Summit Hill / St. Paul Photographer / This is just oh so exciting!... and scary.

Ok, heres what I'm worried about. I'm worried about coming off on this blog as someone that I'm not. Sometimes I do that... I worry too much (sense a theme here?) about what to write, how to write it, what personality to exude. I'm just not a natural at this blog-writing business. BUT. I'm going to give it a whirl anyway and this time I mean business! Literally.

About two months or so ago, I splurged. On a camera. An expensive one. I've always wanted it and finally one day after obsessing over which one to get for weeks, I just did it. And I haven't looked back. No regrets, not even as I scan the financial damage on my credit card statement -- now thats serious, folks! Since that wonderful Saturday at National Camera, I've been more obsessed than I thought possible. I have learned sooooo much and I want to learn more. I want to "do it" all the time. Photograph, that is! I've joined a meetup.com group of local photographers and met some new friends. Our first meetup was veeeerrrry early one Sunday about a month ago. The Como Park Conservatory was opening it's doors two hours early for photographers and artist to bring in normally not permitted tripods and easels. Since I'd never met any of these people, I decided to get up extra early and meet a few of the meetup group people for coffee at Caribou beforehand. Such nice, generous (and knowledgeable) people! I had a fantastic time and really felt 'at home' with other photographers. I was no longer that girl with the camera. I just blended in. I loved it. Here are a few photos I took that day:

On other days, I just take the camera (and my dog!) on photowalks around my neighborhood. Several weeks ago, the rivers in our area were flooding and I got this:

This is Mushu. She is a celebrity...at least in my neighborhood. She's a gracious celebrity. She loves her people!...and they love her. What does she not love? The Paparazzi!!! Yes, thats right. My own dog will not let me take her picture properly. Any good photos I post of my dog are a result of plain luck. Here is one:

Early on, I discovered Flickr.com Once I started looking at other people's work, I was transformed. I love this. I want to do this. I want to create beautiful photographs. Whats this!? This beautiful child... and this one...and this one...and this....and so on and on and on. These are soooo good and the photographers are soooo talented. Wow. Just wow. As I continued to browse (and lose complete interest in ALL my TV shows!) I started to realize some of these photographers hadn't been 'photographers' for very long. I also discovered how helpful they are. Forums and groups exist for the soul purpose of helping new photographers get their feet wet without making too much of a mess. Could I do this? Could I? A few days later, I was still thinking about it and asking myself that question. Could I? Why not give it a shot. Thus began the pestering of all my friends and family to let me photograph them and their children. Brenda was the first to oblige with her two-year-old twins and 3 month old infant. I was sooo excited! To be sure, it was a novice attempt and I got few good photos out of it, but I learned Oh, so much. So much. What I could do better, how I could prep the client better, what I shouldn't do... and most importantly, what not to expect. Here are a few examples from that day. I know they're not great, but they were my first try.. and I am proud of them. And I had fun that day...thats the most important point of all. I loved it. Thanks, Brenda!!

This is the adorable Meghan.

This is sweet little Landon.

My intentions for this blog are to keep customers up to date in whats going on with SBliss Photography as well as to show clients "Sneak Peaks" of their sessions before the proofs are complete and published. There is also a link at the top which will take clients directly to Storefront Ordering of prints when they are ready. There is also some links on the right which will take you to the blogs and portfolio/websites of a few photographers that I admire. They inspire me greatly. I'll also be sharing with you how my sessions go, whats upcoming on my calendar as well as with occasional off-topic photography subjects.

For a limited time, I am Portfolio Building and am offering my complimentary photography services for my maternity, baby, children and family natural light portraiture business. Once, I feel confident in my ability to offer quality to my victims (I mean clients!) I will remain in Portfolio building mode, but at a 50% discount off of full pricing. Current pricing will be subject to change at anytime prior to your booking an appointment with me, but I will surely keep you informed of any changes here on this blog. Full Pricing structure has not been worked out yet, in case you were wondering.. again that will be posted as soon as it is relevant.

Thank you so much for reading SBliss Photography's first blog post! I hope to hear from you soon ... I want to photograph your family! ....and please stop by often! It'll keep me posting :)