Ahhh, Loverboy. Who doesn't love them some early-80s-hair-glam-meets-bad-clothes-from-the-end-of-the-70s? But, they spin a pretty good tune, namely: "Workin for the Weekend".
And speaking of working for the weekend, that's exactly what I did. Well, some of it, anyways. The part where I wasn't working, I kind of wished I was!
Saturday I assisted my friend Colleen Bell in shooting a Mormon wedding at the LA Temple in Santa Monica, then followed with a reception later in the afternoon in Fullerton. Fullerton's a great place, mainly a college town, known not only for its Cal State University campus, but also for Fullerton JC. But tucked away just off of some of the main streets are these amazing, older homes that make you wonder if you've been teleported out of Southern California. With the exception of still seeing all of the telltale flora that is the trademark of SoCal, you wouldn't know *where* you landed. We were lucky enough to shoot in one of *those* homes, large and beautiful and very rural, with a 2-level backyard (well, also with a 3rd level, where the horses and chickens resided). There were NO streetlights or sidewalks in this cul-de-sac. Tons of tall, dense trees. It was pitch black at night, no light pollution whatsoever! Literally, there were businesses maybe as little as 1 -2 miles away, but you would not guess it from this sleepy and charming street.
I've assisted Colleen on a Mormon wedding before. As most of you know, photographers aren't allowed inside during the private ceremonies. But what was especially nice about this particular event was that the bride and groom held a ring service at the ceremony for their guests that weren't present at the first ceremony at the Temple. Being that there were 2 levels to the backyard, I was able to second shoot from the upper level and get a wonderful bird's-eye view from above, while Colleen stayed down below and shot from among the guests. What was also great was how easy a day this was, as far as shooting a wedding goes... the bride and groom were relaxed and very down-to-earth, not demanding at all; they were more interested in documenting the day as a whole, and capturing the candids that make a social and special day what it is. And THAT is what I love about second shooting! I get a chance to see those unscripted moments and capture them. You know the kind I'm talking about: the kind that you suddenly see the bride cracking up at a joke in-between formal portraits; a child running a finger over the frosting of the cake... the "slice-of-life" moments that you keep going back to look at, over and over. The ones that make you laugh, the ones that capture your heart, the ones overflowing with emotion, the ones that you can't imagine *not* seeing.
I'd also like to add that shooting a wedding -- while it is physical labor and constant mental effort -- that I can't classify it as "work". Work is something you do because you have to do it. How does the saying go? "If it was fun, it wouldn't be work!" Well, while out of convenience I may call it work, I don't consider it work! (and it sounds awkward to say: "I have fun to do; I'm shooting a wedding today.") I love what I do and wouldn't want to trade ANY of those moments that I constantly go back and reflect on, and feel like they've enriched my life (hopefully just as much as my photography enriches the lives of my subjects too). And working with Colleen is a joy--she's supportive, complimentary and a positive person to work with. And she and her husband (and the kids) are such good (and fun!) people. There's a lot of people I definitely feel so lucky to have met, and she's one of them. There's so many cutthroat photographers out there that are protective, competitive and secretive about what they do... that when you find a truly good one -- one who is talented AND a good person as well -- it makes you want to pass it on. (I've talked about this pay it forward concept before in my first post; in case you missed it, you can read more about it here.)
Anyways... since I was so exhausted, I took Saturday night to stay in and rest up and NOT go out to see my fave 80s cover band, Flash Back Heart Attack. (Being that I see them play all the time, I knew it wasn't the end of the world to miss one night) Sunday, I attended a gorgeous, lavish and fun wedding for a dear friend at the Mission Inn -- love that place! It was weird to not have a camera in hand (well, not a pro version. I did bring my little pocket camera, I never go anywhere without it). I realized then I really WANTED to be wandering around, capturing the details, the unscripted moments, meeting people. But I have to say, the photographer they hired, Cean Orrett, did a FANTASTIC job. He put the pictures he and his assistant had already taken and put them on his laptop and created a slideshow (something I had already planned on doing at my next wedding), which they placed on the reception table during the dinner hour. Oh, and I got a chance to wear a really cute dress and killer dark red crocodile-textured heels! My feet are so sensitive that I can only wear comfy shoes when shooting a wedding. :-) Even then, my big toes tend to go numb at the end of a long day on my feet!
I'd like to add, a moment off-topic mind you (but you already know that I tend to be a stream-of-consciousness-type, but I always try to get back to my main point), while you may think that this is a poor idea, to mention and provide links to other photographers, that I'm a believer that there is something and someONE for everyone. Not just when it comes to marriage, but in choosing your photographer, which is why I will promote others as well as myself as long as I believe in them, not just in talent, but in personality. I figure if you like my photos, what I have to sell is MYSELF. You will hire me not because I'm marginally better than every other photographer you've seen or met, or because my prices are better or worse than anyone else, but because we connect and we are going to be in tandem on your big day. And what you're telling me -- or whomever you hire -- is that you believe in me for much more than just any job. You are showing that you TRUST and BELIEVE in me to capture -- forever -- one of the most important days of your life. And I take that very, very seriously. But I also believe in fun, and that everything in life can subscribe to a "work hard, play hard" attitude. And when you marry ('scuse the pun) those two aspects, well -- life is just a whole lot more enjoyable.
So I guess I've rambled enough for tonight. I'm going to be posting some pix tomorrow -- you know, the whole reason you've come to my site in the first place! To LOOK AT PICTURES! Today has been about recovering from all the wedding fun, but I'm ready to get back to work and get my site up to speed so I can launch it. If I'm on top of things, I hope to do that this week.
Until next time, peace out!
Monday, August 10, 2009
Thursday, August 6, 2009
It's a Nice WEEK for a White Wedding ...
... or 2, or 3...
It's wedding season, there's no doubt about it! (No Doubt? But that's a Billy Idol song I'm quoting!). And as an aside/digression... RIP John Hughes, who passed away today. An icon of the 80s himself as director of all things great, wonderful and teen-angsty in the movie world, it was so sad to hear he is no longer here. I think everyone I know owns at LEAST 4 or 5 of his movies at home, on VHS, on DVD... and will watch reruns of them all on TV anytime they are on even if they own them! (I know I do) To pay my respects, I am going to see my good friends and their 80s cover band play tonight in Costa Mesa, CA. I told them they better cover Simple Minds' "Don't You... Forget About Me" as a tribute! Plus, they are truly an AMAZING band, please do me a favor and check them out: Flash Back Heart Attack; or, see samples of them live on YouTube. And YES, they do cover Billy Idol's "Dancing With Myself" and segueway into "Mony Mony" as well. They are the best time you will have revisiting your past while experiencing MUCH red leather, skinny ties and wigs and sunglasses!
So, speaking of White Wedding Season:
This weekend and following week will be a blast! I am assisting a good friend on a Mormon wedding up in LA (Santa Monica, CA) on Saturday, with reception in the evening in Fullerton, CA. Being that Fullerton is my old stomping grounds from my college days, it will be nice to hang out there again. (Well, not like I'm never there. I was actually just up there today too) Sunday I am ATTENDING a good friend's wedding at the historic Mission Inn, in Riverside, CA. This is a GORGEOUS venue, and was even lucky enough to shoot one of my first weddings there myself (as well as an engagement session). It will be fun to go as a guest, but I'm always looking around, looking for great places to shoot in the future. :-)
Next week I am shooting a small, intimate wedding on the beach in Laguna Beach, CA. This will be a simple and classic evening at sunset for a lovely couple I was referred to by another photographer friend in Arizona -- they are coming to CA and my friend asked if I would be able to shoot it for them. I met with them the last time I was in AZ a few weeks back and they are such a fun-loving, playful couple and seem incredibly down-to-earth. Next week will be a pleasure!
Then, at the beginning of September, I'm taking a day to drive up to Santa Barbara, CA to check out the venue and surrounding areas for a wedding I will be shooting there later in the month. So many great things to look forward to!
So, with that in mind and all the great things coming up... here is a closing thought, in honor of the late John Hughes:
It's wedding season, there's no doubt about it! (No Doubt? But that's a Billy Idol song I'm quoting!). And as an aside/digression... RIP John Hughes, who passed away today. An icon of the 80s himself as director of all things great, wonderful and teen-angsty in the movie world, it was so sad to hear he is no longer here. I think everyone I know owns at LEAST 4 or 5 of his movies at home, on VHS, on DVD... and will watch reruns of them all on TV anytime they are on even if they own them! (I know I do) To pay my respects, I am going to see my good friends and their 80s cover band play tonight in Costa Mesa, CA. I told them they better cover Simple Minds' "Don't You... Forget About Me" as a tribute! Plus, they are truly an AMAZING band, please do me a favor and check them out: Flash Back Heart Attack; or, see samples of them live on YouTube. And YES, they do cover Billy Idol's "Dancing With Myself" and segueway into "Mony Mony" as well. They are the best time you will have revisiting your past while experiencing MUCH red leather, skinny ties and wigs and sunglasses!
So, speaking of White Wedding Season:
This weekend and following week will be a blast! I am assisting a good friend on a Mormon wedding up in LA (Santa Monica, CA) on Saturday, with reception in the evening in Fullerton, CA. Being that Fullerton is my old stomping grounds from my college days, it will be nice to hang out there again. (Well, not like I'm never there. I was actually just up there today too) Sunday I am ATTENDING a good friend's wedding at the historic Mission Inn, in Riverside, CA. This is a GORGEOUS venue, and was even lucky enough to shoot one of my first weddings there myself (as well as an engagement session). It will be fun to go as a guest, but I'm always looking around, looking for great places to shoot in the future. :-)
Next week I am shooting a small, intimate wedding on the beach in Laguna Beach, CA. This will be a simple and classic evening at sunset for a lovely couple I was referred to by another photographer friend in Arizona -- they are coming to CA and my friend asked if I would be able to shoot it for them. I met with them the last time I was in AZ a few weeks back and they are such a fun-loving, playful couple and seem incredibly down-to-earth. Next week will be a pleasure!
Then, at the beginning of September, I'm taking a day to drive up to Santa Barbara, CA to check out the venue and surrounding areas for a wedding I will be shooting there later in the month. So many great things to look forward to!
So, with that in mind and all the great things coming up... here is a closing thought, in honor of the late John Hughes:
"Life moves pretty fast. You don't stop and look around once in a while, you might miss it."
--Ferris Bueller's Day Off (one of my ALL TIME favorites, EVER!)
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Building a Mystery...
... or a brand, as the case may be. (Again, if you know me, you know I quote movies and music. "Building a Mystery" is a song title by Sarah McLachlan... TECHNICALLY, I believe it's a song about vampires. But considering I'm usually up all night almost every night and sleep in late, I guess it's not TOO far off the mark. And as a redhead, I have that oh-so-fair whiteness characterized by vampires too, I suppose. Although, I never did get on the whole "Twilight" or "Vampire Chronicles" bandwagon... I was more a sci-fi and "Witching Hour" series type-of-girl. But hey, originality is what makes the world go round, no?) ;-)
And that non sequitur brings me right back to my point of this post: Building a Brand, which hinges on originality. There's something as a trained graphic artist (with a degree in Communications Advertising) I learned long ago, and I heard this again recently when taking marketing classes from amazing photog and marketer Sarah Petty; and that is: when you create a logo, you want it to be unique, timeless and enduring. Your logo is like your face, your personal identity... and if you are constantly changing your look (basically, what people associate with you), then you cannot build consistency. And at the root of consistency is TRUST. You don't see changes from Nike's classic "swoosh" logo, do you? Or the script writing of Coca-Cola? (although they have "evolved" over the years, they have kept their signature look and feel. And people are comfortable with what they know... and when their fave brands, such as Pepsi, go out on a ledge and stray from what their faithful fans know, they rebel. Really? Crystal Pepsi? Who could bring themselves to associate a cola drink with a beverage that was CLEAR? Too weird. So glad I gave those up eons ago!) ;-)
So in building my new brand as I venture into creating a new website that is based on photography only, I have been killing myself for no less than 6 months now, trying to create the "perfect" logo that I will not get tired of, that will represent me, my personality and my style, and will also be classic and enduring. It will be on EVERYTHING, from thank-you notes to my clients, to pictures I post on the web, in my blog, etc and so forth. And as a trained graphic artist and what I admit to be a rabid perfectionist, I have not hit my mark yet. I keep changing my mind, I can't settle on anything. I am TRULY my own worst client and it's completely frustrating!
And then Sarah Petty, in her infinite wisdom, said during class: "trade services if you have to with a graphic artist; they can design for you, and you can do pictures for them." DUH! Brilliant! (And, as an aside, PLEASE check out Sarah's site: The Joy of Marketing. She "speaks" and marries the two worlds--and their distinctly different languages--of the art of photography meets the art of marketing. She's amazing and inspiring! Thank you, Sarah!!)
So like the old joke: "How many _____ (fill in the blank) does it take to screw in a lightbulb?" Well, if we fill in the blank with "photographers" (or in this case, "Karen ReVelles") and the lightbulb is a metaphor for the brilliant missing idea, then the answer is this:
ONE.
It takes only ONE of me to come up with the solution, which is this: I went to my trusty and good friend Cheryl, with whom I have worked with for YEARS as a graphic artist (she's a brilliant AD -- Art Director -- now, and I just love her to pieces. She's quirky, funny, a great sport and a SUPER-talented artist). She's got the cutest kids who have inherited her hilarious personality. So I made exactly that offer to her! What helps is that she knows me and my style, my personality and my photography. So, she knows what will fit me. And I gave her what I had come up with to start, and gave her all of my own misgivings, what I liked and didn't like. And I gave her carte blanche to evolve what I had started, or even go somewhere totally new. Tonight I got a draft from her... and I LOVE IT!! She's super-cali-fragilistic-brilliant!
So with a few more ideas from her (overall web design direction, plus her input for my signature color choices, etc), I will soon be able to unveil my new site. I'm so excited! So this post is all about giving props to talented people... and also to knowing when to ask for help, and to focus yourself on what you do best. And for me, what I do best is relate to my wonderful clients, and take their pictures to tell their amazing stories using all the dancing light available to me.
(p.s. -- Also hoping that tomorrow night goes through as planned: I'm hoping to do a couples' shoot at the OC Fair, and I know EXACTLY what I want. I went last week with my friend and her hubby and their 2 adorable little ones, and got such fun and whimsical images that really captured the innocence and wonder of their first times ever at such a colorful and larger-than-life event. Stay tuned!)
nite nite,
-kr
And that non sequitur brings me right back to my point of this post: Building a Brand, which hinges on originality. There's something as a trained graphic artist (with a degree in Communications Advertising) I learned long ago, and I heard this again recently when taking marketing classes from amazing photog and marketer Sarah Petty; and that is: when you create a logo, you want it to be unique, timeless and enduring. Your logo is like your face, your personal identity... and if you are constantly changing your look (basically, what people associate with you), then you cannot build consistency. And at the root of consistency is TRUST. You don't see changes from Nike's classic "swoosh" logo, do you? Or the script writing of Coca-Cola? (although they have "evolved" over the years, they have kept their signature look and feel. And people are comfortable with what they know... and when their fave brands, such as Pepsi, go out on a ledge and stray from what their faithful fans know, they rebel. Really? Crystal Pepsi? Who could bring themselves to associate a cola drink with a beverage that was CLEAR? Too weird. So glad I gave those up eons ago!) ;-)
So in building my new brand as I venture into creating a new website that is based on photography only, I have been killing myself for no less than 6 months now, trying to create the "perfect" logo that I will not get tired of, that will represent me, my personality and my style, and will also be classic and enduring. It will be on EVERYTHING, from thank-you notes to my clients, to pictures I post on the web, in my blog, etc and so forth. And as a trained graphic artist and what I admit to be a rabid perfectionist, I have not hit my mark yet. I keep changing my mind, I can't settle on anything. I am TRULY my own worst client and it's completely frustrating!
And then Sarah Petty, in her infinite wisdom, said during class: "trade services if you have to with a graphic artist; they can design for you, and you can do pictures for them." DUH! Brilliant! (And, as an aside, PLEASE check out Sarah's site: The Joy of Marketing. She "speaks" and marries the two worlds--and their distinctly different languages--of the art of photography meets the art of marketing. She's amazing and inspiring! Thank you, Sarah!!)
So like the old joke: "How many _____ (fill in the blank) does it take to screw in a lightbulb?" Well, if we fill in the blank with "photographers" (or in this case, "Karen ReVelles") and the lightbulb is a metaphor for the brilliant missing idea, then the answer is this:
ONE.
It takes only ONE of me to come up with the solution, which is this: I went to my trusty and good friend Cheryl, with whom I have worked with for YEARS as a graphic artist (she's a brilliant AD -- Art Director -- now, and I just love her to pieces. She's quirky, funny, a great sport and a SUPER-talented artist). She's got the cutest kids who have inherited her hilarious personality. So I made exactly that offer to her! What helps is that she knows me and my style, my personality and my photography. So, she knows what will fit me. And I gave her what I had come up with to start, and gave her all of my own misgivings, what I liked and didn't like. And I gave her carte blanche to evolve what I had started, or even go somewhere totally new. Tonight I got a draft from her... and I LOVE IT!! She's super-cali-fragilistic-brilliant!
So with a few more ideas from her (overall web design direction, plus her input for my signature color choices, etc), I will soon be able to unveil my new site. I'm so excited! So this post is all about giving props to talented people... and also to knowing when to ask for help, and to focus yourself on what you do best. And for me, what I do best is relate to my wonderful clients, and take their pictures to tell their amazing stories using all the dancing light available to me.
(p.s. -- Also hoping that tomorrow night goes through as planned: I'm hoping to do a couples' shoot at the OC Fair, and I know EXACTLY what I want. I went last week with my friend and her hubby and their 2 adorable little ones, and got such fun and whimsical images that really captured the innocence and wonder of their first times ever at such a colorful and larger-than-life event. Stay tuned!)
nite nite,
-kr
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Justin & Jessica's Wedding
I’m so happy to be able to post this. I’m getting ready to post proofs to Justin & Jessica’s wedding on my zenfolio site, but before I do, I have to post this slideshow (made with David Jay’s ShowItWeb) of the highlights of their wedding. I’m also VERY proud to feature music with it composed and performed by my friend Danny Hamilton, who is simply amazing and so entertaining to see perform live. Check him out, you won’t be sorry.
I was lucky enough to meet Justin & Jessica through a contact of my mom. Turns out I even went to the same high school as the groom (although I may have graduated just a **wee** bit ahead of him, but we’ll not get into that now). They are the most laid-back, easygoing couple, so easy to be around, and I knew we’d all be a good fit because we all laughed a lot, and they didn’t mind being silly. I was especially touched by the strength of not only their family ties, but the great group of friends at the wedding… very open, very friendly and lots of fun to be with!
The wedding was close to our old high school in Tustin, CA, at St Cecilia’s Catholic Church. I was especially lucky because the Reverend (Father? Pastor? I’m ashamed to admit I don’t know all of the proper terminology) approved my use of flash in the church during the ceremony. I was in the back room before the ceremony with the groom and his best man, and I happened to be talking to the “church lady” (aka church events coordinator), and I stated I knew that I couldn’t use flash, but how high would the lights be turned up? The Reverend (we’ll stick with that for now) overheard this conversation and said, “Of COURSE you can use flash!” I looked nervously at the church lady (let’s just say I’d been warned she was a little stern), and said “Really? You don’t mind?” And he replied with a hearty, “Not at all! I’m the boss! I make the rules.” I think I might have said that I loved him, then I quickly backtracked, realizing that MAY have come out just a BIT too effusive. I did thank him heartily (as the church lady put forth a few more stipulations about WHEN I couldn’t use the flash), but I was giddy that I would be able to capture some otherwise difficult-to-get shots.
I had pre-scouted the area around Laguna Hills for a good place to get formal portraits, and had been referred to the Community Center in Laguna Hills. Huge soccer fields, a beautiful little water fountain area, and a playground next to which I found… a charming covered (but open) gazebo-like area with glowing foliage and the cover overhead gave the most gorgeous illumination to everyone’s faces. Jessica just glowed! I know it could have been the stellar lighting conditions, but I’m betting that the events of the day contributed to her beauty that day as well.
The rest of the night was about the celebration. I was especially touched by the grace and humor of the “Man of Honor’s” speech. (Jessica had her brother in place of a Maid of Honor) He told about their “sci-fi Sundays” and was worried when Jess got married that they wouldn’t be able to continue the tradition. To which he continued that Jessica told Jeremy (the Man of Honor) that Justin watches football on Sundays, so not to worry! Sci-Fi Sundays would remain untouched and intact. (Sci-fi? My kinda people!)
So without further ado, watch as Justin & Jessica celebrate their big day. Beautiful people, inside and out, made this just a wonderful and fun day to shoot. Thanks Justin & Jess, for your trust and faith in me to help capture your special day!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Here I am... rocked you like a hurricane
Hello friends, family, clients, potential clients, cruisers-by, and so on…
(The title of my blog post is, well — posted — with apologies to the Scorpions and other general hair-band-era songs. In getting to know me, you’ll see I quote and appropriate many lines from songs, TV shows and movies. Stay with me. You’ll either love it or hate it… but it’s totally me, and that’s the point of a blog. Right? RIGHT?! **tap tap tap** Hello? Anyone? Is this thing ON?? **cricket, cricket** **tumbleweed…**)
Well, after much resistance (“resistance is futile!” –sorry, a quick Star Trek: TNG non-sequitur there. See? I’m doing it already), I am hopping on the photographer’s blog bandwagon. It occurs to me in this day and age, not to mention this ECONOMY right now, that viral marketing is the way to go. I could advertise on TheKnot.com, or similarly-themed bridal sites, and I have plans to do this at some point. Of course, having a booth at a bridal show is also a fantastic way to “put myself out there” too. But gosh, golly, gee, turns out these primo veins of showcasing myself is kinda pricey. And I keep reading up on my favorite photographer’s blogs, and it turns out often that their businesses got started through word-of-mouth themselves (and don’t get me wrong: they also employed good old-fashioned hard work and elbow grease). I love this! I am also on Twitter (KarenRPhoto, please follow me! There’s a badge and a mini-feed at the right of this column), and I plan on creating a Facebook “Fan” page soon as well. I am working on a brand-new website where I can show off, but in the meantime, this will have to do for mini-updates in my world. And by following me on Twitter, I will not only let you know what I’m up to, but I will also post specials and incentives for keeping up with my business. (Such as free prints with the purchase of a sitting, a few free 8×10s with the purchase of a gallery wrap, etc). What’s especially exciting is that I can post images quickly after a shoot, so you can share in my excitement… and with any luck, they’ll get you inspired too! And of course, I welcome comments, posts, suggestions… and without reservation, your unending adulation of all things wonderful that is me. (haha, this is a rather self-deprecating remark, in that I rarely spout my own virtues, but if you want to say I’m wonderful, it would be RUDE of me to stop you. Enough about me. Now you tell me about me.) ;-)
Oh. And if you feel so inspired, please, please, share this blog, my website, anything and everything pertinent (as long as it’s GOOD!) about me to your friends, family, acquaintances and so on. I’m a big believer in rewarding good people with good, random acts of kindness… and so in I return will give YOU incentives for doing so. If I hear you’ve been referred to me and we book a shoot, I will give you a percentage off your next shoot with me and/or free prints, etc. You get the idea. I’m a big believer in karma and the whole “Do unto others…” concept. Besides, it’s just nice to be nice, you know? A friend once said it takes a whole lot more muscles to frown than it does to smile, so take a smile and pass it on. Even if someone else doesn’t appreciate it, don’t YOU feel good for trying? It’s kind of catching. Sometimes I still remember small things that people do for me days later, whether it’s opening a door with a smile, or whatever. And you may never see the domino effect your small, easy-to-do good deed does to someone else, but who cares? It’s always nice to hear, but it’s what’s in your heart that counts. (and that’s what I try to capture in a shoot… what’s in your heart)
As a tangent to this concept… I used to work in music stores for many years, most of which have now gone the way of the dinosaur, the impetus being this very development by which you are able to read this: the internet (You used to work in music stores? You don’t say! You quote song lyrics all the time. Hmmm. Wonder where THAT habit started, hmmmmmm?!) While at Cal State Fullerton, I worked at the local Wherehouse (Music, Movies and More! was their tagline). Besides working in the sales dept, I often worked in movie rentals too. The “regulars” would come in. Some of them ALWAYS had a smile ready. Some seemed like they had permanent grimace lines etched into their faces. My personal goal was to get the frownies to talk and THEN: to talk with a smile. It became a mini obsession of sorts. I’m TRULY one of those “people-persons” that you hear about. I’m generally a happy person by nature. I wear my emotions on my sleeve. And in doing so, I hope a little of that happiness rubs off on those other people. I know it’s probably not the healthiest trait in the world, but a lot of my own positive self-esteem hinges on other people’s reactions and opinions of me. So if I made someone else’s day a little brighter, I feel really, really good about that.
And, if I can make someone’s LIFE a little brighter with my photos… well then, that’s even more amazing to me. I’ve been allowed to capture special moments and immortalize them. If those images bring days, weeks, months or even years of happiness to those people, can you imagine how happy that makes ME? To be able to help people’s lives be just a little better, no matter how big or small, or however we choose this path, it’s part of that chain I described above. I think general human nature is to “pass it on.” Right? I mean, when you’re driving and someone cuts you off in traffic, or looks like they’re angry and they wave their hands around like angry monkeys in the wild flinging you-know-what, don’t you end up irritable and angry too? Have you ever tried to end up tailgating them, or trying to go around them and cut them off? SO not productive, but you THINK it will make you feel better. Or then, you get into work and end up in a foul mood because of one isolated incident. Which incidentally, is not about you, it’s just how we naturally internalize these actions that happen upon us from someone else’s foul mood. But when someone does the unexpected — returns a lost trinket to you that you didn’t know you’d dropped while walking ahead of them, holds a door open just to be nice, lets you go in front of them at the grocery store because you have 3 items and they have like 18, despite the fact they got there ahead of you – doesn’t that make you feel good? And you go into your next destination all happy and wanting to do something nice for someone else? See? It’s human nature to pass along good will when it happens to you. (I had an ex-boyfriend who would occasionally go through the drive-thru, and every so often, even though he wasn’t rich, would just randomly pay for the meal for the person behind him in line. [It may have been because it was a cute girl. I don't know!] He wouldn’t leave a name or any info… he would just say, “I’d like to pay for the order of the person behind me.” THAT is a great thing.)
So. Umm. I guess now I should get off my happy happy joy joy soapbox. Now what? Um… for those of you new here and don’t know me… do you want to hear about my background, where I came from …? (It all started in the mile-high city of Denver one stormy night, when a blizzard blew in…) Do you want to know about my specialities? Do you want to know about my current jobs? (well, the purpose of this blog is kinda about that anyways… so you’ll get that, like it or not!) Do you want to know what kind of services I offer? (photographic services, wise-guy/gal! Don’t get me started with smart-mouthed comments!) Let me know. I’m sure eventually this blog will take on a life of its own. But for now, give me some direction and I’ll try to take you there with me. I hope this entertains you and informs you equally. And seriously… in case you haven’t noticed, I write much like I talk: stream-of-consciousness… I run off on tangents, but I will always try to get back to the beginning and take you with me. I swear all of my tangents have a point. At least, in my convoluted little head they do. :-)
In the meantime… thanks so much for stopping by. I look forward to meeting all of you. And, look out, world! Because … (wait for it… wait for it…) HERE I AM! ROCKED YOU LIKE A HURRICANE!
Oh! And in the next post, I’m adding some pix of a recent shoot I did too. Happy reading — and looking!
peace out,
karen revelle
(The title of my blog post is, well — posted — with apologies to the Scorpions and other general hair-band-era songs. In getting to know me, you’ll see I quote and appropriate many lines from songs, TV shows and movies. Stay with me. You’ll either love it or hate it… but it’s totally me, and that’s the point of a blog. Right? RIGHT?! **tap tap tap** Hello? Anyone? Is this thing ON?? **cricket, cricket** **tumbleweed…**)
Well, after much resistance (“resistance is futile!” –sorry, a quick Star Trek: TNG non-sequitur there. See? I’m doing it already), I am hopping on the photographer’s blog bandwagon. It occurs to me in this day and age, not to mention this ECONOMY right now, that viral marketing is the way to go. I could advertise on TheKnot.com, or similarly-themed bridal sites, and I have plans to do this at some point. Of course, having a booth at a bridal show is also a fantastic way to “put myself out there” too. But gosh, golly, gee, turns out these primo veins of showcasing myself is kinda pricey. And I keep reading up on my favorite photographer’s blogs, and it turns out often that their businesses got started through word-of-mouth themselves (and don’t get me wrong: they also employed good old-fashioned hard work and elbow grease). I love this! I am also on Twitter (KarenRPhoto, please follow me! There’s a badge and a mini-feed at the right of this column), and I plan on creating a Facebook “Fan” page soon as well. I am working on a brand-new website where I can show off, but in the meantime, this will have to do for mini-updates in my world. And by following me on Twitter, I will not only let you know what I’m up to, but I will also post specials and incentives for keeping up with my business. (Such as free prints with the purchase of a sitting, a few free 8×10s with the purchase of a gallery wrap, etc). What’s especially exciting is that I can post images quickly after a shoot, so you can share in my excitement… and with any luck, they’ll get you inspired too! And of course, I welcome comments, posts, suggestions… and without reservation, your unending adulation of all things wonderful that is me. (haha, this is a rather self-deprecating remark, in that I rarely spout my own virtues, but if you want to say I’m wonderful, it would be RUDE of me to stop you. Enough about me. Now you tell me about me.) ;-)
Oh. And if you feel so inspired, please, please, share this blog, my website, anything and everything pertinent (as long as it’s GOOD!) about me to your friends, family, acquaintances and so on. I’m a big believer in rewarding good people with good, random acts of kindness… and so in I return will give YOU incentives for doing so. If I hear you’ve been referred to me and we book a shoot, I will give you a percentage off your next shoot with me and/or free prints, etc. You get the idea. I’m a big believer in karma and the whole “Do unto others…” concept. Besides, it’s just nice to be nice, you know? A friend once said it takes a whole lot more muscles to frown than it does to smile, so take a smile and pass it on. Even if someone else doesn’t appreciate it, don’t YOU feel good for trying? It’s kind of catching. Sometimes I still remember small things that people do for me days later, whether it’s opening a door with a smile, or whatever. And you may never see the domino effect your small, easy-to-do good deed does to someone else, but who cares? It’s always nice to hear, but it’s what’s in your heart that counts. (and that’s what I try to capture in a shoot… what’s in your heart)
As a tangent to this concept… I used to work in music stores for many years, most of which have now gone the way of the dinosaur, the impetus being this very development by which you are able to read this: the internet (You used to work in music stores? You don’t say! You quote song lyrics all the time. Hmmm. Wonder where THAT habit started, hmmmmmm?!) While at Cal State Fullerton, I worked at the local Wherehouse (Music, Movies and More! was their tagline). Besides working in the sales dept, I often worked in movie rentals too. The “regulars” would come in. Some of them ALWAYS had a smile ready. Some seemed like they had permanent grimace lines etched into their faces. My personal goal was to get the frownies to talk and THEN: to talk with a smile. It became a mini obsession of sorts. I’m TRULY one of those “people-persons” that you hear about. I’m generally a happy person by nature. I wear my emotions on my sleeve. And in doing so, I hope a little of that happiness rubs off on those other people. I know it’s probably not the healthiest trait in the world, but a lot of my own positive self-esteem hinges on other people’s reactions and opinions of me. So if I made someone else’s day a little brighter, I feel really, really good about that.
And, if I can make someone’s LIFE a little brighter with my photos… well then, that’s even more amazing to me. I’ve been allowed to capture special moments and immortalize them. If those images bring days, weeks, months or even years of happiness to those people, can you imagine how happy that makes ME? To be able to help people’s lives be just a little better, no matter how big or small, or however we choose this path, it’s part of that chain I described above. I think general human nature is to “pass it on.” Right? I mean, when you’re driving and someone cuts you off in traffic, or looks like they’re angry and they wave their hands around like angry monkeys in the wild flinging you-know-what, don’t you end up irritable and angry too? Have you ever tried to end up tailgating them, or trying to go around them and cut them off? SO not productive, but you THINK it will make you feel better. Or then, you get into work and end up in a foul mood because of one isolated incident. Which incidentally, is not about you, it’s just how we naturally internalize these actions that happen upon us from someone else’s foul mood. But when someone does the unexpected — returns a lost trinket to you that you didn’t know you’d dropped while walking ahead of them, holds a door open just to be nice, lets you go in front of them at the grocery store because you have 3 items and they have like 18, despite the fact they got there ahead of you – doesn’t that make you feel good? And you go into your next destination all happy and wanting to do something nice for someone else? See? It’s human nature to pass along good will when it happens to you. (I had an ex-boyfriend who would occasionally go through the drive-thru, and every so often, even though he wasn’t rich, would just randomly pay for the meal for the person behind him in line. [It may have been because it was a cute girl. I don't know!] He wouldn’t leave a name or any info… he would just say, “I’d like to pay for the order of the person behind me.” THAT is a great thing.)
So. Umm. I guess now I should get off my happy happy joy joy soapbox. Now what? Um… for those of you new here and don’t know me… do you want to hear about my background, where I came from …? (It all started in the mile-high city of Denver one stormy night, when a blizzard blew in…) Do you want to know about my specialities? Do you want to know about my current jobs? (well, the purpose of this blog is kinda about that anyways… so you’ll get that, like it or not!) Do you want to know what kind of services I offer? (photographic services, wise-guy/gal! Don’t get me started with smart-mouthed comments!) Let me know. I’m sure eventually this blog will take on a life of its own. But for now, give me some direction and I’ll try to take you there with me. I hope this entertains you and informs you equally. And seriously… in case you haven’t noticed, I write much like I talk: stream-of-consciousness… I run off on tangents, but I will always try to get back to the beginning and take you with me. I swear all of my tangents have a point. At least, in my convoluted little head they do. :-)
In the meantime… thanks so much for stopping by. I look forward to meeting all of you. And, look out, world! Because … (wait for it… wait for it…) HERE I AM! ROCKED YOU LIKE A HURRICANE!
Oh! And in the next post, I’m adding some pix of a recent shoot I did too. Happy reading — and looking!
peace out,
karen revelle
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