blood, sweat & smiles.

You know you’ve been busy when you are excited to actually get to sleep in… its been 6 weeks since I’ve rolled out of bed later than 6am. Oddly enough I haven’t cared about this. I never was a morning person; I love my sleep but then again, I’m doing what I love. 6:30am shoot times are full of yawns upon arriving to location but the lighting at that time of the day is amazing.

This is my life now. I’ve never been more focused than I am now. Lindsey Dawn Photography was an idea when I could make the time…

Captured Design is now my reality and future. It takes up a ridiculous amount of my time but that’s ok. I’m lucky to have a fan base already and a list of friends who want to me to shoot their wedding when the day comes. I can’t even describe how much I appreciate the support they give me.

Even when they whore me out for cupcakes… Thanks Erin…

As much as I revel in the idea of the opportunity of sleeping in tomorrow, it probably won’t happen. I think ill rather enjoy the fact that I don’t have to be anywhere instead. Maybe edit in my pajamas with a big mug of coffee. I don’t have anything planned tomorrow because, well frankly, I forgot it was a holiday. And as much as I want to plan to do a bunch of stuff, I’m refraining. I have a feeling that days like this, will become a rarity in the coming months so I must take advantage of them when they come about.

Almost kind of unbelievable that this is life now, who would have thought... I would have never guess this is where I would be a few years ago. I have always loved photos and taking them but there never was any plans to make it more than that. Two years ago, I started to learn more of the technical side of things and my quality of shot greatly improved. It was then that people started to make comments and wanting me to shoot for them, that this began a thought as a career.

‘when you really love what you do, it never feels like a job. Its just apart of who are’
-Keith Johnson, Photographer

Isn’t that the truth…

I am blessed.

summer = happy.

Dear Weekend,

Where did you go?? You were too good to end soo quickly.

Photos, Bonfire, Drinking Chocolate Milk in the Park, Lilith Fair…
You embodied everything summer.

Until Til Next Time.

L.

icky buckleys face.

Totally made the mistake of coming into work today… I never made it in yesterday. I’ve been crazy sick for the past 2 days. Buckley’s has become my shot of choice; straight from the bottle. Only me can get this sick in June.

Now the big debate is school tonight… I know I probably shouldn’t go but its one of those classes that if you miss one, you’re pretty much screwed. Only 2 more classes for this course, ill be damned if I screw it up now. Plus I couldn’t imagine re-doing this course with this instructor, great photographer but a little hard to sit through his lectures at night.

Now I wonder how much Buckley’s too much?? The bottle says ‘Do not exceed 5 doses in 24 hours’ Well its 1:45pm and I’m about to take dose #4 of the day. I’ve been taking every 2 hours. It only seems to work for about an hour. FAIL!!

Anyways must try and focus on work…

I have the flaw of being too self-critical…
I’m ridiculously hard on myself and the things I do.
I’m complete perfectionist with the things I care about.

I don’t give myself enough credit.
I still believe that my photos are mediocre, even though people tell me all the time how talented I am.

My life always seems to be a work in progress.
I’m rarely ever just content with things.

Though I like where I’m headed...
Photo takes up all my free time right now but it’s paying off…
Everyday I make new contacts and network with other photographers in the city.
Booking shoots has become a normal occurence.

As I grow more into this world, the more I seem to be finding myself.
Sometimes I feel lost in where I am but not so much these days.
I’m lucky to be able to do what I love.
the freedom to be happy.

It’s teaching me that if something is in your heart, it’s worth the fight.
Even with the stumbles and falls along the way.

Happiness isnt given to you, its achieved.

hectic life.

I have no idea how I’m going to sit through class tonight. its 2:15pm and I’m struggling with how tired I am. The last few days have been rather ridiculous. Not that I should complain though. School is good; regardless of the crazy schedule it seems to have me doing.

I have two shoots this week. Seemingly anxious about both.

I also would like to thank the boy sitting across from me on campus last night, while waiting for class to start… why do I want to thank him? You had me do a triple take to make sure you weren’t someone I care about. Someone I miss. You threw me off.

It’s funny what you come to realize as you grow older…
You learn more of a direct view of what makes you happy.
You learn that settling will never make you happy in the end.
Mistakes are ok if you learn from them.
People will hurt you but it will make you stronger.
That life is only as hard as you make it or perceive it to be.

If only I could have a hot shower and a nap right now…

shooting wildlife is easier than people.

A few of the shots I took on the weekend...

I sat in a bush for awhile.

Risked being stung by a bee. I HATE BEES!

All in all, Im happy with the shots.

brother plays soccer.

My first attempt at Sports Photography with my new Zoom lens.

Not the greatest but not bad.

giddy like a little school girl.

Registered for the rest of my photo classes, I'll be finished in only a few months :)

PHOT-245 Wedding Photography
PHOT-227 Studio Portrait Lighting
PHOT-247 Advanced Studio Portrait Lighting
PHOT-103 Making Money with your Camera

couldnt be happier to get this program over and done with.

first class is saturday afternoon.... eeekk.

my thoughts told by foamy.

day one is over.

i never got to any of the doctor appointments or information sessions before today. i was stuck at work and there was always people willing to go with her. mainly my dad and my 'aunt' - my mom's best friend thats been around as i can remember aka 'the second mom'. i walked into the hospital today blind. no idea what to expect. sort of a daunting feeling and most likely why my stomach was the way it was the last few days. Worried?! Worried of a bad reaction to the chemo meds or evil, cranky nurses that would be mean to my mom. Whether or not the worries were realistic or justified, they were there.

as I dreaded this day. mom was happy that it was here. the sooner it begins the sooner it ends. she's upbeat. even the joke of last night's dinner was her future 'chemo anger', the doctors told her she would be more prone to anger with the treatments. not sure whether from the meds or just the toll of the whole situation. i dont blame her. heck im not even the patient and im exhausted. no one deserves to go through this. being in the cancer center, makes you realize how many are affected by this diease. the waiting room for the day-patient chemotherapy unit was packed. most of which you would never assume they had cancer. but then again, isnt that how it always is.

the center has a calming effect, perfect for what it deals with. Well-Organized and Cheerful. Volunteers roam the treatment unit looking to help or provide families with what ever is needed. i dont think ive ever been asked so many times if i wanted juice, coffee or cookies in the five and a half hours we were there. they make things quite comfortable there for all involved. the nurses are fabulous and gracious, even when laughing at everything mom had brought with her. even i think it was tad much for an afternoon stay but this is my mom we are talking about. always over-prepared for everything. but it made her happy and thats all that matters.

pretty much a waiting game once the IV is inserted... starting off with a bag of sugar water, then a bag of certain vitmains to help off-set some of the effects of the drugs... then 3 different bags of chemo... in between each there is a 15-minute flush. Mom seemed to just lay there, half asleep at times. before we knew it, it was time to get ready to head home. long yet quick stay.

she still remains on a chemo drip for the next 2 days at home, with what they call a 'baby bottle' in a fanny pack... she goes back on thursday to get it removed and cleaned.

we came to her place to rented movies and pizza. no will to cook or to do much else. rather a good end to a long day.

all in all the day was better then i thought it would be. drained but happy. happy to know the process. happy to know that everyone there is great. that my mom is in great hands. and that soon enough this will be all over and done with.

Happy Birthday Little Brother.

The original partner-in-crime is now... 21.

Happy Freaking Birthday, Brad.

I'm glad that you love the rice cooker and slow cooker but I find it rather funny that these are what you asked for.