I did something huge this month.  I applied for a photography scholarship.  I had to write about myself and submit a 2 minute video that was creative and out-of-the box about why I would be a good recipient.  All of that is scary enough on it’s own.  However, all the videos were posted publicly for others to be able to view!  That’s pretty nerve racking too.  But, I figured what was the likelihood that anyone I knew would happen upon my video?  Pretty slim, right?  Unless I post about it on my blog or something….  Then the unthinkable happened.  They added a comment forum under each video so people could post and let the judges know which applicants touched them in some way.  That means that outside opinions would be considered by the judges.  Judges like Carey Schumacher from San Diego Barefoot Memories (a photographer I’ve admired for some years now), along with representatives from Sony and Adobe, in addition to MeRa Koh and her husband Brian who started the whole scholarship.

This scholarship is an opportunity for three women to be mentored in growing a photography business.  Mentored by women who have families they balance along side ultra successful businesses.  It means business coaches, tutors in post processing, new equipment, workshops, website and blog hosts.  The list goes on.  Things I’d love to have but will be slow to achieve on my own.

As most of you know, I’ve begun a journey into starting my own business.  My original goal was to have a business up and running when all my children made it to school full time.  What a blessing many of you have been!  I’ve had more opportunity to build a portfolio and it’s happened much more quickly than I anticipated.  So, here I sit at a crossroads.  Hoping to be more than I am on my own with the help of this scholarship.

So, from a place of total vulnerability, I am going to do the hard thing and show you my application.  Well, actually I’m going to direct you to the link where you can see it for yourself.  My hope is that you find it humorous and creative but also serious and empowering.  If you feel lead to comment on my “photo” (you’ll see a drop down menu that offers you the chance to post on the photo or the gallery - pick photo) telling the judges why you think my video suggests that people would want to follow my journey this year, I’d surely appreciate it.

http://www.soarwithmera.com/Galleries/Submissions/10499462_eeZj4#738173786_bt2CW-A-LB

I hope it makes you chuckle.  Thank you all so very, very much for your support.  Regardless of the outcome.

Cheers!

Last weekend I had the opportunity to fill in for a photographer buddy of mine.  He is the annual Santa photographer for the folks at Stoneleigh Country Club but this year he was off watching the Dallas Cowboys and asked me to take over for him.  It was such a great time!  Santa and Mrs. Claus were superb.  It was unlike any other Santa experience I’ve ever had.  Each child was allowed to linger with the Claus’ and talk to them as long as they wished.  Since it was a brunch, each family took their time eating as a family and visiting with Santa when he was available.  It was wonderful!  And I got the best seat in the house as I watched each child light up with wonder as he or she talked to Santa and Mrs. Claus about what they wanted and listened to stories about the North Pole.  Mrs. Claus even told several children about her head elf named Lucy who helps her run the homestead up there.  It was completely delightful! 

I’d planned to send out a Christmas card from our family with a picture of my three children with the Claus’.  My youngest son was not interested in the least to sit next to Santa unless I was in the picture too.  So, my sweet husband and I ended up in the picture this year too.  Here is our Christmas picture we sent out on our card.

So from me and mine to you and yours, Merry Christmas!  May all the joy of the season rest in your home and in your heart this week.

Cheers!

being a photographer’s kid.  The light in my dining room was so beautiful the other day.  The two big kids were in school so I said, “Hey, Mason!  Stay right there and let me take a few pictures of you.”

Hmmm.  That’s not going to do me any good.  “Please smile.  I’ll give you a lollipop!”

Happy kid, happy mommy!

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheers!

Earlier this year, I had the chance to photograph this super fun family.  Mom and Dad, their four children, their son-in-law and their grandson.  It was such a great time for me!  I picked out my absolute favorites to show you.  I hope you enjoy them!

I’ve neglected this ‘ole blog ‘o mine for too long now.  You’ll be seeing more of me in the coming days.  I have a backlog of sessions to share with you so I hope you’ll stop in again soon!

Cheers!

This is Clyde.  Isn’t he the sweetest little puppy?  He belongs to our neighbors and the entire neighborhood is smitten with this guy. 

I was testing out some new photoshop actions earlier today on some pictures I took of Clyde this fall.  I thought you might like to see a little cuteness too.

Thanks for visiting!

Cheers!