Conociendo al Barón

Aprovechando el fin de semana largo que tuvimos por el 21 de Marzo, organizamos un viaje a los viñedos de Barón Balch’é para asistir al 1er Festival del Olivo en el Valle de Guadalupe.

Invitados por las chicas de Oinos Wine Bar nos fuimos a disfrutar de un frío pero agradable día donde probamos quesos, aceites de olivo, panes, una rica comida y una muy buena compañía.

El evento fue todo un éxito y a los más de mil asistentes nos dejaron con un muy buen sabor de boca, tanto por su comida y sus vinos, y nos dejaron con ganas de regresar.

Aquí les dejo mis fotos favoritas del día.

 Me gustaron las etiquetas :) 

Barón Tinto.

 El souvenir para la colección.

=)

Laura y Eduardo

I met Laura when we were little girls. As time passed by we became like family, we became cousins. That’s why when she asked me to photograph her wedding I was really excited and honored. 

Laura looked really beautiful and radiant with happiness. Eduardo looked handsome and calm. They planned the entire wedding together, taking care of all the details that would build their beautiful day.

The ceremony was lovely officiated by her uncle that came from Guadalajara to bless their union. Intimate, cozy, beautiful are the first words that come to my mind to describe the day.

Laura and Eduardo thank you for letting me be part of the most important day of your life, I was honored to capture every look, every detail, every moment of your wedding. I wish your marriage is filled with love, laughter and happiness forever. With much love, Jess.

Starting with a touch of pink in her hair piece. 

Pink chocolate kissed for dessert! Yum!

I just love when bride and groom hold hands. Pure love.

 Gorgeous!

 You guys are awesome!!

I have to say that the cake was d.e.l.i.c.i.o.u.s.

Details all around the place were lovely in place.

First dance.

 Proud father with his beautiful daughter.

I loved this picture. Can you see the love?

Oh yes they enjoyed dancing.

I want to end with this picture because it perfectly represents their love.

Life's Surprises

Life is just full of surprises. Some good. Some not so good. Some  just plain bad. During my transition from three part time jobs to fulltime photographer (yes it’s been less than a week) I’ve already had a couple of these experiences, and they make me question my decision-making abilities.

The reason I quit school is gone, I don’t have the job anymore. Why it happened I don’t know, all I know is that this is that, yes is hard to face it but it also pushes me to keep going, to keep learning, to never stop studying, to never leave a bump in the road stop me from my goal. We will always have bumps, falls, scratches, bruises down the road, but it all depends on how we stand back up again after we fall. I decide to raise brush off my knees (and yes my pride too) and keep walking.

I might not know exactly where I’m headed or how I’m getting there, but as long as I trust in my God I know I’m safe and good to go. I’m blessed to have a lovely family and great friends in who I can rely and go for comfort when I’m hurt.

So let’s embrace a new day, the goals set firmly in place and keep walking! I share with you a video my brother shared with me.

Day 1.- 1st Conference

I got there without knowing where the Conference Center was. Overwhelmed by the greatness of the hotel I walked to the front desk and asked for directions. To my surprise a nice lady said they didn't have a Conference Center :O what?! Was I in the right Hotel? The MGM right?? Yes, I was looking for the MGM Conference Center, where WPPI is being held. After what it seemed a long thought she nodded and gave me a map for me to follow because, even though her directions were clear, my mind was blown away and didn't understand a thing she said.

I started walking following my yellow MGM map and it was a loooong walk. Really I thought I was going to be late! But finally I saw the last hall that took me to the famous conference center. The room was half full and I looked for a good place to sit. I took my binder out, a pen and I got ready to take notes. After EscalateLIVE last year I won't forget to take a notebook or notepad to write!! Did you read newbie? Yes!

First speaker of the night, inaugurating WPPI-U, the amazing Dane Sanders. In one word his conference was ENCOURAGING!! He's such a great speaker. He shared with us many important questions to challenge us and push us to be better. A better person to be a better photographer. He advised us to take our life experiences and use them as inspiration for our work. Next my favorite quotes from Dane's conference:

* "Train like your life depends on it... because it does"
* "Fail early and often"
* "Watch beyond what's in front of your eyes"

Here's my fan photo with Dane Sanders! jajaja

This is only the first of ten conferences. Come back to read about the incredibly funny Jerry Gihonis!

Happy Wednesday!!

Last week / Última Semana

This is it. There's no turning back. I already talked to my boss and told her I'm quitting school. Did I say that out loud? I think I did. I think letting Internet know makes it official and I want to squeak with emotion and fear!

The thought of leaving school in order to pursue photography full time has been in my mind for a couple of months but I've been hesitant of taking the step. I’ve been afraid, but one more time life pushes me to take decisions and with that I understand it is my moment to leave.

I’ve learned so much with my job as a teacher that I know I’m going to miss ALL my students! Whenever I feel down, they have a hug to make my day better; a joke to make me smile, a story that reminds me to dream like a kid again, and the list goes on.

It’s been an a.m.a.z.i.n.g. year and a half and I’m grateful for everything I’ve learned and all the experiences I’ve been through with my students. I hope it helps when I work with kids in the future.

This is it. There’s no turning back. From next Monday I’ll be a full time photographer!! Please don’t forget to pray for me during the week! :) 


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Listo. No hay vuelta atrás. Ya hablé con mi jefa y le dije que voy a renunciar a la escuela. Lo dije en voz alta? Creo que si. Creo que decirlo en Internet lo hace oficial y quiero gritar de emoción y miedo!

La idea de dejar la escuela para dedicarme en tiempo completo a la fotografía ha estado rondando en mi mente por  varios meses pero me había reservado de dar el paso. He tenido miedo, pero una vez más la vida me empuja a tomar decisiones y con eso entiendo que es el momento para que me retire.

He aprendido tanto en mi trabajo como maestra que sé que voy a extrañar a TODOS mis estudiantes! Cuando me sentía con las pilas bajas, tenían un abrazo para mejorar mi día; me contaban un chiste para hacerme sonreír, me contaban una historia para recordarme que tengo que soñar como niña de nuevo.

Ha sido un año y medio e.x.t.r.a.o.r.d.i.n.a.r.i.o. y me siento agradecida por todo lo que he aprendido y todas las experiencias que pasado con mis alumnos. Espero que este trabajo me ayude para cuando tenga que trabajar con niños en un futuro.

Listo. No hay vuelta atrás. Desde el próximo Lunes voy a ser fotógrafa de tiempo completo!! Por favor no se olviden de orar por mi durante la semana!! :)

WPPI Experience / Experiencia WPPI

It's a little late and I'm sleepy but I wanted to come around to let you guys know that this is the second day of WPPI-U and it's gone :( There are only two more classes tomorrow, then on Monday the Meet up with Ashley Therese Poisella with the Showit Community and last but certainly not least the Bella Signature Design WPPI Shoot

It has been a wonderful experience and I totally wish I could stay longer to get more out of it, but so far I've been inspired, challenged, educated, motivated and recharged batteries to go back to Mexicali and put everything in practice.

I'll be doing a post with more info about the event, so stay tuned to get the whole experience from my point of view! :D

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Es un poco tarde y tengo algo de sueño pero quería pasar para platicarles que este es el segundo día de WPPI-U y se ha terminado :( Sólo quedan dos clases más mañana, luego el Lunes la reunión con Ashley Therese Poisella con la Comunidad Showit y por último pero no menos importante la sesión de fotos con  Bella Signature Design.

Ha sido una experiencia increíble y me encantaría poder quedarme más tiempo para aprender más, pero por ahora me han inspirado, motivado, educado y he recargado baterías pare regresar a Mexicali y poner lo que he aprendido en práctica.

Voy a hacer otra entrada con más información sobre el evento, así que estén pendientes para conocer mi experiencia completa! :D

Surprising Valentine's / San Valentín Sorprendente

Yesterday I started my Monday thinking that it was going to be another day with a lot of work, but it was Valentine's Day and I prepared a little candy bag for my little English students. When it was school time I had a lot of fun with the kids and I was surprised when I received candy, chocolates, letters and an expected little present. I share with you my Valentine's Day gifts :D They all make me smile and melt my heart!! 

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Ayer empecé mi Lunes pensando que iba a ser otro día de mucho trabajo, pero era San Valentín y preparé unas bolsitas de dulces para mis pequeños estudiantes de Inglés. Durante la clase me divertí muchísimo y me sorprendí cuando recibí dulces, chocolates, cartitas y hasta el esperado regalo de intercambio entre maestros. Les comparto mis regalos del Día de San Valentín :D Todos me hacen sonreír y me derriten el corazón!!