Black River Landing

Week 22:  Washington

My name is: DesiRae Sapp 

Right now I’m sitting at: my desktop computer, preparing to meet with a bride today. 

My family includes: I have a wonderful husband, who I have known since we were nine years old.  He’s the love of my life. 

What inspires me is: The new beginnings that our couples are making inspires me.  I’m touched with each of them.  I have been photographing weddings for seven years and never get bored working with people in love.   

The photographer who most inspires me would be: Seven years ago to took a workshop with Bruce Hudson.  He went through everything to be successful – and it worked!  Even though everything is digital now, I learned so much from that class.  It was one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself.  www.hudsonportraits.com 

When hanging out online you will usually find me: I have a business website of course.  But now, I’m keeping up with the times on Facebook.  Since moving to Washington, this has been a really fun way to keep in touch with my friends.  

The first thing I crave in the morning is: Water – I’m not always hungry, but I’m really thirsty.  Even though it rains a lot here, the air is pretty dry. 

Don’t tell anyone that I love: Chocolate – I’m trying to lose at least 40 lbs, and chocolate is the enemy. (I’m thinking about it right now!)  

To me “beautiful” is: What you are doing with your life – I believe that you make the choices that make your inward beauty be seen by everybody, and you can be a happier person. If you are doing the best you can with your abilities, other people see that. 

This year’s purchases MUST include: I’m not a greedy person, but I want a lot of stuff.  I know I won’t get it this year:  Washer & Dryer, Awning & Furniture for the deck, Sofa for my office, New Quantum lights, and New Awesome Studio Lights. 

My guilty pleasure is: Ice cream (with chocolate – yes, we are back to that!) 

If I had $500 to spend on myself today, I would buy: Definitely, a new outfit and jeans. 

I think my best feature: My hair – it’s the only asset that I really like.  I never dye it and just cut it maybe twice a year.  Its healthy and I love it. 

I am addicted to: Watching Martha Stewart.  I don’t care if it sounds old lady-ish.  There’s a lot of good ideas on the show and now I have lots of projects to do.  Since I’ve only been married for a year, there is a lot of advice about cooking and taking care of the home.  Now, I don’t have to look too dumb in front of my mother-in-law. 

One personal goal I have this year would be:  Everyone always wants to have a great year with their business – that’s a given.  Since I’ve only been in Washington for a year, I would like to go around and find fabulous locations for photos.  There are lots of parks here and we are close to the water.  I also have a goal of setting up a studio in our home.  It might take some time to get everything together, but it will definitely be worth it!

Visit DesiRae’s website

1.  Coffee Time!  Take a break with New England Coffee.

2.  Are you green?  Are you lucky?  Check out the local listings of St. Patrick’s Day Parades in your area.  March 17, 2009 is St. Patrick’s Day so search out the rainbow’s and go find your pot of gold!

3.  It’s about that time again!  March Madness is on the prowl.  March 15, 2009 is the March Madness games.  Make your brackets, bring out the chips and dip, grab a tasty beverage, and enjoy the basketball game.

Until we meet again,
Enjoy spring it’s on it’s way!

Your blogger,
Heather

Week 21:  Nevada

My name is:  Ian  Kahler   

Right now I’m sitting at:  My computer 

My family includes:  My wife and  children and  grandchildren 

What inspires me is:  My Grandfather - the  most artistic, scientific, and  spiritual mind I will ever  know. 

The photographer who most inspires me would be:  Primarily  the  landscape visions of Liz Hymans. There are many people who come to mind. I am primarily inspired  by artists who think outside - beyond  the  normal and  expected.

When hanging out online you will usually find me:  myspace.com/westynimages - neekonut.redbubble.com - Astronomy.com  

The first thing I crave in the morning is:  Green tea and 30 minutes of silence punctuated only by the purring of my two cats. 

Don’t tell anyone that I love:   Especially my children… that I love them… I like to keep them wondering.  That keeps them in line. 

To me “beautiful” is:  Silence. The  hand  of  someone I love in my shoulders… or to be able to hold  them. The night sky from horizon to horizon in the vast expanse of the  high desert. A  simple and  powerfully emotional black and white photograph. 

This year’s purchases MUST include:  A 105mm prime lens   

My guilty pleasure is:  A tall coconut, vanilla and  hazelnut latte… from whomever can make it how I like it! 

If I had $500 to spend on myself today, I would buy:  Shirts pants and shoes that are not stained  and torn - buying clothes is NOT a priority for me - just ask my family! 

I think my best feature:  Is that I speak my mind, do as  I want - as an  artist - and in so doing I have learned  to accept that not everyone will appreciate the concept. 

I am addicted to:  Producing a photograph that I am personally satisfied  with.   

One personal goal I have this year would be:  Less critical of myself.

Visit Ian’s website

Week 20:  New Jersey

My name is: Craig Collins

Right now I’m sitting at: At my computer working and trying to figure out how to survive in a tough economy

My family includes: my great wife, two wonderful children and Ariel (our spoiled 75lb black ball of fur)

What inspires me is: Watching my children grow and learn.

The photographer who most inspires me would be:  This is a tough one, I would probably have to say that with all the access to photographers and their work, I always seem to find someone who inspires me to keep on shooting and to keep on enjoying our great profession.

When hanging out online you will usually find me: I just finished building a house and now I am addicted to Craigs list.  I can’t believe the things that you can get and get rid of.

The first thing I crave in the morning is: another hour of sleep and then coffee.

This year’s purchases MUST include: probably something for my house; like maybe finish my master bath.

My guilty pleasure and addiction is: my Hershey’s chocolate and my kids Halloween candy,  when it’s around

If I had $500 to spend on myself today, I would buy: An airline ticket to Mexico or Provo TCI

I think my best feature: Who knows? My wife tells me my nose???

One personal goal I have this year would be: to run in my second New York City marathon and  finish in under 4 hrs.

Visit Craig’s website

Week 19:  Michigan

My name is:   Carole Anthony

Right now I’m sitting at:  My computer editing flower pictures for our flower shop website.

My family includes:  Rick, my husband of 41 years, 3 cats & one dog that live with us & 4 adult children out on their own & 3 grandchildren.

The photographer who most inspires me would be:   A local photographer Edward Hicks, wonderful human being as well as great photographer; & Monte Zucker.

When hanging out online you will usually find me:   I don’t have much time to hang out online, but when I am on, the forum of course, to learn from all these wonderful photographers & sometimes shopping.

The first thing I crave in the morning is:   A toothbrush & then coffee.

Don’t tell anyone that I love:  Can’t think of anything I love that everyone who knows me doesn’t already know about; sewing, reading & taking dance classes; especially tap

To me “beautiful” is:  All of God’s creation; sunsets, mountains, sunshine on new snow, nature, birds, butterflys, etc, etc. also, people’s inner beauty, not the outside shell.

This year’s purchases MUST include:   Nikon 70-200 2.8 with vibration reduction for my dance action shots!

My guilty pleasure is:  Really good dark chocolate

If I had $500 to spend on myself today, I would buy:  I would probably use it to buy a plane ticket to go see Rob & his family in Florida or for Rick & I to go to Myrtle Beach.

I think my best feature:  (this is hard for me so I had to ask my husband)  would be I am a very giving type person.  I get lots of pleasure out of giving to other people or doing stuff for them.  I think that is one reason I love photography, when the client is happy with the finished product, it is a great feeling.

I am addicted to:   Working out & chocolate (contradiction kind of), but I can’t stand going 2 or more days without some  sort of exercise.

One personal goal I have this year would be: To get back in the gym on a regular basis for a weight training program & try to be kind to everyone I meet, because you never know what someone may be going through; also to get my website updated & looking lots better. “Life is so short be grateful for every single day you are given.” I think I just want to be available to anyone who needs a shoulder or a listening ear.

Visit Carole’s website

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