shift

2009 has been a challenging year for many, and I'm no exception. Like others, I spent too much time worrying, over-working, and under-experiencing. When the year ended, I felt a sense of relief: finally I could start over again. With that shift, a few burdens lifted. Suddenly some things which had felt insurmountable, seemed possible again.

But what really changed between December 31st and January 1st? Besides a few minutes ticking by, it was simply my perspective. Nothing is really different about my life or situation, except that I allowed myself to be open to the idea of having more freedom. Suddenly my world feels more expansive, just because I believed it was possible. I see now that my mistake may have been waiting, as if I somehow needed the world's permission or a specific date to make these changes. My hope is that this year, as the inevitable struggles approach, and the resolutions begin to wear thin, we'll remember that it never requires a grand gesture or a holiday, or someone else's validation. A new perspective is always just a moment away. 

I found this link yesterday via one of my favorite photographers. It described my year perfectly, so I thought you might enjoy it too.

Please share your perspective (or a brand new one you're trying on) with us today. 

willy nilly.

I didn't realize I'd been shooting like this until a client pointed it out. With disbelief, she said "You're not even looking through the camera?!" I looked down and realized that indeed she was right... I wasn't. I think it happens reflexively as a subconscious urge to subtract the camera-barrier. This way our faces can meet and interact. This photo probably isn't the greatest example because the little boy is looking away. But it demonstrates the willy-nilly approach. Of course there are tons of crappy shots that come from this roulette-wheel technique. But it's balanced by a few great ones too. And there are always angles that I would have neglected to find had I been thinking harder about it. Sometimes it's just good to give thinking a rest, no?

Do you ever shoot all willy-nilly? We'd love to see some examples and hear your thoughts! 

Also, I have a special holiday treat for you today... (and maybe a bit of a shameless plug too)! In case you haven't heard, I just launched my new website of camera bags for WOMEN! We're super excited and would love it if you clicked over to check it out at www.epiphaniebags.com! The bags are set for delivery in February, but you can purchase gift certificates now! PLUS one lucky commenter will win a free bag of their choice! Leave a comment today and you'll be entered to win! 

And if you'd like to pre-order a bag for yourself or as a gift, we're offering the Shutter Sisters community a special discount. When you check out, type in the code: SISTER and you'll receive 15% off your purchase. This is the last promo that we'll be doing until next spring. And it expires Sunday at 12:01am CST. So don't miss out!  :)

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Updated December 18th...

Using the random integer generator, THE WINNER IS CAROLYN from Silly Happy Sweet! CONGRATULATIONS! I'll be contacting you with the details. Thank you for all the comments everyone! Remember the discount code is good through Saturday!  :) Happy holidays!  

the beauty of stillness

I pulled myself away from the iphone and my ridiculous addiction to searching on ebay and went to that peaceful hammock between two oak trees.  I laid down and could hear the millions upon millions of leaves stretching over acres to create this rhythmic rustling sound. It was a sound that made an overwhelming sense of peace flow from my head to my bare feet.  When I look up at the vast sky, it's impossible to not feel like a part of something bigger.  To realize that we may be only one piece of this larger-than-life puzzle... but our piece matters because it is part of what completes the picture.

In our day-to-day demands, we sometimes become that furry hamster on the wheel.  We get lost in the humdrum of our normal rhythm and miss the beauty of stillness. 

So take time today to be still.
Take a walk and soak in the turning autumn leaves.
Lay a blanket outside tonight and look up at all those twinkling lights in the sky.
Let nature be your soundtrack.

We'd love to see some of your still moments today.

Picture and words courtesy of Honorary Sister / Guest Blogger Rachel Brooke. For more inspiration, visit her lovely blog.

fashion+function=a new camera bag

*EPIPHANIE CAMERA BAGS FOR WOMEN*

I've been working for almost two years on a line of camera bags for women. The idea first came to me when I found myself constantly wrapping up my $2000 camera (not to mention the $1700 lens) in a hand towel, and throwing it into my purse. Because who wants to carry an ugly old camera bag IN ADDITION to your regular one?! I started talking to other photographer friends. And they all had their own stories about what they used to wrap up their cameras: sweatshirts, pot holders, wash cloths, bubble wrap. I realized there was definitely a need in the market place for a camera bag that was as FASHIONABLE as it was FUNCTIONAL. So I embarked on the VERY LONG, SOMETIMES FRUSTRATING, BUT TOTALLY WORTH IT journey of MANUFACTURING my own camera bags.

Pictured here, are three of the five different styles. On the interior, they all have velcro-removable panels so that you can arrange each compartment to fit your specific bodies and lenses. It can be a straight-up camera bag. OR, it can be just a purse with a compartment for a camera. This makes it perfect for PROFESSIONALS and/or SCRAPBOOKERS. Not to mention just GIRLS WITH NICE CAMERAS. It's really that flexible!

So we're aiming to have the website done in about a month, which is when I'll post details and measurements and all that jazz. But for now, if you'd like to be on the FIRST TO KNOW list

CLICK HERE

SPECIAL TREATS AND DISCOUNTS WILL APPLY. And THANK YOU. Because if I'm honest, I kind of feel like I'm wearing my heart on my sleeve today. I've held this project so closely for the longest time. And now it's out there for everyone to see. Please be nice.   :)  

And we'd love to hear your stories today about the craziest thing you've ever used to wrap up your camera?

***UPDATE*** (12-26-2010)

We've been in business for over a year now. Please visit us at EPIPHANIE BAGS.

Photo birthday parties

A few months ago I started offering birthday Photo Parties at the studio. They've been so much fun, I thought I'd post a little "how-to". Because it really is a simple idea that anyone could implement at home. If you're interested in creating your own little "Glam Girl" party, start with the invitations. Let people know what you're doing, and what to expect. It's up to you, but I'd limit the number of guests from 6-10. This will preserve your sanity, and also make sure there's enough time for everyone. You can purchase or use your own dress up clothes, or have guests bring their own outfits. Then grab a couple friends to help you with makeup and hair. When the girls are all dolled up, it's time for their little Glam session. You can shoot against a bare wall (like I did in the photo above), or purchase a backdrop. If you don't have a soft box, just place it near a bright window, and shoot away! The little divas have so much fun posing and playing! Then afterwards, you could either print photos for your guests as a party favor. Or, upload them to a site like Shutterfly so they can order and print whatever images they'd like. You can also assemble them into a book at Blurb, so you'll have a permanent keepsake. This photo was taken at my daughter Emily's party. They had a blast, and I love that I have so many fun photos from the day. 

What about you? Do you have any photos of the little divas in your life?