Marie Q Life Unposed – The Blog » Lifestyle Photography with a fresh twist!

Saturday, June 12, 2010

{Waiting}

Posted in Uncategorized

Today is Saturday. A Saturday I have been waiting on for a very long time. Over a year ago, I booked a wedding for this date and was instantly excited over the thought of this wedding. A great chapel in Ft. Worth, a new venue to shoot at. So it’s finally here and I’m at the studio WAITING for UPS to deliver something and I figured I should just go ahead an post some blog entries.

I took a small creative break from writing just because I needed a breather. I have so much I want to show you all and write about but I have to do this type of thing one at a time or its overwhelming. So I’ll share with you this baby I photographed in May. I was looking though her photos and was so instantly in love with her skin and her beautiful eyes. Her mom is so good about bringing in her own props to make her photos unique and different.

Be Good!

Posted in Uncategorized

no comments

Thursday, May 20, 2010

{Open Studio}

Posted in Charitable Causes, Studio News, Uncategorized

Well.. it’s finally the week of the Open Studio. Time has flown by. The studio will be open for anyone to come in and take a look around, see my work, talk to us, and ask us questions on Saturday, May 22nd between 11 am and 4 pm. There will be some fun stuff going on. One in particular – Facebook Profile Photos. I’ll have a corner set and I’ll be ready to photograph some super models! I’m asking for a $5 donation to The Light of Gabriel Foundation in return. Never heard of The Light of Gabriel? click here to learn more. I’ll also have a limited supply of $25 off coupons to give away as well as some other offers. We’ll be serving complimentary champagne cocktail, beer, wine, soft drinks, and kids drinks.

The open studio will be held in conjunction with Discover Downtown Waxahachie. Downtown is having a kind of Grand Re-Opening. The city is unveiling a new parking garage and municipal courts. The rest of the Merchants are celebrating by having sales, entertainment, a taste of Waxahachie, the first weekend of our Farmers Market, and a flea market/ rummage sale. Make an afternoon of it. Spend the day in Downtown Waxahachie, eat Good food, have good drinks, come say Hi to me!, go do some Antique Shopping, check out the Rogers Hotel and all its new retail spaces (come say Hi to me!), have some of my friend Terra’s awesome coffee at Zula’s (then come say Hi to me!).

You get the idea. I hope to see all of you there. Come see the new Downtown Waxahachie, Register to win a $100 Downtown Merchant Gift Card, have a professional photograph taken for your social media pages, and help by giving back to the community.

Be Good!

COME SAY HI TO ME ON SATURDAY

Posted in Charitable Causes, Studio News, Uncategorized

2 comments

Monday, May 10, 2010

{Texas School}

Posted in 365 project, Studio News, studio

Fair warning… I’m getting ready to get all mushy/artsy on you. I just came back from Texas School for Professional Photographers. This is my second year going and I will be going back again next year. I have to say, the first year was over whelming, a bit depressing, and inspiring all in one. For one week you have an intensive class with an instructor or group of instructors. The amount of information I received last year is still sitting in a spiral with notes all around it. I still go back to it and look to see what I have implemented and what has been lost over time. It was depressing last year because honestly they tore my business apart, but only so I could rebuild it and make it better. Sadly, I only spend about 20% of my time being an artist and the other 80% doing other business stuff.

This year, I went into it with an understanding of what was about to happen. It was a very different experience for me. I left there inspired by words and music. Strangely, I had let my passion for words escape me. And the music… I sit in silence at my studio most days and I never realized how much it was hurting my creativity. It should be interesting what changes between this year and next.

The model above was provided to us for an event they called “The Shootout”. I thought she was a high school senior. We later found out she was 15. If you are a photographer reading this blog and you are accepting payment for your work, I urge you to attend next year. It is the single best piece of advice I can give to you. They will challenge you to be your own artist, they will help you run a successful business ,and they will help build a network of friends you can go to whenever you have questions. There is nothing better than learning from the best in this industry. Save your money.. be at Texas School 2011.

Be Good!

Posted in 365 project, Studio News, studio

6 comments

Mike Jones - May 10, 2010 - 3:11 pm

I am thinking of taking off work to do it next year (if I can afford it)!

Cristen Ransom - May 10, 2010 - 3:20 pm

I agree Marie… the single best thing I’ve done with photography to date is go to Texas School. I had a great time and learned so much. I love your picture of Golden. I haven’t touched mine yet due to some other projects but now I can’t wait after seeing yours!

deedee - May 10, 2010 - 4:00 pm

So glad you received so much from the experience. Share with us what you’re listening to soon.

Amber Thompson - May 10, 2010 - 4:04 pm

I can relate. I have to remind myself to keep the “art” in makeup artistry. It’s easy to get lost in routine, and go through the motions. Whether it be photography or makeup artistry, most of us started it for the similar reasons: to capture faces and moments while expressing our own artistic points of views. I don’t want to paint a pretty face or take a pretty picture. I want you to see into my client’s soul when you look through their sultry, smokey eyes. I want you to see their sweet personality when you look at their soft, blushing skin. If I can capture the essence of my client, then I have done my job. That’s what they want. That’s what they appreciate. And that’s what keeps them coming to us.

Whoops, I got mushy too! By the way, I think you are an *excellent* artist.

Amber Thompson - May 10, 2010 - 10:31 pm

I meant to add that I think it is great that this “school” exists to inspire you and help improve your business. I wish there were a similar clinic for makeup artists. I love feeling refreshed and excited about what I do!

Melissa Darst - May 11, 2010 - 1:43 pm

Amen Sister! I couldn’t agree more. Great to meet you this year in class! I just need more TIME to let all my inspiration take flight!!

Saturday, May 8, 2010

{Suicide and a Bridal}

Posted in 365 project, Studio News, bridals, personal, studio

You don’t often see those words together do you? That’s because you typically never utter them in the same sentence. This morning I met a bride at the studio for her bridal session. As usual, we were walking in Downtown Waxahachie when this woman walked out of her car. With tears in her eyes she asked the bride, “are you getting married?” The bride said, “yes, in June”. The woman clutched the bride’s hands and placed two folded fifty dollar bills in them and told her, “take this – do something with it, live life to the fullest” . The bride, her mom and myself were all bewildered with this random act of kindness. She went on, “My son committed suicide last night and he never had the chance to get married. I want you to have it, and I want you to use it for something special.”

So you can imagine – three strangers to this woman holding each other in the middle of the street, comforting a woman who was mourning the loss of her son who had taken his own life just hours before meeting us. We did ask all the questions that are running through your head. Why are you alone? Do you need help? Can we call someone? She said, “I brought him into this world alone and I am going to make arrangements alone. I am going to dress my son up and make sure he is given a proper burial. As his mother I have to do that for him”

Live life to the fullest. We never know what tomorrow brings.
Be Good!

Posted in 365 project, Studio News, bridals, personal, studio

2 comments