Inspired: Dana Suggs

I met Dana on Facebook thru ...well, I don't really know how we were connected.  She was a photograher in Tulsa.  She knew a friend of mine, somehow she knew my sister in law, and she took beautiful pictures.

A few months later, I heard about this fantastic workshop in Tulsa...so I stalked them and found out they were giving away free seats to a workshop.  I knew Dana wanted to go..so without ever having talked to her before, i found her phone number, told her quickly who i was and how to get a free seat...and prayed she would get one before they ended the contest.

She did.

We met.  We laughed. We learned. We became friends.

Fast forward a few months, I was headed back home and told her I would be in town and would love to catch up.  She had a twin newborn session scheduled and offered, so kindly, to let me tag along.

She is amazig like that.

We laughed. We worked hard. We learned. We became even better friends.

We don't talk too often, but we really don't need to.  We are there for each other in our artistic/nonbusiness melt downs... There for each other to vent.  Happy to brag to each other about our accomplishments. Proud of each other at all times.

This year, Dana was given a new project.  She and her family felt led to be foster parents.  They have been blessed with 3 children.  Read this blog post to hear the amazing story about how their sweet family grew so suddently. From Chaos to Grace: God's sense of humor

I am so very proud of her.  She is such a remarkable woman and these 3 little children are so incredibly blessed to have her loving them every day and every moment.

Dana posted a few weeks ago she was going on vacation...uh jealous!!!  They were going to Florida to the beach - oh how I love the beach.  I was so excited for her.  They had some obstacles to overcome with the foster children, but they got the details worked out. 

She posted pictures. She facebooked. I got to live vicariously through her facebook and her status updates.  Then one day I was checking my Facebook, and something was wrong. Something had happened to the baby. 

Prayers were said all around the world.

I finally got through the blog post that she wrote taking us through each moment and each heartbreaking minute. Here is my disclaimer: it is heartbreaking.  However, the end result is good and positive.  Just brace yourself.

 From Chaos to Grace: To appreciate life...

Dana continues to face the struggles and joys of fostering.  I cannot imagine the turmoil she faces every day.  I cannot imagine how good it feels in her heart with each and every positive step forward.

Dana, you are amazing and I just know that wonderful things are in store for you and your family....of 8.

Much Love

Brooke



Inspired: FickleZeal

I haven't done a post about what inspires me in a really long time.  Today, I was reminded of a photographer that always manages to touch my heart. 

FickleZeal is a husband and wife photography team.  They have such a passion for children with Down Syndrome.  They shoot much more than that...however, it is these sessions that always push me to work harder at what I do.

I truly belive that as photographers it is our responsibility...and maybe that isn't the right word...but it is our job to capture our clients in all of their glory.  Kids are especially difficult sometimes.  They may be hungry by the time they get to the session, or tired, or just in a cranky mood for the day.  They might be shy, or nervous, or unable to communicate with me. 

However, at the end of each session, I love it when the kids have warmed up and we have been able to spend some time together and really have fun.  When I talk to a parent as they are viewing their session and they are so surprised that I was able to get the personalities of their children, after they were just positive that the session had been a disaster...that is what makes me love my job.

FickleZeal does amazing work.  I would completely recommend them for any type of session.  I know I know...I am a photographer, why in the world would I recommend another company?? 

Because I believe in them.  I admire them and they never fail to inspire me.

Take a little bit and go check out their work.  It's beautiful.  Thank you Jenna & Andre for making our industry a better place

http://www.ficklezeal.com/blog/

Much Love

Brooke

MaddiePie Creations

Symmetry

I saw this over on Jasmine Star's blog today and thought it was so moving and powerful.  Enjoy it.  Happy Friday to you all!

Symmetry from Everynone on Vimeo.

xoxo

Brooke

Inspired - Rhema Marvanne and Dawn Shields

Facebook is an amazing gift...even through all the craziness!

I came across a post this morning linking to a story about a personal project a photographer worked on.  An 8 year old girl in Dallas, TX has taken the world by storm and is channeling her emotions from a tragedy into her gift of singing.



One little girl, one big voice, and a photographer who was able to pull it all together into one project and honor this voice and the struggles she has already endured at only 8 year old.



As a photographer, I want to make a difference. I want to touch someone's life and cause an emotion. I am insired by those that are able to make a difference.

Photographer: Dawn Shields

Much Love!

Inspired - Arden Prucha

I am a member of a fabulous online photography community called I Heart Faces.  They host workshops a couple of times a year.  I haven't been fortunate enough to attend one, but just as soon as I pay for my new camera - it's on the list!

At the last workshop they held, a dear friend of mine was RAVING about this photog she met, Arden Prucha.  I have been blog stalking her...as we all like to do :), and have fallen in love with her and her photography.  She is here in Fort Worth and we are actually working on a little meet and greet here in a couple of weeks.  I can't wait!

She is a beautiful person and she is so very giving with her knowledge.  In an industry that likes to keep it's secrets close, she very willingly shares what she can with the community of photographers.

Arden, I am excited to meet you in a few weeks and hope to insire others as you have inspired me!


Much Love!
Brooke

MaddiePie Creations

Inspired

If you have been following along...over the few weeks I have been posting once a week things that inspire me. Today is a special one, because I truly believe that we can all be inspired as well as learn something from these special little people.

I have the honor to be a spotlighted on the Inspiration Through Art blog today as one of the March photographers. I am a part of this organization that is doing wonderful things for families that have children that suffer from disabilities or illness.

Last year I had the amazing opportunity to spend time with this fabulous little boy, Jackson and his family.

Still today, this is one of my favorite images I have every taken. I love the spirit you can see within him.

So let me ask you to help me be inspired and to insire others to help out. Do you know of a child who suffers from a serious illness or life altering disability? Help us share their stories and inspire people all over the world! Check out Inspiration Through Art.

My goal for 2011 - is to help 6 families through this organization. These little Hero's inspire me every time I read a new story.

Much Love
Brooke

Inspired - Jasmine Star

This time of year is really tough for a lot of photographers.  It is the calm before the storm.  It is a time when we panic because we are not as busy as we would like to be and even though the calendars are filling up in the coming months ... at this moment it looks bleak.

I take January and February to work on things that I know I will not have time for in the coming months.  I work on my branding, education, take workshops, learn as much as I can to become a better photographer.  I never want to stand still.  I never want to think that I know everything.

When I evaluate things that I want to learn over the coming year, I almost always come back to wanting to learn from Jasmine Star.  She is self taught and has such a personality and flare for the things in her life.  She continually inspires others...and as she puts it this incredible video, she is Telling Her Own Story.

Jasmine Star - Love your story from Anton Lorimer on Vimeo.

Tonight I have an online workshop with Crave Photography, next week I'm attending a seminar by the incredible Jerry Ghionis.  So look for a lot of exciting things coming up as I continue to be inspired and continue to grow.

Much Love

Inspired

Can you feel the love in the air?  Can you feel how happiness is all around?  No...well move around a little.  It's there!  I promise!  Sometimes, we just need to change our surroundings a little to remember how loved and how blessed we truly are.

It is so very easy to fall into a pit of worry and sadness and start feeling overwhelmed.  For me...I get very overwhelmed by the business of photography.  It is incredibly hard to see so many others who are so very successful and know that in reality...I have only a fraction of the business they have.  It's overwhelming some days to wonder if it is truly going to "happen" for me.  Will I be able to take this business and grow it and become what the world considers successful?

Sometimes, you have to change your surroundings and your ways of thinking.  For me, I have to step back and realize that while I am not as busy as I would like to be I have grown my business each year.  I have made relationships that have grown me as a photographer as well as a person.  I know that one day, I will look back and be completely blown away by what I have accomplished.

So...can you feel the love?  Can you feel the truly amazing things that are in your life and pushing you to be a better person? 

A couple of years ago I came across a woman who truly inspired me to use photography in a way that wasn't about "me".  Sometimes when we are so focused on how can I grow my business or how can I make more money...we forget that we have the power and ability to truly affect someone else's life.

Kristen Weaver started a project called Images For A Cure two years ago.  I was one of the original photographers that participated.  It was shortly after I decided that I wanted MaddiePie Creations to be my own little business.  This year I was not able to participate due to some personal medical issues - however, it has been amazing to watch the things that she has accomplished since starting this project.  Kristen inspires me to remember that I have the ability to truly change someone's life with a simple thing like a picture. 

I have the ability to capture a moment in time that might otherwise be forgotten.


So take a few moments today and think about how truly loved you are.  I know one thing...if you are reading this...you are loved by me!


Much Love
Brooke

http://www.maddiepiecreations.com/

Happy Lovey Day

Today is a day about love.  It's a day that says I love you to those that are special in your life.  For me, it's not just about my amazing husband :)  but it's also about those in my life that are so special.  My friends, my clients, my future clients.  For me this day is about those poeple that have made an impact in my life and who have touched my heart.

So for those of you reading this... I love you!  I wish you lots of love today and hope that someone gives you a big ol' hug and kiss today. 

Thank you for loving me in your own special ways and constantly encouraging me. 

Because we all love pictures....here is my Valentine!

And a little something extra for all the lucky girls that are getting engaged on this fabulous day...

I am extending a discount on my 2011 Wedding Packages.  Contact me by the end of the month to set up a consultation and I will discount any of the 2011 Wedding packages by $200. 

Brooke
maddiepiecreations@yahoo.com
817-564-3068


Much Love to each and every one of you!  Now go love on someone!!

Inspired

I look to many things to get inspired.  A pretty picture, a song, a commercial, a magazine article...the list goes on and on.  In today's world, we have an unlimited amount of resources at our fingertips that have the ability to inspire and educate us. 

One of my favorite places to go is The Maternal Lens  This website is a group of ladies that have come together and been blessed to offer a wide array of information and inspiration to photographers everywhere.  Today I spent over an hour just looking at images on their blog and reading blog posts from other photographers.

What a great way to run your business...sharing your passion with others.  The ladies of The Maternal Lens inspire me and constantly give me ideas that spark ideas in my photography and in my life.

So...Thank you!  Thank you for sharing your passion, your thoughts, and your friendships with us.

Oh, and here's a couple of quick images from the Boudoir Day we did a few weeks ago.  The ladies that attended were beyond beautiful and I am proud to say that I am friends with them as well!

Much Love!
Brooke

Inspired

I have said it before in a previous post that I am truly inspired by those in my life.  One of the amazing people who inspires me almost daily...I have never met.  I have never looked her in the eye, hugged her, or talked to her on the phone.  Bianca Juarez started a blog not long ago and I became a loyal blog reader from the beginning.  I realized that we were the same age and yet she has already accomplished so many more things than I can even dream of. 

She has an incredible way of writing that truly speaks to my heart and she encourages me to a better person, all from hundreds of miles away.

The video below makes me feel like I am watching my best friend...I love her for that. 


In The Name of Love from Bianca Juarez on Vimeo.

She is not a celebrity, she is not rich, she IS beautiful...and she is my friend.  She encourages and inspires me through her words.

Who inspires you?


Much Love
Brooke

Just a little bit of me

I spend a crazy amount of time online every day.  I work, I read, I play, I learn, I love, I discover, I am inspired by so many things.  I love to read about the lives of others that share the same interests as I do.  I love to hear about the exciting things that are happening in the lives of those I love.

I love to blog...I just don't do it enough.  I find that by the time I have read about everyone else, I have run out of time to write for myself.  I had a personal blog, seperate from this one, but I think I will take it down and focus solely on this blog.  I want my clients and future clients to know me, inside and out.  I want them to share in my passion and the exciting things that are happening in my life.  I want to build long lasting friendships with those in my life, physically and in the internet world.

Let's enjoy this journey together...share with me what inspires you.  Today, I will tell you that the love and unending support from my beautiful clients is what inspires me.

Oh and of course because we all love pictures - here is a recent picture of ME!  My beautiful daughter took this...she is the Maddie in the MaddiePie Creations.

Much Love!

2011 and a list of goals

In the middle of all of my blog stalking...i ran across an idea for how to make a list of goals.  Essentially, you create a list of 101 tiny goals you want to accomplish and you have to do it within 1001 days.  I'm always thinking of things I want to do.  Things I want to accomplish personally and professionally.  Things I want to accomplish with my kids.  Things I want to do with my husband.  Places I want to go.  Things I can do to better myself as a person.  So...this will help hold me accountable.  If you created a list...what would be on your list of things you wanted to accomplish?

Oh...and these are in no particular order..and I don't have 101 of them, not yet anyway

1.  Shoot a wedding located outside of Texas

2.  Go on a cruise

3.  Go to California

4.  Attend a workshop with Jasmine Star

5.  Attend a workshop with The Boudoir Divas

6.  Have my own studio

7.  Pay off all of my debt except the house and cars

8.  Find a church that moves me...really moves me

9.  Run a 5k....like really running the whole time, no walking :) 

10. Participate in something that gives back to others

11. Book 8 weddings in one consecutive year

12. Read the Bible in one year

13. Write love notes to my husband once a week for 2 months straight

14. Finish my college degree

15. Stay caught up on my filing at work for 3 months straight

16. Accept that it's ok to not always be a part of the group

17. Pray with my kids every day

18. Purchase a D700

19. Visit New York City

20. Get laser hair removal

21. Lose 20 pounds and keep it off for a year

22. Encourage someone every day

23. Take a family portrait 12 times in one year (1 per month)

24. Book 6 newborn sessions in a year

25. Create and have printed all new marketing materials

26. Build a better relationship with my mom

27. Encourage my sister to be the best person she can be and be comfortable with who she is

28. Work only part-time at my day job - i'd like to be home by 3 everyday to be with my kids

29. Send out birthday cards...before the actual birthdays occur

30.  Go to Maine

31. Get all of our pictures hung up in the house

32. Attend a photography convention

33. Take a family vacation once a year

34. Take a romantic vacation once a year

35. Read a new book every month

36. Go to SeaWorld

37. Replace our fence in our backyard

38. Redo our backyard so I will want to spend time out there

39. Be more comfortable in front of the camera

40. Ride a horse on some kind of trail ride

41. Take my kids to see a hot air balloon festival

42. Go to Jamaica

43. Make a list of my fears and acknowledge each one and make a plan to overcome them

44. Write more handwritten thank you notes

45. Blog at least 3 times per week

46. Create quarterly promotions

47. Start a photo project to display at the house

48. Make a to-do list every night...and complete at least 90% of it the next day

49. Organize my email inbox at least once a month

50. Go grocery shopping every Saturday

51.  Iron every Sunday night

52. Streamline all marketing documents and ensure consistency



I will reflect back to this post in the next 1001 days and possibly add more to it.  For now however, I am slightly overwhelmed. 

So...what's on your list?



Much Love
Brooke

2010 - what a great year

2010 has been an amazing year for MaddiePie Creations.  There will be several changes for 2011...but I think it's important to reflect on what has happened over the year...the great and the not so great!

The Great
~ I met some amazing clients this year that have become friends and family.  I have been so fortunate to have these people in my life and to meet some amazing women!

~ I was blessed to connect with an awesome Photographer in Tulsa Dana Suggs.  She has become a great friend, resource, critic, and angel when I needed one.  She and I are relatively in the same place with our businesses and we often times feel each others pain and talk the other off the ledge when business gets overwhelming. 

~ Referrals - my business has grown significantly this year and it is all due to referrals from my amazing friends and clients.  I can honestly say that without those people that continue to believe in me and lift me up - I am growing...personally and professionally.

~ I was able to book and pay for a REAL workshop.  I love all the online workshops that I can participate in, but going to a workshop is just a completely different thing.  February 2011 - I get to go to San Diego and attend a workshop that will most definitely help me develop the boudoir portion of my business.

~ I was able to finish my studio...with props and amazing lighting.  My mom was a big help on the lighting (thank you) and now I can fully utilize the studio for individual sessions.  (Although one day when I make a bajillion dollars I will have a big loft studio all to myself)

~ I booked two weddings this year and 3 for 2011.  I am still trying to determine if this is what I want to focus my business on...but for now, it feels like maybe this is where I am supposed to be.



The not so great
~ I have had to learn how to accept that each photographer shoots in their own style.  I shoot in a way that is unique to me. I have had my feelings hurt more than once this year and have struggled with my own insecurities over my abilities as a photographer. It's a work in progress..

~ I am still learning how to structure myself as a business person...it's definitely not the FUN part of the job.

~ Newborns...they are not going to be my specialty.  I love them and there is nothing cuter...but I have had to learn how to accept that we each have our own strengths...and this one is not mine.

~ I have learned that sometimes it is important to say no.  I started this year thinking that I wanted all the clients that approached me because I needed the business.  I have learned over the year that it is important to ensure that it is more about making sure that I am the right photographer for them and they are the right client for me.  Money is definitely not everything if the two personalities don't mesh well.  Great relationships will lead to deeper friendships.



Looking forward to 2011

I am so excited about this coming year.  I want to focus more on a couple of areas of my business and networking.  I think that if i continue to grow like I did this year, anything can be possible.  I have the love and support of my amazing husband. Without him, none of this would be possible.  He has definitely been a big reason that this year has been so successful. 

My big focus for 2011 is going to be weddings and boudoir.  I have so many great ideas that are just waiting to come to life. Now...I just have to find those brides and those adventurous women who want to feel as beautiful as they really are.

Much love to you and thank you for helping me make MaddiePie Creations what it is today and what it will be in 2011!!

xoxoxo
Brooke

Things I Love Tuesday

yeah yeah yeah...i missed a week already...i know :(

It's been super busy and I am amazed at the opportunities that I am continuously blessed with. So many things are in the works, the next few months should be very exciting!!

So here are some of the things I Love this week and of course a fabulous picture at the end!

1. My clients: I have some of the coolest clients and I love being able to share in their lives with them. I spent some time this weekend with a future bride and it never ceases to amaze me how in love with my clients I am.

2. Comment Love: I love getting comments on my Facebook or Blog. Those of us that put our work out there for all to see like the encouragement and all the sweet comments. We like to know that you love what we are working on.

3. Sharing the Love: I love it when I come across other photographers that are so willing to share the love and knowledge that goes into everything we do. I am constantly blown away by the people in this industry and feel so blessed to be a part of that group. Right now I have a couple of workshops coming up...and I really am so excited for them. I also have a meeting today with a photographer to talk about renting out some studio space!!

4. My hubby: He's just a pretty cool guy!

5. This little guy: He is my first Littlest Hero and he made such a big impression. What a complete cutie! He had to make a short visit to the hospital a few days after our session, but he is back home now and on the way to getting better.




I love what I do and I love the people in my life who continually lift me up and keep me going when I'm not sure I can.


~All My Love
Brooke

Things I Love Tuesday

In an effort to be a better blogger :) I have decided to work in a few posts here and there that hopefully become weekly posts.

I think it is important to be thankful for things that we are blessed to have in our lives and not let the negativity take over. My life is full of so many blessings...do I wish for bigger and better? absolutely. But I am thankful for the little things and I think it's important to keep a positive perspective no matter what.

So here starts Things I Love Tuesday

1. My husband. I absolutely love being married to my best friend. Our road has definately been full of twists and turns, but I am so blessed to be married to such a great guy. He supports me in everything I do and want to accomplish. He loves to pamper me...i mean really?? that's awesome!

2. My hooligans. My kids are ornery, full of life, super sweet, compassionate, ornery...oh wait, did I already mention that? They light up my life and drive me nuts all at the same time. They are some of the coolest people I know. I feel pretty lucky that at 13, my son will still walk up and wrap his arms around my neck in front of a room full of people.

3. My friends. This past weekend I got to spend all three days with some of my best friends. I love them so much and it makes me thankful that no matter what is going on, we can just be...nothing super planned, nothing stressful, just hanging out and enjoying our time together. I am blessed to have such a great community of friends that support me and constantly lift me up.

4. The amazing photographers that so graciously share their knowledge. I was reading a blog today by Scott Crosby and was so proud that I am a part of such a great community of people that constantly share their knowledge and help photographers like me grow and become better at what we are doing. I am so far from where I want to be in this profession, but every day I learn something new. It is because of those photographers that have a desire to see others succeed that I will one day become something great.



What do you love? What things are in your life that you might be taking for granted?



Oh, and because we all love to look at pictures...my handsome little nephew that stuck out the cold and rain to rock out on his drums for me :)





~All My love
Brooke

Texas is hot...but there's always time for picture

Texas is hot...so very hot! I shot an event this past weekend and it was a pool party. I was so jealous of all those beautiful people swimming around in the nice, cool, refreshing water...ugh!

It was a fun event. The hosts were very gracious and everyone had a great time. About an hour into the event, the host asked to take my picture :) Said he had to make sure the photographer was in the pictures too.

And because it's always nice to get to know your photographer...here is the picture he took of me. Thankfully, you can't see the sweat literally pouring off my face.



I love my clients!

Wonderful Opportunities

Sometimes it's funny how things work out. I have had some amazing opportunities presented to me over the last week or so and I am very thankful for each and every one of them.

Somedays I struggle with who I am as a photographer...I have a really hard time not comparing myself to others. However, when it all comes down to it, I love this! I love being able to do what I love and share with others that passion.

This weekend I have a couple of shoots back home in Tulsa, and an opportunity to meet up with a local photog and learn a little. Because it's all about the learning opportunities. When I stop learning...I stop becoming better at everything I do. Next weekend I will head back up there for an amazing workshop that I hope will take my photography to the next level.

Here is one little taste of what I am working on right now...

I had the opportunity to capture a small get together for a 50th Wedding Anniversary. This is just one of the guests that was there...how sweet is she?

Lighting Workshop

I just won a spot in a lighting workshop!!!! Holy Moly, i never win anything.

Let's back up a little though - over the last couple of days I saw some posts on Facebook from the lovely Dana Suggs about a workshop she attended for off camera lighting and it looked amazing. But seeing as how I am 5 hours away...it wasn't a likelihood that I would be able to attend anything like that. Curiousity got the best of me and I started checking it out. Flash forward to today - I was playing around in facebook....I mean working really hard...and I saw an update from the OkStrobist Group that they were giving away 5 free spots to their upcoming workshop.

I WON!!!!! I won a free spot. This is so great and is coming at a great time for me. I really want to learn more about off camera lighting and i think it is really going to take me to the next level.

So stinkin great!!!

PhotoFusion with Kristin Weaver

Last year I came across an AMAZING woman that started the Images For A Cure project. I was so very new in my business but signed up and really just prayed that I would have someone book a session with me. A year later, and my business is definately in a different place but still no where near where I want it to be. I have learned from so many great photographers and continue to grow. Kristin is hosting a contest right now to come to Miami and do a fashion shoot with her. It would be amazing to win this and learn so much from someone who is so inspiring, both with her photography as well as her heart.




This photo is from a recent session...I would really like to grow this part of my business and I think Kristin is definately the inspiration I need.

Check out the details here Kristin Weaver Blog



Cross your fingers for me!!
Brooke