Twice on Saturday

I have lots of pictures to post on my blog but first I wanted to share my Saturday with you.  It was a gorgeous day.  I had plans to hang out with an old friend.  A friend I had not seen or really talked to an almost a year.  It was her birthday (Happy Birthday Jessica).  We made plans to hang out and catch up. We did the normal girlie things - we got a pedicure,  did some shopping, and ate Chinese food. 
Yum, Yum!  At the end of every Chinese meal comes the oh so fun fortune cookie.  You break it apart, share what it says, and laugh.  Now I'm not a superstitious person, and I don't believe in fortune cookies but I loved what this one said so I decided to keep it.  I knew as soon as I read it that I would be sharing it with you on my blog so I saved it and carefully brought it home with me :-)
Jessica and I had a great time but we had to hurry back.  I was meeting a new friend and could not be more excited.  Laurel Housden saw me on Jaime Smith's blog (I love blogs) and emailed me to see if we could exchange notes and bounce photography ideas off each other.  I was thrilled to get the email and it wasn't long before we were on the phone and making plans to meet in the wonderful field of flowers to do some practicing.  I could tell on the phone that Laurel was a seasoned photographer and I wondered what I could bring to this new friendship.  She knew more than me about the camera - well about everything and I began to feel a little silly.  I have so much to learn and it seems the more I learn the more I realize I have a long road ahead of me.  So we met up at this breathtaking field of flowers.  There were tons of people out and about taking pictures all over the place.  Laurel jumps right in and starts taking pictures of her children.  I didn't have my children with me so I start taking shots of hers :-)  They were great sports and I had fun capturing their smiles. 
Here are some pictures from that day:

    

   

Here is one of Laurel in action -

Here is another fellow photographer in action -

Danielle with Hersey Photography -

There were so many talented photographers doing their thing, taking beautiful shots.
I began watching and they made it look effortless.  They were not fumbling around which is how I feel when I'm taking pictures.  They knew where and when to bounce the light.  When to change settings and lenses.  Some brought huge flashes and lighting and talked about 1/4 power, remotes, pic wizards - Huh what?  OK, now I'm beginning to feel a little defeated.  Before I know I'm standing in a sea of yellow flowers and I feel like I'm in slow motion.  Everyone else is moving and I'm standing still....waiting on someone to rescue me.  The light is gone and now it's time to go home.  I turn to Laurel to say good bye and then it happens.... Oh no, not now, don't do it Jennifer.... and then they started to fall.... tears....yes, tears....can you believe I was crying to a person I had just met a little over an hour ago??  Can we say ... big dork...yes, that's me.  She was kind and comforting.  She understood that I was just overwhelmed and she encouraged me to just take it one day at a time. 

I left the beautiful field of flowers in doubt and wondered what I was doing in this world of photography.  I got home, put my purse on the counter and that's when I saw my little treasure from earlier in the day.  My oh so sweet fortune cookie, just sitting there, waiting for me to read it one more time.

"You're transforming yourself into someone who is certain to succeed".
Now call me crazy, but I'll take that little pep talk from God any day of the week -
and twice on Saturday :-)

Thanks for listening - hugs - jennifer

Comments

[Danielle Branch]

Jennifer~ You really do a great job. I know to you it seems that all of us have it together....as for me..not so much! I learn from trying new things. Picture after picture and to be honest a lot of your ideas and images are much better than mine and many others. Just remember what I said, just a phone call to ask you about you work, prices, availability, etc. is a HUGE compliment. If I can help in any way let me know. It is a very competitive market and it's hard to keep up. I know you LOVE your work and you are passionate about it, eager to learn and that is what makes you successful in this business. BELIEVE ME, I have SO MUCH to learn. Chin up and keep up the good work!
I LOVE the image of Noah and I. Can I purchase a copy?

[Laurel]

Hi Jennifer,

As I sit here on my bed with my three children huddled around my computer as I recite to them your beautiful story and share with them your stunnning photographs of them at play, I am amazed at your storytelling and honesty. You are very talented. I love how you posed the kids and captured their spirits. I have so much to learn about posing. I always feel so rushed. My son Aidan wanted me to tell you that he likes the picture of the fortune cookie - it's the best he's every seen! One of the best things about getting into photography is meeting and sharing with other like minded souls! I hope to see you this Wednesday. Remember...5.6 and don't go below a 30th (really 60th) if you don't have it on a tripod!

Cheers,
Laurel

[Joyce Brown]

Are you sure you're not a creative writing teacher with a amazing talent for photography? I love reading your blogs because they transport me...I'm right there with you. I advise anyone having a bad day to read your blog and be drawn away to a place of peace and the little things that make life so grand.
And by the way, the fortune cookie ending was perfect! I can read it without your caption and you know that little cold tingle running up my arm -- they're called goose bumps! It normally happens when God whispers to us.

[Amy Barry]

Awe. Hugs Girl!!! I was at the field yesterday and more WOWed by all the photographers than the flowers! lol! The market is definately changing. You will do great! I love the images you shared. Fun post with the pictures of the other photographers in action!

[J.R. Whittemore]

You're probably the most humble person I've ever met. Your pictures amaze me everyday! You can even make a picture of a fortune cookie beautiful! I'd say that was definatly a message from God! Can I get an Amen!!

[Christi Boatwright]

I totally agree with what everyone has said. You totally need to have faith in yourself because just as you confess to stalking others blogs, I look at yours every other day to see what funny, thoughtful or witty thing you have wrote about. I love to hear the way you describe what you are capturing in your life through photography. Keep up the great work!! By the way, the pictures Jamie took of you were gorgeous!!

[Charnelle]

Isn't God just amazing! He always seems to remind us that He is the one in control :-) You are doing an amazing job and I have been so blessed watching every step of your success. By the looks of all these other comments, thank goodness I am not your only Blog Stalker now....Ha Ha. You have such a gift that is touching so many lives through both your writing and photography....and I am one of them. I love you girl!!!

[He Keeps Me Singing]

Jennifer,
I am so glad to read this post. I completely get it. Your "transparency" blessed my heart. Your work is beautiful.