Author Archives: 551647992381435

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Okay.  So before I write anything, I just want to say- the following photo may or may not be a bit of a spoiler to an upcoming and kinda new special we'll be introducing in the next week or so. Stay tuned.

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Anyways!  These shoots are always fun because, well, they're just for fun shoots!  It's a great way to be silly and creative and just try new things while exploring new areas!  Some things don't work out, but other things might turn out fabulous and serve as inspiration for my next 'real' shoot.

For this particular shoot I recruited my boyfriend's cousin, Zoe (for obvious reasons-the camera loves her!  Plus, we always have a blast.)  We've traveled through thorny brush, muddy fields, and down busy streets all while wearing outrageous clothes and cracking up at the strange looks passer-bys give us.  We've done it all, just to get that perfect shot.

Obviously, I can't do those kind of things with clients and that's why I have to have these random 'just for fun' shoots.  It gives me a chance to explore new places, play with poses, and experiment with editing. Then, when I get to the real deal photo shoot, I have it all down pat!  I know what I want to do, how I want to do it, and where I want it to be at... It's almost like warming up before game.  And as warm, spring weather approaches (which is theee perfect time to schedule a shoot) I have to get my game face on and get back into my grove after a long, hard winter.

So bring it on, Spring!!

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At 20 years old, I'm the 'baby' of Tiptoe.  Being the baby means I'm the only one who isn't a mommy.  So when the girls are all chatting about their kiddies, I'm just smiling, nodding, and silently being thankful I'm not the mother of a child.  All the while, one of the little ones is full-on squeezing a Capri-Sun all over the floor and laughing at the sticky mess I'll have to mop up later.

Okay, okaaay!  So they aren't total hooligans.  They're actually really sweet and well-behaved in between temper tantrums. I'll probably be a mommy one day, but hopefully not for another 10+ years.  I'm still having temper tantrums of my own while dealing with college shenanigans so there's no way I could handle another little Ande having a tantrum.

I am currently a mommy of some sort though.  I have a couple girls.  The thing is...they're ferrets. So it's different.  But!! It's also the same on a minor level.  They need the basics; food, water, poop duty, and an ocaisonal bath.  Julie and Joanna also demand attention ALL the time.  It doesn't matter if I've just gotten home from a fourteen hour work day or if I'm dead alsleep in the middle of the night.  Play time is a must. Every. Single. Day.  And whether it's voluntary or not, I am involved in play time.

Sometimes, I feel like I'm the mother of a set of toddlers.  Except these toddlers steal your wallet.  And your shoes.  And pencils/pens along with everything and anything they can get their little paws on.  Then they put it all in a designated pile under your bed.  But that's not all though.  These 'toddlers' also dig the dirt out of the house plants, chew on your toes, chase the cats, and oh! let's not forget that they take pure pleasure out of pooping in various corners of the house.  Keep in mind, this is all part of 'play time'.  It's great.  We have a lot of fun....

So although I'm still a 'baby' I'm also experiencing a tiiiiny sliver of motherhood with my girls. And although they're trouble beyond belief, I love them both to death and wouldn't trade 'em for the world.

Joanna;

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& Julie;

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Both my nuggets together;

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I was browsing Facebook the other day during my spare time when I came across a link one of my 'Facebook friends' posted on her timeline about the "fake photographer epidemic".

The column was definitely, in a way, humorous.  It made a few good points about what a photographer ISN'T, but it never said what a photographer really IS.  It got me thinking about what makes a photographer a "photographer".

1. Photographers immerse themselves in their profession.

At Tiptoe, every one of us is constantly on the lookout for inspiring places, objects, and ideas. We get this image in our head and we work to create it in real life.  It's one thing to have the creativity and imagination to shape that image, but it's another thing to actually be able to make it happen and make it look good.  Aside from making this pioneering image come to life, we have to make it all about you (that's the fun part!)  And from there on, it's an endless cycle. Our lives revolve around creating the perfect photo.

2. Photographers constantly improve.

Like any other professional field, there is ALWAYS room to advance in the photography field! Whether they are skilled in landscape, editorial, or wedding photography, they should always be inventing new techniques and exploring and experimenting with new ideas.  As long as the creativity is flowing and the practicing is constant, improvement will follow.  Here at Tiptoe, we are still learning tons of new things about different ways we can use our Photoshop program and we've been using Photoshop for years!!  The learning never stops!

To me, that's what it means to be a photographer.  It's not because of the camera someone owns, it's not about the editing program they have at hand, nor is it about having a Facebook page dedicated to their skill...It's all about the skill they possess and how they use it.

Comments or questions welcome!!