Honest Marketing, Nikki and Marc: Anytime

So, I'm reading a book (well, actually, I just started it and I kinda skimmed through it to start with)...it speaks of marketing and the importance of honesty in your marketing approach. Like, instead of calling yourself the Premier Photographer of the World, just be honest about your business and who you are. So, for me, marketing would consist of the following plea (along with some 4-year-old style dancing and "pick me! pick me!):

I'm a single mom.
I love my kid. I love Jesus.
and I love photography.
The women. The men. The relationships. The love. The families. The moments.

Geez. My heart nearly beats out of my chest I get so excited.
How about every wedding I've shot I've nearly cried. Then I'm wiping my eyes with one hand and trying to balance my massive and horribly heavy lens and camera in the other hand, silently chiding myself, and capturing every tear-jerking, touching, endearing moment at the same time...

But it's true.
Honestly? Yeah, I've only been doing this for coming on a year. No, I don't know everything there is to know about photography--as a business or an art. But I love it. And I am driven. And I am good at what I do. I know that.

Yeah. That's about it. That's me.
Honest, no nonsense. That's who I am.

So, because every post is better with a picture (Jasmine Star gets credit for that one):
Introducing two FABULOUS people:

Nikki and Marc. Givers extraordinaire. They are opening a community house called House of the Rising Sun in the French Quarter starting in January of 2010, and doing all sorts of outreaches for the homeless and street kids. However, work is starting now, so please head over to Nikki's blog to find out more (and laugh alot) and help out where you can!

Mike: Headshots

Oh, man. I suck at this blog-writing thing. Busy, busy, busy. Breathe, Chelsea, breathe.


Thursday night (like 3 weeks ago--sometime end of February [yes, '09--I'm not THAT far behind!]), I headed to Auburn to see the University's production of Into the Woods, starring one of my best girlfriends, Courtney Labosky, as Jack's mother.

I love Courtney--good times at IHOP afterwards...if you wanna know me and Court's relationship, check out this pic:




Then, Friday afternoon (after going to the University clinic with Courtney because Ms. Klutz stepped on glass on her bedroom floor), we met up with Mike, who may be heading to LA (he's more into tv acting as opposed to live theatre like Court) and needed new headshots/promo shots. Courtney directed us to downtown Opelika where we found this awesome half-renovated old building on a corner. And I must say, I am pleased with the results (of course, Mike is a cutie--my momma thinks he's a "good-looking fellow")...



Here are a few of the shots I've edited so far:

Anna's Programs, A Sick Malachi

I just sat down with Anna and designed the program for her and Kyle's wedding at the beach in April. The front is three of their engagement portraits, and the back is their monogram and the order of service...
I can't let ya'll see till her wedding, though--it would ruin the surprise!
Speaking of which, I am SUPER-excited about finally being able to post her bridal portaits--better reign that excitement in for a few more months, though =D

Malachi has been sick. He's on antibiotics, but he keeps coughing and randomly running a high temp. I just want to cuddle him up...After Anna left, I came downstairs and tried to quitely sneak into my room without waking him...which was pointless, because he was awake--"You weft" he said sadly. "Why'd you weave me?" It was SO precious!

So, if you're on Facebook with me, you know I've been posting some recently edited photos from a Photographic Adventure I went on last Saturday with some friends of mine...

Here are some faves:







I am SO proud of my little man for this one. That's right--Malachi is a budding photographer. =D I think I may even give him a point and shoot digital for his birthday.

Biting the Bullet

I have been SO busy lately! I'm sitting in the living room right now with Britnee, Josiah, Momma, Aunt Sheri, Uncle Chip, my dad, and Tabi. Malachi's in his room presumably taking a nap, but a few minutes ago he was sitting in bed playing.



I am SO behind with the photo editing. I don't have any client work to do, but I want to finish the Fab 5 adventure pics, and all the ones from New Orleans last weekend. I do have a teaser for ya...

I am SO excited about new lenses. I got my list of *photog wishes* from Jasmine Star's blog where she lists everything in her bag--and let me tell you, I want EVERYTHING in her bag! I'll let you know when I actually bite the bullet and buy a new lens. Probably with my new camera.



Speaking of biting the bullet....I bit the bullet and bought the Bullet! The Magic Bullet that is...

I have seriously been wanting one for YEARS now and I saw it in Costco on sale for $40 and my heart just couldn't stop pounding...

Fast forward 24 hours and my whole family is exclaiming about how amazing my homemade cheesecake is...truly magic; thank you, Bullet. =D

John.

John.
Originally uploaded by Ryan Brenizer

This is my choice. This is my candidate. Because he supports life. Because he has the experience. Because he has chosen a most excellent running mate. Because he is presidential material. Because he does not plan to take my money and give to those who will not work.
And because he is not Obama.

Christmas special!

I'm also working up a package which includes the Christmas cards.

Christmas card pricing is $25 for 25 cards, ala carte.