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from my iPhone, driving down I-26

Posted in Ramblings on February 18, 2010

I’m blogging from my iPhone today. Not even sure it’s going to work. We’re on our way to Charleston, SC. They’re calling for weather to see the 60’s and lots of sun. Sounds perfect to me.

Corey’s interviewing at MUSC for his fellowship. Although I think Charleston would be a great alternative to Cincinnati I’d rather just stay. I like our house, our friends, the city. I’m quite content in Ohio which is something I thought I’d never say.

Corey just asked me what I was doing. I told him I was blogging. “BLOGGING?!?” (in a sassy voice). “Yea! So?!?” (in a not-sassy-voice thankyouverymuch). We’ve been together so much lately I can’t believe we haven’t had a tiff bigger than the one we just had (if you’d even call it that). We scrunched our faces at each other, rolled our eyes and then laughed. That’s us.

You know what I’ve been thinking about recently? SEO. I know. So interesting, right?! That’s me. Jodi at MCP Actions (enter link here if I wasn’t on my iPhone) posted a really helpful article just recently about SEO. I totally get the need and importance for it, but for me I guess I wonder if I really want it. I definitely want exposure for my workshops. I think they’re the bomb (you’re welcome) and want everyone in the world to know about them. But, my blog … it’s different.

I think I like the idea of obscurity. It’s as if my readers are less in number than others, but devoted. And, new ones land here by accident and find (or don’t - which is totally okay) something that resonates with them and they, too, become devoted. And, that’s just it - I think I choose devotion over high numbers on my Google Analytics.

So, 503 readers … thanks for being here and more importantly, for being you.

Have a lovely weekend. I hope it’s filled with what’s important.

jc

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Bridgett

I love Charleston! It is such a great little town with so much character. Enjoy your trip!

Sara

I’ve come out of lurkdom…you have faithful readers you don’t even know about…the # of subscribers in your reader is secondary to your beautiful words and images:) Have a safe trip….signed, a stranger:)

Emilee

I’m so jealous! I was born in Charleston, so it’s near and dear to my heart. It’s a beautiful city and I hope you enjoy it. Kevin interviewed there for a residency and we had a fun time. Take a carriage ride!

Stephanie

Can’t Corey find something in the Bay Area!? Seriously though, thank YOU for being you:) That’s why we’re here.

Amber

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE go eat at the Mustard Seed while you are there! It will not disappoint!

Angie

Um, were you writing to me??

JK :) Enjoy the road trip! xoxo

Vikki O'Brien

Oh, what I would give for a change of scenery! Have fun!1
Oh, see if the new Southern Living is on newstands it is all about Charleston (March issue) I got it last week in that mail and would love to go back to Charleston for another visit!
Can’t wait to hear about it!

Caroline

LOVE your new blog and LOVE how you write. Keep writing… I’m reading!

Trude

Hooray for devoted readers! :) I have to agree, I’m still not over how cute your new blog design is! I’m finally getting an iPhone tonight and super excited for mobile blogging…fits my insane need to multitask constantly!

And, the award goes to:

Posted in Misc on February 12, 2010

Kelle Hampton for writing the most beautiful, captivating, heart-wrenching, make-you-love-your-live-more blog post I’ve ever read.

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Lily Smithson

A beautiful story and such pure, raw emotion. Truly a beautfiful story and the pictures tell more than a 1000 words. Kelles ability to portray and articulate her feelings is beautiful. Her friend and a photographer, Heidi of heididarwishphotography.com captured every momemt beautifuly. They are a strong group of freinds and family and truly show the meaning of unconditional support of a friend in need.

Tonya

Wow. Thanks for passing this along. What a beautiful story and family.

Preppy 101

Oh my gosh. Heart-wrenching and so Hopeful at the same time. Wow. This so puts everything in perspective, doesn’t it? xoxo

Melissa

I read this story last week I think. Seriously it was the most amazing thing I think i’ve ever read. Just amazing.

blissmamaof3

Wow! Thank you for sharing this beautiful story.

Tresa

That was the most amazing story - as you know Seanna was born with ulnar clubhand - that story touched parts of me that no one has ever seen … it’s so hard to put words to feelings like that, and she did. Absolutely amazing. Enjoying my perfect little angel, everyday.
LOVE YOU and YOUR amazing spirit, Jessica - that WAS a winner :o)

If I ruled the world …

Posted in Misc on February 11, 2010

… I’d dress all the children in the world with clothes from Boden. I love the designs, the colors, the outfits, their catalogue … ahhhh …. They’re just so darn fun and colorful and lively. Makes me want to run around in the sun, do cartwheels in the sand and lick popsicles as they melt down my hand.

Don’t you wholeheartedly agree!!??

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p.s. If ever (ever, ever, ever) I pop a baby out and you decide you’d like to buy me one of these outfits for my delicious child you will automatically be placed on my favorites list. Thank you and you’re welcome.

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AmyC

Right? Boden rocks! But have you seen the new Boden women’s catalog? It rocks too!!

Trude

So so cute! But, heck, I’d dress MYSELF in Boden half the time! :)

Jen Harr

YES…love them. I look, but haven’t purchased…I want to badly!!

Don’t you just love this photo of John & June?

Posted in Misc on February 08, 2010

johnjune

It’s raw and grainy, but the lighting is gorgeous and the moment captured timeless. An heirloom for their children.

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Preppy 101

You know you are related to them in a very roundabout way. This is a great picture! What a beauty she was, and he was quite the handsome devil. xoxo

AmyC

Absolutely!! You can see the adoration and love!

Abigail

I love it!!

Brandie

Love it and love them!!

cheiron

This is just beautiful!

kristin cook

oh. my. word.
Can I just say I LOVE your blog! …just discovered it! It’s so whimsical! …and your posts are so fun! Your work is beautiful and inspiring!

Jessica Wilson

Such a beautiful image! I love that song Johnny and June by Heidi Newfield…such an amazing song about a very interesting couple:) I just found your blog and it is wonderful!

Who created Etsy?

Posted in Misc on February 06, 2010

I’d like to know so I can kiss them.

Recent fun finds …

How fun is this wall calendar?

I’ve mentioned these before here, but just in case you’re a new reader, you’ve got to see these adorable baby shoes. So unique! Just ordered 2 pairs for friends last week.

I’m trying to think of a reason to buy these wall stickers.

And, these, too.

How sweet would it be to sew one of these for your own child or to give as a baby gift?

I just realized most of my links are to baby-related things. Babies on the brain? Yes, thank you.

Any recent Etsy finds? Please share!

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Lindsay

I love this shop…http://www.etsy.com/shop/isabellsumbrella…of course I’m related to her, but it’s still adorable.

Preppy 101

I love Etsy! Anytime I’m in the market for any quaint purchases, I go to Etsy first!! I have a “Favorite Sellers” section that takes 4 Etsy pages. haha I’ll look at it and pass some of those onto you! Love.

Brandie

Those baby shoes are super cute!! And the wall stickers! I try to stay off etsy cause I know I’ll want to get everything I find.

Vikki O'Brien

I am an Etsy freak!
Anytime I am looking for something I go their and almost always find what I am looking for. I got Cillian’s 1st birthday invitations, stickers from their it was a silhoutte of a whale-very cute. Since I am a stationary snob I generally spend too much–found exactly what I was looking for and super happy!!
Love etsy!!

Jody

Here are some things saved in my favorites:

amazing options to combine and personalize…you have to convo to see all the designs…check out the twin set and days of the week box!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39421647

I love these toys from my childhood
http://www.etsy.com/shop/RetroClassics?section_id=5403891
and these
http://www.etsy.com/shop/RetroClassics?section_id=5407437

adorable blocks
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29577752

unique cottage style Easter decorations
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=38288801

Some favorite shops
http://www.etsy.com/shop/nelladesigns
http://www.etsy.com/shop/prettymod
http://www.etsy.com/shop/mamax2
http://www.etsy.com/shop/artandphilanthropy
http://www.etsy.com/shop/erinjaneshop (check out this one’s custom family tree)
http://www.etsy.com/shop/FerntreeStudio (this one is sadly experiencing technical difficulties, but I had a wonderful buying experience so she is worth mentioning)

And saving the best for last:
I am obsessed with these reversible pinafores!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39986480
Have fun looking!

Trude

Etsy is the best!! Can’t imagine life before it. Loooove being able to save all my favorite goodies in one place for when I have spare cash or can’t remember what I wanted to get someone for their bday. :) Here’s a link to my faves: http://www.etsy.com/favorite_listings_public.php?user_id=5272089&ref=favorites

And those owlie decals are soooo cute! Somebody stop me!

FashionTouch

Oh, Etsy is so much fun and is SOOOO addictive. I do both: buy almost all of my gifts and crafty things there and sell cool knits for moms and kids… Oh, I am so happy i found etsy:)

Photography Friday: Promise Tangeman

Posted in Fridays on February 05, 2010

Photography Friday is BACK! And, what a way to kick off 2010!

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promisetangeman_crop

image c. Sarah Rhoads photography.

I am learning in my artistic/creative journey that I was not made to be someone else. I have been uniquely designed to fulfill a certain artistic influential role. I enjoy encouraging and inspiring people to use their creativity for the greater good in the world. I am excited to see the creativity and the aesthetic of art and ideas take back society and lead it to discover selflessness, humility, healing, health, and joy.

-Promise Tangeman

… … …

These are her words of power written on her “about” section on her (insanely talented and uberly-wonderfully, beautifully designed) website. This is why I knew I would ask her to be my next interviewee for Photography Friday. And, she agreed. Lucky for us!

Enjoy …

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Hi Promise! Thank you for your kindness for agreeing to be interviewed. I am so smitten with you and your work and your words. You are something special. I feel blessed to have this opportunity to get to know you a bit better.

First things first, where are you now as you write? What’s around you?

I am in our family room sitting on our couch. My husband and I are both on our laptops and we are watching The school of Rock movie. hha that is a good one. I think that we need a little puppy dog to lay beside us. :) hopefully soon.

From your website I know you went to art school. Did you always know you were meant to be an artist?

Umm kind of. All my life i LOVED art and creating things. In Jr. high and high school I was into sports until I got an injury. I then got back into creating and I fell in love. I didn’t even take the S.A.T.S because I knew I wanted to go to art school. And the school I wanted judged on portfolios.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

I get inspired by my clients and what they are like and how they see life. I also LOVE fashion magazines and creative blogs.

On days (or maybe seasons) when you are feeling “dry” artistically, what do you do to refresh your artistic self?

Haha. I actually have these a lot.  I go on walks, I get outside and run my frustration out.  I edit/work at a coffee shop,  I change my environment. I get away from the computer and do something in real life. PLUS when I am feeling this way I try to not compare myself to other artists.

Are you a Canon or Nikon girl?

I love my canon 5d mark ii. AMAZING!!

Favorite lens?

The basic 24-70mm f2.8L

How do you prep for a photo shoot?

I usually ad my client on Facebook before the shoot so I can get to know them a little bit.  After the location is picked and clothing is talked about I rummage through magazines, look at images online and listen to high energy music!!

How do you prep clients for their photo shoot?

We talk about clothing, location, and any other important details for their shoot. I let them know a head of time to be ready to jump, smile, laugh, work it, and maybe even be embarrassed at times.  At the location, I meet them for the first time. I schedule in some time to just shoot the breeze, small talk, joke around, and get to know them for a few minutes. This creates a more comfortable and fun flowing environment. Plus, I act a little extra fun and goofy. haha.  I want them to have FUN on the shoot.

When you have a shoot scheduled do you map out in your mind how the shoot will play out, or simply let the shoot unfold itself?

I do a little bit of both. I usually have a general feel of what is going to go on. I usually know location and the client a little bit. Then I leave some room for things to unfold.

I saw a photo of you and you were using your flash. I think flash can do SO much for photos when used right. How often do you use artificial lighting?

You know… I dont use it very much.. Mostly at weddings. I usually utilize the natural light…positioning my subjects near sunlight in open shade.

What was your favorite session done to date?

My favorite one was working with model/actress Erin Mahoney this past summer. I LOVE fashion and people that have confidence in their own skin.  She worked it and I loved working with her. It was such a fun collaboration between the two of us.

What about your favorite graphic design project?

I just finished a project for an AMAZING children’s clothing brand called Matilda Jane. I did some t-shirt designs as well as her new packaging for spring. That company was seriously great to work with and their clothing is BOMB! I think our styles really meshed well. It is always SO fun designing when I feel extra inspired by my clients.

Do you work from home or do you have office space elsewhere?

I work at home for now. I would LOVE to eventually get a space with a few other artists or photographers. I LOVE creative community and working together.

I honestly cannot remember how I first stumbled upon your site, but how did you and do you continue to market yourself?

Totally by word of mouth and by my blog. I LOVE networking with other artists and making new friends with creative people. I think that when you truly care about people… it really shows in your business and it goes a long way.

What are your biggest struggles as a self-employed artist?

Ahhh.. The thing about being a freelance artist is that you have to be so many aspects of the business. I have to be the admin, the sales rep, the idea girl, the art director, the production artist,  and the person in communication with the printers. I struggle with the admin side of my business.  And especially the pricing aspect.

What do you hope to accomplish within the next 5 years?

I hope to be able to collaborate with a group of artists/entrepreneurs in some kind of crafty artistic venture. :) maybe a design/ creative firm.

If you were standing on a stage in a room filled with 500 aspiring photographers (some who have yet to take the leap, others who have just started out) what three things would you say to them?

hmm great question!!

1. Be a self starter! You are the only one that can get you where you want to go! Go after your dream

2.  Soak up information like a sponge. Always be learning from other great photographers

3. Invest in good gear!!

And, just for fun …

What’s your favorite thing about your husband?

AHH there are soo many things i love about him. I love that is ALWAYS so positive. I LOVE that he loves people SOOO much and takes time to listen to everyone.

Your favorite drink:

water // sugar free soy vanilla latte

One country you’d like to visit:

Europe

If you could no longer work in the art world, what would you like to do?

I would like to be a cop and run around with a walkie talkie fighting crime.

One celebrity you’d love to photograph:

hmm wow. i have never thought of that. I love gwen stefani’s style and personality.

One company/organization you’d love to do a project for:

urban outfitters or anthropologie. Or any of the surf or skate brands would be fun: volcom, obey, etc.

Promise, you are wonderful. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

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For  more of Promise, make sure to check out her fabulous website and stalk-worthy blog (both designed by her!).

Readers, make sure to leave a comment … what did you think of Promise’s interview? I’m curious to know. Are there any photographers you’d like for me to interview? I’d LOVE ideas!

jc

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for past interviews click below …

Jasmine Star |    Jesh de Rox |     Jose Villa |      Cheryl Muhr |      Becky Earl |      Sheye Rosemeyer |       Michael Wilson

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Marilyn

Hello,

I am interested in taking one of your photography classes? I believe I have your contact info correct. if you could email me and let me know how, when and if I can participate, I would greatly appreciate it!

thanks!
Marilyn

caroline

Loved the interview, loved her! What a great name! She really reminds me of you. I think you are probably a lot alike.

shaina

i found promise’s blog a couple months ago and have been smitten with her and her work ever since. her creativity and projects just blow me away!! great interview, girl!!

one suggestion… maybe for future “photography friday” features you could include some more of their work. i always love eye candy, and there one only one picture with this post. just a thought!

you and promise are both fabulous!! :D
<3

Vikki O'Brien

It is so ironic that you interviewed Promise! I had found her site about a month ago and was just in awe!
Man, she has got lots of talent–guess I need to get in the game and go for it like she said. Fun interview–thanks!

Martina Frankovits

LOVED the interview! She’s super cool. Very different, unique. I’ve been checking her blog out and website, she is really talented…Great find!

Jen Harr

Lucky Duck! How cool is that…and for us..wow-wee.
OK…you asked for suggestions…I’m still a big fan of Tara Whiteny for her way with families…she takes the cheese out of family shoots. I’m always torn between this free-hippie beach ish style or the super artsy totally different/unique photography such as Promise. So, I say Tara for how she interacts with families.
What a fun super star mix you’ve had!! Thanks so much for doing this :)

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i’m team orange!

Posted in Misc on February 02, 2010

orange9

who’s your favorite team?

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Misty

I’m so glad to hear you are team Orange! They happen to be the brother and mother of one of my good friends. Go Orange!

kelly

I like the gray team!!

Brandie

Yep, gray is my favorite too! Those guys are so sweet. I do like orange too, though.

yummy faces.

Posted in Life on February 01, 2010

When I was in Memphis I stayed with my BFF, Emily. There was a day not too long ago when we were sitting on a plane together, flying over Indonesia. I told her I was ready for a baby. She said, “No way!” She now has 2. Hypocrite. ;)

Here are some of the photos I took the week I was with them.

I taught ER how to squirt herself in the face with a squirt bottle. It proved to be sheer entertainment for hours!

series2

When I wanted to get some real pictures of her (without her new toy) I couldn’t get her to stay still (she’s 2) so I did the only thing that made sense. I put her in the bathtub:

series3

I took these photos of her in her Elmo get-up and then we printed them and hung them around the house for her Elmo Birthday party.

series1

And, the baby who is oh so yummy & scrumptious!

series41series5series6

(p.s. Taken in the foyer with windowed doors and a down comforter laid on the floor. I used my flash.)

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Brandie

Love these! You are so great and Em’s kids are too cute!!

ps, I do remember her telling you that you shouldn’t have kids yet, for a long time, in fact. You’re right, what a hypocrite! :P

Your bff in M

Thanks for the giving my babies some blog space. Smoochy woochy.

Johnson

The girl baby’s eyes are beautiful!

Jen Harr

She’s a lucky friend.
total sweetness.

Erica

Oh, I have to teach my son to do that! That is priceless!

Liz

HA That big one of the baby laughing literally made me laugh out loud for like 5 minutes. SO cute! Looking at your pictures always makes me so happy :)

Be smart. Back up!

Posted in Life, Misc on February 01, 2010

I read this post recently and my heart broke. I have this terrible (although I believe quite rational) fear of fire. It’s not that I have this unhealthy relationship with my stuff (I’d like to think) … I just can’t imagine losing all the memories. The written notes from middle school, the yearbooks, the journals, the photos ….

I dream about having a giant safe tucked away in our house somewhere where we can store all the aforementioned items for eternal preservation. But, until that day comes (because good gracious they’re expensive!) there are just a few things we can do to prevent disasters.

If you have photos on your computer that are not backed up stop everything you are doing and back them up RIGHT NOW! I own an external hard drive that is 1 TB in space that sits on my desk. You can easily set your computer up to automatically back-up every evening - easy peasy! Once you’ve done that, put your images on DVDs and store away from your home OR subscribe to an online service where you can store everything that is on your computer (this is in case of a flood/fire/disaster of some sort that would take your computer AND your  external HD) away from home.

Lastly, while I’m on my soapbox … do you have you camera and gear insured? Did you know it’s really easy to do and quite inexpensive? So, while you’re at it - do that, too!

Step by steps for you:

1. Do a little research online to find the best external hard drive for you. Find it. Order it. Back-up and sleep peacefully.

2. Find an online service where you can back-up files and pictures (and music, too!) for safe-keeping. I use ElephantDrive and although I loathe how slow my computer works when it’s uploading to their server it is by far the best price for unlimited storage.

3. Call your insurance agent and tell them you want to add your camera (and computer - if you want) to your personal articles policy. I have close to $15,000 worth of stuff insured for less than $500 a year. Totally worth it. If you break into my car and steal all my stuff, State Farm will replace all of it.

4. Reward yourself for being so proactive and responsible and order yourself one of these amazing prints. (I’d like one of each, please. Thank you.)

Happy Monday!

jc

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MelissaFoscardo

Great advice!

Jen Harr

so good. I have half of this done :)
I think I’ll have to reward myself anyway…wowzers…great art finds! Delicious!

Friday’s misc.

Posted in Ramblings on January 29, 2010

I think I’m a terrible blogger.

I was laying in bed last night and the hubs was out snoring the night away in 60 seconds flat. So, I grabbed the iPhone to snuggle up with. I noticed I had 29 emails, returned a few and then clicked back to the home screen. The email count said 31. ??? I gave up and moved to my RSS feed. It was then that I realized I like to read blogs more than I like to blog myself. Except that’s not entirely true because I like to blog for the sole reason of connecting with other lovely people around the word. I just think I’m not very good at blogging consistently or in a way that really shares life and makes sense. I see these other blogs and they have all these really cool themes and there are certain days where they always talk about certain things. There are days when they say one line or write a whole story. I just write stories. Really, really long stories.

I also realized that I don’t show very many pictures on here which is a bit odd since this blog is tied to a PHOTOGRAPHY business. I’ll try and be better about that. I’m sure many of you would much prefer looking at photographs then listening to me ramble.

Have I told you I was going to share something new and exciting? I’m snickering as I write because I’ve mentioned it now a few times and then have stretched it out like I was going to eventually share about how I’m going to be giving away 1 million dollars to one lucky commenter or even that we are pregnant. It’s neither of those things and although it is rather exciting the husband and I had a talk and we decided that not everything has to be shared on my blog. He’s quite open and everything I’ve written and published thus far has always had his “okay,” so I must respect that an ounce of our life isn’t so terrible to keep a little privacy in.

Have you seen Julie & Julia? Oh, I loved that movie. It was the perfect winter-time-snuggle-up-in-your-sweats-and-sip-hot-chocolate kind of movie.

There’s one line that unintentionally made me laugh out loud. Julie and her boyfriend are fighting and has he leaves the apartment to let off some steam he screams, “AND, DON’T BLOG ABOUT THIS!”  Next time she sat down at the computer she started to and then realized that some things are more important than sharing every bit of your life candidly for your internet friends.

Oh, how I want to share it all, but he’s so right. Some things are meant for just us.

I feel blessed to have a space that makes me eager to share. So many of you welcome every odd and pointless, heartfelt and meaningful thing I have to say and for that I write so very grateful today.

It’s Friday and that makes me happy. We rented a new Wii game and plan to do that all weekend long.

For those of you in the south east make snow men for me! It’s cold, but sunny here …

jc

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Becca

I love Julie and Julia! :-) so good!

Megan P

Hello,
i wanted to leave a comment on your other video but the comments are closed, so i’m leaving it here!
I loved that spinach/spanish video, so funny! i Literally laughed out loud when i saw that! so thank you for sharing!

Megan

AmyC

Oh, you’re such a tease!!! LOL! Anyway, I always love to read the things you write, even without photos! Have a great weekend!!

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