I would like to give a big thank you to the new Gibbs Family! They gave me the opportunity to photograph their wedding. It was my first and I was so nervous. My girlfriend Sandra (the new Mrs. Gibbs) had complete faith in me. I didn’t realize how much work this wedding photography thing was. I’m glad I won’t comfortable shoes because at the end of the night my back was killing me!

It was a good first wedding: Friends were in attendance, the crowd was small, and the guests were very cool with me taking their pictures.

I was able to quickly adjust my settings for the ceremony vs. the reception vs. the dim lights. I’m not saying every shot was perfect, in fact some were very dark or very organgy…. but I did a whole lot better than I thought I would, so I had fun and was satisfied.

Thank you Mr. & Mrs. Gibbs!

It’s getting darker faster. I really do enjoy walking my silly dog, Tyson, when I get home from work…. especially in the Fall. The slightly brisk air just feels refreshing after a long long day at work.

Side Note: I’ve decided that 2010 will be my back to basics for photography. This year I’ve been crazy zealous over photography since I was finally able to get into my passion. So, I will spend 2010 really getting the basics down so that I can be quicker, smarter, and get more creative =)

All in his grill, originally uploaded by D.Lopez.

The past few days have been busy busy busy! I’ve been to two car shows in a small period of time. There is so much car candy out there. I really need my “hot momma” car lol. The picture above is of my hunnie’s Dodge Challenger. He won his first trophy at his second car show! That was the icing on the birthday cupcakes I made for him!

I am so happy to announce that I recently joined THINK PINK PHOTOGRAPHY.  Back in my undergrad days I did a lot of programming and awareness for Breast Cancer Awareness since it is one of two philanthropies for the sorority, Sigma Lambda Gamma.  I’ve participated in some walks since my graduation, however, I’m so excited to take it to the next level. 

“Think Pink Photography is a charitable organization, comprised of a network of professional photographers, serving two main purposes – celebrating life and supporting the cause. We celebrate life through complimentary portrait sessions for breast cancer patients, and we support the cause by partnering with the Eric R. Beverly Family Foundation.”

I’m so tired of all this rain.  I loooove rain, but enough is enough already.  I just check the forecast for this weekend an NO RAIN for my photoshoot…. Yes!  I feel prepared and ready to rock to photos with the birthday girl on Saturday.

Quick peek at my first strob session (a practice session). Once again, I’m greatful for my supportive friends and family. It was cold last night, but she held it down! Thanks girl, with your help, I learned a lot last night.

I’m a city girl but I live in the suburbs.  The ONLY inspiration I have for photos are the cute kids in my community.  Other than that… zip, zilch, NADA!  Whenever I’m in the city it’s like a breath of fresh area with all the photo opps.  I live in a townhouse community so only the kids play outside and the adults stay indoors.  Would I look like the crazy paparazzi neighbor who walks around taking pics of all the kids.  Or, should I just say F it and go for it because it might generate some business.  Either way I have to admit that I’m not inspired at all.  I can walk around but it’d all the same pictures.  Should I challenge myself and try a little hard to FIND something and some inspiration??  I’m sorry, but there are only but so many pictures of trees, flowers, and empty townhouse community roads to take a picture of or that I care to take.  Maybe I’ll aim for all the cute dogs.  BLAH!! I hate it here for photography inspiration.

Ok, so when I was advised to buy this flash, I’m not sure why I didn’t think it was a beast.  It was delievered yesterday and I quickly ran into my house to open the package.  It came in the regular Nikon box.  However, when I opened this box I said “Holy Crap! This thing is a beast.”  I tried not to get too intimidated and figured out how to attached to my camera, put in the 4 AA batteries it requires, and even snap a few pics without looking at the manual. Phew!  Step 1, done!  I started playing with the settings and what not but didn’t really know what I was doing.  I’ll be doing plenty of reading tonight to get to know “The Beast” better.  I have an engagement photoshoot today so I’m hoping they’ll be cool enough to let me play with this flash.  They’re friends, so why wouldn’t they, right?

I finally got my umbrella stand, umbrella, the adaptor, the flash — BUT NO TRIGGER YET.  This is really killing me because this means I’ll have limited time to practice.  How else can I trigger this flash off-camera in the meantime?? Suggestions???

My close friend and her son, taken at my godson’s birthday party. I love the look on her face.

So… I’ve been calling myself a “beginner” photographer and an “amateur” photographer and I’m just curious when am I officially not a beginner.  Is it when I feel comfortable saying I know more than the average beginner?  Or, is it when an experienced photographer says I’m not?  Or, is there a certain amount of time.  Or, is when I hit “Explored” on Flickr?? Lol.  Hmm… I guess I just want to know when I’m officially official!

So for every up there is a down… right?  Well, I like to think there is.  My previous post indicated the disappointment I had for my godson’s photoshoot.  This time… I’m very please with the way the photos came out for his actual birthday party.  I think it was mainly because I was shooting outside with natural light, which is what I”m used to.

I’ve ordered the equipment for my flash set up.  I”ll be crazy busy when it all arrives with all the studying I’ll be doing.