from the Northwest to the Midwest

I'm all packed up and ready to go!
day 1 Portland > Boise

leaving Portland was hard, lots of tears on the way out of town. I'd been saying for a while that I wanted it to rain on my last day in Oregon... well, I got what I wanted. I didn’t expect it to follow me my entire trip though! I made my first stop in Baker City for dinner. Holy cow! Expensive gas! I wanted to stay, and part of me wishes I would have. But I’m glad I could at least stop there since it is where my life (especially my Oregon life) began.
Eventually made it to Boise after a ton of terrible weather. I made it about two hours later than I had wish I would have. My hotel bed was screaming my name.

I had really wanted to edit pictures since I had (and still have) a list of photos to get to people but only edited a few ring pictures for a friend of Anna's and went to bed.

Day 2, Boise > Leihi
7:45 am, my alarm goes off. I woke up really tired, wanting to stay in bed. Such a great bed. I made a yummy waffle and yoinked a poppy seed muffin, and a box of cereal. (doesn't my breakfast look yummy!? and you can see my car waiting to take me on my journey)




The drive from Boise to Leihi was relatively uneventful, I was really looking forward to getting to Utah to see Alisa. I had to stop on the side of the road to take some pictures though- the scenery was too beautiful to pass up. Nothing feels better to a photonerd than a roadside photo shoot! I felt bad putting Alisa on hold- but I’m so happy I stopped.


As I got closer, Alisa called to tell me there was a huge storm heading my way. High winds, huge hail, etc. I told her I was looking at the storm cloud up ahead. As soon as I got off the phone with her, the radio issued a storm warning saying hail up to 1/4 in and winds up to 60 MPH!
Welcome to Utah is right!


Seeing Alisa was great. It was fun seeing her house and the places she’s been talking about the last few months. I had a good time making fun of a neighboring town, “American Fork”. I mean really... who names a town American Fork!? That night we went to see the movie The Bounty Hunter. It was fun. Got home from the movie with enough time to skype with Joe and edit my first picture from SS.

I think only my true photonerds will appreciate this one ;)


Day 3, Leihi > Greeley
I woke up and enjoyed a bowl of captain crunch before hitting the road to head to Colorado. I couldn’t believe that it was snowing! I guess I should have expected that though. Driving through/near Park City was really fun. Driving through the snow reminded me of my days in Flagstaff. Really beautiful. I wish it wasn’t so cold so I could have gotten out and taken a few pictures. I suppose I still could have, but I wasn’t dressed appropriately. I stopped at a really cool rest stop because I needed to pee, but I wished that I wasn’t alone AND that it wasn’t as cold because they had a hiking trail that went up pretty high, and I can only imagine would have been a beautiful view to photograph.

I was hoping to make it to CO before 5 PM so that I could make it to a cheer clinic that Brodie was putting on. Unfortunately, I was feeling drowsy on the road which essentially caused me to pop open a rockstar which of course made me have to pee every 30 minutes. Which isn’t necessary a bad thing when feeling like I want to take a nap while driving.

One word to describe Wyoming: BORING! So much so, that I'm not even going to bore you with pictures! (besides, I only took one of the "Welcome to Wyoming" sign.)

Can anyone tell me where my Kiddo is?!?! I haven't seen him in a few years! Can you help me find him?

I pulled into Greeley a little later than I had hoped for, and missed the clinic. But at least I made it alive, and in once piece! We went back to his house so I could drop my stuff off and then headed out for dinner and margaritas. I honestly don’t think I’ve had mexican food that good in a long time.

There he is!!!!!
Me and my kiddo had a great time, and wrapped up the evening with some more drinks and Anchor Man.

Day 4, Greeley
I woke up with only a minor headache! Got ready for the day, and headed out in search for a B of A. Apparently Greeley only believes in ATMs. :/ Brodie took me to a really fun place for lunch called JB’s. It’s a place similar to Sonic, but they also have an indoor dining area. You seat yourself, and menu’s are already at the table. When you decide what you want, you pick up a red phone at your table and “call” the kitchen. They are apparently famous for their root beer and after ordering one, I can understand why. It was delish! We went to the mall in Fort Collin’s for a little shopping. I found two really cute pairs of shoes for summer, and had my eyebrows threaded for the first time!
I was really scared going into it, but couldn’t be happier with the results, and swear I may never go back to waxing.
After the mall we headed back to Greeley and decided we would stop at a physic that we had seen on the way to the mall. I’ve never done anything like this before, but have always wanted to try. I’m still not sure how much I believe any of it, but I’m really glad I did it. She read my palms and this is the general run down of what she told me: I'm going to die at 87; will get married only once; have three kids; happy future, lots of smiling/laughing; WILL leave for nyc; will meet someone in NE (or maybe she was talking about CO?)
Off to the bars we go! Where else have you ever heard of “all you can drink”!? Only in Greeley! Whiskey River

Day 5, Greeley
I had a blast at the Whiskey River drinking with Bonnie, Tammy, and of course, Brodie. We woke up and got ready the next morning, Brodie got the phone call saying that we can get in to get a ghost tour Stanly hotel.
It was fascinating. Unfortunately, we didn’t experience any ghosts first hand. Stephen King visited the hotel which inspired him to pump out The Shining only 7 days later. I have neither read the book or seen the movie, but they are apparently nothing alike, but there was a TV mini series that’s much closer to the book. The Shining was actually filmed at Timberline Lodge in Mt. Hood OR because the shots weren’t isolated enough at the actual hotel.

Had lunch at Chick-fil-a since we don’t have them in Oregon, OR Nebraska. It was so yummy. Anyone wanna tell me why they have HUGE pepper grinder at Chick-fil-a???

Brodie and I took the night off and played it pretty easy with some Cold Stone, Taco Bell, and Will & Grace. :)

Day 6, Greeley
waking up without a hangover? What’s that?
Brodie’s parents made us a delicious breakfast so that we’d be well fed for the Denver Mile High flee market. The flee market was quite an experience. I was sad I didn’t find anything, but we sure did get Brodie’s dad and Mick (Brodie’s dog) hooked up with some new Bronco’s gear! I was hoping to find a new vintage camera to add to my collection, but no luck. Brodie only found beer- so I guess we were both unsuccessful. (oh and an airbrush tattoo, see!)
After that we headed back to Greeley to meet up with Bonnie and her daughter Breanne. Back in 2004 when Brodie and I worked together for Cheer Ltd., we taught a camp at the school he was coaching and Breanne was one of the seniors on the team. It’s hard to believe that she’s now old enough to drink! Not that I minded... I had a great time with her.

Day 7, Greeley
I decided to stay in Greeley an extra day so I could help Brodie with a last minute practice. It was a slow day just relaxing and trying to take this alone time to catch up on my blog and finally edit a few more pictures from the Supershoots workshop!
I had a really fun practice with Brodie and his kiddo’s. I even stunted around a little! Ahhhhh, when will I ever learn not to toe!? We went back to Chick-fil-a for dinner (yes, again). Yum, yum, yum! We went back home bound and determined to find our old cheer DVDs so we could do the dances together, but no such luck. So we put on "Fired Up" instead and I edited more pictures.

Overall I had a great trip to Greeley. I had a great time everyday, and made a few new friends here too! Guess Brodie’s not the only one I’ll be back to visit next time!

Day 8, Greeley > Omaha
I woke up *sorta* early and got all my belongings packed up to finally head to Nebraska. Got in a quick breakfast with Mick and then hit the road. The trip from Greeley to Omaha was really uneventful.

Made it onto Polk just in time to see Brandon for a quick second before he headed to his new home to do a little unpacking himself.
After unloading my car, I realized that all of the boxes I had packed in the car, were the wrong ones. All of the stuff I had planned on taking to NE is still back in Portland and all the stuff I had planned on saving till I got to NY is here with me. Oh well.

In the end, I had a really wonderful trip. I’m really glad I took my time getting out here. That was one of the things I hated the most about my move from Arizona to Oregon. I got there in such a rush, I didn’t take my time and enjoy every minute of it.

Hopefully the next time I post, it will be about a baby!!! Meg is due any day now and is doing wonderful. I had a lot of fun going to her Doctor's appointment and her last birthing class with her. We're all excited for little Garbonza to get her, but are hoping she can hold out for May 20th! So please keep Meg and Garbonza in your thoughts and prayers.
Until next time...

Super Shoot

Ahhh home at last. For the next 7 days anyway...

I just got back from a four day trip to Omaha and Kansas City.

Every year for Christmas, my parents always buy us one really BIG exciting gift. This past year they got me a weekend long workshop put on by Super Shoots that took place in Kansas City, MO. My gift also included airfare and rental car (which ended up not being necessary- thank you Corbett’s for always pulling though)!

I’ll be really honest with you... I was keeping my expectations low. I don’t know, there was just something about their website (and maybe it was the fact that it was taking place in Kansas City of all places) that just made me feel kinda “eh” about the whole thing.

The weekend started off great. I flew into Omaha basically just to drop some things off. It was great spending a little bit of time with Tim and Barb, getting to see Brandon for a few minutes; and I of course LOVED seeing little preggers Meg. I can’t believe how big she’s gotten since I saw her last in December... and to think, she’s only going to get bigger in the next month (give or take)! I can’t thank Tim enough for being so generous- he picked me up from the airport, gave me a few hours to wind down and unpack drove me straight to KC and then turned around and drove home. I love my family! <3

Onto the photography details...

So I get to the hotel where the workshop is being put on about 20 minutes early so Jessica drives me around KC a little bit. Ironically (you’ll see why in a moment) she takes me down and shows me all around the West Bottoms. It’s this old run down part of town, but they keep it because they use it every fall for haunted houses. Anyway...

The workshop starts off kinda “boring, boring, boring”. Finally, just before lunch, they bring in the first model (Maria) to demonstrate how to communicate with your model and also show some lighting examples. At this point, I’m listening a tad more intently because directing my model has never been a strong suite of mine and I’ve been told before that I need to work on it. Ugh- it’s so outside my comfort level. Oh well- that’s what I’m here to learn right?

So after lunch, all the other models show up, the photographers are paired off and off we go to shoot on location at the West Bottoms! This location really excited me because I love old run down creepy looking locations. And this place was great, every step you took, everywhere you turned, there was a completely new location to shoot. It was funny because when Jessica was showing me around earlier I couldn’t help but think to myself “damn, I wish I lived here because this would make for a kick ass location”. Needless to say, I was pretty excited to be shooting there.

Long story short, we spent the next 5 1/2 hours there taking turns with each model. Each time we’d be with one of the four Super Shoots mentors who’d constantly be watching us and guiding us. I really loved having them there to watch over my shoulder and get constant feedback. Not only that, but these models know that the photographers are here to learn, so they are very helpful and understanding of what we’re going through, and what we’re trying to accomplish.

After a long day of shooting, there’s nothing like going to a local dive bar (have I mentioned that my cousin Jessica is the KC marketing rep. for Pabts?) and watching some stationary bike races. Never heard of such a thing you say? Phenomenal I tell you. *I’ll try to post a video at some point

Day two started off much like day one, kinda slow but only “boring, boring”. We dove right into our Photoshop tutorial. Many of the participants requested to learn about skin smoothing- which is most DEFINITELY an area I’ve wanted to learn about for a really long time now. It was fascinating for me to watch Josh work on the image, do relatively minimal work, but change the image so much, and make it something so much more than what it started out as. My mind has definitely been blown- I just hope that when I get a free second to sit down and edit my own images, I can actually decipher my notes, and remember what he told me to translate that into my own work. It was then time for lunch was all an experience in and of itself. I won’t go into details, I’ll just say that I’m quite positive that I lunched with KC’s craziest. No joke.

The second half of the day was focused on studio lighting. I was really looking forward to this because as I had expressed to them on the first day, I’ve had a light meter for almost 4 years now, and never used it. I was a little disappointed when I came back from lunch and all of the lights and set up had already been done for us. Of course that’s great and all- but what does it teach us? Oh well, I’ll get my light meter training somewhere else.

After lunch is really where I got into my groove. For some reason, I just felt more free and comfortable to work with the models; grab the one I want, tell them what to do, give them more pointers, really get the shot that I had in my head. I felt like I clicked (no pun intended) really well with one model in particular, Jordan. I can’t wait to get done with all my packing so I can get to editing all of my images. Some of them are so great, I’m really happy with them and can’t wait to share them with everyone.

... Sounds like a sequel blog is in the works...

Lastly, when I got home I found most of the models I’d worked with over the weekend on either Facebook and/or Model Mayhem and befriended all of them.

It’s really important to me that while I don’t feel like I came out of this workshop with an overwhelming sense of knowledge, that I DID learn something. So I emailed each of the models asking for their input. I wanted to know what I did that they particularly liked, and what they felt like I could work on.

The response was overwhelming. I couldn’t believe all the wonderful things each of them had to say about me. I wanted to share with you what a few of them had to say:

“I loved that you weren't afraid to just tell me what you were looking for and how you wanted me to move!” - Kelsi Z

“It is refreshing working with a woman photographers and I like it. I wish there were more woman photographers out there. There is different comfort level that I feel shooting with a female that is for sure.” -April C

“I must say though out of all of the photographers you were definitely one of my faves.....and i cant wait to see the images we created.” - Jordan W

“I think you have a very unique style and it was a blast working with you. I'm looking forward to seeing our work!” - Travis F

I’ll keep it at that. I just wanted to share with you all my experience from this past weekend. Even if it didn’t hit me right away what I learned, I could not be happier that I attended the workshop. I was in such a funk, and even doubting if photography was what I wanted to be doing with my life- and it really brought me out of it. Now all I want to do is shoot, shoot, shoot!

Part II coming in a few weeks when I can get some time to edit so you all can see my finished product :)

A glimpse into the future

About 5 years ago, I met Quavondo. We met while in the photographers pit at a local fashion show. Out of all of the other photographers in the pit, he was the nicest to me (besides those with alterer motives). We clicked (no pun intended) right away. He bought me dinner, I helped him a few weeks later on a shoot and the rest, as they say, is history.

Since this time, he has exploded on the [Portland] fashion photography scene; all the while, he has stayed true to the man I met. Always humble. He continues to be a great inspiration to me, and is always more than willing and very happy to help me succeed.

Q has always made sure to ask me if I was available whenever he needed an assistant on set. Especially lately, since my heart has been set on getting to NYC, I've chosen to turn him down so I could take a shift at the OPH and make more money. As the saying goes, "live and learn" I have really realized that not taking him up on those offers was a poor decision.

I am beyond thankful that after all those times of me turning him down, he would continue to contact me to see if I was available.

As I am moving in exactly two weeks from today, I was really sad to think that I'd passed up all those opportunities and wouldn't be given another one (from Q) for an undetermined period of time. I was so thrilled when I received a text from him a few days ago to ask if I could assist him one last time before I left. Now, this would mean that I'd be giving up almost an entire day of packing... but I knew I had to do it. Especially since I'll be in NYC before I know it asking photographers if I can work for them, I knew the more experience I could gain before getting there, the better.

So... here's a little peak into my last (*tear) shoot with Quavondo. This was taken on my new Kodak Zi8! I'm still learning how to use it, and have NEVER used iMovie which is what I used to edit it with... so please bare with me. Enjoy!!

Thank you for always being such an inspiration and mentor Q. I'll really miss you. Please let me know if you're ever in my neck of the woods (wherever that may be at that moment) so we can reunite!!

Moving on, and moving up.

As many of you may already know, my time here in Portland has finally come to an end.

About a week ago, I put in my notice to the OPH and my final day of work will be April 8, 2010. After that I will be moving to Omaha, Nebraska.

I can already hear a lot of you saying “NEBRASKA!?!” But yes, it’s true.

My cousin Meg, who I am very close with is expecting a baby girl May 17th. I am going primarily to help her with the baby. She’s rather young, and in a matter of speaking, doing this on her own. I’ve always loved kids, and would love some at some point in my life- but until then, I’ll do my best to help her take care of hers :)

I’m very lucky that I know a few people on the way which will help break up the drive a bit. My first leg of the trip will start on April 20 and take me to Lehi, Utah where I’ll stop and stay with my good friend Alisa for a day or two. From there I’ll continue onto Greeley, Colorado to stay and visit with my old Cheer Ltd. friend, Brodie. I’ll stay with him through the weekend then continue on into Omaha on either that Sunday or Monday.

Once I arrive in Omaha my highest priorities will be helping Meg with whatever she needs me to do, and finding a job in the area. Considering that I’ve been waiting tables these last four and half years I’ve thought about finding another serving job since it can pay so well. But honestly, I’m making this move to better my life and move on to the next step- so that will only happen if after weeks of searching I cannot find work. It is my goal to find office work (I’ve never NOT worked in food), or hopefully, I can get enough photography work, that photography will FINALLY be my main source of income. I’ll definitely keep everyone posted on my job status when that time comes.

I am so extremely blessed to be part of such a loving family. I am so thankful that not only have my parents been kind enough to let me live with them these last five years, but now my aunt and uncle will be letting me live with them. I really cannot wait to live with them and see how the cornhuskers do things.

As new and exciting as all this will be... I won’t be able to get too comfortable.

A few of you may already know that I have had plans in the works for about six months now to move to New York City sometime in September.

I’m moving there to follow a long time dream of mine to become a full time fashion photographer. I plan on finding a working photographer who I can intern/assist with for an indefinite period of time. I have been told by many people that the best education a photographer can get is not through school, but through assisting a working professional. So- that’s exactly what I’ll be doing. I hope that after some time I’ll be able to branch off and focus completely on my own work. I do not have any particular photographers lined up as of yet, but again will keep you posted when that changes.

As cheesy as it is, I have to give a big thank you to Facebook for reuniting me with old friends and keeping me updated with them. It is through the glory of FB that I have kept in contact with my future NYC roommates. I plan to be living with two girls I cheered with in high school, Alaina and Emily! We’ll all three be moving there together at the same time learning and exploring the city together. From the conversations we’ve had thus far, I honestly don’t think I could ask for better roommates.

I know I’ll be sad to leave the life I’ll just have started in NE, but I know that I need to give NYC a chance right now and I could not be more excited to live that part of my life.

I’ll be updating every couple of weeks, so if any of the above sounds remotely interesting to you- check back to see what I’m up to!

Also- I’ll be having a going away party on Saturday April 17th. The location is TBA at this time. I’m hoping to find a bar that has a photo booth- any suggestions?

AND- I’ll be having a moving sale that same weekend! Please come, or spread the word!

Thank you for taking the time to read all of this, I know it was a long one, but really important to me.

29:13

What’s with the title you ask? Oh that’s just my time for the 2010 Portland Shamrock Run!!! I ROCKED that 5K!

Now, I certainly did not get the fastest time in my group, but that is the fastest I have ever finished a 5K! I’m so proud of myself! And I felt like I was running slow!

It’s not often that I get a Sunday off. And when I do, it is generally because I want to get out of town. So it is even more rare that I would spend a free Sunday in Portland.

I could not have asked for a more perfect day.

I woke up bright and early get get a banana and some oatmeal in before the race (gotta get those carbs!) and headed over to Johnny, Jori, and Jakes house to head out to Beaverton to meet all the other Next Level runners. We all made it down town with about 40 minutes to spare before the 5K race started. Perfect opportunity to take a few pictures before we ran!

The whole Next Level group before the run! *Notice the sun isn't even up...

Me and Lisa, my former trainer. I miss her!

Jo and I after we'd both passed the finish line! I'm so proud of both of us!

One of the things I really love about The Next Level is the sense of team... whoever finished first was waiting at the end to cheer the other’s on. It was fantastic. One of the Next Level runners, Gladis is 75! It was so great watching her pass through the finish line. She is such an inspiration... and proof that it is never too late to get in shape and take care of your health!

After everyone was done running we were all starving! I went with Jo and the rest of her family to Marco’s Cafe and had the yummiest bacon and cheese omelet! At breakfast Jo’s brother, Mat offered me his suite tickets to the Blazer game that night (with free parking included)!

GO BLAZERS!!!!

Of course I couldn’t turn that down so I got ahold of a few people I thought might be interested which turned out to be my sister, my good photographer friend Quavondo, and his friend Jason. We had a blast at the game and of course, because they’re just awesome, the Blazers won!

Can you see Jessica? She looks so official!!!

Anna and I having a chin-off... who do you think won? I think I got her beat by about 5 chins!

Quavondo and I rootin' on the Blazers!

Jessica was in town for the night to work with a guy who does something big and fancy for the Blazers. She got to eat all the free food she could manage while she was working so after the game she wasn’t too hungry, but she made sure to let me know that dessert was a must! ;) Well where else would one go at 10PM on a Sunday night in Portland but Papa Hayden’s!? Sooooooo delicious! I got a triple chocolate cake and she got some yummy raspberry chocolate cake-thing. I do not regret it, not even a little. I can’t wait for next weekend when I finally get to go up to the Tacoma/Seattle area to see her new digs! She has to work while I’m there, so I plan on keeping myself entertained with H&M therapy :)

Well I hope everyone’s week is off to a great start. Wish me luck on my final tomorrow night! I will feel such relief when that damn test is over and done with!

Till next time...