Christy Cropper Photography - Las Vegas based portrait and wedding photographer

Winner! Winner! Chicken Dinner!

2012-01-23T16:14:00.000-08:00

Drumroll...

And the winner of my first "Favorite Things" giveaway is:

GREEK GODDESS!

Please email me (christycropperphotography at gmail) your info so I can send you your prize. Huzzah!

Big thanks to all who played along. Stay tuned for the next giveaway which will be my favorite kitchen gadgets.

Love&Rockets

My Favorite Things :: A GIVEAWAY!

2012-01-17T17:26:00.000-08:00

Ahh...
After the intense 30 day blogging challenge I needed a little break. The intended 7 days away turned into 10 (oops!) but now I am back in business. And back with what?

A GIVEAWAY!
Sorry fellas, this one's for the ladies!

I've been thinking a lot lately about what beauty is and about what makes us feel beautiful. While it is true that inner beauty trumps outer beauty on the importance scale, it cannot be denied that a little "outer beautification" can go a long way in making us feel beautiful. Please... I don't pluck my eyebrows for nothing, know what I'm sayin'?

After all... When you look good, you feel good. When you feel good, you do good.

So, in the spirit of lookin' good I want to share three of my favorite beauty products... and then GIVE THEM TO YOU!

photos via sephora.com & opi.com

Urban Decay "Sin" Eyeshadow Primer: In my humble opinion, there is no point in wearing eye shadow sans primer. Within a few hours it has inevitably congregated in your crease or is just gone altogether. The best eye primer in the world comes from Urban Decay. I love the tint and shimmer of their "Sin" primer. It is perfect when you are in a hurry (or are lazy, like me) and don't have time for shadow. Layering shadow over it just gives that extra shimmer that I cannot get enough of.
OPI "Austin-tatious Turquois" Nail Polish: Love OPI. Love this color. Need I say more? I think it's time for a mani-pedi!
Hello Kitty "I Love Lashes" Mascara: The gal at Sephora recommended this one and I bought it. Only AFTER I got home did I realize it was by Hello Kitty. I felt weird about it. But after wearing it one time I was hooked! Plus, it is only $8!

I've channeled my inner Oprah and want to give one of you lucky readers these 3 fabulous beauty products!
The contest rules:

Just leave a comment on this post!

One entry per person. No one is exempt. Winner will be picked by one of those fancy schmancy random picking generator things on the interwebs ;)

Contest will close at midnight on Sunday, January 22nd.

Spread the word, spread the love!

The 30 Day Challenge: Day 30

2012-01-06T16:47:00.000-08:00

Has it really been 30 days already?

30 days ago Tim challenged anyone who was willing to participate to blog genuine content every day for 30 days. I knew I needed that challenge to kick start my progress so I accepted. It was easy and hard and fun and frustrating all at the same time. For me, it was a game changer.

I thought I'd share some of the ups and downs of the challenge, what I would have done differently or the same and what I will do from here on out.

Successes:

I edited through my sessions sooner and faster. I did a fair number of family sessions in December and the need for blog content pushed me to edit through the sessions faster than normal. I was able to show the clients their sessions sooner and get their photos to them more quickly. I realized just how excited people are to see the results of their sessions and it was so fun to hear their reactions while they were still riding the high from the session.
I thought. A lot. Putting these thoughts down on paper (computer?) was therapeutic. I think there is a lot to be said about putting our emotions into words. After sharing these thoughts I was comforted knowing there are others out there who think and feel the same way. It was nice connecting with people, not just visually through my images, but verbally as well.
Even on days when I thought I was just posting junk there were people reaching out to me thanking for me for posting what I did. It just goes to show that there are so many different ways to connect with people. Someone might not like everything you say or show but surely there is at least one thing they can identify with.
People are reading. I loved the comments I received on the blog. A lot (hint*ahem). Big shout out to Rychelle who commented almost every single day! I hope you understand just how much your support means to me! I was surprised to find out that it wasn't just the commenters who are reading. Several of my acquaintances mentioned that they'd seen my posts and loved the photos I'd posted. That felt good.
Working hard to get posts written, images edited, etc I was reminded how hard every other photographer/blogger works to keep up their content. Reading their blogs on a more regular basis connected me to them, inspired me to see differently, to push the boundaries of my own work and thoughts. It gave me an appreciation for how unique each of us are as photographers.
I thought more, planned more and made more decisions about my business in these last 30 days than I have all year. Knowing that I had a blog post to write everyday kept my business at the forefront of my priorities... right where it should have been all along. It got me, and kept me, excited about building my brand and perfecting my craft. This was far and away the greatest benefit of this challenge.
I realized how much my work has improved and evolved over the past year. I was looking back over some sessions from earlier this year that I could blog and there are a few of them that I just didn't like anymore. It's not that they were bad, it's just that my style as been refined and my skill has improved. My initial instinct was to be horrified but then I got excited realizing my progression and looking forward to how much better my images will be this time next year. Seeing how far I have come has lit the fire underneath me to work hard to improve.
The clients now have a way to know me better. I shared some intimate things that I feel will help them be able to relate to me and want to hire me as their photographer. As a side note, I booked a wedding because of this post.
My blog now contains a better "database" of work for clients to view. I was proud to show my work and can now show future clients what certain locations look like in a shoot, what other clients have done with wardrobe, etc.
They say it takes 21 days to form/break a habit. 30 days of blogging has definitely formed a habit of frequent blogging.

Challenges:

The daily deadlines were not my forté. I didn't always get my posts up by noon. Shh... don't tell Tim (Hi, Tim!). If I didn't get my post done the night before I struggled to make time amidst that daily to-dos (ie- it is currently 3pm and I am just not getting around to writing this post). This often meant staying up until 2am to blog.
I am not a fast blogger. Rarely was I able to put a post together in less than an hour. Obviously editing photos takes time and waiting for them to upload, etc etc. I love to write but I find myself writing then editing then rewriting then rereading over and over until I feel it is just right. Making the time for this every day was definitely the hardest part of this challenge.
Overload. I noticed that as the month wore on there was less buzz. It's easy to be excited about anything in the beginning. The challenge becomes keeping that excitement alive.
Timing. I'd recommend doing this challenge to anyone and everyone. However, think twice about doing while trying to plan Christmas, your sisters birthday party, your parents going away part, New Years, road trips, holiday parties, etc. On a day where everything is focused on family the last thing I wanted to do was break away to write a blog post.

Would'ves & Could'ves:

I cannot emphasize enough the necessity of PRE-BLOGGING! Had I planned well enough in advance I would have taken a few hours at the beginning of each week and written 4-5 posts and scheduled them to post on a predetermined day. It would have been the same amount of work with a quarter of the daily stress.
Promoting my own work on Facebook and Twitter was key in building readership. What was ten times more effective was when my clients would act as my promoters. I saw my readership increase ten fold on one particular day when my darling client wrote up a Facebook post and linked to my blog for her family and friends to see. In retrospect I should have asked all of my clients to do the same instead of just hoping they would. More cyber word of mouth would have increased readership even more, I'm sure. After all, this is the exact reason I got interested in photography in the first place.
I wouldn't even begin to think that I am anything of an expert in this field so I don't have the gall to write a "how to" post about anything photography related. In retrospect I wish I would have been more helpful, less "Me, Me, Me". I should have blogged links to posts or tutorials that I have appreciated. Or maybe I just needed the guts to write about how I do things because my readers aren't all professional photographers, after all. Maybe I could help someone who, like myself, is starting their photography journey by reading a photographer's blog.
Looking back over the past 30 days of posts I'm seeing what is missing. I need to build a catalog of Senior portraits for example. If I haven't shown any senior portraits on my blog how is someone looking going to know that I can do it for them? In order to promote what kind of a photographer I am I have to show what kind of photographs I can take.

Observations:

The stats tab on my blog was very valuable in figuring out how to best promote my blog. I found the majority of my readership came from Facebook links. As a rule, the minute I put up a link to my blogpost on Facebook my readership spiked. This is a great resource but it has me thinking about how to reach the clients who aren't following me on Facebook.
Posting every single day definitely felt like overkill. I'm thinking 3 to 4 posts per week is ideal for me right now. Perhaps the daily contact could come through Twitter. 140 characters is much less overbearing than an entire blog post.
From January to November I blogged exactly 12 times. No wonder I wasn't getting as much work as I wanted! In just one month I more than doubled that. Consistency is key!

As I said before, this 30 Day Challenge has become a game changer for me and my business. I am forever indebted to dear old Tim for giving me the proverbial kick in the butt I needed.

I am curious to know what your thoughts have been on this challenge. Was it good? Bad? Ugly?

I'd also love it if you would leave me a comment just to say 'hey' in order to satisfy my curiousity about who is actually reading this old blog of mine.

CHEERS!

Jane

2012-01-05T12:00:00.000-08:00

A few years back I introduced my friend to Jane. To this day my friend still talks about how Jane is the most beautiful woman she has ever met. I cannot disagree. This girl is simply gorgeous.

Jane has the most infections laugh and contagious smile any one person could have. To be around her is to be happy.

Jane came along with Tru and I last week and we convinced her to step in front of the lens and flash her pearly whites. Ain't she purdy?

The Tolleys

2012-01-04T12:00:00.000-08:00

It was the coldest, windiest day of the holiday break so of course that's the day we chose to brave the weather. The Tolleys were super troopers! It was a race to unbundle for every shot then bundle back up as quickly as possible as soon as the shutter finished clicking. Brr!

Natalie is one of my nearest and dearest. Unfortunately, I live on the left coast and she lives on the right coast of the country so we don't see each other often enough. As fate would have it we were both in Utah for the holidays and were able to match up our schedules. It was such a pleasure spending the day with her and her family. They just suit each other perfectly. And I couldn't get enough of those delicious little girls!

34 for 34

2012-01-03T12:00:00.000-08:00

Happy My Birthday, everyone!

Today is the big day and I really do feel another year wiser. I can't wait to see what awesomeness this year beholds.

"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all." -Helen Keller

I present you with my list of 34 things I want to do this year to make it super duper awesome (list subject to change depending on whether or not I think of even awesomer things to do).

Ride a horse (This has been on my list for the past 3 years. If this doesn't happen this year, I'm giving up all hope in life)
Visit South Fork (The home of the infamous Ewing clan)
Watch 'Gone With the Wind'
Run a 5k, a 10k and a 1/2 marathon
Learn to shoot film
Rebuild my dad's old bike
Learn to play the ukelele
Go to a demolition derby
Tour the White House
Compile my maternal family tree (I have lots of cousins and have no idea how we're actually related)
Take up yoga
Take a cooking class
Go to the flea market in Santa Monica
Have a spa day
Buy a sewing machine
Go camping
Hike Mount Charleston
Take clogging lessons (I've wanted to learn to clog since I was 5 years old. Never too late, right?)
Go kayaking
Take swimming lessons (I cheated in swimming lessons when I was 5 years old)
Watch the sunrise with a friend
Learn to play the piano by ear
Go to a symphony
Ride in a hot air balloon
Go to the San Diego Zoo
Read 'Les Miserable'
Go to the 4 Corners Monument
Do a Segway tour
Make a friendship bracelet
Grow an herb garden
Fly a kite on the beach
Go star gazing & learn the constellations
Do a 365 iphone photo project
Host a dinner party

"There is fun to be done!" -Dr Seuss

Tru

2012-01-02T12:00:00.000-08:00

A couple of days ago this lovely gal and I took to the streets of downtown Provo for a birthday photo session. She is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen. She is sweet and sassy and strong.

I had the opportunity of spending a few days with this beauty this week and I may or may not have called her butt-face on more than one occasion. I can say things like that to her because she is my sister and that's how sisters are. Also, she may try to convince you that I'm a brat but I contest that she is a bigger brat. She will also smile and giggle when you ask if she is my younger sister and just happen to forget to inform you that she is indeed my older sister. See? Brat.

Although she may be a major pest, she is amazing and I love her. She is one of my favorite people in the world and we always have fun together. I love that she's my sister and I love that I get to pester her forever and she can't get rid of me. *wink

Happy Birthday, sis! Love you to the moon and back.

2012: The Year of Committment

2012-01-01T12:00:00.000-08:00

I can feel it in the air. 2012 is going to be an amazing year. Great things are going to happen. I can't begin to imagine what will come to pass but I'm so excited for it!

I believe that luck (or blessings) favor the prepared and fortune favors the bold. So I will not sit idly by in 2012 and wait for good things to happen. I will do everything in my power to make them happen.

I have dubbed this year "The Year of Commitment".

I don't want this to be yet another year when my new years resolutions fade after a few months or weeks. I am committing to become the person I want to be, to make my life what I want it to be. I am committing to taking care of my mind and body, my relationships and my work. I am committing to balance and adventure, to health and to courage. I am committing to building my business and giving of my time and talents. I am committing to living every day purpose and helping others on their path.

2012. Bring. It. On.

2011: A Retrospective

2011-12-31T12:00:00.000-08:00

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. I went through some of my toughest times this year. What amazed me was how many amazing blessings surround each challenge. It was a year of learning and growing and figuring out what I want out of this life. As I reflect on the year there are so many blessings that come to mind as well as a few lessons.

The lessons:

-What would life be without family and friends? I am surrounded by amazing people. Family and friends who would rescue me from any situation, who love me, who make me laugh and who make everything better. I learned that these relationships must be fostered with love, with time, with forgiveness and understanding, with unselfishness and with laughter. I understand just how lucky I am to have my family and friends supporting me and I thank God daily for them.

-I believe hard work is the key to building character. I had to learn to work hard and work smart But alongside learning to work hard was learning to balance. Jack Nicholson vividly taught us what happened when life is all work and no play (yikes). I think equally damaging is a life of all play and no work. So somewhere in between we must find a balance. Though I may not have applied the lesson this year I definitely learned the importance of balance between work and play. I have long loved the motto "Work hard, play hard".

-If it takes a village to raise a child it takes a community of photographers to raise a photographer. I cannot deny how lucky and blessed I was to become one of the infamous J*Jets, to have learned directly from the even more infamous Jasmine Star. What I learned this year was how crucial it is to go beyond your walls of comfort, to take the risk and get involved in the community of photographers around me. Between the CreativeLIVE community, a PUG group and SmugMug meetup as well as Skip's Summer School I have met some amazing people who have taught, encouraged and inspired me.

2011 I bid you adieu!

10 Random Facts About Me

2011-12-30T07:30:00.000-08:00

I love, LOVE jigsaw puzzles. I have an entire closet full of them. I own at least 50 puzzles and have done them all at least once, sometimes twice. Puzzling is a science and if you puzzle with me you have to abide by my rules.
I hated reading until after I graduated college. I doubt I read more than 5 real books before the age of 22. I had horrible reading comprehension as a result. One day I decided I wanted to be a reader. So I picked up a book, started reading and have been an avid reader ever since. On average I read 2 books per month. For the past 4 years I have been a member of the most awesome book club of all time (and yes, I am biased). You need book recommendations? I've got 'em!
I speak French. I don't know why but for as long as I can remember I have been something of a francophile. I started taking french classes in seventh grade and never stopped. I lived in a french speaking region for 18 months and became somewhat fluent. It is a gorgeous language, bien sûr!
I am a snowboarder (and a skiier on occasion). Growing up in Utah learning to ride on the snow is pretty much a given. I took up skiing at age 11 before snowboarding was cool. When I got to college I strapped on a board fell in love with the feeling of drifting through the powder, dodging the trees and feeling the wind in my face. Just kidding, I hate the wind part. Too cold. But the powder part, love. Sadly, now that I live in the land of the scorching sun, I don't get to ride as often as I like.
I am a youngest child. It's pretty obvious. I am, admittedly, spoiled and can get my siblings too do anything for me.
My favorite movie is Pillow Talk. Doris Day is just my favorite ever. I am convinced I was born 50 years to late. The fashions, the music, the lifestyle. Everything about that time period it is gorgeous! I love the outlandish storyline and how Doris, Rock and Tony play off each other. If you haven't seen it I will come to your house and perform the entire show for you (and yes, I do sing all the songs).
I will nuzzle anything that is soft. Give me something soft and my first instinct is to nuzzle it. I have the softest blanket in the world and every night when I go to sleep I wrap it around my head and nuzzle. Soft stuffed animals? Nuzzle. Babies? Nuzzle. Even if something is not soft I will nuzzle it if it is super pretty.
I am a grammer snob (but, only with the rules I know and am not too lazy to abide by). If you use poor grammer I will most likely correct you. If I don't, it's because I'm fighting with everything in me to not be a jerk and verbally correct you. Just know I am silently correcting you. The worst things you could possible say to me are: 'funner', 'funnest' and 'doing good'. Need I even mention the gross misuse of their/there/they're?
I am 5'-8". My arm span is 6'-0". I realize this makes me a freak. And yes, trying to find shirts and coats with long enough arms is a never ending curse.
I have had a lifelong dream of owning an adidas track suit. This Christmas that dream was fulfilled. Want to know what I'm wearing as I type? My new Adidas track suit. I. Feel. Awesome.

The Bogh Family

2011-12-29T12:00:00.001-08:00

It's always fun shooting another photographer. They know what they want and their kids are used to having their photos taken. Win-win. Sarah is an amazing family photographer in Las Vegas and I'm so grateful she is my friend.

We went out to the Wildlife Preserve on Corn Creek Road on a gorgeous afternoon. We had fun exploring the environs, throwing rocks in the creek, watching the teensy fish, walking down dusty trails. Oh, and trying to take a picture or two.

The Beginning: Part 3

2011-12-28T12:00:00.000-08:00

It was the end of the beginning. I took a gigantic leap into the darkness. A leap I never could have imagined I'd take.

In January of 2009 I announced to the world the creation of Christy Cropper Photography. I had no idea what I was doing but I was so excited to do it. For one full month I offered to take free photos for anyone kind enough to let me take their picture. It was my brilliant attempt at a marketing campaign.

Again, I didn't know what I was doing. I was trying to implement every bit of information I'd learned in my photography classes. However, it had never occurred to me to shadow a photographer. I didn't even know what 2nd shooting was. Regardless, I took the plunge. My new career was born.

My education was just beginning. I followed photographers I loved. I learned everything they were willing to teach on their blogs. I attended Skip's Summer School (by far the best thing I could have done) every summer and WPPI every spring. I splurged on a workshop by the amazing duo at The Image is Found. Two years later I received the greatest gift: the opportunity to be a part of the Creative Live workshop presented by Jasmine Star herself. Being inducted into the J*Jets was paramount. There have been so many opnortinuies for learning along the way. So many photographers willing to share their knowledge and encourage me on my way.

Even though I did everything backwards I now right where I belong. It has been a ride full of ups and downs and after 3 years I feel like I'm just getting started.

From one of my first photo sessions:

The Beginning: Part 2

2011-12-27T11:57:00.001-08:00

I'm the type of gal who buys herself presents. Four years ago, almost to the day, it was Happy Birthday to me. I bought my first real camera; a Nikon D40X outfitted with an 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 kit lens. I loved that camera. People looked at me like I knew what I was doing. And I felt so legit.

I went to Europe that summer and took some gorgeous images that I still love to this day. For months and months I took pictures everywhere I went. All on automatic mode. I tried shooting in A and S, having no idea what they did, and got completely black images. So I left them alone.

Finally after 9 months of having the camera I decided that it was no good having all those dials, and buttons if I didn't know what they did. So I enrolled in Photography 101 at the Community College of Southern Nevada. Suddenly a whole new world was opened up to me. On the first night of class the mysteries of aperture, shutter speed and ISO were revealed. It was a whole lot of math mumbo jumbo and I ate it up! Confession: I love math. I had always believed that you were a scientist or an artist but never both. That night I realized how closely related the two actually are.

The first assignment- a 25 image scavenger hunt- was so fun that I didn't even see it as homework. I loved that class and it had me hooked. I couldn't get enough. I enrolled in two more classes the following semester and spent every night and weekend shooting. I was just learning to use my camera. I had no idea it would set me on a course as a real life photographer.

Some images from that first assignment:

The Beginning: Part 1

2011-12-26T12:00:00.000-08:00

I didn't even realize what was happening. I thought I was just looking at photos of my friends wedding. Little did I know the seeds had been planted. The obsession had begun.

4-1/2 years ago my dear friends Wendi & Ben were married in Utah. As we sat waiting for the bride & groom an adorable girl with a camera approached asking if we knew Ben & Wendi. Luckily we did. We chatted for a moment and I thought she was just so cool.

As I observed her throughout the day I couldn't help but think what a cool job it must be to be a photographer. I left the wedding and didn't give it another thought. That is... until she blogged about it.

I was amazed at the moments she was able to capture. The bride and groom were highlighted so beautifully in these photographs. I looked at the post over and over. In the following days I read every single post she'd ever done. I was obsessed. I fell in love with her work and her as a person.

A few months later this same amazing photographer shot my dear friends Kara & Kelly's wedding. And a few months after that she shot yet another wedding of my dear friends, Lissa & Court. It was at this last wedding that the photographer and I bonded over Hot Rod. This was the first time it occured to me that photography could be a real career. That wedding photography could be art.

Who was she? Rebekah Westover. Someone who's work and kindness continues to amaze me.

Ben & Wendi -

Kara & Kelly -

Lissa & Court -

Joyeux Noël

2011-12-25T11:20:00.000-08:00

It's Christmas day (obvi). I would be remiss if I didn't share my thoughts about Jesus Christ.

As a christian, I celebrate His birth, His death and resurrection. But more important to me is His life. He is my Rock and my Redeemer. I love Him for the lessons He taught through the life He lived. He loved everyone. That to me, is something astounding. Everyone. It is so easy for me to judge others and form my opinions of them based on my limited perspectives and observations. How unfair. Christ, with His perfect understanding, loved the sinner despite the sin. He loved the poor as well as the rich, the lowly as well as the kings.

Several months ago I found myself in a situation where I was surrounded by some unsavory characters: drunks, druggies, prostitutes, crack-whores (like, lit'rally I sat and talked to a real life crack-whore). It was one of the most horrific, yet humbling experiences of my life. As I sat back and regarded I found myself thinking that if Jesus Christ were here today, he would not be dining with the political leaders of the world or the most famous actors and athletes. He would be ministering to the drunks, the druggies, the prostitutes, the homeless. As I got to know the aforementioned crack-whore I found her to be one of the kindest people I've ever met. Troubled, yes. Terrible person, no. She had faults, she broke the law, etc, etc. But in that moment I was able to see past the actions and see the heart. I didn't know her life. I didn't know what things had led her to her situation in life. But I knew that she was kind to me and I was so grateful.

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." -Plato

My hope this Christmas season is that we can look on others with a little more kindness, a little more understanding. That we can reach out and elevate those within our sphere of influence. That we can be like Jesus.

Merry Christmas, dear friends. Thank you for your love, understanding and support. May God bless you all!

The Lewis Family

2011-12-24T07:30:00.000-08:00

I try not to overshoot one location, especially one that so many other photographers use. But, it's hard not to at Floyd Lamb State Park. It's just so pretty. And the peacocks!

I met the Lewis family there on a gorgeous day. It was fantastic reconnecting with them after nearly 5 years. Their little one was so fun to watch. Hers are the eyes of an observer and you can tell she puts those big baby blues to work. The Lewis' are an awesome family and I was so happy to be with them.

Playgroup

2011-12-23T07:37:00.000-08:00

Apologies to those who may have already heard this story but I thought it was worth a retell.

This is the true story about how I joined a playgroup and got kicked out on the same day.

All my working life I envied 'stay at home moms'. Anything with "stay at home" in the job title has got to be awesome. Right? Cue all the stay at home moms screaming "NO!" Once upon a time I got a taste of how that job title is not all it's cracked up to be.

I had some friends/family staying at my house for the weekend, one of which was a miniature person. She was 3 and we were insta-friends. On the last day of the trip she and I went on a walk. It was a gorgeous monday and since I was basically unemployed I wanted to experience what people do during the day when they're not stuck in an office. (I mean, seriously, did you guys know that the sun shines ALL DAY?) I had no destination in mind but 1 mile and 20 minutes later we ended up at the park in my neighborhood. Perfect.

I saw 3 moms sitting on the grass chit-chatting and watching their kids play. I didn't take much notice of them until they said they recognized me from church. My bad. I totally didn't recognize any of them. But I did recognize their kids, probably because kids in church are still a novelty to me. Anyway, I got to know them a bit then turned my attention back to the playground to get in some time on the slide and in the sand. As my friend the Black Widow noted, "So, you joined a playgroup... as one of the kids?" Apparently! While the "other moms" were talking amongst themselves I was on the slide with my 3 yr old and their 3 yr olds making a train over and over and over. Oh, we were having a great time.

Suddenly, there was a problem. My miniature friend looked at me with panic in her eyes and exclaimed, "I have to go potty!" Unfortunately, there were no bathrooms at the park. Being prepared for a moment like this did not occur to me before we left the house. Call me self centered.

I asked the moms in vain if there was a bathroom nearby. Graciously one of them offered to let us go to her house across the street to use her facilities. They started packing up but, I soon realized that would not do. My dear, miniature, panicked friend had waited until the last possible moment to inform me that she was fixin' to talk to a man about a horse and there would be no walking across the street to do so. The panic spread from her eyes to mine as I looked to the moms for some guidance.

"We make our boys go in the rocks" they said. Hold up. My minifriend is a girl. She ain't skilled in the squatting if you know what I mean. By the time I got my wits about me minifriend had already started the accident in her pants and added tears for effect. I whisked her to the rocks, yanked down her pants and sat her over my arm so she could finish her business. When I thought the piddle had petered out I asked her if she was finished. She looked at me with a blank look in her eyes which I had no idea how to interpret. At least the crying had stopped. I asked her again. No response. And then... she dropped the deuce. Oh yeah. She went #2 right there in the rocks while I held my arm out for her to sit on.

Do you know what you do when you have a kid go #1 and #2 in the rocks while sitting on your arm? You pray there is a mother standing there with her magical diaper bag full of tricks. It was now me with the blank look in my eyes as I turned to my new mom friends with no clue what to do next. There they were with babywipes and a plastic garbage bag for me to clean up the mess. Thank th'goodness. Once minifriend was taken care of (and smiling and happy again with no consideration for the trauma I was now going through) I took the plastic bag and picked up the poop.

People. Do you know the main reason why I don't have a dog? I don't have a dog because picking up dog poop makes me dry heave. It's disgusting. Let me tell you, picking up child poop in the same manner? Not. Any. Better. But, I did it.

I now considered the mile long return walk home and the chaffing that would occur on that poor girl if I didn't carry her and the pee soaked pants she was wearing that would get all over me if I did carry her. Umm... But, there they were again, my new mom friends offering me a ride home. Again, thank th'goodness. I didn't want to get pee all over the mom's seat so I made minifriend sit on my lap on the way home thus saturating my clothes with pee anyway. But, we were home and I could pass her off to her parent to clean up the rest of the mess.

As we walked in the door she exclaimed with a smile, "I peed in the park!" as if it were her greatest accomplishment. We were both proud of ourselves. She peed in the park and I didn't sell her to the gypsy family down the street for putting me through the trauma of dealing with it.

So, while the moms haven't called me to invite me back to playgroup (understandably) I can take heart knowing that I taught my miniature friend one of the most valuable skills she will ever need in life: how to squat in nature.

Melinda & Brandon - Married

2011-12-22T07:15:00.000-08:00

I had my choice. Bridesmaid or Photographer.

I didn't even have to think about it. I wanted to capture the day.

Melinda is one of my best friends and a hair stylist extraordinaire! (Seriously, you should make an appointment with her right now). Brandon is her perfect guy and as a cool as a cat. To be asked to shoot their wedding was such an honor. I was excited and nervous... in fact, more nervous than I've ever been for a wedding. Not only did I want to do well as a professional, I needed to do well as a friend.

Thank you Melinda & Brandon for letting me be see your day through my lens and for your precious friendship.

Eurotrash

2011-12-21T12:00:00.000-08:00

Wanderlust! I've got it bad.

I was looking back over some images of a trip I took to Europe a while back and was transported back there. Since I won't be getting another stamp in my passport for a while I thought I'd post up a few images so that we can all imagine that we are eating gelato, walking along century old streets, smelling urine (as much as I adore Europe you've got to admit it is one big toilet), marveling at the history, the fashion, the languages. Ahh, I swoon.

scales

2011-12-20T07:30:00.000-08:00

My piano teacher taught me, well, piano... obviously. He also taught me life lessons I've never forgotten. First- There is always room at the top. It doesn't matter what you want to do in life. Strive to be the best and you will always find success. Second- It's not what you know, it's who you know. But God puts us in the path of the people we need to know in order to succeed.

The third lesson he taught me wasn't something he never said. It was something he did. Something he probably didn't even realize he was teaching me.

Over the course of the 10+ years I studied with him there were many occasions when, before I knocked on the door, I listened to him practicing scales. This man was a pianistic (word?) genius. He had perfect pitch, arranged music, released music books and albums, performed around the world and shared his genius with hundreds of students. I could never understand why he would need to practice scales. He was so good!

I on the other hand was a student and obviously needed to practice my scales. I needed to train my fingers, to learn to control them. I needed to be able to feel where every key on the piano was. At the risk of sounding conceded, by the age of 17 I was an extremely accomplished pianist. I practiced 2 hours every day (at least that's what I told my mom each day when she asked if I'd practiced), I performed on stage, I played concertos accompanied by a full orchestra, I entered competitions and even won one of them. I could play any piece of music you put in front of me, having never before seen it. I was talented and I worked hard. Frankly, I was great.

And then I left for college. And I stopped taking piano lessons. And I stopped practicing.

Fast forward 15 years. I still play the piano. But I am no longer great. Good, yes. Great, no. With each passing year I notice that my fingers are less nimble. My sightreading skills are less keen. My music theory knowledge fades. I can still play any piece of music you put in front of me. But, now I play it with less grace. It breaks my heart knowing that I am not as good as I once was. I look back fondly on a time when I was great. And I regret every day that passed that I didn't practice the piano (but don't tell my mom because of course she'll dish out a gigantic "I told you so!")

Just last week I was thinking about my dear old piano teacher. It finally occurred to me why, at his level, he faithfully practiced the scales. He was perfecting his craft. He keeping his skills sharp.

As the saying goes: Use it or lose it!

I am a good photographer. But just because I am good does not mean I can quit practicing. I want to be great. Being great takes hours and hours of practice, no matter your level. Great photographers continue to practice the basic skills of photography. Mastering these skills (and keeping them mastered) in turn allows them to push the envelope. To succeed. To rise to the top... where there's room.

So this is my aim. To practice my scales. Faithfully. Continually.

And as the other saying goes: Practice doesn't make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect.

Anjelica

2011-12-19T11:58:00.000-08:00

As soon as I saw Anjelica on the day of our session I knew my job was going to be easy. And boy howdy, was it ever!

Not only is this girl a complete knockout, she's smart and sweet, happy and relaxed. I fell in love with her! Anjelica recently graduated from UNLV and we celebrated by exploring the Art District in downtown Las Vegas. I must say.. she rocked it out!

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you imagined." -Thoreau

33 for 33

2011-12-18T07:30:00.000-08:00

My birthday is in 2 weeks. When I turned 30, instead of freaking out about how old I was going to be, I made a list of 30 awesome things to do that year so I would love being 30. It worked. 30 was a fantastic year. Each year since then I've done the same thing. I don't always complete everything on the list but it sure is fun trying to do as many as possible.

This year I have been failing miserably at crossing items off my "33 for 33" list. So in attempts to pack in as much as possible into the next 2 weeks I'm enlisting your help, motivation, encouragement, etc, etc. Let's see what we can do with the time remaining.

Behold the list (as posted in January 2011):

I was sorely tempted to put "steal a baby" on this list (I've got my eye on a few of them) but I decided to keep things legal (at least for the time being).

read the Book of Mormon in french
ride a horse
take my mom to Italy
blog... regularly
run 5 races
get medical insurance
piece a quilt
go to Disneyland - Done!
watch Gone With The Wind
get out of debt
go hiking
meet my adorable, nice neighbor across the path
buy new boots
go to boston
learn to shoot film
form a running group (for slow people)
go longboarding
go skiing
go to an aquarium
go to a museum
have a dinner party
go to the Getty Villa
bake bread
fit into all the jeans in my closet
finish reading the Little House on the Prairie series
go to a pawn shop - Done
go camping
buy from bountiful baskets - Done
have a "shooting strangers" day
do a 52 week photo challenge
skype with a far away friend - Done! Had a great convo with my friend who lives in Mauritius. Lit'rally the other side of the world
memorize a few songs on the piano
move (to austin. or australia.)

OK, so who's got a horse I can ride?

The Peterson Family

2011-12-17T09:57:00.001-08:00

When life hands you lemons you make lemonade, right?
So, when you live in a place with no pine trees, what do you do? You decorate the joshua trees!

I met the Peterson's in Red Rock Canyon for this fun family session. I love when people have fun ideas. I love when babies smile. I love when puppies... well, this puppy had too much to explore to sit nicely for a family portrait.

The Thomas Family

2011-12-16T07:30:00.000-08:00

Two of my favorite people. One of my favorite places. Magic.

Ben was my best friend. Lisa was one of my girls and roommate. Utah State was our stompin' ground. If you would have told me then that a few years later these two would get married I would have called you a crazy person. But, oh boy, am I glad they did! When two of your favorite people get married it's triple the fun. Add a couple crazy little boys and it is altogether fantastic.

On a recent trip to Utah I met up with my old friends on the Utah State campus for a family session. Only one of us wasn't happy about this. Can you tell which one?

Sometimes when the kids are crying, all you can do is smile. Then someday in the distant future you will look at that photograph and remember those sweet little faces, tears and all, and wish the time hadn't gone by so fast. This is why I refuse to believe a family session is ruined because by crying kids. Their emotions, though packed in a tiny bodies, are powerful and real. Even the sad times are precious. Sometimes, these are the best photographs. Case in point:

He ties their antlers together... with tape

2011-12-15T07:30:00.000-08:00

For as long as I can remember I have been completely in love with Sesame Street. I faithfully watched it every day. I spent hours trying to figure out how Barkley disappeared behind that tree in the opening credits. I was convinced that I had a family of Twiddlebugs living in our flowerpots. I sang along with Captain Vegetable, I evil-laughed every time I heard a countdown, I wished I had a llama just so I could take it to the dentist and of course I could never count to 12 without singing one, two, three, FOUR, five, six, SEVEN, eight, NINE, ten, eleven, twelve (you just sang it, didn't you?) It was the greatest show of all time (and then that Elmo guy showed up and it was all downhill from there... but I digress).

For as long as I can remember I have also loved Christmas. I loved trying to figure out where my parents were hiding our presents. I loved driving my Barbies past the Christmas Tree (in a shoe for a car, of course) so they could enjoy the beautiful lights. I loved opening new pajamas on Christmas Eve. I LOVED waking up as early as possible and sneaking downstairs to see all the gifts Santa had left, illuminated by the christmas lights. It was magical.

And now... put your hands together! "Christmas Eve on Sesame Street" will always and forever be my favorite Christmas tradition. I quote it all the time. I would watch it every day if I could just find my VHS copy of it (seriously, if you know where it is, please tell me). Or, if someone wanted to buy me the DVD and send it to me so that I could watch it everyday and you know, join the 20th century and quit rockin the VHS. Whatevs. Once again, I digress.

It hasn't been feeling like Christmas around here lately which is just not ok. And since the best thing about Christmas is being a kid, I decided to share my very favorite scene from Christmas Eve On Sesame Street. The first boy, Chris, is my favorite! Maybe I'm just a sucker for a ridiculous Bwahston Ackcent.

The DeGracia Family

2011-12-14T07:30:00.000-08:00

Remember these guys? They're back! One year older and wiser too... not to mention even more adorable.

You know it was a great session when you laugh as you're editing the photos, remembering the funny behind the scenes events and fawn over those little adorable kid faces. I admitted to little Cohen that I have a major crush on him. He acted like that sort of thing happens to him every day. It probably does.

Travel: Hawaii

2011-12-13T07:30:00.000-08:00

There is pleasure in the pathless woods;

There is rapture on the lonely shore;

There is society where none intrudes

by the deep sea, and the music in its roar.

I love not man the less,

but nature more.

-Lord Byron

Travel is my drug. I'm addicted. I've been a few places but there are a million more places I cannot wait to visit.

Every year I have to go to Hawaii. I don't mean that in a "someone is forcing me to go there" sort of way. I mean it in a "if I don't go there, I will die" sort of way. The islands are in my blood. Fortunately, my family feels the same way so every year we meet up for a week of sightseeing, exploring and indulging in the culture. Just kidding, we meet up for a week of nothing. Like, we lit'rally do nothing but sleep, eat and sit on the beach. It is heavenly.

Here are a few shots from last months trip taken with my favorite camera... my iphone.

The Molina Family

2011-12-12T07:30:00.000-08:00

What's not to love about Maui? The only flaw I found is that I don't live there.

Last month my sister and I spent a few days visiting our cousins on their island paradise. It was perfection. There is so much to love about Maui but the best part was being with my family. Kaulana was an amazing tour guide and was gracious enough to drive us, quite literally, around the entire island. I spent the evenings puzzling and coloring with the kids while the adults talked stories (I still consider myself one of the kids).

I love all my family sessions but being about to photograph your family is especially special! Big thanks to the Molina family for being so fun, so loving and so beautiful.

It All Starts Here

2011-12-11T07:30:00.000-08:00

Goonies is unquestionably one of my favorite movies ever. I still believe that one day I will go on a similar adventure and find a pirate ship, treasure, etc, etc.

At one point in the movie (which I choose to believe is more of a documentary) when the Goonies are in the basement of the restaurant trying to escape the Fratellis (awesome band, btw) Mikey and Brand realize that the only escape is to go down the fireplace, thus starting their awesome underground adventure. amongst the panic, Mikey looks into the distance and says to himself, "It all starts here." I love that part!

Last month I was in crisis mode. I was faced with one of the most stressful circumstances of my life, what you may call a personal tragedy. I had to ask for help from family, friends, fellow church goers, and I HATE asking for help. Like, really, really hate it. I had no other choice. It was physically, mentally and emotional exhausting.

The night before the very most stressful part of the ordeal I was drained. The only thing I could manage to do was beg my friend and sister to take me to Taco Bell. So, that's where we went. We hit the drive-thru then headed to the edge of town, up a hill and ate that delicious food (yes, I love Taco Bell) overlooking the entire Vegas valley. It was an impressive site.

I stood on the edge of the cliff in awe of the view. As I reflected on the ordeal suddenly a wave of emotion from all the challenges I'd faced during the past year hit me. Standing next to me was a shoulder to cry on so I took full advantage and completely broke down.

The cleansing tears stopped and I realized that in every tragedy a new beginning awaits. I had to let go of something that I'd worked hard for, something that, in ways, defined me, something that I loved. But in letting go of it I knew that I was also letting go of worry and stress that constantly weighed me down.

I was faced with a new beginning, a new adventure. Everything was about to change. It was now up to me to pursue the adventure; to find "One-Eyed Willy's rich stuff." The only decision to be made was to let go of the past and face the future with courage and wild-eyed wonder.

I looked out over the valley and whispered to myself, "It all starts here."

*a terrible iphone photo but documentation to remember that THAT was the moment where it all started

The Mortensen Family

2011-12-10T07:30:00.000-08:00

Not many people my age can say they have had the same best friend for 28 years. From the day Stacy moved in next door til the day we left for college we were utterly inseparable. Though our lives have taken completely different paths we are still best friends. Every time we talk we pick up right where we left off. I love this girl. Furthermore, I am hopelessly in love with her family. Whenever I plan on visiting for a day I end up staying two or three. I can't get enough of them.

I was so honored to snap a few shots of the Mortensens on my last visit. Talk about piercing blue eyes! Every single one of them has them. Love these blond hair, blue eyed beauties.

Push: The 30 Day Challenge

2011-12-09T07:30:00.000-08:00

8 years ago I was living in the Mascarene Islands nearing the end of an 18 month mission for my church. I'd gotten good at being a missionary. I knew the drill. I did it every day. I wasn't scared to do it. I knew how to talk to people. I knew how to teach what I believe. I was a good missionary.

Then came along Schar. Of the 4 of us serving on the island at the time, he was called to be our leader. I liked the guy well enough but he made me crazy! He had a way of making me feel like I wasn't good enough, like I didn't know what I was doing as a missionary. I dreaded our meetings. I always felt reprimanded. He was always forcing me to study more, to work harder, to be more bold. He was the worst!

One day as I sat studying the Bible I came across a passage in Hebrews 12:6 - "For who the Lord loveth he chasteneth..." And that, my friends, is when it hit me. With a shift in perspective and a bit of humbling from the Lord, I realized that Schar wasn't trying to make me feel like a terrible missionary. He wasn't forcing me to do anything nor was he chastising me for being a bad missionary. Schar loved me and he loved the work we were doing so much that he didn't want me to just bide my time until I went home. He wanted me to finish strong. He wanted me to continue learning and growing. He showed me through his example and encouragement how to cast off complacency and sprint to the finish. I love him for that. He earned my utter respect and became one of my very favorite people in the world (I know I say that about a lot of people but I really mean it).

We all have people in our lives who push us to be better. We need those people.

Tim King is one of those people for me. It is amazing to see what he is doing with his life but it is even more amazing to see what he is pushing other people to do with their lives.

Tim has thrown down the guantlet! The 30 Day Challenge has begun (head over to his blog to see the rules... they are many and I am nervous).

He has extended the challenge to blog (genuine content!) every day for 30 days. THIRTY DAYS, y'all!

Challenge accepted!

Once again, someone I love and respect is pushing me to be better, to be stronger, to succeed. For this, I am forever grateful.

The McMahon Girls

2011-12-08T07:30:00.000-08:00

Boy, howdy! These girls are cute!

I am Ady's friend. This is a big deal to me and not a friendship to be taken lightly because she is a firecracker! Her friendship is not bestowed lightly. Her little face just kills me. Kills me!!

And ain't her mom a beauty? Kesha is the type of girl who would give you the shirt off her back then thank you for taking it. Love her to the moon and back.

Losing my Voice

2011-12-07T23:50:00.000-08:00

I went to Disneyland on Saturday.

I love Disneyland. I mean, I scream on every bump of every ride and run from ride to ride just to pack in as many rides on Space Mountain, The Matterhorn and Big Thunder Mountain (my personal fav) as possible. I LOVE it! I screamed so much on saturday that I very nearly lost my voice.

I have never lost my voice before.

It was kind of a fun sensation to sound like a boy hitting puberty.

The thing about it is, though I may have never lost my actual voice, I have certainly lost my proverbial voice. The voice that expresses my thoughts, the voice that shares my work and ideas, the voice that connects me to you, dear friend. I lost it. I looked for it so many nights, sitting in front of a blank computer screen, willing the words to come out of my brain, through my fingers and onto the screen. But nothing came. Blank screen after blank screen I quit trying to talk. I gave up. I'd lost it.

I had been looking for my voice inside of myself. As it turns out, I'd been looking in the wrong place.

You know where I found it? In others. I found it in the faces, the hugs, the eyes, the ideas, the enthusiasm and the love of some of my very favorite people on earth.

Saturday wasn't just just another day at Disneyland. It was a day spent with two of my very best friends. Together, we were awesome. We made that place of magic so much more magical, not only for ourselves, but for others. I'm not kidding about this, we make Disneyland fun for others. Wish someone would give you a round of applause just for riding Big Thunder Mountain? We'll do that for you. I know we sound and look like crazy people when we do things like this but damn, it's fun.

I realize there is magic in that place but I know it would have been lost on me had I not experienced it with my dearest friends. It is so easy for me to get weighed down with life. My girls helped me rediscover that childlike joy and awe for the simple things in life.

As if one day of magic weren't enough I ditched out on church (sorry god!) and spent the day with the infamous J* Jets. Holy love! These people are amazing. Candice, Anthony, Erin, Tim, Ashley and John (we missed you!!) are my "better halves" in the world of photography and Jasmine is our Momma! How could I possibly navigate this adventure and stay afloat without them? Frankly, I cannot.

We discussed our ideas, our successes, our struggles. We determined that in a hand to hand fight to the death it's best not to take on more than one zombie 5 year old. We laughed. Of course, we laughed, it's what we do best. My Jets helped me rediscover my passion for photographing this world and the people in it and my desire to succeed in this industry.

Today I can speak because I know I am loved. Today I can speak because I know who I love. They are the ones who give me my voice.

Even as I was losing my voice, I was finding it.

Home Teachers & The Jersey Shore

2011-08-29T15:33:00.000-07:00

There I was. Exhausted. It'd been a long, strenuous week and all I could manage to do was lay on my couch and watch TV. Not just any show... The Jersey Shore. Call it a guilty pleasure (seriously, are these people real?) but I was tired and happy and didn't have plans of moving for the next few hours.

Then the doorbell rang.

You know that scene in Friends when they are all sitting in Monica & Rachel's apartment and the doorbell rings and they all look at each other in confusion because they're all there and who could possibly be ringing the doorbell? That's how I feel every time my doorbell rings. Who could it be? I looked through the peep hole and there stood my Home Teachers, stopping by for an unannounced visit. I couldn't NOT answer the door. I'd feel much too guilty to do that.

This sage old couple is assigned from my church to check on me once a month to assure my spiritual and temporal needs are being met. Him, a serious man who has trimmed my trees, who has scolded me for not asking him to fix a broken sprinkler head then fixed it in a fraction of the time it would have taken me, who has given me financial advice and who laughs only when he is teasing me about boys (and he loves to tease me about boys). Her, a friendly soul who loves talking to everyone, usually says too much and has offered me sound advice on who to marry: "Don't marry a man who wears his pants too high on his waist. Those men are dorks."

Normally I'd gladly welcome them into my home. But this day my home was a disaster. My yard was sadly unkempt. My dishes were stacked on the counter because I'd been too ~~lazy~~ busy to unload my dishwasher. My table supported piles of mail. I'd unpacked from my 2 week vacay on my living room floor. Meanwhile, displayed prominently on the television was Snooky and the gang, disgracing the streets of Italy with their drunken antics (oh, how I love this show).

I think we can all agree that sitting in a messy house watching Jersey Shore is pretty much the lowest common denominator of human existence.

I'd been caught. Busted. I opened the door, apologizing profusely for the state of array.

Sweet Sister T took me by the hand and said, "You are allowed to live in your own home. It is OK. You are allowed to live in your own home." Words of comfort.

Brother T sat down and without wasting a moment shared his prepared message: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (John 14:27) Words of wisdom.

Then and there I stopped worrying about my messy home. I stopped worrying that I'd been caught watching the worst best show on television. Then and there I was reminded that we all need help, we need each other. It is okay that our houses aren't always immaculate. It is okay that we can't do everything on our own. It is okay that once in a while, we need to relax. They were there to help and love unconditionally. Then and there I was reminded that amongst the troubles of life we can have peace in the Lord. He is in control. He is watching over us.

Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Beckham & Ellen - Goooooooaaaal!

2011-08-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

Confession: I am completely and wholly in love with David Beckham. Ladies, ya dig? I mean, have you see the man?? He's so pretty! His wife is amazing. Everything about him is gorgeous.

If there is one thing that has endeared him to me, it is his appearance on Ellen back in October. I cannot help but lit'rally lol'ing every time I see this. So. Funny.

Have a fantastic weekend, everyone! Tweet me some pics of what you're doing this weekend: @cropfoto

The Allen Family - Forever

2011-07-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

Til death do them part wasn't enough for the Allens. They wanted Eternity. With their family as witnesses the Allens were sealed as an eternal family in the Las Vegas LDS Temple.

It was a beautiful day and a beautiful reminder that there is nothing more important that family.

Heather & Tim - Married

2011-07-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

Sometimes auto-correct can get you in trouble. Sometimes it can get you a wife.

Tim met Heather through a mutual friend. Tim sent a text message to his friend asking for the phone number of "that heavy girl". It was supposed to say "that Heather girl" but auto-correct thought it would play a funny joke on them both. Luckily Heather wasn't offended. So when Tim invited Heather to watch a football game at his house she agreed to come. Heather expected a group of people. Tim was too sly for that. He'd invited only Heather.It didn't matter that she had a boyfriend at the time. Tim got the girl. They've been together every day since then.

We survived the heat, the sun and the tourists on Heather & Tim's wedding day. With their friends and family we hit up some iconic Vegas site and celebrated their wedding day.

Congrats, Tim & Heather! You were a delight and I wish you every happiness in your marriage.

Megan & Truman - Married

2011-07-13T08:00:00.000-07:00

Who gets married on a Tuesday? Awesome people, that's who.

I know it sounds cliché to say the bride and groom were glowing on their wedding day but truly these two were glowing! They were the picture of calm, happiness and love. Their smiles were contagious and I was so, so happy for them.

Simple and intimate. Surrounded by their family and closest friends Megan & Truman had the perfect wedding. The perfect wedding on a Tuesday afternoon.

The comfort of feeling safe with a person,

Having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words,

but to pour them all out, just as they are;

Certain that the faithful hand will take and sift them;

Keep what is worth keeping,

and blow the rest away.

-George Elliot

Shelly & Clayton - Engaged

2011-05-26T00:30:00.000-07:00

I know engagement sessions are supposed to be all about how the couple love each other but I was the one who was completely in LOVE. Shelly and Clayton are simply awesome. I was SO excited for this session and SO excited about how it turned out. I struggled to narrow it down to these few images.

It had been nearly a decade since I last saw Clayton. He was just a kid back then and I expected him to have stayed the same age over the years. The grown up version of the kid I knew back then blew me away. Adorable, polite, engaging, fun and sweet. He swept me off my feet.

There is absolutely no reason Shelly and I shouldn't have been friends already. Our romance started the moment I received her first email. I was so excited for the session I squealed... on more than one occasion. We emailed, texted, tweeted and counted down the days until this session. She was everything I was looking for and more. Simply stated: she is cool.

Shelly & Clayton are the couple I want every couple to be. It was obvious they are in love but what was even more striking to me was their genuine friendship and respect for each other. They're fun. They're beautiful. They're "good people".

Shelly & Clayton- I love you guys! Like, seriously, I have a major crush on you two. If you're ever looking for a 3rd wheel I am ready and waiting!

David & Olivia - Wedding

2011-05-20T06:00:00.000-07:00

David & Olivia are one of those couples that will put you at ease immediately. When you are with their family, you ARE family.

They chose to be married under a tree deemed a favorite by their sweet daughter. This beautiful and simple wedding from last fall was a celebration of their love and their families.

Only one hiccup occurred when our dashing groom lost the ring. Brothers and fathers jumped to help, it was found and all was well. Phew!

Heather & Steve

2011-05-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

That quiet mutual gaze of a trusting husband
and wife is like the first moment of rest or refuge
from a great weariness or a great danger.
-George Eliot

What I love most about Heather & Steve is that they truly are a team, perfectly suited for each other. It's easy to see that they genuinely enjoy being together and have such an easy way about them. Heather is the brains behind Girls Rock Vegas and Steve one of the board of directors. I'm in awe of what she and her crew have built over the past few years. She's so rock & roll.

Here's to a forever of happiness!

See the full set here.

E-mail to schedule a session.

Lindy & Leah

2011-05-16T19:12:00.000-07:00

It's just not fair that some people are so beautiful. Or maybe it is. For when you are beautiful on the inside, you are beautiful on the outside.

The beautiful sisters, Lindy & Leah, were such good sports as we battled the infamous Las Vegas wind and went from location to location trying not to get blown away. Why? Because they love their mother. I think their Momma had a good Mother's Day when she received the prints from this session.

Love to you girls!

See the full set here.

E-mail to schedule a session.

The Challenge

2011-05-05T22:37:00.000-07:00

I love the [b]school.

What is the [b]school?

It's like facebook for photographers, but better. It has been an invaluable resource to me as I am building my business. I've been able to connect with other photographers who are in my same situation or who have already learned how to handle the challenges I am facing. I've made friends and been inspired by the work that is being done there.

Each week becker conducts Study Hall where he answers questions or interviews other photographers. It's one of my favorite hours of the week!

Today he casually mentioned the importance of blogging consistently and I felt a tinge of guilt. OK it was more like a punch to the face. Not only do I need to blog, I need to blog consistently.

I looked through my files and realized I lit'rally have 20 sessions (portraits, families, weddings) that I have not blogged about. Blerg. I mentioned this in the chat room expecting to hear boo's. Instead another student confessed to having 14 unblogged sessions. Ah! I wasn't alone!

So, I laid down a challenge. We will "race" to see who can blog all their past sessions first. So hold me to it, friends. Hold me to it! And get ready to see a lot more posts here. I'm excited!

A little something to wet your appetite:

The Forest Through the Trees

2011-04-15T17:49:00.000-07:00

Priorities and I have a rocky relationship. They're like my children. How can I possibly choose my favorite.And what if I leave one of them at the store? When I have 10 things I have to do rightthisverysecond where do I begin? And what if sometimes my priorities aren't really priorities?

After a week of reflecting on what Jasmine Star taught in her creativeLIVE course and deciding how to incorporate ideas into my own business all I wanted to do was get down to business. Work, work, work. Sit at my desk and work

I spent the majority of yesterday stressing about how much I had to do, about desperately needing to write a blog post about the weekend. All the important things that needed to get done asap.

But before I could get to those things I went to the home of one of my dearest friends and photographed her 4 week old baby boy. Swoon! Then I went to meet (and eat macaroons!) a photographer in town who contacted me after the cL course (and turns out we already knew each other! small world). When I got home, ready to work, a friend stopped by to discuss an event she's planning and has asked me to photograph. Then we sat and chatted and caught up on each others lives and shared a lovely conversation.

Before I knew it the clock hit 8pm and I hadn't even started on my to-do list. I began writing the blog and 4 pages into a travelogue I realized that I wasn't writing what needed to be written. And then I had writer's block. You see, if it's not brilliant or clever, I don't want to sign my name to it. But, after a few tears and a pep talk from my dear friend, I finally cranked out a post.

I worried that I'd spent so much time doing other things that I hadn't had time to work! And then I stopped. And I thought about my day.

I thought about the time I was able to spend nuzzling a new baby and seeing him through my lens.

I thought about the new friend I made, the time we spent talking through our fears, our frustrations, our plans, our dreams and making plans to shoot together.

I thought about my sweet friend sitting on my couch sharing sentiments that made me feel like our hearts were hugging.

I thought about my blog post that, while neither funny nor smart, was the honest truth.

And I was grateful.
Grateful for time to nurture relationships with those around me. Grateful for realizing that even though I wasn't sitting at my desk work-work-working (you know because that's what you'd imagine the life of a photographer to be- a desk job), I was indeed working. Everything I'd done not only helped my business but helped my soul.

CreativeLIVE & Jasmine Star. Post 1 of many.

2011-04-15T01:21:00.000-07:00

I’ve been working on this blog post for 4 days. There is just no way I can do this creativeLIVE experience justice. As Candice said, it’s like trying to fit a cup of water into a teaspoon.

Last weekend I was invited to attend a creativeLIVE course by the infamous Jasmine Star. I had high expectations for this weekend. However, I had no idea. NO IDEA, how truly amazing it would be.

As I was in the car heading to the airport for my flight home the gravity of the weekend began to sink in. I had been given an invaluable gift. And experience of a lifetime. I now have a responsibility to use that gift and to grow. I have a responsibility to myself, to the photographers I represented, to my fellow classmates and especially to Jasmine Star and the entire creativeLIVE team. They put so much heart and soul into this. I will do you proud!

Even now, I struggle to wrap my head around this experience. I feel overwhelmed. I knew that my life was changing. I knew that things would never be the same. Part of me wished that upon my return home things would magically fall into place, that I would be a savvy business woman, that my photography skills would be suddenly perfect, that clients would be knocking on my door begging me to take them on. But, I know that now is when the dirty work starts. Now is when I put my nose to the grindstone, work my fingers to the bone and create my success or die trying. Hustle. Hustle. Hustle.

I have an endless list of things I learned and things I will incorporate into my business. I've been offered a wealth of information, a springboard for success. I cherish that information.

But this weekend was about so much more than learning how to run a biz.

I walked away with a new family.

Jasmine, to you, my dear, my idol- I wish there was a phrase bigger and stronger than THANK YOU. Because thank you just does not feel like enough. I am in daily awe of you, your grace, your determination, your innovation, your kindness and beauty. Your willingness to share your life with the world is humbling and inspiring. But my favorite thing about you is that now I can call you my friend. Love & Rockets.

Wolfpack! HOooooowwwlll! How could I have gone through this without my J*Jets? You guys blew my mind from the first night together to the time I said goodbye. I could not, and cannot get enough of you. I love you so much it feels like I have fireworks in my heart and today is the 4th of July. Let's do this. Let's fly.

how could you not love these people?

Check out what everyone else said about the weekend. They put it into words so much better than I possibly could.
Jasmine. Tim. Anthony 1 2 3. John, Candice. Erin. Ashley 1 2 3.

I have SO much more to say about all of this and photos to post so stay tuned!

Melinda & Brandon - Engaged

2010-12-08T06:00:00.000-08:00

Melinda is my girl. Brandon is her guy. Neon Boneyard is the place.

Beauty by Bee

2010-12-07T02:54:00.000-08:00

What happens when you take 3 gorgeous women, add one amazing make up & hair artist and dress them up? Gorgeousness happens.

Working with Brynn of 'Beauty by Bee' and these adorable models was like having a whole bucket full of fun!

Matt & Keri - Wedding

2010-11-16T00:12:00.000-08:00

Guys?
I know it's been far too long since I've posted. I have a lot to show you. This couldn't wait any longer.

What did I love about this wedding? Everything.
This is just the sneak peak:

Alodie & Robert

2010-10-04T23:06:00.000-07:00

Oh gosh! I have so much to blog about but I couldn't wait any longer to post this!

Alodie has a calming, peaceful aura and looked stunning in her simple white dress. Robert has piercing blue eyes and displayed the most fantastic full body laugh I've ever seen. I like these people. I like them a whole lot.

Surrounded by their family and friends, Alodie and Robert were married on a beautiful Las Vegas morning.

Never fail, there is a moment in every wedding when I get choked up. Typically it is during the Father/Daughter dance. Alodie and her father were all smiles as they 2stepped their way around the dance floor. But, after a beautiful tribute to Robert's late father, Robert took the floor with his sweet mother and that, my friends, is when the tears came to my own eyes.

It was a lovely day and watching this brings a smile to my face.

Congratulations, Alodie & Robert! May you be blessed with every good thing!

Sorry if this takes a while to load and for the less than stellar quality.

AWE-freakin-SOME!

2010-08-29T16:35:00.000-07:00

I posted a few weeks ago about the awesome CreativeLIVE workshop with the fierce & fabulous Jasmine Star.

I knew it would be awesome but HOLY FREAKING COW! Mindblowing! It has seriously changed my life... and I say that without the slightest bit of exaggeration.

Since I've been working long days I've been staying up 'til 3am watching the replays and downloading all the video files so I can continue soaking up everything Jasmine shared with the world.

Today is the first day I've been able to watch live and guess who won a Leather Craftsmen 11x14 album. ME! WOOT!!

So excited!

More to come about all the great things I've learned...

UTAH, I'm comin' to get ya!

2010-08-16T03:05:00.000-07:00

I will be in
UTAH (Provo, SLC) August 19-22
for anyone interested in scheduling a photo session.

Shoot me an email and let's get together (yeah, yeah, yeah).

*I will also be in Utah September 17-19

ps- I've got so much to blog about so stay tuned for lots of posts this week!

creativeLIVE & Jasmine Star

2010-07-31T02:06:00.000-07:00

If you know anything about wedding photography you know who Jasmine Star is. Simply stated, she's amazing!
If you are a photographer wanting to learn more you should know about creativeLIVE.

Put the two together and you have pure genius.

They are inviting six people to join Jasmine at a wedding photography course in august. This is my contest entry:

Christy Cropper for creativeLIVE with Jasmine Star from christy cropper on Vimeo.

Amanda - Nelson, NV

2010-07-26T02:02:00.000-07:00

Holy Cow. I could not wait to post these because HELLO! Gorgeous girl!
Can we say "America's Next Top Model"?

Big THANKS to Allyson Kaye Photography for inviting me along on this shoot!

Tourist In My Town - May Edition

2010-07-21T22:18:00.001-07:00

Whenever I'm on vacation my favorite thing to do is tell people that I'm from Las Vegas.

No matter where I am in the world I get the same reaction: Oh! Las Vegas! Party town!

Guess what. It IS a cool town. And I live here.

So in attempts to take full advantage of this town of mine I'm starting a monthly(ish) series called Tourist In My Town wherein I take you on a tour of the well known and the not so well known parts of Sam's Town.

May Edition: City Center

Out of the Office

2010-06-20T02:29:00.000-07:00

Y'all.

I'll be out of the office June 20-30th.

I'll let you know how amazing Switzerland and Spain were when I get back.

Peace!

Ann

2010-05-31T11:42:00.001-07:00

Completely fell in love with this little family!
This little guy is so lucky! Awesome parents. Awesome sister.

Amanda

2010-04-20T02:42:00.001-07:00

I told her she was a natural model, so easy to photograph. Her sister said it's because she practices in the mirror. Must be the trait of a youngest child.

Congrats to Miss Amanda. UNLV, Class of 2010!

Trudy

2010-04-20T02:22:00.000-07:00

Pretty girl, n'est-ce pas? But maybe I'm biased.
Can you see the familial resemblance?

Stacy, Jon & Kiddies

2010-03-25T04:00:00.000-07:00

Had so much fun with this family. The kids were total troopers! And it doesn't hurt when the whole family is beautiful!

Cohen taught me a joke:
q: What does a pig do at karate?
a: A PORK CHOP!

UT bound!

2010-03-19T22:16:00.000-07:00

Hey friends!

I'll be in UTAH on April 1-4.

Anyone up north who would like to schedule a session with me during that time can call or email me so we can set it up!

Can't wait to head home!

PS- can you please order some sunshine and high temps for me while I'm there?

Kyla & Sean - Album Pages

2010-03-15T19:55:00.000-07:00

This was the COOLEST wedding of all time. These two are cool. Their decor was cool. Everyone there was cool. Just COOL.

Out & About

2010-03-07T00:53:00.000-08:00

Went to First Friday last night. Taking my camera was a great decision!

Senior Portrait Promo!

2010-01-19T15:20:00.000-08:00

It's time for Senior Portraits! Check out the latest CCP Promo:

Christy Cropper Photography is now booking Senior Portrait Sessions for the Class of 2010! What better way to remember the past and prepare for the future than by capturing who you are today?

Book now* and mention the promocode to receive 25% off Senior Portrait Sessions and a free 8x10 print and 24 wallet size prints.

Promocode: 2010ROCKS

Call or Email Christy today!
702.334.2706
christycropperphotography@gmail.com

Sessions last approximately one hour with up to 2 outfit changes at a location that suits your personality.
Christy Cropper Photography serves the Las Vegas area. Travel outside the Las Vegas Valley available with additional travel fees.

*Promotion ends 2/28/10

Peccole Ranch Ward Christmas Party

2010-01-10T09:16:00.000-08:00

Go HERE to see photos from the Peccole Ranch Ward Christmas Party.

Santa came! After all the kids left the room some one called him "Ed" which I thought was weird. I mean, his name is Santa, right?

Preview and Contest

2009-10-30T13:46:00.000-07:00

HEY! Remember how I have a blog and I take photos and I haven't had time to blog about them in forever? Ack!!

I promise I've been meaning to get around to this and hopefully soon I'll be able to post about all the amazing weddings I've been shooting lately. In the mean time here's some sneak peaks.

ALSO- Head over to my other blog to enter my Mix Tape of Love Contest!

Miss Symone

2009-08-23T21:08:00.000-07:00

It is impossible for me to love this girl any more than I do. She's sweet. She's gorgeous. She's an awesome soccer player. Plus, she's family. LOVE.

We had a lot of fun during this session. When I asked for a straight face, I got giggles. When I asked for a smile, I got giggles. Pretty much, there was a lot of giggling going on.

And, my absolute fav...
See the full set here.

Wilcox Family

2009-08-23T04:07:00.000-07:00

Cool. Beautiful. Awesome. So many great adjectives for this family.

See the full set here.

fire woman

2009-08-23T02:43:00.000-07:00

meet jacque. she's awesome. she's a fire fighter. she's a natural in front of the lens.

Walker Family

2009-08-22T21:03:00.000-07:00

I'm considering legally adopting myself into this family. They are simply awesome.

Kids are hilarious.
See the full set here.

Adams Family

2009-07-03T00:23:00.000-07:00

duh duh duh DUH. clap clap.
3 sets of gorgeous blue eyes and one proud peacock. How lucky am I?

See the full set here.

still shooting...

2009-05-21T01:53:00.000-07:00

Great things happening at CCP!

I think I've finally caught up on all the editing I've been trying to get done. Look forward to lots of posts SOOOON.

In addition to getting the "business" side of things taken care of, I've finally got my logo nailed down. Though I really debated using this one (kidding, kidding):
And here's a little sample of the fun I've been having in the studio. Much more to come!

Garage Studio

2009-02-24T17:34:00.000-08:00

I have a diy studio set up in my garage and since purchasing an SB-600 flash I've been having some fun.
I made this for a certain boy.
He said yes :)

i heart david sedaris

2009-02-17T19:42:00.000-08:00

I got such a kick out of this passage from David Sedaris' book "When Engulfed In Flames":

The hotels I found myself reduced to had posters hanging in the elevators. "Our Deep Dish Pizza Is Pantastic!!!" one of them read. Others mentioned steak fingers or "appeteazers," available until 10:00 at Perspectives or Horizons, always billed as "The place to see and be seen!" Go to your room, and there are more pictures of food, most in the form of three-dimensional flyers propped beside the telephone and clock radio. If it's rare to find a really good photograph of bacon, it's rarer still to find one on your bedside table. The same is true of nachos. They're just not photogenic.

Kris

2009-02-02T23:46:00.000-08:00

Kris was such a good sport to let me experiment with some awesome backgrounds. I love how the different textured walls turned out. Love!

Stephanie

2009-02-02T00:48:00.000-08:00

This girl made my job WAY too easy! Gorgeous. Photogenic. Fun.
We had to battle the crazy wind but I think we got some great shots!

My absolute favorite from this session:

HUGE THANKS!!

2009-01-28T10:55:00.000-08:00

Thank you so much to everyone that scheduled with me for January! It's been awesome so far and we still have another week of shooting to do! I've got lots of photos to post this week of the sessions we've done thus far.

Unfortunately, I'm all booked up for the rest of the month. But, I am currently scheduling for February sessions and will be running a special for couples since it is the month of lurve. Stay tuned for details!

Also, if you'd like to get on the mailing list for future specials send me an email (christycropperphotography at gmail) with "mailing list" in the subject line. We'll have specials coming up on all sorts of things!

Claire & McKinley

2009-01-21T01:07:00.000-08:00

I did a super fun session with my friend's daughter and niece this weekend. I could not wait to edit these photos because, holy cow, those girls are cute! Little Miss Claire has the greatest scrunchy smile I've ever seen and eyes to die for! And Miss McKinley sure knew how to work the camera.

Sassy Stems

2009-01-21T00:51:00.000-08:00

A few from a fun shoot I did with my friend Melissa at Sassy Stems. Melissa is an awesomely talented floral designer and let me get in her way to get these shots of the bouquets and boutonnieres she did for a wedding party. Thanks Melissa!

Truman

2009-01-21T00:34:00.001-08:00

The Trumans have been one of my adopted Vegas families for the past 8 years.
This was my first "official" photoshoot and BOY! did I learn a lot!

It's surprisingly difficult to catch all 22 members of a family with their eyes open at the same time. Not only did I learn a lot about how to handle a photo session I learned tons about Photoshop and also how people don't like to stand outside in the freezing cold and wind to get their picture taken!

hawaii 11.08

2009-01-15T01:34:00.000-08:00

the black widow, red rock

2009-01-15T01:33:00.000-08:00

Josh

2009-01-15T01:16:00.001-08:00

10.08 Las Vegas, NV

Composition

2009-01-15T01:14:00.001-08:00

10.08 Desert Shores, Las Vegas, NV

VW

2009-01-15T01:11:00.001-08:00

10.08 Town Square, Las Vegas, NV

Pacific Palisades

2009-01-15T01:07:00.000-08:00

9.08 Los Angeles, CA

Scavenger Hunt

2009-01-15T01:04:00.001-08:00

9.08 Las Vegas, NV

Neon Boneyard

2009-01-15T01:00:00.000-08:00

8.08 Las Vegas, NV

Red Rock Stables

2009-01-03T02:00:00.000-08:00

1.08 Las Vegas, NV

Introducing CCP

2009-01-02T12:50:00.000-08:00

I'm excited to be venturing (slowly but surely) into a new career field- Photography!

I've done a fair amount of landscape work but am looking to expand into wedding and portrait photography within this next year (Hurray for 2009!)

As I need to expand (ie. start) my portfolio and get some much needed practice doing portraits I'm offering free photo sessions for the month of January (after which my fees will be very modest until I become legit... too legit to quit). Anything from family photos to individual shots. This will include a CD of all the best shots as well as several "enhanced" photos (read: I also need to practice using photoshop!)

Some ideas:
Family group shots
Couples
Children
Newborns
Pregnancy
Head shots
Senior portraits
Pets
Sports
Engagements
Bridals/Groomals

I am really excited about this and would absolutely love to "shoot" you and your families. Please feel free to refer any of your friends and family to me as well. The more shooting I do the better!

Feel free to contact me via email at christycropperphotography@gmail.com to schedule a shoot. If there is enough interest from you Utah folks I would love to make a trip up towards the end of the month.

I hope your Christmas was lovely and wish you a very HAPPY NEW YEAR! Love to you all!
-Christy

PS- to all the Las Vegans, I'm still accepting piano students if you (or anyone you know) are interested in piano lessons.