Outsourcing

Business vs. Stay at Home

Those of you who know me, know that in addition to being the amazing photographer that I am (hehe), I am also a full time mommy. This past Monday, I made my way to Long Beach, for the WPPI roadtrip conference. A bunch of "tion" words come to mind when trying to describe my day, inspiration, motivation, conviction, overwhelmation ... =) jk on the last one. Anyway, one of the overriding themes of most of the speakers was: "OUTSOURCE!"

I was thinking about this today.... and as a business, especially photography, it makes sense to do what we do best, and have other take those the things we're not so good at. For most photographers, this is editing and post processing. For me, I think it will be marketing and accounting. =/ I was definitely not trained in either of those areas.

Then, I got to thinking about everything else I do in my life and what else I'm not so good at (or just dont like doing) and what can I outsource???? Of course, this came to me as I was vacuuming my car. =)

Where is the balance between the DIY side of being a housewife and mommy and the I just am not good at that. I'm always shocked at the projects and "fix it"s that my husband takes on. I usually just think "why dont you just work an extra OT hour and hire someone to fix our toilet"... but he's a hands on guys, so more power to him. Me, on the other hand.... I could most definitely outsource cleaning, dishes (which have been clean in the dishwasher for 2 days) and LAUNDRY!!! oh, how the laundry is never ending. but... then I'd probably just spend that time working or playing on facebook or pinterest. So I guess I'll table the idea to outsource my "housewife" duties for now, but I think it will just have to come up again in the future. =)

p.s. I have to give my husband tons and tons of credit for all of the "housewify" things he helps out with around the house. not only does he do all his work laundry at the firestation, but he also does a good majority of our housecleaning... so what am I complaining about?

The Groomsmen Blog

From uncomfortable to just hanging out

Groomsmen are usually the most reluctant people to take their wedding pictures.

The groom has the love for his bride, and is ready to go along with whatever she wants for the day.

The Bridesmaids spent all kinds of time getting all beautified and now they get to show it off.

Families, really want to remember that day, so are actually pushing to make sure they get that great picture.

....but those groomsmen... they probably wont even look at the wedding pictures. They're there for their friend, but could care less about the pictures.

So.... its my job to make them comfortable and have some fun. I know its like 100 degrees out in this field in Perris, and you're in long pants, closed toed shoes, vests, and jackets, but common.... let's smile. =) just kidding. its way harder than that. Check out this 10-15 minute progression of these groomsmen that went from "super stiff" to laughing and having fun. I can't take all the credit because they stepped up and cracked some jokes when I asked, and kuddos to the groom who was the MOST relaxed of them all (for all of his pictures). Tons of fun. I love my job!

Lorence is 2!

Corona Fun Children's Photographer

I've been doing Lorence's Pictures since he was just about 6 months old.... and I just cant believe that he's 2 this week. I'm lucky to get to see this cutie grow up and even more lucky to get to go to his ZOO birthday party this weekend. ...and I dont mean zoo themed, I mean they are actually taking us all to the zoo! I might be more excited than my kids. =)

So, back to the photoshoot. Lorence is QUICK!!! I mean that kid can sprint across a park faster than Ricky Bobby on a racetrack! But, our bigger challenge was getting him to smile. Let's just say he wasn't feelin it this day. I came with all these great ideas (balloons, chair, luggage...), and we DID get a few of them, but Lorence decided that he was over my camera, and really just wanted his daddy. Given the situation, I think we still got some great shots for Lorence's 2 year old pictures.

Daniel + Kelli {i do}

Inland Empire Wedding Photographer

I met Kelli and Daniel earlier this year as they were planning their July wedding. They had a specific style they were looking for, a photographer that matched their personalities. These two are fun, comfortable and really relaxed. They love the outdoors and being adventurous and most of all, they love each other and you can see it in their eyes.

You may remember their engagement session at the corona river bottom. This spring location was green and blooming but it still took a bit of a hike to get there. ...good thing they like hiking. =) I had so much fun with them that I couldn't wait for their wedding. Not only are they two gorgeous people, but they put together a beautiful wedding at Kelli's parent's home. Daniel did almost all of the landscaping and you would think that this location was "meant" for weddings. The attention to details and wonderful ambiance made for a romantic, fun and beautiful wedding.

venue: Pershing Residence, Perris, ca

make up: Mai Ta

catering: Simply Divine Cuisine

cake: Simply Smashing Cakes

Celina + Andrew {engaged}

Redlands Engagement Photographer

Celina and Andrew picked an amazing Catholic Retreat Center for their engagement pictures.... but it was closed. hehe. So we made our way to a nearby park to get some beautiful greenery around a fishing pond as our backdrop. After relaxing into a fun engagement session, these two got used to my "non-posey" style and started to just laugh and enjoy an afternoon together. We then made our way to downtown Redlands where the setting sun and alleyways set the romantic mood. Enjoy!

The beautiful Taylor & my chair

Temecula Bridal Photographer

I need to thank the beautiful Taylor Ford for modeling for me. I am proud to show off my newest and super hot antique chair! Old Town Temecula (and other various hot spots in Temecula) made for a beautiful backdrop for my newest "toy".

Matheus Family

Temecula Family Photographer

How cute is this little family! Luis and Jasmine are new parents to their cutie, 6 month old son, Gavin. Luis is a friend and fellow firefighter with my husband & has been kind enough to hire me not only to do Gavin's newborn pictures, but also his family pictures (a combo mother's day gift... good husband huh?). Old Town Temecula was the perfect place, and luckily.... it wasn't scorching hot, to get some fun FIRST family pictures!

Gavin, even though it was past his bedtime, was such a trooper and gave us some great smiles. Happy boy, Happy mommy and Happy daddy!