Whew it has been a busy week! I’ve been getting a number of referrals to work with great organizations and individuals from friends and past clients. It’s always rewarding to hear others advocating my brand and images with such conviction. I can’t say enough how much I appreciate it.

I’m hoping to add more of my day-to-day thoughts, photo techniques, philosophies and share exciting news on the blog more, instead of just large photo collages every week or few weeks. I hope you’re ready to learn more about me and my photography! And if I’m slacking, giving me a good nudge on my Facebook page. I’d love to hear what you would like to know more about too, so feel free to leave any comments of things you’d be interested to see more of on my blog. Whether it’s just photos, techniques or me!

I’ve been thinking a lot lately on ramping up my production, how to build a better photographic service and generally where I want to continue building my portfolio. It can be frustrating at times to realize how much further I’d like to be from where I am. But I think that’s part of who we are as photographers and creatives. If that drive to excel, to be better and to create a compelling brand isn’t there, it’s time to re-evaluate what you want out of photography. Sometimes I let it get me underwater.

But as I was going through images from a recent test shoot, it hit on me that sometimes we just need to live in the moment and enjoy the ride. Keep that fire, keep that desire to advance (no matter what it is you pursue in life) but learn to love every moment of the journey. It only happens one time around. Revel in it. Get goofy, be adventurous, engage new people, swing. Don’t worry whose watching or what they think. Fly with your feet in the air and your hair in your face (or the sun for those of us with short hair!). Here’s a little musical accompaniment by Rise Against to go with the thought. Swing Life Away

I’ve been incredibly blessed lately to have the support and encouragement of so many individuals as I continue to expand my portfolio. Each day presents a new opportunity, a new nugget of knowledge and a little bit more determination. I’m happy to announce that I’m now working with the amazing team at The Agency Arizona to shoot their composite card work for new models and those needing to freshen their portfolio with a commercial and lifestyle look. I really can’t say enough good things about the team they have there and their approach to the business. All around A-class, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.

As some of you may know, I’ve become a regular contributing writer for Digital Photography School. It’s given me the opportunity to share some of the experiences and findings that have helped me move along.

I really think a big part to all the great things that have been happening comes down to having the right attitude. It’s always been my philosophy that great photography is more than just great images, it’s about a solid product as well. Meaning the way you interact with others, the timeliness of presenting photos, a visible pride in your work without being pompous and thinking of all the details. If this industry needs one thing, it’s a return to the service component. Customers are craving it and those of us who can capitalize on that are going to see our hard efforts rewarded. Hard work and kindness, never underestimate the combo. Check out my post, Develop an Attitude of Success, on Digital Photograph School for more on that.

A few weeks ago I ventured up into the Flagstaff snow for a winter-time fun concept with Julie and Todd of Agency AZ. I’m really looking to bolster my portfolio with more group work and will be arranging more tests to get my book ready to show. Hope you enjoy this smiling in the snow adventure.

Over the Christmas holiday week (does that sound like ages ago to you too?!), I was back in New Hampshire visiting with family. It’s always nice to get out of Arizona and take in a week’s worth of winter wonderland weather. I think there was a few feet of snow on the ground while I was there.

I also wanted to set up a few test photo shoots in Boston to continue building on my portfolio a bit more. I arranged for two, but we only got to shoot one of them. Unfortunately, even a well planned test can be ruined by something as simple as the weather. We had to cancel a session on the beach because of 40mph winds and sub zero temperatures. Yea, cold!

I did get to arrange a test with Jessie of Dynasty Models in Boston though. The brick buildings and little bit of winter atmosphere in the city create a nice environment. We had fun roaming from her apartment near Northwestern University down to the Christian Science Center. Hope you enjoy the series.