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 it was something I had to give 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: still infertile. Somehow three 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.
As you’ve probably guessed, I am married and he is truly the man of my dreams. Almost 7 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 tend to be insecure around others). He doesn’t make the blog all that often because he *hates* the camera. So much so he thought of stabbing me once. We have one roommate, named Chili Cudzili. She is pretty cute, but super bossy.
My portfolio site makes it pretty obvious, but just in case … I am a lifestyle photographer who specializes in children and family photography. There was a time when I ventured into the wonderful and exciting world of weddings, but have recently 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 live in Cincinnati (which we love) while my husband finishes his residency. We love living life as hermits and even more so love to eat food (preferably the kind made with processed sugar).
I have one sister, Corey has four brothers and our parents are best 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 and spending any time we can doing nothing with good friends.
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. I also provide one-on-one mentoring for any of you looking for guidance, but not in the form of a workshop. For more info, click here, and send me a note. I’d LOVE to meet you!
The first Friday of every month I interview 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 and Kristie Serra. Make sure to leave them shout outs as I am always so humbled and exhilarated that people take time out to teach us a little something new.
One Challenge. One photo. The top five photos are decided on by me and my lovely assistant, Stephanie and then the winner is chosen by you! For more detailed info, click here and join the fun!
She’s my lovely and amazing, super assistant! She is the one person who keeps me sane and helps me keep up with emails and all the little admin things that I tend to get swallowed by. {image captured by Angie Warren.}
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)