Photographer Spotlight: Tina Nitz

Tell us your name. Tina Nitz

Where do you live? St. Augustine, Florida

Please link us to your website. http://www.nitzphotography.com

Describe your area of expertise. Expertise – HA! I don’t consider myself an expert in anything, but I do specialize in maternity, newborns and babies. If I had to pick one of those three I’d say my newborn work is my strongest.

How long have you been a photographer? I’ve been a photographer since I can remember ! Way back in the day, I used to take my mom’s 110 camera and use a whole roll of film on a single flower, bug or whatever else caught my eye. She’d get so upset because I wasted a whole roll on one thing. I looked at it like I was shooting a bunch to get the perfect result. Did I? Probably not – I was like 10.  But you are probably asking more from a professional standpoint.  I’ve officially been a business for almost 6 years now.

What did you do before pursuing photography? Growing up I never said “I want to be a photographer when I grow up.”  It changed frequently depending on what was of interest that year. But, after high school, I made the decision to hit the university for a degree in elementary education. I never quite finished. Along came the birth of my first son… and then a few years later a second son. Never went back and somehow I ended up as a photographer.

How would you describe your style? Simplistic.

Do you prefer to work in the studio, on-location, or both and why? I prefer to work in a studio with my “fake light” mostly because I can control it so much easier. I know it, I’m comfortable with it, and it works for me. Which is why I’m working on learning natural light out on location now – getting out of my little box.

What is your standby pose (the one that everyone tends to want from you)? EVERYONE wants the newborn sound asleep with the little legs/arms hanging over the side of the basket/bucket/chair.  And lately the “fish bowl” shots are quite popular with the toddler moms.

Do you have a favorite tip or trick that always gets a smile from your young subjects? Every child is different and responds to different things. What works for one doesn’t work for another. So I guess I’ll have to say no I don’t really have a favorite trick that works. But I have a whole list of things I try to get those smiles and when I find something that works for that child I play off it for a while. Singing, laughing, talking silly, jokes for older ones, making fun of mom and dad’s “stinky feet” works VERY well for the 4-5 year olds. You just have to take cues from the child and keep working until you catch their attention.. then roll with it!

What gear is in your bag? Nikon…..always Nikon. I currently shoot with a D300 and 90% of the time I have my 85mm lens on.  I’ll sometimes also shoot with my 50mm and then, if I’m feeling crazy, pull out the 105mm macro for some close ups (like those little bits on a newborn).

If you could only use one lens what would it be? 85mm of course

What is your go-to camera shop? I try to buy all my gear locally – and that happens to be at Ritz Camera. I like to keep my business local and support those around me. If they don’t have it B&H Photo here I come.

Which album company do you recommend? My session albums are the Addison Elite slip ins by J. Lee Albums.

What are your favorite props? I’m not big on a lot of props. But I do love me some hats!! And baskets!! My husband thinks I need to go to Hats and Baskets anonymous.

How do you stay motivated? By shooting for ME every once in a while. Whether by working with my own kids and doing something different or just getting in the car and driving around until I see something of interest. Sometimes even just sitting in the yard and snapping shots of the lizards. It’s so important to have time for yourself and to shoot for fun when you are running a business. Otherwise you’ll get burnt out and wanna scream!

What makes your job easy? The resulting images and the smiles on mom and dads faces when they come in to view and order. Makes chasing their toddler during the session or getting peed on by a newborn all worth it!

Do you fully process all the proofs you show to clients or do you show soft-proofs and then finalize once you know which images they will be ordering? Depends on how much editing is required. I pretty much process all proofs before they are shown to the client. Of course, a final once over is done before sending to the lab to get rid of little stray hairs and minor things that bug me but probably were not noticed by the client. For those times when some extensive detail work is needed during editing (such as a newborn with a bad case of baby acne) then I’ll work up a handful of my favorites completely to show clients what will be done before ordering. Then I do the major touch-ups before sending to the lab for them on the images they order.

If you could choose anyone to do a photo session of you and your family, who would your choose? Oh wow…..that’s a loaded question. You know I’m not really sure. I have so many photographers that I know and admire. I’m just not sure if I could choose just one.

If you were not a photographer, then…then my life would be pretty empty because I LOVE what I do.

What does photography mean to you? It means a lot and it always has. I’m a firm believer in capturing memories. Time goes by way too fast and kids grow up even faster.  You never know what the future holds and having special images of the ones you love and hold dear is ever so important.

Best advice for new photographers breaking into the business? There are 3 major pieces of advice that I give to newcomers to the business:

1. Have knowledge about photography itself. How to achieve proper exposure, white balance, etc. If you don’t know what a shutter speed is, then you might want to take a class or do some research online. LEARN all you can about photography before you go to the next step.
2. Know your camera and how to use it properly.
3. Price yourself fair to the clients and to your fellow photographers. Don’t undercut the established photographers in the area in order to gain business because, in the end, all it does it hurt the entire photography industry – and it doesn’t gain you great clients.  Find your magic happy number and work backwards to find your fees.

Magazine must have? Professional Photographer is my favorite right now.

What’s your guilty pleasure? Reading, actually. I love to read. However I often feel guilty when I do because I know I could be doing other things either with the business or with housework, etc.

My weakness is…I have to have  Dr. Pepper first thing after rolling out of bed in the morning. Sad, but true.

My strength is…Hmmm – I can tell you all about my flaws and issues, but ask me this and I get stuck.

Finish this quote: When it rains……it pours… LOL!

Who do you love? My hubby and my 2 boys.

Blog addiction… Nope – don’t really have one.

Tattoos… Ick.. no. Not on me. But they are fun to photograph on dad’s with newborns!

MAC or PC… PC

80’s Music… Yes!!!

What’s on your iPod? I actually do not own an iPod. Sad, isn’t it?

Morning or night? NIGHT!

On my day off… … and the boys are at school.. I like to curl up with my kitty and read a good book.

Thank you Tina for sharing a bit of yourself with us.  I’m sure our readers will enjoy your work as much as I have.

Photographer Spotlight: Nancy Poole

Tell us your name. Nancy Poole

Where do you live? Broken Arrow, Oklahoma which is a suburb of Tulsa

Please link us to your website. http://www.nancypoole.com

Describe your area of expertise: high school seniors

How long have you been a photographer? 5 years

What made you decide to leave your teaching career to pursue  photography? I actually retired from being an elementary principal after 31 years in education.  After I retired, I decided I wanted to pursue becoming a photographer.  I studied, took classes and workshops, and gathered my equipment for 2 years before I put up my website.

How would you describe your style? Classic, colorful, stylish

Do you prefer to work in the studio, on-location, or both and why? Both!  I love the great lighting for portraits in the studio and like to do traditional to fashion type headshots.  But I also love the variety of ideas that can be drawn from a location shoot.

What is your standby pose (the one that everyone tends to want from you)? I have a pose that I got from a Sarah Jessica Parker perfume ad in a magazine that everyone wants.  They sit on the edge of a chair and lean over on their knees.  Their knees are together and their feet wide apart with their toes pointing inward.  They love the fashion look of the pose.

What gear is in your bag? Canon 5d Mark II, 70-200L Lens, 24-70L lens, 16-35 wide angle lens, fisheye 100-400 Lens, two Canon 580ex flashes, Radio Poppers, op tech hand grip

If you could only use one lens what would it be? 70-200L-2.8—I keep it on my camera almost all the time.

What is your go-to camera shop? I have a local camera shop, B&H, and Dury’s

Which album company do you recommend? I use WHCC for my 10×10 press printed books.

How do you stay motivated? I LOVE what I do.  I love being around the seniors and the session.  I get excited when I’m photoshopping their session.  It’s emotional to watch them see their pictures for the first time.  It’s a thrill when they get the prints in their hands.  Compared to my former job as a principal, it is no stress.  How could anyone not be motivated by a job that has all of that?

Have you attended any workshops that you found to be helpful in your work?  If so, which ones? I may just be the queen of workshops.   I should be better than I am–LOL!  Kirk Voclain–posing and photoshop for Seniors, Brad Veraska–posing and photoshop and lighting for Seniors, Jen Hillenga–posing and photoshop for Seniors, Kevin Jairaj–bridals and couple posing, Julie Klaasmeyer–babies, Lori Nordstrom–babies, Tim Babin–Senior posing and business, Mike Fulton–lighting, to name a few.

Which professional organizations do you belong to? Indian Nations Guild–Tulsa PPA local, Oklahoma Photographers Association

What makes your job easy? No Stress

How do you achieve the rich, vibrant colors in your images? I think a combination between my Canon 5d Mark II and using Lightroom

Do you fully process all the proofs you show to clients or do you show soft-proofs and then finalize once you know which images they will be ordering? I used to fully process all the files before the client would see them, but I’m way too busy now to spend time on a file that they may not purchase, so I fully photoshop about 5 or maybe at least one from different lighting situations.  Then they look at all the others straight out of Lightroom.

What sets you and your work apart from other photographers in your area? We have some amazing photographers in this area.  It seems I’m getting to be known for my white on white high-key look and my location shoots with my off-camera flash, such as my outdoor field pictures.

If you could choose anyone to do a photo session of you and your family, who would your choose? Brad Veraska

If you were not a photographer, then…I’d do something artistically.  I once had a small business where I sewed arts and crafts projects and sold them.

What does photography mean to you? It is such a artistic release for me.

Best advice for new photographers breaking into the business? Learn the craft, understand business and pricing structures in order to make a profit, before hanging out your shingle and saying you are a professional.

Magazine must have? I love catalogs for poses

What’s your guilty pleasure? Merlot and my black corvette but not together!  LOL!

My weakness is… spreading myself to thin

My strength is… creativity

What do you do when you first wake up? I lay in bed with my laptop and watch the morning shows on tv and try to wake up!

Finish this quote: When it rains…just don’t let it do it on my parade!

Who do you love? My husband David.  We’ve been married for 18 years.  And our 3 children:  Casey-33, Garrett-29, and Aubrey-27

Do you read your horoscope? I read it—but I don’t pay attention to it unless it is a good one!

Tattoos…Nope—and so glad—they would look horrible on my skin at this age

MAC or PC…Desktop Mac and a MacBook Pro Laptop

Music…I love all kinds of music—I just LOVE music, but I mostly listen to Country

What’s on your iPod? Country, and then walking/running music like Justin Timberlake and Madonna—they have a great beat

Morning or night? Definitely night.  I can’t do anything in the morning and start really getting the creative ideas flowing about 3:00pm to 2:00am

My friends say…I’m sweet

Travel dreams…Traveling all the places I’ve never been.  I’ve been to all but Alaska and Wisconsin in the US, several places in Mexico and the Carribean, and I got to take a trip not too long ago to Italy.  We would love to go to more places in Europe and go to Australia.

On my day off… Compared to my education career—I feel like I’m always on a day off.

One of your top 100 to do before you die? I don’t know.  I really believe in living everyday fully.  I’m living many of my dreams right now.  I LOVE my family and job, I get to travel, I have my sports car, and my daughter just got engaged so we are planning her wedding.  Life Is So Good!

What isn’t on your top list? Bungee Jumping—-I’m deathly afraid of heights —those where you look over an edge.

Thanks so much, Nancy, for taking the time to share your inspirational work with us. 

Alison Waring Spotlight

Tell us your name: Alison Waring

Where do you live? Central Florida

Your site or blog address: www.alisonwaring.com

Describe your photography subject focus I try and capture a moment.  Something that’ll make your heart smile. A special smirk, toddler snuggling a lovey or the angsty look of a teen.

How would you describe your photography style? Candid with a PoP!

What do you shoot with? Nikon D80 (hopefully a D700 soon)

Your favorite camera equipment…My brand spankin’ new Funky Camera Wristlet

If you could only use one lens what would it be? Def my 50mm 1.8 it never comes off the body.

Does your camera have a name? Oddly no.  I shall have to make one up.

How do you stay motivated? It’s really not hard. Mostly my clients keep me motivated- seeing the joy (and sometimes tears) makes me want to do it over and over again.

How long have you been a photographer? Officially 2 years now.  Unofficially since I was in middle school.

If not a photographer, then….A horse. I’m joking. Something with horses.

Your go-to camera shop? B&H Photo (online of course).

What makes your job easy? I have like the best clients.  They’re fun and have cute kids.

Which album company do you recommend? Finao. Awesome products and a great variety of cover choices. And their album box is to die for!

If you could choose anyone to do a photoshoot of you/your family, who would your choose? Cheryl Muhr, she’s so light hearted and gives awesome hugs.

Favorite Pink Ink Studios product? That’s hard I love’em all!  Most helpful I’d say the Portrait Party Package.

Best advice for new photographers breaking into the business? More than anything have your contracts and packages completely figured out before you start.  There’s no winging it or making it up as you go.

Magazine must have? Photoshop User, Professional Photographer, After Capture and a bazillion more.

What’s your guilty pleasure? Twitter. I’m so addicted.

My weakness is…Spiders *blech*

My strength is… The overwhelming support I get from friends and family.

What do you do when you first wake up? Pee. Then brush my teeth. Is that too intimate?

Finish this quote: When It rains…it’s NAPTIME!!!!!

Who Do You Love? The maker of my Hostess Cupcake lip-gloss. My family of course.

Do you read your horoscope? Nah don’t have time.

Blog addiction… Sadly I don’t have one.  My attention span can only handle Tweets right now.

Tattoos…They look great on other people.

MAC or PC…PC but I so wish Mac.

80’s Music…Horrible hair great music.

What’s on your iPod? A lot of David Gray, massive amount of 1 hit wonders (yes that means Vanilla Ice & SirMixALot) and everything I’ve ever Shazam’d off the TV.

Morning or night? Night.  I hate the morning it’s all early and bright blech!

My friends say…I’m AWESOME!! No really they do. So does Rock Band.

Travel dreams…Fiji

On my day off… Ha ha no such thing! I’m a stay at home mom on my “days off” so it’s family family family when I’m not shooting (which I love and would never change).

One of your top 100 to do before you die? What isn’t?  I’ve never really traveled so I have to do that :0)

Julie Ranee Spotlight

Tell us your name: Julie Ranee

Where do you live? Plain City, OH

Your site or blog address: julieraneephotography.com

Describe your photography subject focus

I primarily shoot families, but have weddings, seniors and newborns occassionally.

How would you describe your photography style?

Casual, fun, natural

What do you shoot with?

Canon 5D Mark II, Canon 35mm f 1.4L, Canon 85mm f 1.2L II

Your favorite camera equipment…

Canon 5D Mark II. It’s iso capability is incredible! Love it!

If you could only use one lens what would it be?

This is such a tough call as I like both my 35mm and my 85mm for different reasons. I probably prefer the 35mm because I like wide, but the 85mm has such incredible bokeh and does not distort close up like the 35mm. I went on vacation recently and shot everything with my 35mm.

Does your camera have a name?

No. Definitely something to keep in mind though.

How do you stay motivated?

I look at websites and magazines, check out books from the library about famous photographers, and take images of my kids when they are involved in a fun activity (photographer’s child syndrome can get ugly).

How long have you been a photographer?

I have officially been in business since October 2007, but did portfolio building for a year and a half prior to that.

If not a photographer, then….

I was a dietitian in my previous career. Not sure I’d go back to that, but I do find nutrition and raw food very interesting.

Your go-to camera shop?

www.calumetphoto.com

What makes your job easy?

Families that can relax and be themselves. I love to capture natural family interactions.

Which album company do you recommend?

WHCC hinged albums are my first choice for quality and price. I have seen a beautiful Dream Album and am considering trying their product.

If you could choose anyone to do a photoshoot of you/your family, who would you choose?

Jinky or Tara Whitney

Favorite Pink Ink Studios product?

http://pinkinkstudios.com/store/product.php?productid=489&cat=56&page=1

Baby Book Frilly – Girl

I used this for an album of my daughter and her best friend. I didn’t use the teddy bear page because they are ages 7 and 8. The book is beautiful! Love the grungy texture to the page designs.

Best advice for new photographers breaking into the business?

Make sure you put images on your blog and website that showcase your style. Then make sure every client sees your blog and website before you book them. This will help you attract clients that like your style.

Magazine must have?

Mini Boden. I love all the light and action in their images! I get so excited when I get that little catalog in the mail.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Chocolate cake with hot fudge . . . YUM.

My weakness is… spending too much time at the Beyond Photography Forum http://www.beyondjustimages.com/

My strength is… my relationship with Jesus.

What do you do when you first wake up? I make a green smoothie for our family . . . this goes back to the nutrition. I make smoothies out of fruit and then add spinach . . . lots of spinach (I promise, you cannot taste it!). My kids usually like them. They better because they have to drink them before they can have anything else. Hey, it’s good for them!

Finish this quote: When It rains… I get grumpy. Sometimes we go for days or a week without seeing the sun come out from behind the clouds.

Who Do You Love? My husband and kids.

Do you read your horoscope? No.

Blog addiction… Tara W., Jinky, etc., etc., etc. I check way too many blogs.

Tattoos… nope . . . too permanent. I change my mind too much.

MAC or PC… PC, but I’d love to switch.

80’s Music… PLEASE DON”T MAKE ME LISTEN TO IT. My husband likes it.

What’s on your iPod? Are you ready for this . . . I don’t have an iPod. I listen to the radio or cds in the car. The kids and I like Frances England. Today we were listening to Relient K’s Christmas album . . . a must have for the Christmas season (or June).

Morning or night? Night

My friends say… I have a bubbly personality and lots of determination.

Travel dreams… Australia & New Zealand

On my day off… I relax, play with the kids, watch movies with my husband.

One of your top 100 to do before you die? Build a tiny house http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/

March Spotlight on Amanda Burse

Tell us your name: Amanda Burse
Where do you live? Rumford, Maine
Your site or blog address: http://www.labellavitaphotos.com/

Describe your photography subject focus: My focus is capturing the human connection. I can’t say that I am specifically a child or wedding photographer. My true passion is capturing the genuine human spirit.

How would you describe your photography style? I would describe my photos as photographic human storybooks.

What do you shoot with? I shoot with a Canon 5D, and 40D

Your favorite camera equipment…My heart.

If you could only use one lens what would it be? The 50mm 1.4

Does your camera have a name? Hahaha…I call them by babies {but not out loud}

How do you stay motivated? I think what keeps me motivated is the continued fascination with human connectedness.

How long have you been a photographer? I have been taking pictures for about 5 years…since my daughter Mikayla was born. I have been in business a year.

If not a photographer, then…Hmmmm….a writer.

Your go-to camera shop? B and H. I am addicted to that place.

What makes your job easy? My clients…their personalities, their willingness and openness to let me into their lives. That makes my job fun and easy.

Which album company do you recommend? Finao…hands down. They are a newer company, but I feel that in the coming years they will set a standard to modern photographic style and albums with class.

If you could choose anyone to do a photoshoot of you/your family, who would your choose? This is tough…because I really love so many photographers. I would probably choose Nate and Jaclyn from “The Image is Found”. They seem fun and funky…and friendly.

Favorite Pink Ink Studios product? I love Holly’s Vintage Frame Set….I use it all the time. It really fits so many of my photos.

Best advice for new photographers breaking into the business? In a business that is all about imitation, my advice would be to find your own niche and go with it. Stay true to yourself and your art.

Magazine must have? Rangefinder. I read that thing OVER AND OVER.

What’s your guilty pleasure? Gummy bears…I love those things.

My weakness is…Getting too excited, and too emotional about a moment.

My strength is…{see above} hahaha

What do you do when you first wake up? Change a diaper {Will Katie ever be potty trained??}

Finish this quote: When It rains…devour the moment to be a child again, grab your boots, and go jump in a puddle. You will be surprised out amazing it feels.

Who Do You Love? More than anything….my husband Michael and my ladies. Oh…my cameras.

Do you read your horoscope? Not often.

Blog addiction…I seriously comment on 30-50 blogs a day. Its a MAJOR problem.

Tattoos…{2} I have one of a butterfly on the base of my neck, and a ridiculously teenage one on my lower back with a sun and 2 moons. I don’t regret it…I don’t, but it is so adolescent!

MAC or PC…PC!!

80’s Music…I am a child of Tiffany and Madonna. It doesn’t get any better.

What’s on your iPod? I don’t have one! I know…..I think I am the last person in the world.

Morning or night? Morning person.

My friends say…“Is our 10 year high school reunion really coming up?” hahaha

Travel dreams…I have never traveled that much, but I dream of it SO often. Maine is such a beautiful state…I have never felt like I had to. But if I would LOVE to go to Ireland and Paris!

On my day off…As simple as it sounds, just hanging out in my back yard with my kids and husband…having a cook out with some great friends, and staying up chatting until we are falling asleep in the chairs.

One of your top 100 to do before you die? Hmm….tough one. I think my top 100 would be to know true happiness for my children. I can think of nothing more satisfying then knowing that they are completely content with their lives.

Spotlight on Michelle Ellis

This month, we’re lucky to have the talented, and funny Michelle Ellis as our February Spotlight Photographer. Every month, we feature a new photographer to inspire you and share!

Your Name: Michelle Ellis
Where You Live: Eastern Washington State
Your Site Address or Blog Address: www.michelleellisphotography.com

Type of Pictures You Take…
everything….commercial, editorial, photobooths, seniors…I’m currently working on a cookbook with Vegan Lunch Box author Jennifer McCann (she’s totally awesome btw)…seriously, everything(:

Describe your style:
funky-fresh…heck I don’t know. I like fun real shots of people being real and silly.

Your Camera…
Nikon D300….love it like a 3rd child.

Your Favorite Camera Equipment…
Right now it’s my lighting equipment. I’m super inspired by the one light concept and have really been delving into the physics of light and how it works. I’m totally fascinated by light right now.

If you could only use one lens what would it be?
I’m still totally in love with my 17-55mm 2.8 nikkor. It’s the one that is nearly always on my camera.

Your detail shot lens?
17-55mm 2.8 nikkor

How do you stay motivated?
I LOVE my work. I’m excited that people pay me to play around. I’m rarely unmotivated to shoot.
What inspires me is art. I love hitting up museums and even libraries to see how artists in different fields work.  I love to deconstruct images…where’s the light coming from….oh, did I mention I’m really into light right now…lol!

How long have you been a photographer?
I’ve been working professionally for exactly one year January 1st. I’ve been taking pictures nearly all my life.

If not a photographer, then….
massage therapist

Favorite photography add-on product?
Lightroom and Photoshop

Your go-to camera shop?
B&H Photo out of New York

Standby pose (the one everyone tends to want from you)?
Luckily I don’t get that much because most of what I do is not posed, it’s very spontaneous. My clients are very cool with letting me be goofy and let me do pretty much anything I want.

What makes your job so much easier?
My awesome clients and their trust.

Which album company do you recommend?
I’ve actually never ordered an album. I’m planning on doing one for myself and will go with KISS albums because I’ve held them and seen them, they are freakin’ awesome.

If you could choose anyone to do a photoshoot of you/your family, who would your choose?
hands down……Justin DeMers

Magazine Must Have…
Currently it’s dwell, craft, and ReadyMade

Guilty Pleasure…
reality tv…..I just watched this one marathon about this family with 18 kids…I mean c’mon who wouldn’t want to watch that.

My weakness is…
I am a total foodie and LOVE really good food

My strength is…
My ability to meet people and make them comfortable with me

What Do You Do When You First Wake Up?
Usually I’m waking up to NPR and trying to figure out what was real and what was a part of the dream I just came out of.

When It Rains…
‘it rains pennies from heaven’

Who Do You Love?
Of course besides the obvious like family and friends……sasquatch…I mean all that hair can’t be very comfortable, I’m sure he needs a hug.

Favorite Pink Ink Product…
I loved the holiday cards. I also like the storyboard templates a lot!

Do You Read Your Horoscope?
when I come across it…yeah….aries, btw

Blog Addiction…
yes I have one….man it feels so good to admit that. Oh wait, you want to know some favorites:
Alt F http://www.earth13.com/
Amelia Lyon http://www.amelialyon.net/
Blog Wreckless http://wrecklessphotography.blogspot.com/
Angelica Glass http://angelicaglass.bigfolioblog.com/
Sakura Photography http://sakuraphotography.com/blog/
and my local peep, Tera Pettit  http://www.photographybytera.com/blog/

Tattoos…
yes please, I can always use another. right now I’m working on a short sleeve on my right arm. my current favorite is my wonder woman emblem on my wrist.

MAC or PC…
pc now, mac later

80’s Music…
is a constant problem in my household….my darling husband is an audiophile and just got a new copy of his long lost erasure cd….{cringe}

What’s on your iPod?
everything….except erasure(see above), I just made a playlist for the new year called super . fun . happy.  It’s got all the current songs that make me happy. I’ll post it on the blog if you’re interested.

Morning or Night?
definitely night

My friends say…
the craziest things….my favorite was when I was asked if I was ‘bolivious’. (yes I am, in case you’re wondering)

Travel Dreams…
I love to travel, I’d love to do the whole backpack through Europe thing.

On my day off…
I still work….i never stop….i can’t help it.

One of your top 100 to do before you die?
ahhhh…..the illustrious comeback photo session with Elvis

Favorite homemade meal?
not really a meal but horrible late night snack of crepes with nutella

And, to top it off, Michelle has shared some AMAZING photos with us. Enjoy the eye candy and thanks Michelle!

Meet Stacey Schmidt

Your Name: Stacey Schmidt

Where You Live: Saskatoon, SK, Canada

Your Site Address or Blog Address:
www.sublime-imaging.com
www.sublime-imaging.wordpress.com

Type of Pictures You Take… Wedding and Lifestyle Portrait Photographer

Describe your style: I like to capture the personality of my clients. Having fun in front of the camera, and keeping my style fresh and contemporary is my main objective for everyone I photograph.

Your Camera… Nikon D200

Your Favorite Camera Equipment…My favourite camera equipment would have to be my lenses, but more specifically my Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D. I use it more than any other lens.

If you could only use one lens what would it be? My 50mm f/1.8D of course!

Your detail shot lens? I don’t really use a detail shot lens per say…currently I use my 50mm , but lately I’ve been eyeing the Nikkor 105mm Micro f/2.8G and I just might take the next step in our relationship and buy it, lol. I’m sorry 50mm!

How do you stay motivated? Honestly, it’s the people I photograph.  They keep me thinking fresh and really allow me to have fun with my art. I’m also such a media junkie – I love looking at different blogs, magazines, you name it; visual media inspires me.

How long have you been a photographer? I have been a photographer for 7years.

If not a photographer, then…. Hmmm good question.  When I was younger I wasn’t sure what to do, so I took an aptitude test and it said I should be a vet.  I don’t think that’s an option though, because I don’t handle real blood all that well.  TV blood, now that’s another story … If I wasn’t a photographer I would still have to be in the arts.  I could see myself being a graphic designer or potentially teaching art history.  I’ve always loved art history.

Favorite photography add-on product? I love the albums from Forbeyon, but I really do love the Seldex portfolio boxes – they are beautiful.

Your go-to camera shop? Well here in Saskatoon I love going to Don’s Photo. The guys there always hook me up. Don’t forget to ask for Liam, lol.

Standby pose (the one everyone tends to want from you)? I really like to take tightly cropped shots, because I love to show the expression on people’s faces.  I usually get to photograph people during special events and at good times in their lives. So, I like to express and capture that for them to remember. I also like to use fun environments – they remind me of happy places that people can go to in times of stress.

What makes your job so much easier? Happy, fun, and couples in love.  I really draw my energy from the people in front of me.  And … good weather of course!

Which album company do you recommend? I really like to use Forbeyon Albums as well as Finao and Seldex products.  I love them and their great customer service!

If you could choose anyone to do a photoshoot of you/your family, who would your choose? Oh my goodness, how do I choose?  There are so many photographers out there that I admire. Well, I think I would have to choose Gene Higa, because apparently a session with him is like jumping out of an airplane.  Ha! I love it! But locally I would really love to have a session with the lovely ladies at Dream Photography, they seem like great women.

Magazine Must Have… As I said, I’m a media junkie – I have so many subscriptions.  I really enjoy receiving my Rangefinder magazine though. My fashion magazines are a constant inspiration or guilty pleasure … I’ll let you decide.  And my fitness magazines are always there for motivation, plus the recipes are great!

Guilty Pleasure… Oh it would have to be those Lindor chocolate balls, the white ones. They are divine! Ooh and I love the mini carrot cakes from Starbucks – I’m addicted to the cream cheese icing.

My weakness is… Is this not the same as my guilty pleasure? Lol. Hmm … maybe my weakness is not being able to say no. I think maybe, and my boyfriend will agree, that my biggest weakness is that I’m constantly busy, or least I make myself busy. I seem to have unrealistic expectations of what I can accomplish in a certain amount of time. But I’m learning.

My strength is… I think i’m very outgoing and a lot of fun. I try to make every session memorable for my clients. My passion in what I do is a huge strength; it’s what allowed me to obtain my Bachelors in Fine Arts and pursue my own photography business. Ooh, I know what everyone would agree with – I am obsessively organized.  Some people might even say that I have a problem. I think it’s just smart.

What Do You Do When You First Wake Up? This may sound weird, but I’m pretty sure I can crack every bone in my back.  So, the first thing I do in the morning is stretch and crack my spine. Second is to check all the blogs that I follow.  Then the usual hygienic routine follows.

When It Rains… I love the rain, and lighting storms. There have been many times when my boyfriend and I have sat in his front living room watching the rain and lighting – very cozy.But since it snows here more than rains, hmm … I haven’t really caught on to the whole winter sports thing, which I feel really embarrassed about. Every year I say “this is the year I am going to learn how to snowboard” and then I find a million other things to do. I have to say that I love watching movies with my boyfriend.

Who Do You Love? I love my boyfriend, Brennan, he’s my everything. He supports me and loves me in the best ways. I also love my best friends.  They are always there for me, and have been there for me through thick and thin.

Favorite Pink Ink Product… I love all the Photoshop actions available! There are so many to choose from, and I just recently purchased a few, like Andie’s Tilt/Shift action. It’s a great option for those of us that have not yet committed to the lens. And of course all the templates. Pink Ink Studios is such a wonderful resource for photographers. Spread the Word!

Do You Read Your Horoscope? Yes! I can’t help it. It’s the first thing I see when I reach my Google home page. And maybe it’s just me messing with my mind, but I think that most of the time it’s pretty acurate. I’m such a sucker for zodiac signs. Whatever, I think it’s fun!

Blog Addiction… Yes! It’s one of the first few things I do in the morning! There are so many, and it’s addictive coz Google Reader keeps on recommending new blogs to me.

Tattoos… Yes I have one, and planning the second. I have the word “Live” on my right wrist, just as a little reminder to live my life for me and to enjoy it, regardless of all the stresses in life.

MAC or PC… Please, there isn’t even an option here.  MAC all the way baby! Whoo Hoo!  Oops, maybe a little excited.

80’s Music… Ok, this is so exciting, I LOVE 80’s music.  Brennan always laughs at me, but I swear 80’s music is so much fun, you can’t help but sing along.

What’s on your iPod? I like a lot of different types of music except, and I’m sorry, Country. I just can’t seem to wrap my brain around it. I love Rap, Hip-Hop, and Pop, to name a few genres. Brennan really keeps me up to date with all the new songs that come out. He’s my personal DJ.

Morning or Night? I would love to say Morning, coz I think it’s healthier, but honestly I’m a night person. I’m trying to move myself towards the morning, but it’s just so darn hard!

My friends say… Hmmm good question, maybe you should ask them. I’m sure there are lots of things they could tell you, from my love of chocolate to shopping.

Travel Dreams… I love to travel. I think it’s so important for everyone to try to travel and broaden their horizons. I have been fortunate to have travelled a bit, but I would still love to venture over to Greece.  And … Europe is always a favourite, especially Italy!

On my day off… Umm … well I usually like to spend it with Brennan. We like to go on walks and get fresh air.

One of your top 100 to do before you die? Geez!  All the hard questions here … I’ve never really made a list like that. I think it’s just keep travelling and having fun. Don’t take moments for granted. Just be Happy.

Favorite homemade meal? I do love to eat! I love Italian food!  I think thats my comfort food. I love watching the cooking network to get new ideas. I also have this weird obsession with salad … I’ll go through phases when all i crave is a gigantic salad; I’ll make a large mixing bowl full and eat it all in one sitting. Now thats fiber! However, I never skimp on the dressing.  Greek all the way!

Meet Jeff Cross

I’m excited for you to meet Jeff.  He has a really rad style of photography, and is a loyal Pink Ink Studios customer.

Your Name: Jeff Cross
Where You Live: Texarkana, Arkansas
Your Site Address or Blog Address: http://www.jeffcrossphoto.com

Type of Pictures You Take: I like to take portraits of people.  Be it Senior, Family, Fashion, Beauty, Promotional, whatever, I like shooting people… with a camera, not a gun!

Describe your style: I would describe my style as “ever changing”. I started doing photography in late 2007 and have been toying with a number of different looks and styles.  I am currently playing with a lot of off-camera strobes and learning about light and heavy post processing, using these tools and techniques to drill down my style…  Where will I end up?!  Who knows, but I’m enjoying the learning experience and the creative freedom!

Your Camera: I currently shoot with a Canon EOS 40D.

Your Favorite Camera Equipment: Hmmm… My favorite piece of equipment at the moment would have to be my PocketWizard Plus IIs. They give me a lot of freedom in strobe placement and allow me a lot more freedom to move about during a shoot.

If you could only use one lens what would it be? That’s a tough question… Do I get strobes or not?!  If I get the lights, I want the Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L.  If not, give me my Canon EF 28mm f/1.8.  I know that’s two pieces of glass, but those are my choice for lenses for the different lighting situations… But, if I must choose only one, I’ll take the 28mm… It does well with or without the strobes.

Your detail shot lens: I don’t guess I have a “detail shot” lens… I don’t do macro but during most of my shoots, I try to shoot at a higher aperture so I can retain a lot of detail in the photo for my post work… The lens that stays on my camera for 98.736% of my shoots is the Canon 17-40mm lens, so I guess that’s the one!

How do you stay motivated? I look at a lot of different people’s work everyday, all day.  I love to see the creative expression each and every photographer brings to the table.  Every time I look at a photo that is WAY better than what I am doing, it always motivates me to try harder and to learn more.  Seeing someone else’s work proves to me that it is achievable and not unrealistic… I mean, they shoot with a camera like I do, post process on a machine like I do… So, watching other photographers truly motivates me to push myself and try new things.

How long have you been a photographer? I have been shooting since around September of 2007, I think…

If not a photographer, then…. If I can’t starve doing photography, I’d like to starve as a teacher.  I thoroughly enjoy learning about anything and everything and would like to pour what little bit I have acquired in my 31 years into someone else and watch them surpass me in every way and be successful!

Favorite photography add-on product? I don’t really do story boards or albums.  my most asked for “specialty product” is a gallery wrapped canvas. Normally at 11″x14″.  I love gallery wrapped canvas prints and obviously a lot of my clients do, too!

Your go-to camera shop? B&H (www.bhphotovideo.com) is where I do 98% of my photography related shopping. They’re competitive, have almost everything I ever look for in stock, and haven’t let me down yet.

Standby pose (the one everyone tends to want from you)? The pose that I have had more often than not, is the whole “I’ve got my back to you and I’m looking off into the distance” pose.  I get that a lot on family shoots, children, and occasionally on couples.  It makes for a cool mood shot if it is executed well and the post makes it more dramatic.  If you just look at it through the lens though, people would wonder why you were shooting someone’s back side.

What makes your job so much easier? My job is a lot easier when I’m working with an individual who is not afraid of the camera, likes to have fun, and already has some ideas of their own to bring to the table.  I have been so impressed with some of the ideas my clients have brought up during a shoot.

Which album company do you recommend? I don’t really have a record player or buy CDs anymore… I like to buy my music from iTunes… And, I don’t print albums!

If you could choose anyone to do a photoshoot of you/your family, who would your choose? Man, this is a toughy… I admire so many photographers and retouchers that I would want them all on the scene for my big shoot! But, I’d probably want August Bradley to do a shoot of me… If anyone can make me look good, it would be him!  His work is truly inspiring!

Magazine Must Have. Digital Pro Photo.  I love getting this mag and seeing who they have interviewed in the issue.  I don’t check it out for the “buy this gear” or “take your photos like this” articles.  I read it to see what the featured photographers are doing, to see their work, and to see who’s out there that we never hear about on a daily basis.

Guilty Pleasure: Wine! I love wine… I am a true to the word wine-o.  I love trying new wines and trying to learn about all the things that goes into making wine A better than wine B.  It’s not just price, believe it or not.  There are some very good wines out there for $10-$15 a bottle! Good stuff!

My weakness is…I guess I would have to say my weakness is organization.  I have a bad habit of overloading myself, which in turn, overwhelms myself.  If I could have a personal assistant keeping an eye on me and my duties at all time, I would probably be a lot more productive. I’m real bad about hitting all 1.7 million projects a little bit at a time and never seem to get one done as quickly as I would like… This is definitely a weakness that plagues me, frustrates me, and often causes me to pass up opportunities to avoid unnecessary stress and anxiety.

My strength is…My ability to learn and quickly move from one type of task to another.  I often take on projects without ever having done something similar because I am confident that I can learn to do what is being asked and execute.

What Do You Do When You First Wake Up? I hit the showers.  I have to be at my day job by 8:15am and I get up around 7:30-7:45am… When I get up I am hustling!

When It Rains… it pours?!  I love it when it rains.  I love the mood that is created when it is dark, dreary, and rainy…  It soothes me…

Who Do You Love? I love Candyce and her son Eli. They make me feel whole and I enjoy them being a part of my life and having the opportunity to be a part of theirs.

Favorite Pink Ink Product… I’m going to have to say… Andie’s Must Have Actions for Photoshop.  I use bits and pieces of these in my work quite frequently.

Do You Read Your Horoscope? Not anymore… I used to read it as I was glancing over the paper just for something to read.  I mean, the horoscopes are on the same page as the comics in our gazette… Why not?! Now I don’t read the paper so there’s no more horoscope reading.

Blog Addiction… Yes!  I do have a blog addiction.  I read a number of blogs about a number of different topics.  I guess one I keep an eye on more than others is the Strobist.com blog.  Good stuff there and always an opportunity to learn… Now, if I could only shoot and practice as much as I am able to read…

Tattoos… 14… Arms, legs, back, and ribs… More to come… Stay tuned! I love my tattoos… Would I do it all over again?!  Probably not.  My interests change way too often.  I love the pieces I do have, though.  I will be getting more.  I think when the mortician checks me out on the table he’ll be able to see what my feelings were, likes and dislikes were, and what not, just from the ink I have on my body… Some of my pieces have deep meaning to me, like my ribs for instance.  On the left side I have the Kanji symbol for love… On the right, the Kanji symbol for pain…

MAC or PC… Mac!!! Being a Unix/Linux/FreeBSD fan for quite sometime, I was excited to see that Mac was built on FreeBSD and the Mach kernel.  Once I learned that, I bought one and have never gone back.  I use my 13″ MacBook for everything!

80’s Music… Anything by Michael Jackson.  I may not agree with the man off the stage or outside the studio, but this guy is truly the “King of Pop”!

What’s on your iPod? It may be easier to tell you what is NOT on my iPod… That would be Country… Well, maybe a few songs here and there.  I have everything from Jazz, Ambient Electronica, Rap, Pop, Rock, Heavy Metal, Contemporary Christian, Praise & Worship… I even have an hour long song of white noise!  Whoo! Exciting!!! Honestly, I have no idea… I have 11,173 songs, or 32.1 days worth of music if played back to back to back, totaling 58.09GB. (Source: iTunes)

Morning or Night? Night, for sure!  If I could sleep all day and work all night, I would love it!

My friends say… “Why do you sit behind a desk all day?” “Why aren’t you out doing photography for a living?!” When I ask them who’s going to step up and inject some capital into my pockets, all I hear is crickets and the whisper of the wind.

Travel Dreams… I’d want to go all over this planet if everything wasn’t so tense abroad.  I’d love to visit Italy, Germany, Georgia, Brazil, Turkey, just about anywhere… I’d honestly be content with just traveling the US.  Our country is so beautiful and full of wonderful places to see and experience.

On my day off… What’s that?!  When I’m not doing the day job and don’t have any scheduled shoots, I’ll be kicking it around the house at the computer, shooting up to Hot Springs, Arkansas, just whatever… I am very easily entertained… Sometimes, I just look in the mirror and laugh at myself for hours! Wait a second…

One of your top 100 to do before you die? Man, that’s deep… I want to make a difference in as many people’s lives as I can. I want to impact people’s lives in some way that it can be a positive experience in their life.  I just want to make them laugh!  I want them to feel the love that all humans have been called to share between one another… I don’t care if they remember me or not. You have no idea how many times I have been referred to as “that bald guy” or, even simpler, “that guy”.  People may not remember me on a personal level, but I hope they can remember the experience of being around me and the freedom they were able to walk in if even for a brief moment. I’ve been called to love people and treat them as myself. I want to do that to the best of my ability until the day I die…

Favorite homemade meal? Yes… I’m pretty sure I have one! I like everything (and it shows)! I love to eat meals that are slaved over for hours, where days went into the preperation and planning, but honestly, I am so content with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and a bag of Baked Lays Sour Cream and Onion… I think that is my favorite meal of all time, for sure!

Meet Ivette (Ivy) Rosinski

Your Name: Ivette (Ivy) Rosinski
Where You Live: Coppell, TX (suburb of Dallas)
Your Site Address or Blog Address: www.poizzonivy-photography.net

Type of Pictures You Take… Portraits – I adore shooting teens, children, baby & bellys, families.

Describe your style: Casual, fun

Your Camera… Nikon D1x – I just adore this camera although the D3 is on my horizon- I do believe I’m reaching the shutter actuation limits on my D1x.

Your Favorite Camera Equipment…my glass. With just a switch of a lens, the outcome changes so dramatically. Right now my fave is my 12-24 mm Tokina and my 50 mm Nikon.

If you could only use one lens what would it be? 50 mm 1.8

Your detail shot lens? 50 mm

How do you stay motivated? I shoot mostly teens and kids and with all that energy I get pumped up about shooting – they are sheer enthusiasm and craziness!

How long have you been a photographer? I’ve been taking pictures since I was 9 – my first camera was a Polaroid Swinger (hey, it was 1969). Got my first SLR when I was 14 and learned dark room in college. A “real” photographer? I’m in year 3 of my 5 year plan to be able to quit my day job.

If not a photographer, then….a seamstress/designer. I have been sewing since I was 12.

Favorite photography add-on product? Storyboards are such amazing add-ons for my clients – they usually haven’t thought about displaying their photos that way. I can put together a few for clients very quickly and I usually sell them!

Your go-to camera shop? Adorama or BH Photo/Video – they just always make my life easier no matter what I’m calling about or how small or large my purchase is.

Standby pose (the one everyone tends to want from you)? I use empty frames that people hold in front of them – at first to help loosen folks up and relax – and it’s becoming a trademark.

What makes your job so much easier? 1st: My husband and daughter really help me in every way. I think he’s kind of surprised that I’ve gotten as far as I have. And my daughter, well, she’s become a really good assistant and has gotten into photography in a big way! 2nd: Having a really good sense of humor. Someone told me on my wedding day to not worry about everything that was going to go wrong, because it was all going to go wrong! And he was right – and that’s pretty much how it goes with sessions. But you know – I always come away with something that I love!

Which album company do you recommend? I’ve only done a few albums but have been really happy with the ones from Asuka – the albums are gorgeous.

If you could choose anyone to do a photoshoot of you/your family, who would your choose? Annie Liebowitz – I remember receiving her first coffee table book back in the early 80s and just so clearly seeing the icon she was to become.

Magazine Must Have...New Yorker, InStyle & Vogue.

My weakness is…I’m very emotional and passionate about everything I do

My strength is…I’m very emotional and passionate about everything I do.

What Do You Do When You First Wake Up? Wake up my 16 year old daughter, wake up my spouse, take a shower. I think he lets the dog out (lol)

When It Rains…I love to watch old B&W movies from the 30s and 40s.

Who Do You Love? My family. AND this amazingly eclectic, brilliant, funny, intelligent and talented group of women I call my friends. I am very blessed.

Favorite Pink Ink Product…Cards, storyboards, the presets. They allow me to be creative in ways I would never think of.

Do You Read Your Horoscope? I try not to – foreshadows my day…..

Blog Addiction… I LOVE List of the Day! I really love all the photographer blogs – Holly’s, Andie’s, Chriselda, Jasmine Star etc etc etc. These photographers are so incredibly giving with their skills, sharing information.

Tattoos…nope

MAC or PC…both – but my preference is the Mac

80’s Music…Heck yeah!! Squeeze, GoGos, Talking Heads, B52s, etc etc

What’s on your iPod? All the above, Abba (sorry), Toby Keith, Foo Fighters, Los Lobos, Carlos Vives – please see my iPod for a complete list.

Morning or Night?I used to be a night owl, but motherhood has made me a morning girl.

My guilty pleasure is…Law & Order and House reruns. Good & Plenty. Driving fast with the music blasting.

My friends say… that I’m funny, sensitive, strong-willed, and a good friend

Travel Dreams…go back to Italy & Spain, this time with my husband.

On my day off...I like to do absolutely nothing – which makes my ADD husband crazy.

One of your top 100 to do before you die? Is it hokey to say I’d like to see Mt Rushmore & the Taj Mahal – ok that was 2.

Favorite homemade meal? I love pretty much anything my husband cooks – minus the hot chili’s he so loves. And he’s mastered my Puerto Rican cooking amazingly well for a guy from Buffalo – so asopao (rice with chicken), arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas) and fried plantains – yummy!

Meet Chriselda!!!

Holly and I were lucky enough to have dinner with Chriselda, her son, and her assistant/sitter/friend. She is a hoot and her personality does come through in this interview! Also she got Holly hooked on tortillas/butter/honey.

Your Name: Chriselda
Where You Live: good ol’ Amarillo, TX
Your Site Address or Blog Address: www.chriseldaphotography.com and the blog addy is www.outsidetheframe.squarespace.com

Type of Pictures You Take… Mostly Wedding, Engagement, Portrait and event photography. Wow. That means I do it all right?  Although I will admit that the thought of taking photos without people in them kinda frightens me a bit.

Describe your style: depends on what I’m shooting. I am going to use the word “natural” because I don’t really do a whole lot post production. 90% of what you see as my end result is done in camera. (composition, exposure, etc)  Maybe I am simply taking “glorified snapshots” If anything makes my photos good… it’s not me, or my camera, it’s the people in them.

Your Camera… Canon 40D

Your Favorite Camera Equipment… I love love LOVE my 50mm f/1.4 that thing is smooth!

If you could only use one lens what would it be? It’s the 50mm. It stays on my camera all the time. (unless I’m photographing weddings and then I switch it up.)

Your detail shot lens? 100mm macro. Hands down. All the way. That thing… is genius.

How do you stay motivated? Lots and lots of coffee. Seriously, I have the most AMAZING clients and I’m always very excited to work on their images and products! Did I mention sticky notes?!

How long have you been a photographer? Is this where people say “since I was a kid” ??  I don’t know when it was “official” but I did photography for the high school yearbook, a lot of concert photography when I worked in radio, took college Photography courses, worked at a local portrait studio and then finally branched out on my own. I am going into my second year of 100% full time self-employment and I couldn’t feel more blessed, happy, lucky, or passionate!

If not a photographer, then…. apparently I was going to be a doctor of psychiatry. Wow!

Favorite photography add-on product? Albums! I love offering them to my clients.

Your go-to camera shop? Well, B&H Photo online, has always been my go-to. And I regret that now because our local camera store just closed it’s doors after 70 years!!! It’s a sad truth that local businesses suffer because people rarely do “local business.” So take care of your camera store and local businesses if you have one because one day, they just might not be there.

Standby pose (the one everyone tends to want from you)? Ooooh. I don’t really have “poses” I find that I do some of the same things a lot but it’s different from couple to couple. most of my clients will ask for my “style” as opposed to a pose. Clients rarely, but sometimes, ask for a traditional pose and I try to nicely say “no.” They can tell you that I tell them no too! But they end up loving the alternative.

What makes your job so much easier? Besides Pink Ink?!  Coffee. Lots and lots of coffee. My clients! Some of them are very thoughtful and send me cookie bouquets, take me to get massages and facials, send me random emails that just make me smile because I know I’m more than just their photographer. A past bride of mine sent me a text a few weeks ago that said “I love you to the moon and back” and that right there makes my job EASY! And keeps it loveable.

Which album company do you recommend? KISS. The books are so beautiful! They are so yummy! They smell great. Feel great. And… wow. I can’t say enough about these books. They are the only album company that I use. For coffee table albums I use the hinge books from WHCC and they are super too!!! So pretty. Great quality.

If you could choose anyone to do a photoshoot of you/your family, who would your choose? Ouch. There are just too many. I’ve always been a HUGE fan of Gabe of Perspective Eye but he’s in Canada. (I will only name him because it’s almost impossible – and that keeps me out of trouble with my photographer friends) There really are a lot of ‘togs that I would love to stand in front of  – which says a lot because I run from cameras. I respect many of them for different reasons.

Magazine Must Have… I have about 20 magazines stacked on my table a month. They vary from PPA, Rangefinder, Martha Stewart, Rachel Ray, Cosmo, Nylon, Maxim, Parenting, Cookie… wedding magazines… you name it… it’s in there!

Guilty Pleasure… none of my pleasures are guilt ridden. I enjoy them to the fullest. Guilt is a nasty nasty thing! If it feels good… why not just let it be good?

My weakness is… Inability to say “no.” Time Management. Cake.

My strength is… I have a passion for everything I do in my life. (except for laundry) I can’t live without this.

What Do You Do When You First Wake Up? 90% of the time I look at my phone to see what time it is, check for emails, texts, calendar, etc. Sometimes I still lie in bed and check all of that from my phone – most of the time I get out of bed. This morning… I stayed in bed.

When It Rains… I stand outside with my mouth open wide… I love rain. And if you know me in person, from my blog, myspace, flickr… you know that I’m really “only happy when it rains.”

Who Do You Love? First and foremost, I have a 3yr old running around in his boxer briefs right now saying, “You’ll shoot your eye out kid!” He makes me all gooey inside. You understand if you have kids! I love my family and my friends and my huge “Friemily” at the Amarillo Little Theatre. But, if you’re trying to ask me if I’m in love… well… that’s very sneaky of you.

Favorite Pink Ink Product… so rude of you to make me choose just one! Until I start outsourcing my album designs next year – it’s the album templates. These are such time savers! Otherwise, I have a slew of their actions and presets that I can’t live without.

Do You Read Your Horoscope? No. but I might start.

Blog Addiction… wow. There are too many. And I’m somewhat ashamed. But one of my favorites is the Post Secret Blog. My friend Kristina Contes has a hilarious blog. I love reading it but rarely understand what the crap she’s talking about. Haha.

Tattoos… none. I’m just… not able to find something that I can put on my body right now that would still pertain to me 50 years from now.

MAC or PC… PC. I just… can’t make that switch. Although,I want to. But I can’t. but I want to.

80’s Music… oooh! YES PLEASE! Sunglasses at night! Sweet dreams are made of these! I love 80s music.

What’s on your iPod? I have just about everything on my iPod(s). I listen to it all. And I mean ALL. I used to work in Spanish radio so I have a lot of Spanish music, Country, Pop, Dance, Lounge… I can’t stop listening to Landon Pigg, Matt Nathanson, Sarah Bareilles, Priscilla Ahn.  I started listening to Pandora.com and it’s brilliant! It’s such a great way to keep up with new music!

Morning or Night? I function regardless of what time it is. I am usually still awake at 3am and up again by 10am or so…

My friends say… I have no idea what they say. I should ask them.

Travel Dreams… I desperately want to go to Italy. Brazil. Egypt. Germany.

On my day off… I’m sorry… my what?

One of your top 100 to do before you die? Live to hear the day when my son says that he understands, appreciates, and respects the way I raised him, the way I fell short of his expectations for one reason or another or was unfair. I hope that one day he can look at me and say, “while I didn’t agree with it at the time, I understand now. I get it.And I thank you.” Because that’s how I feel about my parents…

Favorite homemade meal? Anything that my Welita (grandmother) makes is ridiculously tasty. My mom makes a KILLER cornflake chicken, and my aunt’s brisket is to die for! And I can make some pretty RAD Poptarts!!!

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