that this “something” had to be given room to grow.
So, in 2007 I worked as a full-time student in the art of photography (made possible by my Grandmom and my “I never want you to feel like a caged lion” husband). I’ve never felt so motivated, so terrified, so empowered and so lost. I knew what I had to do (pursue this dream while I had the chance), but it was the scariest thing I’ve ever done. (Every other day I job searched for other jobs just in case this whole “photography” thing didn’t pan out.)
In January 2008 I officially “launched”. I’m not sure I’ve ever felt so vulnerable. Since then, I’ve shared photos, business struggles and business successes, personal opinions (sometimes too candidly) and most tenderly and difficultly our journey through infertility. (My “coming out” post. Miscarriage. Frustrations. Acceptance. Gratefulness. Freedom. Growing Pains.)
Today we are: PARENTS! (original text: Somehow four years has made the entire process more painful and easier at the exact same time. No matter what, I try very hard to cherish each “infertile” day all the while dreaming of the day when it will be in my past.) Through the beauty of adoption we are the proud parents of a perfect baby girl. The announcement can be found here and the story here and here.
(August 2011 we announced that we were starting the adoption process again. To follow our adoption journey to baby #2 click here.)
As you’ve probably guessed, I am married and he is truly the man of my dreams. Almost eight years and he still makes me giddy when he walks in the room. He is the only person I feel I can 100% be myself (and that says a lot because I’m pretty certain he’s the only one). He doesn’t make the blog all that often because he *hates* the camera. So much so he thought of stabbing me once.
My portfolio site makes it pretty obvious, but just in case … I am a lifestyle photographer who specializes in children, families and senior (for girls) photography. There was a time when I ventured into the wonderful and exciting world of weddings, but later decided to devote more time to my beloved workshops. (Saying no when people ask if I’ll photograph their wedding is so difficult, but someone brilliant once told me that saying no is the fastest way to create a successful business that I’ll love. So far they have been totally right.)
I love this blog for so many reasons, but mainly because it has given me an outlet to write and a place to connect to some incredible people from all over the world.
Oh, and me … well, you can read more about me here, but in addition to that I am a Tennessee graduate, lover of East TN, transplanted to Memphis (so sad to leave) and now reside in Cincinnati (which we love) where my husband completed his residency in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics (can I tell you how nice it is to be married to a pediatrician??!!) and has now moved on as a pulmonary/critical care fellow. We have lived here for four years and we hear that Cincinnati is quite the magnet. Once you’re here, you’re stuck. We shall see.
We love living life with our dear friends (who are like family) and love to eat delicious food (preferably the kind made with processed sugar).
I have one sister, Corey has four brothers and our parents are dear friends (which makes life so easy).
Sometimes I go missing, but don’t worry. It’s only because I am neck deep in cakes and candy, beating my husband in Dr. Mario on the Wii, chasing my daughter around the house and spending any time we can doing nothing with good friends.
503 |online| Workshops …
They are the apple of my eye. I truly love teaching them so very much. There just isn’t anything else I have found to be as rewarding as guiding someone to discover the inner artist within. For more info, click here, and send me a note. I’d LOVE to help you grow as an artist.
Photography Fridays …
Photography Fridays have evolved with time and looked a little different every year. For quite some time the first Friday of every month was devoted to me interviewng a favorite photographer. So far, I’ve learned from Jasmine Star, Jesh de Rox, Becky Earl, Cheryl Muhr, Jose Villa, Sheye Rosemeyer, Michael Wilson, Promise Tangeman, Kristie Serra, Tara Whitney, Max Wanger, Shannon Sewell and Studio 6.23.
Today, Photography Fridays include me critiquing three of your photos every other Friday. For more info click here and to see the latest critique posts click here.
Casa Cudzilo {DIY} …
Recently, thanks to the urging from a simple online survey I gave my readers, I have decided to share some simple DIY projects from around our house. You can check out and follow that series here.
The Creative Mama …
I am one of the writers over at The Creative Mama. It is an incredibly resourceful site where you can find everything from DIY projects, photography tutorials, parental advice, recipes, organizational tips and so much more. Click on over and feast your eyes.
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Thanks for being here. Thanks for being you.
Love,
jc
p.s. Don’t steal anything from this blog (i.e. copy & paste) without written permission or I’ll have to send you an ugly email and embarrass you publicly. (wink, wink, smiley face)