www.DIXIEDIXON.com BLOG

Interview on HDNET

2010-09-19T21:47:00.000-07:00

Ad Campaign for Florsheim Shoes

2010-09-12T19:59:00.000-07:00

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Open publication - Free publishing - More see pictures

www.florsheim.com

2010-09-12T19:32:00.000-07:00

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Open publication - Free publishing - More rangefinder

Wired and Tired

2010-07-23T23:54:00.000-07:00

Its officially Friday night 11:14pm! I am currently drinking wine and researching diggs for a current fashion shoot I have on Sunday at 5am. One of the models just cancelled. Scrambling to find someone gorgeous and tall to fill in. A little nervous/excited. My mind won’t stop… so many ideas, so many thoughts, so many details! Thats my life in a nutshell!

Being a creative certainly has its perks...... crazy hours, interesting passionate people, beautiful locations, drinking on the job, & harnessing your inner nerd, I could go on and on…. however sometimes one just needs a break from all the glitz & glamour..... Some alone time to just be… well creative! Thats what these past few days have been about.. but somehow I still crave more time to think. A getaway to the islands would be fabulous but the thought of having to pack my bags for the 10th time this year just doesn’t sound appealing. So here I am... with my Macbook, procrastinating as usual instead of being out enjoying the world or taking in the scene.… here I sit blogging my life away!

CHEERS!

Behind the Scenes: "Bombshell"

2010-06-29T01:37:00.001-07:00

Bombshell from Dixie Dixon on Vimeo.

Metropolitan Bride Magazine Cover and Editorial

2010-06-26T22:01:00.000-07:00

Check out the current issue of Metropolitan Bride Magazine, had the opportunity to shoot the Cover and Editorial at the Four Seasons in Las Vegas this past March! Huge thanks to the MetBride team and beautiful models: Olesea and Alina! The shoot was an ultimate blast!
The Southwest Missouri issue of Metropolitan Bride is at Barnes & Noble today! It will be in all other retail location within two weeks (around Springfield Metro area). If you are needing to purchase a copy due to living out of town call the office at 417.888.2900! (metbride.com)

Shoot with Arianna from Doheny Models

2010-05-14T15:56:00.001-07:00

Doheny Models Clip: Arianna Carde from Dixie Dixon on Vimeo.

DOHENY MODELS TV CLIP

2010-04-18T20:48:00.000-07:00

Doheny Models Clip: Episode 1 (dixiedixon.com) from Dixie Dixon on Vimeo.

Nine to Five

2010-04-18T20:24:00.000-07:00

IT'S NOT HOW GOOD YOU ARE, IT'S HOW GOOD YOU WANT TO BE

2010-04-14T12:45:00.000-07:00

Just read this book called "The World's best selling book by Paul Arden", he is a creative genius in the advertising world... think Saatchi and Saatchi. Anyway I've paraphrased some quotes I really liked from the book.. Happy Tuesday!

"Nearly all rich and powerful people are not notable talented, educated, charming or good looking. The become rich and powerful by wanting to become rich and powerful. Your vision of where or who you want to be is the greatest asset you have. Without having a goal its difficult to score."

"And yes, talent does help, but it won't take you as far as ambition."

"Everybody wants to be good, but not many are prepared to make the sacrifices it takes to be great. Most people are looking for a solution, a way to become good. There is no instant solution, the only way to learn is through experience and mistakes. You will become whoever you want to be."

"You can achieve the unachievable....
Firstly, you need to aim beyond what you are capable of. You must develop a complete disregard for where you abilities end. Try to do things that you are incapable of. If you think you're incapable of running a company, make that your aim and do it. If you think your unable to be on the cover of Time Magazine, make it your business to be there. Make your vision of where you want to be a reality. Nothing is impossible."

"If you can't solve a problem, it's because you're playing by the rules."

"Do not try to follow fashion. Be true to your subject and you will be far more likely to create something that is timeless. That's where the true art lies."

Dream BIG! :)

Recent TCU Article :)

2009-12-06T00:59:00.000-08:00

Link: http://www.froglinks.com/s/441/index_new.aspx?sid=441&gid=1&pgid=1209

"In Fine Fashion:

by Darren White '07
from The TCU Magazine

Dixie Dixon '07 is probably shooting a photograph right now.
The 24-year-old Houston-raised, Dallas-based fashion photographer started her own business, Dixie Dixon Photography, in May 2006.

Her client list boasts a mix of high-profile names, including country music star Jack Ingram, and up-and-coming local businesses, like Darian Thomas Designs and Billy Jealousy.

She regularly travels to New York and Los Angeles for shoots, and in July,Dixon was a guest photographer on “Doheny Models,” a reality show slated to hit television in fall 2009.

"I've always had that 'fire in your belly syndrome' as [Neeley Entrepreneurship Center William M. Dickey Entrepreneur in Residence] David Minor calls it," Dixon says.

Her peers are taking notice as well. In 2007, Dixon won the Hy Sheanin Emerging Photographer of the Year from Wedding & Portrait Photographers International. Her work has also been published in Rangefinder, a professional photography magazine.

Dixon says the business lessons she learned, as well as the relationships she made, while earning a degree in entrepreneurial management at TCU aided her quick rise in the photography world. For Dixon, doing good business is crucial; she spends hours each week following up with clients, sending them mini-portfolios and thank-you notes, the latter a lesson she learned from Minor, who she says was one of her favorite professors at TCU.

"I'm an artist first, but the business side of photography is everything," Dixon says. "You can take beautiful photos, but you have to sell them to make a living in photography." — DW
For more: www.dixiedixon.com"

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

2009-12-05T01:27:00.001-08:00

In the spirit of the holidays, I really just want thank all of the wonderful amazing folks who have impacted my career thus far and for the inspiring individuals who continue to support me in my big dream. The truth is, you light up my life! When I hear about someone who has connected with my photographs or felt something because of them, its like Christmas over and over again... I know its a little corny, but hey, we could all use a little corny in our lives. I truly appreciate you more than you will ever know. The fact of the matter is.... I absolutely love making pictures and I love getting to know and work with such passionate beautiful people inside and out. Thank you!

Competition is out of style... do what you feel good about , find your mojo, sharpen your skills, and share it with others.... DREAM BIG.

Check out Help Portrait, a revolution started by Rockstar photog Jeremy Cowart: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3BFwgf1f2I
If you want to change your life, just look through a different lens.

AU-DA-CIOUS [aw-dey-shuhs]

2009-12-05T01:21:00.000-08:00

AUDACIOUS
au⋅da⋅cious [aw-dey-shuhs]
–adjective
1.extremely bold or daring; recklessly brave; fearless: an audacious explorer.
2.extremely original; without restriction to prior ideas; highly inventive: an audacious vision of the city's bright future.
3.recklessly bold in defiance of convention, propriety, law, or the like; insolent; brazen.
4.lively; unrestrained; uninhibited: an audacious interpretation of her role.

New Clip from TV Show "Get Out"

2009-12-05T00:59:00.000-08:00

If ya blink you'll miss me, haha!
Model: Sindy Perez
MUA: Sarah Martin Aguilar
Cinematographer: Bill Garcia
Stills: Me

On the Set of TV Show "Get Out"

2009-09-24T20:42:00.000-07:00

2009-09-24T20:19:00.000-07:00

2009-08-29T20:43:00.001-07:00

“The master in the art of living makes little distinction between his work
and his play, his labor and his leisure, his mind and his body, his
information and his recreation, his love and his religion. He hardly knows
which is which. He simply pursues his vision of excellence at whatever he
does, leaving others to decide whether he is working or playing. To him he's
always doing both.” James A. Michener

Recently Featured on TV Shows: "Get Out" and "Doheny Models" (Tune into HD Network end of September)

2009-08-15T22:26:00.000-07:00

This past month I had the amazing opportunity to be a feature photographer on two different TV shows- a travel show called "Get Out" and a new model show called "Doheny Models", thanks to Adrianne with Turquoise Video Productions. Thank you lady, you are amazing! July started out with a bang... I flew to LA to do model shoots and film Doheny Models, and then flew back to TX for only a day to fly out to Miami to do live beach shoots for "Get Out"... then back to TX and again off to Puerto Rico to wrap up the show. It was a complete whirlwind of jet setting and beach shooting.... talk about quick trips- I arrived in Puerto Rico at midnight and had to be up at 4:30am to be on the beach shooting models at 5:45am for that crazy good lighting! :) Couldn't have asked for a better month! I arrived home with a hard drive full of amazing models and a dark tan! Stay tuned- the shows begin airing near the end of Sept on HD Network! :)

wan·der·lust: n. A very strong or irresistible impulse to travel

2009-07-03T00:57:00.000-07:00

Its 3am. I'm wide awake and my hearts still dreamin... feelin pretty good... this is the prime time in a photographers day.... no phone calls, no interruptions, no emails, no client requests, and no meetings. In fact, most of my evenings consist of retouching, red wine, and a good film.... since I'm usually shooting during the day. Its been so long since my head has been this clear. I keep chasing my dreams... sometimes its work.... sometimes its play... but all in all it is completely worth the long nights and long days. Sometimes in this lifestyle, I feel like there is so much I'm missing... like I never completely enjoy the moment when its staring me in the face. See, I would love to get to a point where everything is streamlined in my life.. to learn how to be completely in the moment every moment...

A little Dose of Happy....

2009-06-28T21:22:00.001-07:00

There is no cosmetic for beauty like happiness! ~Lady Blessington

People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they are not on your road doesn't mean they've gotten lost.... ~ H.Jackson Browne

Fashion Shoot for Armale Boutique

2009-06-28T21:09:00.000-07:00

Photo shoot for Armale Boutique by H&Z from Hira Tareen on Vimeo.

2009-05-30T00:53:00.000-07:00

Joshua

2009-05-30T00:34:00.000-07:00

photographer by day... dreamer by night...

2009-04-22T22:55:00.001-07:00

"The best thing about dreams is that fleeting moment, when you are between asleep and awake, when you don't know the difference between reality and fantasy, when for just that one moment you feel with your entire soul that the dream is reality, and it really happened.” This is where I'd like my photography to be.... so beautiful that its surreal yet completely believable.....

Yeah Magenta...

2009-03-31T00:27:00.000-07:00

"Life is like a box of crayons. Most people are the 8-color boxes, but what you’re really looking for are the 64-color boxes with the sharpeners on the back. I fancy myself to be a 64-color box, though I’ve got a few missing. It’s ok though, because I’ve got some more vibrant colors like periwinkle at my disposal. I have a bit of a problem though in that I can only meet the 8-color boxes. Does anyone else have that problem? I mean there are so many different colors of life, of feeling, of articulation.. so when I meet someone who’s an 8-color type.. I’m like, “hey girl, magenta!” and she’s like, “oh, you mean purple!” and she goes off on her purple thing, and I’m like, “no – I want magenta!”

- John Mayer

The New Studio

2009-03-25T17:33:00.000-07:00

Hi ya,
Just wanted to share some fun news! We are now moving into a larger studio in Dallas next week! Woohoo! There will be a front desk, media room, 2 shooting areas, wardrobe, makeup, office spaces and a small bar. Will be having the opening soon and you are invited, will keep ya posted! Have a super day! ~dd

A PHOTOGRAPHER'S LIFE

2009-03-17T23:29:00.001-07:00

" Be daring, be different, be impractical, be anything that will assert integrity of purpose and imaginative vision against the play-it-safers. the creatures of the commonplace. the slaves of the ordinary." ~Cecil Beaton

"What I lack in knowledge I make up for in enthusiasm..." ;) -dd

I would much rather be starving in a studio than comfortable in a cubicle. -dd

if you saw beauty in my eyes, remember that i was looking at you..." ~Jesh De Rox

There are many things in your life that will catch your eye
but only a few will catch your heart....pursue those...

Life is your soundtrack.... choose it wisely and play it beautifully -dd

DREAM BIG

Interview with Scott Sheppard on Rangefinder Radio

2009-03-03T20:59:00.000-08:00

CLICK HERE

Thanks so much to Scott Sheppard and Rangefinder Publishing! I am so completely honored to have had this opportunity!!!!

Behind the Scenes: Images Coming Soon

2009-03-03T00:19:00.000-08:00

Photo shoot for Armale Boutique by H&Z from Hira Tareen on Vimeo.

Photography by : Dixie Dixon/ Makeup and Styling: HZ Productions/ Hair: Desiree Burris/ Models: Veda Von Bergen and Madison Fox/ Shot at my studio in Deep Ellum

I was featured in Rangefinder Magazine!! :)

2009-01-02T14:31:00.000-08:00

CLICK ON IMAGES TO READ THE FULL STORY:

www.rangefindermag.com

Winter Necessories

2008-12-01T22:25:00.000-08:00

Styling-Rebecca Hargreaves
Makeup/Hair-Rocio Vielma aka Vi-Ve
Model-Cynthia with Campbell Agency
Lighting:
Mola Beauty Dish
Gold and Silver Reflectors

Paintings from Photographs

2008-12-01T21:40:00.000-08:00

Would like to highlight the talent of a up and coming artist named Nicole Morrow. I just love the moody lounge feel of her work. She is an incredible artist! More of her paintings can be seen in The Rising Gallery as well as covering the walls of a new urban hot spot called Hotel Nylo. She did the above painting of a beautiful client of mine named Shaina. I am now excited to team up with her and offer paintings of photographs in addition to the normal prints. If interested, shoot me an email- dixiedixonphotography@gmail.com.

Darian Thomas Designs

2008-10-17T17:47:00.001-07:00

We recently did a shoot at Hotel Nylo for a new and upcoming designer named Darian Thomas. You can expect these garments to be at a store near you soon. They are amazing! Feel free to contact her directly- www.darianthomas.com.

Credits:
Designer- Darian Thomas
Photog- Dixie Dixon
Makeup- Mia Jerray
Hair- Vintage Flair
Models- Lindsey Collins and Madison Fox with Campbell Agency

The Synonym for Happiness

2008-09-26T19:41:00.000-07:00

Define happiness....

My personal definition of happiness changes according to the day, the hour, or even the minute depending on a variety of factors that change infinitely. To be quite honest, sometimes happiness can be found in a bottle of wine and photoshop... and sometimes in making beautiful photographs, or traveling to the islands, or listening to a good band on Saturday night, or in the simplest of terms- making someone smile. We often hear quotes like this one by Mark Twain, "Dance like no one is watching. Sing like no one is listening. Love like you've never been hurt and etc.etc."

So what exactly do people mean by those common phrases, "pursue your passions"or "follow your bliss" or "love like you've never been hurt".

Well, the past couple weeks, I've started reading "The Four Hour Work Week", a Wall-Street Journal best seller, love it by the way... the author brings up this point that I think defines happiness in understandable actionable terms. Think about this for a moment:
Why do we dance, why do we sing, and why do we love? The obvious answer is they bring happiness, yes, but what is it about these things that we really crave? Its EXCITEMENT! Yes! Excitement is the perfect synonym for happiness. The opposite of love is not hate (which are two sides of the same coin) but Indifference and the opposite of happiness is not sadness but boredom. When people suggest you follow your passion, they are in fact suggesting that you go for what excites you. Why else do we ride motorcycles, go skydiving, or kiss in the rain? Excitement! It is exactly what you should strive for in your life, for it is what settles that fire, passion, and spontaneity within our rebel souls. Think about it, it rings true in every aspect of life- the hobbies we pursue, the love interests. The feeling of excitement tells us that we are truely living. Go for what excites you, the risk is worth the reward!

THE SKY JUST GETS BRIGHTER AND BRIGHTER....

THANK YOU

2008-08-10T17:04:00.000-07:00

This year has been a dream so far... and I would just like to thank all of the wonderful people who have helped make that happen including those of you who continue to take time to view and comment on my work. I am both honored and flattered to meet each and every person who has made a connection with my photographs. It drives me even harder to hear how much a single photograph can arouse certain feelings and emotions. I put everything I have into that moment into that photograph into that subject and hearing your kind words lights up my life. Thank you for helping me to live the dream!

Behind every beautiful photograph is a team full of beautiful, passionate, and talented individuals. Cheers to YOU!

Get Glowed... Get Obagi Skincare

2008-07-10T23:44:00.000-07:00

This is going to sound like one of those corny but convincing infomercials on late night TV but I just have to spread the word about this skin care line I've started using... its called the OBAGI NUDERM SYSTEM ...you just have to check out the before and after photos... results are incredible!

So here's my story.... I am a kid that loves the feeling of the sun on my cheeks and I love to surf, and kick it old school on the beach.. and in my past 20 yrs I have been really terrible about remembering to wear sunscreen everyday. A wake up call came last summer when a couple sunspots showed their ugly selves on my cheeks and was freakin out, (yea I'm silly).... so I decided to go see the dermatologist to check if there was anything that could be done to get rid of them nonsurgically... and guess what... There was- Obagi

You can read all about it on their website but basically this shiznit shed my sunspots and brought out this pink glow!!! It is totally worth the pretty penny you pay for it. Keep in mind that it is a prescription so you have to go see a doc to get it- a great Dallas Skin Doc is Dr. Fritz Barton (His Website Here). So if you do decide to try Obagi, keep in mind that in the beginning, you skin will appear to worsen for a couple weeks or so to get out the impurities, but eventually will bring out new young glowing skin, what more could you ask for?!!!

Love the skin you're in! :)

Just Do Yo Thang!

2008-04-10T23:59:00.000-07:00

Find your passion. Feel what you love. Focus on the people who praise you for you and your work. Then continue growing in your craft the way you know how. The right people with find you. That is for certain!

~DD

Art of White

2008-04-01T15:09:00.000-07:00

As artists, we are always on the look out for other artwork that we can identify with, relate to, and be inspired by. Personally, I draw a lot of inspiration from artists such as Jack Vettriano, Andy Warhol, Picasso, Salvador Dali, Van Gogh, and lastly my new fav.... Todd White. You can check out his work at www.artofwhite.com. I just love the surreal nature of his paintings and the way he depicts human form and interaction. Its quite comic really!

This is a quote I found under one of his paintings: "I get inspiration from everywhere but the places I seem to study the most are people in restaurants and since I eat out every night I find my self looking… no, staring, yea, I freaking will stare at someone and take in all the little mannerisms they do and put them in my drawings. This one was a woman eating with her friend and she was defiantly telling her something secretive and so damn seductive it was killing me, she caught me more that once staring and I think it was freaking her out.. ha, I felt like telling her “hey, I’m not a stalker I’m a artist” then I remembered most artists are stalkers." ~Todd White

Thats all for today! :)

The Most Fun I've ever Had with a Self Timer

2008-02-27T01:42:00.000-08:00

If you haven't ever tried using your Digital SLR's self timer....you should give it shot, or two or ten! ;)

These Small Hours

2008-02-27T00:39:00.000-08:00

As always I am up entirely too late because my mind will not stop. It decides to go into creative overdrive at 2am and will not rest until its recorded.

Sometimes I feel like Time is my biggest threat in life, creatively and personally.... days, hours, months pass me by in what seems like minutes.

There are so many things I have yet to do and so many things that I have yet to experience while I'm young and full of energy, but that damn clock just keeps on ticking. So what happens is I avoid time, all the clocks in my house read differently, my car clock is an hour fast, I never wear a watch, so basically the only thing keeping me somewhat sane is my cell phone, which I also avoid when at all possible. Its terrible I know, we all march to the beat of a different drummer, and my drummer just don't move very fast. This is why I am not able to take many days off. A photographers busiest days are on the weekends and the week is spent editing, emailing, and calling. Don't get me wrong, it is completely worth every minute, but it isn't always easy. Its just one beautiful mess, and I love it!

In three weeks I am off to the city of sin for the WPPI Trade Show and Convention. I was lucky enough to receive the Hy Sheanin Scholarship for emerging photographers, which enables me to stay there for 8 days, 8 nights, plus airfare FREE! Woohoo! I plan to do a fashion shoot there at the Neon Sign Museum so if you are a model or makeup artist in Vegas reading this, please shoot me an email. I have a talented NY designer (De La Roche) who has agreed to lend me an outrageous gown for the shoot. Should be a good time!

As always, I leave you with a quote: "There will be times when you will be in the field without a camera. And, you will see the most glorious sunset or the most beautiful scene that you have ever witnessed. Don't be bitter because you can't record it. Sit down, drink it in, and enjoy it for what it is!" ~DeGriff

In fact, I am a true believer that the best moments in life aren't captured on camera... but instead captured within ones soul. ~dd

Model Call

2008-01-30T23:48:00.001-08:00

I am going to be a guest judge at a model call coming up Feb 20 so if you would like to get your career started, this is the place. For more information, visit http://www.reignsuit.com/ModelSearch.html.

Peace!

Fashion is an Artform in Itself

2007-12-19T23:43:00.000-08:00

This is one of the many images shot for Garland Drake International (www.garlanddrake.com) based out of Costa Mesa, California. Their hair has been worn by celebrities such as Reese Witherspoon and featured in magazines such as Vanity Fair and Vogue. Did you honestly think these celebs were born with such volumptuous and perfect hair? Ha, not so much!

Speaking of magazines and celebs, this brings up an uber important issue today about the unrealistic body image most of us have because of the constant perpetuation of the media. I mean really, who have you seen lately that looks like these plastic people in major magazines??? Nobody! Thats because these models have loads of professionals doing their makeup, hair, and styling. Then comes the perfect lighting and millions of pictures taken to get that one perfect shot. And wait, still not done..... EVERY SINGLE IMAGE YOU SEE PUBLISHED IN A MAGAZINE HAS BEEN PHOTOSHOPPED..... the skin airbrushed, the body slimmed and enhanced, the eyes brightened, etc. etc. to make that normal person look perfect. In fact, anyone can look like these images with the right combination of makeup, lighting, hair, photography, and photoshop. So you people (including me, I am just as guilty) stop trying to live up the to perfection of these surreal people you see in the media. Chances are, you wouldn't even recognize them on the street.

That being said, I'm sure you are curious what kind of editing I do to my images. I do walk the line when it comes to fine tuning photographs. First, a little philosophy behind my editing process:

I believe that fashion photography is art in itself. It is not meant to be real... It is meant to be more of an illusion. It depicts an imaginary state in which romance, love, and dreams come to life. In fact, it is the surreality of fashion photography that makes us not only see but feel these emotions that the models in fashion photographs evoke. Its sort of like reading a fiction romance novel, not that I've ever read one, but I'm fairly positive that real life is nothing close to a real raw romance. It can be this at times maybe, but not as a whole. In my opinion, fashion photography should not contribute the the ever growing problem of low self esteem, but instead should be accepted as an art form like painting, a tangible piece of creativity straight out of the human mind. There are no rules in fashion photography, just good fashion photographs.

Back to my editing process: Okay so I shoot hundreds of RAW photographs from each photoshoot. I then select a group of images that reflect the unique beauty and personality of the client or in an advertisng perspective, the unique aspect/idea of the fashion/product. These images go through a detailed editing process: Each photograph is carefully cropped to enhance composition and expertly adjusted for tone, contrast, highlight, and shadow. Then the best few images are professionally retouched to enhance the natural shape and features of each person, as it is done in the major magazines. So yes, I do photoshop my images to enhance the natural beauty of each subject. That is my style and my way of editing. Photoshop can go a long way, but it cannot ultimately change what was captured through the lens, it can only enhance it. As always, I leave you with a quote:

"Everything has it's beauty, but not everyone sees it." - Confucius

For me, finding that beauty in every person/thing I photograph is an adventure in itself!

(The amazing team behind these images: MUA- Josi Lauritzen and Kay Catro/ Models- Christine Quinn and Jenn Davis/ Hair-Tony Greenleaf/ Wardrobe Stylist- Jasmine Anderson/ Photographer- Dixie Dixon)

Good Industry. Great People.

2007-11-30T22:34:00.000-08:00

This month I have had the pleasure of working with so many wonderful artists. Josi, Mat, Mark, Soulever Lift, and the entire JCPenney team, you rock my world! A few comments:

From Talented Model/Actor Mat Beadroux above:
"OMG! Dixie! You are a bonafide rockstar! I could just feel the magic as we were shooting. Ive never felt so free to experiment or been able to visualize the shot as I did with you. Besides your obvious talent, your sincerity and manner that you express your ideas will take you to the top. Can't wait to show the world our magic! Xoxo" (that made my day!)

Also this month I have begun assisting at the photo studio in JcPenney's headquarters. Its is a great lesson on studio lighting and a rare find as a freelancer. There aren't many photography jobs that are 8 to 5. Basically, we work on the shoots for the company's catalogs and advertising materials. I just love this industry. I am constantly surrounded by creative, interesting, and passionate people.

Life is a Winding Road. Cali is far from Home.

2007-10-28T20:35:00.000-07:00

What's a girl to do? Part of me is yearning to make the plunge- drop everything, move to LA, and try my wings in the high fashion world while the other side of me is completely content with my current state of southern comfort. (No pun intended) I mean what more could I ask for really? I live just minutes away from the most amazing people in my life and am making beautiful pictures full time for a living.

However, a few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to pay a visit to LA and work with Matthew Jordan Smith, a world renowned fashion and beauty photographer who has recently been featured on AMERICAS NEXT TOP MODEL. I could not have asked for a better week, he was such a down-to-earth individual, who unlike many top photographers was completely willing to help out the little people who are new to the industry.

No only that, I was able to visit some of the sweetest spots in sunny California. We cruised down Pacific Coast Highway with the windows down all the way to Malibu. Talk about one fine ride. It was invigorating. Also, made it up to the Getty museum and braved night surfing for the first time. Somehow I sqeezed myself into a wetsuit, ha, that was a sight.

LA was such a tease, leaves me unsatisfied and craving more.... more of the dream

2007-09-27T00:03:00.000-07:00

"Remember, that the original state of the minds of uneducated men is vulgar, you now know why vulgar and commonplace works please the majority. Therefore, educate your mind, and fight the hydra-headed monster-- vulgarity... Vulgarity astonishes, produces a sensation; refinement attracts by delicacy and charm and must be sought out. Vulgarity obtrudes itself, refinement is unobtrusive and requires the introduction of education". -Ralph Waldo Emerson

I believe this to describe where I would like my photographs to be, edgy yet refined and innocent, of unique sophistication with room for interpretation, mirroring my personality. I am sure all that makes sense to you, lol.

Last Quote for the nite:
"The type of photographs you make, the subjects you single out, reveal the person inside of you. How close you get to your subjects reveals how close you want to get." -Anonymous

The Holga 120 N

2007-09-26T22:42:00.000-07:00

You are looking at a the newest addition and quite possibly the cheapest addition to my camera collection, a HOLGA 120N camera. It is plastic, $30, and light as a feather. The makers of this camera were all about simplicity, i mean it has about 3 settings- portrait, landscape, and night. You couldn't get much better than that. You load the square film and you are on your way to creating a piece of art right out to the camera. This is not just another complusive purchase, I've already used it in a photoshoot and plan to take it with me to L.A. next week. Ha, like I need another camera.

Speaking of simplicity, I am a firm believer that the more equipment you have, the less pictures you make. This is the main reason that I primarily use natural light in my photographs. Not to mention that I am faithfully unexperienced in studio lighting, which I am not proud of, but learning takes time. The use of daylight photography is an art. I found that it is so incredibly true that the more we learn, the more we realize we don't know. It can be frustrating at times, but overall I am happy with where I'm at.

2007-09-18T11:21:00.000-07:00

"It is difficult to master you passions and impossible to satisfy them." -De La Sabliere

What makes a good photograph?

2007-08-23T09:53:00.000-07:00

I seem to have a love/hate relationship with photography because no matter how hard I try, I am never completely satisfied with the end result. I continually ask myself...what makes a good photograph? Is it perfect lighting? Personality? Composition? Lines? Color? Yes it is all of these things! And there are so many different ways to light subjects, show personality, compose an image and use lines and color so which one is right? Some teachers might say that in order to make a good image, you have to follow the the rules, you know the rule of thirds, depth of field, etc, etc. But the fact of the matter is that there is not one right way to photograph. When you completely follow the rules, pictures end up void of the most important element- YOU. And without you, what is the point? I've found that passion is the energy that comes from bringing more of YOU into what you do. Simply put, it's being who you are and doing what comes naturally.

I've always been a free spirit and I am going to continue to break the rules of photography because my images represent me, my thoughts, my desires, and my personality. Don't get me wrong, the subject is by no means absent in my photography. It is more of a combination of interactions between the subject and the photographer... or chemistry.

Some of my work is fabulous, some of it not so fabulous, but its all me. Basically, I think good photography comes down to what you personally feel good about and how others are able to relate to your images. Does the picture say something worth hearing or is it just another pose or fake expression. Bringing out the real personality of people is challenging, but the more you interact and the longer you spend, the more likely you are to capture the true essence of an individual. This is a long strain of thoughts from my frustrations with photoshop this morning. I suppose this unsatisfaction with my work is what keeps me shooting and working tirelessly to get that perfect shot. I leave you with this:

There are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs. -Ansel Adams

Just Listen

2007-08-20T00:09:00.000-07:00

Music brings so many thoughts to mind. I can turn it up and tune out. In an instant I am losing myself in memories. It is such a powerful voice in my life.

Sometimes the only thing that helps me slow down in this stressful world is to jump in my car and turn up the radio. It intoxicates my mind and instantly puts my soul at ease. Everyones life has a soundtrack, you just have to listen to find it.

This is why during photoshoots, I've got to have music in the background- it relaxes the models and I am instantly in my element.

"In all things there is one common connection. A link that is like no other, and that is music. Music is an art to express what cannot be put into words, but cannot remain silent. Music influences everything including the way we think, act, and speak. Everything in life has music to it, you just have to search to find it sometimes. I truly believe that deep down, whether we know it or not, we are all musicians." -Adam Coffman 1980-2004

Fashion Shoot

2007-07-24T11:34:00.000-07:00

I was recently PUBLISHED in PCT magazine! Check out the Vogue Section (available at Barnes and Noble off of Hulen). Future shoots for this mag coming soon!

2007-07-20T00:35:00.000-07:00

I love photographing couples. There is just such a chemistry that exists between two people that creates a kind of energy in the images. This collection was shot in an house turned office building with beautiful window light. It made for a sweet ambiance within the pictures.

2007-07-18T01:48:00.000-07:00

I've never really understood the point of a blog, but I have since decided to conform to the new age of information sharing by creating my own. Here I will post pictures, current thoughts, client comments, photoshoot specials, photography tips and random knowledge that I think is worth sharing. Photography is my life and my passion! And for those who are interested enough to talk about it are much appreciated. If you have any ideas, questions, or useful information about photography, please comment here. Thank you to every person who I have had the pleasure of working with! You people have enabled me to pursue my dream and your encouragement is why I push on to be the best photographer and person that I can be. You are just amazing! Thank you!
To be continued....