Tuesday, January 25, 2011

be inspired

What inspires you?

That's a huge question, I know. It's one that has been on my mind in one form or another for weeks now. It seems like with the start of a new year my mind has been running wild a bit, but in good ways.

I love the feeling that you get after watching a great movie, hearing that certain song on the radio or listening to a great speaker. You know that feeling...the one that makes you dare to dream, smile, have hope and gives you a warm and fuzzy burning in your heart. Well I do and I love that feeling! I think that we as a whole don't get to experience it enough or don't let ourselves. I want to change that for myself.

As a photographer I am very hard on myself! I need to stop this!! I am me and that is enough. So I decided to go back to what inspired me to become a photographer in the first place. My kids! They give me all those good and heart burning feelings!

Just one little kiss??This may be a new favorite of mine. I love the black and white version!
I don't think that it's healthy to idolize someone or something, but I do think that it's OK to draw inspiration from them. A new goal of mine is to blog at least once a month (maybe more) about something or someone that inspires me.

I'm not going to worry about what others may think or be too hard on myself. Life is way too short for that! What matters is how I feel at the end of the day about what I am doing. Am I happy with it?

Someone who inspires me shared a great article about this very thing last week and hit me like a ton of bricks. The article said...

"It's a new year, and I have been thinking a lot about this. There was even a long, rambling rant all written up, but I just spiked it. I'll save you the reading time by condensing it down to this:

Don't try to please everyone. The more worried you are about pleasing everyone else, the less likely you are to ever please yourself. Nor are you likely produce anything truly interesting or develop any kind of a personal style worth having.

That applies to your lighting. But it is also true for your composition, your choice of subject matter, your cooking, your performance review, your haircut -- whatever.

If you are not getting the occasional blow back, you are almost certainly playing it too safe and worrying too much about what others might think of your work.

The important thing is, what do you think of it?"


You can find this article here.

So I ask again..."what inspires you?"

Don't be afraid to be your own inspiration!!

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

new adventures {part 2}

Like I mentioned 2 posts ago, I haven't taken my kiddos out in some time to photograph. My little lady is the prime example of why. ;) Most of the time she just flat out refuses to look at you or acknowledge you're even there. Sometimes it works...and other times not so much.



She did give me some good stuff to work with, but I had to be ready when she was.



And when she was done...she was DONE!!!


My kids are the prime example of why children can be some of the hardest subjects to photograph and some of the best and most rewarding at the same time! I truly LOVE my job!!

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

mini-sessions

They're here...February mini-sessions. Spaces are limited so call or email me today to reserve your spot!!!
or
909-214-6389

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

a new year, new adventures {part 1}

As we start a new year my head is spinning with what I want to make of it and new things I want to try. I have many things in mind, but more on that later. One of the things that I never even thought about was mentoring another person. I like to be the one learning, not the one teaching. Half the time I still feel like I don't know what I'm doing so this was going to be an adventure for sure. But it was new and going to push me and that is what I need so I said "yes." Besides, we already know each other very well, so why not! ;)

You may remember Samantha from a previous post. This time she wanted to be on the other side of the camera.

Our models were my very own kiddos, but we will start with my little man first. It has been a while since I have taken my own kids out for a session. Really...they just don't want to and let it be known. I have to give Christian a ton of credit though...he did great for us.

Oh little man, you know how turn on the charm when you want to!Not sure if this train obsession is ever going to end.There's the little man we know and love! ;)You melt my heart with those eyes!!
This was a lot of fun and I'm sure you will see more of Samantha soon. ;) These images aren't perfect, I know you catch us in some reflections, but it was a learning process and a fun one at that. ;) A time to just relax and see what we get!!!

Enjoy and more coming soon...

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Happy New Year (a few days late)!

It's a new year...yay! I love the new year, well what it represents anyways. Not a big fan of the hustle and bustle of it, the partying, or staying up late, but I do love what it represents...a fresh start. Trust me, we don't need an official date to have a new start, make goals and get excited for the future, I know this for sure. I do love the idea though that so many more people do set goals and dream this time of year!

I always try to keep goals and dreams in my heart, I think we all need them. I am super excited about this year though. I just feel so good about it and I can't really explain it. I have hopes and dreams for me both personally and on the business side. I will keep those to myself for now! But I will say that there are a few changes coming to Michelle Peterson Photography...in a good way (I hope). :)

As we leave 2010 behind and welcome in 2011 I just want to say a big "thank you" again. For your support and love that you continue to give and show me. Thank you for making memories with me and for trusting me with yours.

Cheers to a fabulous 2011!!!


Saturday, January 1, 2011

and the winner is...

If you are a fan on my Facebook page then you know what this post is all about and if your aren't then you should be. Good things happen over there!

Thanks to everyone who entered for the session giveaway and helped to spread the word. What a great way to start the New Year!

So here is what you have been waiting for.

The winner is...


And...

That's right folks, we have 2 winners. When I have 2 kiddos and they both want to pick, what is a mom to do? Congrats to Elaine and Melissa!! I can't wait to meet you and your smiles!

Happy New Year everyone (full New Year's post coming soon)!! Keep an eye on my FB page, more fun things coming soon.
 
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