Tuesday, January 27, 2009

A Facebook thing...

Facebook is a world I have come to love.  I hesitated to join, even put my foot down for awhile. But, somehow, someway I was persuaded.  I have been able to reconnect with people that have been special to me throughout my life, but somehow I had slipped out of touch with.  It's a place where I can read what my friends are up to,  see pictures of their new babies, and just the other day I even watched the inauguration of our new President there.  So, tonight, while I should have been editing, i spent about an hour typing up 25 Things You May Not Know About Me.  It's been going around on Facebook, and today I was tagged!  So, I thought I would share with you.  Some things may not make sense as they are geared to Facebook readers, but you'll get the majority of it.  Here you go...

1. I love, love, love reading things like this! Yet, I hate writing them, and I definitely don't like tagging people to also do it. It reminds me of one of those forwards where if you don't send it to 25 other people in the next 25 seconds your world is going to end. But, I'm going to do it anyway! 

2. I once wrote a list of 101 things to do in 1001 days. You can see it on my blog: www.saramorrisphotography.blogspot.com. I think it was probably easier to write that than it will be to write this. 

3. I am 32 years old, and I still tivo General Hospital each and every day. I don't always watch it, but it's there waiting just in case. 

4. I make up memories from my childhood. I don't know where they come from or why I do it, but it happens from time to time. I have been overheard telling a story of how my older sister lived with my parents in a trailer when she was first born. There's nothing wrong with that other than it never happened. Now I have to check with my sisters to see if things are real or imaginary. 

4. I have a memory of my Mom sitting outside my door when I was little while I fell asleep. I'm not sure if that one is real or not, but I love it and plan to sit outside my kids doors sometimes while they fall asleep. 

5. I can tie a cherry stem in a knot with my tongue. My five-year-old niece told her class how cool it was that her aunts could do this. 

6. I believe everyone should have an updated passport with them at all times. I am freaking out that mine has not been updated to Morris yet, and I have to part with it for 2 weeks. You never know when a travel opportunity will present itself. 

7. I was grounded in the 9th grade. During this grounding, I "had" to go to Philadelphia to attend a Duke game with my Dad. It just so happened Christian Laettner made a last second jump shot to beat out Kentucky 104-103 making it one of "the greatest college basketball games ever played."

8. I could live in the darkroom. In grad school it was one of my favorite places. I miss it not only because I haven't been in one for awhile, but mainly because as an art form traditional b/w printing is fading away. There is something incredibly magical about a b/w fiber print. And, there's also something magical about spending way too many hours, with your friends, in the dark, on chemical overload belting out Brittney Spears songs.

9. I sing as if I were on American Idol when I'm in the car. If Greg is there too, we harmonize and sometimes rap. 

10. My cats make me happy. I don't think of myself as a crazy cat person, but they have been with me since 2000 and I love them to pieces. They've flown 3 times and lived in 6 places. 

11. I hope to audition for The Amazing Race someday. My cousin, Megan, is going to be my partner when the time is right. I think we'd rock it. 

12. I recently started listening to The Grateful Dead again. It's been about 14 years since my entire collection was stolen from Morris Hall freshman year. I still love them, and still wonder who has my collection with the initials SF on every cd. 

13. I was cleaning out my "office" recently and found my collection of mixed tapes. I want to convert them to mp3's. Is this possible? I'm talking old recordings of the Hot 9 at 9. 

14. I love, love, love movie theater popcorn. Go to the movies, I won't share it. Pop it at home, I won't eat it.

15. My favorite part of a movie is when the title of the film is worked into the dialog. "The Perfect Storm" is a great example of this. Next time you are watching a movie wait for it and you'll understand. 

16. I am allergic to dryer sheets.

17. I ran away once. I was young, and we lived in Brookshire. No one noticed. 

18. The night I ran into Greg again, I knew my life was about to change. I had told Julie on the way to a party that something was going to happen that night, I just didn't know what it was. I am a lucky girl!

19. I could not survive without my sisters. They are my sanity and my world.

20. Oct./Nov. 2007 was one of the most incredible times in my life. I had the privilege of traveling with a dear friend's husband to bring home their new baby girl from China. I was completely honored that they would trust me with such precious cargo, and I am touched by their family every day.

21. When I read a book I have a hard time setting it down until I finish. I often read late into the night by the light of my headlamp. 

22. I am not a religious person, but I consider myself to be pretty spiritual. For example, I believe the family of giraffes that came to my wedding were my loved ones looking over me. Seriously.

23. I will watch Goonies anytime it is on. What's not to love about hunting treasure. 

24. I never thought I had a chance of getting into Photo School. Really thought it was a huge long shot, and didn't have a backup plan. I don't know how it happened, but I am glad it did. I cannot imagine doing anything else with my life than what I am doing now. My time in SF changed me, and those who I spent those 3 years with I will forever be grateful to. 

25. I have the best friends in the world. Such good friends, that as I am writing this they are popping up messages with things about myself that even I forgot.

Monday, January 26, 2009

It's coming!!!!!

I can't even tell you how long I have been waiting for this beauty to arrive, and now she's almost here!  My new Canon 5D Mark ii...isn't she pretty!  Canon announced the launch of her last year, and had a release date set for sometime in November I think.  I joined waitlists here locally...#303 on the Robert's list.  And, I have stalked the internet on a regular basis just hoping to be the lone photographer to find the super secret location that actually had one in stock!  Or, even the retailer that said it was backordered, but would still let you order it.  And, then last week it happened!  I found it!  And, yesterday my paypal was processed, and I received an email saying she'll arrive tomorrow!  I am head over heels!!  I have saved penny after penny to get her!  Not only is she pretty, but she has an ISO that goes up to who knows how high that will aid in many more low light situations, which happen to be some of my favorite.  And, wait for it...video!  Yes, that's right, you heard me...video.  I have no idea how this will play into my wedding coverage in the future, but I can't wait to play around with it!  Well, I don't want to jinx it, so I will tell you much more once she arrives!!!



Thursday, January 22, 2009

Samson and Delilah cont.

This is a continuation of the jewelry shoot I did before the holidays.  We got together today to get a few close-up shots of the Samson and Delilah collection.  Be sure to check out their website.  They have the images from the last shoot posted, and they look great!  I am just starting on these, but wanted to get some images to you before I leave tomorrow!!  I am headed to Denver for a conference.  I am excited to go, but bummed because I have no free time to get out and see some of my friends there.  All work and no play!  I assume I will be able to post from there, but if not I will talk to you Monday!  







Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Commercial: Blue Cross Blue Shield

Yeah!  I made it.  7 days of blogging!  I promise to be much more around from now on.  So, for my last "required" post I wanted to share a few images from the commercial shoot I was working on in December.  We had 3 days of shooting, so this is just a small sliver from the hundreds of images shot.  I am just now starting to go through them!  The goal was to capture people in their homes interacting, living a healthy lifestyle, as well as some images in a corporate environment.  And, we have one more day of shooting in a hospital.  So, I will have more images to share later this month! 









Monday, January 19, 2009

Portrait: Corinne

You may all remember the beautiful maternity shoot I had last month...well, their special delivery arrived! Corinne Grace was born last Tuesday and came home from the hospital on the coldest day ever! I had just been thinking of her when the phone rang, and it was time for our newborn shots!  She is absolutely precious...








Sunday, January 18, 2009

For Fun: Straight No Chaser

I have to apologize for my post yesterday!  It was such a hectic day, and the time just got away from me. So, without further a due, I introduce you to Straight No Chaser. They are a fantastic a cappella group formed at Indiana University in 1996, and they are incredible!  I had never heard of them before, but was quickly caught up to speed by my girlfriends who are former IU grads and big fans. They have recently become a Youtube phenomenon, and have signed a record deal and made an appearance on the Today Show.  And, yesterday the current student group performed at my grandmother's retirement home.  It was a gift to my grandmother so she was the belle of the ball!  So, to make up for my incredibly short post yesterday...I have learned how to post video!!!  This is very exciting!  So, check them out...

They sang this song for us, and I have no idea how they keep it all straight!  


And, serenading my Ammy with their incredible song, "A Song for Mama".  Isn't she beautiful!!!



Saturday, January 17, 2009

A quick one...


Check them out, and I will tell you all about it tomorrow...

Friday, January 16, 2009

Some favorites...

I have shared my undying love for etsy with you before.  So, I wanted to share a few more favorites that I have stumbled upon.  How fantastic would my shiny new laptop look in one of these laptop bags by Janine King Designs!  

And, I love the color and design of this scarf by Homelab.  They have all kinds of fun pieces!


And, recently I stumbled upon a new site for great designs:  Supermarket.  It's essence is very similiar to etsy, yet has it's own vibe.  I am just starting to explore it, but wanted to share it with you as soon as possible.  And, look...the designer Nanda has another fun option for my laptop as well!  
I can get lost for hours on these sites!

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Santa came to town...

And, I must have been a really good girl this year!  He surprised me with 17 inches of pure perfection!  I am in heaven as I am typing on my new, shiny, bright, not banged up fancy laptop. I love it so much I am scared to use it!  Check it out...

And, look at it's beauty next to my vintage 12 inch...which they don't even make anymore!  
And, then there's this gal.  She did not come with Santa.  She and her brother have now lived with us for a year.  And, although I was told they would be going to a kindergarten class once turned from tadpoles to frogs...they didn't.  
And, of course, for Christmas they needed a new home.  So, I can't decide if I was really all that good this year because we now have this living in our guest bedroom!  I have used a shoe to show just how large this is.  And, although Greg is thrilled, I haven't figured out my feelings yet.  We'll see...

On another note, do you know what the best part of today was?  It is almost 6pm, and it's still light out!  It has made me forget that my car is shivering, and I have to now go and get in it.  Till tomorrow...

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Portrait: Ruby & Lucy

I woke up this morning inspired by the snow coming down, and had the most fun photo shoot with Miss Ruby and Miss Lucy.  Their Mom and I went to high school together, and she is an aspiring photographer!  So, today was the perfect time to get together and talk shop while making angels in the snow.  Ruby and Lucy were such troopers!  Ruby made snow angel after snow angel, and Lucy was so busy exploring I could hardly keep up with her!  Here are some of my favorites...





Tuesday, January 13, 2009

To the future...

I have so much to catch up on, and I don't even know where to begin! So, I'll start with the things to come. So many exciting changes with Sara Morris Photography I can't wait. I am taking the days of January and February to start rebuilding my brand, as well as getting caught up with my business practices, etc. I have some commercial work I will be doing during this time, but if the blog is low on picture posts that's because I will be busy with attorneys, tax advisors, graphic designers, etc. who will be getting SMP in order! I will be sure to share bits and pieces with you as they come together!

I am in the process of creating a baby plan...not for my personal life, but a series of portrait sessions to mark the first year of one's life...the newborn, the 6 monther, and the one year. I am still putting it all together, but will launch it sometime before Spring. In the meantime, if you are having a newborn before then just get in touch and we can put together a personal collection!
As a rule of thumb, newborn sessions are best done within the first 2 weeks of birth.

I will also be restructuring my pricing. Session fees will remain the same, but I will be implementing new portrait collections that will make ordering your prints fun!

And, I am sure there will be some more surprises along the way! So for now, I am off to finish the final images for the girls at Samson and Delilah!

In trouble already!

I was so excited to get in to work today, and post my greatest blog entry ever. But, low and behold...no Internet! It's amazing how hard it is to get through a day without it. I haven't quite come to terms with that! Anyway, I wanted to give a quick hello via my iPhone (haven't figured out how to post pictures through it yet) but pretty cool anyway. I will continue with an information packed post following an incredible sushi dinner with 3 of my favorite ladies! I love my Tuesday night dinners. Ok, till then...

Monday, January 12, 2009

Whoa...

It's been way too long!  I have been so blog negligent!  I am so sorry.  The past few weeks have been a whirlwind, and I am finally feeling like my feet are starting to land on the ground.  But, not for too long!  I have so much to write about...Christmas (especially what Santa brought), a trip to Turks & Caicos, a shoot with Blue Cross Blue Shield, NYE, and all of the things in between!  So, because I have been in a blog timeout, I pledge to blog at least once a day for the next week.  And, if you catch me missing a day (which will surely not happen) the first person to leave a comment calling me out gets a free photo session.  So, be on the lookout between now and next Tuesday!  Goodnight for now!  I will see you tomorrow...and, a quick pic from our trip...it was hard to come back to the cold!!!