Weekend Wishlist - Anything is Possible

Anything is Possible by c-russell on Polyvore

I (for the first time I believe) actually knocked a few things off my wishlist from last week.  I acquired an amazing new lens, received my business cards in the mail, and pulled off a photo shoot I am super excited about.  This photography thing is really becoming real.  And I couldn't be more excited to see where it goes!

I thoroughly enjoy reading those questions for professional photographers...you know the ones...What did you wish you knew starting out?  Or what would you tell a photographer just starting up?  Words of wisdom and tidbits of advice.  A couple months ago all of it seemed so overwhelming, and although it still is very much overwhelming, it's manageable.  I can do this.  I have so far to go, but I've also already come so far.  

I know in this business (and honestly any business right?) you will never stop learning.  There is always more to learn and understand.  And as my quote says "With enough coffee, anything is possible."  All I need to do is sit down at my computer with a warm cup and put on my headphones and learn something.  Work on something.  Anything.  Just to be constantly improving myself.

There are a few more things I need to take care of to make this business official, but it's so close!  I'm beginning to realize that professional photography involves a lot more paperwork than it does as a hobbyist.  I've got forms to iron out to keep up with all the legalities.  Heads up to Kelly Moore, I may even need a bigger gear bag soon!

If you're interested in seeing my photo shoots, head on over to the Captured by CJ Photography blog where the photos are posted.  And stay tuned for more of my Weekend Wishlists or check out past installments here.

Beach Vacation Keepsake

Last month we had our first official family vacation.  It was actually our second trip to Florida as a family, but last time we were travelling and visiting with lots of other friends and family (being as it was for our wedding!).  This time it was just the four of us!

I knew going down there that I wanted to make one of these jars, so I planned ahead and packed some Ziploc bags for the sand and shells we collected on the beach.  The kids were super excited about bringing home sand and would have filled a five gallon bucket if I'd have allowed it!  

I picked up a simple postcard to use as the backdrop of our beach vacation jar from a souvenir shop while we were on vacation.  I wrote the dates of our trip on the back and tucked the key card from our hotel behind it too!  The only other thing I had to buy for the project was the jar, so in total, this little keepsake cost less than $5 to make!

Once I put the postcard in (it had to be trimmed up a little), I started spooning in the sand and topped it off with the seashells and a few pieces of seaweed that ended up in the sand we'd collected.  After closing it up, I tied a piece of twine around the lid for a little something extra.  The "tag" attached to it is actually the bottom section of the parking pass we were given from the hotel! 

It now has a nice little home on the mantel beside the sand unity vase we made at our wedding.  A little bit of the gulf coast in our home!  I love it!

Weekend Wishlist - What's Next?

I haven't posted a weekend wishlist in a while, and it's high time I explain where I've been!  If you've noticed, I also haven't been around to update my photo of the day page.  It's not that I haven't been taking photos, because trust me...I have!  Tons of them!

I'm working on taking this photography hobby of mine seriously, and am looking forward to move from hobbyist to professional!  I'm excited about the prospect of client photo shoots and finally generating some income for my family.  And the ability to do that by doing something I love just excites me!

Ready for the Next Step! by c-russell 

I compiled this version of the weekend wishlist on Polyvore as a pictorial reference of where I want to go.  I'm working on acquiring some new equipment, honing my post processing software skills, and getting outdoors and taking photos!  And looking forward to that future pay day!

I have been adding posts to my photography blog and my photography website is up and running.  I'm also posting updates on my Facebook page.  I'll continue to update this blog with the usual fun stuff like preschool activities and recipes, and I'll keep my photo shoots to the photography page!  Check them out and follow me there too so you don't miss a thing!