I have had this blog for a year now.  I didn’t know at the time who I was or what brand I wanted to bring across to my clients.  But I am really trying to brainstorm on a brand that is totally me.  It’s a lot tougher than you think.  This is something that when people see my logo they will know, that’s Denise.  When they see a photo they will know it’s my style and my image.  I have a meeting with an awesome designer, Veronique James of the The James Agency this Saturday.  I cannot even say how stoked I am about this.  I am going to put all things that I like in a box as Jasmine Star mentioned, her friend Jessica Claire, did when she was wanting to re brand and see what we can get from that.  I thought it was an awesome idea and it will give the graphic designer a little more insight on who I am as a person and what things I love.  Because I have NOOOOOO idea how I want my logo or brand to look but I really hope that someone can pull it out of me with what I provide them.  I’m a little nervous, a little excited and cannot wait to share the new me.  I will keep you all posted.  And because I like to celebrate little moments in life, because those are the ones that matter the most, this is my 101st post!!! Whoohoooo!!!  I wanted to do this for my 100th post but I got carried away with The Jasmine Star Workshop and Napa Valley so we will go with 101 because that is a great number as well.  I am going to give away a Starbucks Gift Card to the 11th commenter on this post.    That’s it, plain and simple.  All you have to do is comment and you get a gift card.  Wow.  I’m easy like that.  It doesn’t take much to please me. Ha!  Happy commenting.

Wow wow wow.  How can I possibly put into words the feelings that I felt after attending The Jasmine Star Workshop??!!  It was definitely a dream come true.  A goal that I knew I would complete one day but definitely was not prepared for the awesomeness that was in store.  Most of my close friends know that I totally adore Jasmine Star.  And if you don’t, well this post will catch you up to speed real quick.  I found her blog about a year and a half ago and have been a fan ever since.  Even if you are not a photographer, you NEED to check out her blog… she is like chicken soup for the soul.  No joke!!!  She can totally turn your frown upside down on a bad day.  A year and a half ago… let me see, where was I??? I was a girl with a hobby.  I loved taking pictures.  I never thought it would turn into a career, or a passion that fills my every pore.  However I was given the opportunity to photograph for my friends local magazine and that pretty much changed my life.  I knew photography was the thing I was missing.  It was a HUGE challenge and at times I wanted to just quite… but after reading one of Jasmine’s posts it really hit my core.  Deep.  I continued to move on, harder, faster, more determined to reach my dream.  Because of her, I have accomplished so much in such a short amount of time.  She gives you hope.  Inspiration. Motivation.  And most of all it feels like you have known her your whole life. 

There was a mixer the night before the workshop that a few of the girls set up at a gorgeous restaurant called The Winery Restaurant andwe had such an amazing time getting to know one another!  These girls seriously are the best!!!  I could not believe the talent that was sitting all around me!  Jasmine Star showed up even though she was a little under the weather and joked about blaming it on the Sudafed if something came out wrong or totally uncalled for! Ha! Love her! 

The next day was jam packed full of knowledge.  Jasmine talked about branding, finding out who you are and making that your signature.  I still have yet to find out what words describe me and my work.  I am so versatile.   Guess it doesn’t help being a Cancer/Gemini… does that mean I have 3 personalities? LOL!  Maybe by the end of this post I will have it nailed.  She is a natural with making people feel comfortable.  Hilarious when she poses them!!! She is such a doll and you can’t help but love her when you watch her go go go.  JD, her adorable husband and 2nd shooter, is nothing short of amazing!!!  He really supports her 100% and it shows just how much he loves every minute of it.  I want a team like that!!! Jealousssss.  So much was learned, so much was shared.  Friendships were made with girls from all over the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.  I cannot express how excited I am to watch them all grow.  I just know big things are coming their way.   They are already fabulous and when implementing J*’s stuff in the mix. Well Uh…. they are gonna knock your socks off world!!!!  Thanks for everything girls!!! Jasmine and JD you guys are such a big part of my success and I cannot wait to implement all your goodness with my business.  Thank you for being yourselves.  It’s not often that you meet such down to earth people.  And I am truly honored and grateful to have finally met you face to face.  You make my heart smile!!!!  Here’s to a great year ahead and many many more to come! HUGS!

Hmmmm two words that explain me… sweet and saucey.  You think that fits??

It started off with a fabulous gift.  Score! 

And the lovely Jasmine *

Having fun at the workshop

I just adore her many facial expressions! 

The adorable couple that modeled for us that day were Joe and Jihan Cerda.  Can you say Gorgeous!!!!?? Wow! 

I just love how cute they are together. 

YUM!

Its hilarious how Jasmine grabs a hold of the guy, looks at the girl and then says.  I’m happily married… don’t get jealous.  Then goes on with her posing them.

How can you not love this couple??

Beautiful flowers by Carissa of JL Designs

You guys are beyond gorge.

Hey girl heeeyyyy.

Love is priceless.

Helloooo handsome

Fiyah… 

Stunning make up by Vivian of All Made Up.  You are killing me with your beauty Jihan!

It makes me all warm and fuzzy inside with the way he looks at her.  Total adoration. 

  The moment in between the kiss.  Ahhhh.  Lovely.

The lovely Menu at the ever fab restaurant Maggiano’s.  Yes she is cool like that!

I just love how McCall was in the back ground of all the photos.  Ha ha! xo

Some workshop attendee fun in the sun photos… taken by JD.  I love how I am all on the floor in a dress.  Classy!

 My girls.  Holla!

Some dinner fun…taken by the adorable Mikaela Ruth.  Hope you don’t mind that I snagged this from your site hon.  Loved it!!! 

Wow, like I said, such an amazing time!  Words cannot begin to express how full my heart is at the moment.  Thank you for everything Jasmine and JD.  Much love!!! Muah!~ 

I was lucky enough to grab a seat to Justin & Mary Marantz’s Spread the love tour workshop back in November.  They finally made it to Phoenix, AZ, February 2nd and I was sitting right there, up front and center!!! Enjoying every single minute of it.  They are so inspiring!!  The stories she told broke your heart, gave you hope and welcomed you into glimses of their lives.  It was a life changing workshop.  Helping you to understand the maddness of a small business and how to keep your head above water.  This is sooo what I needed to keep me chugging along.  I am getting to the point where I am burnt out.  And that is a NO NO in the small business world.  I am setting myself up for failure.  Oh internet I will NOT let this happen to me.  Thank you Justin and Mary for giving me hope.  For making me open my eyes.  For helping me understand that I am worth more and my time is priceless.  You guys are amazing!

A very interesting fact that Justin and Mary said was that 80% of Americans do not have any goals.  80 percent!! Wow that is a large amount!!  Out of the 20% that do have goals only 16% write them down and 4% write them down and revisit them frequently.  People who write down their goals make 9 times more in their lifetime than those who do not write them down.  So what are you waiting for????!!!! Go write down some goals!!!  I already have a goal list for the next 3 years but what the heck.  I need to make a few more after this workshop so here goes world:

*   Always be you

*  Attract clients that you can relate with and be friends with when all is said and done

*  Stop asking yourself what everyone else is doing to be successful and what should you do — setting yourself up for failure

* Read The E Myth Revisited by Michael E Gerber

And this is another one of my goals that I can cross off my 101 in 1001 list Internet!!! Yay for me!!!!

Here is a picture of the beautiful Justin and Mary Marantz that I snug from their website.  Gorgeous aren’t they?

Yay!! I am proud to say #3 is marked off my 101 in 1001 goal list!!  Celia is the lucky woman that gets to experience something she never has before.   A time to shine, to feel alive, womanly and exotic.  This woman is unbelievable.  She lives for her children.  She has a day time job that she is surrounded by children all day.  When she gets home, there is no time for resting.  She has to cook, clean, do homework.  Things that mothers do.  When is there time for her?  Well we are going to make time!  She deserves every bit of this contest that I ran without a doubt.  Her story made me cry.  It made me want to grasp life by the horns and take control of it.  It made me want to dance.  Just like Celia did in her younger years.  I will not share with you what she wrote as it was very personal but I did get permission from her to post a little section of the story that stuck out and grabbed at my heart. 

 ”This boudoir session leaves me to wonder, will it help me?  Will it be one of those things that make me remember that I was once a vibrant beauty, dancing on stage and her way through life?  Regardless of whether I get chosen, writing this has actually helped me remember some of the things I often forget.  And that is to live life fully and that no matter what I am at home, my responsibilities are not what makes me and that I am important to myself and I need to allow the time for myself to be nurtured and cared for.  And always, love myself.”

Wow.  Congrats Celia.  We will have a rockin’ time photographing you and all your beauty!! I can’t wait!

And a shout out to the Boudoir Vixen who inspired me to do this in the first place… Courtney Dellafiora.  Be sure to check out her boudoir site.  She is an awesome photographer!!  She also does weddings and all kinds of other wonderful stuff. Love her!!!!!!

FREE BOUDOIR SESSION!!!! HOLLA!!!

So I am in the mood for giving!!  Giving makes me happy!!  And Lord knows I need some happiness in my life at the moment!!  Or maybe it’s just because American Idol is back on again and I am estatic??!!  Either way you are going to benefit from it! Ha!  Lucky you!  So here are the rules:

* The shoot must take place in the surrounding Phoenix, AZ area

* It must be on a date that I am available

* It will be an hour to two hours long

* You must tell at least 3 people about it and they must friend me on facebook or follow me on twitter and mention your name (these ladies also have a chance to win)

* Submit a story about why YOU deserve this session and why YOU are soooo Fabulous to denisephotography08@gmail.com

* You MUST bring your favorite music along so we can have some fun and rock it out!!!!!!

You will get a DVD of all high resolution images and an experience to last you a lifetime.

A winner will be chosen for the most fabulous story submitted by January 19, 2010.

Ready, set go!!!

Happy Submitting!!!

I heard about the 101 in 1001 from Melissa Jill. I mean how fabulous is this idea?? Write down 101 goals and complete them in 1001 days. I don’t know about you but if I do not write down my goals they never get accomplished. Guilty as charged. Out of sight out of mind. I am very horrible about not getting things done. I am on a mission people!!! Ready, Set, Go!!!! I have things on my list that are as simple as brushing my teeth to as hard as taking candy from a baby. Either way, they are things I have wanted to do but never had the chance to do it. You understand, right? I’m sure you have done the same. I will keep you posted with each item I cross off. How great will you feel crossing off that one thing on your to do list? Big goals, small goals. Its nice just to have goals in general. I can feel it now joy, confidence, excitment, gratification, giddyness and eternal bliss once my entire list is completed! What great feelings. What will your 101 be?? Let me know. Drop me a line. Show me some love.

Good luck and happy goal making!

xo

1. Learn how to frame my images for my blog

2. Write on my blog everyday for 1 month

3. Give away a free family, wedding, engagment/couple or boudoir session

4. Go to church more often

5. Get updated family photos of my fabulous family

6. Purchase a Shootsac by Jessica Claire

7. Take my children to a museum

8. Read one book each month for a year to better my business

9. Read one book each month for a year for my own personal satisfaction

10. Scout out awesome photography locations

11. Create contracts for clients – completed 11/1/09

12. Be firm with my pricing

13. Find my brand

14. Get a new website

15. Book at least 10 weddings for the year 2010

16. Eat healthier

17. Go to a movie with a girlfriend – Completed 11/14/09

18. Go camping with my children

19. Take the kids to The Grand Canyon

20. Go to Slide Rock in Sedona, AZ with the kidos

21. Learn how to roller blade

22. Use all my vacation days in one year

23. Start jogging 3 times a week

24. Decorate for Halloween

25. Put up Christmas decorations- completed 12/11/2009

26. Take the dog for a walk 3 times a week

27. Get my style back

28. Stop procrastinating

29. Join a Dance Class

30. Take Lani to swimming lessons

31. Put all my old photos in photo albums

32. Clean out my closest (get rid of all the clothes that I “say” I will wear again and don’t)

33. Get rid of at least 15 pairs of shoes (without buying new ones)- Completed 11/25/09

34. Join a Jasmine Star Workshop (need some quick fingers for this one)

35. Learn how to master off camera lighting

36. Get married (Yes, I just made this a goal if you don’t write it down it will never happen!!!!)

37. Dance in the rain

38. Have a dinner party with friends, tons of gorgeous details, a home cooked meal and possibly all things Vintage.

39. Take one family trip per year

40. Purchase Totally Rad Actions

41. Go to Justin & Mary’s Workshop

42. Shoot a traditional Indian wedding

43. Conquer my fear

44. Take a class on lighting

45. 2nd shoot a wedding

46. Lose 20 pounds

47. Go to PartnerCon in New Orleans

48. Find my confidence

49. Pray everyday

50. Sign Leilani up for a dance class or anything she would like to join

51. Learn more about Photo Shop

52. Purchase Kevin Kubota Action Tools

53. Join a photography organization

54. Become a destination photographer

55. Go to Hawaii

56. Visit my dad and brother’s graves at least three times a year (this is VERY hard for me to do)

57. Watch a sunrise while laying on a beach

58. Purchase Show It Video to post slideshows on my blog or email clients

59. Pay off my credit card

60. Purchase a 70-200 2.8 lens

61. Upgrade my camera

62. Get an assistant

63. Find a second shooter

64. Look at more photography forums

65. Go to WPPI in Vegas

66. Get Quick Books

67. Learn to organize

68. Buy a fashion magazine

69. Become more confident with stage posing

70. Shoot a celebrity wedding

71. Have a girls night out once every few months

72. Go to Napa and wine taste

73. Learn more about wine

74. Have the courage to ask a photographer I admire out to lunch

75. Take nice photos of my mom

76. Take photos of my closest friends and their significant other

77. Take my mom on a nice vacation

78. Get a Mac computer

79. Teach my son how to drive

80. Go to New York

81. Sell all my old furniture and cancel my storage unit

82. Sell my Rental house

83. Get professional photos of myself taken for my blog

84. Have “Date Night” with my love at least once a month

85. Try a new restaurant once a month for a year

86. Shoot a Vintage Wedding

87. Get a Wedding published in a magazine

88. Teach a workshop

89. Overcome the fear of public speaking

90. Read the entire bible

91. Learn a new language

92. Create a shoot that involves lemons, lemonade, lemon trees, anything to do with lemons

93. Talk to my Step-mom, brother & sister more often

94. Cook Noni my Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas

95. Be more appreciative of my work

96. Wake up when my alarm goes off without pressing snooze for one week straight

97. Hike a mountain

98. Network, Network, Network

99. Become a world known photographer

100. Do something each month that will benefit my business

101. Thank God every day for everything he has given me

And because every post deserves a snap..

I’m sitting here on my couch snuggled up with my laptop after a yummy lunch at Abuelo’s with my fabulous family. Just sitting here contemplating on what I want my style to reflect about me. Who I am as a person. What type of branding I want to incorporate into my business. It’s so much harder than I thought it would be. I thought I was a creative person. When I was little I had creativity in writing poems, making homemade birthday cards, fantasizing about designing my own clothes. Now that I am older I feel that finding my own design, style and branding would be a cinch. But oh no!!! Not at all. I know this is the most important ingredient in a business. It’s how people will recognize you, remember you, know who you are by just seeing a logo, speaking to them through your images…. it’s almost too stressful for me to even imagine. I know who I am, I know my personality. I have so many varieties it’s tough to pick just one. I’m on the cusp of being Gemini and Cancer and sometimes ladies and gentleman its a whirlwind. I’m wild, out-going, talkative, sweet and then I’m saucey, shy, goofy and quiet. How do I find a branding that will speak for me when I have such drastic measures??? I need to figure this out quick. While my business is still in the beginning stages so that anybody will be able to pick my photos out in a line up, that’s how different I want to be. That’s how unique I want my style. I can imagine it happening. I just can’t quite put my finger on anything at the moment. My mind is blank. I really should just continue to contemplate on finding my inner self and making things happen. *Sigh* Any suggestions would be lovely. I’m always up to hear any constructive criticism or ideas. Write a few things that first come to your mind about me. (I’m almost positive my comment section still isn’t working but leave me a message on Facebook or email me, I’d love to hear what you have to say.)

And since I do not really have anything to post… check out these lovely photos of another gorgeous Arizona Sunset. Enjoy your weekend!!!

I ran across Melissa Jill on Pictage about a year and a half ago, while searching through photographers. I have been an avid follower ever since. When she blogged about the MJ 2 Day Workshop, I about almost fainted! What?! A workshop in MY town! Yes please!!!!! This workshop by far left me speechless!!! I was amazed by how Melissa welcomed 13 photographers into her home with such a loving heart. I left the workshop feeling pumped, excited to try new things with my business, confident and truly Blessed. I met 13 wonderful and crazy talented photographers that I am proud to call my new friends. They came from all over the world. How crazy is that? Other photographers just like me that wanted a little more to learn, a little more to take with them on their journey, a little more knowledge to take their business to another level. When I walked into this workshop I was hesitant, embarrassed by how little I thought I knew about photography, fear of the unknown. When I walked out, my head was held high, my confidence was sitting on my shoulder with her hair blowing in the wind, my fear was stepped on with a stiletto. Take that fear… you will haunt me no more!!! I am a different person. I am a great photographer. I will continue to learn, to improve my skills, to soar like an eagle. Thank you so much Melissa for not holding anything back. For being so generous with all your knowledge and for telling us all your secrets… or as you mentioned in the workshop “There will be no secrets”. You said it with such confidence that I was floored!!! Enamored by how confident one could be by letting all guards down and telling it all without a care in the world. Amazing. Brilliant. Blessed is what you are. Oceans of thanks to you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Big shout out to Jessica for all her hard work in assisting Melissa with the workshop and keeping all the goodies stacked and for cooking us a fantabulous dinner the last day. You are such a sweetheart!!!

And now introducing the oh so fabulous photographers that will change the world… drum roll please………….

And this is the ever so cute Amanda Pair, one thing I found out about her was that she liked Rock, Alternative Rock, but none-the-less…. I would have never guessed!!! She is such a joy. I found her a few weeks ago after a blog post by David Jay featuring her new show it website. I immediately fell in love with her personality and saved her to my favorites. And can you imagine how smitten I was when I found out she was one of the photographers that was going to be at the MJ 2Day… Holla!!! She’s even cuter in person!

Courtney Stephens. Such a quite, sweet soul. I don’t think I heard a peep from her until the 2nd day there. I am sure I probably intimidated her with my loud, obnoxious tendencies!!! xo Courtney!

Jessica Hampton was such a hoot!! This girl has a personality like no other. So out going and super friendly!! Thank you Jessica for everything you did!! Totally appreciated it! You are such a great friend and I wish you the best with your photography business!

Dallas Galbreath was a sweetheart and a half. She was so photogenic and so sincere. Hugs all day for her!

Lucy Cavassana was such a loving person. She wears her heart on her sleeve, something I really admire.

Anna Sawin was an absolute doll.

Robin Watson was so quite at first but then came out of her shell. She was such a pleasure to be around. She has some amazing children that she totally adores, it makes your heart melt.

Bruce Clark came all the way from Canada. The only guy brave enough to be around 13 women!! Ha!!! You are such a trooper Bruce!!!!

Holly McCaig is the kind of person you want to surround yourself with. She has such positive energy it screams out at you and I love it!!!!

I didn’t have a chance to take photos of Jana Overend or Kelly Wachs but these two ladies were super sassy and full of laughter!!! Mary Serantoni had to leave before the shoot… missed you Mary!!!!

The two photos below were taken by the talented (left) Anna and (Right) Dallas. Thanks ladies for the great photos!!!

And now for the super cute, super talented and super patient teacher of all teacher, photographer of all photographers….. Melissa Jill!

Isn’t she adorable??!!

Hard at work with the mock engagement shoot in target=”_blank”>Old Town Gilbert.

Here are some shots I got of the uber gorgeous couple Kindra & Michael. Thanks for being such great sports and allowing us to photograph you. You guys are super wonderful and full of chemistry and character it was hard to choose just a few to post!!!!

That’s all folks!!! Keep in touch everyone!! I look forward to seeing all the wonderful things in store for you!

Photo by Bruce Clark

So as I mentioned in yesterday’s post, I.Love.To.Read. One of my favorite past times is blog stalking. Yes, I will admit, I love to stalk blogs. I read blogs on a daily basis. If this were a job, I could do it full time and be totally content with myself. When I get on a blog site and they mention another link I click on it and continue to do so until I totally forget where I started. And for the life of me… I want to press the back button on my browser to find where I originally started but as many of you know you can not always depend on this… especially if you have totally went crazy with so many different pages. OK World I am very easily distracted and if you post a link, I’m gonna follow it, duh because you obviously wanted me to! I need excitement, I need variety, I need adventure. I was born on the cusp of Gemini and Cancer, so I will blame this on the Gemini in me (there I go again people, easily sidetracked, so annoying!!). Long Story Short. I need something to help me keep all my blogs in one spot. There is one in particular that I am totally obsessed with and that is the all time favorite, fabulous Wedding Photographer, Jasmine Star. She is super funny, super cute and super talented. She blogged about a client whose wedding she photographed. And this girl was uber adorable. I mean drop dead gorgeous. In one of Jasmine’s later posts she blogged about this same client, Alicia, but this time it was for some new photos for her new blog, The Modern Type Photography, was the link Jasmine mentioned… and guess what I did people?? Yup, you guessed it, I clicked on the link. This girl is just as cute as my little fur ball Jasmine. Who would have thought, right? So while reading Alicia’s blog she posted about a great tool that many of you might know about but if you don’t I highly suggest you get with the program people. Google Reader. I love it!! How cool it is to put all your favorite blogs on just one site. Once you log into this cute little guy it lets you know that you have all kinds of new stuff just waiting in que saying, “Read me Read me!!” OK it doesn’t really do that but I imagine that is what it would be saying if it could talk. So now that I have this I will never forget to check up on my favorite peeps. I have them all in one spot. How cool is that?!! No more bookmarking, no more favorites and no more forgetting to write stuff down because you think you will remember it later. It is just there, forever, in one little click of a button and it makes me totally happy! Ahhh! I love you Google Reader, you are my hero. Thank you Alicia for telling the world about this crazy, wicked tool. We appreciate it! And thank you Jasmine Star for making me laugh on a daily basis, and for giving me the inspiration that I so need!!! You are the best!!

Check out the other cool blogs that I stalk: Holritz Photography, Jules Bianchi Photography, Stephanie Fay Photography, Amy Wenzel Photography, The Pioneer Woman and soooo many more.

There are a ton of links for all you peeps so before you start clicking away please remember to save mine to your favorites or shall I say, to your Google Reader.

Happy Blog Stalking!