a photograph is memory in the raw.

Meet Arianne.


Who is Arianne? A talented, inspirational, devoted, and passionate photographer. She's got the biggest heart and the greatest talent out of everyone I know, I hope to pursue photography and have just a fraction of her talent. My motivation for this blog? Lola had a photo shoot today, her photographer was Arianne. The photographs turned out wonderful, the experience was great, and I have pictures to last me forever. She does everything from weddings to birthdays to graduations to pets to senior. I'm not sure there's anything she can't succeed at, I am not sure I know anyone as talented as her that still maintains such humbleness and awareness of others. Anyways, here is a short interview I did with her.


What inspired you to get into photography?
I started taking pictures when I was 12, my parents got me a camera for a birthday gift. I went through a roll of film a week on friends. Then as I got older my friends started having children and then I would practice with them, and started advertising on myspace, my first customer was a 1st birthday and she LOVED my work. since then shes come back three times in two years. That's when I went from hobby to fulfilling my passion; making memories for people.


What is your motivation?
I guess when people tell me that I captured their child's innocence. They take pictures but they never get the same results, compliments and praise are my motivation.


What separates you from other photographers?

I'm creative! I don't rush anyone, I let the family warm up, if the kids are hungry we take a "snack break", if you want to change clothes 5 times, I have no problem with it. I am all about the experience and making you comfortable, its not JUST a business transaction.



Do you have any goals with your photography career or are you just taking it as it comes? What are your goals?
My goal is get a studio within three years. My goal was to start a business within five years. That was two years ago. Since then I've built relationships with 30+ families, puppies and even Jerry Lewis! Ohh and Uncle Kracker and Michelle Williams, (i think that's her name, she's country, used to be wiog material)...is that her name?



Michelle Branch? You've photographed Jerry Lewis, Uncle Kracker, AND Michelle Branch?
Yes I used to work at wiog, oldies, wheelz and z93.



Okay, last but not least, if you could photograph anyone who would it be?
Triplets or quadruplets as newborns. I love newborns. Or maybe someone famous, like Drew Barrymore or maybe Cameron Diaz when they have babies. OR even better I would love to take pictures for a baby, child, or family that may have only a photograph as their last memory of their sick family member.


To see Arianne's work and schedule your photo shoot today, visit her website here.

old habits die hard.

A New Year's Resolution is a commitment that an individual makes to a project or the reforming of a habit, often a lifestyle change that is generally interpreted as advantageous. The name comes from the fact that these commitments normally go into effect on New Year's Day and remain until fulfilled or abandoned.

With that being said I am going to do something I have never done, and that is make a New Year's Resolution, or two, you can do the same, feel free to leave your resolutions as a comment. : )


1. I vow to reserve at least an hour a day for my reading. My book collection is already extensive and is constantly growing, I will never be ahead of the game if I don't make sure I have book time reserved for myself.

2. I vow to pay it forward by giving one person a compliment daily, whether it be a stranger, a relative, a friend, or a coworker, one small thing can brighten someones day, and in turn they may brighten another's.

3. I vow to have at least one day/night a month be entirely devoted to my little brother. I am missing out on his adolescence and I hardly see him as much as I would like.

4. I vow to learn something new, to step out of my comfort zone. I am leaning towards a tango dance class with a friend, interested in being my tango partner? Comment. : )

5. Last but not least I vow to pursue photography. It's something I enjoy, good or not. I like to capture people in there most vulnerable moments, in the midst of laughter, tears, shock, happiness, and to have that ability to do so and to reveal to someone how beautiful they are in their most raw state of emotions is extraordinary.


comment, comment, comment. : )

p.s
I apologize for the delay in new posts, its the holidays, work is chaotic, and I got a new puppy.




p.s.s
take the poll. : )

green is the new black.

Going green, its what's "in" right now and its better for you. Living Green is all about taking actions that are not only good for the planet, but good for your wallet, which in this economy we can ALL use. So I am going to give some simple tips on how you can go green.


1. Only buy locally grown produce. The fruit or vegetable you're about to buy may be great for you, but if you traveled thousands of miles to get to your local grocery store then it's not great for the environment. Plus, buying locally means your purchase will support local farmers.

2. Fill your bottle with tap water as opposed to repurchasing bottled waters. The plastic isn't good for the environment. (I bet you didnt know that Americas demand for water bottles requires 1.5 million barrels of oil ANNUALLY, which can fuel up to 100,000 vehicles for an entire YEAR)

3. Skip out on the paper and plastic when grocery shopping and take your own reusable bag. Visit here to purchase your very own reusable bag.

4. Bike or walk to work, your wallet will expand, its healthier for you, and its less air pollution.

5. Carpool.

6. Recycle. Population is dense and landfills are scarce, recycling is a must. The average person creates 4.5 pounds of trash per day. Think how much is going into the landfills if you are not re-cycling.

7. Don't eat meat. I am not saying become a vegetarian but cut back on the meat consumption. If you cut back on eating meat you can help to prevent heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer. This act alone can save you a boatload of money in future medical costs, not to mention, maybe just MAYBE save a little cows life.

8. Move away from plastic food storage containers. Americans have a high dependency on plastic, plastic is a non biodegradable material, so save money and protect your health buy using glass containers.

9. Do laundry only when you have a full load.

10. Take shorter showers.

11. Plant a tree. Trees suck up carbon dioxide and make clean air for us to breathe. Save 2,000 lbs. of carbon dioxide per year.

12. Don't leave the water running while you brush your teeth.

Don't think that you can go without doing these, the more people that go green the better off we are, even if all we do is make a dent, a dent is better than nothing at all.

wish list.

Christmas will be here in a month, how crazy. Anyways, to go along with everything Christmas I am going to make my wish list. Feel free to borrow a few of the items I am wishing for for yourself. =]

Iron Fist Flats
Crazylilbellule & The Poppies Shanghaijava Collection

An Abundance of Katherines

Thirteen Reasons Why
Definitely Maybe

Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist

The Nightmare Before Christmas Collectors Edition
Acoustic Guitar
Twilight Soundtrack

Wii Fitness

Broadway Chair

Ugg Slippers

Make Up Brush Case and Set
Luggage
Cube Picture Frame

It's small but practical. And I would be happy if I got these items. =]

oh twilight.

I am guilty as charged. I definitely jumped on the Twilight bandwagon. Tonight was the premiere of Twilight, anxious as ever to see it I bought tickets to the midnight showing. If you've seen the previews this film is really nothing like it portrays, but I guess film trailers have always been propaganda. Book lovers, especially lovers of the Twilight series are loyal, they stay true to the book, and anything left out or not portrayed in the way they pictured will end up in bad reviews. But lets face it, when reading a book one becomes engrossed in it, it' s an escape, you imagine the characters, the location, the facial expressions, it becomes yours. This fact in itself destroys the potential a film based on a book might have, because as readers we will never be satisfied. Shall I continue with my critique of the film?

Twilight. Hmmph. It was interesting, engaging, and tacky. I am not familiar with the director, but he/she needs more experience before releasing a film claiming to be the "film of the year." The dialogue was awkward, camera angles unflattering, and the acting was slightly forced. Kristen Stewart, the female actress that played Bella was an extraordinary actress, and I knew she was going to be before stepping foot into the cinema. (She had a role in a film called 'Panic Room' with one of my favorite actresses, Jody Foster, and she kicked ass) Edward Cullen, otherwise known in reality as Robert Pattinson, was mediocre. I am not familiar with his work but the acting in the beginning was comical without the intention of being so. I guess he did his main role in the film, which was to stand there and be gorgeous, the 15 year olds I was surrounded by got a kick out of that.


The second scene in the film with Bella speaking with Jacob Black is enough to make a frequent movie goer CRINGE. It is forced, awkward, and painful to watch. Not long after Bella walks into her Biology class, her first "encounter" with Edward and the scene proceeds in slow motion as a fan blows through her hair. To me, that is a joke, unless you are creating a spoof/spinoff there is no need for tacky cliches, a cliche that doesnt fit with the seriousness of the film, that almost makes you want to walk out of the theater right then, so what is really intriguing about this film? What makes us want to go see it? What stood out on the previews? Why will this be a blockbuster for the next few weeks at least? Two simple words. Edward Cullen.

a walk down memory lane.

Lets play a game. Pick one of the greatest memories you have and leave it in a comment. They can be from when you were young, recently, or just something completely random, those tend to be the best. I'll start, but I am going to pick four memories, just to get the ball rolling.


Okay, my first memory would have to be when I was singing with my adorable little brother, Chaz, he's not so little anymore because he's twelve. I had my camera, and he took it from me and said "lets do something." I was taken aback but inquired and he said, lets make a video. This is when I turned on the radio and realized it was Chris Brown's "Kiss Kiss." The video is on my myspace and I still laugh when I watch it. You can watch it here. I can be myself with him and even lose my mind for a second, and that I will forever be grateful for.




Okay, memory number two will be my third trip to Cedar Point. Don't let the multiple visits to this theme park fool you, I HATED roller coasters, I hated the smells of this place, and I hated waiting in line in Michigans unpredictable weather. This all changed at the end of my senior year when four amazing friends persuaded me into coming with them. I was hesitant, but played it cool for most of the ride, that was until we pulled up to the park and my heart dropped into my stomach and I declared to them that I would wait in the car until they were done. They were having none of this, that I thank them for. They got me over my fear of roller coasters, brought me out of my shell, and to this day I love cedar point. I guess it took going with four patient and wonderful friends for me to realize this. (Thank you Randi, Britt, Linds, and Becky.)




Memory three is very cliche but I'm doing it anyways....graduation. I had a permanent smile the whole time, I did it, all the hard work, the tears, the laughter, the sweat, the getting up at the crack of dawn finally paid off. It was a wave of emotions but all I did was smile. It was a proud, breathtaking, and scary moment in my life, but it will forever be one of my favorite memories.




And last but not least my fourth memory would have to be my first year at college. It's kind of a big memory, so I will keep this as short as possible. It only lasted a year, but thats for personal reasons, but what makes this so special to me is the people I met, the places I went, the laughs I had, the tears I had, the fights I had, and most of all learning who I was. I wouldnt trade that first year for anything, I want it all for myself, the ups AND the downs. The people I met and the relationships I formed with those people were amazing, and the people I still talk to are some of my best friends. So with that, Central is my memory.





Okay, now that I shared a very tiny piece of me I want you to leave one of your favorite memories in a comment, or more than one memory, I'm not picky. : )

the perfect christmas movie list.

There is nothing to melt a heart in the winter like a really good Christmas movie. It's hard to find the overall perfect one because there are tons and tons, so I went ahead and did all the work for you, enjoy. =]

1. A Charlie Brown Christmas
I remember watching this movie when I was just a little brat running around. This film is inspiring, adorable, and truthful. The voices of the lovable characters (Charlie, Linus, Pig Pen, etc.) are all the voices of actual children, not adults posing as children, and that is also what makes this movie fantastic. Charlie Brown is aggravated with society over marketing Christmas. Charlie, director of the schools Christmas pageant sets out on a mission to rediscover the true meaning of Christmas. A simple, yet unnoticed at first, way to do this was to buy the most sickly, measly looking tree he could find and nurse it back to health. So grab your kids, nieces, nephews, siblings, a bowl of popcorn, and enjoy the most heart wrenching animated Christmas movie I know.


2. Miracle on 34th Street
Stop. Look. The cover alone is enough to make your heart grow. The old man believes he is Santa Claus, noone else does, he goes about proving people wrong, lifting spirits, and teaching Susan how to be a kid, all while battling a legal case. The humor, inspiration, and warmth in this movie makes me go back in time to when Christmas was extremely special, when I actually believed in Santa and would flip out at all the cookies he ate.



3. A Christmas Story
Hahaha. The cover is so awesome. A comedy with all the right elements, you really can't go wrong with this movie. All of us, either as adults or back when we were children have wanted something for Christmas that if that was ALL we got that year everything would be okay. Well that's the story with Ralphie, all he wants for Christmas is an official Red Ryder, carbine action, two-hundred shot range model air rifle with a compass and a "thing that tells time." If you enjoy leg lamps, chinese turkey, and terrifying visits to Santa's lap then watch this movie, or else I'll shoot your eye out. =]


4. How The Grinch Stole Christmas
A modern adaptation of the 1960's animated version, this film will do nothing but put you in stitches. The detail, music, and hilarious acting done by Jim Carrey make this film probably the best Christmas remake, dare I say? Ever. From the great makeup/ hair that Jim Carrey dons to the eloquent houses and Christmas trees of whoville, this is an extraordinary adaptation of the book, of course going above and beyond by modernizing it, still keeping to its true story and message that Dr. Seuss intended.

5. Elf
Will Ferrell with his beyond skillful acting plays a "human" elf, Buddy. Buddy finds out he's really human at the age of 30, despite being obviously larger then all of the other elves. He sets out to find his Biological father who just so happens to live in the busiest city, New York. Buddy, used to elf things, really has no idea what the hell he's doing, this makes for an abundance of laughter for an hour and a half. This film ends as do typical Christmas films, saving christmas and making everyone believe. Abstract, enchanting, child-like madness all make up this beautiful movie. If you want a Christmas feel-good movie, this is it.

chunky white stuff.

It's November 16th and chunks of white are falling from the sky. These chunks of white, otherwise referred to as snow, are what will be discussed today. The ups and downs of snow if you will. Let's start with the very small list of up's.

Positive Things About Snow:
1. It's beautiful as its falling.
2. It's beautiful covering the trees.
3. It lets snowmobiles live a few short months of the year.
4. It allows me to buy really adorable winter hats and scarves.
5. The coffee business booms, this I like, if Starbucks were to close it'd be the death of me.

Even though this list is extremely minimal I will refer to it every chance I get in order to survive the next few months. Let's proceed with the negatives shall we?

Negative Things About Snow:
1. It creates an ugly thing once it hits the ground and combines with dirt, its called slush.
2. It kills all things green. (my favorite color)
3. It transforms speed racers into grandmas, thus combined with my talent of time management (sarcasm) makes me late for everything.
4. It makes me wear really adorable hats that ruin my really adorable hair style.
5. It soaks my socks.
6. It leads a trail of wetness through my apartment, thus soaking my socks even more.
7. It allows consumers energy to take more of my limited supply of money.
8. It almost kills me every time I dare get on the road.
9. It's an excuse for children to throw things.
10. It's equally ugly when I can see exactly where your dog pissed that day.
11. When it comes, it means Michigan must now go cold and dark, if I wanted to live in Alaska then I would be there making snow angels with Sarah Palin, but that's not the case.

I'll stop there. So with that list of pros and cons of snow, I guess its safe to say snow is a bad, bad thing. Feel free to comment with anything you'd like to add to this list. =D

happily never after.

Its that time of year again, when all of the lovey dovey couples find it necessary to hand hold and snoogle one another each and every second. This doesnt make us singles very happy, in fact it's very much annoying. The holidays can eat you alive if you're alone, so I am declaring a rule.

Rule: No PDA during the winter holidays, please.

It's the gift giving, the cuddling by the fireplace, making a snowman together, the annoying laughter while he holds onto you on the sled, cooking thanksgiving dinner together, and my least favorite; coordinating sweaters.

If I have to hear "he's my prince charming", "I've never been happier", or the over used marketed phrase "love is in the air", one more time then I'm going to go insane. Call me pessimistic, call me cynical, call me what you will, but spare me and save the public romance for warmer months.

simplicity was key.

Remember when everything came easy? Life's biggest dilemma was getting cooties at recess or your Mom not letting you eat a cookie before dinner. Those were the days. Now those "troubles" are replaced with bills, scandals, full time jobs, and college careers. I remember being in middle school and dreaming about college and when I could move out, now I dream about being in middle school again and living rent free with a hot meal every night. The way life evolves is just fascinating, depressing, and awakening. What I wouldnt give just to be that carefree and imaginative again. It's like one day your jumping on the bed and the next you wake up wondering where time went. Time doesnt just fly when your having fun, time flies. It is the one luxury NOONE can ever have, I guess with that comes comfort. At least we know we're not alone, we all can relate to this, can feel the anguish of impossibilities and still feel a few of the benefits of being a "mature, responsible adult." (like staying up late, watching rated R movies, buying cigarettes, freedom in general.) I guess I just wish I was born in year 2958, where my imagined invention of LIFE ON DVD would exist. I could sit on this couch, put in the DVD, and watch how innocent, adorable, naive, and carefree I was...well, we can all wish in one hand and you know what in the other.