I took this Panoramic on Saturday and put it together for today’s blog. It’s so late! I should have posted this earlier today…but it was a crazy Monday!

Just imagine this stretching across your entire screen…I wish I knew how to make this look as amazing as it really is. But small like this just doesn’t do it.

Oh well….

Yesterday we got a WHOLE bunch of stuff done.
First: Cleaned my room – Check! (it’s been a long time)
Second: Chris and Sam worked on the backyard…mowed & cleaned up – Check!
Third: Take the older kids on a hike for about 1.5 hours – Check!
Fourth: Go to Grandpa’s 87th Birthday Celebration (and be the official photographer) – Check!
I was able to document 3 of the 4 things that were accomplished today. I really didn’t feel like showing a before and after of my room…I’m just not quite ready to share my room (clean or not) with the rest of the world…so just imagine your bedroom when it’s messy and then again when it’s all clean…yep – that’s what mine looks like too 🙂
Sam – learning how to mow the lawn
Hiking with our friends…probably about 2 miles
Grandpa’s 87th Birthday
We love him so much!!

Happy Valentines day to me…
I know that I’m a hard person to shop for….it’s not that I’m picky. I just don’t wait around for stuff. If I really  want/need it I rationalize a way to get it…quick. (I’m not a big shopper…so it’s not like I’m crazy or anything)
I know that my husband tries really hard and always does well with surprising me this time of year.
(he is amazing – I love my hunny)
So, this year I want this:
My very own Kelly Moore Bag.
First off, you should know that I’ve never in my life wanted something “name brand” – I can do with a knock-off any day. If saving a few bucks will get me something “just as good”, then I’m willing to give it a try.
However – there is nothing out there “just as good” as Kelly Moore bags.
So – here is what I want. I plan on ordering it ASAP….Should I get Purple, Pink, or Red??
I hope my husband hasn’t already purchased something for me…otherwise he might just get this for Valentines day. I’m sure it will go great with his belt. 🙂

Here are a few of my recent assignments for my PhotoShop class.
I love being able to add to my skills with the computer and taking this online class is amazing. Although I know that we’ll be delving into more commercial applications (that might not apply to my photography) it’ll be good to simply know PhotoShop better than I currently do.
Cactus Sunset
I took the cacti from one image, made it a silhouette and added it to the sunset image. I made the Cacti blurry…trying to go for a different depth of field look.
Pink Tiger
This was simply changing the colors of the tiger and grass. It is amazing that I know how to do that now!!
I have no idea if this will ever be something I could use in conjunction with photography…but it’s still pretty cool.

Becoming a regular blogger is somewhat challenging. Surely everyone in the world has interesting things to talk about…right? well – I’m trying.

So today’s topic: making friends with your vendors – (also known as) – knowing your vendors

There are some vendors that you needn’t be best friends with – the florist, linens, decor people usually set up and leave. Even the cake lady is usually in and out. Their personality isn’t something you have to deal with on the day of your wedding. (although they are probably very nice people and you would totally send them a Christmas card because you love them so much) Even the lady who sold you your wedding dress…she is not likely to be at your wedding…walking around and talking with you or your guests.

However, your DJ and Photographer are two very important vendors. Not only are they interacting with your guests…they are there for you.

Choosing a photographer and DJ should be an emotional decision. You need to LIKE them.

Yes, REALLY LIKE THEM!

If for any reason your DJ weirds you out…then chances are your guests will feel the same way.
If you and your photographer don’t get along…then how do you imagine your pictures will look?

I would venture to state that the importance of meeting and knowing your photographer should be on the top of your To Do List. You should know her and feel comfortable with her. You should trust her judgment and feel no stress or worry about what your images will look like. She should make you feel amazing, beautiful, romantic and relaxed. You should be comfortable with her behind the camera. If you can’t meet with her face to face – then make sure you have a few conversations on the phone….

Have you been to a boring wedding before? Were your friends boring people? Did the bride and groom intentionally tell everyone that the reception would be dumb? Or was the DJ not quite up to par?
We’ve been to lots of weddings (lots and lots) – the difference between a boring wedding reception and an amazing wedding reception is all about the DJ. Meet with your DJ – ask to see video footage of him in action. You’ll feel a whole lot better choosing someone you LIKE and feel comfortable with then simply going with the first guy at the right price.

I know that budget is of the utmost importance while planning your wedding. But your budget shouldn’t limit you to vendors that you don’t like. Not only should you like them at their price. You should like them because you know them and trust them.

(I wrote this blog post for A2Z Photobooths…then I decided to post it here as well.)

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