Starks Photography Blog

32

05.17.09

Our desk chair has acquired a noticeable "dip" in the center over the last couple of weeks from my body being parked in it for oh, say, 467 hours. There's also this spot - round and red - right between my eyes, a little above my brows. It's the mark of frustration from banging my head against our desk (and possibly nodding off a few times by accident).

I'm dramatic, yes. But the launch of our new website has become my Everest.

I'd consider myself to be fairly tech-savvy. I'm no member of the Geek Squad, but I did teach myself how to use Photoshop, learned the ins and outs of the blog-world, and (this is the biggie) made the hurdle from PC to Mac.

But I have met my match in our website.

While learning something new can certainly be daunting, I'm usually down for a good challenge. Well, this is me waving my white flag Mr. Site - you win. I'm officially grabbing what's left of my dignity and humbly surrendering.

Throughout this process, my biggest struggles have come from the details; the decision making about each aspect, the aesthetics, the time management. Right when I feel like I'm gaining speed, I trip on my shoelace and end up a few feet behind again.

I'm going to be so excited to get this thing off the ground. My excitement is twofold - a new website means another launch party (with prizes! Yay for prizes!), and it also means that I can function normally again. Mr. Site will no longer be breathing down my neck, making my days stuffy and anxiety-filled.

Yes, it has taken some time, and yes, I am resenting the delay, but truly, the new site is going to be fabulous. The launch will be grand, exciting, spectacular (again, prizes!) - and really, I can't wait for you all to see it. :) But for now, I am going to peel myself away from my leather chair of responsibility and spend time with the lovable ball of fur who keeps bumping himself into my leg, hoping to get some attention:

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Bri:

We look forward to seeing it...and make sure you go snuggle that cute love and take some time for yourself :)

(05.18.09)

Mom:

I.....love.....this.... pup! Look how kissable his little face is! (Yes, I do kiss puppies - and I'm proud of it. :)

(05.19.09)

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29

i heart faces entry - week 18

05.11.09

I plan on posting lots of blog-goodness this week - feeling productive on Monday is always a good indication of how the week will pan out. :)

First up, another i heart faces entry. This week's theme is my favorite so far - "Laughter." To me, laughter is one of the most important parts of life. Not to get too new-agey on you, but I believe that laughter truly refreshens the soul. It's exhilarating and contagious. If you're not throwing your head back for a good dose of chuckling at least a few times a week, I don't think you're enjoying life to the fullest.

Photos filled with laughter are my absolute favorite. And apparently, our clients laugh quite a bit, so I had a tough time choosing one to enter!

After much debate, I made my selection:

Not to give everyone Callie and Adam overload, but they are just so flippin' cute! This image is a total representation of their relationship. They share so much respect, love, admiration for one another (and of course, many, many moments of laughter). :)

Head over to the i heart faces blog to see lots more smiley faces! (p.s. I forgot to mention - my entry from last week was one of the top picks! Yay! And congrats to the rest of the winners! :))

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Patty:

That is a great shot.

(05.11.09)

bri:

What a cute photo - super sweet :)

(05.13.09)

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26

i heart faces entry - week 17

05.04.09

This week, the theme for the i heart faces contest is "hats." I immediately knew which photo I wanted to submit:

This is from a shoot we did with my sister, Callie, and her husband, Adam (that's him above). This image has a mellow, Jack Johnson-ish feel to it and it always reminds me of Summer. :)

Head over to i heart faces and check out the other fabulous entries!

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kristin:

Reminds me of summer also - aaahhh! Can't wait! The colors are beautiful.

Kristin

(05.04.09)

Andrew G:

Looks like a good entry. I mean, it does have Jonbil in it, but we can over look that fact. But really, the lighting and tones really compliment, bringing the focus to the photo and not the sun.

(05.04.09)

Phatchik:

Love this shot! I absolutely love the sunlight pouring in from behind his hat/head. Just incredible!

(05.04.09)

Zac:

man, that's a great shot. it completely reminds me of summer!!!

(05.04.09)

Hayley:

Great smile and sunshine peeking through! I love the All-American look! Very cute.

(05.04.09)

hip chick:

Great picture. I love the sunlight. It does make you think of summer.

(05.05.09)

Julie Rivera:

Love the sun flare effect. Looks so soothing, but is surprisingly hard for me to do. And you are right, this screams summer evenings, listening to Jimmy Buffet, sipping a drink with condensation on the outside...

(05.05.09)

Catherine :

Oh I love that! The sun flare is perfect! Gorgeous gorgeous!

(05.05.09)

Jessica:

Awesome Photo! Love the sun flare and the angle!

(05.05.09)

My Two Seasons:

Wow! That is an awesome shot!I love the sun flares and the warm coloring!

(05.06.09)

Jennifer Urbin:

Wow...what a great shot...the sun flare looks great. Love the composition.

(05.07.09)

Becca :

This is one of my favorite pictures every - such a cool, mellow feel and I LOVE the sun flare :-) plus he is a cutie!

congrats on being a pick this week!

(05.09.09)

Torie:

Love the picture! Favourite of the adult category!

(05.09.09)

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22

i heart faces entry

04.27.09

I stumbled upon the i heart faces site a few weeks ago, and I was intrigued by the concept. The founders of the site post contests every week highlighting various specific categories. Professional and amateur shooters are able to enter their images, and other well-known, successful photographers choose winners.
I spent some time simply browsing (or stalking...whatever) the site, but this week I decided to enter. The category is "reflection" and I found a photo that I think fits the theme. This is Ella, the adorable flower girl from Amy and Chad's wedding:

Regardless of whether or not I win, I think it's a great way to connect with other photographers, and admire some fabulous eye candy! Head over to the site and check it out!

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Mom2Four:

Really cute, great photo!

(04.27.09)

Katarina:

I really like this picture. What a great moment to capture. She is adorable.

(04.27.09)

Project Ni Hao:

Beautiful capture!

(04.27.09)

Rebecca:

WOW! This is definately one of my favs so far! Fantastic shot. Love the lighting, the focus, the b&w, the adorable little girl, and well... everything!

(04.27.09)

Becca:

Well I think you should win for sure! this is such a great shot! :-) perfect!

(04.27.09)

Niecey:

I love this. Awesome photo. I love your whole blog! fantastic.

(04.27.09)

Taylor:

What a little angel. This photo is gorgeous! Fir some reason, the ring box really stands out to me, lol!!

(04.27.09)

Peggy:

Lovely photo! Such a pretty little flower girl!

(04.27.09)

Sasha Branam Photography:

Love it!!

(04.28.09)

jennifer:

so good. everything about it - it's both genuine and art.

(04.29.09)

Herb of Grace:

Awww, so precious!

(04.29.09)

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18

easter, bella, and an anniversary.

04.14.09

I have a lot to say, so this is going to be a three-fer post.

Up first - Happy [belated] Easter! Easter was a little different for me this year - no baskets with candy, no "new" Easter outfit, no traditional egg hunt. But I wouldn't have had it any other way. Those aspects of Easter, while enjoyable, are just fluff on the much greater significance of this Spring occasion. Ben and I truly enjoyed spending the day in gratitude for the amazing God that we serve, and the incredible family we're surrounded with. And for me, that was a much sweeter deal.

There was food though. Fabulous food. And lots of it.

Amid the Easter festivities, we also had another reason to celebrate - I'm an aunt. :)

Before any of you who know Callie and Adam start jumping the stroller and asking about due dates, let me detail my previous statement. I am the aunt to the most precious, tiny, furry little niece in the whole world. Blog readers, meet Bella:

She's a mini-daschund, and weighs less than Putter's left paw (in fact, I'm pretty sure that the photos above and below are "actual size").

She's already stolen our hearts, and will probably never know how to function without being picked up, cuddled, and spoiled. I've already been labeled "crazy camera aunt" after this past weekend - Somebody lock me up when an actual baby gets brought into this world...

And last, but certainly not least, I need to say a very special "Happy Anniversary" to my parents; on April 14, 1984 they stood in a church, before family and friends, and vowed to love each other for the rest of their lives. Today, 25 years later, they're doing just that.

Mom and Dad, you are the model marriage for Ben and I. You have shown us that being husband and wife means making sacrifices, unconditional acceptance, having love and respect for one another, and committing to overcoming obstacles - no matter how big they may seem. Your lesson in love has been priceless, and is not only one that we admire, but one that we will strive to achieve as we journey through our own marriage. :)

In leu of their big milestone, Callie and I (along with Ben and Adam) have decided to throw my parents an anniversary party this weekend. My parents have opted to renew their vows during this celebration, and I couldn't be more excited about being a part of this extremely special, memorable day. Ben and I will be documenting the whole thing, so there will be many photos to come!

Congrats mom and dad - we love you! Here's to another 25 years - I'm confident that they'll be even better than the first 25. :)

(*It should be noted that, for years now, my mom has purchased "themed" party paraphernalia for birthday celebrations, and we all have to wear it. This photo was taken at Adam's birthday last year. The theme was Transformers. He was turning 24 years old. I'm fairly certain that she'll continue this pattern for as long as we're having birthdays.)

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Heidi Mitchell:

Love this about your parents! So sweet. And love your new blog! Yay! It's beautiful. I can't wait to be finished with school so I can update mine. It's in major need of an update! Oh, and that dog is adorable. You just wanna kiss her :)

(04.14.09)

Andrew:

very cool. Way cute puppy too! Can't wait to see you guys this week.

(04.14.09)

Mom and Dad:

Amy Lee and Ben -
Loved the pics of Bella - two grand-dogs! We are so lucky. :)

Thanks for the sweet words for us and our anniversary. It's been fun and we are looking forward to the party - and the next 25 years! You four are such a blessing to us. Much Love.

P.S. I feel sure you all would miss the party themes if I stopped! Ha ha

(04.14.09)

Anonymous:

Cute.
I love ms. morrow, she's a great advisery teacher!
Your dad's great too he brings us doughnuts just because.

(05.02.09)

Kelly Ann Jones:

I know this is a wee bit late on this post but I'm browsing through and I actually made some pretty high pitched baby talk about that puppy. :) Love allllll your photo's.

(03.21.10)

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