It's the little things....

I wasn't having a very good day yesterday....I was feeling overwhelmed with editing, guilty for being so busy and not being with my family, sick with a super bad headache, stressing over finances...I literally crawled in bed at around 3pm and stayed there...all night.

During that time I took a long nap, did some praying, watched American Idol, hugged and snuggled with my kiddos (it was short-lived, they are almost 10 and 13, they don't seem to enjoy it as much as I do! ) and stayed off my editing computer...just went online on my phone...it was needed, time for a break...

When I woke up this morning, I was still feeling a little "blah" Headache is still lingering and I'm leaving for Cali next week not to mention that my "to-do" list is taller than me! How in the world can I get it all done??

Then an amazing thing happened...well, actually a few of them!!!

After my sessions this morning (first birthday and baby plan 9 month session) I sat down at my computer to try to get a little work done. I went to email first and I received an email from The Organic Bloom offering to be a sponsor for my workshops...wow...that was a big pick-me-up! Then I got on FB and found out that I was in the running to be the FL featured photog on a vendor page...wow...another big pick-me-up! Then I sorted through emails and fb messages...inquires for weddings, workshops, messages from clients saying "thank-you"...I started feeling overwhelmed again but in a good way...overwhelmed with gratefulness, in awe of what GOD has done for me, so blessed, so humbled by it all and yes, those of you who know me...I sat and cried like a baby...yep...the ugly cry too...

This journey that I am on is so unreal...I still can't believe what is happening...God is so stinkin' good to me and my family, I don't feel like I deserve it, who am I that HE is mindful of me...WOW...that is all I can say...

Until next time...

xoxo

Julie Paisley Photography Workshops!!! New Updates!

I am a teacher at heart...it was my first love and I'm so excited to now have the chance to continue "teaching" with my new love, photography!

First of all, I want to be completely honest and transparent...I DO NOT claim to be a master teacher, I DO NOT claim to have "all" the answers! I DO NOT claim to be the "best" or the "authority" on all things photography and I am NOT "technical" at all! If you are looking for a workshop that will give lectures on the "technical" aspects of photography...this is NOT the workshop for you!!! I am self-taught through much research, practice and trial and error! I do not claim everything I do is right but it works for me and I'm happy to share!

My workshops are very "hands-on". I will set up 3 sessions (if you are attending the regular workshop it will be a variety of different types of sessions and if you are attending a newborn workshop it will 3 newborns) and you will observe and shoot along with me! We will go over basic camera settings (aperture, ISO, shutter speed and white balance) posing, lighting (natural) and basic editing/workflow. We will also have a time of Q&A, I'm very open and I love to answer each and every question you have! I actually really enjoy this part of the workshop, I know when I was learning there were so many people who would not answer my questions, so I don't hold anything back!

Ok, so now to answer your question..."How much is it?" Well, I have decided to keep my workshops priced low. I know when I was first starting out there was no way that I could afford the expensive workshops, they are awesome, but someone has to start somewhere! For 2011, I am offering introductory pricing! My local workshops are $250 and out of state workshops are $350 (except for the Zanesville, OH workshops). They are very affordable and from the feedback that I have received it is very much worth the price! Right now, I am only offering one day workshops but I have had several requests for more...and yes, there are ideas in my head! Those will be announced at a later date and I'm downright giddy with excitement to tell you all about it!

I have set up the following dates for upcoming workshops. I keep my workshops small, only 6-8 at each workshop! I am also available for travel to other states, I would just need someone who is willing host and a natural light home/studio! If you are interested in this, please contact me at julie@juliepaisleyphotography.com

Here are the dates that are available so far for 2011, there is a chance that a few more will be added but these are the dates at this time.

May 28th - Basic Workshop

(My Studio in Fernandina Beach, FL)

June 17th - Newborn Workshop

(My Studio in Fernandina Beach, FL)

July 9th - Newborn Workshop

(My Studio in Fernandina Beach, FL)

July 20th - Orlando Workshop (2 newborns and a family)

July 30th - Basic Workshop

(My Studio in Fernandina Beach, FL)

August 12th - Zanesville Ohio Workshop (2 newborns and a family)

August 13th - Zanesville Ohio Workshop (2 newborns and a family)

August 17th - Ashland, VA Workshop (2 newborns and a family)

August 19th - Williamsburg, VA Workshop (2 newborns and a family)

In order to attend the basic workshop, you will need a DSLR camera and you do not need to be shooting on manual to attend but please study your manual and know how to adjust your settings! You will be shooting on manual at the end of the day! You also do not need to be a "photographer"! I have several mom's who just want to learn how to take better pictures!

For the newborn workshop, you will need a DSLR camera and at least the 50 1.8 or 50 1.4 fixed lens. You will also need to be a "practicing photog". This type of photography is not for everyone so I suggest that you have a firm grip on basic photography to take this class.

So, who is ready to sign up? :) In order to do so, please email me at julie@juliepaisleyphotography.com with your name, phone #, email address, facebook/website link and the date and location of the workshop you are interested in. I will need $100 to hold your spot (I will send an invoice and you can pay online) and the remainder is due the day of the workshop! Thank you so much and I can't to spend the day with you!

xoxo,

Julie

ABC themed Maternity Shoot!

As a photographer it is so easy to get in a "rut". Taking pictures day by day...sometimes we get to busy and lose our creativity! Well, I for one LOVE to be creative, I'm crafty and I always have ideas in my head...but most of the time my clients just want pictures...that is fine but Oh, when we can be creative with the shoot...WOW...that's all I can say!!!

I've had this idea in my head for quite some time...I searched and searched and as far as I know, I've never seen anything like it! I love shooting maternity sessions...I seriously believe there is nothing more beautiful than a pregnant mama...she seriously just "glows"! But, there are only so many poses you can do and to be honest...most of these pictures will not be blown up to a 16x20 canvas...LOL!

My idea was do this shoot and put it into a book for baby...I brainstormed for weeks trying to come up with ideas, I wanted a certain "look" and I needed a flower field (this was the hard part, it's been DRY in FL and not too many flowers out there) but finally, it all came together! The rain danced around us that day but in the end, it was perfect! Marcus and Mandy were the perfect couple, I had a super assistant, Miss Shewan, and I'm super *thrilled* with the results! I hope you enjoy these images as much I enjoyed bringing them together!

xoxo,
Julie

Having one of "those" kind of days....

Can I be completely honest with you and bare my soul?

Blah...yep...that's what I'm feeling today...maybe it's the weather, maybe it's because Darya (our Russian exchange student who has become my daughter) is leaving us tomorrow or maybe it's the 8 weddings that I'm trying edit, the 10 sessions I'm trying to finish or the hundreds of emails I'm trying to answer and sort through...not sure...but I will be honest, I just feel like crawling in my bed, getting under the covers and crying...would that make me feel better?

Last week I was on vacation and I did alot of thinking...trying to figure out where to go in my business. Sometimes it's so overwhelming! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE what I do but how do I balance it all? I feel that I'm at at the point to where changes need to made and to be honest, I just don't know what direction to take! I was up early this morning and I just stayed in my bed and prayed...it was quiet and I could talk to God...just me and Him, searching and crying out to Him for answers...and then a peace came...I still don't have an answer but in that still small voice, I was reminded "to be still and know that I am God".

I don't know about you but that is so hard for me! If any of you know me, I'm NOT one to "be still"! I want things done NOW and fast and let's move on...but you know what? I'm going to "be still" from now on! I still don't have the answers but God has brought me this far and I know he will reveal in HIS perfect timing! This business has been built on God and I will continue that way...waiting on Him, following His instructions...I can't do it any other way.

Maybe you are feeling the same way today too...I don't have all the answers but just remember to stop what you are stressing about and just "be still"...Ok? Oh and wrap your arms around yourself...that's a hug from me to you...a hug from a friend always helps too! :)

xoxo,

Julie

Julie Paisley Photography Workshops!

I am a teacher at heart...it was my first love and I'm so excited to now have the chance to continue "teaching" with my new love, photography!

First of all, I want to be completely honest and transparent...I DO NOT claim to be a master teacher, I DO NOT claim to have "all" the answers! I DO NOT claim to be the "best" or the "authority" on all things photography and I am NOT "technical" at all! If you are looking for a workshop that will give lectures on the "technical" aspects of photography...this is NOT the workshop for you!!! I am self-taught through much research and trial and error! I do not claim everything I do is right but it works for me and I'm happy to share!

My workshops are very "hands-on". I will set up 3 sessions (if you are attending the regular workshop it will be a variety of different types of sessions and if you are attending a newborn workshop it will 3 newborns) and you will observe and shoot along with me! We will go over basic camera settings (aperture, ISO, shutter speed and white balance) posing, lighting (natural) and basic editing/workflow. We will also have a time of Q&A, I'm very open and I love to answer each and every question you have! I actually really enjoy this part of the workshop, I know when I was learning there were so many people who would not answer my questions, so I don't hold anything back!

Ok, so now to answer your question..."How much is it?" Well, I have decided to keep my workshops priced low. I know when I was first starting out there was no way that I could afford the expensive workshops, they are awesome, but someone has to start somewhere! My workshops are $250. They are very affordable and from the feedback that I have received it is very much worth the price! Right now, I am only offering one day workshops but I have had several requests for more...and yes, there are ideas in my head! Those will be announced at a later date and I'm downright giddy with excitement to tell you all about it!

I have set up the following dates for upcoming workshops. I keep my workshops small, only 6-8 at each workshop! I am also available for travel, I would just need someone who is willing host and a natural light studio! If you are interested in this, please contact me at julie@juliepaisleyphotography.com

Here are the dates that are available so far for 2011, there is a chance that a few more will be added but these are the dates at this time.

May 7th - Newborn posing workshop

May 28th - Basic Workshop

June 17th - Newborn Workshop

July 9th - Newborn Workshop

July 30th - Basic Workshop

August 12th - Zanesville Ohio Workshop

August 13th - Zanesville Ohio Workshop

In order to attend the basic workshop, you will need a DSLR camera and you do not need to be shooting on manual to attend but please study your manual and know how to adjust your settings! You will be shooting on manual at the end of the day! You also do not need to be a "photographer"! I have several mom's who just want to learn how to take better pictures!

For the newborn workshop, you will need a DSLR camera and at least the 50 1.8 or 50 1.4 fixed lens. You will also need to be a "practicing photog". This type of photography is not for everyone so I suggest that you have a firm grip on basic photography to take this class.

So, who is ready to sign up? :) In order to do so, please email me at julie@juliepaisleyphotography.com I will need $100 to hold your spot and the remainder is due the day of the workshop! Thank you so much and I can't to spend the day with you!

xoxo,

Julie