Black River Landing

Week 18:  Minnesota

My name is:   Clare L. Polencheck

Right now I’m sitting at:   My desk, listening to As it Happens.    

My family includes:  My husband of 5 years, Nathan, dog , 2 cats.  My parents, sister, brother-in-law, and wonderful nephew live down the street (that’s him below, in the blue muscle shirt!)  Grandma is across town. 

What inspires me is:  Not what, who…Jesus.  Cliché?  Maybe, but He’s the man.  He inspires me to live a life of service.  As a photographer, I feel that my “service” is to show people themselves in a light that they want to be seen.  I just want to make people happy.  More cliché…I know.      

The photographer who most inspires me would be:   Oh, no way could I pick one.  Many inspire in different ways.  I will say I have learned a great deal from a gentleman named Benji (Sonshine Studios) who posts on a popular photography forum.  His lessons and tutorials have inspired me to really think about and understand what I’m doing and why I’m doing it when it comes to portraiture, and not to rely on “accidents” or “luck.”  I have a great deal of respect for photographers who truly try to learn the process and the art and stay true to their own style.

When hanging out online you will usually find me:   Recipezaar.com!  I am a recipe junkie.  Or reading the news/news blogs, studying yoga, and of course…photography forums!

The first thing I crave in the morning is:   Exercise- must have endorphins!  And then green tea and a carrot.  I always crave a carrot when I get home from the gym.

Don’t tell anyone that I love:   Old school gangsta rap and opera.  Not at the same time. �
To me “beautiful” is:   Relative, and as a portrait artist I have to balance what my “relative” is with how my subject seems himself/herself. 

This year’s purchases MUST include:   My new computer.  The old one pooped out this year.

My guilty pleasure is:   I try not to take pleasure in anything that would make me feel guilty.  But ok, I read celebrity magazines when I’m on the exercise machines at the gym.  And ham.  I love ham and I know it’s not the healthiest choice.     

If I had $500 to spend on myself today, I would buy:   Saving up for the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Zoom.       

I think my best feature:  I act on my convictions and ideas, but never at the expense of my principles or other people.   

I am addicted to:   Oatmeal with strawberries, and word games.  Usually at the same time.

One personal goal I have this year would be:  Photography wise…just keep learning and trying new things, continually stepping out of my comfort zone.  I want to really harness natural lighting portraiture when the weather warms up again.  

Visit Clare’s website

Week 17:  North Carolina 

My name is: Susan Renee Colvard Carter

Right now I’m sitting at: My computer

My family includes: My husband Bill, three sons, two step-daughters, one grandson

What inspires me is: People!  I love taking their pic until their personality emerges.

The photographer who most inspires me would be: Visio photography and my friend Ray.

When hanging out online you will usually find me: Checking out other photog’s sites

The first thing I crave in the morning is: Coffee with hazelnut creamer

Don’t tell anyone that I love: Pedicures……I have pretty feet. 

To me “beautiful” is: A wedding ceremony where I can feel the Holy Spirit…..

This year’s purchases MUST include: The D300

My guilty pleasure is: Flavored coffee creamers and toaster strudels.

If I had $500 to spend on myself today, I would buy: A bludomain site and hosting

I think my best feature: My outgoing personality

One personal goal I have this year would be:  To learn about website building

Visit Susan’s website

Week 16:  Wisconsin

My name is: John Karcher

Right now I’m sitting at:   Obviously at my computer! Waiting as an order  to upload to BRI

My family includes: My wife Karyn, two children…Jenny and Ethan

What inspires me is: God and His creation

The photographer who most inspires me would be: Mostly landscape photographers…Ansel Adams and Galen Rowell

When hanging out online you will usually find me: Here…I really don’t ‘hang out’ much online. I like to check out snow reports during the winter.

The first thing I crave in the morning is: A 3 mile run. I’m not fast I just need to do it.

To me ‘beautiful’ is: When my kids are kind to each other. Other than that it would be 12” of fresh snow and time off to ski my brains out.

This year’s purchases MUST include: ski boots

My guilty pleasure is: Caramel Fusion Power Bars

If I had $500 to spend on myself today, I would buy: Ski boots

I think my best feature: Not much…it’s why I like being behind the camera

I am addicted to: You guessed it… skiing! Someday I would live to work for Warren Miller.

One personal goal I have this year would be: Get half as good as Jason with Photoshop.

Visit John’s website

Week 15:  Illinois

My name is:   Jaelene Bryan….   my dad calls me J.J. others just call me J. 

My family includes:   This most aggravatingly wonderful guy I met at the military photography school 14 years ago.   I was thinking it was thirteen years the other day but after actually looking at the dates it has been longer.  Poor guy will have been married to me for 13 years in January :0)  His name is Alan and together me make one heck of a team in my opinion.  Annie is my sister-in-law/daughter she moved in when she was 13.  She is now 25 and I couldn’t be prouder of her.   I have one of those little worthless dogs that I absolutely adore named Cole.  He is a Peekapoo, don’t know why they have to come up with these silly names for the cross dogs but there ya have it.  Rounding off my fam is our 1ton lawn ornament Buddy.  He is our Appaloosa horse that has the best personality - Ornery as can be, so he fits in great.  

What inspires me is: Everything and nothing :0) I never know what will inspire, its always a surprise to me. 

The photographer who most inspires me would be:  My dad is the photographer who has inspired me the most.  He loved to photograph old cranes and bridges.  His favorite medium was black and white.  He gave me the love of it because of the mood he could always create with his images.  I am different from my dad in that I love to photograph people.  If there is a really cool old building, barn, bridge, etc in it to go along all the better.  

When hanging out online you will usually find me: on the landing of course. Or talking to my sister on messenger. Or both at the same time. Although I must confess I have a hard time chewing gum and walking at the same time sometimes. 

The first thing I crave in the morning is: Mountain Dew.  I would be in real trouble (or someone would be :0)  ) if I didn’t get my morning shot of Dew.

Don’t tell anyone that I love: watch chic flix.   

This year’s purchases MUST include: New shoes, clothes……. oh wait I already have those.  I would love to get a Wacom tablet if it works as well as I think it will.  I can’t wait to try it out now that we have the traveling Wacom tablet thanks to Jason.

My guilty pleasure is: Clothes,  clothes,  oh yeah, more clothes.  I have taken over three closets now.  none are walk-ins though.  If I had one of those I would only need one closet. hehe. 

If I had $500 to spend on myself today, I would buy: I’m sure my favorite camera store would find a way to part me from my money.

I am addicted to: My husband first, Mountain Dew second.  

One personal goal I have this year would be: Catch up with everything that I am behind in.  I would love to actually get my new website up and running.  Oh well one of these days.  :0)                            

Visit Jaelene’s website

Week 14:  Colorado 

My name is:  Corrie Brockman

Right now I’m sitting at:  My patio porch typing on my lappie

My family includes: My handsome husband, Nik and my one and a half year old daughter, Rilynn

What inspires me is:  Emotion, colors of the seasons, Jesus and His grace, my husband, other photographers

The photographer who most inspires me would be: Julie Harris. She can capture emotion like nobody’s business! So talented.

When hanging out online you will usually find me: Checking Email, C2K, Facebook, Myspace and some banking. I love the internet!

The first thing I crave in the morning is: Chocolate Chip Pancakes! This is a rarity, however. I’m not a coffee drinker so a good bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch gets me going nicely.

Don’t tell anyone that I love:  To look at other people’s pictures. Sometimes, when I get stuck and think I can’t find any other creative shots, I take a look at other artist and attempt to figure out the secrets behind them. That usually gets me going again.

To me ‘beautiful’ is:  Old and Young together, a tearful passionate kiss, the ocean, the Love a Father has for his daughter, vunerability, forgiveness, a new mother, children playing together, I could probably write a really long list!

This year’s purchases MUST include:  some telephoto lens that I have yet to decide on. I don’t want to be up in people’s business as much. I’d like to take more of a back seat and to be unseen.

My guilty pleasure is:  Anything chocolate! I’m a stereotypical woman in that respect! Also, old school video games like anything Mario, 1, 2 or 3! Also, going out to eat. Healthy choices of course, but if I had enough money, I would go out to eat to a different place every meal! Love sushi!

If I had $500 to spend on myself today, I would buy:  a day trip to the spa. Great jeans, some that fit nicely. A pair of shoes, I never buy shoes. And probably a hair cut. Something edgy that doesn’t scream, ‘I’m a MOM!’ And a great meal somewhere extravagent to end the day.

I think my best feature: Hmmmm… maybe my ability to listen. I like to listen to what other people think and feel. I’m pretty sappy. I don’t like small talk, I’d rather hear where people’s hearts are that day.

I am addicted to: The Office! Great show that makes me belly laugh. Also, I realize I’m a total geek, but I love a long car trip when I can listen to Harry Potter on CD read my Jim Dale. It’s like a movie in your brain! Great reader with lots of voices. Total nerd, I know. Also movies. I love movies. Addicted.

One personal goal I have this year would be: Probably to up my prices. I’ve learned a lot and had some great learning experiences, but have missed out on a lot of precious time with my family. My family is worth a lot more than what I’m charging, so I’m trying to learn how to do that exactly. I’ll also be attending WPPI this year and hope to go to some great classes!

Visit Corrie’s website

Week 13:  Virginia

My name is: Jess Tanner

Right now I’m sitting at: ~ on my couch with my mac looking through some pictures that I just took

My family includes: my hubby Jason, 2 crazy little boys ~ Caden & Easton, & our newest sweet addition, Delaney Rae.

What inspires me is: being a wife, mother & friend.  My family keeps me grounded and helps me see how grand life really is.

The photographer who most inspires me would be: I am inspired by so many ~ I love to see different ways that photographers show the essence of life.  I am inspired by those here on the C2K that are so talented & take the time to share what they know.

When hanging out online you will usually find me: On the C2K ‘hood, checking in on Etsy  ~ I love handmade stuff or emailing.

The first thing I crave in the morning is: Dr. Pepper

Don’t tell anyone that I love: getting sucked into TV show marathons…I don’t really watch that much TV, but sometimes its just fun to watch a whole string of shows back-to-back.

To me “beautiful” is: the simple pleasures in life – watching my daughter sleep, seeing the wonder in my little ones eyes when they discover something new or just being able to sit outside and watch the evening colors of the sky.

This year’s purchases MUST include: ooh…I am in the market for some studio lights since we are in the process of finishing our studio space and about to spring for the new Canon…time to upgrade.

My guilty pleasure is: stealing a little bit of quite time in the day - with 3 little ones it is hard to do.

If I had $500 to spend on myself today, I would buy: Fall is just around the corner & I am in the mood for some new clothes – so I would definitely go shopping for a couple of new outfits.

I think my best feature: baby got back…no seriously – I love to have fun and I think that is probably one of my best features because it makes me more easy going and I am usually up for just about anything.

I am addicted to: Dr. Pepper and Google - I google everything.  Its hard to remember the days where you actually had to use the phone book to look something up.

One personal goal I have this year would be: really step out into the limelight so to speak with my photography business.

Visit Jess’s website

Week 12:  Georgia

My name is:  Michael Mahon

Right now I’m sitting at: the computer editing photos.

My family includes: My beautiful wife Becky, My two daughters Sonya and Ellis, and my son Michael.

What inspires me is:  living in a free country, where my wife and I can grow our business and raise our children.

The photographer who most inspires me would be: One of my good friends, Rene Bidez and also, Sandy Puc.

When hanging out online you will usually find me:  at either the photographer forum: ProPhotogs.com, or the C2K neighborhood, or at fencecheck.com.

The first thing I crave in the morning is:  Dr. Pepper

Don’t tell anyone that I love:  Facebook

To me “beautiful” is: watching my children grow or any newborn child.

This year’s purchases MUST include:  a Nikon D300 and possibly a D700 (dreaming).

My guilty pleasure is:  Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Milkshakes.

If I had $500 to spend on myself today, I would buy:  A new ipod for both the wife and myself.

I think my best feature:  is my friendliness.  I rarely meet a stranger or gain an enemy.

I am addicted to:  Caffeine (mainly Dr. Pepper)

One personal goal I have this year would be:  To increase my financial input.

View Michael’s website

Week 11:  Indiana

My name is: Vickie Saewert

Right now I’m sitting at: My computer in my office.

My family includes: My hard working husband Jeff, and our two grown Kids,  Austin and Kristy.  Also 3 cats, 3 dogs and 3 horses.

What inspires me is: The beauty God shows me everyday in the smallest things.  People that put others first and of course My Husband and My Mother!

The photographer who most inspires me would be: That is a hard one because I get inspired by so many.  I do just love Carletta Watkins Photography.  She came and spoke a a local PPA meeting and was so honest about all the wonderful things in our business and all the pressures.  I really appreciated her honesty and her work does inspire me to press forward.

When hanging out online you will usually find me: I really keep busy and seldom have time to hang out on line but when I do I love forums like the C2K that I can get some critique on my work and where I can read others new ideas or thoughts.

The first thing I crave in the morning is: I love a cup of coffee with a shot of expressio and Grits!

Don’t tell anyone that I love: Dates with my husband.  My favorite is when we get all dressed up for dinner and then go to the book store!  How boring is that!

To me “beautiful” is: A child dancing for no reason at all, Butterflies, Running Horses, an early morning mist with the sun pressing through, and older people holding hands.

This year’s purchases MUST include: A big screen TV for my studio slide shows.

My guilty pleasure is: Shoes, I love to buy shoes but way out here in the country hardly ever  have a chance to wear them.

If I had $500 to spend on myself today, I would buy: Well, I’d rather spend it on someone else especially my kids but if I  had to spend it I would buy some gas to travel around visiting my family and friends.

I think my best feature: My personality and the way I can make people feel at ease. 

I am addicted to: Watching Survivor and The Bachelor.

One personal goal I have this year would be: Start some scholarships for the 3 schools in my county.  I live in a rural area where it is very hard for these kids to go on to collage so I would love to be a part of them finding and fulfilling their dreams. 

View Vickie’s website

1.  Cool off from this heat wave!  With a pineapple designed fan from Linen-N-Things.

2.  Personalize your own frame and accessorize your living area with a frame from PersonalizationMall.

3.  Have a perfect manicure every time.  Learn how at Revlon.

Until next time
Stay cool!  Drink lots of H2O!

Your relaxed Blogger

Heather

Week 10:  Pennsylvania

My name is:  Erinn Aloi

Right now I’m sitting at:  my VERY messy desk

What inspires me is: authenticity and learning something new

The photographer who most inspired me would be:  the late Monte Zucker

When hanging out online you will usually find me:  checking out forums, updating blog, chatting with friends

The first thing I crave in the morning is:  checking email

Don’t tell anyone that I love:  country music

To me “beautiful” is:  laughter, happiness…

This year’s purchases MUST include:  an i Mac ( oh wait…. i already did that!)

My guilty pleasure is:  you think i’m going to share that?  lol

If I had $500 to spend on myself today, I would buy:  a nice pair of jeans and shoes

I am addicted to:   my work!

One personal goal I have this year would be: to arrange a trip to go back to Alaska!

View Erinn’s website