I decided I would take to my blog to air out my American Idol feelings ( and some other thoughts). While this isnt photography related, this is my blog and I decided I will be sharing things that don’t always relate to photography because this is who I am. You guys all want to know what im doing and thinking 24/7 right? right?

Well, I have watched American Idol for every single season. Sad maybe? but fun nonetheless. I like to think I know a bit about singing and talent. Then again others may think not. ( for the record, I myself cannot sing even though I truly love to. ((my mom, sister and son can.. it skipped me.. sad face)) On a side note from that, when I sing at Rockband it says awesome.. so maybe I can sing.. hmm)
Well, I was sad to see Matt go home last night, but as they said with 5 someone has to go. ( I would have preferred it to be Allison). While it seems everyone around me falls to the floor with emotion whenever the name ADAM LAMBERT is mentioned… I am not an Adam fan. I don’t discredit his singing ability.. he can sing. I just don’t think he is an American Idol. I wouldn’t buy his album that’s for sure. I think he is honestly better suited for Broadway. He would be awesome in Rocky Horror Picture Show, no?
I really want to see a Danny/Kris final but it probably wont happen. Either way its interesting to see what happens and who becomes more popular after its all over. Daughtry anyone? I will tell you this, anyone who thinks for a second that parts of the show are not rigged.. think again.

I was out twittering today as I was at Target and I realized I am clearly not alone in my fascination to shop there. Its funny that there seems to be this subliminal dollar amount you are allowed to leave the store with. Usually I cant get out without spending at least $50 but we all know sometimes we don’t have that, but still need to go to Target. So what do you do?
1. Know what you want.
2. Walk directly there, do not pass go, do not stop in the home furnishings aisle.
3. Proceed to register ( not looking at the end caps), pay and walk out.
Voila! Easier said then done, but sometimes you just have too.

For those of you in Seattle, you know that the weather today is simply gorgeous and will be tomorrow also. Go outside, breathe in the air ( But not to closely to anyone else for fear of catching swine flu). Enjoy the sun and the happy feelings that go with it.

I don’t know if everyone has had the chance to see the completed videos, but you should really check them out.
I posted the first part of the series on my old  blog but I wanted to make sure any new visitors were able to check it out.

Please visit The Longest Day on F -stop beyond.

There were many many wonderful photographers who took part in this, including Jim Garner who I met recently at OSPwest but who I also heard talk at WPPI.
Here is one of the videos but check out the entire series as well as the winning videos here at f-stop beyond.

The winning video was shown at wppi 2009.    I am already excited to return to wppi 2010!

Sunday I attended  The April Shower, May Flower networking and runway mixer for  SPA This was held at the Last Supper Club which is a cool little joint down in Pioneer Square.    I havent been as active in SPA as I would like, but this was a fun time and it was good to be out and able to shoot something VERY different.
I have never shot runway’s before and more to the point never shot in a dark club.  I had my Sb-900 which I used.   It really was a learning curve for me because I wasn’t quite sure of what lens I wanted to use.  I switched between the 50 and 85mm but I probably could have gotten some full length shots with the 24.   It was a bit intimidating with all the guys on their ladders and step stools with their flashes mounted on stands or from the rafters, but since it was my first time I just did what I could.   Next time I know what I can do different.

So here are a few.  After we got to shoot with some of the models around the club

I just got home from an AMAZING weekend in Seattle. Open Source Photo had a meet-up for its West Coast members ( or anyone who wanted to fly out here). The organizers set up a weekend chalk full of the most amazing speakers and arranged some fantastic shoots for us.
I was able to hear:
Mike Larson
Jim Garner
Gene Higa
Ken Sklute
and
Kevin Swan

If you haven’t heard of these guys, they are all AMAZING photographers, top 10 wedding photographers even!
Learning and expanding my knowledge base is always something I enjoy doing and I really took it all in. I actually feel that I will be putting the things I learned into action in the next few weeks. I was really inspired.
I also met some amazing photographers from the area, as well as down the Coast. Its great to meet people that you respect that you work with, as well as up and coming photographers just starting out.

I was very spoiled because the event was held at Hotel 1000. I had suggested this to the organizers and also talked to the marketing director. I felt it would be the perfect location and I am so glad it worked out. I was spoiled because Josh ( my husband) works there as a Manager and everyone took extra special care of me.

Here are just a few photos I have proofed so far. I plan to do some extra special things with them so keep checking back!

During WPPI I got together about 35 photographers and we went and shot at the Neon Boneyard in Las Vegas.
I cant put into words what an experience this was. Not just for the opportunity to shoot there with great models and get some great photos, but the friendships I made that day and the amazing photographers whom I got to meet and shoot with. I honestly walked away with so much more then I would have thought.
Here are some of the shots from that day.

With the launch of my websites, I want to repost a few photos from some of the weddings  I have had the pleasure of photographing.
This isnt just a job, I have said it before and it might sound super cheesy its true.  I LOVE weddings.  I used to be a wedding planner back in Los Angeles for a while before I moved here.  I also worked as an assistant for my own wedding florist after he did my wedding.   I love being immmersed in the entire experience.  It is so much fun to plan a wedding and even more fun to be there behind the camera  as a wedding photographer capturing all the memories.

So here are just a few.  Please visit my website or contact me for more information on booking me for your wedding.