{friday fun finds}

This Friday fun find is something I pulled from my {idea file} for my office/studio space. Inexpensive and super easy to put together, this is a great DIY project for anyone OR you could snag some premade embroidery hoop wall art on etsy.



I purchased all of my hoops on etsy (search for embroidery hoops) and used fabric scraps from my stash. If you want to get fancy, you can do some applique (iron on!) or even some embroidery. I found some adorable hoop art here and here and here to get you started with your search for inspiration and your own hoop goodies.

Want a handstiched look without the work? Scour your local thrift store or antique shop (or linen closet) for embroidered pillowcases or kitchen towels. You could even use pieces from your child's wardrobe - what a great way to create a simple, decorative keepsake!

{inspiration...and a winner!}

so friday is my day for picking the photo of the day.....and it's so hard to pick just one! i struggle every week. there is so much inspiration found in the tml flickr pool!
so, what i have decided to do for the friday potd is put together an inspiration collage using photos from the flickr pool. each week will have some kind of theme (colors, food, b/w, props, trees....).
this week i chose the color yellow!!


{you can click on the links below to take you to the original photo}

1. When life gives you lemons..., 2. .yellow, 3. yellow {buds}, 4. Walking through puddles is my favorite metaphor for life., 5. 108/365 , 6. springing!, 7. Untitled, 8. More lemons, 9. ...


i'm exited to see these each week! REMEMBER, if you would like to see your photo as the photo of the day or the new friday inspirations, make sure to submit your photos to the TML flickr group!


*************************************************************************************

and now...i moment i know a lot of you have been waiting for:
the winner of the sassy designs $100 gift certificate giveaway is.....................

MONICA!

Monica said... I would buy the storyboard template, a bunch of the different sized flat card templates, all of the different boarders/frames. I would also buy a couple of the mini kits and the celebration kit. Then to top it all off I would have to buy some of the paper packs!!! I absolutely love all of the stuff that Sassy Designs has to offer!!

if this is your name and this is your comment, please email me, shannon, at thousandwords@bresnan.net

make sure you all stay tuned to the sassy designs facebook page because she is having
huge giveaways all month long!!

{low down, throw down with amy wenzel}

amy wenzel.
she is inspiring, beautiful, and a kind soul.
her photography is pure, real, gorgeous and inspiring.
in each single photograph, she has this amazing way of capturing a moment of life. life full of love, laughter, emotion....and just plain fun!!
i adore every single drop of what amy does.

i am sooo happy to introduce you to amy wenzel...

Name: Amy Wenzel
Business name: Amy Wenzel Photography
Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Website/blog:

www.amywenzel.com

www.blog.amywenzel.com

Tell us one sentence to describe your photography:
My photography is fresh and fun!

What's one thing that everyone should know about you?:
I am nothing without Jesus. I credit him for all that I do and all that I am.


How long have you been doing photography and how did you get started:

I've been a professional photographer for 5 years. I was an Art major in college and I signed up for a black and white film photography course. I spent hours and hours in the darkroom, sometimes til the wee hours of the morning. The smell of darkroom chemicals is forever imbedded in my memory as well as the passion and excitement I felt as I watched those prints develop beneath my hands. I simply fell in love with it. When I graduated college I still had no idea what to do with my life. I worked as a waitress, a leasing agent, a nanny, and I even worked for Glamour Shots for a couple of months. I was kind of a hot mess. Very despairing and dramatic about my future. Finally, I had the revelation of a home based photography business. It took a year or so to get it off the ground and running, but once I did I dove in head first and never looked back.



If they made a movie about your life, what would it be titled and who would play you?

It would be called "Surprise Ending" because I really get the feeling that I have no idea where my future is headed and there are many surprises in store! Let's hope they never make a movie about me, but if they did, I'd pick an approachable girl like Rachel McAdams to play me.

Tell us about your first paid photography job?

My first paid photography job was for a close family friend - maternity photos. (see the sepia toned photo of gorgeous pregnant woman on couch). I was too innocent and dumb to even be nervous at that point! I was just in love with photography and thought I was invincible. The understanding of 'on the job' challenges I would face as a photographer didn't hit me until later on when I realized how much there actually was to be nervous about. It took about 2 years of experience to completely overcome the photo shoot jitters as I gained confidence interacting with people, dealing with lighting challenges, uncooperative kids, and my own perfectionistic tendencies.



If you had to pick one reality show to be on what would it be and why?:

I would TOTALLY pick American Idol. Many people probably don't know that I'm also a pianist and a singer. I honestly don't think I have the courage or the talent to actually face the kind of pressure those kids face on that show, but just imagine how much you would grow and change from that kind of learning experience! Amazing!



Where do you go to find inspiration?:

When I need inspiration for photo sessions I turn to vintage illustrations from children's picture books. I also turn inward, into my imagination and the things that I loved about my own childhood. The most ordinary things seemed magical then, and I like to channel that into my photographs. I also pray and ask Jesus to fill me with HIS creative energy. He is the one and only true creator and I know that every beautiful thing I have the privilege to make is just Him flowing through me anyway.



What type of sessions are your favorite (children, e-sessions, weddings, newborns....) and why?:

My favorite sessions are stylized sessions of girls between the ages of 3 to 7. I loooove the cute clothes you can put them in and the adorable way they come alive as I praise and admire them. I love how they are old enough to take direction, but young enough to still be transparent and vulnerable in front of the camera. They haven't quite hit that self-conscious, awkward state yet.

What equipment do you use and if you had only one lens to use...what would it be?:

Canon 5D Mark II

85mm 1.2L

50mm 1.2L

35mm 1.4L
If I could only keep one lens forever more, it would have to be the 35mm 1.4. It's my latest favorite - so creamy and smooth, and yet so stunningly sharp! I love the commercial feeling it lends to my photography as I am able to capture more of the scene with its slightly wider angle - especially with my kids work.

What is your current favorite pair of shoes?

I am a boots kind of a girl. If I had a different pair of boots for every day of the week I would be a happy camper! My black Hunter wellies are probably my favorite for any outfit. However, I wish they didn't make my feet sweat so much!



What moment in your life makes you smile every single time you think about it?:

My wedding day. It was pure bliss standing next to him that hot summer day.

If you could photograph one photographer, who would it be and why?:

I would love to photograph Sheye Rosemeyer. http://www.sheyerosemeyerphotography.com/blog/ I'm not sure how to put it into words...I'm drawn to her soul like a moth to a flame. The depth of her feeling, her grief, her art. Whenever I read her blog I can't escape the feeling that I wish I could bless her in some way. I'm not even sure what she looks like. I admire her essence.



Tell us the best advice that you have ever received (photography related or life in general):

My mentor told me "The only true success is knowing Jesus." And I believe that with all of my heart.

What is the all time best book you've ever read?

This is about the most torturous question you could ever ask me! I am a read-aholic and don't know how to pick just one favorite! But if you are going to force me to choose, I guess I would have to say it's a toss up between The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck and A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith



If we surprised you at your house today, what would be the first thing we would notice? That I'm still in my pajamas at 6pm! Yikes!

And lastly.....when we started the maternal lens, all of us filled out this questionnaire and shared our answers....now it's your turn :)

What is your favorite word? Hope
What is your least favorite word? obligation
What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally? Music and Nature connect me to God and unfold my heart in every aspect.
What turns you off creatively, spiritually or emotionally? Depression and fear
What sound or noise do you love? Any noise my cat Pegasus makes, especially his chirping, the pitter patter of his running feet,& the sound of him breathing while he sleeps.
What sound or noise do you hate? the sound of an alarm clock. I think they should be outlawed.
What is your favorite thing to say when you get mad? It's best if I don't talk when I get mad. I just breathe heavily while my blood boils.
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? I have a secret dream of starting and running an orphanage.
What profession would you not like to do? Accountant. Shoot me now.
If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? I want Him to wrap me up in His arms and tell me how much he loves me. I want Him to say that He is proud of me and that I followed Him with all of my heart and did everything He asked me to do. That will be the happiest moment of my life.

a HUGE thank you to amy! you rock!!!

photo of the day {Wednesday} and don't forget the GIVEAWAY!!!

I am a sucker for a shallow depth of field and this shot by kellie.hatcher just grabbed me! What an awesome detail shot!



Don't forget to check out our awesome Sassy Designs GIVEAWAY HERE!

{TML facebookin' it}

i am sure you all all aware of our facebook page, but there might be a couple things you aren't aware of on it.
first off, we will have a question of the day (qotd) posted on there every day. these are just for fun. just to get you thinking, or laughing, or help you waste your time while you should be doing something else :)

also, on the wall of the tml page, there is a tab/option that says "just others". this is a place that i encourage you to use and check often. many readers have posted questions that they have. if you have an answer for them, feel free to jump in and tell them. OR if you have a question you are wanting answered, by all means, post away.

i hope you are all having a great day and thank you for being the best readers we could ask for!!!

POTD [Tuesday]

Pretty baby. Pretty hat. Pretty picture!

Adore, adore, adore.

I've had babies on the brain as of late! I've recently photographed a birth (our very own Megan!! I will share very soon!!), maternity photos, and some newborns. Isn't this baby just precious?!

This great shot is by Keri of Keri Meyers Photography. (love her!)

Happy Tuesday!

{stripes, dots and color!}

one of the biggest maternal lens supporters is terry from sassy designs. i'm sure by now you all know her...and love her! her papers are beyond gorgeous! she has just about anything you would ever need in her shop and if by chance you don't see what you are looking for...just ask! she can customize a set just for you!



she also has some super great card templates and much more!!

when terry told me that she was having a month long birthday celebration for her shop, i just knew i wanted to help out. so.....we are officially kicking it off for her!!!
to kick off the 8th birthday of sassy designs she is offering one of our readers a
$100 gift certificate! that's huge!!




HOW TO ENTER TO WIN----

1st entry--- visit the sassy designs shop and check out all the goodies. come back here and leave us a comment and tell us what you might buy if you win.

2nd entry (separate comment)---become a fan (click "like") of BOTH sassy design on facebook and the maternal lens on facebook. leave a comment telling us you are a fan of both.

3rd entry (separate comment)---share the love. facebook, tweet or blog about this contest. come back and leave the link to where you spread the word.

**contest will end thursday (4/29) at midnight**

happy 8th birthday, sassy designs!!!!!

winner, winner!!!

The lucky winner of $25 worth of goodies from karly's kloset is.......


Christina from www.3littlemonkeysphotography.com! Congrats! Please email me at jlpinkerton@cox.net to claim your prize!

Thanks again to karly's kloset!! Be sure to stop by and check it out!

{low down, throw down with meg perotti}

real. beautiful. emotional.
meg perotti photography is all of these and so much more. you see a bit of her in her photos. i love that. you can see how her subjects on the other end of the lens are at ease, are having fun...are gorgeous! meg's style is unmatched and a true talent.
i'm thrilled to have such amazing talent on the blog today!!

i'm so happy to introduce you to meg perotti.....

Name: Meg Perotti
Business name: Meg Perotti, Photographer
Location: Santa Clara, CA
Website/blog: www.megperotti.com/blog


Tell us one sentence to describe your photography:
I like pretty, feminine looking things- weddings, babies, love, laughter... thats my thing!



What's one thing that everyone should know about you?:
I am a work-a-holic .. but I'm working on it. :)

How long have you been doing photography and how did you get started:
I took a darkroom class in high school and have been hooked ever since. I studied fine art photography at California State University, Long Beach and shot weddings on the side to "pay my way." When I graduated I moved onto fashion and editorial, taking internships and working in the art department of a magazine- finally decided both the fashion and the "day-job" world weren't for me .. and here I am!



If they made a movie about your life what would it be titled and who would play you?
"I should have been on Broadway." .. played by Amy Adams.

If you could own one exotic animal as a pet what would it be why and what would you name it? I'm not really an animal person... terrible?


What is your greatest post processing tip that you are will to share?:
Save for web! :) ... No really, don't over do it would be my tip. I leave my old blog posts up so that people who stumble upon me can see my progression but sometimes I cringe looking back at how I used to over-process everything.

If you were given $500 today what would be the first thing you would do?:
I wish I could say donate it, but I'll be honest- I'd put it in my business bank account and possibly buy a new sample album. I need a better balance between work and play!


Where do you go to find inspiration?:
Fashion magazines, local art galleries, my clients.

What type of sessions are your favorite (children e-sessions weddings newborns....) and why?: Engagement sessions are probably my favorites. I love seeing the progression of the clients comfort levels from the start of the session to the end. I love making people feel great about themselves and engagement sessions are such a great way to bring out clients confidence!



What equipment do you use and if you had only one lens to use...what would it be?:
I used Canon 5Ds, 50mm 2.0, 28mm, 24-70, 70-200 .. I'd probably take the 50mm, but I'd crave a wide..... tough one.



What has been your most memorable session and why?
Photographing my best friends older sisters new born baby- Ivy. She is the most precious thing ever and seeing Kate become a mom was so beautiful.

What was your first paid session like? Were you nervous? Did it turn out how you wanted? I was probably nervous- but I had been 2nd shooting for years before I went out on my own so I was completely prepared and knew I had the experience I needed to make sure and deliver to the clients what they were expecting. I did photograph a wedding once where they had pizza delivery..... those were the days.... :)



What moment in your life makes you smile every single time you think about it?:
The moment my love, Tim, asked me to be his partner forever.

What is at the top of your wish list right now?:
A band for our wedding ceremony!



What is the first photographer that comes to your mind and why?
David LaChapelle ... I interned at his studio in Los Angeles when I was in college and learned so much about the kind of photographer I wanted to be. His work is always inspiring and he's someone who always pushes boundaries and I hope to do the same.


What's the best meal you cook?
I make a mean minestrone soup.

Tell us the best advice that you have ever received (photography related or life in general): Every morning when my dad would drop me off at school, as I got our of the car, he'd say, "Bring home knowledge!" To this day, I always try to bring home some knowledge where ever I go.


If you had an entire Saturday to do whatever you wanted...what would you do?
Nothing. Maybe sit on our deck, read a book, take a bath... Running your own business is a 24/7 job... even when I do get time off my brain is still thinking about work.

If we surprised you at your house today what would be the first thing we would notice? My love of shabby chic? :)

What photography based organizations do you belong to?
WPPI, The B School, PPA, and Digital Wedding Forum

And lastly.....when we started the maternal lens all of us filled out this questionnaire and shared our answers....now it's your turn :)

What is your favorite word? cozy
What is your least favorite word? vile
What turns you on creatively spiritually or emotionally? love
What turns you off creatively spiritually or emotionally? self-indulgence
What sound or noise do you love? crackling fire or falling rain
What sound or noise do you hate? snoring!
What is your favorite thing to say when you get mad? grrrrr
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? photo director @ vanity fair (if thats too close for comfort than a broadway singer :) )
What profession would you not like to do? I'm a terrible athlete!
If Heaven exists what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? Nice work.

a huge thank you to meg!!!

{karly's kloset}

there is a great little online shop called karly's kloset. it has some of the most adorable crochet hats, diaper covers, petal caps, headbands and bows that you have ever seen!



sooo adorable and so perfect for any photographer, mom, gift or any other use you can use them for!

stephanie is graciously giving a $25 gift certificate to her shop to one of our lucky readers!!
entering to win is a piece of cake!

3 ways to win for a possible 3 entries (please make sure to leave separate entries)

1st entry--go to karly's kloset and take a look around. come back and leave in a comment what you would buy if you win.

2nd entry-- visit karly's kloset on facebook and become a fan (thumbs up for like) and then come back and let us know you are now a fan. if you already are, make sure to leave her some love!

3rd entry-- share the love!!! leave a link to this giveaway on your facebook, twitter, blog....you name it. come back here and post a link to where you have shared the love. we will be checking the links :)

good luck!!! contest ends friday at noon!!

POTD [Tuesday]

this inspiring photo was taken by Bekkah. Think about it!

giveaway winners!!!

thank you sooooo much to all of you who entered the LolliPockits giveaway!!
make sure you head over to her shop and pick up lots of goodies for you and your clients!

and the 3 lucky winners are.....

winner of one set of 3 Mini Album Pockits in Black Damask is

Mrs. McFadden said...

I love the Large Pockit Tote. I need something to put all the kids stuff in when we are out and about. This tote would be perfect.

winner of the $20.00 gift certificate to her shop is

amy lenhart said...

became a fan on facebook. hard to choose a favorite i like everything!! mini album pockits, totes!! it's all so cute!

winner of the $10.00 gift certificate to her shop is

Jody Gall Photography said...

I am definitely a LolliPockits fan now! I became a fan on Facebook!

if you see your name and your comment, email shannon at thousandwords@bresnan.net and i will get you all the details!

thanks again to LolliPockits!!!!

{low down, throw down with nicole zumaeta}

happy thursday!!!

nicole is on the blog today! her photos are so crisp, clear, colorful....and beautiful! they have such a real, fresh feel to them. you can't help but smile when you look at her work. make sure you visit her site and blog to see all of her gorgeous photos!!

so happy to introduce you to nicole zumaeta....

Name: Nicole Zumaeta

Business name: Nicole Z. Photography

Location: Naples, Florida

Website/blog: www.nicolezphotography.com / www.nicolezphotography.com/blog

Tell us one sentence to describe your photography: My work has been described as clean and fresh. Sounds like a soap commercial to me though! I like to think of my photography as: Memorable, honest, and fun.

What's one thing that everyone should know about you?: I wear my heart on my sleeve and I value my friendships. Oh, wait, that is two things.

How long have you been doing photography and how did you get started: I have been doing photography professionally for about 3 years. My obsession with learning all there is to know about photography started when I had my first boy. I simply wanted to take better pictures of him. I quickly grew tired of my point and shoot with its shutter lag, missing all the the special, magical moments. So, in the winter of 2006 I purchased a Canon 20d with a kit lens...and that was when my journey began! It has taken time and a lot of hard work, but so far, I am loving the ride!!

If they made a movie about your life, what would it be titled and who would play you? This is a tough question....one that I had to consult my mother on. (She is my go to hard question helper). And she is totally right in that Goldie Hawn would play me...as we both have bubbly personalities. As for the title....hmmmm..."No Regrets!"

If you had an entire Saturday to do whatever you wanted...what would you do? Go to Disney, not have to wait in any lines, and ride every roller coaster!

If you could own one exotic animal as a pet, what would it be, why and what would you name it? A white tiger, because they are so stinking cute!!! I would probably name it Casper.

What did you want to be or think you would be when you grew up?:
Probably a comedian....I have always wanted to make people laugh.

If you were given $500 today, what would be the first thing you would do?:
Take a family vacation to Italy!!

Where do you go to find inspiration?:
ILP. There is so much incredible talent there!!!

What type of sessions are your favorite (children, e-sessions, weddings, newborns....) and why?: While I LOVE newborn sessions....I actually prefer 6-9 month old sessions. That is the best age for me, since they are so full of personality, and most often, they haven't learned to run away from the camera yet.

What equipment do you use and if you had only one lens to use...what would it be?: I currently use a Canon 5d, with all Canon lenses. A 50 1.4, 85 1.8, and a 24-70 2.8L. If I could only have one lens out of this bunch....while I adore my 85 and would love to choose that one...I am going to have to say the 24-70L since it is more practical. I have recently purchased an AB400 to go with my Westcott 50x50, and I am enjoying learning studio lighting!!

What is your current favorite pair of shoes? I have a pair of J-Lo wedge healed sandals that I wish I could wear every day. But having 2 boys and living in Florida, you will most often see me in flip flops or running shoes. Gotta keep up with the crazy boys you know!!

What was your first paid session like? Were you nervous? Did it turn out how you wanted? I was fortunate enough to have another local photographer accompany me to my first paid shoot, so I am sure that made me a bit less nervous. In fact, since I had been practicing and portfolio building for quite a bit, I think I was rather confident in my abilities. It actually turned out better than I had expected and I was thrilled with the outcome!

What moment in your life makes you smile every single time you think about it?:
There are honestly too many. But if I were to pick one...it would have to be the births of my children...well that is two, but how can a mother choose? LOL

What is at the top of your wish list right now?:
My wish list is never ending! Photography related it would have to be a Canon 70-200 2.8L.

Tell us the best advice that you have ever received (photography related or life in general): My Dad is always full of great advice. But I think the advice that I received from him that I use on a daily basis in life is this: Not everyone is going to be like me....think like me...or believe the things that I believe. I am a very emotional person, and I take things very personally, so this advice helps me to better deal with people who do or say things that I might not understand.

If we surprised you at your house today, what would be the first thing we would notice? Well, right inside my front door at this very moment sits my backdrop stand with brown muslin draped over it, and my Westcott softbox. But please don't come over unannounced, since I haven't mopped in weeks!!!

And lastly.....when we started the maternal lens, all of us filled out this questionnaire and shared our answers....now it's your turn :)

What is your favorite word? Yes

What is your least favorite word? two words actually...."SAY CHEESE!" Why does everyone do that?

What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally? Music.

What turns you off creatively, spiritually or emotionally? Mean people!

What sound or noise do you love? Laughter!

What sound or noise do you hate? Funny question, since there are a number of sounds that drive me to insanity. The worst is by far...trickling water. For example, when my husband or kids turn on the water, but not all the way, the sound of water pouring into a glass, or peeing. (Did I actually just say that?) But that is one thing that anyone who really knows me...knows!
What is your favorite thing to say when you get mad? WTF, only I don't use the acronym.

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? Comedic Acting.

What profession would you not like to do? Anything with a uniform.

If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? Welcome to the party...behind those doors you will find all your previously departed relatives, friends, and pets!

a huge thank you to nicole!!!