Sunday morning I arrived and took a cab straight to the Las Vegas Country Club for the photoshoot I produced for Portrait House Fundraising. I talked a little on the blog about what an amazing thing my friends Justin and Mary Marantz are doing with their goals for Portrait House shortly after I met with them while they were in Seattle. Portrait House is a charitable outlet for photographers to give back. They have an ongoing project list, and first up is Habitat for Humanity.

It’s just so hard to put into words how amazing it felt to address all of the participants at the shoot and realize that all of this hard work for the past 3 months was finally coming to a head. The monumental feeling that everyone there felt the same way I did about the cause. Mary spoke about their reasoning, about the larger purpose, and yes I’ve heard it before…. but this time I heard it. I heard it loud and clear coming from the crowd of eager faces staring up at me. They all got it, they understood what I understood. What we were doing here today was much more about getting the shot. We all felt pretty great about that too, trust me. I went back to my hotel room that night and had a big cry-fest by myself. This was the single-most-hugest-most-best-feeling thing I have ever done. EVER. SO much work, but so much payoff.

I also want to give a HUGE giant shout out to all of our amazing sponsors and talent. Without them, this would not have been possible:

Las Vegas Country Club, Thomas Meyer Designs, Couture Bride,  Tux One, Megan Mulligan Makeup, Bella Vita Design, Sami and Joey, Amanda and Mike, Megan and Mike, Jenn and Tim, Chantal and Jared.

I didn’t get a ton of shooting done because I was running around like a crazy person (more than usual). But I thought I would share with you some of my favorite images from that day.

I set a goal this year to do more for others with my business, last month I gave away a free portrait session (actually three) and this month I’m doing something even crazier!

I learned about Portrait House briefly last year at WPPI because the A-listers in photography were participating in the kick off of promoting it (yes, for all of you confused civillians…. in our community, there are celebrity photographers). I contacted Justin and Mary Marantz with my idea for this shoot and BANG, here we are. I’m producing a photo shoot to raise money and awareness for Portrait House. Portrait House is essentially a thoroughfare for us to participate in giving back. They have an active project list, project one: build a house for Habitat! They are still working on getting their non-profit status set up, so aren’t in the full swing of accomplishing their goals, but when they do! Look out! It’s going to be huge! With my mad production skills, and their cause combined we have an amazing portfolio building shoot set up to raise money for Portrait House in Vegas during WPPI.

In 3 short weeks, 25 photographers, 7 beautiful subjects,  one amazing goal! Win win win win.

I could go on and on about what I’ve set up for us to do, but that would spoil the surprise! The shoot has unfortunately sold out, so if you didn’t get a seat I do feel bad for you, it’s going to be pretty unreal.

Don’t worry though, next year we’ll be doing it again…. and maybe twice!

You can learn more about this PHotoshoot PHor PHamily here. AND on another note: If you are a couple interested in being photographed for the shoot (or know someone who might be) and will be in Vegas on March 7th, Please contact me!

THIS CHOCOLATE

I’m not a huge candy junkie, I much prefer my cake. However, I bought these for my clients for Valentines Day, and should never have let them cross the threshold of my home. I found out that I could eat my weight in Fran’s Gray Sea Salt and DARK chocolate caramels.

HANGING LAUNDRY ON THE LINE

Ok I’m a closet environmentalist, Billy calls me “recycle nazi”. I have a serious affection with hanging my laundry on the line, it feeds my soul! The sun, my toes in the grass, the smell of the clean laundry…. Yummm. The last few days it has been so beautiful and ::::GASP:::: sunny here in Seattle! I’m simply giddy! I can’t wait for the summer to start so I can hang my laundry outside.

I feel romanced by it. Thought I would share. I hope you can wrap this song around you like a warm blanket, that’s what I’ve done. Makes me want to kiss my beau.

So here it is, already almost an entire month into the new decade, and I have yet to sit down and hash out my resolutions and goals for my life, love, and business. I try to do this every year. Being self employed is hard, so it’s good to have something to hold over yourself, to be accountable for.

I’ve been completely innundated with work for my new position with Andersen Ross. Just before my holiday hiatus, I was honored with the position and title of Creative Director for a new start up company (not yet released…. very hush hush). What I can tell you is that it is the latest and greatest idea to hit the stock photography market! As much as I like to always think of myself as an integral part of everything, I’m touched that they agree! I’m also challenged by the prospect of wearing yet another hat. [Random Tangent: In my old 9-5, wearing multiple hats infuriated me. My mentality was, let me do the job you hired me for. I remember sitting down at my desk one very busy day and taking the time to write all the hats I was being forced to wear. When janitor, dishwasher, receptionist, and courier topped the list I almost cried.... now here I am, working for myself I am all of those things AND MORE! ah geez]

Now when I think about wearing all these hats: photographer, producer, office manager, creative director, stylist, casting director, recruiter, marketing specialist, blogger, fiance, courier, janitor, chef, gardener…. I’m inspired, and challenged. All of them deserve equal attention, all of them are amazing positions I am so incredibly thankful to have. I think of a recent mentor I’ve aquired. Her name is Lara Casey, and if you have never heard of her you simply MUST follow her blog. She’s amazing. All of the hats she wears, the things she accomplishes in her daily life, the people she reaches and touches. She inspires me every day not to give up, push forward, be great. She’s holding workshops all over the nation right now. I’m utterly devestated I missed her Seattle stop, but if she comes to an area near you, GO and be ready to make things happen in your life… then please tell me everything that happened. And if you could do the voices of everyone that would be great. Thanks.

While my goals for my business in this new decade do deserve a post of their own, I do want to mention one that I know 100% to be true. I plan to use my business to give back to those in need. Love deserves recognition. So every month I am plan to give BACK, to you, to the world. SO now comes the formal announcement (and thank you for reading this far) This month I’m giving away a TOTALLY FREE a lifestyle portrait session. Simply leave a comment below with your nomination of someone who loves deeply and why they deserve this gift. It can be you, your grandmother, a set of new parents, etc.

Lifestyle portrait sessions are a value of $500.00!!!! and could be used for:

Engagement, family, newborn, boudior, bridal, you name it we’ll make it up.

NOW, go forth and nominate someone you know in need. We’ll be chosing the BEST and most creative entry…. Here we go!

The winner will be chosen ONE week from today, the deadline is Friday January 29th, at 12:01pm.

(***One catch this session must be scheduled in 2010 and be in the Seattle/Portland/San Francisco area)

I believe that albums should be free of trend, full of classic simplicity and beautiful. They should tell the story of your day, but mostly of your love.

I’d like to welcome Queensberry Albums to my arsenal. They are the best of the best of the best of wedding album craftsmen, and I am so pleased to be able to offer them to my brides to hand down for generations to come. They’re handmade from the finest leathers, and come all the way to my porch from New Zealand. This little package arrived in the post yesterday, and I had to snap some pictures because I just adored the attention they took in packaging everything.

They offer the unique option of  ”wing” or “flip” pages!!!! So amazing!

GORGEOUS!!! Can’t wait to design one for you!

visit my wedding photography website to enquire about rates and availability.

I looked out my office window  today, and between the rain drops that were sprinkled on the glass, I peered out at the ginormous Japanese maple in my front yard. All of the leaves had that had gone from dark burgundy to the brightest fiery orange and reds you have ever seen, had fallen to the ground. Here are some wonderful fall color palettes that I just adore

Mocha, Cream, Robins Egg Blue

Chocolate, Tangerine,  Coral

Warm Copper, Moss, Ivory

Fall is my favorite season. When I lived in the eternal summer of Santa Barbara, fall is what I missed the most about the Northwest. There are so many things about fall that I love. I love fires on a blustery day! I love dressing warmly, but still being able to leave the house without a coat, and I love wearing tights. I love the smell of the ground when it has a magical cocktail of leaves, rain and asphalt. I love running in the cool crisp morning air.

Running is something I haven’t been able to do for quite some time. Last year I started having pain in my leg, quite excruciating pain actually. It kept me from doing a lot of things I normally do on a regular basis. A couple of months ago, my insurance finally came through, and I was able to have surgery on my leg. Hallelujah. Although I’m still recovering, I’m finding life a little more pain free and looking very much forward to RUNNING again. Running is something that when used every day, can really help you gain perspective, focus, and determination. All of those things I value and want more of in my life.

Speaking on perspective, I wanted to mention that this last week, I had the privilege of watching Brad Sugars speak while he was here in Seattle. If you don’t know who he is, PLEASE click on the link and learn more about him and his business Action Coach. Brad has built profitable successful business (55 of them) from the ground up, and now owns and operates a network of business professionals that coaches other businesses. His talk was charging, and to sum it up, I have a lot of work to do. I’m excited and challenged by the changes to come. I’m redirecting focus to work on myself more, improve my sense of self, and reward myself for my accomplishments instead of just burying myself in more work. Living in the moment, and loving those moments.

I’m setting goals and plans into action, and I know it’s going to be a brilliant future. Thank you for following along! Happy Fall!

Inspired is the only word that comes to mind when thinking about these two. They are the perfect example of what it means to give, to love, and to cherish. Walt and Amanda I love you and I’m so excited to see what comes next for you.

Here are just a few of my favorites from Wednesday.

Walter’s best man, Chris Shipley played guitar for them while Amanda walked. He’s a close friend to both of them.

One of the most memorable moments of the day for me was watching Amanda’s emotions as she practiced her vows at the salon before the wedding. She genuinely loves my brother, and for that I love her more than words.

Allison at Lemon Halo did an unbelievable job on the flowers for the day. Can you catch your breath? GUH-OR-GEOUS!

Her production skills are top notch which is why I asked her if I could interview her for my first post on ROCKSTARS, some of the people I admire the most in this industry. I’m so thankful that she was willing to share with you what she knows on how to produce a successful shoot. And just an added bonus…. since leaving Andersen Ross she has become a rockstar photographer too! Check out her website here.

Give us your “elevator pitch”, who are you and what do you do?
I’m a commercial stock photographer and producer specializing in lifestyle, food and travel imagery.

Being a producer can mean organizing multiple projects at once how do you maintain your sanity?
Sanity. What’s that??? Is it important?

Explain your process of production from conception to completion…
Producing for me starts from a lot of different places-maybe it’s based on an idea, or location I have, sometimes it even starts with the talent. From there it’s basically like a puzzle. Finding the pieces that are missing and putting them together to make it happen. Sometimes it can be intimidating at the beginning of a project, but I find if I just focus on getting it done, it always seems to come together.

What is your favorite project you’ve produced to date?
The Girl Fight shoot. Definitely not your typical stock shoot. We all had a blast doing it, and I think I got fun shots out of it too.

In your time freelancing what is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned? What advice would you give to those considering freelancing?
To never expect things to be easy. There is no status quo. The best advice I can give is: do it because you love it. It’s a tough business, but if you love it you’ll have the energy and drive needed to be successful.

If you could go back in time and give yourself one piece of advice when you were first starting out…. What would it be?
In regards to shooting: Keep it simple. I used to feel like I couldn’t do things because I didn’t have enough gear. Now that I have plenty of gear, I rarely use it. lol Natural light truly is the best-you just have to learn how to read it.
As for producing: I used to be scared to ask strangers to model for me. Now I realize that the worst thing they can say is “no”, and even if they do say that, you’ve likely still made their day by giving them the compliment.

You now are not only a producer but a successful photographer as well! Did your experience as a producer help or inhibit your photography career and how?
Helped without question. I am a one-woman show. I love having the confidence that I can do every part of what it takes to pull off a successful photo shoot. It definitely helps keep my overhead down, and it also keeps me from ever getting bored too.

Random but fun:

Film or Digital?
Digital for sure!

Favorite photoshop tool?
Layer mask, that’s a tool, right?

One food you would die for before giving up:
Cheese

Accent that makes you swoon:
Caribbean Island accent

Favorite celebrity &/or celebrity crush?
Creatively, I have a celebrity crush on Joss Wheden. If we’re talking actual celebrity crush in the traditional sense, Taye Diggs is my man! ;)

There’s about to be a GIRL FIGHT… Love this:

All images are the copyright of ©Inti St. Clair