NEW BLOG :: http://www.jamilahscreativetouchblog.com
Showing posts with label personal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label personal. Show all posts
Last Post | New Blog
Some parting words for my BlogSpot friends... Jamilah's Creative Touch Blog has moved!! Yay!!! This will be my final post on this site... I officially moved to http://www.jamilahscreativetouchblog.com and will be posting there from now on... Please change your feed to my new address and come visit me there =) And with that, I'll leave you with the latest image of myself -- captured by my wonderful husband... I'm currently working on my new website, and needed some professional images of me... the photographer (who isn't too fond of being in front of the camera)...
WPPI Road Trip to Washington D.C.
"this is a pivotal moment in my life... where my dream -- just got that much closer to reality..." ~jamilah
[just wanted to start with what I wrote at the end... just in case you don't finish the long read]
A week ago today, I woke up at 3:30 in the morning -- anxiety stricken with the need to make sure I didn't sleep through my alarm. I fell back asleep, only to wake up again an hour later feeling the same way. I laid there in my hotel room, filled with excitement and anxiety of what the day would bring me. This would be my very first huge professional photography conference, flying all the way to D.C. WPPI [Wedding & Portrait Photographers International] is traveling around the nation stopping at 10 different cities, bringing top photographers to speak about various business & photography topics. After checking out the different speakers, I knew what city I had to attend -- DC!! This is where Jasmine Star was going to speak -- and this is where I had to go. We all have our idols... whether it's Heidi Klum from Project Runway... Ellen or Oprah... or even a college professor... someone you look up to and simply admire -- for who they are & for their accomplishments... well, my photography idol is Jasmine Star -- the queen of gorgeous photography, beautiful words, and such an inspiring speaker... she is as incredible in capturing people as she is as a blogger & speaker... And. I. Love. Her! Her work... and her way with words... for me, I think it's her blatant honesty in her blog posts that reels people in... with as many as 200 people at a time leaving comments on her daily blog... so there, it's not just me =)
So back to my story... laying there in bed... thinking about my crazy journey... flying all the way to DC from Florida... and to be honest -- I. Was. Scared! Scared for so many reasons... What if they didn't have my name on the registry? What if there are no seats left? What if I run into Jasmine Star in the bathroom -- what do I do (ask for her picture right then and there)? What if my new shoes kill me? Huhhhh... Then, I stopped those thoughts... and told myself to just have fun! It'll be alright...
My day -- was way beyond alright... it was exceptionally epic! On top of meeting so many photographers that shared the same passion and as eager to learn as I was -- I made friends, listened to incredible photographers speak about posing, work flow, lighting, marketing and so much more, I got to meet many sponsors in the industry with incredible products, and I got to meet (shake hands/hug/and take pictures with) all the speakers =) Yes, which means I got to meet Jasmine Star! And I kept telling myself all day, I didn't fly all this way to just sit and observe. Darnit, I am walking away from this with at least a picture with her!
At the end of the day, I walked away feeling a bit light headed -- overwhelmed with information & filled with inspiration... My heart was filled to the brim with inspiration, motivation, and courage to go after my dream! I didn't want the day to end! Needless to say, my worries were all in vein. They had my name at the registry, complete with a name tag that had my name and my company on it. And the nerd that I was, I was the 4th person to arrive that morning and got a front row seat! I didn't run into Jasmine Star in the bathroom, but I did manage to meet her & snapped a shot with her. (Yay!) And my feet did kill, but it was ok because I stuffed my purse with emergency flats -- just in case =)
I'm not going to bore you with all the pages of notes I took... but I will leave you with images from my day... and with that a disclaimer: all photos were taken with my iPhone -- so they were all pretty much horribly lit and shakey & very grainy... but I don't care... because this is all the memento I have from my epic day! These images... along with the knowledge & inspiration all of the wonderful speakers left in my heart...
Awesome host & photographer, Jared Bauman, giving us his 5 tips on running a successful business...
Photojournalist, Greg Gibson, taking us through his work flow...
Then we had a 30 minute coffee break, which was breakfast time for me... on the elevator I bumped into a girl who was also looking for breakfast, so why not eat together?... and lucky for me, because they weren't accepting credit cards at the time -- so this girl was sweet enough to lend me $5 to pay for my breakfast! Thanks, Katia!
After our break, Clay Blackmore showed us the ropes on proper posing & lighting... he was so energetic & enthusiastic (and spoke too fast) -- I couldn't keep up with note taking... so I just sat and enjoyed his lively presentation... he was fantastic and does incredible work!
Yup! I got a shot with him!
After lunch, portrait & fashion photographer Lindsay Adler taught us how to organize & archive our images properly... how to protect our images... and properly tag our work... she showed us amazing tools on Lightroom3 & the ins and outs of other photography software... on top of a great presentation -- she sent us a link to download all the notes the next day! Talk about organized! Huh... a woman after my own heart... I purchased her newly published book -- The Linked Photographers' Guide to Online Marketing and Social Media -- she autographed it for me AND I got a picture with her =)
Jared Bauman, pulling raffle tickets and giving away prizes... I didn't win... but a girl in my row won two or three times... so, I still consider it lucky that a fellow row mate won a ton of prizes... and really, I already felt lucky just to be there!
Finally, the last presenter... the photographer I flew 1,200 miles to see... who I've been waiting to see all day... Jasmine Star! I can't even believe that I was right there! Front row, right in front of her... right in front of all the speakers! It makes me giggle!! How exciting, right??
In the image below is Jasmine in the center, me on the right, and a new friend Madalina (the girl I sat next to in the front row)... we hung out during our breaks, exchanged cards and met Jasmine Star together... giggling like starstruck teenagers... excited at the chance of meeting an idol...
Jasmine was an incredible speaker... truly a remarkable story teller... and an inspiring photographer & person... not only did we get to have a snap shot with her... but we chatted for a bit and laughed on how she mispronounced my name during a live workshop where I Tweeted a question to her... she answered my online query, but totally butchered my name... Jam --e--liah... and I didn't even care she butchered it (because everyone does at first look), because I was screaming to my husband that my question was read out loud by Jasmine & she said my name! HA! She said my name! Well, kind of... so back to DC, I gave Jasmine a tip on remembering my name... I told her (like I tell everyone I first meet to shake out any mispronunciations that may occur) -- I told her, it's Jamilah... like vanilla... lol... corny, I know! But it's the only way I can explain how to say my name properly... and guess what? people actually do remember it... maybe Jasmine will remember it... maybe not... but I definitely will remember not only meeting my idol, but meeting so many talented & incredibly amazing photographers in the industry... And I will remember this pivotal moment in my life where my dream --- just got that much closer to reality...
[just wanted to start with what I wrote at the end... just in case you don't finish the long read]
A week ago today, I woke up at 3:30 in the morning -- anxiety stricken with the need to make sure I didn't sleep through my alarm. I fell back asleep, only to wake up again an hour later feeling the same way. I laid there in my hotel room, filled with excitement and anxiety of what the day would bring me. This would be my very first huge professional photography conference, flying all the way to D.C. WPPI [Wedding & Portrait Photographers International] is traveling around the nation stopping at 10 different cities, bringing top photographers to speak about various business & photography topics. After checking out the different speakers, I knew what city I had to attend -- DC!! This is where Jasmine Star was going to speak -- and this is where I had to go. We all have our idols... whether it's Heidi Klum from Project Runway... Ellen or Oprah... or even a college professor... someone you look up to and simply admire -- for who they are & for their accomplishments... well, my photography idol is Jasmine Star -- the queen of gorgeous photography, beautiful words, and such an inspiring speaker... she is as incredible in capturing people as she is as a blogger & speaker... And. I. Love. Her! Her work... and her way with words... for me, I think it's her blatant honesty in her blog posts that reels people in... with as many as 200 people at a time leaving comments on her daily blog... so there, it's not just me =)
So back to my story... laying there in bed... thinking about my crazy journey... flying all the way to DC from Florida... and to be honest -- I. Was. Scared! Scared for so many reasons... What if they didn't have my name on the registry? What if there are no seats left? What if I run into Jasmine Star in the bathroom -- what do I do (ask for her picture right then and there)? What if my new shoes kill me? Huhhhh... Then, I stopped those thoughts... and told myself to just have fun! It'll be alright...
My day -- was way beyond alright... it was exceptionally epic! On top of meeting so many photographers that shared the same passion and as eager to learn as I was -- I made friends, listened to incredible photographers speak about posing, work flow, lighting, marketing and so much more, I got to meet many sponsors in the industry with incredible products, and I got to meet (shake hands/hug/and take pictures with) all the speakers =) Yes, which means I got to meet Jasmine Star! And I kept telling myself all day, I didn't fly all this way to just sit and observe. Darnit, I am walking away from this with at least a picture with her!
At the end of the day, I walked away feeling a bit light headed -- overwhelmed with information & filled with inspiration... My heart was filled to the brim with inspiration, motivation, and courage to go after my dream! I didn't want the day to end! Needless to say, my worries were all in vein. They had my name at the registry, complete with a name tag that had my name and my company on it. And the nerd that I was, I was the 4th person to arrive that morning and got a front row seat! I didn't run into Jasmine Star in the bathroom, but I did manage to meet her & snapped a shot with her. (Yay!) And my feet did kill, but it was ok because I stuffed my purse with emergency flats -- just in case =)
I'm not going to bore you with all the pages of notes I took... but I will leave you with images from my day... and with that a disclaimer: all photos were taken with my iPhone -- so they were all pretty much horribly lit and shakey & very grainy... but I don't care... because this is all the memento I have from my epic day! These images... along with the knowledge & inspiration all of the wonderful speakers left in my heart...
Awesome host & photographer, Jared Bauman, giving us his 5 tips on running a successful business...
Photojournalist, Greg Gibson, taking us through his work flow...
Then we had a 30 minute coffee break, which was breakfast time for me... on the elevator I bumped into a girl who was also looking for breakfast, so why not eat together?... and lucky for me, because they weren't accepting credit cards at the time -- so this girl was sweet enough to lend me $5 to pay for my breakfast! Thanks, Katia!
After our break, Clay Blackmore showed us the ropes on proper posing & lighting... he was so energetic & enthusiastic (and spoke too fast) -- I couldn't keep up with note taking... so I just sat and enjoyed his lively presentation... he was fantastic and does incredible work!
Yup! I got a shot with him!
After lunch, portrait & fashion photographer Lindsay Adler taught us how to organize & archive our images properly... how to protect our images... and properly tag our work... she showed us amazing tools on Lightroom3 & the ins and outs of other photography software... on top of a great presentation -- she sent us a link to download all the notes the next day! Talk about organized! Huh... a woman after my own heart... I purchased her newly published book -- The Linked Photographers' Guide to Online Marketing and Social Media -- she autographed it for me AND I got a picture with her =)
Jared Bauman, pulling raffle tickets and giving away prizes... I didn't win... but a girl in my row won two or three times... so, I still consider it lucky that a fellow row mate won a ton of prizes... and really, I already felt lucky just to be there!
Finally, the last presenter... the photographer I flew 1,200 miles to see... who I've been waiting to see all day... Jasmine Star! I can't even believe that I was right there! Front row, right in front of her... right in front of all the speakers! It makes me giggle!! How exciting, right??
In the image below is Jasmine in the center, me on the right, and a new friend Madalina (the girl I sat next to in the front row)... we hung out during our breaks, exchanged cards and met Jasmine Star together... giggling like starstruck teenagers... excited at the chance of meeting an idol...
Jasmine was an incredible speaker... truly a remarkable story teller... and an inspiring photographer & person... not only did we get to have a snap shot with her... but we chatted for a bit and laughed on how she mispronounced my name during a live workshop where I Tweeted a question to her... she answered my online query, but totally butchered my name... Jam --e--liah... and I didn't even care she butchered it (because everyone does at first look), because I was screaming to my husband that my question was read out loud by Jasmine & she said my name! HA! She said my name! Well, kind of... so back to DC, I gave Jasmine a tip on remembering my name... I told her (like I tell everyone I first meet to shake out any mispronunciations that may occur) -- I told her, it's Jamilah... like vanilla... lol... corny, I know! But it's the only way I can explain how to say my name properly... and guess what? people actually do remember it... maybe Jasmine will remember it... maybe not... but I definitely will remember not only meeting my idol, but meeting so many talented & incredibly amazing photographers in the industry... And I will remember this pivotal moment in my life where my dream --- just got that much closer to reality...
Ba-Bye Summer!
Three day weekend!! Thank you, Labor Day!! I feel like this weekend marks the end of summer... like the last hurrah before Fall rolls around... Dave and I plan on a relaxing & fun filled weekend... starting with Date Night tonight! Then a photo shoot on Saturday... some relaxing Saturday night... then BBQ with friends on Sunday... then visiting with more friends on Monday... huuuuh.... it's going to be FUN!! I hope you enjoy your long weekend -- because I sure will =) Happy Labor day weekend!!
And what's a post without pictures? Here are a couple of pictures that remind me of summer... enjoy!
And what's a post without pictures? Here are a couple of pictures that remind me of summer... enjoy!
September!
First of all, I can't believe it's September already! Do you know what that means? It's almost Fall! First, it'll be Halloween! Then, it'll be Thanksgiving! Then, before you know it --- it's Christmas time! Eeeek! This is the time that moves all too rapidly for our liking... Anyway, I'm going to slow things down a bit (sorry if I gave you a panic)... I'm personally very excited about September... and I thought I'd list the reasons why =)
September 4: I get to capture (or recapture) Jackson & his parents to mark his 6 month birthday... yay! [The image below was from his newborn session I got to capture]
September 10: I fly up north to spend a long weekend with my sister! Yay!
September 12: I'm shooting an engagement session for my bride & groom that live in Maryland, and are getting married in Fort Lauderdale for their 10/10/10 wedding! Yay!
September 13: I drive to Washington D.C. and will be attending my very first WPPI (Wedding & Portrait Photographers International) event!! My first HUGE photography conference! EEEEE!!! I mean, I love my sister -- but yes, this will be the highlight of my September! Here are the awesome photographers that I'll get to meet and learn from...
September 22: The first day of Fall!! My all time favorite season!! Since down in Florida we don't really have the foliage that you see up north, I like to deck out my house with Fall decor... Michigan brides (or any northerner), if you need a wedding photographer for your Autumn wedding -- I'd be delighted to capture it =) [Images below are from Nick & Donna's Fall engagement session -- but soon you'll see their wedding images]
September 26: Season Premiere of DEXTER!!! Eeeeee!! That's all I'm going to say about that!
It's going to be a fun filled September... and I am beside myself with excitement! Happy Wednesday!!
September 4: I get to capture (or recapture) Jackson & his parents to mark his 6 month birthday... yay! [The image below was from his newborn session I got to capture]
September 10: I fly up north to spend a long weekend with my sister! Yay!
September 12: I'm shooting an engagement session for my bride & groom that live in Maryland, and are getting married in Fort Lauderdale for their 10/10/10 wedding! Yay!
September 13: I drive to Washington D.C. and will be attending my very first WPPI (Wedding & Portrait Photographers International) event!! My first HUGE photography conference! EEEEE!!! I mean, I love my sister -- but yes, this will be the highlight of my September! Here are the awesome photographers that I'll get to meet and learn from...
September 22: The first day of Fall!! My all time favorite season!! Since down in Florida we don't really have the foliage that you see up north, I like to deck out my house with Fall decor... Michigan brides (or any northerner), if you need a wedding photographer for your Autumn wedding -- I'd be delighted to capture it =) [Images below are from Nick & Donna's Fall engagement session -- but soon you'll see their wedding images]
September 26: Season Premiere of DEXTER!!! Eeeeee!! That's all I'm going to say about that!
It's going to be a fun filled September... and I am beside myself with excitement! Happy Wednesday!!
Off to Michigan!
If you know me... you know that I'm an organization freak... a to do list notebook carrier... a grocery list maker... a filing happy person...and I made this monster in me, because -- well, to be honest... deep down -- I'm a slob... if I let myself go, the house would be a mess... laundry would eventually have to wash itself... and my day -- wouldn't be productive... my mind is cluttered with a million ideas running at once... and if I don't write it down -- I won't remember it... am I alone in this? I hope not...
This organization monster was born out of discipline... discipline and dedication to change bad habits... but no matter how many lists I make... how far in advance I plan travel... I always, Always pack my luggage last minute... always! Right now, I'm running on 4 1/2 hours of sleep... thanks to my to do list that I just had to complete, and thanks to my procrastination...
How I pack? Well, it doesn't help that I have to try on every outfit before it goes in the luggage... and make sure there's a back up outfit -- just in case I change my mind... there has to be multiple pairs of shoes -- for one outfit... you know... just in case! Although, I have gotten better in minimizing what I pack... the fact remains... I'm a procrastinator when it comes to packing...
This weekend we're off on a whirlwind weekend adventure to Michigan... I get to capture Donna & Nick's wedding, which I'm soo soo soo excited about being their wedding photographer! And the icing on the cake? I get to see my family! Even though it'll only be for a few hours on Sunday -- I'm gonna bask in the laughter, little hugs, and all the kisses I can get from my three nephews and niece...
So in spite of my packing habits... I still got the job done... and now I'm off to my Michigan adventure... and because a post isn't the same without a picture... here's 1/4th of the kids I get to delight in =) have a great weekend!
ps... a quick shout out & thanks to my brother in law, Scott, for taking us to the airport and for house sitting!
This organization monster was born out of discipline... discipline and dedication to change bad habits... but no matter how many lists I make... how far in advance I plan travel... I always, Always pack my luggage last minute... always! Right now, I'm running on 4 1/2 hours of sleep... thanks to my to do list that I just had to complete, and thanks to my procrastination...
How I pack? Well, it doesn't help that I have to try on every outfit before it goes in the luggage... and make sure there's a back up outfit -- just in case I change my mind... there has to be multiple pairs of shoes -- for one outfit... you know... just in case! Although, I have gotten better in minimizing what I pack... the fact remains... I'm a procrastinator when it comes to packing...
This weekend we're off on a whirlwind weekend adventure to Michigan... I get to capture Donna & Nick's wedding, which I'm soo soo soo excited about being their wedding photographer! And the icing on the cake? I get to see my family! Even though it'll only be for a few hours on Sunday -- I'm gonna bask in the laughter, little hugs, and all the kisses I can get from my three nephews and niece...
So in spite of my packing habits... I still got the job done... and now I'm off to my Michigan adventure... and because a post isn't the same without a picture... here's 1/4th of the kids I get to delight in =) have a great weekend!
ps... a quick shout out & thanks to my brother in law, Scott, for taking us to the airport and for house sitting!
Save the Date...
This weekend I helped my sister in law design her save the date via Photoshop [CS5]... because I had so much fun (the first hour at least --jk Lisa!) -- I thought I'd share a save the date idea for my future brides... this can be printed on a 7.5 x 6 photo paper inserted in an envelope or made into a postcard... I didn't want to spoil the surprise by using my sister in law's design; instead I came up with this design... using images from Nick & Donna's engagement pictures from last year... after all... their big day is in a few days... and I get to capture it... Yay!! Double "yay" because I get to see my family as well! Happy Wednesday!!
Brides, if you're interested in Save the Dates for your wedding -- please contact me HERE...
Brides, if you're interested in Save the Dates for your wedding -- please contact me HERE...
iheartfaces: "got to wear shades"
this week's them at iheartfaces is "got to wear shades"... so I thought I'd enter the image below... taken last year... and with this image... shades aren't merely for keeping the sun out of your eyes... it's to stay cool... oh so very cool ;-) happy monday!
check out the other entries by clicking on the link below:
check out the other entries by clicking on the link below:
Happy Saturday!
I blogged my heart out all summer & everyday for two weeks straight, then totally went off the grid cold turkey... and for that, I apologize... this is going to be the trend for awhile... from now on (until next June) I will only have time to blog twice [maybe three times] a week... for those who don't know, last Wednesday was my first day back in school... as a teacher, that is... I had to put my teacher hat back on and refocus on the year ahead... as stressful as running a photography business & being a teacher can be... I just feel blessed being in two careers that I absolutely love... and in this economy... I feel blessed simply having a job at all... so I will definitely have a challenging year juggling two professions... but I have to admit... I enjoy the challenge =)
AND!! (I have to gloat just a little bit) I won 4th place at iheartfaces weekly challenge!!! Yay!!! Now and again I like to join the fun and enter their contests... which is centered on a different theme every week... last week's theme was "surprise" & with the perfect picture in mind... I just had to enter... and now, I'm glad that I did =) Yay!! How very cool!! Click the link to see the other winners =)
On another note, I want to thank my Fans/Likers! I really (really, really, really) appreciate your support! I am currently at 375 "Likes" (WOOHOO!), which is only 25 likes away from my oh so BIG giveaway!! So, please spread the word and "Suggest to [all your] Friends" beneath the profile picture on my page... click HERE to LIKE [or show your LOVE] =) [by the way, I heart you back]
I hope you all are having a delightful weekend... mine will be spent editing a wedding & 2 events... meeting a bride on Sunday... some cleaning... and hopefully blogging Ryan & Lily's wedding... here's what I'm working on at the moment... check back tomorrow for the rest =) Happy Saturday!!
AND!! (I have to gloat just a little bit) I won 4th place at iheartfaces weekly challenge!!! Yay!!! Now and again I like to join the fun and enter their contests... which is centered on a different theme every week... last week's theme was "surprise" & with the perfect picture in mind... I just had to enter... and now, I'm glad that I did =) Yay!! How very cool!! Click the link to see the other winners =)
On another note, I want to thank my Fans/Likers! I really (really, really, really) appreciate your support! I am currently at 375 "Likes" (WOOHOO!), which is only 25 likes away from my oh so BIG giveaway!! So, please spread the word and "Suggest to [all your] Friends" beneath the profile picture on my page... click HERE to LIKE [or show your LOVE] =) [by the way, I heart you back]
I hope you all are having a delightful weekend... mine will be spent editing a wedding & 2 events... meeting a bride on Sunday... some cleaning... and hopefully blogging Ryan & Lily's wedding... here's what I'm working on at the moment... check back tomorrow for the rest =) Happy Saturday!!
Happy Friday =)
Here are a couple of highlights to my week that makes this truly a happy Friday... I received this sweet thank you card with a gift card to my weakness... chocolate... mmm... Godiva to be exact... thank you Laurie, John, & Jane! You really shouldn't have.... but I will enjoy this =)
then this morning we were greeted by the FedEx man... to receive another lovely thank you gift from my bestie, Maggie =) Thank you Mags, Edward, & Ty! I hope you guys come back to Florida (soon) (&often)!
and this just makes me feel warm... filled with love... and appreciation... for my friends... though a thousand miles apart... I can feel their love... support... and friendship... one thing I've discovered in my adulthood... it's not about the quantity of friends you have... it's the quality of their friendship...
"a friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are..." -unknown
then this morning we were greeted by the FedEx man... to receive another lovely thank you gift from my bestie, Maggie =) Thank you Mags, Edward, & Ty! I hope you guys come back to Florida (soon) (&often)!
and this just makes me feel warm... filled with love... and appreciation... for my friends... though a thousand miles apart... I can feel their love... support... and friendship... one thing I've discovered in my adulthood... it's not about the quantity of friends you have... it's the quality of their friendship...
"a friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are..." -unknown
DIY: Party Favors Part I
Yay! Third week in a row for my DIY posts! Doesn't seem like much, but for this Gemini who easily gets distracted by life -- it's an accomplishment... trying to be less Gemini-y and trying to finish a project here without dropping it and starting a new one...
Anywho, today I wanted to share the party favors we gave to our guests at our wedding... and this was hard to decide on... I researched a million party favors online... we definitely wanted to do a practical gift, since we knew giving our guests dove shaped crystals would only end up collecting dust -- it had to be something a bit more personal... and functional... so after mulling over heart shaped cookie cutters, bottle openers, and picture frames -- we decided to make it ourselves... since Dave and I are big music fans (and always trying to stump each other on who the artist is), we decided on making a cd with a compilation of songs that reflected us... songs that took us back to when we started dating... and songs that resonated our love for each other... we requested the songs on the cd to be played at the wedding... so when our guests listen to the cd, it would take them back to our wedding day =)
Thanks to family friend & wedding helper Charmaine, she burned 100 discs in one day... pretty awesome! The rest of the work my husband and I did... he was such a cute helper by the way =) We made black & white CD labels with our name, an engagement picture & our wedding date on it...
we placed them into CD envelopes...
then with another set of whimsical colored paper, I cut them to fit square envelopes (from Michael's)... printed labels on white card stock... then glued everything together & had perfectly wrapped CDs to gift to our guests... (tip: make sure you print & cut everything you need prior to assembling... it just makes everything run more smoothly)
the theme of the evening was "the sweetest night"...
aren't they adorable? our guests loved them... we get calls from friends saying they were just listening to our cd =) pretty neat...
these were personal... cost effective... and a hit... but there's more, we gave two party favors... yea, we decided on two... so stay tuned for next week's DIY: Party Favors part II =) hope you enjoyed...
Anywho, today I wanted to share the party favors we gave to our guests at our wedding... and this was hard to decide on... I researched a million party favors online... we definitely wanted to do a practical gift, since we knew giving our guests dove shaped crystals would only end up collecting dust -- it had to be something a bit more personal... and functional... so after mulling over heart shaped cookie cutters, bottle openers, and picture frames -- we decided to make it ourselves... since Dave and I are big music fans (and always trying to stump each other on who the artist is), we decided on making a cd with a compilation of songs that reflected us... songs that took us back to when we started dating... and songs that resonated our love for each other... we requested the songs on the cd to be played at the wedding... so when our guests listen to the cd, it would take them back to our wedding day =)
Thanks to family friend & wedding helper Charmaine, she burned 100 discs in one day... pretty awesome! The rest of the work my husband and I did... he was such a cute helper by the way =) We made black & white CD labels with our name, an engagement picture & our wedding date on it...
we placed them into CD envelopes...
then with another set of whimsical colored paper, I cut them to fit square envelopes (from Michael's)... printed labels on white card stock... then glued everything together & had perfectly wrapped CDs to gift to our guests... (tip: make sure you print & cut everything you need prior to assembling... it just makes everything run more smoothly)
the theme of the evening was "the sweetest night"...
aren't they adorable? our guests loved them... we get calls from friends saying they were just listening to our cd =) pretty neat...
these were personal... cost effective... and a hit... but there's more, we gave two party favors... yea, we decided on two... so stay tuned for next week's DIY: Party Favors part II =) hope you enjoyed...
iheartfaces: "random acts of kindness"
This week at iheartfaces, they are celebrating random acts of kindness -- and asked photographers to share stories of such. Last year, I was lucky to have been a part of such an extraordinary experience... I was part of "Help-Portrait" -- a movement of photographers giving back to the community... the idea of help-portrait was simply -- "to give pictures, not take them"... it was a chance for professional photographers {all over the world} to work together in their community, find people in need, and simply capture them, and give them professional images -- for free... We had professional hair and make up artists, professional photographers, and lots of volunteers on hand to help make sure the day went smoothly... Our West Palm Beach group captured families & children from the Foster Care Association during their Holiday Party... most of these children moved from place to place and had never even gotten school pictures taken... these families didn't have much, but they gave what they had and opened their homes to children who -- didn't have a home, who didn't have a family... we met so many caring families -- so many heroes that day... families who never had professional pictures taken before... families who couldn't afford much, but gave all the love they had to these children..
It was the most humbling experience... working with other professionals in the industry... not competing with each other, but working together... seeing the families excited to get their hair and make up done... to see the excitement of the children... to see the excitement of the families getting "family" portraits for the first time... and to see how special they felt... that was the point of the day... to make them feel special... and to show them how special they were... it was a special day for all of us...
some behind the scenes...
look at the sparkle in her eyes... she whispered to us that she's always wanted to get professional make up done...
Robyn (the girl helping with the sign) was wonderful in getting the kids to smile...
they loved seeing their pictures... and the look on their face when they got their prints -- priceless!
Freddy, one of our photographers of the day...
and this little doll was shy... but I caught this playful moment =)
the news camera man capturing the event...
me with a very excited mother...
here's our west palm beach team... a group of incredibly talented & giving people...
and here's the official 2009 recap of the event from around the world... makes me cry every time... (please scroll all the way down & turn the music player off so you can watch the video)
click below to read more warm "random acts of kindness...
It was the most humbling experience... working with other professionals in the industry... not competing with each other, but working together... seeing the families excited to get their hair and make up done... to see the excitement of the children... to see the excitement of the families getting "family" portraits for the first time... and to see how special they felt... that was the point of the day... to make them feel special... and to show them how special they were... it was a special day for all of us...
some behind the scenes...
look at the sparkle in her eyes... she whispered to us that she's always wanted to get professional make up done...
Robyn (the girl helping with the sign) was wonderful in getting the kids to smile...
they loved seeing their pictures... and the look on their face when they got their prints -- priceless!
Freddy, one of our photographers of the day...
and this little doll was shy... but I caught this playful moment =)
the news camera man capturing the event...
me with a very excited mother...
here's our west palm beach team... a group of incredibly talented & giving people...
and here's the official 2009 recap of the event from around the world... makes me cry every time... (please scroll all the way down & turn the music player off so you can watch the video)
click below to read more warm "random acts of kindness...
the absence of her laughter...
years ago, in photography class I dedicated a photograph to my sister -- and entitled it "the absence of her laughter"... there were four sisters... then there were three... her name was Myra... and today is her birthday...
I didn't want to be down or sad today... I simply wanted to remember my sister... her smile... her eyes... her hair... her laughter... her voice... her love... and yet, the human part of me caved in... and I can't seem to stop the tears... it's just very hard to remember all the happy memories without missing her... without wanting her here...
I think when you lose someone... a sister... a soulmate... there will always be that void in your heart, where something once lived... I think there will always be a wound... a wound that never heals... life goes on... but when you stop and remember... you feel the pain of the wound... like it was just yesterday...
and at times... you just have to embrace the tears... and succumb to the sadness... because it's moments like these where you really feel how deep love is... and how love never stops... even after years have past... a person's love continues to permeate inside of you...
here are some pictures of my beautiful sister... Myra... 1978 - 1996...
"Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy..." -Eskimo Proverb
the four sisters... Myra's graduation dinner...
Myra & I... our trip to the Philippines in 96... it was awesome!
in Japan... on the trip home...
since I can't visit her grave in Michigan... Dave & I will be spending a quiet evening on the beach tonight... listening to the ocean... looking up at the stars... and simply remembering...
I didn't want to be down or sad today... I simply wanted to remember my sister... her smile... her eyes... her hair... her laughter... her voice... her love... and yet, the human part of me caved in... and I can't seem to stop the tears... it's just very hard to remember all the happy memories without missing her... without wanting her here...
I think when you lose someone... a sister... a soulmate... there will always be that void in your heart, where something once lived... I think there will always be a wound... a wound that never heals... life goes on... but when you stop and remember... you feel the pain of the wound... like it was just yesterday...
and at times... you just have to embrace the tears... and succumb to the sadness... because it's moments like these where you really feel how deep love is... and how love never stops... even after years have past... a person's love continues to permeate inside of you...
here are some pictures of my beautiful sister... Myra... 1978 - 1996...
"Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy..." -Eskimo Proverb
the four sisters... Myra's graduation dinner...
Myra & I... our trip to the Philippines in 96... it was awesome!
in Japan... on the trip home...
since I can't visit her grave in Michigan... Dave & I will be spending a quiet evening on the beach tonight... listening to the ocean... looking up at the stars... and simply remembering...
About Me Updated...
Since I gave my blog a little facelift... I thought I would update the "About Me" portion from my blog and website... and why not share it with my readers and clients... I wrote a list of random facts that you may or may not have known -- about me... click HERE or click "About Me" on the menu bar...
Side note: I just want to give a shout out to my fans or "Likers" on my Facebook Page... I truly appreciate the love & support... at the moment we are up to 344 "Likes"(Yay!)... once we reach 400, I will be doing a big giveaway... so don't miss out... "Suggest to Friends" underneath the profile picture, and suggest my Facebook Page to all your friends... (As I said before: Thank you... and I Like You Too!!)
and what's a post without a picture? This image was taken at Sanibel Island on our weekend getaway after our wedding... our first vacation as Mr. & Mrs. Newcomer =) have a great weekend!
Side note: I just want to give a shout out to my fans or "Likers" on my Facebook Page... I truly appreciate the love & support... at the moment we are up to 344 "Likes"(Yay!)... once we reach 400, I will be doing a big giveaway... so don't miss out... "Suggest to Friends" underneath the profile picture, and suggest my Facebook Page to all your friends... (As I said before: Thank you... and I Like You Too!!)
and what's a post without a picture? This image was taken at Sanibel Island on our weekend getaway after our wedding... our first vacation as Mr. & Mrs. Newcomer =) have a great weekend!
iheartfaces: "purple"
The theme this week at iheartfaces is simply -- the color purple {which happens to be my father-in-law's favorite color}... I automatically thought of a photo shoot I did last year with my friend Rachel... we found so many fun and colorful walls that day, and one of the walls that became our favorite backdrop was bright purple... so I knew I wanted to enter the image below... one of my favorites... and if my father-in-law is reading this post, this one's for you! enjoy the purple & happy monday!
to see more fun "purple" entries, click on the link below:
to see more fun "purple" entries, click on the link below:
Bows & Ruffles...
One thing I'm in constant pursuit of -- is wedding attire... to shoot in, that is... Yes, it should be easy... black on black... at least, that's the "traditional" thing that photographers don... well, I get kind of bored with it... so today, my husband and I went out to seek something less traditional -- but still professional looking... and I'm so happy with a couple of my findings -- that I wanted to share it with you... I'd pair these tops with black slacks, maybe a black jacket or vest, and some comfy black shoes that I can wear for 8 hours during a wedding... aren't they adorable??
Hope you're having a delightful Sunday!
Hope you're having a delightful Sunday!
The Artist
Most of the people that read my blog know me in person... or at least have met me in person... so they have an idea of who I am... for new people who happen to stumble upon my blog, I figure I'd do a little introduction... of me... the artist behind the work...
Before I do that, for those who don't know how to pronounce my name --- I just wanted to clarify... it's Jamilah, enunciated like vanilla (not Jameela like tequila)... which is what I tell people I first meet, and it seems to work... they remember =) Jamilah, like vanilla... maybe annoying -- but hey, it works!
As you know I specialize in wedding & portrait photography... this love of photography began my freshman year in college, when I took my first photography class (which wasn't my last)... I remember my first time in the dark room, grappling in complete darkness -- clumsily putting the film in the canister... a little claustrophobic at first, but I got used to it... I ended up taking three more years of black and white photography, and was a few digital classes shy of getting an associates degree in photography... I think my four years of photography classes really helped to mold my craft... and today, when I'm not capturing people, I like to capture the beauty that surrounds me... and capture things that take my breath away...
aside from photography, I'm a lover of all artistic mediums... my creativity started brewing back in elementary school, when all I wanted to do was draw and write stories... aside from drawing, I'd make things... when I couldn't buy Barbie's van, I made one out of a shoe box! And my friends loved playing with it =) I've dabbled into many things... sketching... scrapbooking (which I sadly don't have time for)... even painting... below is my first oil painting (painted four years ago)... of course, painted in my favorite color!
I even started knitting! Thanks to my mother-in-law, who taught me how to knit on a loom... the blue one is an incomplete baby blanket for my nephew... and the gray is an incomplete scarf... didn't I tell you I was a gemini? I specialize on leaving trails of unfinished projects =) (I'm working on it though!)
lastly, my other love... writing... I started writing poetry in middle school (maybe even fifth grade)... and began journaling in high school... collecting favorite quotes, writing down poetry, my personal journey in life, and any random thoughts...
this is where my style of {dot}{dot}{dot} came along... my poetic way of writing my trail of thoughts...
one of my favorite classes in college was my writing class... I loved my professor, because he really challenged me... and brought out the best in my writing...
well, that's all for now... I hope you enjoyed the read =) Happy Thursday!
Before I do that, for those who don't know how to pronounce my name --- I just wanted to clarify... it's Jamilah, enunciated like vanilla (not Jameela like tequila)... which is what I tell people I first meet, and it seems to work... they remember =) Jamilah, like vanilla... maybe annoying -- but hey, it works!
As you know I specialize in wedding & portrait photography... this love of photography began my freshman year in college, when I took my first photography class (which wasn't my last)... I remember my first time in the dark room, grappling in complete darkness -- clumsily putting the film in the canister... a little claustrophobic at first, but I got used to it... I ended up taking three more years of black and white photography, and was a few digital classes shy of getting an associates degree in photography... I think my four years of photography classes really helped to mold my craft... and today, when I'm not capturing people, I like to capture the beauty that surrounds me... and capture things that take my breath away...
aside from photography, I'm a lover of all artistic mediums... my creativity started brewing back in elementary school, when all I wanted to do was draw and write stories... aside from drawing, I'd make things... when I couldn't buy Barbie's van, I made one out of a shoe box! And my friends loved playing with it =) I've dabbled into many things... sketching... scrapbooking (which I sadly don't have time for)... even painting... below is my first oil painting (painted four years ago)... of course, painted in my favorite color!
I even started knitting! Thanks to my mother-in-law, who taught me how to knit on a loom... the blue one is an incomplete baby blanket for my nephew... and the gray is an incomplete scarf... didn't I tell you I was a gemini? I specialize on leaving trails of unfinished projects =) (I'm working on it though!)
lastly, my other love... writing... I started writing poetry in middle school (maybe even fifth grade)... and began journaling in high school... collecting favorite quotes, writing down poetry, my personal journey in life, and any random thoughts...
this is where my style of {dot}{dot}{dot} came along... my poetic way of writing my trail of thoughts...
one of my favorite classes in college was my writing class... I loved my professor, because he really challenged me... and brought out the best in my writing...
well, that's all for now... I hope you enjoyed the read =) Happy Thursday!
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