To make her smile…

09 Friday Mar 2012

Posted by in Boudoir, Personal

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I’ll do anything to make her laugh, and I really do mean ANYTHING. I jump around. I make stupid faces. I tickle her until we are both in hysterics. I love that sound more than she’ll ever know, unless she has a daughter of her own one day.

I think about my daughter laughing, and how pure it is. She knows she’s loved. She knows she is beautiful, because I tell her every day. She doesn’t have body issues. She loves wearing clothes that are big and bright, and don’t match. She loves playing dress up in daddy’s shoes, mommy’s scarf, and whatever else she finds lying around. She’s super confident, rockin’ her camouflage slippers, lime green t-shirt, purple monkey hat and black jeans with her hair standing up in all directions. When she strikes a pose, she KNOWS she looks good. You can see it in her face.

I wish I could be more like her. I wish I could make all women feel as confident as she is.

That’s my “why.” That’s why I want to take gorgeous photos of women- not necessarily in camo slippers… but still. Somewhere down the road of life, we go from rockin’ whatever it is we are wearing with no makeup or coordinating to standing in front of the mirror for hours dissecting what we’re wearing, and how we look. We go from being sassy in dad’s big boots to crying because we’ll never be pretty enough, or sexy enough, or just enough. It’s heartbreaking for me. We tear ourselves down and tear ourselves apart. We forget how to feel beautiful. We forget what it feels like to look at a photo of ourselves and go “that’s me, and DAMN I look good!” We get lost in our negativity, and in never being happy with WHO WE ARE.

What is the bar that we all keep comparing ourselves to?

As a photographer with an intimate knowledge of Photoshop magic, I know that the photos I see in magazines are NOT REAL, and still I tear myself apart. The body image portrayed by the media today is totally unrealistic. For myself, I want to stop comparing myself to models and start comparing myself to Mia.

She’s confident even when she has ketchup all over her face. She’s the centre of attention with macaroni in her hair and when she laughs she brings the whole world joy. She doesn’t care what she looks like because she knows I love her, and that she’ll always be gorgeous, no matter what she’s wearing… and I’ll do anything to keep her that way, and to make her smile.

My life, my freedom.

27 Monday Feb 2012

Posted by in Personal, Showiteers, WPPI

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It’s still a little dark when I tiptoe into her room. Under the sounds of gentle instrumental music, I can hear her deep, even breathing, and even though I haven’t seen her, I’m almost in tears. I’ve missed her so much, and eight days away has been too long. There’s something about that “baby smell” that is intoxicating, and as I sneak over to the edge of her crib and peek down on her, I’ve never been so glad to be home.

Returning from my Vegas trip for WPPI and Showit United was bittersweet. I couldn’t wait to get home to Graham & Mia- my heart hurt from being without them for so long. Graham is truly my other half, and Mia is our heartbeat. She is such a little wonder and every time I look at her my heart melts and I love her a little more. As I stood in her room Friday night and watched her sleep, I was amazed at how much she had changed and grown even in the span of a week. It was SO HARD to be separated from her, but the trip has already paid off in so many ways for my business, and differently than I thought.

“Be who you are unapologetically, because when you do so it gives others permission to do the same.”
Mary Marantz

In thinking about what I’ve learned, the biggest thing that comes to mind is that I have to BE MYSELF. It was a reoccurring theme throughout both conferences, with all the speakers I enjoyed most. Mary Marantz said in her presentation “Be who you are unapologetically, because when you do so it gives others permission to do the same.” This is my year to do just that. I think sometimes I’m afraid to really let loose and show people who I am- I worry sometimes that it will be a little overwhelming for some. I love BIG, and 1000%. I can be a little crazy. I run my mouth constantly. I have a quick retort for every comment. I cackle when I laugh. Music and my baby girl make me cry. I’m finally starting to GET it- it’s ok to let people see you be vulnerable. It’s terrifying and liberating all at once. My friends and family already know & love me for who I am, but going to Vegas solidified my decision to really make things personal this year, and really get real with my clients.

Another quote that really touched my heart was from Julie Story- who, in a short period of time, has snuck into my heart the way I snuck into Mia’s room- on tiptoes, softly, and with love. During her presentation she said that being able to put her kids first is how she defines her success, and she asked us to think about what freedom looks like to us. Is being free and having success based on how much money you make, who knows you in your industry, or how many conferences you speak at?

When I first became a photographer, I thought that the best part of the job was being your own boss- deciding when and where to work, what clients to take, and how to spend your money- but now that I have a baby I agree with Julie. Being free to stay at home with Mia and really pour into her little life, being available to be a good friend, being able to cook Graham dinner every night and snuggle up with a good book afterwards- that’s freedom. That’s my success, regardless of how many weddings I book, or how many portraits I create. It’s hard to look at the numbers sometimes and feel like I’m successful. I always want to do better. I always want to make more money. I always want more people to know my name, and what I stand for. I always want to book more weddings and more boudoir sessions. I’m always looking for new clients, and LOVE it especially when past clients refer their friends to me, but is my success based on those figures alone?

“Focus not on other people’s love stories,
But the love stories in your life.”
Julie Story


No. It’s not. Thank God that my success is not based on others, but based on what I do best- Love. Success is fleeting, but love is priceless. Being able to love what I do, and be myself, all the while being a mom, friend, wife, sister, daughter & grandaughter… Those are my love stories, and although I’m thrilled to tell the love stories of others in my work, I flourish in the pages of my life.

When Mia woke up the following morning, I went into her room to get her. Her face blossomed into a huge ear to ear grin and when I scooped her into my arms, we just held each other for a really long time. I felt her little heart beating against my chest and thought, this is my freedom. This is why I do what I do, so that my daughter can have a mom during the week to love on her in a big way, and give her a life less ordinary.

She is my freedom- and photography gives me permission to be home with her where I belong.


PS:There were so many things that stood out to me when I think about Vegas…. and the Showiteers that I spent time with were honestly life-changing, and although we had never MET in person, there was no awkwardness or lulls in conversation. I was so sad to leave- it sort of felt like summer camp- you make lifelong friends over the course of a week, then have to go home, and even though it’s hard you know your life will never be the same. If you’re reading this… You know who you are, and how much I love you. THANK YOU for last week! Here’s a little video that Nicholas Williams of Handlebar Studios made from the conference- just a little snapshot of our lives last week. Miss you all already!

 

This is it.

11 Saturday Feb 2012

Posted by in Calgary Wedding Photographer, Personal, Showiteers, WPPI

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Being scared is NOT a good feeling. Having the “this is it” feeling is even worse.

This is IT. This is the end. It’s a sinking pit in your stomach. It’s laying awake at night wondering if you can make ends meet, wondering where your next job is coming from, wondering if you should get a “real” job and throw in the towel. Is it worth it? Is passion enough? Is the love of art all you need to keep going?

There are no simple answers, especially with photography. It’s a hard industry. It’s feast or famine. There is no “sort of” making it, and everyone is hungry. New photographers sprout up every year. Photographers who have been in business for decades quit out of frustration and burn out. It’s tough. It’s not just making pretty pictures. As a small business you live, breathe, and die your craft. There are no nights off. There is a lot of coffee involved, a lot of “let’s just get the kids to bed and then I can work until 2am….”

It’s been a long year, and it’s only February. Last month I came close to giving up, and in the middle of my turmoil and sleepless nights I just felt two little words: Don’t Quit.

2012 is my year. Don’t ask me how I know this, it’s just what I know. I feel it in my heart. Already, so many amazing things have happened that I couldn’t have imagined laying in my bed at 3am last month. Little words of encouragement came in at just the right time. My awesome family, incredible photographers and clients swooped in with words of love and affirmation. You can do this, they said. You can make this happen. How can we help?

We brainstormed. We rebranded. I asked for constructive criticism. We scratched everything and started again. (I know I already posted about starting over (see post here) but I think it’s important to be transparent, and to get personal.) January was a hard month… and then February hit.

It was like a light went on. Things started happening. Clients started booking. My phone has been going crazy. I find myself STILL awake at night, but with ideas instead of despair. I am SO EXCITED, and yes, it is an ALL CAPS kind of excitement.

I guess the reason I am writing this is just to even encourage one person. You can do this, whatever “this” is for you. If it is the burning desire of your heart, and you KNOW you are supposed to be on this path, then stride forward with boldness and confidence. For me, I know God will make a way, even when there is no way. I trust Him. I know He has put me in photography to make a difference and change the world… and I will. Maybe not tomorrow, but it’s going to happen.

I understand the hunger, and need to be working… I was there not long ago. Stick it out. You can do this. I’m with you 110%, rooting for you, and here to help. Without the strong hands of others pulling me up, I might have fallen by the wayside, but they didn’t give up on me, and you reap what you sow. This IS it. What will you make of it?

Who are you going to pull up today?

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St. Eugene Bridal Fair

02 Thursday Feb 2012

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When inspiration strikes, it strikes hard and fast, and it’s amazing how under pressure, one so quickly retreats to the safety of their roots.

I had the opportunity this past weekend to be part of the first St. Eugene Mission Bridal Fair. It’s close to home, and even though we live in Calgary now, my heart is still in the Kootenays. I’ve really been thinking through what my style is, who my ideal bride is, and what I am most passionate about shooting, and the funny thing is that what I am drawn to is what I’ve been all along: country.

Old barn boards. Burlap. The smell of freshly cut wood. Vintage palettes, and character pieces. DIY weddings full of mason jars, river rocks, and wildflowers. I had a vision of what I wanted my booth to look like, what I wanted to use to represent myself and my brand visually, and when I got home and told my mom about it, all she said was “You’ve come home.”

It’s true. In many ways, that’s what I’ve always known and always been drawn to, and it took me almost six years of business to realize that I need to stop being what I think that my clients want, and just be ME.

In digging through thrift stores, my grandma’s house, my parent’s house, craft stores, and pinning images on Pinterest, I was finally able to really SEE what my style is. It was like a light went on: BLINK! and I knew exactly who and what I wanted.

The bridal show was successful- I met some incredibly talented and fun photographers, fantastic wedding professionals, and ate delicious cupcakes- but ultimately the biggest thing I got out of this experience is that it doesn’t take much to find your brand. It’s inside you. You feel it, not find it, and it just seeps out and colors your world.

WHEW! ok… so enough philosophy… Let’s break down what I did to make my booth AWESOME… because I know if you’re reading this and you’re a photographer like me, you’re wondering… how much did it cost? How’d you put it together?

I literally had NO BUDGET for this show. It came up out of nowhere and I really felt like I should do it, so………..  yeah. We did it.

My motto for the show: Beg, Borrow, and Steal.

Stolen from Wed Studio Display, & two very satisfied clients:
-Sample Albums (you’ll get them back, I swear!!)

Borrowed from Grandma’s house:
-Vintage purple wicker chairs (they were my great, great, great grandma’s) along with the vintage dresser
-Cameras (!!!! HOW HAVE I NEVER NOTICED THESE BABIES BEFORE?!?!! One was my great grandfathers-it went through WWI with him in his pocket, the other my grandfather’s first camera. So cool)
-Lamp

Borrowed from Mom, who held Mia ransom until items were returned:
-Barn Boards (off of our barn…sorry cows…)
-Rustic table
-Bottles and Mason Jars
-Crates

Begged:
-Dad & Graham made the lovely barn board frame for my iMac- and instead of doing a slideshow because it would have taken time I did NOT have… I let clients peruse my shiny new Showit site offline in preview mode. So simple. SUCH good branding.
-Dad also cut up a gorgeous birch tree for the crosscut you see beside my Mac. Brilliant!

Purchased:
-$83- Promotional price sheets with new logo, branding, and package info
-$20- frames from Goodwill (were super ugly… and so super cheap!)
2-16×24, 1-11×17, 3-8×10
-$4- paint from Michaels for ugly ugly frames-white and brown
-$5-Raffia from Michaels
-$65- Professional photo prints from my lab- the one thing I knew I couldn’t cheap out on- quality matters in a print!
-$10- Burlap from a fabric store
-$23- Fresh Flowers from a grocery store…sorry Monica!
-$112-booth space at St. Eugene :)
GRAND TOTAL: $322.

I was provided with an 8-foot table with black skirting and a black tablecloth… but the more I thought about it the more I wanted to stand out. My booth ended up being between two other photographer’s booths, and while I got some pretty nasty looks at the beginning when I was setting up, I definitely think it was worth it. (We all ended up being friends at the end anyways…) Brides were saying “WOW” when they walked in the door, which is sort of what I was going for.

Without further ado, the images from the day! Thanks so much to my family for being my biggest cheerleaders and supporters, and also for all of your help with designing the booth and helping me set it up…. and also for letting me raid and pillage the night before the show. xoxox

Posted by | Filed under Calgary Destination Photographer, Event Photography, Personal, Weddings

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Oh time….

23 Monday Jan 2012

Posted by in Babies!, Beloved, Calgary Portrait Photographer, Personal

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I sat there and cried.

Time is a funny thing. It sneaks up on you, and while you are yet unsuspecting, it passes you by. I have never had a year fly by as fast as this last one, and somewhere in the midst of everything that was going on, my baby girl became a child.

Tonight I went through 18 months of digital photos which have been largely untouched on my hard drive. It’s sad, really. I am in the business of providing couples and families with incredible images and quality prints, and mine remain faceless in numerical form, stuffed away in folders on a hard drive.

I relived the last 18 months in brilliant color as I went through literally thousands of images i’ve taken of Mia in the last year, and I cried. Mostly happy tears, and a few of sadness that her life is racing by. I just want to scream “slow down! We have so little time!” but that is impossible. Instead, I am truly thankful that even in the middle of working as photographer, scheduling families, weddings, engagements, babies, and events that I made time to capture OUR moments.

As part of my resolutions for 2012, I am making her a scrapbook. Not a digital one, even though that is MUCH easier for me, but one made by hand and out of real paper prints. Somehow, that means more. It’s the tears, glue, and paper combined on a page that produce the most emotion, and one day Mia will know that her mom spent real time investing in her story, poring over paper prints with scissors and glue, pasting snippets of her life to a page.

My sister and I used to flip through the albums my mom created for us when we were kids. I remember being interested by our baby photos, but now that I have my own baby, those photos take on an entirely new meaning. I didn’t “get it” before, but now I realize that those aren’t just aging photos stuck to paper. That is my life, my infancy, my mom learning how to adjust to motherhood and being amazed by the little things- first words, first steps, first haircut. Tiny milestones, immortalized in colour and black and white and accented with notes, stickers, and so much love. When I look at those books now, they mean so much more to me than if I had just flipped on a computer and browsed the files.

Don’t let your memories just exist in cyberspace. It’s a much lonelier location than curled on a couch with a blanket, snuggled up beside a person who, in your heart, will always be your baby.

 

Vegas, baby!

16 Monday Jan 2012

Posted by in Calgary Destination Photographer, Personal, Showiteers, WPPI

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I booked my flight today. I get heart palpitations just typing that sentence.

In a month, I will be on a plane headed to Vegas to meet up with thousands of other amazing photographers for a week as part of WPPI (Wedding and Portrait Photographers International.) It’s the biggest photography conference in the world, and I get to take classes from the best photographers internationally. I am so. pumped!

I am even more excited because this year I have Showiteers. I feel as though I know all of them already, and we have so much in common. Even though we’ve never “actually” met outside of Facebook, I know that when my plane pulls in it’s going to be a hugfest. I may even lose my face if one certain showiteer has her way. :)

I can’t wait to learn more amazing techniques from the best and bring them home for my clients. With so many great weddings booked for 2012, this could be the best year yet!

Risq Boudoir Giveaway!

10 Tuesday Jan 2012

Posted by in Boudoir, Calgary Boudoir Photographer

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I asked a question on my Facebook page last weekend about interest in a boudoir giveaway, and there were quite a few people interested… So we decided to give the people what they want & we are doing it!!

One lucky lady will win the grand prize package:

A Stephanie Moore Photography Risq Boudoir session, including professional hair and makeup from the very beautiful & talented Mallory!!(www.mallorymcgowan.com.) A Luxury hotel suite for the session. Champagne and chocolate covered strawberries. Digital Magic. A 12 image Little Black Book… a $500 value. FREE!

TO ENTER:

1) Like us on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/risqboudoir and leave us a comment telling us why you want to win. (ALSO-like Mallory! She’s really cool and she deserves it! Click Here)

2) Make this your status on Facebook: “Risq Boudoir is giving away a sweet session and I want to win! http://www.risqboudoir.stephaniemoorephoto.com”;

3)For extra entries, get your friends to like us on our Facebook page and tell us you sent them over. We love Facebook love!

The winner will be randomly drawn on January 23, 2012, and will have their session in time for Valentine’s Day! Good luck everyone! Stay beautiful…

PS…. this contest is in no way associated with Facebook blah blah blah and all that other legal jazz…. It’s all me! :)

A Fresh Start

31 Saturday Dec 2011

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Today I made myself a cup of tea, opened a fresh pad of lined paper and sat down at my desk to make some serious changes. You know, the whole “new year, new you” thing. I thought about everything I’ve accomplished in the last year, and all of the things I want to do as I  move forward with my business and personal life.

I made a few hard decisions and decided that the new year was as good of a time as any to start over (again!) with my business. The terrifying process of rebranding has loomed over my head for the past year- new website, cards, new blog design, Facebook page, Twitter account… there are SO MANY things to tweak and make my own. Thankfully, I am blessed with a huge support group in the Showiteers community- they are an amazing group of professional photographers who never cease to amaze me.

The lovely Julie Story has designed a gorgeous website that I can play around with to customize for my wedding website. I am so excited to start working with it! Thank you Julie!!!

I also snagged an amazing design for my NEW Risq Photo Group boudoir site from Heather at Thea Creative- and it rocks!  Boudoir has always been my favorite subject to photograph, and this year I will be mainly focusing on that area of my business. I am passionate about making women feel drop dead gorgeous and sexy in their own skin, and these sessions accomplish that. Check the new site out at www.risqphoto.stephaniemoorephoto.com! a BIG Thank You to all of the beautiful women who allowed me to share their stunning images with the world!

Personally, I’ve made a few changes as well. I am going to be making more time for my little Mia and Graham. It’s hard when you are running your own business to put everything away and just focus on your family, but that is SO IMPORTANT, especially with kids. I am going to set business hours, and when those are up then it’s family time- I can turn off my phone and my computer and really give them 110% like they deserve.We’re going to take more holidays together, do more fun day trips, and spend more time having playdates with Mia’s friends. I want to be able to enjoy a cup of coffee with friends + make time to laugh and chat about kids, husbands, and pets. It’s going to be glorious!

So here’s to starting over…. however that looks for you & I. May 2012 be the best, most successful year for you yet!! I know I’m hoping it will be. Cheers!

 

Love in the Hurricane

14 Wednesday Dec 2011

Posted by in Calgary Destination Photographer

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I have never seen so much rain in my life.

Torrential downpour. Dumping buckets. If it had been raining cats & dogs, they would have been tigers and great Danes.

I remember sitting there, staring out the window and thinking “WHAT THE HECK is this weather and what happened to my tropical vacation?!?!”

Fortunately, there was a short break in the crazy weather. The eye of the storm. The middle of a hurricane with “stay in your room” warnings and people scattering. As a photographer, in that situation there is only one thing you can do: grab your gear and head for the ocean.

I had some amazing friends on vacation with us- and they were up for the challenge. We headed to the beach to catch some waves and take a few photos before we got shut in our rooms for the evening. Graham and I even got a photo of ourselves! (NEVER happens… drawbacks of the job…)

They say a friend will go with you anywhere. Well, a GREAT friend will drink tequila and hit up the hurricanes with you! Thanks for the amazing vacation Sam & Alison! Can’t wait for the next one!

What if…

12 Monday Dec 2011

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It’s the Christmas season, and everyone is busily getting all of their shopping done. Trees are up. Lights adorn every rooftop and make pine trees glitter. Friends and family call, text, e-mail, Facebook, and Skype to ask, “What do you want for Christmas?”

What if all you wanted was water?

I’m not talking about just a glass. I’m talking about having a pure drinking source, free of pollutants, bacteria, parasites and poisons, a basic human necessity for survival. What if that was all you could think about, all day, every day? Water. It seems so simple, and yet every year, 2.5 million people die from drinking contaminated drinking water.

We are so blessed to live where we do- in various cities and countries all over the world. We have houses to sleep in at night, with beds, and blankets and fireplaces. We have a glass of water on the bedside table. We have showers in the morning. We brush our teeth. We drink tea or coffee on our way to work. We get to our jobs and wait for lunch breaks. Coffee breaks. We soak in hot tubs, swim laps in pools. We go home, cook dinner, wash our veggies in the sink. Wash our faces at night. We take these things for granted. What if it were gone?

This year, myself and a group of AMAZING (truly, wholeheartedly, spectacularly INCREDIBLE) people got together virtually to help those who do not have those simple things. To help bring water to those who have so little. To save lives, and change the world. We recorded a Christmas album to bring cheer to your homes and clean water to people who need it.

We are a group of passionate, diverse, unique, and free individuals who care SO MUCH about our clients and our world. We came together in a month, with one heartbeat between us, and this album was born of the question, “What can I do to make a difference?”

A Showiteer’s Christmas-United for Change is the name of the album, and also our mission. To come together and change the world, one glass at a time. We would love for you to join with us- 100% of the proceeds from sales of the album will be donated to Thirst Relief International (www.thirstrelief.org) to provide life-giving water.

A Showiteer’s Christmas- United for Change is available for download on iTunes TODAY. Spread some Christmas cheer and help us make a difference!

Matthew 25:35: I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger, and you welcomed me.

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