Doggy Portrait

A recent Bride and Groom that I photographed in February happen to be dog sitting yesterday. New Bride Jennifer stopped by about some wedding orders and shared the story of how an elderly lady that her husband stayed with some time ago became ill and had become concerned who would take care of her treasured pet while she was in the hospital. Jennifer and Ryan agreed to care for the dog until she came back home. So we did a quick "Doggy Portrait session"...along with a mat-framed portrait to give to the women in the hospital...all compliments of Studio 42. I could not think of a better gift to give a women in the hospital, especially when she was so concerned about her beloved pet. Get well soon! Carpe Diem.

Studio 42 and Mom

Took this photograph of the front entrance of the studio several days ago. Planned on using it for a headshot/promotion image. Still might, but for now will share it here. In my mind, the front area of the studio is always in development...my mind gets ideas often to move furniture or to move/hang new images all around. What about this? What about that? This comes from a good part of my mother in me...she is constantly redesigning the house I grew up in with new colors or just moving furniture (sometimes even buying new furniture when she really doesn't need it). So I usually cut myself some slack as I believe I come by it honestly. I love you Mom! Thanks for being such a powerful supporter of me and my photography. Carpe Diem!

No Opportunity Wasted!

It has been some time (part busy schedule, part procrastination), so I decided today to share a future journey I am planning to be part of with TV celebrity, author and spokesperson Phil Keoghan. Back in February, I was fortunate to photograph Phil Keoghan for a corporate client in a 2009 kick off! I had the privilege of hearing him talk about the movement he has been involved with for a good part of his life, entitled NO OPPORTUNITY WASTED. His NOW moment came out of an experience of being down in a 22,000 ton sunken ship, some 100+ feet below the surface of the water, realizing he was in the aloneness, with uncertainty and utter darkness all around him. This experience was so powerful, he describes in his book that it was the first time he had felt pure panic. Out of that life-threatening experience came the life philosophy of living each day to the fullest, living with no regrets and pushing forward to challenge oneself each and every day. As host of The Amazing Race, he sees individuals each season push themselves like they never thought possible. As I photographed him, his speech targeted something within me. And at one point, he talked about his upcoming trip across the United States, promoting his book and supporting MS. He was planning on a cross-country bike ride, to be done in 40 days, coast to coast. He then asked how many in attendance would join him in the ride? I was one of two people in a crowd of 200 to raise their hand. I knew I needed to embrace my own mantra and take the thought and talk to action. For me, NOW exists in the phrase "Carpe Diem", otherwise know as "Seize the Day!" At the end of April, he will be riding through the Chicago area. As things will have it, part of that time I will be working in the studio. But on Sunday, April 26, 2009, I will be riding with him in support of his efforts in Northwestern Indiana. I have recruited several friends to join me as I ride for 100+ miles with Phil, as I promised myself that day when I raised my hand. I plan on doing a pictorial of the journey, documenting our ride through the countryside of Indiana. For more information or to join me, sign up on his website at http://www.philridesacrossamerica.com/register.html. And if you get a chance, read his recent book entitled "No Opportunity Wasted: 8 Ways to Create a List for the Life You Want". Easy read, but challenging if you decide to create your lists for life! Carpe Diem!