It's the Holidays!!!

Happy Holidays everyone! I did a shoot with Katie today for my mom's Christmas cards. I wasn't terribly thrilled with them at first but I'm slowly picking up tips and tricks and I'm getting better at editing. I'm actually loving these ones! I'll upload my favorites as I finish them, so if any of you actually read this they are posted on the Children page!
-Ashley

New Props!!!

I went adventuring on ebay today and I am so excited!!! I bought a newborn posing beanbag and a Radio Flyer doll sized wagon. I got both pieces for cheap too! Omgosh I just can't wait to use them!!! I just want to spend every single day of my life photographing sweet precious little babies. =)

My Plans for Next Year

Because I have decided not to attempt my BA in photography, I have decided to receive a Certificate of Completion from Houston Center for Photography. They offer one for each, Camera and Computer so I can learn the ropes of shooting and editing both! I am so impatient I just want to sign up and start now, unfortunately all of their classes are when my classes at Lonestar are so I will have to wait. =( I've got my eye out on a couple of Sunday workshops in December, can not wait! Sure hope I can get the extra money.

Knowledge Comes with Experience

Oh man, Friday was a HECTIC day! Sarah and Ryan looked lovely on their happy day. The ceremony went so fast! The Justice of the Peace surely did not take his time. Unfortunately I'm not too thrilled with most of the shots I got from the ceremony itself. I'm hoping that Sarah and her family aren't too disappointed. I didn't even have time to set up my tripod!!!! The photos from afterwards however, I feel turned out really nicely. I got so many wonderful family shots and I can't wait to get them edited!

I've also realized that I REALLY need to take a number of beginner's courses. I was so frustrated with myself and my camera by the end of the day that it was very overwhelming. I need a better block of knowledge to stand on and more confidence to back me up. Practice, practice, practice!

First Ever Paid Shoot!!!

The world is changing for me! I have felt for so long like I am not getting anywhere and sometimes I get frustrated with how slowly life works. I have got to learn patience for God delivers to those who wait. This coming Friday I am doing my very first paid shoot. A close friend of mine has asked me to photograph her sister's wedding ceremony and to take some pretty couples pictures afterwards. It will only be a small courthouse ceremony but I don't care about that. Any experience is good experience and I am so thankful to be a part of Sarah's day! I'm also set up for her maternity and newborn photos since she just found out she's expecting! I'm beyond excited!!!!

Moving Ahead Each Day

Good afternoon! I am so happy with where my business is heading. I know it is in its infancy but that's ok. I was browsing at Goodwill last week and was lucky enough to snag a Video Tripod for $6. Are you kidding?!? That's amazing! I can only hope to continue finding great steals such as that. I am always on the lookout for new props and things, this business is expensive! I also got some fantastic shots while at the beach a couple weekends ago. I will be uploading those into the appropriate pages as soon as they are ready! I have been working really hard on building up my blog and posting new photos so feel free to check them out!!!

“There is only you and your camera. The limitations in your photography are in yourself, for what we see is what we are.”

I have been very busy this summer, and I have spent a lot of time working on my skills as a portrait photographer. Today I took a big step! I created a new business email, and ordered business cards! I can't wait until I can officially start my business and be a full time photographer!

Brand new business cards!

Photography Wish List, Edited 8/12

I have taken my uncle's advice to heart and have been doing anything and everything I can to get my foot in the door. I take my camera everywhere I go and I shoot just about everything that catches my eye. I am hoping for some free work to come about but I suppose I'll have to market myself better for that. Anyway, in the meantime I have decided to comprise a "Wish List" of supplies that I will need to really get this business off the ground. (CRAZY, if you had asked me a year ago I would never have thought that I'd want to start my own business...)

General Equipment

• Tripod (check)
• Reflector
• Soft Box
• Lighting 
• Off-Camera Flash
• Backdrop Stand
• Clamps
• Remote for Camera
• Lenses
• Digital SLR Camera (check)

Newborn Shoots

• Space Heater
• Heating Pad (check)
• Puppy Pads/Reusable potty pads
• Boppy Pillow (check)
• Props
• Burp Cloths
• Noise Machine
• Prop Beds
• Blankets
• Wraps
• Hats/Headbands

It's Been Awhile

Hello there everyone! I started this blog to promote my photography and to invite critque and advice from my peers. Unfortunately shortly after that my laptop took a dive. Sad day! It still is running but I am trying to limit use so until I can get it fixed my posts may be few and far between. I will try to get at least one post up in the next few days so please bear with me while I get this repaired. Thank you!
-Ashley

Practice With Texture and Color

"In my world, the books would be nothing but pictures"

This is my first post on this new blog so I figure I'll talk about what it is that I want it to be. I had a long and insightful conversation with my uncle earlier this week and it sent my head spinning in a million directions. For you see, I am at that crazy point between achieving your Associates degree and beginning your Bachelors degree where every student suddenly questions their career choices, and that is precisely what I am doing. I considered going to art school to receive my Bachelors in Photography but after this enlightening conversation I decided that I am going to do as the title of my blog says and "Take the Leap". I am going to jump into my photography headfirst and am going to do everything I can to learn whatever the world has to offer me about my craft. One of the most important things that I took from this conversation was this, "whatever you do never stop taking pictures. Take pictures of everything. If they come out good, great, if they don't, even better because you'll learn from them. And start a portfolio, I've never landed a job because I have a degree in something". Those words have stuck with me the past few days and because I don't know anything about web design, which is one of the things I am looking to learn, I am starting this blog as a way to promote my photography.