I like music. ( I realize I just repeated the title but maybe it needed to be said twice.) I wish I was the person that was into talk radio, books on tape and podcasts. When I am driving around in my car or at home working or really anytime there is a void of sound I play music to fill the silence. I can't drive with out it, I can't clean my house with out it, I can't BBQ in the backyard with out it.
A lot of people have way more music than I do. I stick to a few genres so it probably limits my count a bit. For the most part I listen to Country, Classic Rock/Oldies, Alternative, Singer-Songwriter and Christian. You'll find a few "Pop" songs there and there but I don't really own any R&B or Rap. At the moment I have about 2,600 songs from 383 different artists. It's a fairly good count… but always a work in progress. If you think there is anyone I should check out (that fall into the above genres) let me know!
Sunday evening I was enjoying some kabobs on the grill with our neighbors. She enjoyed my music and asked what Pandora station I was listening too. I told her it was my own station… meaning that I put together a "Summertime" playlist and was playing my music. I told her I love making "mixes" although I guess nowadays we call them playlists. I thought I'd share a few (or a lot?) of my favorite songs on my Summertime playlist. A lot of classics, but maybe there are a few songs in there that will be new to you and you'll enjoy the fresh sound.
First (and most important in my opinion) are the Country songs…
1. "Seventeen" by Tim McGraw
2. "Working on a Tan" by Brad Paisley
3. "Chillin' It" by Cole Swindell
4. "Young & Wild" by Eric Church
5. "Free" by Zac Brown Band
6. "Cruise" by Florida Georgia Line
7. "Ain't Going Down til the Sun Comes Up" by Garth Brooks
8. "Blue Clear Sky" by George Strait
9. "Barefoot Bluejean Night" by Jake Owen
10. "Life is Good" by Kenny Chesney
11. "Fishin' in the Dark" by The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
12. "Chicken Fried" by Zac Brown Band
13. "Drink in My Hand" by Eric Church
14. "Beachin'" by Jake Owen
15. "When the Sun Goes Down" by Kenny Chesney
16. "Knee Deep" by Zac Brown Band
17. …And of course this one has to be on your playlist… "Summertime" by Kenny Chesney
Oldies:
1. "Good Vibrations" by the Beach Boys
2. "Night Moves" by Bob Seger
3. "American Girl" by Tom Petty
4. "Uncle John's Band" by Greatful Dead
5. "Jack & Diane" by John Mellencamp
6. "Traveling Riverside Blues" by Led Zeppelin
7. "Free Fallin'" by Tom Petty
8. "It's Still Rock n Roll" by Billy Joel
9. "I'm on Fire" by Bruce Springsteen
10. "Celebration Day" by Led Zeppelin
11. "Sweet Home Alabama" by Lyrnd Skynyrd
12. "Cecilia" by Simon & Garfunkel
13. "Senator's Son" by CCR
14. "Ventura Highway" by America
15. "Brown Eyed Girl" by Van Morrison
16. "Could You Be Loved" by Bob Marley (really anything by Bob Marley)
17. "Into the Great Wide Open" by Tom Petty
Random: (Alternative/Pop/Singer-Songwriter)
1. "One Big Holiday" by My Morning Jacket
2. "Send Me On My Way" by Rusted Root
3. "We Are Young" by Fun.
4. "Sound of Sunshine" by Michael Franti
5. "River Water" by Moon Taxi
6. "Down River" by The Temper Trap
7. "Float On" by Modest Mouse
8. "Strawberry Swing" by Coldplay
9. "Cups" by Jean Simon
10. "Kiss Quick" by Matt Nathason
11. "Best Days" by Matt White
12. "Ooh La La" by Counting Crows
13. "Come Pick Me Up" by Ryan Adams
14. "Windows Are Rolled Down" by Amos Lee
15. "Beautiful Day" by Joshua Radin
16. "The General" by Dispatch
17. "Caped Cod Kwassa Kwassa" by Vampire Weekend
It's only about 51 songs and my full Summertime Playlist has about 154 songs so if you need anymore ideas let me know. Enjoy your music. Enjoy your Summer!
Skipping,
Aubrie
Showing posts with label Music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Music. Show all posts
6.03.2014
5.22.2014
It's The Small Things That Count
Just like my post title read- it is the small things that count. I'm easily amused and there are a lot of daily things that most people would deem "small" that make me happy. Happiness has been a theme in the blogger world these past few days. My friend Macey encouraged everyone to write down ten things that make them happy. I do what I'm told.
1. I love watching my dog lay outside on the porch, soaking up the sun and being completely content at just watching bugs in the grass. I can tell he enjoys the sun and in return I enjoy it.
2. Sitcoms. Although right now I am sad because all the sitcoms I watch have ended and I'm wondering what in the world I am going to watch during my breakfast and lunch. Suggestions?
3. Rolling down the windows in my Jeep as I cruise around makes me happy.
4. Country music, country radio and country singers bring a smile to my face.
5. Anything to do with polar bears. Photos, videos, stories, drawings, shirts, mugs, tattoos. If it has a white bear, I dig it.
6. Tasty leftovers for lunch. I love opening the fridge and remembering that I either have some take out left over from the night before or some left overs from a tasty dinner I cooked. It makes choosing my lunch easier and it's less time consuming. Thank you microwaves.
7. I enjoy my coffee dates after swim practice with my swimming friends. Typically about once a week (it seems to always land on a Tuesday) I enjoy a cup of coffee from Starbucks and chat with my girls… wet hair, rocking sweatpants.
8. Going to new restaurants really tickles my fancy. If I had the power (not to mention the time and money) I would always eat at a new restaurant or coffee shop.
9. I like prop shopping for food photo shoots. It's fun to pop in to antique stores and find some goodies.
10. Appropriate for this weekend- our annual Memorial Day camping trip makes me happy. And this year it might make me even more happy because for once we might not get rained on.
I also want to add that the obvious things in my life still make me happy. I assume you all know that my husband, God, photography, swimming, yoga and my family all bring joy to my life.
What makes you happy?
Skipping,
Aubrie
1. I love watching my dog lay outside on the porch, soaking up the sun and being completely content at just watching bugs in the grass. I can tell he enjoys the sun and in return I enjoy it.
2. Sitcoms. Although right now I am sad because all the sitcoms I watch have ended and I'm wondering what in the world I am going to watch during my breakfast and lunch. Suggestions?
3. Rolling down the windows in my Jeep as I cruise around makes me happy.
4. Country music, country radio and country singers bring a smile to my face.
5. Anything to do with polar bears. Photos, videos, stories, drawings, shirts, mugs, tattoos. If it has a white bear, I dig it.
6. Tasty leftovers for lunch. I love opening the fridge and remembering that I either have some take out left over from the night before or some left overs from a tasty dinner I cooked. It makes choosing my lunch easier and it's less time consuming. Thank you microwaves.
7. I enjoy my coffee dates after swim practice with my swimming friends. Typically about once a week (it seems to always land on a Tuesday) I enjoy a cup of coffee from Starbucks and chat with my girls… wet hair, rocking sweatpants.
8. Going to new restaurants really tickles my fancy. If I had the power (not to mention the time and money) I would always eat at a new restaurant or coffee shop.
9. I like prop shopping for food photo shoots. It's fun to pop in to antique stores and find some goodies.
10. Appropriate for this weekend- our annual Memorial Day camping trip makes me happy. And this year it might make me even more happy because for once we might not get rained on.
I also want to add that the obvious things in my life still make me happy. I assume you all know that my husband, God, photography, swimming, yoga and my family all bring joy to my life.
What makes you happy?
Skipping,
Aubrie
6.12.2013
No Rhyme or Rhythm
Wowser. I haven't posted since the beginning of the year. I guess you can tell that my other two photography blogs are taking up my blog time. (Since I'm a photographer I'll call that a good thing.)
I have like 10 minutes before I am suppose to leave for a yoga lesson. There is like a hundred things I could probably do with my ten minutes, but today I decided to write down a bunch of random things that have crossed my brain in the last few weeks. There is no rhyme or rhythm to this post... so I'm assuming I'll have a hard time titling it. Here we go.
1. Have you seen Tiger Seals? I mean seriously... these animals are sublime, awesome, superb, ridiculous all came to my mind right then. I'm not sure if any of those adjectives really describe these sea creatures- but I bet if you haven't seen one yet you're going to google it right now.
2. People need to roll their car windows down more. Fresh air is good plus it just makes you feel more alive. Roll your windows down and stop spoiling yourself with AC. (You must also listen to your music loud if your windows are rolled down... unless you are playing like Rap or R&B then you have my permission to roll the windows back up and stay away from my truck.)
3. I heard something the other day- in the first five minutes of talking to a new person you can determine their values. They will more than likely discuss or somehow pop-into the conversation what is important to them. For instance if they talk about their kids, obviously the value family. If they talk about their career then they really value their job. Interesting, I thought. What would your top three things be in a five minute conversation? These are mine:
1. God (I'll be the first to admit that one is not easy to throw in when talking to a new person.)
2. My husband/dog/family
3. Photography Career
4. Crap my 10 minutes is already up and I'm not done unleashing. ...How was googling the seals?
5. Orbitz Strawberry Remix gum is better than Extra Dessert Delights Strawberry Shortcake.
6. I can drive for five hours straight (well, with a pee break) simply by listening to music. I love making new "mixes" for road trips. I went to La Grande this weekend and made a pretty hefty one called "Country Car Ride." I won't list all the songs on the mix because I believe it's like 3+ hours worth of songs (and no that's not even close to all my country songs.) I will rattle off a few new favorites I downloaded.... 1. "Over When It's Over" by Eric Church. 2. "Nashville With Out You" by Tim McGraw. 3. "Chillin' It" by Cole Swindell. 4. "I Wanna Be That Feeling" by Bucky Covington (his name is cool too.) 5. "Runnin' Out of Moonlight" by Randy Houser. 6. "Tip it Back" by Florida Georgia Line. 7. "Backwoods" by Justin Moore. 8. "Drivin' Around Song" by Colt Ford.
7. I'm pretty sure I was born in the wrong era (I probably should've been in my 20's-30's in the 60s-70s) and in the wrong part of the country (I should've been born in like Tennessee, Georgia or Texas.)
8. I love the outdoors. I love it when I'm hiking. I need to spend more time outdoors. I really need to go on one of those crazy outdoor photography workshops.
9. I wonder how Veterans and military people feel about how we celebrate Memorial Day and Veterans Day. I actually went camping with two Marines over Memorial Day and we discussed it a little bit. I know we don't celebrate it the proper way- but I also think it makes them proud that we have our freedom to celebrate however we want, even if it is just grilling hot dogs.
10. It's crazy to think about one decision or choice in your life would've put you on an entire different path. That if you would have made one decision differently you might not be sitting where your sitting, living in the state your living in or married to the guy your married to. For the record I'm perfectly fine with all three- but it's crazy to think about "If I would've done this... where would I be?" I often wonder what I'd be doing or where I'd be living if I would've become a white-water-rafting guide.
My time is REALLY up now. Until next time, keep skipping.
Aubrie
I have like 10 minutes before I am suppose to leave for a yoga lesson. There is like a hundred things I could probably do with my ten minutes, but today I decided to write down a bunch of random things that have crossed my brain in the last few weeks. There is no rhyme or rhythm to this post... so I'm assuming I'll have a hard time titling it. Here we go.
1. Have you seen Tiger Seals? I mean seriously... these animals are sublime, awesome, superb, ridiculous all came to my mind right then. I'm not sure if any of those adjectives really describe these sea creatures- but I bet if you haven't seen one yet you're going to google it right now.
2. People need to roll their car windows down more. Fresh air is good plus it just makes you feel more alive. Roll your windows down and stop spoiling yourself with AC. (You must also listen to your music loud if your windows are rolled down... unless you are playing like Rap or R&B then you have my permission to roll the windows back up and stay away from my truck.)
3. I heard something the other day- in the first five minutes of talking to a new person you can determine their values. They will more than likely discuss or somehow pop-into the conversation what is important to them. For instance if they talk about their kids, obviously the value family. If they talk about their career then they really value their job. Interesting, I thought. What would your top three things be in a five minute conversation? These are mine:
1. God (I'll be the first to admit that one is not easy to throw in when talking to a new person.)
2. My husband/dog/family
3. Photography Career
4. Crap my 10 minutes is already up and I'm not done unleashing. ...How was googling the seals?
5. Orbitz Strawberry Remix gum is better than Extra Dessert Delights Strawberry Shortcake.
6. I can drive for five hours straight (well, with a pee break) simply by listening to music. I love making new "mixes" for road trips. I went to La Grande this weekend and made a pretty hefty one called "Country Car Ride." I won't list all the songs on the mix because I believe it's like 3+ hours worth of songs (and no that's not even close to all my country songs.) I will rattle off a few new favorites I downloaded.... 1. "Over When It's Over" by Eric Church. 2. "Nashville With Out You" by Tim McGraw. 3. "Chillin' It" by Cole Swindell. 4. "I Wanna Be That Feeling" by Bucky Covington (his name is cool too.) 5. "Runnin' Out of Moonlight" by Randy Houser. 6. "Tip it Back" by Florida Georgia Line. 7. "Backwoods" by Justin Moore. 8. "Drivin' Around Song" by Colt Ford.
7. I'm pretty sure I was born in the wrong era (I probably should've been in my 20's-30's in the 60s-70s) and in the wrong part of the country (I should've been born in like Tennessee, Georgia or Texas.)
8. I love the outdoors. I love it when I'm hiking. I need to spend more time outdoors. I really need to go on one of those crazy outdoor photography workshops.
9. I wonder how Veterans and military people feel about how we celebrate Memorial Day and Veterans Day. I actually went camping with two Marines over Memorial Day and we discussed it a little bit. I know we don't celebrate it the proper way- but I also think it makes them proud that we have our freedom to celebrate however we want, even if it is just grilling hot dogs.
10. It's crazy to think about one decision or choice in your life would've put you on an entire different path. That if you would have made one decision differently you might not be sitting where your sitting, living in the state your living in or married to the guy your married to. For the record I'm perfectly fine with all three- but it's crazy to think about "If I would've done this... where would I be?" I often wonder what I'd be doing or where I'd be living if I would've become a white-water-rafting guide.
My time is REALLY up now. Until next time, keep skipping.
Aubrie
3.14.2012
Spring Sucks.
It's like watching paint dry.
....Waiting.
...Waiting for the rain to stop. For the sun to peek through the clouds... and stay. Waiting for the 40 degree days to turn into 75 degree days. Waiting.
March, April, May- they are actually pretty brutal months here in Oregon. Honestly Spring is probably the worst season in the Northwest, to me at least. Fall is actually pretty nice, you're to that point where seeing the rain is refreshing, the colors change and that's always a sight to see and you look forward to comfy vests and sitting by the fireplace. Winter actually has some excitement, a little snow, maybe some snowboarding and of course the holidays. ...And then it hits. Spring. I am sure in a lot of other wonderful places around the world Spring is great. Here in the Northwest it basically means we sit by the window and watch the rain continue to drown our spirits. We start to daydream...
I day dream of summer days. If you could peek into my head you would see a thousand cliche "movie" clips. You know the type of montages that show road trips, driving with a convertible along 101, spinning in circles with your lover on the beach, camping under the stars, and on and on I could go. I daydream and listen to music that reminds me of the summer, a lot of country tunes.
"To this day when I hear that song
I see you standin' there on that lawn
Discount shades, store bought tan
Flip flops and cut-off jeans
Somewhere between that setting sun
I'm on fire and born to run
You looked at me and I was done
And we're, we're just getting started
I was singin' to you, you were singin' to me
I was so alive, never been more free
Fired up my daddy's lighter and we sang
Ooohh
Stayed there 'til they forced us out
And took the long way to your house
I can still hear the sound of you sayin' don't go
When I think about you, I think about 17
I think about my old jeep
I think about the stars in the sky
Funny how a melody sounds like a memory
Like the soundtrack to a July Saturday night
Springsteen"
....Waiting.
...Waiting for the rain to stop. For the sun to peek through the clouds... and stay. Waiting for the 40 degree days to turn into 75 degree days. Waiting.
March, April, May- they are actually pretty brutal months here in Oregon. Honestly Spring is probably the worst season in the Northwest, to me at least. Fall is actually pretty nice, you're to that point where seeing the rain is refreshing, the colors change and that's always a sight to see and you look forward to comfy vests and sitting by the fireplace. Winter actually has some excitement, a little snow, maybe some snowboarding and of course the holidays. ...And then it hits. Spring. I am sure in a lot of other wonderful places around the world Spring is great. Here in the Northwest it basically means we sit by the window and watch the rain continue to drown our spirits. We start to daydream...
I day dream of summer days. If you could peek into my head you would see a thousand cliche "movie" clips. You know the type of montages that show road trips, driving with a convertible along 101, spinning in circles with your lover on the beach, camping under the stars, and on and on I could go. I daydream and listen to music that reminds me of the summer, a lot of country tunes.
"To this day when I hear that song
I see you standin' there on that lawn
Discount shades, store bought tan
Flip flops and cut-off jeans
Somewhere between that setting sun
I'm on fire and born to run
You looked at me and I was done
And we're, we're just getting started
I was singin' to you, you were singin' to me
I was so alive, never been more free
Fired up my daddy's lighter and we sang
Ooohh
Stayed there 'til they forced us out
And took the long way to your house
I can still hear the sound of you sayin' don't go
When I think about you, I think about 17
I think about my old jeep
I think about the stars in the sky
Funny how a melody sounds like a memory
Like the soundtrack to a July Saturday night
Springsteen"
- "Springsteen" by Eric Church
I look forward to driving in my hot car, windows down because I have no air conditioner (actually, I prefer windows anyway). I look forward to going to the beach and not having to wear a coat. I look forward to camping...and sweating not shivering. I look forward to the SUN! Sunsets, sunrises. Taking photos of sunsets and sunrises. Oh God, I look forward to Rainer Cherries and when the vegetable/fruit tent opens up down the street. Green beans straight out of the garden, BLT's with fresh tomatoes. SUN TEA! Sitting on my back porch with my black lab tanning his hide while I read. I can't wait to play Frisbee. Drink some cold white wine or check out a brewery and sit outside.
It's painful. Even if we get a very small taste of nice weather, here in Oregon we know that it won't officially stay until at least mid June...sometimes even July. Considering that it is only March 15th... we have awhile to go. *Sigh* But when that summer hits, all these rainy days are so worth it. Here in the Northwest we live through the rain for those three amazing months of perfect weather, awesome food, beautiful beaches, excellent hikes, tasty beer and wine and, believe it or not, SUN.
I can't wait.
Aubrie
11.14.2011
Style II, This Time It's Personal
Figuring out a style and a brand for your company has a lot to do with figuring out your personal style. Who knew, right? Actually it makes perfect, common sense. How can you be successful at something that isn't truly you?
I don't know if it was fate or perfect timing or pure irony but over the last couple of months I've thought about my personal style a lot. I wasn't trying to figure out what type of shoes fit me best or what color of eye shadow suits me, but more so I was trying to figure out everything I like, everything I stand for and be completely, 100% okay with it. I wanted to not care what others thought about my style. (...Eyeshadow colors included.)
Let me give you a perfect example. I love country music. And for some odd reason I feel like the majority of Portland'ers don't. Which is probably true. During the summer months (my favorite time to blast country tunes) I would have to drive with my window down...actually I shouldn't say "I HAVE" to because unless it's 95 degrees or hotter I would choose to. I don't have AC though and even on those hot days my window would be rolled down. When I would drive either downtown or maybe out in the Alberta district or even into the parking lot of Olive Garden I would either turn down my country tunes or I would change the channel. My thought was, even though I enjoy that music, that I wouldn't fit into the Portland-style if they heard it. I actually believed that people would judge me because I liked country music.
It sounds really immature actually. And it was. Which is why I've been dwelling on silly things like that and coming to the conclusion that I really shouldn't care if I don't fit into some one's style. So what if I am not a hipster or I don't have 10 tattoos or that my husband and I love to sing to Rascal Flatts. I think focusing on my personal style and being completely okay with me will help me focus on my photography style and be completely okay with how I photograph, how I edit and how I present my photos. Maybe I should make a list of things I like, things I enjoy and tell the world (or, eh, the people who read this) that I am completely okay with my style and if you don't like it well then.... _ _! (Next blog post perhaps.)
I had a color scheme in mind that I wanted for my business. It included some sort of beige/brown/natural concept. I had the designers at 99designs use those types of colors for my logo. The other day I was thinking about my personal style as I compare it to my photography style. I looked around my house and noticed some of my favorite things lying around, I thought about my favorite comforter on our bed and then I noticed the colors in my living room and even my shower curtains. My personal color preference is actually very clear. It's clear in how I decorate, what I wear and...yes...even in my eye shadow colors.
So the above photos are all from my house. Thank God I stuck with my gut on my logo and picked a logo that represented a color scheme that fits me. I like brown. I like natural hues. I like "burnt sierra"and "cadmium burnt light" and maybe some "yellow ochre." (You can looks all those up they are colors.) I like the colors for me, I like the colors for my business and I like the colors in photographs.
Now I have to put an "absolute" argument in here to be fair. I know that not everything is absolute and I know that my style has some give in take. I mean just because I like natural tones does that mean that I can't own a pair of bright red shoes? Because I do. Just because I love country music, does it mean that I can't listen to Band of Horses or Joshua Radin or Led Zeppelin? Because I do. (In fact I just listed three of my all time favorite bands.) Does that mean that if someone wants to do a family shoot with me and their favorite color is bright purple and they dress their entire family in bright purple clothes that I won't photograph them? Of course not! Actually being absolute is not my style. I like change, I like to keep my life bouncing. I change my hairstyle constantly and I have 6 different radio stations that are WAY different from one another. However, I do still strongly believe in knowing your "majority" style and allowing that to work for you while not being afraid to embrace something different from time to time.
The other night I was brain storming with words and phrases by thinking about what I like and what I see (for the most part) in my photographs. These are the words I came up with:
Real. Light. Natural. Outdoors. Adventure. People. Straightforward. Pure.Capture. Bright. Simple.Candid.Laughter. Country. Places. Raw. Genuine.Luminous. Fun.Nature.Document.Relaxed.
With those words I came up with a few phrases that help me think about my photography style. For instance "bright, light and luminous" describe my overall look of a photo. And I think I'm finally starting to be okay with the fact that I like my photos well-lit. I like to see their faces, I like to see what is around them and my shots are usually brighter than they are darker. (With the exception of silhouettes, which I love...silhouettes just means that the background is well-lit.) I love looking at photographs that are smoky and dark and sexy. But that's not really my style and I'm not very good at pulling it off. Again, with the absolute, does that mean I won't seize a chance to document a darker, deep photo? Probably not. But if I like it bright and lit than that's what I'll do most of the time. Here are a few more phrases:
I will photograph what happens and will not falsify an image.
I will not over edit or re-touch too much so that a person/place looks fake.
I will allow my subjects to be relaxed and have fun.
I will not be stuffy or over-posed. (I don't photograph models.)
I will capture people and places with natural light or I will add light so that the photo is illuminated and bright.
I will try to find clean backgrounds and not over-complicate my image.
I will tell there story, the whole story and will not be too intrusive.
I like to take photographs in the country.
I like my subjects to bee well-lit.
I like real smiles and genuine laughter.
It's funny when I think about these statements and then I think about photographs that I have taken in the past that stand-out to me or that are my favorite.. They (for the most part) fit into a lot of those statements above. Check this- my favorite engagement shoot that I did this year was with a couple that was a lot of fun, very genuine and just relaxed. We did their shoot out in the country, I used A LOT of natural light. And when you check this shoot out, don't forget to think about my color scheme. Check it out... Engagement Shoot.
Interesting, huh? I booked a wedding this week. The client told me that it was between me and one other photographer. I won the battle. Not sure why and I probably won't find out why. We talked about their engagement shoot and I asked where they would like to do the shoot. She answered "my fiance's grandparents have a big farm out in the country, we'd like to do it there." "Perfect." I thought to myself. She made the right choice for a photographer.
Skipping,
Aubrie
I don't know if it was fate or perfect timing or pure irony but over the last couple of months I've thought about my personal style a lot. I wasn't trying to figure out what type of shoes fit me best or what color of eye shadow suits me, but more so I was trying to figure out everything I like, everything I stand for and be completely, 100% okay with it. I wanted to not care what others thought about my style. (...Eyeshadow colors included.)
Let me give you a perfect example. I love country music. And for some odd reason I feel like the majority of Portland'ers don't. Which is probably true. During the summer months (my favorite time to blast country tunes) I would have to drive with my window down...actually I shouldn't say "I HAVE" to because unless it's 95 degrees or hotter I would choose to. I don't have AC though and even on those hot days my window would be rolled down. When I would drive either downtown or maybe out in the Alberta district or even into the parking lot of Olive Garden I would either turn down my country tunes or I would change the channel. My thought was, even though I enjoy that music, that I wouldn't fit into the Portland-style if they heard it. I actually believed that people would judge me because I liked country music.
It sounds really immature actually. And it was. Which is why I've been dwelling on silly things like that and coming to the conclusion that I really shouldn't care if I don't fit into some one's style. So what if I am not a hipster or I don't have 10 tattoos or that my husband and I love to sing to Rascal Flatts. I think focusing on my personal style and being completely okay with me will help me focus on my photography style and be completely okay with how I photograph, how I edit and how I present my photos. Maybe I should make a list of things I like, things I enjoy and tell the world (or, eh, the people who read this) that I am completely okay with my style and if you don't like it well then.... _ _! (Next blog post perhaps.)
I had a color scheme in mind that I wanted for my business. It included some sort of beige/brown/natural concept. I had the designers at 99designs use those types of colors for my logo. The other day I was thinking about my personal style as I compare it to my photography style. I looked around my house and noticed some of my favorite things lying around, I thought about my favorite comforter on our bed and then I noticed the colors in my living room and even my shower curtains. My personal color preference is actually very clear. It's clear in how I decorate, what I wear and...yes...even in my eye shadow colors.
So the above photos are all from my house. Thank God I stuck with my gut on my logo and picked a logo that represented a color scheme that fits me. I like brown. I like natural hues. I like "burnt sierra"and "cadmium burnt light" and maybe some "yellow ochre." (You can looks all those up they are colors.) I like the colors for me, I like the colors for my business and I like the colors in photographs.
Now I have to put an "absolute" argument in here to be fair. I know that not everything is absolute and I know that my style has some give in take. I mean just because I like natural tones does that mean that I can't own a pair of bright red shoes? Because I do. Just because I love country music, does it mean that I can't listen to Band of Horses or Joshua Radin or Led Zeppelin? Because I do. (In fact I just listed three of my all time favorite bands.) Does that mean that if someone wants to do a family shoot with me and their favorite color is bright purple and they dress their entire family in bright purple clothes that I won't photograph them? Of course not! Actually being absolute is not my style. I like change, I like to keep my life bouncing. I change my hairstyle constantly and I have 6 different radio stations that are WAY different from one another. However, I do still strongly believe in knowing your "majority" style and allowing that to work for you while not being afraid to embrace something different from time to time.
The other night I was brain storming with words and phrases by thinking about what I like and what I see (for the most part) in my photographs. These are the words I came up with:
Real. Light. Natural. Outdoors. Adventure. People. Straightforward. Pure.Capture. Bright. Simple.Candid.Laughter. Country. Places. Raw. Genuine.Luminous. Fun.Nature.Document.Relaxed.
With those words I came up with a few phrases that help me think about my photography style. For instance "bright, light and luminous" describe my overall look of a photo. And I think I'm finally starting to be okay with the fact that I like my photos well-lit. I like to see their faces, I like to see what is around them and my shots are usually brighter than they are darker. (With the exception of silhouettes, which I love...silhouettes just means that the background is well-lit.) I love looking at photographs that are smoky and dark and sexy. But that's not really my style and I'm not very good at pulling it off. Again, with the absolute, does that mean I won't seize a chance to document a darker, deep photo? Probably not. But if I like it bright and lit than that's what I'll do most of the time. Here are a few more phrases:
I will photograph what happens and will not falsify an image.
I will not over edit or re-touch too much so that a person/place looks fake.
I will allow my subjects to be relaxed and have fun.
I will not be stuffy or over-posed. (I don't photograph models.)
I will capture people and places with natural light or I will add light so that the photo is illuminated and bright.
I will try to find clean backgrounds and not over-complicate my image.
I will tell there story, the whole story and will not be too intrusive.
I like to take photographs in the country.
I like my subjects to bee well-lit.
I like real smiles and genuine laughter.
It's funny when I think about these statements and then I think about photographs that I have taken in the past that stand-out to me or that are my favorite.. They (for the most part) fit into a lot of those statements above. Check this- my favorite engagement shoot that I did this year was with a couple that was a lot of fun, very genuine and just relaxed. We did their shoot out in the country, I used A LOT of natural light. And when you check this shoot out, don't forget to think about my color scheme. Check it out... Engagement Shoot.
Interesting, huh? I booked a wedding this week. The client told me that it was between me and one other photographer. I won the battle. Not sure why and I probably won't find out why. We talked about their engagement shoot and I asked where they would like to do the shoot. She answered "my fiance's grandparents have a big farm out in the country, we'd like to do it there." "Perfect." I thought to myself. She made the right choice for a photographer.
Skipping,
Aubrie
11.08.2011
Regrets & Randomness
So I am waiting for David Letterman's show tonight. No, I don't typically do this. However when both guests intrigue me are on one show than I guess I'll burn the midnight oil. The first guest is purely for pleasure- Robert Pattinson. Yes, I read all the Twilight books and I've seen all the movies. But I also enjoy his music and all of his other movies as well. Plus he's funny. The second guest is Annie Leibovitz one of the most famous photographers of our time. It will be very interesting to see what her and David (Ball State is his alma mater by the way) chat about.
Instead of sitting in front of the tube I thought I would waste my time else where. It seems like only once in a great while I get the chance to simply play on the Internet. You know, scan through pins, read blogs and post blogs (like this one). So that's exactly what I'm doing. That Pinterest is addicting!
*******
So this is one of those posts that are random. Just so you know.
I've had a few thoughts today. Like... who watches Jerry Springer? I mean, really? I would like to meet that person who still watches that ridiculous show and....slap them.
*******
I had an ex boyfriend that once told me something about not having regrets. I wish I could remember the exact "quote" he used, but I can't. I wonder if he regrets breaking-up with me? (ironic-humor for you.) Anyway I can't help to at least think about a few things that I regret. And I'm not talking about the type of regret that makes me sick to my stomach but I do wonder how my life would have changed if _________ fill in the blank.
______ Fill in the blank: I regret not swimming my senior year. I was voted to be captain by EVERYONE and my coach made that perfectly clear to me. Yet I decided that my swimming career was finished, probably because I started when I was six and my body was done. Instead I was motivated by my softball team winning state my junior year...I sat on the bench for that game. I was not going to sit on the bench for any game my senior year. So my dad and I spent the winter pitching in a gym. I have mixed feelings about my decision. I probably should have fought through my senior year and swam... not for me, but for my team. But I also had some bonding time with my dad that year. I don't think the decision I made affected my future. I didn't do either sport in college so I'm pretty sure that "regret" had no affect on where I am today or where I could have been tomorrow.
_____ Fill in the blank: The other regret I think about from time to time is moving to Portland, Oregon right out of college. I had an internship at the Muncie Star Press as a photojournalist. I did the internship to graduate. What I should have probably done is sought out another internship...anywhere. Most photojournalists have more than one internship and they move around a lot in the beginning of their career. I moved. Once. To Oregon. It sounds like I regret my move to Oregon and that couldn't be further from the truth. I LOVE OREGON. But I wonder if my photography career would look a lot different if I would have ventured into another internship. The thing about this regret is I'm almost positive that it would have impacted my life and I would not be where I am today. Which means I wouldn't be married to David. And that thought in itself is enough to tell me that I shouldn't regret that decision at all.
*******
I want to come up with a new product to "display" wedding photos. The journalist side of me wants to create some sort of publication that is all about the couple and their wedding day. I'm thinking like a magazine-type layout. With an actual word story and (of course) a lot of photographs. A wedding-zine. Hmm... I'll have to think it through. Don't steal my idea now. -Copyrighted! lol
Skipping,
Aubrie
Instead of sitting in front of the tube I thought I would waste my time else where. It seems like only once in a great while I get the chance to simply play on the Internet. You know, scan through pins, read blogs and post blogs (like this one). So that's exactly what I'm doing. That Pinterest is addicting!
*******
So this is one of those posts that are random. Just so you know.
I've had a few thoughts today. Like... who watches Jerry Springer? I mean, really? I would like to meet that person who still watches that ridiculous show and....slap them.
*******
I had an ex boyfriend that once told me something about not having regrets. I wish I could remember the exact "quote" he used, but I can't. I wonder if he regrets breaking-up with me? (ironic-humor for you.) Anyway I can't help to at least think about a few things that I regret. And I'm not talking about the type of regret that makes me sick to my stomach but I do wonder how my life would have changed if _________ fill in the blank.
______ Fill in the blank: I regret not swimming my senior year. I was voted to be captain by EVERYONE and my coach made that perfectly clear to me. Yet I decided that my swimming career was finished, probably because I started when I was six and my body was done. Instead I was motivated by my softball team winning state my junior year...I sat on the bench for that game. I was not going to sit on the bench for any game my senior year. So my dad and I spent the winter pitching in a gym. I have mixed feelings about my decision. I probably should have fought through my senior year and swam... not for me, but for my team. But I also had some bonding time with my dad that year. I don't think the decision I made affected my future. I didn't do either sport in college so I'm pretty sure that "regret" had no affect on where I am today or where I could have been tomorrow.
_____ Fill in the blank: The other regret I think about from time to time is moving to Portland, Oregon right out of college. I had an internship at the Muncie Star Press as a photojournalist. I did the internship to graduate. What I should have probably done is sought out another internship...anywhere. Most photojournalists have more than one internship and they move around a lot in the beginning of their career. I moved. Once. To Oregon. It sounds like I regret my move to Oregon and that couldn't be further from the truth. I LOVE OREGON. But I wonder if my photography career would look a lot different if I would have ventured into another internship. The thing about this regret is I'm almost positive that it would have impacted my life and I would not be where I am today. Which means I wouldn't be married to David. And that thought in itself is enough to tell me that I shouldn't regret that decision at all.
*******
I want to come up with a new product to "display" wedding photos. The journalist side of me wants to create some sort of publication that is all about the couple and their wedding day. I'm thinking like a magazine-type layout. With an actual word story and (of course) a lot of photographs. A wedding-zine. Hmm... I'll have to think it through. Don't steal my idea now. -Copyrighted! lol
Skipping,
Aubrie
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