Black River Landing

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

1.  Need fade resistance eyeshadow for those hot days?!?  Try Mary Kay’s Mineral Eye Color and check out the recommendation for your eye color.

2.  Customize your own kicks at Reebok.  Take a look at mine! 

3.  Summer makes me think of a cold glass of lemonade.  Check out this recipe from Simply Recipes.

Until next time,
Stay Cool

Your chill blogger

Heather

Week 9:  Iowa

My name is: Kristi Stephens

Right now I’m sitting at: My Computer of Course!

My family includes: My Husband Clint and our Beautiful Kitty Ash

What inspires me is: Wow! Let’s see… I would first have to say Anyone who inspires me to be more!

The photographers that most inspire me would be:  Sandy Puc, she’s wonderful and cares so much for the people around her. She takes time to respond to e-mails (I probably shouldn’t write that) and she is nice to everyone.  My second would be: Jennifer George Walker, she does the most amazing pregnancy images! I saw her my first time at WPPI and every image I would grab my husbands leg and say did you see that! He was like YES, and thought I was crazy!  Ha Ha!  That was when he wasn’t in the PHOTOGRAPHER mindset! The last would be: Lori Nordstrom, she is actually from my hometown of Winterset, Iowa and she speaks nationally.  She is basically where I want to be eventually.

When hanging out online you will usually find me:  Ebay, I get some cool stuff on there.  C2K Neighborhood, there are lots of ideas on there and it is a great opportunity to get feedback.  Myspace and My Blog, I try to keep it updated as much as possible.

The first thing I crave in the morning is:  Diet Coke and dry cereal

Don’t tell anyone that I love:  I’m pretty open so I think there are really no guilty pleasures! Maybe the Smurfs!

To me “beautiful” is:  Watching a relationship bloom.  Watching the love in couples eyes on their wedding day. Watching their eyes as they look at their pregnant bellies, and the eyes of parents.  We can’t have children in the traditonal way, so I think God has blessed me with the opportunities to capture the pregnancy and birth.  It’s such a rewarding gift in life.

This year’s purchases MUST include:  A new laptop and the projection sales software. I also want a few more lenses and a roller bag.  I’m a whimp!

My guilty pleasure is:  Not so guilty, but I LOVE chocolate!

If I had $500 to spend on myself today, I would buy: I know I shouldn’t say this, but I would buy a new lens or maybe an Ipod.

I think my best feature: My ability to talk to anyone.

I am addicted to: Deadliest Catch on Discovery. I don’t know why, but I love that show.  I watch it all of the time.  I also love Unwrapped on food network, it’s like the grown up version of Mr. Rogers Neighborhood. 

One personal goal I have this year would be: To get more organized and find a good assistant to help delegate some of my work. I’m getting better at that.

View Kristi’s website

1.  New 2009 Matrix by Toyota in Sundance Metallic.

2.  Celebrate this 4th of July with some yummy BBQ and learn about Independence Day.

3.  Be hip, be cool, be fly and grab a pair of hot shades from Fly Girls.

Until next time,

Have a safe and Happy 4th of July.

Your snazzy blogger

Heather

1.  Seeing our Spotlight photographer of the week Robert Anthony’s images made me think of these awesome tasting cookies by Julie’s Chewies.  These are by far some of the greatest tasting cookies ever!

2.  Help our Marine Mammal life here at the Animal Rescue Site.  “You can help feed a rescued seal or sea lion! Purchase of this Gift That Gives More™ provides food for one day, helping the animal regain its strength for an eventual release back into the wild.”

3.  Add your favorite picture to your favorite perfume at Clinique.

Until next time
Stay Happy

your smiling blogger

Heather

Week 8:  Florida

My name is:  Robert Anthony

Right now I’m sitting at:  My office desktop station.

My family includes:  My amazing wife, Sonja, our comedic daughter Elise, our caring son Jacob, and our miracle son Levi.

What inspires me is:  Seeing God’s hand at work in my life.  Each and every time I see a move that only He could be behind, I am inspired to press on.

The photographer who most inspires me would be:  My mother Carole is an inspiration to me.  Because of her, I am into this thing called photography.  I am also very fond of Gerald Hardage.  What an amazing individual!  The mind and attitude of a 30 year old at a young 70 years of age. 

When hanging out online you will usually find me:   Sorry, no hangin out on-line for me.  Time is of the essence….

The first thing I crave in the morning is:  My toothbrush and Listerene.

Don’t tell anyone that I love: If I told you that…wouldn’t it defeat the purpose of not telling anyone?

To me “beautiful” is:  My Wife Sonja in total…mind, personality…body!  Oh YEAH!

This year’s purchases MUST include:  D300

My guilty pleasure is: This has been a theory that has always been elusive to me.  If you felt guilty, where would the pleasure be?  Guilt sucks.  If it gives me pleasure, I pronounce it good and enjoy it for whatever it’s worth…providing it’s legal.

If I had $500 to spend on myself today, I would buy:  Huh…I am stumped there.  I have a hard time spending money on just me.  Probably a pair of Timbales.  I like to make noise…especially with Timbales.

I think my best feature:  My ablity to tell stories to a large or small audience.

I am addicted to:  “All things in moderation”. 

One personal goal I have this year would be:  Worry about nothing.

View Robert’s website