tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48901163783940674362024-02-06T18:26:25.069-08:00Jessica Chavez PhotographyThis is my personal journey to becoming a better photographer. My online studio where you can find my learnings, my mistakes and learn more about me. Join me to find beauty in ordinary places and capture important moments in my clients/friends lives :)Jessica Chavezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429121983572369812noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890116378394067436.post-32201107305171268452012-08-10T18:56:00.005-07:002012-08-10T18:56:53.912-07:00Chic Magazine Cover ContestIn the middle of re-branding I found a really cool online magazine called <a href="https://chiccritiqueforum.com/">Chic Critique</a>. This site is an amazing resource for women who love photography. Their articles are very helpful and inspiring. So when I found out they were having a contest to find a new image for their cover I went through my files and searched for an image I love.<br />
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It was really harder than I thought because I am emotionally attached to all my photos; I know the stories behind the shots, I have an affection for those who have stood in front of my camera trusting me to get an image that represents who they are. I enjoy every part of job and leaving my feelings aside for this was not easy.<br />
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Thank you to my lovely model for letting me submit her photo to this contest, for letting me share her beauty with the world.<br />
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Happy Friday!! </div>
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xoxo</div>Jessica Chavezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429121983572369812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890116378394067436.post-30424254042955876232012-04-30T22:30:00.002-07:002012-04-30T22:30:27.397-07:00A weekend to rememberHow lovely it is to spend time with family. Amazing what a weekend can do to a person's heart, what it can do to my heart. It took a couple of days to rekindle a fire that slowly was burning down; life got in the way and I lost sight of the end of the road, I forgot to look up and remember the darkest hour of the night lets us know that daylight is almost here.<br />
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A long drive as a passenger gave me time to talk to God and listen to His voice, ask and wait for answers. I find it amusing that His timing is not my timing and for that I am grateful because when I get my answer I know that God send it to me.<br />
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The faith of a 9 year old boy reminded me there is no way age has to do with how big our faith is. Only God can give you that faith. How can a small kid have such a big and beautiful heart? I have the blessing of having him as my cousin and I want to have his faith when I grow up.<br />
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Getting older sometimes makes you forget what illusion feels like; what it is like to feel butterflies in your stomach when something makes you happy. My 12 year old teenage cousin reminded me this weekend how beautiful it feels to get excited for even the littlest of things; her lovely smile gave me courage to dream big again and the need to feel thrilled about my work.<br />
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What a difference a weekend makes in a person's life, what a difference it made in my life. I am forever grateful of the beautiful family I am blessed with, I cannot wait to see how you keep challenging me to become a better person.<br />
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<br />Jessica Chavezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429121983572369812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890116378394067436.post-90053181506471810502012-04-10T13:39:00.000-07:002012-04-10T13:39:07.750-07:00Day 6 - Vlog Challenge<br />
Happy Monday everyone!!<br />
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I hope you had an amazing Easter weekend with your family and friends :)<br />
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If you asked yourself if I continued with the Vlog Challenge, the answer is yes!! The bad thing is that I've been bad at keeping you posted with the videos as days go by. The first series that I started with this videos is about Branding, we have covered everything from getting to know yourself before even starting to think how you want your logo or website to look like; creating concepts for your new branding; looking for a designer that fits your style and budget; approached social media and our influence in our readers/followers; and today we talked about service, how you approach your clients and follow up with them through your work and after it.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/40099392?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="400"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/40099392">Day 6 - Branding'Service'</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/jessicachavez">Jessica Chavez</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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If you want to see the rest of the videos feel free to go over to my Vimeo website and look around, you can access here ---> <a href="http://vimeo.com/jessicachavez">http://vimeo.com/jessicachavez</a><br />
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Oh! And while you are there please ask them why in the world is this image of me as the cover image???Jessica Chavezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429121983572369812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890116378394067436.post-8638018936252229172012-04-03T17:16:00.000-07:002012-04-03T17:16:42.765-07:00Challenge Accepted!5 days ago one of my Facebook friends posted a link to a 30 day Vlog challenge (a vlog is a short video posted on a blog), but before jumping in I needed to think about it because it would mean a lot of work because one of the rules of the challenge is that the content of these entries has to have good content, meaning that it has to inspire, give some insight or share some knowledge to the audience. I really liked this rule because it would really make me think about the content and challenge me to give you interesting topics for you to leave this blog with something.<br />
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So here's my video for Day 1. I hope you enjoy this 30 days as much as me! If you have any specific topics you would like to see on the vlog, feel free to leave a comment!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/39683595?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="400"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/39683595">Vlog Challenge - Day 1</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/jessicachavez">Jessica Chavez</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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Happy Tuesday!!<br />
<br />Jessica Chavezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429121983572369812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890116378394067436.post-64190032040703937382012-04-02T12:01:00.000-07:002012-04-02T12:04:49.664-07:00I want to go to Seattle!!! + Jumping in on a ChallengeToday is the last day to submit a video for <a href="http://jasminestarblog.com/">Jasmine Star</a>'s new upcoming course with<a href="http://www.creativelive.com/"> CreativeLive</a>. Though I already tweeted my video, I haven't posted it here in the blog and what better day than today.<br />
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I had a hard time making up my mind, because when I first saw it announced in J*'s blog I got excited and then got nervous. Here I had another opportunity to actually step out of my comfort zone and DO this video. The first video I ever made was for her first CreativeLive course in 2010 and that didn't got selected. At first I was a a little disappointed, but then I realized it was a good thing because I had just started my business and I didn't have something to share with the attendants.<br />
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Fast forward two years later and I'm here again trying to get a spot in one of her courses, but this time I feel more confident, I've been in the industry for two long years of experience and even though there are still tons of things I need to learn, I feel this time I have a little something to share.<br />
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Wish me luck! I really hope I get to be in Seattle with Jasmine Star, JD and the amazing CreativeLive crew!!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/39560249?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="400"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/39560249">J*, CreativeLive, Candy and Spirit Fingers 2.0</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/jessicachavez">Jessica Chavez</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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Happy Monday!!<br />
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PS. I might or might not have accepted a <a href="http://30dayvlogchallenge.com/guidelines/">30 day Vlog challenge</a>... tune in tomorrow to see :)Jessica Chavezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429121983572369812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890116378394067436.post-50516568827674856642012-03-18T23:45:00.000-07:002012-03-18T23:45:46.809-07:00The AssignmentI don't even remember how I stumbled on Lukas VanDyke's blog. Fast forward a couple of months later I had the pleasure of meeting a lovely girl called Susannah Green VanDyke at a P31 party and when she mentioned her last name I remembered the connection! We chatted a little and told her how much I loved a video they have were they use a typewriter!<br />
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Last week they posted a photography assignment and even though it was a cold, windy day, I convinced my best friend to be my model and I had fun photographing her. You can see the original post <a href="http://www.lukasvandyke.com/blog/2012/how-to-frame-pose-for-portraits-a-free-mentor-session/">here</a>.<br />
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1.b
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2.a
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2.b
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2.c
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3.a
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3.b
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3.c
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3.d
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3.e
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3.f
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3.g
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3.h
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOoSDWBxPcqCTEOv6IXA-S_0w1_jINh5RO0OEz8NusegKTqNWDnxuqXjiIH_osU1l-xYDlW_4VOhHSn2QdBG6oRCIFNM_HT1rtzJwk-n1B2fgZYD8vPbeMPe0n6EfQ0OLpkUCwx9AvwENl/s1600/2012-03-18_021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOoSDWBxPcqCTEOv6IXA-S_0w1_jINh5RO0OEz8NusegKTqNWDnxuqXjiIH_osU1l-xYDlW_4VOhHSn2QdBG6oRCIFNM_HT1rtzJwk-n1B2fgZYD8vPbeMPe0n6EfQ0OLpkUCwx9AvwENl/s400/2012-03-18_021.jpg" width="269" /></a></div>
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4.a
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilvg5x8i1YtJ8inxcNrclDCkWuR_VeboV2_fnwR-w5CK8f45rXnOdbBFdC_pxuk_GGoBbxcJAd6sYWjeFvj-jsMsLwVYp60sR_Ow-yj1Q9bR4_-77V1oWQHk8vh1B3xlYHudsQEipbH8ki/s1600/2012-03-18_023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilvg5x8i1YtJ8inxcNrclDCkWuR_VeboV2_fnwR-w5CK8f45rXnOdbBFdC_pxuk_GGoBbxcJAd6sYWjeFvj-jsMsLwVYp60sR_Ow-yj1Q9bR4_-77V1oWQHk8vh1B3xlYHudsQEipbH8ki/s400/2012-03-18_023.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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4.b1
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRLVJO2DzUR3Zj7IYJ-b1O0LkLVPh7W5Sx-k2GILaF-wPD3j7AL6_rmzzDlRSvkO6JWOer0yxkXLSm8di35ahZscN6TccNl7nXu-ZPNuBRcBnb4GOBdR9NdUg_BP_K-kBt2GsxI78B_Xz7/s1600/2012-03-18_024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRLVJO2DzUR3Zj7IYJ-b1O0LkLVPh7W5Sx-k2GILaF-wPD3j7AL6_rmzzDlRSvkO6JWOer0yxkXLSm8di35ahZscN6TccNl7nXu-ZPNuBRcBnb4GOBdR9NdUg_BP_K-kBt2GsxI78B_Xz7/s400/2012-03-18_024.jpg" width="269" /></a></div>
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4.b2
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyL1IV44DtZmoDYCPi8wG84fpg-vYugUB8eqGQ18jk6upi2zfWQRYiLLYu_dvBeVuXzf9rWPfYtVWTcT14p03Xpb_fN7qba7bdT26Ub5z9lh8MAAsYNGposJNHdUwLCVaryb5nrAa0DQC5/s1600/2012-03-18_025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyL1IV44DtZmoDYCPi8wG84fpg-vYugUB8eqGQ18jk6upi2zfWQRYiLLYu_dvBeVuXzf9rWPfYtVWTcT14p03Xpb_fN7qba7bdT26Ub5z9lh8MAAsYNGposJNHdUwLCVaryb5nrAa0DQC5/s400/2012-03-18_025.jpg" width="269" /></a></div>
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5.1
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfnVCLpJH-CZfHK_85Xmsntt_dKu3nQzq5RfhP1Ekvn57Lh-6D1OeuiSLM2S6cExqsJIqzSFu9WWKbsNzGUPqQmvFxkiWNOqJrGnqNtDYHQnIZ6rFqXoxGtbVBXvtyTBAycYNJb1cLtkB7/s1600/2012-03-18_026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfnVCLpJH-CZfHK_85Xmsntt_dKu3nQzq5RfhP1Ekvn57Lh-6D1OeuiSLM2S6cExqsJIqzSFu9WWKbsNzGUPqQmvFxkiWNOqJrGnqNtDYHQnIZ6rFqXoxGtbVBXvtyTBAycYNJb1cLtkB7/s400/2012-03-18_026.jpg" width="269" /></a></div>
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5.2
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_LvXbhK2OeCnDqoFBiJ7W1yh6IuUbL8tS6ykbZQGeqkaIWvpILD-1PxgrexwciVRqoV4jykHniwTlTlNyt3mQFAZFfZws2SeTsQW0At4Gm4v5scpJbeNTXu7TbudxvnT_RM8g-9y72jz6/s1600/2012-03-18_027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_LvXbhK2OeCnDqoFBiJ7W1yh6IuUbL8tS6ykbZQGeqkaIWvpILD-1PxgrexwciVRqoV4jykHniwTlTlNyt3mQFAZFfZws2SeTsQW0At4Gm4v5scpJbeNTXu7TbudxvnT_RM8g-9y72jz6/s400/2012-03-18_027.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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5.3
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjflH3P7f5XFTb6gKt_8qZH7-DrZjVshUY7gHCyKS5YmLbfzCjKqg2_4iWSi-n6UDXuTYflmIZBpTrd5M_K8vLG8Y_D3ZRm8it2VbtddFptLNOmh0PPG9VmV8U3Rhkz7bRaUvrhsEceUN8h/s1600/2012-03-18_028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjflH3P7f5XFTb6gKt_8qZH7-DrZjVshUY7gHCyKS5YmLbfzCjKqg2_4iWSi-n6UDXuTYflmIZBpTrd5M_K8vLG8Y_D3ZRm8it2VbtddFptLNOmh0PPG9VmV8U3Rhkz7bRaUvrhsEceUN8h/s400/2012-03-18_028.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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5.4
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUN3P_DHVchcZGg63FtPmp3biwx4axWgiGKP8KDc7Y6Qm31_G7JkSwTK3YLcMn__cxWnJOX43F_OqVLDD24LN7t7UzGMIk6wGK4z44NayAJrT9VV7A7nYd1jTCYF1NOkmEIdmRhQcZORl8/s1600/2012-03-18_030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUN3P_DHVchcZGg63FtPmp3biwx4axWgiGKP8KDc7Y6Qm31_G7JkSwTK3YLcMn__cxWnJOX43F_OqVLDD24LN7t7UzGMIk6wGK4z44NayAJrT9VV7A7nYd1jTCYF1NOkmEIdmRhQcZORl8/s400/2012-03-18_030.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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So did I have a gorgeous girl to model for me or what?? Thanks Sis for helping me out!
Happy Sunday!!Jessica Chavezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429121983572369812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890116378394067436.post-72277974829853472312012-03-02T19:04:00.001-08:002012-03-02T19:07:12.302-08:00Permission to be BOLD<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">L</span></b>ast week I was getting ready to go to Vegas for <a href="http://www.wppionline.com/">WPPI</a> (an annual photographers convention), I was finalizing the details with some of my photographer friends to have them as guests during the week I would be absent. I asked 6 amazing, beautiful, God-loving girls to share something with you; I wanted them to share what was in their heart at the moment and their entries literally changed my life! Thank you girls!!!<br />
<br />
I read each and everyone of the words in the documents they sent me, and I have to say that I was amazed, grateful, blessed by their hearts. I have only met these girls online in the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pursuit31">Pursuit 31</a> community on Facebook, and yet with the way they opened their hearts to me and to you out there reading this, I felt I knew them for a very long time. They talked openly about their faith, how they are trusting God to do great things in their business, and right then and there I felt I was letting them down. The pain grew bigger when God helped me realize that I was letting Him down too.<br />
<br />
I left for Vegas, but my heart was pleading for a way to make things better. I didn't want to hide my love for my God, I wanted to be transparent in my blog posts, I wanted to be able to write freely and openly about my struggles, my joys, my ups and downs, my blessings and my learnings along this way, but I knew I couldn't do it alone. I prayed for an answer and what I didn't know is that my prayer was going to be answered the week I came back home.<br />
<br />
Yesterday I was blessed enough to be part of a big announcement from a photographer who I admire, not only for her work, but also for the way she writes boldly about her relationship with God. That girl is Scarlett Lillian, from Scarlett loves Stephen photographers. I "met" (read stalked) her blog, her Facebook and after being part of a webinar her husband hosted last year, I was more interested in really knowing her.<br />
<br />
Scarlett published a book in which she shares her heart, her prayers, her journey through building a photography business with God as her CEO. There as I was still lying in bed in the morning I jumped out and turned my computer on to witness a new chapter in her life. I watched the video, read her welcome letter and tears filled my eyes because she was giving me something I longed for, permission to be bold like her and write my heart out for everyone to read.<br />
<br />
Even though this post is getting long, I want to thank Scarlett for sharing her heart like this, for pushing the bar higher in our relationship with God; I want to thank her husband Stephen too, because he's been an incredible man standing behind her, encouraging her to get closer to her Heavenly Father and to publish this book. I am blessed to be able to share this with you! I hope to meet you soon and have an authentic Mexican dinner!<br />
<br />
Without further due, here I share with you a video where Scarlett herself tells you about her book.<br />
Don't forget to visit <a href="http://www.choosecommitprosper.com/">www.choosecommitprosper.com </a>Enjoy!!<br />
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<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="225" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/37342011?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="400"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/37342011">Promo video for the book Prosper by Scarlett Lillian</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/scarlettlillian">Scarlett & Stephen</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.Jessica Chavezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429121983572369812noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890116378394067436.post-3854747799110942942012-02-28T09:12:00.000-08:002012-02-28T09:12:41.144-08:00Coloring outside de lines<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5AE0pxIGCFaLtN24WMVh7G29wdryFRLJDMou20cilrvKq-5ID9ED3i04UamzMAKCdVT7MCG-C1HGBMgmNhHkoSQBFysDAoeyUkp6ZLTFrXTajzfEngxM4hEaNcaSAT3iHkCSOli8rbfYs/s1600/IMG_2700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5AE0pxIGCFaLtN24WMVh7G29wdryFRLJDMou20cilrvKq-5ID9ED3i04UamzMAKCdVT7MCG-C1HGBMgmNhHkoSQBFysDAoeyUkp6ZLTFrXTajzfEngxM4hEaNcaSAT3iHkCSOli8rbfYs/s200/IMG_2700.jpg" width="124" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Brandy Kiger is a photojournalist and wedding photographer
based in Bellingham, Washington. She specializes in honest, documentary photography,
is completely addicted to coffee, loves rainy days and is a wannabe runner.</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
___ <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
When I was small, nothing satisfied me more than spending
time with my 96-color Crayola set (with the built-in sharpener) and a stack of
blank paper. I would meticulously sharpen the molded wax to a point, sit on the
linoleum in my grandmother’s kitchen or curl up next to her coffee table while she
watched her soaps and scribble away. I could go for hours as long as the paper
was blank, ideas spilling out of my head in robin’s egg blue and wild
strawberry. Coloring books bored me and I couldn’t get lost in their pages like
some children do. Five minutes and I was done. I’m not sure how many
half-heartedly started coloring books there were during my childhood years. I
just remember that at some point my parents made a decision to no longer buy
them for me. And that was fine. I wanted
to create my own world from my own design, and I was obstinate about it. I was
an artist, and I wanted what I worked on to be mine. <br />
<br />
While none of my rudimentary drawings will ever be considered masterpieces or
hang in a gallery other than on my grandmother’s refrigerator, I learned an
important thing from all those years spent with my Crayolas and paper – as an
artist, you can’t color inside someone else’s lines and remain content. Sure,
they are good places to start, to get an idea for composition and layout, and
maybe even ideas as to where to go next, but ultimately, you’ll reach the last
page and then what? You have a book full of prettily colored pages, but nothing
original or unique to show for your time. And then, where does your vision come
from?<br />
<br />
I left my crayons and pens and pencils behind and picked up a camera when I was
in college. I found my passion as an artist then, and I’ve been working at it
ever since. I’ve spent time studying others’ work, pushing my own limits and
finding my own vision for my career. And, as I’ve grown in my new medium, I’ve
found that there are two things you need to continue to move forward as an
artist: time and freedom. Both can be difficult to manage and obtain, but both
are crucial to your growth and creativity.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Sometimes as photographers we get caught up in spending all
our time maintaining websites, cataloging files, and reaching out to clients
that we forget why we do what we do in the first place. We forget that we are
artists first and business people second. And that’s when our creativity begins
to die. Ruts happen. We lose sight of our vision. We keep going straight when
maybe we should have taken a left or right; anything to pull us off the beaten
path; and we end up with lost vision.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
That’s where the time factor comes in. Once you’re out of
school, out of that environment that focuses you and challenges you, you’re on
your own and it’s hard. It’s essential that you make your growth as an artist a
priority over the growth of your business, because if you don’t, neither will
survive. Business relies on being fresh, being appealing to your audience. So
it’s essential that you make time for yourself, make time for your art, to try
and be a better photographer tomorrow than you are today. And, you’re going to
have to fight to make time to explore your art, to push yourself, because no
one else is going to do it for you, and there will always, always, always be
something else that needs to be done right that minute trying to steal you
away. So, be firm with yourself, and stick to it. For me, that means giving
myself an assignment and then following through on it (that last part is
critical). I even make sure someone else holds me accountable if I think I’m
going to struggle with completing it. It doesn’t matter what you do, it just
matters that you make time for you and your camera to hang out without business
being the objective. Consider it quality time for your art. <br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And then, give yourself permission to fail. This is one of
the greatest things I’ve learned as an artist, and I’m still learning it. Too
often we take ourselves too seriously as artists, but in reality it’s okay to
completely screw it up. To miss the point. To end up with something completely,
outrageously different than what you had thought you would. In fact, that might
be exactly what you want to happen. Exactly what you <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">need</i> to happen. It might revolutionize your entire vision, or it
might just kickstart you out of that rut you’ve worked your way into. What’s that
saying? Rome wasn’t built in a day? Well, neither were Pulitzers won on the
first frame or shutter click. Trial and error is key to developing your style,
to finding who you are as a photographer. You’re going to go through a lot of
memory cards and/or rolls of film before you know who you are as an artist, and
it will take just as many, if not double or triple that, to maintain and
progress your vision. So don’t be afraid. Just roll with it, and if it doesn’t
turn out right the first twenty times, try once more and see what happens.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To be honest, I’m not great at either of these things yet. In
fact, more often than not, I fail. But I keep trying and I think that is nearly
as important as actually doing it. I want to be better at what I do and I want
my vision to be huge for the future, so I push forward, making time to play and
giving myself permission to color outside the lines, even if I don’t end up
with what I intended. Art is, after all, a process, not a product. So take your
blank page and run with it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Love, Brandy<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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PS: Feeling a little stale? Here are a few suggestions to
jumpstart you into some quality time with your camera: <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span>30-day photo challenge – Take a new photo with
your camera every day & SHARE it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span>Use a setting on your camera that you’ve never
used before – learn it and then commit yourself to using only that setting for a
week<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span>Begin a personal project – Find something that
you are passionate about, and structure a project around it<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span>If you’re a people photographer (seniors,
weddings, portraits), do a series on still lifes or landscapes, and vice-versa<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span>Join a photography group <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span>Find something ordinary in your home (a coffee
cup, a bottle, a necklace) and find a way to photograph it beautifully.<o:p></o:p></div>Jessica Chavezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429121983572369812noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890116378394067436.post-66494350212298989002012-02-24T08:00:00.000-08:002012-02-24T08:00:03.542-08:00My Biggest Obstacle Was Me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCkfCooZswhUsIxVav_eKB8MTpZ6wjXcgiO9Ay8M9gqxhEOj4zFQd5a1FnoepuF9JGbytfBqR7ZOmCNuij9oOFsoqyNKX5zlHppt5vEh2aC3MTEXjpPh4BjvOrJCsq1GkCpKF2yTuSCgMN/s1600/Nic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCkfCooZswhUsIxVav_eKB8MTpZ6wjXcgiO9Ay8M9gqxhEOj4zFQd5a1FnoepuF9JGbytfBqR7ZOmCNuij9oOFsoqyNKX5zlHppt5vEh2aC3MTEXjpPh4BjvOrJCsq1GkCpKF2yTuSCgMN/s200/Nic.jpg" width="123" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br />
<div style="line-height: 17px;">
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<div style="line-height: 17px;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
Nicole:</div>
<div style="line-height: 17px;">
"I love God. I love to serve. My husband is my best friend and the most amazing man I have ever met. I love being a mom to 5 {yes five} super sweet and super sassy kids. I am a fashion junkie that loves wine, cupcakes and game night. I also have a serious addiction to handbags and shoes and think I passed those traits onto my girls. I am a fashion inspired, urban couture wedding, commercial and lifestyle photographer based in sunny San Diego. I have the best job in the world and I love being in love with life."</div>
<div style="line-height: 17px;">
___</div>
<div style="line-height: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 17px;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">W</span></b>hen I first started my business,
I knew that with every fiber of my being that I could make it work. My biggest
obstacle was… Where do I start? I knew what I liked, but at the time I thought
I didn’t possess the technical skills to pull it off. I had ideas about what I
wanted to do, and the services I wanted to provide, but ended up spending hours
and hours researching and wading through endless options that would work for
me. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
There were workshops, inspiration
blogs, people that the photography industry said were the IT photographers
showing me what was popular. There were even photographers in my area that were
always busy with work. I questioned their how’s and what’s, wondering what they
were doing and secretly banging my head against my desk wishing I could just
figure their secrets out. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Fast forward to a year and a half
into my business, I finally had a little bit of experience, some technical know
how and a whole lot of ambition. In January 2009 I attended my first “Spread
the Love Workshop” in Washington DC put on by <a href="http://www.justinmarantz.com/">Justin and Mary Marantz</a> . In the span of two days, they revolutionized the way
that I thought about my business and myself. I had it all backwards. I thought
that I needed to chase what other people were doing and shooting. To recreate
their styles to gain clients and grow. In truth, J&M showed me that I just
needed to start shooting and showing what “I” wanted to do! I needed to define
who I was as an artist, what my loves were, and what I was passionate about
shooting. I needed to be unafraid of myself and if people would like my work.
It wasn’t an epiphany so much as the freedom that I found to just be me. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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My transition was slow, not an
overnight turning point. I had spent so many hours defining who I thought I
should be, I had to take a step back and analyze what made me tick. Where did I
really want to take my business? What steps would lead me there? What did I
want to shoot? How did I want my brand to be viewed? How on earth would I start
saying no to the people and projects that I didn’t want to do? <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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After I quit psycho analyzing
myself and beating myself up about all of the things that I was doing wrong, I
needed a starting point to move forward. I wanted to play on the things I
thought I was doing right. First off, I am super shy. If we meet up in a group…I’m
the tall girl standing by the dessert table, most likely with a cupcake in
hand. I have always been that way. I knew that I was great at making
connections and developing those relationships one on one, but group settings
did, {and to be perfectly honest} still do trigger a major panic attack. I
needed to step out of my comfort zone and start developing group relationships
and personal genuine ones. I needed to be a more confident version of myself to
market me. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Sounds scary, right? But it
wasn’t. I gave it to God. I trusted that He would provide the encouragement
that I needed to meet new people, to give me the words in new situations and
that the things that I was good at would work in my favor even on a larger
scale. <o:p></o:p></div>
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If I can share just two things
with you, it would be to just be yourself and to genuinely invest in others.
Invest in their lives and in their businesses. Find ways that you can help them
without expecting anything in return. They will see you for the kind, caring
person that you are. Not the one that is trying to be something that you are
not. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Just be you! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Check out Nicole's work! Visit her website <a href="http://www.nicolebenitez.com/">www.nicolebenitez.com</a> </div>
</div>Jessica Chavezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429121983572369812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890116378394067436.post-5533970113482679072012-02-23T09:58:00.000-08:002012-02-23T10:12:29.570-08:00How many hats can one head hold?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnRi5Fs2rvvJIkuj3SiFdFfdWjsLkW0X1aHKFfjJYxUi8EkgGz9w5qPQjVmBD5-gnwgwlrCuRQlZU5B2uuH_zqju_JR5OdNmmvtg9JTqz5KG9rZjrdi9CVudleWR5NxpdQAaIsQODAW2AP/s1600/amber.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnRi5Fs2rvvJIkuj3SiFdFfdWjsLkW0X1aHKFfjJYxUi8EkgGz9w5qPQjVmBD5-gnwgwlrCuRQlZU5B2uuH_zqju_JR5OdNmmvtg9JTqz5KG9rZjrdi9CVudleWR5NxpdQAaIsQODAW2AP/s200/amber.jpg" width="114" /></a></div>
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By Amber Knauss </div>
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Amber Knauss is a mom, a wife, a photographer, a probation officer, but first and foremost is a Christian. She loves classic movies and the style and grace of old Hollywood, and is an avid reader. Amber is the owner of Golightly Images and loves doing fun photo sessions and creating lovely images for families. </div>
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___</div>
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<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">O</span></b>verwhelmed:
The dictionary describes it as to overcome completely in mind or feeling; to cover or bury with a mass of something. For an example, see picture of
author. Or go look in the mirror. I’m making an educated guess that I am not
alone in this feeling. The problem, for
me, isn’t that I <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">CAN’T</b> say no, it’s
that I <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">DON’T WANT</b> to say no. I truly want to take pictures of a beautiful
wedding day. I want, with my hearts
greatest desire, to be the best mom and wife I can be. I want to help out with my kids school
activities. I want to create lasting
images for families. I want to be the
best employee I can be. So I end up
juggling too many hats and become a jack of all trades, expert at none. Perhaps learning to say no would help this
outcome, but then I don’t think I would be living life to it’s fullest, and I
wouldn’t be taking advantage of all the desires God has placed in my
heart. </div>
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How
many hats do you wear? Mom? Wife?
Sister, daughter, friend, confidant, artist, photographer? Any many more. Philippians 4:13 tells us “I can do all
things thru Christ who gives me strength”.
I believe we can juggle all the hats that God puts in our heart to wear,
IF we wear one hat first. And that hat
is Christian. If we put God first,
everything else will fall into place.
Romans 4:20 states that “yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding
the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God”. Matthew 6:33 tells us to “seek ye first the
kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto
you”. </div>
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Being
overwhelmed is not a new concept. In
biblical days, did the women not juggle more than we could ever handle in one
day? They didn’t have the conveniences
of electricity or grocery stores, or running water. If they needed food, they had to plant it,
grow it, harvest it, cook it. And God
promised that if we put Him first, everything else will fall into place. I’m not here today to tell you to learn to
say no. I’m simply going to suggest that
we learn to put God first, and then everything else will fall into place. The
will of God will never take you where the grace of God will not protect you.</div>
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<br /></div>
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You can check out her blog and portfolio at <a href="http://www.golightlyimages.com/">www.golightlyimages.com</a> or follow
her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/golightlyimages</div>
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<br /></div>Jessica Chavezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429121983572369812noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890116378394067436.post-5057731310257028552012-02-22T08:00:00.000-08:002012-02-22T08:00:01.718-08:00Faith on our Heavenly Father<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTYbhNEVngGPzJgq3RsrP4C6gBDVCSD_jNeLZl3-D59BNu6U3mvLYyMMldLNOmEoqeVQgy_T6azP6vY-PJTykuG4mvhx3GffLXsbg7N13AgFcG8WbY0BQoP7hFGsPfZxVCskycMwv9BohO/s1600/Screen-Shot-2012-02-18-at-8.45.33-AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTYbhNEVngGPzJgq3RsrP4C6gBDVCSD_jNeLZl3-D59BNu6U3mvLYyMMldLNOmEoqeVQgy_T6azP6vY-PJTykuG4mvhx3GffLXsbg7N13AgFcG8WbY0BQoP7hFGsPfZxVCskycMwv9BohO/s200/Screen-Shot-2012-02-18-at-8.45.33-AM.jpg" width="123" /></a></div>
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By Rachelle Chase<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13pt;">Rachelle Chase has been
married to her high school sweetheart for 12 years and has 2 boys. She lives in
NH where she is a homeschooling mom, professional photographer and with her
husband runs a not-for-profit youth center that she and her husband started.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13pt;">____<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13pt;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">H</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13pt;">ave you ever watched a
2-year-old eat an ice cream cone outside on a hot day?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13pt;">If you have, you are
picturing the complete and utter mess that comes about half way through that
dessert!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13pt;">The ice cream is melting
down his face, and the sticky mess is all over his chubby little fingers! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13pt;">If you have ever been a
random spectator of this, you have probably thought.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13pt;">Oh. my. Goodness. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13pt;">That kid is a hot mess!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13pt;">What is that car going to
look like on the way home? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13pt;">And that shirt? Well you
might as well throw it away!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13pt;">Now picture the same
scenario. But this time? You are the mother.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13pt;">A warm day is finally here
after a week of rain, and you are taking your little boy...the absolute love of
your life...out for a treat. A special treat that doesn't just happen every
day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13pt;">Same exact scenario, but
for some reason, you aren't thinking for one second about his shirt, sticky
face or messy car! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13pt;">You can not believe how
his big blue eyes are sparkling with joy! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13pt;">You don't remember ever
realizing how much he looks like his daddy when he laughs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13pt;">And you love that those
sticky fingers are reaching for your face!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13pt;">This is your baby. And you
love this boy more than life itself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13pt;">Cleaning up a mess is
nothing at all to you, and you would gladly clean him up a million times just
to see this look on his face!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13pt;">I was thinking of this in
relation to my Heavenly Father. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13pt;">Sometimes as I am going
through my life, I think...wow. I have really made a mess of this situation! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13pt;">Or, maybe...I have really
made a mess of my <b>life</b>!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13pt;">What is God thinking of me
right now? How can I even pray? He probably can't even stand to look at me
right now! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13pt;">And in those times, I back
away from God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13pt;">While there are times in
our lives that sin separates us from a close relationship with God, I think
that usually He is looking at us just like we would look at our messy sticky
little boy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13pt;">Maybe he is shaking his
head, laughing and saying...there's my girl again! Making a mess! I love to see
her laugh like that! I love her so much. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13pt;">I love how 1 John 3:1 puts
it when it says “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we
should be called the children of God.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13pt;">See that? He is our Father
who is lavishing love <u>all over us</u>! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13pt;">Crazy love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13pt;">So the next time you are
tempted to back away from your Father after a time where you think that you
have made way too big of a mess?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13pt;">Stop and think it over. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13pt;">Realize that your Father
is totally in love with you and does not mind one bit cleaning up after your
mess. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13pt;">And instead of backing
away - run to Him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Check out Rachelle’s work at <o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
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<a href="http://www.rachellechasephotography.com/"><u style="text-underline: #2C458B;"><span style="color: #2c458b; font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 11pt;">www.rachellechasephotography.com</span></u><o:p></o:p></a></div>
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<br /></div>Jessica Chavezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429121983572369812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890116378394067436.post-10874801644970437962012-02-21T08:00:00.000-08:002012-02-21T08:00:01.980-08:00My big grain of salt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY5OSsrnI7_Tpnr-VmSlRawaQMaHM7pR17LttfwatKpOUL5-3fqaVcWSUy_LacoTDBgWl5r9NAPc9Nz572tSxM-gLrB6laLdluk2wo9Flbp7wIokYdzyRx9b9xI7hqBj4lSn-BIQuLoxOg/s1600/IMG_2896-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY5OSsrnI7_Tpnr-VmSlRawaQMaHM7pR17LttfwatKpOUL5-3fqaVcWSUy_LacoTDBgWl5r9NAPc9Nz572tSxM-gLrB6laLdluk2wo9Flbp7wIokYdzyRx9b9xI7hqBj4lSn-BIQuLoxOg/s200/IMG_2896-2.jpg" width="123" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">By Edith Taylor<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Edith:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“I am a very short, overly
energetic yet kinda awkward small town girl from Oregon. I carry an
overwhelming joy in my heart brought forth by God’s grace, blessings & the
love of my husband. I fell hard & fast for my husband after we reconnected
& 3 months later agreeing to marrying the boy who used to live next door.
We live in a small farmhouse neighboring our landlords beef cattle, with our
dog Moose who is our child. Although I was not raised on a farm, I am a total
small town, country, hay lovin, lemonade in a used mason jar kinda girl.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>A</b>lthough I carry the title of
photographer, I use that word very delicately as I am aware that I am
constantly growing in this art which requires much dedication, time &
appreciation. Although I did everything completely backwards, it has taught me
so much about the proper means to titling yourself a photographer & growing
my admiration for true artists. Being a photographer is so much fun. It is an
explosion of creative beauty. I love seeing my dreams & visions come to
life before me. My heart unfolding in each photo, as I totally fall for my
clients. Art runs through my veins, my heart, my soul & photography is the
outlet I was created for.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This being said…there is a
reason that one should be legitimately experienced before running a business.
Being a photographer comes with extremely hard work, disappointment, so much
time away from family I can’t even stress it, missing most of your summer if
you photograph weddings, taxes (be legit, not under the table, the IRS will
find you. I’ve heard stories), late nights, early mornings and a ton of
investment. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There are certain things that
will make the launching of your business less of a self-discovery struggle
& more of an announcement of your arrival. If you pick up a camera, take a
few photos & start a business you will have a long road ahead of you full
of back peddling & restructuring. This is the very brief version of what I
learned about starting a business way before I should have.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1)
Find your style<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Everyone has an opinion on
what is art & what looks good. Spend time realizing (not deciding) what
your style is. I emphasize the YOUR in that. I like bold colors, country
landscapes, old barns, sunsets. My clients love to wear boots, jeans and
sundresses. Almost every session involves the family dog. I am obsessed with
sun flare. I don’t do studio photography & I am always laughing. My style
has a look, a feel, is me at the core.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2)
Find your ideal client<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This will not only help you
build the portfolio you want, but will help you find the clientele you want. I
can shoot big fancy hotel weddings. However, my ideal bride is wearing a
knockout wedding dress in either flats, Justins (cowgirl boots) or converse.
Their venue is a vintage backyard, a beautiful country ranch or something a
little more hippie under an oak tree. The dress is usually semi-formal &
kids are almost always invited. Yes you should be able to shoot everything, but
find out who you LOVE to shoot.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3)
The legal ducks<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I will preach this to the
cows come home. Be legit. I understand doing stuff under the table when
starting is often the norm. However, you want to run an honest business. Pay
your taxes. There are benefits to it. You do get to write a ton of stuff off.
Have your contracts in order. Not only is this important for your clients, but
it protects you. I have heard so many sad stories of people who worked for
friends & family only to be caught in awful situations because there were
no contracts. Make SURE you have model releases! Even if it just a handwritten
note when starting out. You must get their permission to post their photos
online. Verbal is not enough. Learn early on, how & why you should protect
yourself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">4)
Invest wisely, not widely<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We all love to see that
beautiful red strip on our lenses or read the word Nikkor on all of our gear.
Instead of investing in the most expensive gear right off the bat, work up to
it. Although don’t buy the most rock bottom priced gear either. If you don’t know
what you like, rent first. Instead of saving, buying, saving, buying, saving,
buying just save, research (a lot) and buy what you will use now as well as
down the road. So if you want the middle grade lens don’t listen to your inner
child throwing a tantrum & buy the cheap gotta have it now lens. Save up,
spend a few hundred extra & get the lens that you will be happy with for
good amount of time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Once you have discovered who
you are, who your ideal clients are, you understand your equipment, have
experience & get at least most of your legal ducks in a row you get to
launch off on your own. This is where the big grain of salt comes in. When I started
my business, I was in such a rush to making it, I completely lost myself. I let
others call the shots, tell me the best way to operate was, what to charge,
what to sell, what not to sell and everything in between. It’s taken me quit
some time to discover who I was again & who I want my business to be. When
you are deciding the major factors like branding, colors, websites, pricing
(the hardest part) make sure that while you listen to the wise words of
experience, take everything with a grain of salt.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A)
Charge what your worth<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It has taken me a long time
to decide what to charge, what to sell & how to defend it. I hate pricing.
My inner hippie still wants to love on everyone & just give it all away for
free. But that doesn’t keep the lights on so we as artist must charge. I am not
only happy with what I charge, I can explain why I charge what I do with
confidence. I live in a small town so while I do charge enough, I certainly
don’t charge what many do in say Manhattan, New York or San Francisco, California.
I listened to those who kept saying to increase my prices, but did it to a
level that I was proud of while still not undermining myself or paying myself
less than what I was worth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">B)
Smile & nod<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Everyone has an opinion.
Everyone. When I first started I thought my friends who took 800 photos on
their flip phones were totally qualified to tell me what a “good” photograph
was. As you grow you will have lots of people tell you your photos are
incredible, you should have done something different, you should include the
disc, you should sell the disc for $1500, you should do selective coloring (ok
this is not true, don’t do that), you should buy this equipment before buying
that equipment, you should do this & that & this & that. AHHH! My
point is, you are YOU! Listen to what everyone has to say. Listen politely
& openly. Some are right, some are wrong. You are your own person so take
in everything you hear, write it down if it’s easier, and then go over it
little by little. Weigh the wisdom. Slowly narrow it down to what you decide to
let impact your business. Like I said we are all different. Our art is
different. You are different. Make sure that with everything that can &
will come your way does not make you lose yourself. Big grain of salt.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">C)
Know your heart<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Last year I started to change
as a person & as a photographer. I went to an amazing workshop called For
The Love. I was met with a LOT of reflection time. FYI super crucial to staying
true to yourself. There I realized not only who I was as a photographer, but
who I was as a person. Today I walk confidently in the identity that God showed
me that week. I know who I am. I know what I like. When people ask me to do
things that do not coincide with that, I smile, listen, politely explain that
it’s not something that I do & refer them to someone who does. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My name is Edith Taylor. I am
an artist. I am a photographer. I am the only me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: #262626;">Discover who you are. Then open your dreams up to the amazing
possibilities that await you. The true you.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Check out Edith’s work at</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> <a href="http://www.simplykissed.com/">www.simplykissed.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>Jessica Chavezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429121983572369812noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890116378394067436.post-74713580205169297562012-02-20T08:30:00.000-08:002012-02-20T08:30:00.967-08:00Gospel-Centered Business<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">By Bethany Carlson</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Bethany
is an international portrait photographer. She started her photography
business in Asia while living in South Korea. Bethany has photographed clients
from over twelve countries. Bethany focuses her art towards lifestyle
photography of couples. She currently resides in Northern California with
her husband, Tim. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">____</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A</span></b> couple months ago, I reached a point of pure disappointment in my job.
Essentially, my identity was based on how my clients responded to my work and
how many inquiries I received per week. I even allowed bitterness to eat away
at me every time I thought a photographer “stole” my ideas. The result: I
started to not like myself, or my work. It was then that I felt the need to revamp
my business. But it was not a change that I could just edit online. It was
deeper than that. It was something that my heart needed to repent of. My
business was an idol in my life. And I intentionally was leaving Christ out of
it. My heart needed to undergo a solid dose of Gospel-centered rebuke and
redemption. I needed to understand the concept of how when Jesus regenerates
our hearts, He naturally should be in the outflow of everything we do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">One day, I stumbled upon a chapter in Joe Thorn’s book “Note to Self”.
In his discussion on work he states, “You need to see all of life as spiritual,
and your calling or employment as work for God regardless of pay, position or
its connection to the church. In other words, stop treating what you spend the
bulk of your day engaged in as something divorced from God and his work in and
through you”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">I am still a serious work in progress, but by the Grace of God, I
realize that all I do in my business should be Christ-centered, idol
(self)-shattering, sin-exposing and Gospel-Glorifying. Tullian Tchividjian
shares in his book “Jesus + Nothing = Everything” we constantly struggle to put
the Gospel in our daily lives because the Gospel is not about us. How
counter-cultural it is.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">“The gospel doesn’t take you deeper into yourself; the gospel takes you
away from yourself. That’s why Paul reminds the Colossians (and us), ‘You have
died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God’ (3:3). The gospel frees us to
realize that, while we matter, we are not the point.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">So today, I am sharing a list of photography-centered ways I have
started to have a Gospel-centered business. These are not rules, but a set of
guidelines that have helped me in making my business not to bring glory to
Bethany, but to Christ. Although these are written specific to my clients and
my business experience, I hope they could possibly help anyone who struggles
with the same idols that I do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">1)<b> Identity-in-Christ: </b>First and most important ways to keep your
photography business gospel-centered is to keep your heart Gospel-centered.
Reminding yourself daily that your hope, assurance and acceptance is found only
as a daughter (or son) of Christ – and not as a woman (or man) with a camera
job. Photographers struggle with this identity crisis every time they receive
feedback from clients or colleagues. It is a crisis every time you are rejected
by a booking. Or perhaps every time someone “unlikes” your Facebook page. These
are the moments of crisis when you
substantially place your acceptance, identity and worth in something that is
not the Cross. This will sustain you. “And the world is passing away along with
its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” -1 John 2:17.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">2) <b>Maintain a Healthy Friendship with Clients:</b> Some may see this
as “networking” but that’s self-focused and self-serving. Creating an honest
communication with clients from the beginning can create a bond that a lot of
brides hold onto with their photographer. Maintaining a healthy dialogue of
encouragement between yourself and your clients can help create an opportunity
to share your faith. You never know how God could use a “photographer” to bring
a person to Christ. Sow the seeds of Grace. Sow the seeds of Truth. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">3) <b>Don’t Be Bitter, but Forgive: </b>If you have been in the photography
business for more than five minutes, you have been burnt. Most likely, a
colleague has burned you. One day you have a cool friend in the business, the
next day, they stole half your clients. Don’t be bitter. As Christ’s
ambassadors, we are called to respond in a manner that is worthy of worship.
Colossians 3:12-13 “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved,
compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with
one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other;
as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” Don’t be bitter. But
forgive because for crying-out-loud, Jesus forgives us. The more we understand
our need for Forgiveness, the easier it is to forgive in this business. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">4) <b>Branding Your Identity:</b> I made the grave mistake when I was
first starting out my business of focusing my business on me. Without realizing
it, I had actually turned away a lot of people from my business because I did
not have more wisdom in how I shared, what I shared and why I shared the things
I did. My branding was about promoting
me and this ultimately led to my own personal identity crisis. Another
situation occurred with a photographer that I knew of. She wrote on her
Facebook business status about how upset she was to be losing business to
another local photographer who didn’t have any talent. Over a year later, I
still remember that photographer’s remark on her business page and how it left
me feeling so uneasy about her character, despite her website proclaiming her
faith in Jesus. As we market our brand/image, it is important to ask yourself
“Why am I writing this status/blog? Why do I feel like I should share this
particular photo? Is this going to Glorify Christ or is it going to glorify
myself?” The decision you make in your heart will ultimately be the outflow of
how your brand is portrayed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">5) <b>Pray for your Clients’ Marriages:</b> If you have been a wedding
photographer for any given amount of time, you know that you are in a front-row
seat to one of the most intimate moments a couple will ever have – the
proclamation of their vows to God. Although we are not standing by their sides
as bridesmaids per-say, we are witnesses to their vows. I have been in client
meetings where I felt the need to pray for the couple and pray that perhaps I
could share with them. One client meeting, I felt the burden to be honest with
a bride-to-be who was venting about her “situation”. I felt that the Lord was
placing it on my heart to share truth with her. My encouragement ultimately was
not accepted and she decided to no longer have me as her photographer. It is a
moment where I knew that my commitment to Christ was more important than any
wedding gig. Praying for couples before and after marriage is vital in this business.
We see a lot of great and also bad decisions being made. Ultimately, we are
only a vendor. But God can use any situation or prayer to accomplish His will.
Feel peace in His Sovereignty. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Further reading <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">{Note to self by Joe Thorn} <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">{Jesus + nothing = everything by Tullian Tchividjian}<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Get to know Bethany’s work at </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.bethanycarlson.com/"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">www.bethanycarlson.com</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>Jessica Chavezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429121983572369812noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890116378394067436.post-75982013610862588182012-02-20T08:00:00.001-08:002012-02-20T08:00:04.862-08:00WPPI Week!!<br />
Hello!!<br />
<br />
Thanks for stopping by! This week I am in Vegas at <a href="http://www.wppionline.com/">WPPI</a> enjoying and learning from a ton of amazing photographers, which means I won't be blogging this week... however, I invited a couple of very talented girls to be guests in the blog and I am honored they agreed!!<br />
<br />
We are friends from the <a href="http://www.pursuit31.com/">Pursuit 31</a> Community and they are beautiful, talented, God loving girls and I couldn't be happier that they will be sharing their hearts and knowledge with us!! Reading their posts has been very inspirational and very encouraging to me and I hope you like them as well.<br />
<br />
Don't forget to leave them some love in the blog and follow their work afterwards ;)<br />
<br />
Have a Great week!!<br />
JessJessica Chavezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429121983572369812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890116378394067436.post-4565647667723310772012-02-16T08:00:00.000-08:002012-02-19T00:17:21.406-08:00Yosemite National Park - Day4<span id="goog_1774645670"></span><span id="goog_1774645671"></span>
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Welcome Back travelers! After a long break we are back where we left off from my vacation photos from last year (wow, time goes by fast!). Today we head to the beautiful Yosemite National Park, ready? </div>
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Let me start by saying that when I scheduled this tour, I knew we would have to wake up really early and by this day we were going to be tired from walking all over the place, so I cheated a little on telling my family the time the bus was going to pick us up. I was told that the bus would pick us up between 6:00 am and 6:20 am, but I just flat out said 6 because I didn't want us to be late. </div>
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When the bus finally picked us up, we noticed an accent on our driver (not that accents are bad, but curiosity appeared). In our first stop to get breakfast my brothers started talking to him and found out he was from Brazil! That was a very fun fact because my bothers were able to practice their portuguese with a real brazilian. He talked all the way to Yosemite and we heard some really interesting stories as well as the plan for the day.</div>
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First stop the big red oaks</div>
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Next stop, the waterfalls...</div>
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Blue skies and stunning landscapes filled our day :) </div>
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I had a very cute furry model </div>
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Pretty huh? Don't forget to tune in next Thursday to go with me to the Academy of Science and the Japanese Gardens!</div>
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Happy Thursday! </div>Jessica Chavezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429121983572369812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890116378394067436.post-36987118478234675062012-02-15T18:03:00.000-08:002012-02-15T20:03:33.397-08:00After V-DayValentine's Day has come and gone. Many celebrated with their significant other, many decided to hide until the day passed and others, like myself, decided to spend time with good friends over dinner.<br />
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Though marketing sells that this day is only for those who have a couple, let us never forget that we also celebrate friendship and most importantly that we don't need one day to show people we love and care for how we feel about them, how much we appreciate them. To celebrate love we don't need expensive gifts and we don't need a specific day in the calendar; all we need is a little moment each day to say a loving word, writing a sweet note, going an extra mile to show we care.<br />
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And to all my single friends out there, remember that your future spouse is out there getting ready for the time you two meet; don't waist your time and get ready too, you never know when you are meant to meet.<br />
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<span id="goog_223059109"></span><span id="goog_223059110"></span><br />
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Happy Wednesday!! </div>
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Jess</div>Jessica Chavezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429121983572369812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890116378394067436.post-1854235959165292342012-02-13T23:24:00.000-08:002012-02-13T23:25:12.431-08:00Stopping, Regrouping and WPPI :)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">T</span>here are moments in life when you just need to stop, take a step back, regroup and step back up to the stage again. Though I needed a longer regrouping time than I thought, I am back again with batteries fully recharged and ready for what comes ahead!<br />
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Today marks the final countdown to the best wedding photographers conference in the US - <a href="http://www.wppionline.com/">WPPI</a> {Wedding Portrait Photographer International} -. Four more days and I will finally be able to meet my <a href="http://ww.pursuit31.com/">Pursuit 31</a> friends, attend classes from amazing photographers I admire, assist in photo shoots with a very talented couple, walk two huge rooms filled with top vendors in the photography world and much more!! <br />
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If in a single weekend I learned SO much, I can't wait to see what will I learn in a whole week! If you read this and you will be there please leave a comment and let me know, I'd love to meet you!<br />
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Hugs,<br />
Jess<span id="goog_1088254879"></span><span id="goog_1088254880"></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCO57WxPmdFrY3Gps4LiqsSUT_WAyBNiTlfAbdwgk3IrUSxdFu1nLQdn4LUp72trmMGizpKAveyrTsdrWAsRZI0aaIvmLTS9YK2CDARRH6hRor6ztPC1CHzJRikc_Seg7vzEoNUXfjDziz/s1600/Wppi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCO57WxPmdFrY3Gps4LiqsSUT_WAyBNiTlfAbdwgk3IrUSxdFu1nLQdn4LUp72trmMGizpKAveyrTsdrWAsRZI0aaIvmLTS9YK2CDARRH6hRor6ztPC1CHzJRikc_Seg7vzEoNUXfjDziz/s320/Wppi.jpg" width="262" /></a></div>Jessica Chavezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429121983572369812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890116378394067436.post-47738421723491296602011-10-11T23:36:00.000-07:002011-10-11T23:36:38.768-07:00El Anfitrión Ausente / The Missing Host<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<span lang="ES-TRAD">San Francisco Día 3 / Day 3</span><br />
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<span lang="ES-TRAD"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">ES.</span></b></span></span><span lang="ES-TRAD"> Espero
que hayan descansado lo suficiente para seguir caminando y conociendo la
ciudad. Hoy tenemos que tomar los últimos dos tours del paquete y caminaremos
por el famoso barrio Chino. ¿Listos? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="ES-TRAD">Después
de desayunar nos dirigimos a la bahía para tomar el tour que nos llevaría a
conocer el puente Golden Gate. Cual fue nuestra sorpresa que al llegar la neblina tenía cubierto por completo la vista hacía el puente. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="ES-TRAD"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;">EN. </span></span></b>I hope you had enough rest to keep walking and learning about the city. Today we are going to take the last two tours from the bundle and we will walk through the famous China Town. Ready?</span><br />
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<span lang="ES-TRAD">After breakfast we went to Fisherman's Wharf to take the tour that would take us to the Golden Gate Bridge. Imagine our surprise when we got there and the heavy fog had the bridge completely covered. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">ES.</span></b></span> Por lo menos vimos un pequeño arco del otro lado del puente. </div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;">EN.</span></span></b> At least we saw a little arch from the other side of the bridge. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">ES.</span></b></span> De regreso en Union Square abordamos el último tour que nos llevaría a conocer las famosas casas Victorianas. Ya arriba del autobus me encuentro con este lindo anuncio de Tiffany & Co. y no pude resistir la tentación de fotografiarlo =) </div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;">EN.</span></span></b> Back in Union Square we boarded the las tour that would take us to the famous Victorian houses. Up in the double deck of the bus I found this lovely Tiffany & Co. ad and I couldn't resist to take a picture of it =) </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">ES.</span></b></span> Parte del ingreso de la comunidad hotelera es destinada hacia el fondo para fomentar las artes, es por eso que encontramos diferentes tipos de murales que decoran los laterales de los edificios.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;">EN.</span></span></b> Part of the income from all the hotels is destined to the art fund to impulse the arts, that is why we find different types of murals decorating the sides of the buildings.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">ES.</span></b></span> No estaba segura de incluir esta foto, pero NUNCA había visto un baño público como este!<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;">EN.</span></span></b> I was not sure of including this picture, but I have NEVER seen a public restroom like this one!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">ES.</span></b></span> Llegamos al Barrio Chino! Lleno de color y tradición, por unas horas nos sumergimos a un pedacito de China.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;">EN.</span></span></b> We got to China Town! Full of color and tradition, for a couple of hours we submerged ourselves to a little piece of China.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">ES.</span></b></span> Dando vueltas por la ciudad vimos diferentes tipos de arquitectura.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;">EN.</span></span></b> Walking around the city we saw different kinds of architecture.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">ES.</span></b></span> Las famosas Siete Hermanas. Se acuerdan del programa `Full House´?<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;">EN.</span></span></b> The famous Seven Sisters. Do you remember the show `Full House´?<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">ES.</span></b></span> No les encantaría tener una moto como estas??<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;">EN.</span></span></b> Wouldn't you like to have a motorcycle like these??<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">ES.</span></b></span> La luz en el rostro del maniquí era muy tenebroso, como sacado de una película. </div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;">EN.</span></span></b>. Lighting in the face of the mannequin looks creepy, like out of a movie. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisVVJyQwMafdWjqNFjdL3rfs23V1YlPqF-77dPh3XI3NxJvFYSBr24yA7IAcBN3o1tt9t_Rc3_ODaqWIhtyKwH7h6gxtXe2kY02Y2rGPujfdnU4o-EhI6HAeLVtgmyj2oJkAzKMQRRBrx5/s1600/SF-Day2-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisVVJyQwMafdWjqNFjdL3rfs23V1YlPqF-77dPh3XI3NxJvFYSBr24yA7IAcBN3o1tt9t_Rc3_ODaqWIhtyKwH7h6gxtXe2kY02Y2rGPujfdnU4o-EhI6HAeLVtgmyj2oJkAzKMQRRBrx5/s400/SF-Day2-18.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">ES.</span></b></span> Después de caminar todo el día nos merecíamos una cena clásica americana y ningún otro lugar mejor que Lory's Dinner para un ambiente de los años 50. </div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;">EN.</span></span></b> After walking all day we deserved a traditional american dinner and no better place than Lory's Dinner for an authentic 50's feeling. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">ES.</span></b></span> Este día se ha hecho largo y por lo tanto los dejo para que descansen. Recarguen pilas para la próxima semana porque no se imaginan lo que viene! </div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;">EN.</span></span></b> This post has gotten long, so I let you rest for tonight. Recharge batteries for next week because you don't imagine what is to come! </div>
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<br />Jessica Chavezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429121983572369812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890116378394067436.post-76920803236212239032011-10-10T22:48:00.000-07:002011-10-10T22:49:13.326-07:0079 años de ejemplo / 79 years of example<br />
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<span lang="ES-TRAD"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">ES.</span></span></b> </span></div>
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<span lang="ES-TRAD">D</span><span lang="ES-TRAD">esde
que tengo memoria me pedía que sonriera aún cuando estaba enojada. Lograba sacarme una sonrisa aún cuando
estaba triste. Ya sea que contara un chiste, me hiciera cosquillas o hasta su
famoso </span>“coconyimi” <span lang="ES-TRAD">lograba
alegrarnos el día. Por algo de joven era conocido como el Happy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="ES-TRAD">Mi
abuelo era como el protagonista de una película clásica: guapo, galante, con
porte, simpático, detallista, trabajador, cariñoso; de esos con los que soñamos
desde niñas. Pasar tiempo a su lado era algo muy lindo; verlo interactuar con
mi abuela era una dulzura; observarlo en su oficina era muy impresionante,
verlo trabajar era inspirador. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="ES-TRAD">Hoy mi
abuelo ha envejecido, cumple 79 años y aunque se que nunca va a leer esto
quiero que la persona que lo haga sepa el impacto que este hombre ha tenido en
mi vida. Pase junto con él etapas muy alegres, algunas otras muy dolorosas y
aunque pocas veces lo vi llorar, cuando eso pasaba sus lagrimas iban
acompañadas de un silbido; un silbido que significaba que estaba luchando para
seguir caminando hacia delante, aún cuando había dolor en su corazón. Eso me
enseñó a luchar, a saber que se puede salir adelante. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="ES-TRAD">Ahora
los años se reflejan en su rostro, en su mirada, en su caminar; ahora nosotros
lo tomamos de la mano para caminar así como el tomo la mía cuando era pequeña,
y no hay un día en que deje de darle gracias a Dios por permitirme crecer y
aprender de un hombre como el. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="ES-TRAD">Porque
es mi ejemplo de fe, mi ejemplo para salir adelante, para superar las pruebas
más difíciles de la vida siempre con una sonrisa. Porque su cariño siempre ira
impregnado en mi corazón y sus oraciones siempre serán agradecidas y por muchas
cosas más no tengo palabras para expresar mi amor por este hombre tan
maravilloso que Dios me presta día a día. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="ES-TRAD">Tata,
siempre quisiste que te llamáramos abuelo pero sonaba muy formal, un poco frío
y tu eres todo lo contrario! Eres un cascabel que llena de alegría su camino! Gracias
por todos los momentos que hemos pasado, por los regaños, las sonrisas, los
juegos, las bromas, tu paciencia, tu amor, pero sobre todo tu ejemplo. Nunca
tendré las palabras suficientes para expresar cuanto te admiro y cuanto te amo!
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="ES-TRAD">Atte.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="ES-TRAD">Tu
Chiquitina <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="ES-TRAD"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">EN.</span></b></span> </span></div>
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<span lang="ES-TRAD">Since I was a little girl he asked me to smile when I was angry. He managed to make me smile when I was sad. He would either tell me a joke or tickle me to change my mood. No wonder he was called Happy when he was young. </span></div>
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<span lang="ES-TRAD">Mi grandfather was like the lead actor in a classic romantic movie: handsome, funny, romantic, hard worker, caring; the kind of guy that a girl dream for when she is little. Spending time with him was very nice; seeing him interact with my grandmother was the sweetest thing; watching him in his office was quite the adventure; watching him work was very inspiring. </span></div>
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<span lang="ES-TRAD">Today my grandfather is one year older, he turns 79, and even though I know he will not read this I want that whoever reads this know the impact he has made in my life. I have spent with him really happy times, some very sad moments; and even though I rarely saw him cry, when it happened his tears were always accompanied with a whistle. A whistle that meant that he was trying to move forward with life, even when there was pain in his heart. </span></div>
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<span lang="ES-TRAD">Now the years are reflected in his face, in his gaze, in his walking; now we hold his hand when he walks, just as he held mine when I was a little girl. There is not a day that passed without thanking God for allowing me to grow and learn from a man like him. </span></div>
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<span lang="ES-TRAD">Because he is my example in faith, me example in overcoming life's hardest obstacles always with a smile. His love and care will always go impregnated in my heart and his prayers will always be appreciated, and for many other things, I don't have enough words to express my love for this wonderful man that God lends me day by day. </span></div>
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<span lang="ES-TRAD">Tata, you always wanted us to call you grandpa but it sounded formal and a little cold and you are everything but that! You are a happy bell that fills with joy the path you walk! Thank you for all the moments that we have spent together, for the scolding, the smiles, the games, the jokes, your patience, your love, but above all these your example. I will never have the words to express how much I admire you and how much I love you! </span></div>
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<span lang="ES-TRAD">Your little girl. </span></div>
Jessica Chavezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429121983572369812noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890116378394067436.post-48812016438229567022011-10-04T23:53:00.001-07:002011-10-05T01:49:36.975-07:00Destino: San Francisco - Día 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Bienvenidos a bordo al vuelo 1004 con destino a San Francisco, espero que ya
hayan documentado sus maletas y esten listos para seguir conmigo en este
viaje. </div>
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<span lang="ES-TRAD">Con las
maletas documentadas y los ánimos al cien, despegamos del aeropuerto
de San Diego temprano por la mañana para llegar a media mañana a San Francisco
y disfrutar del día. Aproximadamente dos horas de vuelo y una siesta después
llegamos a nuestras tan deseadas vacaciones! </span></div>
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<span lang="ES-TRAD">Tomamos un taxi que nos llevo hasta nuestro hotel, donde nos tomamos la primera foto oficial de vacaciones :) Para no desperdiciar el día salimos hacia el Pier 39 en donde comimos muy sabroso y tuvimos nuestra primer aventura extrema. Al momento de querer pagar una nieve después de andar caminando, recoger nuestros pases de transporte y turistear un rato, me doy cuenta que no traigo dinero en mi cartera! Ni pasaporte, ni dinero, ni nada, solo mi triste cartera amarilla vacía! Si, me robaron, pero tuvieron la amabilidad de regresarme mi cartera! En el momento lo único que me importo fue el pasaporte, que después de una búsqueda desesperada encontré oculto en uno de los compartimentos de la cartera! Si iba a poder regresar a Mexico!! wujuu! </span></div>
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<span lang="ES-TRAD">Pasamos el trago amargo y seguimos conociendo, pero esta vez tomamos dos tours alrededor de la bahía para conocer los lugares más representativos de San Francisco. Uno por la tarde, que nos llevo a ver el centro de la ciudad, el edificio del Ferry, donde nos bajamos y recorrimos un poco para conocer. Y otro por la noche para conocer otra parte de la ciudad, de lo cual lo más representativo fueron las 7 hermanas, unas casas victorianas que son todas iguales y salían en un programa de televisión americano. *</span></div>
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Después de un día lleno de emociones regresamos a nuestro hotel en los famosos Cable Cars para descansar y recargar baterías para el siguiente día.... </div>
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continuará :) </div>
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* Al bajar el sol el clima enfrió lo cual no me permitió sacar las manos y tomar fotos :P </div>
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Jessica Chavezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429121983572369812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890116378394067436.post-91637367998996287232011-09-28T01:13:00.000-07:002011-09-28T01:13:43.041-07:00Martes de Viajes / Traveling Tuesday<!--StartFragment-->
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Planeando las Vacaciones / Planning Vacations </div>
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><br /></span></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">ES</span></span></i></b>. En honor al verano que se ha ido me gustaría hacer un
recuento de las vacaciones que hicimos en familia por primera vez en varios
años, y así darle la bienvenida al otoño (mi estaci<span lang="ES-TRAD" style="mso-ansi-language: ES-TRAD;">ón favorita!)</span> y las aventuras que nos
depara. Durante las semanas siguientes conocerán día a día como fueron nuestras
vacaciones familiares. </div>
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Siempre nos han gustado las vacaciones. Todos los veranos
desde que éramos pequeños viajábamos a la playa para descansar de la escuela y
escapar del calor por un tiempo. Y aunque teníamos tiempo sin salir juntos de
vacaciones, hicimos un espacio en el año para tomarnos unos días para conocer,
relajarnos y divertirnos. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Tras semanas de pensar, platicar y preguntar decidimos ir a
San Francisco! Así que organice un itinerario flexible pero que tuviera todos
los lugares a los que queríamos visitar. Unas semanas antes de la fecha
programada hice las reservaciones necesarias para los tours que queríamos y
todo estaba listo para emprender una nueva aventura! </div>
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Vamos a empacar y nos vemos la próxima semana! </div>
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PD. Las fotos empiezan el próximo martes ;) </div>
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">EN.</span></span></i></b> To honor the end of summer and to welcome fall (my favorite
season of the year), I would like to take some time to review this year’s
family vacations. During the following weeks you will be able to share with us
our family vacations. </div>
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We have always liked vacations. Every summer since we were
little kids mom and dad would take us to the Beach to rest from the school year
and to get away from the hot weather for a while. And even though we had a long
time without taking a family vacation, we took some time this year to know new
places, relax and have fun. </div>
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After weeks talking, discussing and asking around we decided
to go to San Francisco! I organized a flexible itinerary, but it included all
the places we wanted to visit. A couple of weeks before departure day I made
the requiered reservations for the tours we wanted and everything was ready to
start a new adventure! </div>
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Let’s pack and see you next week! </div>
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PS. Pictures start next Tuesday ;) </div>
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Jessica Chavezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429121983572369812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890116378394067436.post-39732302484454947182011-09-26T23:38:00.000-07:002011-09-26T23:53:01.507-07:00Recuerdos en Caja / Boxed Memories<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">ES.</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> La vida esta llena de recuerdos, buenos y malos, alegres y tristes, divertidos y aburridos, no pueden estar unos sin los otros porque eso es lo que le pone sabor a la vida y la hace tan especial.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Mientras
reorganizaba mi cuarto el fin de semana me di cuenta que tengo varias cajas en
las que guardo algunos de esos recuerdos. Las tengo clasificadas, una tiene
cartas, notas y tarjetas que he recibido, una que tiene fotos variadas, otra
que tiene fotos de algún viaje, otra que tiene discos que escuchaba en la
escuela, otra que tiene libros que leí hace tiempo y no caben en mi librero. Encontré
tantas cosas que las cerré y las regrese al lugar en donde estaban y me di cuenta
de lo accesibles que están. Al alcance de todos pero al mismo tiempo están acomodadas
de tal manera que no llaman la atención para querer conocer su contenido. Y la
verdad me dio gusto! Porque hay recuerdos que no me gusta compartir y prefiero
que se queden ahí guardados en una caja como si no hubieran existido.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span lang="ES-TRAD" style="font-size: 12pt;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Estaba terminando ese pensamiento cuando recordé que Dios conoce los
secretos más profundos de nuestro corazón. Ups! Por un momento me sentí
expuesta, sin saber donde esconderme y me tomo unos segundos recordar que si,
es cierto que Dios conoce mis secretos más profundos pero por ser Su hija
extendió su gracia a mi vida y no soy juzgada por esos secretos; por Su sangre
fui justificada y puedo acercarme a El sin temor a nada. Y una vez más lo único
que me queda por hacer es guardar silencio y agradecer tanto amor incondicional! </span></span><br />
<span lang="ES-TRAD" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span lang="ES-TRAD" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Cuando permitimos que Dios examine nuestros corazones y confiamos en su amor cosas hermosas suceden. </span></span><br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span lang="ES-TRAD" style="font-size: 12pt;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div>
<span lang="ES-TRAD"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">EN.</span></span></i></b></span><span lang="ES-TRAD" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Life is full of memories, good and bad, happy and sad, fun and boring, they cannot be one without the other because that is what spices up life and makes it special.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span lang="ES-TRAD" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">While I
was reorganizing my room during the weekend I realized that I have a couple of
boxes in which I keep some of those memories. They are all labeled, there is
one that keeps letters, notes and cards that I have received, another one has a
mixture of photos, one has photos of a trip I made in High School, a bigger box
has Cd’s that I listened to years ago, and there is one that keeps some old
books that don’t fit in my bookshelf. I found so many things that I closed them
and put them back and suddenly I realized that they were within everybody’s
reach. Everyone who comes to my room can see them, but they are in such a way
that they don’t invite guests to know what they keep inside. Honestly that
makes me happy because there are things that I don’t want to share and I want
them to be kept in a box, like they never happened.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="ES-TRAD"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As I
finished that thought I remembered that God knows our deepest secrets. Yikes!
For a moment I felt exposed, embarrassed and as I was looking for a place to
hide, it took me a couple of seconds to realize that I didn’t have to hide. Yes
He knows my deepest secrets but I am His daughter and only because of that He
has extended His mercy upon my life and I am no longer judged by those secrets;
by His blood I have been redeemed and I can come close to the Father without
fear. When I remember this all I can do is stand still and be thankful for such
an unconditional love! </span></span><br />
<span lang="ES-TRAD"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span lang="ES-TRAD"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When we allow God to examine our hearts and trust in His love, beautiful things happen. </span></span></div>
</div>
Jessica Chavezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429121983572369812noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890116378394067436.post-59640358497220466892011-08-29T21:15:00.000-07:002011-08-29T21:15:01.397-07:001 Question + 2 Answers = Bigger Faith<!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">W</span></b>henever I have doubts I ask God for an answer. Sometimes the answer I am longing for takes a little more time than I would want, but at the end His timing is perfect and He knows what is best for me, so I believe the answer will come. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">A couple of weeks ago I was asking God if my photography dream came from His heart or I made it up. I asked for a sign or something that could let me know that this dream of pursuing a career in photography was coming from Him, and as always he answered, not once but twice. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">First, He reminded me through my aunt how and when my dream started. And it gave me chills. My memory raced to that day when God helped me connect the missing dots in my life and it all pointed towards photography. I was standing in a room filled with people with tears running down my cheeks, looking back to all those times when photography was part of my life but I had taken it for granted. I don’t want to take it for granted! I want to pursue it with all my heart! I want to run towards it knowing that it is a God given talent. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Two weeks ago I was doing a commercial shoot early in the morning, sunrise to be exact. Due to light showers during the night, it was a humid morning with beautiful clouds in the sky. We don’t get clouds very often so I was a happy girl <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Wingdings;">=)</span>. I was capturing the last images of the shoot when I saw this little but sweet rainbow coming from behind the building I was photographing. And once again I was reminded of His promise, I felt reassured in what I am doing and felt so much joy in my heart that tears built up in my eyes and I thanked Him for answering His doubtful daughter. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">If these two are not confirmations then I don’t know what are. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">Happy Monday!! </div><!--EndFragment--> Jessica Chavezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429121983572369812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890116378394067436.post-39178708091629586092011-04-30T16:38:00.000-07:002011-04-30T16:38:09.668-07:00Quinceañera<!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">I have 10 minutes to write this, so I will try to keep it short. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This week has been full of surprises, blessings, unexpected twists and turns, ups and downs and as I walk out to cover a Quinceañera (Sweet Sixteen), I know where I stand and who is walking before me. I thank God for His opportunities and His providence. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I was incredibly happy when a reknown photographer from Mexicali called me in the beginning of the week and asked me to help him cover and event on Saturday, as in today, I happily said yes and thanked him for the opportunity. I think I can call <a href="http://fotoarce.com/">Francisco Arce</a> my mentor. I really look up to keep working with you and I hope I do a good job. Thank you one more time!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I am nervous and happy at the same time; I hope I don’t squeal too much tonight with excitement and emotion. Pray for me, so I can pull this out the right way, representing Francisco’s studio correctly. I will be back on Monday telling you about the experience! See you then!! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Happy Saturday!!</div><!--EndFragment-->Jessica Chavezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00429121983572369812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4890116378394067436.post-45835104899018244982011-04-25T21:53:00.000-07:002011-04-25T21:53:21.571-07:00Finding my voice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><!--StartFragment--> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I</span></span></i>t has been a while since I last wrote here and I have been anxious to get back to writing :) </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">For the last couple of weeks I have been thinking, getting the strength to get out of my comfort zone and find my identity as a photographer. All this comes as a result of watching the fabulous <a href="http://www.jasminestarblog.com/">Jasmine Star</a> in her second CreativeLIVE online workshop. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I was stressing a little about not finding my voice after just a couple of months of starting my business and I want to thank her for being honest and open about her career and letting us know that it took her a couple of years to find her style, because it gave my permission to take my time and find it, at my own pace, at the right time. Saying that Jasmine gave me permission might seem a little funny, because as an adult sometimes we don’t need a many permissions to do stuff, but this was different. This is a FABULOUS woman, with a GREAT career and AWESOME life and she inspires me, she gave herself permission to take her time, to find her voice and that means I can too, we all can. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Jasmine thank you for being honest, for keeping it real, for inspiring me (and the whole Internet) for pushing me to fight for my dreams, and to dream big! </div><!--EndFragment--> <br />
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