Joining my fellow shutterbugs!

So, after stalking my fellow photog buddies' photography blogs for a while..I just had to have one of my own. (Thanks Lyns and Sarah for the inspiration) I love to see what new photos my friends have taken and read the stories and meanings behind them. So I thought I'd share mine with you all as well. "You all" probably just includes Lynsey and Sarah because you are the only 2 people I know that are as obsessed with this as I am.

I thought I would give a little background about how I discovered this passion and why it inspires me. I think for most photographers, there's no huge secret as to how they got started..its just something they love. I remember when I was younger..probably in junior high...I would have photo shoots with my friends at my house. I would always have the camera of course. I would dress them up like models and pose them. Looking back, they had to be hilarious looking. (I'll have to go through some of my old photos and post some of them on here!) But even at that age, I wanted candid, journalistic style photos. I specifically remember a roll of film I took of just my friend laughing, talking on the phone, and being silly. I guess that has never left me because thats the way I still love to shoot today.

In high school, my school didn't offer a photography class, but I was on the newspaper and yearbook staffs. This gave me the opportunity to learn about writing, some graphic design, and publication layouts(which I loved), but few chances to get behind a camera.

So when I finally decided on a major at A&M, no wonder it was journalism. I started out as pre-med(what was I thinking), then wandered around in the Ag department until one day I was like DUH! Journalism stupid! What have you been thinking for the last 2 years? The last 2 years of college were awesome! I wrote feature stories for an on-campus magazine, designed layouts, marketing materials, and YES..started taking photos again. It was like a long lost friend returning home...I was in heaven. I had almost forgotten how much I loved it. Since I had never had an "official" photography class, I spent time with my professors in class learning basics and about the equipment. And with my design experience, I love to not only take great photos but also use them to design invitations, cards, and collages. *I have a whole post planned about this.*

Sidenote - I do have to say something very important here....I HATE the technical side of photography. I don't like to have to figure out what setttings to use and what equipment I need. I just love to capture the memories. I love the fact that modern technology allows me to change my camera settings to create more interesting, beautiful photos. But I wish it could just read my mind and do it for me haha.

Ok, so this is getting WAY TOO LONG! Basically, for the last 3 years, I have been learning, developing my style, and building up a portfolio for myself. I do have to say thank you to my dear friend Lynsey Kramer for her guidance and the opportunity to work with her. You have been such a blessing and sweet mentor to me Lyns!

I want to use this blog to share my ideas and get help from you guys..editing tips, shooting tips, everything. I'm super excited about this!

Ok, so now on to the good stuff...some photos!! I just selected a few that I have taken over the last year or so that I love.

Anniversary Trip to South Carolina - March 2007

Paul & Amy engagements 2006

Shell's Senior Pics

Caitlyn's Senior Pics