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28 February 2011

the goodwins.

One thing we have learned since becoming a military family is that the one thing we don't have is time. When you and (pretty much) everyone you know move so often, there isn't time to wait or put off things like oh, making friends. Chances are, once you meet you only have a few months together before someone leaves. (I will confess, making friends is not something I'm good at so the thought "screw it, who need friends?" has crossed my mind. But that only leads to depression so I have charged onward and made friends) So when Tiffany and I met by chance, we both jumped at the opportunity to have a friend! Although she did the hard part of introducing herself; both of us lived in the same apartment complex in Oklahoma, and one day I went to the office (along with everyone else in the complex) to pay our rent. Well, I had given a talk in church the Sunday previous so she recognized me and told me who she was. I was so excited to meet her, but we both had business to do so after a brief conversation we parted ways. And I cursed myself when I got back to our apartment because I hadn't gotten her phone number or apartment number and had no way to reach her again until Sunday. Well, later that day we went out to run errands, and as we were getting in the car Tiffany and her husband Chris came walking up (I guess I had told her which building we were in). So we exchanged numbers, and got together for dinner later in the week, and the rest is history. We became best friends pretty fast. It's kind of crazy too, we are each other. Tiffany and I are so alike, and Chris and Rob are so alike. It's great. Unfortunately, we only had 4 months together before we left for El Paso, and they're now at Ft. Lewis:( But before we left Oklahoma I made them model for me. And oh, that Oklahoma light! I miss it. And I miss them. But these images make me so happy.

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(Max thinks he's part of their family too)

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(again, he couldn't resist popping in occasionally)

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Tiffany, if you're reading this, WE LOVE YOU GUYS!

16 February 2011

at last: FILM IS NOT DEAD!!

So, after about a year and a half I am finally sharing with you just what that whole workshop thing, Film Is Not Dead with Jonathan Canlas, in San Francisco did for me. Because it was life changing, make no doubt about it.

I am an anxious individual. I get nervous when I make phone calls, leave the house, have any contact with people whatsoever, etc. etc. So to say I was nervous to travel all the way across the country to learn about film from some photographer I had never met or talked to is an understatement. I was a wreck. (not that anyone would have known the extent of said wreck-ness. I like to think I'm good at hiding just how much of a freak out mode I am in) The night before the workshop actually started there was a little get-to-know-you gathering, and walking up to the (locked) door I thought I would faint. And then, because we couldn't get in, I stood there with a couple other strangers when this person comes around the corner. With a HUGE smile on his face and TONS of energy and introduces himself as Jon and immediately gives me a bear hug. And put ME totally at ease. That isn't to say I wasn't still nervous, BUT I was able to relax enough to actually talk to people and have a good time.

The next few days then proceeded to be CHOCK full of information, (SO much that we were all scrambling to write it all down fast enough) lots of laughs, TONS of shooting film, more laughing and having a good time, and oodles of bonding with other photographers who love film.

This is the testimonial I wrote right after.

It was a magical, magical experience. I fell in love with photography all over again.

Here are some of my favorite images I shot there: (me! with film!!)

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And a group picture (our little FIND family):
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I will never be able to repay Jon for what he gave me those three days. He didn't lecture at me, or try to get me to buy the "secret I need to be successful." He just shared the information he's learned over his years as a photographer, made sure I ate well, almost pee my pants from laughing, shoot tons of film, nourished my creative side, and made me feel like I was part of his family. And as a result I grew as person, I became more confident in my abilities and just myself. After all, I did travel all the way across the country to hang with a bunch of people I don't know, something I never thought I could do and survive. He's an incredible guy. I'm so lucky to call him my mentor and friend.
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NOW, here's some good new for YOU! (I'm sorry, I'm really excited about this, and for Jon. He's been working on this for awhile and it's finally available TODAY!!)

THE BEST PART? It didn't feel like we were at a "workshop." It felt like we were all just hanging out. And that is because Jon HOLDS NOTHING BACK. He's incredible. To him, there are no such thing as secrets. You have a question, he answers. In his mind, information is meant to be shared. And he's right.

Since I went to FIND version 3.0 in San Francisco, I have told every person that's asked to GO to a FIND workshop!!!! Save up your pennies and park your tushie in a chair because you will. be. blown. away. But the fact of the matter is, not everyone can go.

But NEVER FEAR! Because THIS is now available:

FILM IS NOT DEAD: A Digital Photographer's Guide to Shooting Film by Jonathan Canlas


Unfortunately, Jon can't give as many workshops as people would like, so this is the next best thing! Remember how I mentioned earlier that we were all taking notes as fast as we could at the workshop? Well, this book has ALL that information we were scared to forget. This guide has so much information it makes my brain hurt (no lie). And on top of that, it is GORGEOUS! Everything he talks about is illustrated with photographs he's taken. He knows what he's talking about and it SHOWS. Even better, he wants to make sure everyone knows what he knows. The information he gives freely makes the photography world a better place.

When I first started to seriously delve in the photo world, I searched for a book that I could learn all the basics from and ended up with a few that have, frankly, just sat on my shelf for the past year and a half. What I didn't know when I bought them, is that I needed THIS book. It is SO much more comprehensive, and is written in plain english.

And, you'll just sigh when you flip through the pages. The photos are THAT gorgeous.

In his words:
"You'll learn to shoot film starting...today if you've got a film camera, and in a few days if you need to scour eBay for some gear.
We'll tackle the types of cameras on the market today, the film stocks I most commonly use, and the most frequently asked questions those new to film (or returning to film) ask. Then we'll move on to rules of shooting film, tips for making the most of your film shooting, developing, post-processing, and storage of negatives.
Along the way, you'll find yourself spending WAY less time post-processing and way more time enjoying your cameras and your freaking LIFE.
The FIND guide is 96 pages of e-book goodness that will make jumping into film with both feet incredibly easy and plenty more satisfying than that trial and error method you've been using. It's also been beautifully designed, so you can enjoy the eye candy even when you've absorbed the methods inside."

But honestly, you don't even have to shoot film to love it. The same principles apply to digital too. AND, knowing this stuff makes you a better photographer. Period. Digital OR film. So if you're trying to learn how to shoot great photos and need a good reference, this is it.

I'm sorry to ramble so much, I'm just really excited (along with my FIND family) this book exists!

After all this, if you want one just click the button that says "Learn to Shoot Film" in my sidebar (underneath my business logo). It's $149, but is on sale for $89 until February 22nd! It may seem like a lot, but again, in his words:

" You know I HATE people that sell CRAP. This is NOT crap... It's cheaper than a class at your local community college, after all..."

It's a Film Photography textbook, and you will love it forever.

And I'm done. Thanks for sticking with me. I have to geek out over film stuff someplace...

And one more shot to leave you with. Love.

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(I have no interest in making money from my blog- never have, never will- but I do have to disclose that if you buy a book using the button on my sidebar I do make a little commission. I honestly don't care if you buy it through me or elsewhere, I'm just doing it so I can have the cool button on my sidebar for easy access. It's an awesome book written by an awesome guy I love (platonically) and I want to make sure everyone knows about it. But if you do buy one through my button I love you forever!)

14 February 2011

we love her.

Happy Birthday to the world's BEST Nana!! (I mean, who else would voluntarily look like that to make a little boy smile?)

I love you mom.

11 February 2011

just a couple things.

A common sight in Oklahoma... the Dr. Pepper aisle.


Does anyone else find joy in the oh-so-technical term "something" found on MRE instructions?

07 February 2011

oh blessed day!

Our little Nicola Anatoli was given his name and a sweet blessing by his dad August 15th 2010. We waited until my family came out for a visit so my dad could be in the circle too, and my aunt and two cousins who live in Dallas came up as well. It was a beautiful day, only made better by being surrounded with people who love us.

I made Nick's outfit; knitting away during the snow days we had while I was pregnant and staying up late sewing after everyone had gone to bed. The hat is the Pixie Hood from the book Baby Beanies, the booties are Saartje's Booties from here, and the gown I made up myself.

And the post would not be complete without pictures, of course.

warning: my hair + Oklahoma wind = no bueno

me and my littlest man:
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me and my little men:
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some attempts at a family photo (those are the best we got):
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with my family (minus my brother who couldn't make it due to an exam):
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everyone who came:
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my aunt and Nick:
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I didn't get any really good pictures of Nick in his outfit the day of, so about a week later I got him dressed up again so I could take some. I'm sorry for the high volume of photos, I just can't get enough of his sweet little face.

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(this photo was a mistake, but I absolutely love it)


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