Stacy Z Photography

2009-02-04T09:56:00.002-07:00

I know in December I pointed you all to a new blog. We had some name server issues with the hosting company. I have had a bunch o'friends test it and since the name server it SHOULD work. Thank you ann for alerting me to the index issue. I never could see it from my machine - totally wild.

Well I have been a good blogger over on my new blog. Please come check it out!

www.stacyzphotography.com/blog

New Blog

2008-12-15T21:29:00.003-07:00

Well I have hinted, okay mentioned, I had a new blog in the works. YAY it is finally done!! Check it out. I have a ton of drafted posts saved up for this new blog.

New Blog Click Here

Be sure to update your RSS feeds and say hello - we love comments.

love * life * peace * joy

StacyZ

VOTE!

2008-10-30T14:24:00.001-07:00

In Colorado we have one more day for early voting. Hubby and I did ours two nights ago. Here is something great for everyone.

Enjoy and Vote! Remember you matter!

Coming Out...

2008-10-28T21:43:00.003-07:00

So I have a confession...I am a closet knitter. I do it a.lot. as in almost every day I pick up the needles as to find something rhythmic and calm in what has been a crazy year.

This weekend I went to a retreat with my fantastic friend heather to help her with her yarn, enjoy my time and knit. We took a class at the retreat with the amazing anne hanson where she taught us some cool things such as knitted on borders and fantastic lace fun. Heather currently has my little project that I completed, but I will show you all soon.

During our trip I took a little photo safari in the town of los ojos. Here are a few of my faves:
Freshly Baked Cookies

One on One
This one (and the next two as well) were SOOC only resized for web.

Chimney
Again SOOC and just cropped a bit

And perhaps one of my favorites from the safari "Dirty Laundry"
Yep can you believe that sky? SOOC (Straight out of Camera) again!

On Sunday before we left Heather, Laurie and I went to walk a Labyrinth. I caught this capture of Heather meditating without her noticing:
Solitude

On the way back I saw these two scenes.

Path to the Foot of God - again...this path traveled to the foot of this mesa and really to me it looked where God has come from the heavens and touched the earth.

Church (look at the chair) I have to tell you this is my type as church because looking at a scene like this I cannot imagine one not feeling closer to a higher power. After the Labyrinth I was feeling way close to God and my inner self as well and to see both of these scenes still take my breath away.

Thank you for letting me share and "come clean" about my knitting. Perhaps I will share more of it soon.

Goodnight Dear Friend...

2008-10-13T20:09:00.000-07:00

Goodnight sweet Kashmir.
I will remember when you fit into my palm and nibbled my ear.
I will remember your warm belly on my toes at night.
I will remember you protection and gentle grows.
I will remember your belly rubs in the morning.
I will remember you sweet smile.
I will remember your soft fur.

I will remember you my friend may you not have any more pain. Sweet puppy I will miss you.

Goodnight.

Be Like Julie

2008-10-03T14:02:00.002-07:00

It has been ages. Illness and Vacations and Life...but updates on the new blog this weekend!

First - This is the MOST IMPORTANT THING TODAY!!!!!

Welcome to the World Little R

2008-08-15T09:22:00.005-07:00

I have to admit when I first needed (I say need because really it was) to get into photography I always loved pics of teeny tiny babies. Love to look at them sleeping and peaceful. I remember my little guy when he slept in my arms. In all that time I never thought I would be so touched by the families I meet.

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of meeting Michelle and her little guy R. Michelle is the perfect new mother she was peaceful and nurturing to R; so attentive and careful but at the same time exudes grace and calm.

I talked to Michelle earlier in the week to discuss what she hoped for. She just came home from the hospital and she really wanted to capture lil R before he grew up. You see she told me her birth story and usually I am touched when I hear these. This time, I absolutely was in tears by the time I was off the phone. You see Michelle’s husband right now is over in Iraq. He is with the Marine Reserves and was sent over there in July. Yes just a month shy of seeing his son be born. Well the night Michelle was in Labor they were talking on the phone. She was not in delivery yet, but he had to go to sleep for an hour or so to be ready for work the next day. Before they hung up he told her he would call right before work. Well new daddy has fantastic timing he called and 15 minutes later little R was welcomed into this world. He got to hear him cry over the phone. I know the video has probably reached him by now, but I know even though he was miles away his heart was there with his son. I can’t wait for daddy to come home safely so we can do a proper family picture. Until then I wanted dad to see some of my favorites.

See Daddy he is such a happy little guy!

I always love little fingers and toes.

Look at these beautiful eyes.

This little face just cracks me up! Michelle I think he was wondering why that big kid was making so much noise ;)

But then he decided to just not worry about it and do what he does best...grow...sleep and grow.

And finally maybe my favorite from the day.

I can't wait to see you guys again.

Love * Life * Peace * Joy

stacyZ

p.s. Daddy we got a GREAT pic with little R with your hat, but the tag has your name on it so I will just email that pic to Michelle.

The Start...to Hasselblad

2008-07-25T16:33:00.003-07:00

So I said yesterday that I would talk about product photography. Well really this is how I started so I thought I would briefly trek down memory lane. You see about 5 years ago I had a jewelry business where I needed pics for my site and product materials. I had to read and learn about lighting and soft boxes and such. Having the settings down and changing things such as my white balance or shutter well I loved how changing one item would affect the whole look. I adored the model shoot that happened for a magazine once and after that I was hooked. I always loved art and had a creative side to express so when I was found with only a camera to do it…I learned way more…fast forward another year. Back to almost 2 years ago. R was about 16 months old when the three of us, R, B and I, went back to California to visit our parents. Well hubby went back home first and I stayed with R to be with my mom when she had surgery. Two days after he left I got the phone call:

B: Honey how much do you love me?
Me rather hesitant and remembering he had to drive through Las Vegas: “A Lot”
B still hesitant in his voice: “Like really a lot?”
Me: “Yes”
B: “Well the house is flooded. Please don’t be alarmed”
Me: “Ummm okay. Let me know. I am not coming home until we have a house again”

And that is when it started. I had not been working on my jewelry that much at this time…simply because I was bored. I had to sit in a room face the wall and well it was really hard with a toddler/baby always getting into the little beads. I was a bit of an overprotective mother with the items as well. So honestly my passion for it was fading. Well I was stuck in California with my parents for almost 2 months. During those two months I played with my camera and my parent’s way more. My mom taught me how to sew and I took pictures…lots of pictures…I liked taking the pictures.

So when I returned I had a lovely friend who knew a retired high school photography teacher and I met with him weekly for almost 2 months. Russ really encouraged me and well the rest is history…

Where does that go to product photography? Well last night I went up to Ft. Collins to help a girlfriend and her father get set up in what I affectionately named the “Cheap A$$ Lightbox” Seriously for about $40 we had this setup and it works grand. My girlfriend is a fantastic yarn dyer. Oh my goodness if you knit look her up! She only uses natural dyes and is committed to giving back, not to mention she is just fantastic. She is going to send me some pictures that her father took with it. I can’t wait to share. I will ask her to take a pic of the whole setup as well. I did not take my camera as I used her dad’s fabulous Nikons…in the downtime I lusted after his new Hasselblad and this puppy that I saw on a shelf…it is official I am eating only mac and cheese to purchase this puppy…the yellow one…we will see. I don’t know if it will happen, but I did not go get a latte today ;)

I will post the pics and different tutorials I have found to make this so easy soon.

Off to go hug R and play outside in the sun! You guys have a great weekend.

Toodaloo Kangaroos.

2008-07-24T11:58:00.003-07:00

Sunday I had a fantastic shoot with three of the cutest boys. In full disclosure one of them is my little guy, R, and the other two are brothers who are sweet as can be. All three of these boys are the best of friends, and really love each other so much. I look at these pictures and I tear up at just how sweet they are. Now don’t get me wrong…at one point we had to take ownership of the sticks and I realized I probably should not have taught my two year old fencing when I brought home the knight set from London a few weeks ago! Yeah not smart. Live and Learn. Mommy gets in trouble from Daddy all the time for teaching a bit of funny things to R.

So here are a few from the session. I had this idea in my head for months and months of boys playing dress up in dad’s clothes and fishing in a creek. I am blessed to live here in Boulder where there are numerous creeks just a short jot from the house. This is less than a mile away and not the same one we did during the workshop.

Here are a few faves:

Here are a few things in bullet form I need to blog and share. Put here for my reference and to keep me accountable:

New Website – currently in dev
New Blog – it will now be attached to the website and also at another URL pointing back. Very excited.
One Light Workshop – it rocked.
Moe. At the Fox in Boulder – awesome show amazing pics…
Monkeys On Ecstasy in Ft. Collins Aggie Theatre. Secret surprise show moe. did on Tuesday night. Got some fab pics as well.
Product Photography – going to take a bunch today. This was how I started…I really should share J
Cousin’s wedding in Bozeman Montana – Great trip must share!
Museum of the Rockies – R loved the dinosaurs.

So as you see I have a ton. So much has been going on and I have a ton to share. I will just be breaking down the list line by line here soon. I will be moving to the new blog after I customize the template with my new logo and branding. Such big things. Such fun!

Peace & Joy Love Life Everyone!
stacyZ

Update...LIFE - Fun Barenaked Ladies ??? WHOA!

2008-06-17T11:51:00.005-07:00

Sooo....as in usual fashion when I get swamped blogging is the first thing I let drop. It really should not be that way but it seams to go. I would much rather let the cleaning stop and have a maid...hint hint hubby anniversary coming B hint maid good choice...good good...but seriously...

I was swamped in May in the best of ways . I was lucky enough to second shoot 3 weddings with 2 amazing photographers. First was Gail Buhler of Encore Portraits . She had two fabulous weddings with the nicest couples. Both were in churches and I was so pleased I pulled it off. Not because I don't like churches I was just REALLY worried about my light skills because almost everything I have done thus far has been with natural lighting. But I think I did it! I was please and it really did give me a boost.

The third I did was with the amaizing Julia Vandeover who has also become a dear friend. We took both our families to Telluride for this wedding and Julia has some pics posted here CLICK HERE. I will be doing my own blog post on this soon now that I know Julia had a chance to get her's up. Here is one of my favorite pics...I totally cropped it ;)

So May was swamped and I conciously took the initative to TAKE JUNE OFF! I knew July was going to be insane with One Light and 3 or so more weddings not to mention the few portrait sessions...so I said NO to myself on anything. In usual fashion and the serendipity I am discovering is my life...my body made sure I lived up to that promise. I got SHINGLES! Yeah I didn't think that could happen to someone who is well...how do I say this nicely...my age? I mean really I know I am aging but I am still in my 30's thank you very much. So yeah that was a wake up call as the doctor said, "Most likely stress" - But but but!!! This time I was not feeling stressed! So anyways I really took the first part of this month off! I still will be working on my website (my #1 goal for this month!) and a new blog that is really incompassing all that I do.

See on the blog front... I have thought do I post about this or that? Saying to myself, "Well it is not business related should I?" I have come to the conclusion that YES I WILL!!! So expect WAY more posts. Expect fun...and a couple of little different things. My goal for the rest of the summer is NOT LET THE BLOG SLIDE. Okay now I am accountable.

Today I want to share what the family did last Saturday. You know B and I (and lil' R really) are way into music. I would say it is a MAJORITY of our lives. When we go on vacation we go see music. When we visit friends we figure out if there is a concert there for us to see or work into the visit. Many of our friends are either those we met at concerts or actually band member or what not. We don't play instruments (much to my mom's dismay after 6 years of piano) but we love music and really ahve different viewpoints on it as well. For instance I LOVE Lyrics and really cannot get into a show that is all instrumental, but B could not tell you what the words are to most of his favorite songs (he will deny this and say to me, "What are your talking about I know such and such....") but anyways. Last Saturday we went and saw an "In Store" this is where the band plays their music to a small group in usual a record store but Saturday it was done at Barnes and Noble in Boulder. The band was Barenaked Ladies. They have a new kids CD out called Snacktime. Well this instore was probably THE BEST ORGANIZED EVENT EVER. The band asked for this to be about the kids and it REALLY WAS! We got there early with wristbands (priority entry and seating) and B got a spot up front on the floor with R. I came in later with MIL (note less than 3 min later) and we got seats in the back (maybe 6 rows back). I went up and ate breakfast with B and R up front. There were kids there. Of course I had my camera ;) . Towards the start of the "first act" which was Gymboree guy and gal singing songs with the kids and blowing bubbles. They announced all adults to the back unless you are with your young child and all kids up front. They even asked the adults sitting in the first two rows of seats to give up their seats for the children! HOW AWESOME IS THAT? B left and found another place to watch and I stayed on the floor in the back row with R on my lap. The kids danced and played with the bubbles and then sat in awe as the BNL played a awesome 30 minute set. Here are a few pics:

Here are a couple with R playing before. Yeah he had NO fun! ;) I love that the girl in the background has a shirt on that says cute. Totally! Yeah I planned that ;) heeehe

So it was a great family day. I saw music and captured a few pics of my favorite thing...pure fun!

Talk to you guys soon!

peace and joy love in friendship.

StacyZ

p.s. Also in the other craziness that is my life. I said take June off and the day job said, "You are going to London!" So yeah...9 days in London starting on Sunday. WHOA!

An Open Letter To Elmo...

2008-05-02T14:50:00.003-07:00

Warning - No Pictures and a couple of not so nice words...Elmo is in trouble though I tell you!

Dear Elmo,

This is the last straw - I hate you Elmo. Yes I said it and I am thrilled to get it out there. I HATE YOU ELMO! I use to be all for you. Yes, you could never take the place of beloved blue friend Grover, but I knew you had your charms. With all your tickeling and laughing and costing thousands. I thought that was fine. Stupid but fine. Mr. Noodle he was okay and Dorothy yes she has lived 200x longer than any goldfish but that did not do it. THIS is it!

Your whole video on Potty Time needs to go. You have RUINED my two year old. Your asinine song Accidents Happen well let me tell you. NO Accidents DO NOT HAPPEN! Ever since watching your damn video my son thinks it is now fun to pee on the floor and start signing this blasted song. He says he wants to be like Elmo! Yes he was sooo good he was going on the potty for weeks. NOW RUINED. His grandmother though sent this blasted video and now he is RUINED. So thanks you little red shit! We are researching diapers for 12 year olds because that is how long it seems we are DOOMED! Again, thank you Elmo thanks for your shitty ass video and song.

You better watch out. I have informed cookie monster that you are actually a large sprinkley red cookie. See if you ruin another two year olds potty training again.

Sincerely,

One pissed off mommy!

Just Kiss It!

2008-04-30T12:39:00.000-07:00

Monday night Robert and I were outside playing hockey. He fell straight on his bottom. Right afterwards he got up and said, "Mommy owee. You need to kiss it." He then bent over pointed his finger to the middle of his bottom and said, "KISS IT HERE!"

Umm yeah...love ya kid but no.

Action - First Trial

2008-03-25T13:25:00.002-07:00

So I have always been scared for some reason to pan with a subject. Thought I would screw it up. I know silly silly, but last weekend I went out with B and R and just had fun with it. It was fun! I think it could be a bit harder to do a slower object, but I think this worked alright. Here are two of my favorites. I would love to know what you think! Also note there was a birthday party going on behind us and we could not for the life of us get R to face his head in any way that we hoped...puppies to the left presents to the right...oh man

What being a mom is about...

2008-03-13T11:36:00.003-07:00

Today R melted my heart like no other. You see as I was leaving for work I peaked in on him and he was just waking up. So I put my coffee cup down on the dresser, put my shoes down and BAM have no idea how but coffee cup fell off the dresser and straight to the floor...white carpet and all..okay beige but it is still light as hell. I screamed, cried, got towels and cleaner. B came in and knew this time I was too upset to say his usually "funny" line, "Well why did you do that?" and just helped me clean it up. R was still in the crib saying, "Mommy is sad. Mommys sad. Big Mess." Oh yes it was a mess and this weekend we have to rent a carpet cleaner...

So after cleaning it up as much as I could I was now late for work so I ran down the stairs to put my shoes and socks on. As I was putting my socks on R came over and gave me a hug then a big peck right on the lips. You see this is big in the house I go to give R a kiss bye and he puts his head there so I only get the top and his hair! I say, "no mommy wants lips" and move his face to give him a peck there. Today he came over and gave me the kiss moving my face because I was upset. It was too sweet. Melted my heart.

It did not end there...then in all his cuteness. I was in the car tried to start it only to realize I left the keys on the stairs. As I was getting out of the car R was opening the door to the garage keys in hand. "Mommy your keys". I thought B sent him on his way to do that, but he had not...my little cookie saw those there and ran after me. Too sweet.

Of course after I got the keys I asked for a kiss goodbye and I got hair...sweet sweet hair it was.

Chills - The Universe is Powerful and Small

2008-02-26T12:25:00.003-07:00

So about 5 minutes ago I read my friend Andrew's post about slowing down. I posted to him that my favorite times are smelling the flowers. I truely do love it when I just slow down. I use to take walks to the orchid store or spend hours on the beach contemplating life when I lived in LA. I miss my time to breath.

Life since R has been anything but slow. I feel like I have blinked and years have passed. The universe opened up though in the past 10 minutes and has shown me how small I am. Chills overflowed my skin and a warmness grew in my heart when on my favorite Pandora station, Natalie Merchant, the song Slow Down from Rachel Sage came on. Now I have never heard of Rachael Sage (one of my favorite things about Pandora - new music) but the universe decided I needed to read Andrew's post and listen to these words at almost the exact same moment. I thought I would post the lyrics here:

Slow Down
by Rachael Sage
album: Public Record (2003)
I really love you but I really need this chance
To make my own back from Brigadoon
And I really miss you but I miss myself too
And I miss the way it feels to lick right off the spoon
I’m gonna slow down… I’m gonna sip tea
I’m gonna put my feet up and ask time to marry me
Honey are you awake I
Thought I heard another earth-quaking
Guess it’s just the subway sorry
I forget I’m not in L.A. anymore
Maybe you don’t know this about me but I’m scared
Of almost everything that moves including you
When it’s windy or it’s just starting to rain
I’m gonna slow down… I’m gonna sip tea
I’m gonna put my feet up and ask time to marry me
I’m gonna slow down… I’m gonna drink up
I’m gonna put my feet up and have another cup
Around us everywhere
The signs of nakedness preparing
To put on too many clothes and
Hide the secret that never shows
I see through everything
But only when I’ve had my sleep and I’m so tired
From the wrong kind of rest and restlessness

We know the drop falls into the ocean but the ocean also flows into the drop... (loosely paraphrased wish I remember from whom)

Now we have Tori rocking Taxi Ride out...I love Pandora!!

Polaroid Will Stop Producing Film

2008-02-15T14:52:00.003-07:00

The end of the era…this saddens me for some reason.
Click Here

Happier News - I saw this quote inside my St. Claire's Organics Lemon Tarts Candy today and I think it could be THE BEST quote I have ever read:

"You can't depend on your judgement when your imagination is out of focus." - Mark Twain

Tuesday I will be hosting the MHP meet-up at my house - email me for directions if you don't have them! Can't wait!!!

Z Look-alike Meter

2008-02-01T14:05:00.001-07:00

MyHeritage: Family trees - Genealogy - Celebrities - Collage - Morph

WHOA & I thought Skydiving was crazy...

2008-01-30T06:42:00.000-07:00

My good friend Andrew of Shaefer Photography posted this link and all I can say is WOW! It is amazing and actually pretty intriguing to me. Go look then come back and let me know what you think!

SOLD OUT OneLight Boulder!

2008-01-23T16:34:00.000-07:00

I am so excited the OneLight I am hosting here in Boulder is Sold Out. Just like everything else a picture is worth a thousand words.

I am so excited to meet everyone! If you are coming please leave me a note. I would love to check out your blogs too!

Also - I created a new header...come off of bloglines and check it out. Love to know what you think.

Tea Leaf Green at the Fox in Boulder, CO

2008-01-14T15:29:00.000-07:00

Saturday B and I went to see Tea Leaf Green. HOLY COW these guys ROCKED my face off! Freaking loved them. I have not seen them in 6 years and they just got this new bassist about 3 months ago. He was SO FREAKING KICK A$$! You could tell he was having just the most fun. So without further ado here is one picture from the night. More to come we just have all been sick here for about 2 weeks now...totally blows.

I pulled this one straight out of the camera. I just ran a noise reduction on it and then made it a jpg - Honestly I don't think I even needed the noise, but alas it is just one of the standards I do on all the concerts. Debating if I should change that piece of workflow and make some more artsy ones. Time time...did father clock get my order of needing 12 more hours in a day? I love the emmotion and interaction here along with the light hitting Josh's face. I chimped this one and just gave myself a high five. I LOVE this pic!

I also have some cool pics with a TON of smoke as well. Usually I hate smoke but I liked it in the ones I will show. Makes for a bitch to focus but...well I'll just show ya ;)

Jenna and Tea Leaf - I will be emailing you some soon along with my MySpace link to see all the pics.

Also if anyone wants to friend me in MySpace I am stacyZphotography - Come say hello! I just made an account a few weeks ago to put the concert photos so working on that as well!

One Light Coming To Denver

2008-01-03T10:37:00.000-07:00

I am so thrilled to finally get to announce that One Light will be coming to Boulder, CO!
Click here to see if you can come meet us here, or find one in your neck of the woods.

Zack Arias is amazing and I cannot express how excited I am to host him here...starbucks and all.

*more about starbucks later.

We also have NYE updates - We went to Hot Buttered Rum ( a new fave with totally cute guys in the band...oh I was drooling) and I got some great pics! I just have to upload them. More soon.

YAY

2007-12-17T14:46:00.000-07:00

Christmas is here and it is crazy as ever. My MIL has been staying with us since Thanksgiving and she has been an amazing help. I don't know how we would of gotten through this busy season without her. Now if the woman would just let me take her picture!

And because she is here....I GET TO GO OUT ON A DATE WITH MY HUBBY! YAY!!!

Yup tonight B & I are going to see moe. at the Boulder Theatre. I just called over and found out I can take pics YAY again!

After I hung up the phone I ate a Fortune cookie with the following:

Today will be Pleasant, your life will be prosperous

I did not know if I would be allowed to because they are taping for a radio show, but I get toYAY!!!!!!!!Now here is a time when I wish I had that 24 1.4 ahhhhh big sigh oh well. I know I get her soon hunny says soon...Sassy says WHEN!?!?!

Jackie Greene Concert Pics...again.

2007-12-04T08:57:00.000-07:00

DH & I went to the Jackie Greene Concert on Sunday. I shot Jackie here at the Fox theater in Boulder back in August/September (click here to see). This past weekend he was at the Bluebird Theatre down in I only got the first 3 songs and they had either red or blue lights going the whole time, but I got a few. I think I keep learning when it comes to this..All pics done with the 85 1.2 or 200 2.8. I think the perfect gear for a concert would be 24 1.4 50 1.2 and 135 2.0 - ahhh that is also my perfect bag lol!!

or same pic in color

Well I have family pics to post as well. Thanks Julia! Lets just say in the ILCA* one must take pics of their new clothes to fully understand their cuteness or not as in my case...

*I Look Cute Adventure - me trying to get out of the mommy trap and buy cute clothes.

The B Family

2007-11-29T09:21:00.001-07:00

A bit over a week ago I had the pleasure of shooting one of my favorite little girls again L - I shot this girl by herself last summer. She was actually my very first shoot ever for someone not family if you can believe that. A few weeks ago her parents called me up again to get some family shots this time. Here are two family shots. I am putting a couple more shots up in my gallery soon. But isn't this family just beautiful?

Tonight is the Safe House event so I am swamped getting ready for that. I will have pictures of that and much more up soon. Hopefully this weekend I can catch up (does catching up ever really happen I mean seriously has anyone that reads this ever said to themselves, "Okay great I have done everything I need to do"?)

Have a wonderful day!

Peace & Joy - Love Life

Before and After & Calorie Free Candy!

2007-11-26T13:13:00.001-07:00

So I promised last week some pics where I tweaked the pics from the photoshoot. Here are a few that I did last night. Really just did some contrast bumps and tried to minimize the red around her eyes a bit. So whenever a picture is ordered 8x10 or larger I automatically add these little touches. Let me know what you think!

Well here they are:

As you can see not a ton of change. :)

Played with lightroom a bit on a friends MBP (macbook pro ahhh heaven) yesterday also...must MUST get that soon. So fast, easy and would do 95% of what I would want. Everything above was done with TRA (Totally Rad Actions - Boutwell's) with my own seasoning for taste.

In Other News:
Thursday this week I will be with Gino Siller shooting a party for Safe House. There will be a silent auction there and I will be offering up a photoshoot with portrait package for the lucky winner.

To have some fun on Thursday (and Saturday - Hi Julia) I rented a few SAAAHWEEET Lenses. Talk about calorie free candy wrapped up in these babies. So to celebrate and get the most out of our precious time together. I will be having Photography EXTRAVAGANZA on Saturday - what does that mean. LAST CHANGE to get in those Bundled Up Christmas Shots for the cards! Cards are going to be ordered this week so you can get them out before the rush. If you are interested drop me a line and I can let you know all the details. The day is already starting to fill up so call me fast! If you do not have my contact number - just leave me yours in a comment OR send me a note through my contact me on my site.

I can't wait to play Thursday and Saturday! Talk about starting the last month this year right!

Gorgeous Kids Shoot SOOC

2007-11-20T09:56:00.000-07:00

Saturday I had 3 photoshoots and one on Sunday. I decided with this batch I am just going to run them straight to jpgs for the proofs and see how it goes. I think these two are just gorgeous, and really how can you touch up two cuties like this. Tomorrow though I will be showing before and after on art editing. To just let everyone know what is possible. So here is L and J SOOC (straight out of camera)

And another of R from Mexico for good measure. This was taken right after sunset with the 50 1.4

Thursday MIL, Step-FIL, SIL and BF come in for the holiday...we are going out. YAY no cooking! I know we are an abnomoly we started this a few years ago when it was just 3 of us and well...it has just stuck. Since I would get stuck cooking when I want to knit or work on pics I so don't mind.

Mexico Picture - Great New Friends w/MHP

2007-11-16T21:12:00.000-07:00

Wednesday we had a great Denver Photographer meet up. Shannon opened up her home and heart to us all. In fact Shannon just won a little contest go congratulate her! Go Here! Do It I'll still be here...OKAY NOW! I cannot believe the amazing number of fantastic individuals there. I look forward to our monthly meetings...Paige send me the file lady ;)

Well I have yet to post many pics from Mexico. I took this picture with R standing in front of the shark tank. I saw him there and it felt like he was just coming out of light, so I played with it a bit. The room was black and this was w/o any flash at 1600 f1.6 on my 50mm I believe. B does not like this picture...but well I had a post processing idea in my head and was able to execute, so I am pleased. It makes me think of aliens or something...so here is my little alien:

Tomorrow I have four portrait sessions. I should have some great stuff to show everyone soon, but Sunday I am SLEEPING!

New "Employee"

2007-11-06T10:13:00.000-07:00

Well after much debate (read 30 minute "interview") we have a new office manager here at StacyZ (he has said I need to capitalize my first name...I am still in debate) yes it was a long interview process. I made him date me for a year, be engaged to me for another, and married for 4 before I said okay...but the time has come to let him in the fold. So without further ado, here is Mr. Z, aka B, our office manager. B will always be referred to as B as r is r (why is r lower case - because we literally call him "little r")

It was apprapo that we made this decision over the weekend. Because on Monday an amazing photographer from Seattle, Me Ra Koh ***LINK****, posted this blog post: it has some great info on being married to your business partner. B and I have had many businesses in the past but this is the first time we have decided to partner up.

Channeling David Jay

2007-10-26T14:28:00.000-07:00

David Jay is an AMAZING photographer (CLICK HERE TO SEE HIS STUFF) and he has saved three animals in the past few months. Well I hope to one day have such Love Cat status (read Love is the Killer Ap to understand - here Andrew reviewed the book) and give back, but I did get to do something that made me feel good last week.

You see my parents took my son and I to Mazatlan. They have 2 weeks/year of a timeshare there so we have gone twice now and it is fabulous! Back to the story, one day while my little man was napping my mom and I went for a walk on the beach. We started out from the hotel and went left. I am so happy we did. About 10 yards into our walk we saw a puffer fish. Not puffed up but with the spikes laid flat. A younger man said, "Oh look another one." Grabbed its tail and threw it in the waves. I saw it flutter away fighting the tide and surf. But he made it into open sea. Then, ten more steps there was another one all puffed up spikes abound, but still breathing. I went to get the lifeguard and had him put him back into the surf.

Puffy came back again. My mom kept worrying about me and if the fish was poisonous. Telling me it was just going to die. I could not believe it, nor let it happen without doing anything. The lifeguard must have felt he did his duty because he just sat on his stool after having to get his shorts slightly wet in the surf. I ran and got a cup opened it up and tried to pick him up. It was tricky but I was able to open up the cup and put it around the spikes, which were as sharp as I have ever seen. And put him in the surf again. Again he was back. I went back to the hotel and grabbed the famous beer bucket.

This was just big enough to hold the fish in its expanded size. Handed my mom everything…I told her to take pictures in all of this, but alas the camera confused her. I have nothing but memories of my heroics. I got the fish in the bucket, filled it with water from the tides, and proceeded to swim past the waves bucket in air. I got passed the breaks and to mild swells and tossed old puffy. It was a sad goodbye he shed some tears. I watched and told the group of three what was in the bucket. They had never seen a puffer fish. About five minutes old puffy deflated his air and swam away. He was safe and I swam back to shore.

So if I truly channeled DJ's heroics I would of had the video camera ready to go...but I was still proud and I felt good. My son would be proud of his old mom for he loves puffer fishes the most. After last week, so do I.

I will have more Maz pics soon! Also have a photoshoot with a super fun family in the morning. YAY!!!!

WOW! Go Rockies!

2007-10-02T00:32:00.000-07:00

Wasn't Even Tipsy In the Outfield...and I still enjoyed this game. Wow not a baseball fan, and really the only games I have gone to were Padres games in college, but now that we are in CO I have converted to the Rockies and tonight they beat the Padres in the bottom of the 13th. What an amazing game! It is 1:30 and I am still up. I just uploaded some pics from a photo session I had on Sunday. She wanted some pics of her "boys". You see Hank the youngest (1 yr old) has a heart condition and the docs don't think he will make it to be 5 poor little guy. He had a heart of gold I tell you...

Isn't he a doll? Here is a my favorite of the boys with their mom. I just love the joy in her laugh here...so priceless

Have a great day everyone! I have a photoshoot this afternoon with some fellow photographers around here so I suppose I should actually go to bed. I don't know if I can sleep though with all this excitement!

Go Rockies!!!!

Hello Again!

2007-09-28T11:07:00.000-07:00

Well it has been a crazy couple of weeks. I attended two fantastic workshops. The first was the F-Stop workshop and was absolutely amazing and I have been implementing the tools in my business. Here are two of my favorite from the workshop:

I also met some fabulous photographers in the area who inspired me more than they ever will know. The second workshop I signed up before I ever decided or realized that photography was what I was meant to do and was geared for the amateur, but it was great to practice and show our work. It was called "learning to see" and really it did help change my photography to previsualize even more than I was and look at every little detail.

Last Friday I did a family photoshoot and here are a couple I liked. These are the cutest brothers.

TAG! I'm It!

2007-09-12T22:32:00.000-07:00

This tag game has been going through the blog world like wildfire and I have finally been tagged by Julie.

I am allergic to peanuts, and all nuts really. Yes I am the reason you no longer have nuts on planes. On the way to Europe after college they put ground up nuts in my meal, no they did not read the notes I suppose, and I had a severe reaction. They almost medivac-ed me off the plane, but luckily there were two doctors on the plane helping me out. Yup, "excuse me is there a doctor on the plane" was announced over the intercom for me. Worst part of the whole ordeal, the entire way through customs the other passengers were asking me if it was my first time flying and was nervous.
I have danced on stage with Prince. With heels he was a bit taller than me...not much. No I am not a good dancer. I am sure I looked like a fool. BUT I DO NOT CARE - UMMM HELLO I was ON STAGE with Prince. Yes it is a highlight after my wedding and birth of our son.
I almost died because of a cat when I was 5. I did not know why I could not play with the kitty so I brought it to bed with me. When my parents found me I was purple. Good thing they were always paranoid checker parents every night. Oh yeah I am allergic to everything if this and #1 did not clue you into that.
Although my parents never owned a boat, I have waterskied since the age of 6 and slalom since 7. B and I have a boat now but we have not been on it in almost 2 years...it is such a pity, but we cannot wait to use the boat again. We still argue over who is the better skier oh hell yeah it is me.
I have broken two bones. Both in the lamest ways. My arm when I was 10 walking home from school and my s2 vertebrate I was 23. I was snowboarding with a new boy and he pushed his board on my board when he was trying to prepare for getting off the ski lift and he flipped me off. I had to carry around a butt pillow for 8 weeks while it heeled it was mortifying...I made him carry it around whenever we were together.
I love coffee, but really only care for brewed coffee if it is created with a french press. If I have to go to a place where they make coffee I always try to get a latte because well...it is not quite a french press, but it is not drip. Drip is a last resort...I know such a snob who knew.
I did stand up comedy in San Francisco in a class with my Uncle Mike. For the first 2/3 of class everyone thought that he was not really my "uncle" but just what I called him my older lover. AS IF! He is my mom's brother. We had to convince everyone. It was weird...but hell we were all in COMEDY CLASS HELLO! Warped minds there.
When I was a kid my mom took my shopping too much. At one point someone could name a store in any mall in Southern Cal and I would be able to tell them what wing it was in and what stores were next to it. Yes I do find that very sad...

Well I am the last person to receive this I am sure. I am tagging Nachaele & Well really anyone who would like to be tagged. Nachaele I am counting on you to pass this on through the knitland.

peace & joy

stacyZ

A long way back home.

2007-09-12T11:49:00.000-07:00

Can you ever go back? Sometimes I think you can, but then there are other days that I don’t think going back is possible. Yes you can go for a day or two and see the friends you left behind, but when you make a move it’s done. At least that is how it has always been for me. How I seem to move on from old loves and from my old homes I have learned this weekend that I really never do look back. I always look for new beginnings. This week the family and I went back to Northern Cal, Sac, to attend a friends wedding in South Lake Tahoe. I come with R early alone…yes I am brave I traveled with a two year old A-LONE but honestly he was a champ and did well. Over the trip there have been many lessons learned and things I became thankful for.

Thankful for:
- Direct TV on the airplane
- Nice strangers assisting the overwhelmed woman who had a roller bag, computer backpack, car seat and messenger bag – oh and carrying a two-year-old all at the same time.
- The one year old that played with R for almost the entire time I had to wait in line for the keys to our vehicle.
- The helper at the car rental who took my bags when R sat down in the crosswalk and announced “ALL DONE!”

What let Robert up this announcement…2.5 hours to register lost luggage (his car seat no less) and get the rental car after arriving in Sacramento.

Yes Frontier LOST our car seat. It took a day, but it was returned to our hotel room. Thank goodness.

There were 16 people in line at the rental car, and it took almost 45 minutes to get thru that line.

When we arrived in Sacramento I was amazed how different the sky looked compared to our new hometown of Boulder, CO. Turns out there were a few fires here and the sky was not blue, but brown, yes, brown was the color of the sky.

The first thing I did was called my old friend and ex-co-worker April. I was staying close to my old job so I decided to stop by and see a couple of friends. April went to get our friend Barb to surprise her. When I pulled into the parking lot I saw Barb jump up and scream. It pleased me so much. Friends like her and April make a girl feel good. They are different and balance each other out so well. You see Barb is just the nicest person, down to earth nice. April is real. She tells you exactly how she sees it and will always be honest with you. So although I don’t always like what April will say I know she says it with a heart of gold and I take every word to heart. Both these ladies rock, and they are two of the reasons I do miss working and miss Sacramento.

As we drive up old Highway 50 with B at the whell and R sleeping in the back seat, I remember a few things I do NOT miss: one is this stop and go traffic I do have to say that I love knowing within a 20 minute window how long it will take me to get somewhere. I love the comfort of my new home. I love the white clouds in the morning the black clouds rolling in at 3 pm that bring just a little kiss of rain to the cheek as if it is an afternoon hug from God above. I remember the book The Stand where all the good people went to Boulder, and I got to say I cant’ wait until April and Barb come here.

Thanks for dinner and lunch girls I had a great time and miss you two so much.

Next we will have some pictures from the wedding, and gorgeous Lake Tahoe. I am hoping they have kept Tahoe blue.

Peace and Joy

stacyZ

Jackie Greene - First Concert Pics

2007-09-03T08:30:00.001-07:00

Well this was not my first concert, but this was my first time taking ol' Sassy with me. I have seen Jackie maybe a few dozen times. He is from Sacramento, now living in SF, where we lived before moving out here to Boulder. I remember we were engaged and B went to go see Jackie at the Blue Note and B came home and said you have to check this kid out. He played the tape that he pulled (*see note below for explanation), and I was sold. We soon went to every show we could make. Well Jackie came out to Boulder here last Friday and again he did not disappoint. He has been compared to early Bob Dylan sound with his bluesy sound. He played just three instruments in this show, but I have seen him travel to every piece in the band.

One thing I am notorious for is actually falling to sleep at concerts, movies, well anything past my bedtime, but on Friday I was having so much fun that I was still awake an hour after we got home. I was just thankful lil' R slept until after 9am on Saturday!

Here are a few of my pics that I took. Like I said, this is the first time taking the camera. I had the 5D, a.k.a. Sassy, and my 50mm 1.4 open almost all night. There was a shallow DOF (depth of field) issue with some shots where I wanted the whole band, but I was able to change the aperture and really slow the shutter and balance my shoulders on a rail so I got what I was hoping for. But enough DTT (dorky technical talk) on to pics!

There are a few hundred more on my site (still on the test server but comment if you would like the link) under client with the password "Jackie".

Oh here is one more. We talked to Jackie a bit after the show and on leaving B said oh get the marquee, yes he is so smart sometimes, as I was doing that Jackie was outside and we got a pic together.

Okay it was two...and no I have no idea why I am holding my arm that way...maybe old habit from bad posing at the jr. high dance?

*note on B taping: B tapes shows where it is allowed from the band and venue. We have had some of our friends talk about how this is illegal, for B it is not illegal, but sanctioned by the band/artist/venue. He has never sold one of his CD's ever, but gives them away...I know expensive hobby. He loves music and feels a need to share. In fact if you want the Jackie Greene show just email me. I will have him burn a copy. Sorry I felt I needed to say that so everyone did not think we were doing something shady :)

Other side notes on life: My MIL was here for a week and we had R's 2nd birthday. I will be backdating some great posts highlighting the past two weeks. Just a bit nuts around here. But nothing I would ever change.

Love Life! Peace & Joy!

- stacyZ

Rockies View

2007-08-12T11:13:00.001-07:00

I took this picture a couple of weeks ago. I have since altered it a bit...of course. But I love the view from these girl's house. It is absolutely amazing. I will have more soon. They had such great areas for pictures from the barn with the horses to the creek. Thank you girls for letting me have a great day at your house you were too much fun!!

YAY!

2007-08-07T23:15:00.001-07:00

I have great friends, great hubby...and a new friend coming to stay.

You see so far I have a secret. My pictures have not been taken with my camera. I have been blessed with a camera and lenses from our friend. Yes my friend indefinitely loaned me his whole gear bag. The whole freaking thing!! But since then I have been dying for a 5D. I had the 10D and although it was great I wanted something more. More color pop and the best that I could deliver for my clients. So today...

I have the bestest hubby ever, who will from here on out always be referred to as B. Why do you ask...yup this little baby is coming my way:

Ain't she pretty...yup that lens is coming too along with an 85 1.8...although I am jonesing for the 1.2 versions of each...I know these will be great and alas...that is not in the cards yet. But more range will be coming my way soon...and yes I do have a wish list heehehehe...soon sweet sassy soon...you will have more lenses soon.

Now to have sweet dreams...I feel like the kid before Christmas morning...it is going to be a long long week until this gets here.

Oh and lest you think B is completely selfless...the boy got a 55" Plasma as well...although the coolest part of it is I can put an SD card in it so thinking it will be perfect to showcase slideshows to clients and the such. So even though that puppy is really mine as well...you know all TV's are the mans ;)

I see you

2007-08-06T22:15:00.001-07:00

IMG_7903b, originally uploaded by Adore_One.

what are you working on????

heheehe just working on my site trying to get it up and running. It has been a bit tricky working on some colorspace issues and they are not coming out as brilliant as I would like when I save for the web.

I am hoping to have a great update with the site soon...until then I will be the girl whose lap is burning from the pc ;) Who needs a blanket when you have a macbook...

Well HELLO!!!!!!!!!

2007-08-04T08:42:00.001-07:00

IMG_8175, originally uploaded by Adore_One.

I finally decided to split off my crafty blog (you may see it in my profile and I will still post there) that I had before and create a blog just to document the journey to becoming a successful photographer. I want to remember where I started and what I try along the way.

I will post the great pics and some things I "learn" along the way. I know there will be a ton of that and I think it is best to learn early and constantly refine myself to be the best for my family, friends and clients.

Welcome! I hope you enjoy the ride.