As You Wish

I have been trying to figure out for a while now what I want to be when I grow up. I decided that I wanted to pursue photography seriously, so I figured the best thing in my case would be to go back to school.

A while back Ashley posted on her blog about the school her father attended and when I clicked on the link to see the school I instantly fell in love. I guess you could say it was love at first sight.

Ever since that day I have been going back to the school's site thinking about how awesome it would be to become a photographer professionally. I've "met" so many fabulous photographers here on the internet that are for the most part self taught. It kind of makes me jealous that they have learned so much by just going out and doing it. I am more of a hands on, show me and I will do kind of girl. If that even makes any sense at all.

Well...I applied for the professional photography program at Brooks Institute and I found out I was accepted! You truly have no idea how completely overcome with excitement I am.

I finally feel like I'm going to do something productive with my life, finish school, and move to a place I've never even visited before. Brooks is in Santa Barbara, CA which is approximately 11 hours (with out traffic) from where I am now. In some ways it seems like a long way, but when I think about the fact that people travel from all around the world to attend school here it makes my commute seem a little insignificant.

Aside from being completely ecstatic about my acceptance I'm also a little sad. Moving to California means leaving behind my family and Andrew. Of course I will visit and I'm sure they will too, but it will still be incredibly difficult to be away. The photography program at Brooks will take me 3 years of intense work to complete, but it will be so worth it.

I better go, I have a ton of paperwork to fill out and financial aid to find. Wish me luck!

On Sunday the 7th I was lucky enough to be asked to take the Hammond family pictures. Andrew and I are actually quite good friends with Bryon and Angela. They have pretty awesome personalities and I think we all had a good time with the photo shoot (other than it being super cold outside).

They asked that their pictures be taken on these steps because they just finished building this block wall this past summer and they are very proud of it (which they should be because they did a fantastic job).



All in all this was a pretty fun shoot. Bryon reminds me of Chandler (from Friends) when he and Monica are trying to take engagement photos. If you aren't sure of what I'm talking about watch the clip below and laugh with me because it's pretty funny. Don't worry Bryon has a good sense of humor.



P.S. Chelsie insisted on wearing those legwarmers. She loves them.

I can hardly believe I'm actually writing this post right now. The following pictures were taken by yours truly at my very first wedding shoot. I think I went through every emotion possible the night of the wedding (yes it was back on October 31st, sorry for the delay), but most of all I was very thankful that Kathy and Les allowed me to capture their special moment. The wedding was a small, intimate event with the bride and groom's close friends and family.

Keep in mind that I am no professional, but I'm open to constructive criticism. I know there are not many pictures, but these are my favorites of the bunch. Let me know what you think I appreciate the feedback. In no particular order (because blogger won't let me rearrange them) here are the photos...