The Art of Non-Conformity

I picked up a few self help books.  Partially because I am feeling discouraged at not getting enough business generated from photography.  It probably lays in the reasoning of me trying to train a new person at my full time job and also trying to get my Real Estate career going.  All in all, I read some great stuff at the book store!  

This one book that I picked up was called "The Art of Non-Conformity."  Actually perfect for me; I kind of feel like Chris Guillebeai wrote this book for me.    Just the sub-title itself "Set your own rules; live the life you want," was perfect!  How many times have all of us set our life to what we think people expect from us?  How many times have we said in want to "Change the world" and don't?

Personally, my own main fear is that people won't like me or pick me as their photographer.  I have talked about this before and tried to write it out on coming to terms with that feeling, just goes along with all jobs.  

In the book it says how to "Smash down the wall," the "unconventional way."  That alone was a moving chapter to read.  My plan is to smash down my fear (wall) get out there and just shoot!

Get back to what I want to do!  Fun outdoors and landscape shots, nature all kinds and fun family and maternity sessions.  I am going to rock it, you just wait and see!

I know a lot of people think I am a secretive person, but if anyone took the time to read my blog, they'd know I'm actually an open book and just wanna make people happy!  See their smile when I give them a piece of photography that they love!  I look forward to hearing from you on how you are going to smash down your wall and make your life a happy life that you want to live!

Until later,

Erin

A New Change Is Coming

Sometimes, I find myself often gazing into the stars and thinking about all the pictures that I should be taking right now! Asking myself why I am not out there? Thinking, why am I not writing more posts on my blog? Trying to get more people to read it? How to get more people to read it? Wondering why I can't get more readers? Well, maybe it's time to write a blog once a week. Stop being so tardy. Promote from within. Even though there is only one of me, maybe I can start. 

I have been recently asked to be a co-writer/author on another Tumblr blog for photographers - So that's something, right? I just need to keep up my blog too; make it better, more efficient, more appealing. But I have been struggling with how? I have posted many things on Facebook, which I have noticed an increase in viewers and also members, but to me, the one I want more people on is here, reading what I would like to say. 

Recently I have posted on Facebook that I am accepting people for Prom and Graduation bookings. For mini sessions; groups of 1-3 or more, but that pricing is subject to the number of people. Anyways..... I booked a pretty big graduation shoot for June of this year. Not big as in a big group, even though it's a group of seven, but big as in I am so happy and beyond ecstatic, that I have even been asked to capture this persons big Grade 8 graduation. 

My boyfriends oldest niece, (so I guess kind of my niece.. one day;)) is graduating from Grade 8. Her mother (my boyfriends sister and also a really good friend of mine) asked me to capture the day by taking pictures prior to the graduation at the school happening. She wants to take pictures by the lake with six of her friends. First, I am truly honoured that they would even consider me as the photographer for this! I have watched her (we shall refer to her as 'A') grow up over the last few years and I have watched her change into an amazing young lady. At that age (13), do you refer to her as a young lady, girl, woman? It doesn't matter, because she is transforming before my eyes! I can't even imagine how her parents feel. When I first met her, we would have little chats about games on her iPod or what she was doing in school for a play. Things like that. But now, we talk about makeup and nails and clothes and when her parents aren't listening boys. It actually makes me so happy with a grin from ear to ear that she lets me into her life like that. Like an Aunt. I am very proud to be able to say she is a part of my Family! 'A,' has shown me a picture of her gorgeous dress she is planning on wearing and we have been on the search for the perfect pair of shoes! I even remember what my Grade 8 dress looked like, don't we all? :) I am really excited for that day, when I get to see her in her dress, the cutest little silver shoes, her hair done with curls and makeup done. I feel like even though it's grade 8 it is still a big deal. 

She's leaving elementary school and embarking on a new chapter of her life, into high school. I know that not only will her family be a little misty eyed, but I will be too. Even just thinking about it right now, I get a little sappy. The fact that she is growing up so fast. I know all parents say that about their children, but I think about it too. Her and I even have our own little inside jokes. That makes me the happiest 'kind of aunt' ever. To know that I have a little sidekick when we are together. Thank you 'A,' for accepting me into your life as not only a friend. but a family member too. 

I am looking forward to capturing all her friends together that day. The giggles that I am sure will happen, the tears I know will too. But together the 7 of them have formed a bond that will never be broken and I get to show that in my pictures. They might not all stay in contact for a lifetime, but you always have that special bond. Especially with the way of social media these days, they will always get to be friends on some level or another. I want to make their photo session as memorable as I can. I am already working on cute little props for that day. 

I have a few ideas in my head on what pictures to take and I can't wait for the day to just get here so I can make them happen. 

I would personally like to take time to thank my boyfriends sister for asking me to take the pictures. For including me as one of her 'go-too's,' for taking them. I am not a person that expresses all that much, but I would love for her and 'A' to know how much this means to me. It doesn't matter how many kids end up in the photos, what matters is that I get to share in the special day. Congratulations to you 'A,' on a a huge accomplishment. For taking life as it comes to you and making the best with everything it has to offer you. I love you more than you will know and I am beyond happy to be there along side with you and my trusty camera. xoxo

Where are you?

I would love to know where my audience is located. Plus, I would really love to see how many people read every post, or most of my posts. Call it a 'customer survey' if you will. Comment on here, or send me a message so I can post it, on where you are located. You don't have to give your name if you don't want to. But I would love to know the town, city, country you are reading my blog in. If you do, I will send you a free 5x7 print of your choice, of any item in my Etsy store. The link to the Etsy store is on here. Just let me know which one you like too and an email address. That way I can correspond with you to get your mailing address. Please note, that this print you will receive, will NOT be framed or matted. Just a simple token to say thank you for taking the time to help me out. Looking forward to finding out about my readers.

York Region

I am looking for your help.  I am trying to find one image that best describes the Regional Municipality of York Region, Ontario.  

What are your ideas and thoughts in this topic and what describes York Region.  

Send me your ideas on what images you think best describes it.  

Thanking you all in advance.

#yorkregion

Valentines Mini Sessions

I am booking now, for Valentines Mini Sessions.  Not just for one day, but for two days!  Everyone always wants to run their own kissing booth, don't they?