5 Years Ago Today.

It was July 23, 2007 and I was on my way to Mexico to shoot my very first wedding. At the time, I think I decided to charge $200 haha. To be honest I had no idea what to expect and no idea what I was doing. All I remember is after it was all over I said I would never EVER shoot another wedding again. And I didn't...until February 2010.  What I have realized about myself is that I tend to get into things that are over my head...because it forces me to learn. Between 2007 and 2010 I practiced taking photographs and editing. I would book smaller shoots until I felt comfortable trying again.

I never thought that just 3 years after saying "I will never shoot a wedding again" I would quit my job and shortly after that I would own a wedding photography studio in Dallas, TX. I love shooting weddings with all of my heart. I love my business partner, our studio and the images that we make. I have the best clients.

Next month I am flying to California & Maui for weddings and I am so thankful that I kept going when things got hard. Don't compare yourself or try to be someone else. Use YOUR talents...give your photos a unique twist.

Be inspired everyday to be better. If what you're doing isn't working for you...try a different approach. Dream big and get in over your head. Always throw yourself into it again...you just might realize you love it.

NYC. My heart.

A quick blog to say WOW... I've seen this before but I just fell in love with it all over again. Smiling at the screen for sure.

Explore. Dream. Discover.

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” - Mark Twain

I remember first reading this quote in a book while waiting for my smoothie at Jamba Juice back in California. I still worked in a cubicle at this point and felt that aching in my heart to get OUT and do more. Make a difference. Work long hours but be happy doing it so it didn't feel like work. I wanted to wake up every morning excited to work instead of dreading the day ahead of me. I wanted to throw myself into an unfamiliar situation to see if  it was possible to make money doing something that I loved for work but geez how scary. For years I tried so hard to ignore that ache but enough was enough...I was sick of just blogging about my unhappiness. Here I am today doing just that...everyday keeps getting better and it is super rewarding. Here are a few of my headshots...TreeHouse Weddings is expanding into the corporate world. Time to take on events & branding and I couldn't more excited about the direction of my career. Not a day goes by where I am not thankful I listened to my heart. Listen to yours...life is too short to be doing something you despise. Quit complaining....do something different. No one is going to do it for you. PS: I don't mind wearing a business suit & heels as long as I am creating something I love while wearing them;) I have a hard time staying TOO serious for too long. [Let's put on our suits & heels and connect like professionals. Find me on: Linkedin.]

Red Corduroys | Dallas Opera House.

I swear being a photographer is wonderful...because everywhere I go I take mental snapshots [like THIS]. Every day I am subconsciously on the look out for something awesome to take a photo of. Today it was a bathroom mirror...cringe. But I love the way it turned out.

Today we went exploring in Dallas with an awesome musician/instructor at David Brown Music Studio. We got him some fresh photos for promotional materials and his website. What a perfect gloomy day it was...can't wait to share the photos we took. Wrapped up the day by catching up with a friend at Meddlesome Moth then going to the very top of 2 tall buildings in the Dallas Skyline and taking pictures. Gotta cross that one off my bucketlist:)

My Things.

A little bit about the things I use and/ or see everyday.

Camera: my newest/old film camera. I also have a Minolta that I have worked with way more. The camera strap is my favourite. I purchased it in Seal Beach, CA at a vintage shop.

Specs: Salt Optics are by far the best. I've been big on Ray Bans in the past but nothing competes with Salt [& they're handcrafted in my home state]. I sport the Yates.

Watch: This is definitely my go to watch. I have way too many watches for my own good...Vestal & Nixon are my favourite watches to wear. My brown wood Nixon Chalet was a gift to from my awesome coworker at Hurley, professional surfer Jodi Nelson. She's rad.

Create Mug: I have no idea where this was purchased...all I know is it was a thank you gift for shooting my friend from Hurley's mothers bday. Thanks Ri! I have used this every single day from the past 4 years.

iPhone4: this helps me run my business, stay connected & take amazing photos wherever I am in the world. Follow me on instagram.

Brown Leather Journal: I always have one of these by my side for thoughts or random doodles and ideas. This one is a brand new one that I just bought from Barnes & Noble...going to start a page a day with bullet points of major things that happened on that day.

1959 Bolex Paillard 8mm Movie Camera: This bad boy showed up on my doorstep from a childhood friend who used it as a paperweight. He thought I could get better use out of it. I am taking it to the local camera shop and am planning on using it for my roadtrip to South Carolina this summer. Thanks Kevin!!

Keep It Simple bracelet: Handcrafted by my talented friend at The Lazy Leatherworker. "Keep It Simple" is one of my favourite phrases...first heard it in Vermont. I bought a sticker for my guitar case while traveling there in the Fall of 2006. It's Vermont's state motto and a great reminder to me that less is more.

The paintbrush is...just a paintbrush without a story, but it is used to created my art and I love it.

Center Moriches, New York.

Hi you! I am flying to New York for my 7th consecutive year. A little backstory before I continue babbling...when I decided I was going to NY for the first time in January of 2006 I thought wow I don't even own a camera...I should buy one. Seriously guys, I didn't OWN A CAMERA?! So what did I do...I bought a "nice" one just because. I purchased my first Canon 10D body and one lens. I had no idea what I was doing and of course I did not read the manual. In fact I think it stayed in the plastic baggie until I sold that camera a couple years ago. I am big on figuring things out for myself. Little did I know that trip would change my career path. I took photos on that trip and messed around with them in Photoshop. An artist that was in charge of planning artshows for Hurley saw my photos from that trip and told me he wanted me to showcase my "work" in an artshow at a studio in Los Angeles. Blackboxx Gallery with a rooftop view or the LA skyline...so awesome right?! I was literally standing beside myself...what an amazing and random opportunity. Sidenote: One of my favourite photos from my New York City trip (Bright Red Door) Just sold to the NYLO Hotel in Dallas, TX! Talk about excitement and confirmation that I am in the right place doing something that I love. The rest is history...I worked at Hurley for 3 years and then quit to take photographs and make art full time. All of that to say...New York has a very special place in my heart. That city helped shape me and I have gone back at least once every year since that trip. 

Anyway, I just booked my flight yesterday for my 2012 trip BUT this trip to New York will be different. The first part of the trip will take place an hour and a half from the city. I am staying in a house on the beach and the trip will mainly involve lighthouses, beaches, antiquing, volunteering at an organic farm, wineries, small towns and bluffs! I am staying with the owner/designer of R.E.D. ....of course we have never met but we feel like life long friends for some reason. I am so happy to be working with her and her company. Her work is fantastic. I am not big on wearing jewelry everyday but I would proudly wear her work any day, it's just that good. Take a look around her site and support her craft. The ideas/locations for this shoot blow my mind. Let me paint a picture of what I will be working with: 

Couple #1: Louie and Phelan. Organic Farm. Greenhouses. Dirt. Bandanas, dusty faces, working in the field as the sun comes up over the tomato plants. Leather necklaces, ID tags and tank tops. 

Couple #2: Nazma and Amanda. Nazma is from the Caribbean and Amanda is very boho chic. Shot at the beach. Bikinis and cuttoffs...feet hanging off dock, sandy hands. Close shots of necklaces with bare, sunkissed shoulders and wet hair.

Couple #3: Jana and Sam. They will be wearing finer jewelry from the collection...they will be travelers. Old school suitcases, hitchhiking. Harmonicas and guitar cases. Telephone poles and a highway that stretches into the horizon. Dusky skies. Sepia Light. 

Then on the last leg of the trip I take the train to Penn Station and have a musician/lifestyle shoot booked in the city. A full couple days of getting lost in my favourite place. SO AMPED FOR THIS.

Currently listening to: Alone by Heart.

An update & a song.

"I can feel your heart beating closer than the poison of my pride."

Oh dang...I am loving this song so much right now. Also, I wanted to update you on my blog post with the 5 goals I am working on since the Womens Food Service Forum Conference I shot a couple weeks ago. Here were my goals to get done by the end of May:

1. Post an iPhone photo daily to my blog & a small story behind the image [DONE SO FAR]

2. Redesign & relaunch both of my brand websites within the month. [working on it, but it's going on happen!]

3. Drink 8 cups of water daily [weird this is the hardest one for me...but I can definitely say I am drinking more than I usually do.]

4. Go to the gym at LEAST 3 times a week. [HECK YEAH!! And on top of that my new hobby, mountain biking.]

5. Book 3 shoots in NYC. [2 of 3 booked and it's only May 4th!]

Pretty Filthy.

I think I have found myself a new hobby....tried a new trail today and wow it was incredible. For once, I felt like I was in the mountains somewhere in Colorado and NOT in Arlington, TX. It smelled so good outside. The mosquitos had a small feast on my body...repellant must be purchased.

Next time I am taking my phone on the trail and getting some good shots of these rides we are doing. Might be going again on Sunday and Wednesday. I would definitely encourage all 2 of my readers haha to try new things....if you hate it at least you know to move onto something else. That rush you get when you're doing something that is unfamiliar is indescribable. I love watching people in their element and some of these bikers are super intense. We were pretty intense ourselves...even lost a pedal off one of the bikes. Try something new soon and tell me about it!!! Goodnight world.

Currently listening to: I Can't Hold Back by Survivor.

Thistle Farms. Ghana. Nashville. Stories.

Hi friends! This post is about a life changing organization I got to work with while I was in Nashville, TN called Thistle Farms. Thistle Farms is a social enterprise of Magdalene, which is a residential program for women who have survived lives of prostitution, trafficking, addiction and life on the streets. You know sometimes you just have those experiences that totally catch you off guard and you feel like you are right where you are supposed to be...well, that sums up my day spent with the women at Thistle Farms. Keep in mind, most of the time when I travel I go solo...just me and my camera. I like to get lost and meet people. So I made my way to their manufacturing facility in Nashville and had no idea what I was in for...but I was so excited to document the stories of these women and learn about the products that they've created [image on the left is a shot I took of a product I watched them create and package while I was there.] I was greeted right a way with a huge hug and "are you steph...the photographer?! I got my hair done for today!" And just like that I was in....lost in this amazing adventure. If you know me well...I don't cry very often. Let's just say I cried like a baby while sitting down with 2 of these women and hearing their stories. We cried together and hugged each other. Life is about connection. I had a "ah ha!" moment while sitting on that couch....I never EVER would've been sitting there listening to these amazing women tell me what they've been through and how proud they are of what they make if I had been sitting in a cubicle. It was a friday at 2pm...I am so happy I was far from what used to be comfortable and familiar. I am in the unknown everyday and it keeps me on my toes. Can't wait to share more about my entire Nashville trip soon! I left that day with a bag full of wonderful products, candles, a handmade journal, a happy heart and a bracelet I wear everyday that was made by women in Ghana. What an amazing creative trip. Follow Thistle Farms on Twitter. 
Currently listening to: 38 Special- Second Chance.

Bingo in Arlington, TX.

So I'm really trying to stick to my goal to post a photo everyday for 30 days on my blog with a quick story. Today I pulled over to get this shot....mostly because it reminded me of someone.

Sometimes I make adventure lists with important people in my life....on my last adventure list "play bingo with old people" was high on that list. Haven't done it just yet but tomorrow is a fresh day. Here are a few other things that were on that list that need to be accomplished sooner than later:

1. Ride in a hot air balloon.
2. Learn how to be a glass blower.
3. Shooting range.
4. Learn how to make pottery.
5. Volunteer more in Dallas.

Currently listening to: the Carpenters- Touch Me When We're Dancing

Dallas Coffee Shops.

When I lived in California I spent a lot of my time in Long Beach. Mostly because the coffeeshop scene was amazing. When I moved to Texas I was on the lookout for coffeeshops that I could call my office from time to time. I'd say my favourite is Murray Street [featured on the left]....and they also have good tamales. RANDOM. Here are my favourites:

1. Murray Street Coffee Shop.

2. Opening Bell.

3. Crooked Tree Coffeehouse.

4. Pearl Cup Coffee.

You can see more of my coffeeshop & iPhone adventure images on Facebook.

Currently listening to: Orleans - Still the One

Mountain biking is insane.

I have a few fears in life....I hate birds, beaks, spiders, enclosed waterslides, being on a motorcycle on the highway, and mountain biking (apparently). I keep a magnet on my cabinet at work that says "Do one thing everyday that scares you." Last week I went to basically pet large and aggressive ostriches, nope...still not over that fear. About a month ago I got crazy and decided randomly that I was going to get on the back of my friends motorcycle & ride on the highway...um for like 140 miles. Today, Sarah (the same friends w/ the motorcycle) said...let's go ride on some trails today. I really had no idea what this meant or what I was in for when I agreed to go. First, I am asthmatic...second, I drink more coffee than water and third, I am from CA, we ride beach cruisers....and well, cruise. One gear. Never have to use brakes. And you never ever have to have a pack of water on your back. So I get on this trail and right away I know I am in way over my head....I realized this mainly when I saw Sarah jump off something. It also became very real to me when I tried to do something she was doing and my pedal got caught on a limb and I fell into a bush. All of that to say....I am doing things in life that scare me and make me feel alive. Feels nice to cross things off my bucket list.

The List.

After attending/shooting the Womens Food Service Forum conf. last weekend they challenged us to make a list of goals that we could accomplish in 30 days. So here is my list:

1. Post an iPhone photo daily to my blog & a small story behind the image [I am really bad at this but this time it's happening.]

2. Redesign & relaunch both of my brand websites within the month.

3. Drink 8 cups of water daily [seems easy but if you only knew how much coffee replaces my water intake you would be concerned for my well being haha]

4. Go to the gym at LEAST 3 times a week.

5. Book 3 shoots in NYC.

There you go...seems attainable. I will keep posting updates on my progress! Thanks @creativelawgirl for keeping me accountable. Time to get to work...and to kick things off here's my first photo. I have a small obsession with vintage cameras....anytime I drive by a garage sale I have to browse. I ended up finding a camera that is worth $100 and bought it with the leather case for $5. I have a whole shelf of old cameras at my studio. Excited to be doing this!

Bored With Life?

"Are you bored with life? Then throw yourself into some work you believe in with all your heart, live for it, die for it, and you will find happiness that you had thought could never be yours." - Dale Carnegie

Wow, does this quote sum up my life or what?! For those of you who know me well or have been following my story you will understand that. Here's the thing...I have so many things running through my brain right now but I will try to keep this blog short and sweet. 2 years ago I quit my job as Social Network Evangelist for one of the biggest surf companies in the industry. Hurley is an amazing company to work for and I spent almost 3 years working at their headquarters in Orange County, CA. Before that I worked in Human Resources at a hospital in CA....cubicles, business suits & heels...climbing the corporate ladder towards VP of HR. I had no idea what I wanted in life...I worked hard and made a good name for myself within the healthcare system but there was absolutely no passion in what I was doing. When I got offered the job at Hurley I quit in a second...this job was fun, I could skateboard around the office and I worked with amazing athletes, bands and celebrities. Just like at the hospital, I worked hard...I moved up in the company but something was missing. That feeling in my bone marrow that there is something MORE....hmmm something more rewarding. I needed to do something that made a difference, that was fueled by the passion and drive in my heart. I wanted to make my own schedule and have more time to volunteer. Out of the blue...I handed in my letter of resignation at Hurley and shocked a few people. One of those people being myself haha. I got a lot of "who quits a dream job like working with Hurley, Nike and Converse?! Who gives up that paycheck and the perks of working in that industry and not have something lined up?" I had no idea what I was going to do besides move somewhere random and make money [hopefully] but taking photos, making art, music, designing ANYTHING that utilized my talents. It was a test....I wanted to see if i could "make it"....if I could survive doing things that I love.

Here I am today in Dallas, TX... 2 years later and I just got off a conference call w/ my business partner [yes, I own a business now! and the story of how our worlds collided is so incredible] and an executive for an organization that wants to hire us to shoot their conference. Let me just say....to answer that question from earlier....A crazy person. A crazy person quits a 'dream' job. I had to chase my dream...and my dream at that time was to travel, take photos, meet new people and hear their stories. That is EXACTLY what I am doing....it IS worth it...if you feel stale on the insides, if you want something more in your career...take a risk. It's the risk takers that make a big impact and it is so much more rewarding when you have taken that leap into the unknown and make something of yourself from absolutely nothing. Last weekend we shot a 3,000 person event for a large organization [Womens Food Service Forum] and met a ton of amazing leaders in that community. Listening to Presidents and CEOs of companies like Starbucks and Cinnabon speak about social media strategies...wow, right up my alley! Such an inspiring event and I am so happy that I have connected with such wonderful individuals and that I get to work with them in the future. As of a couple hours ago we just booked another event with Summer Brand Camp in Dallas, TX. So I encourage you....if you hate your job, change it....do something you love and tell your story. Tell it to everyone:) Big things are happening....I knew 2012 was going to be a good year. So blessed. Hugs!!

The Process.

Idea. Sketch. Paint. Share.

This painting and 2 of my other pieces just sold to one of my favourite hotels in Dallas, TX NYLO Hotels. So if you're ever in the area look for my photographs and paintings. It's so important to utilize your talents...do something everyday that makes you happy and share it with the world.

Life Lesson #149.

“There comes a time in your journey when you start making choices from a very different place. And if a choice lines up so that it supports truth, health, happiness, wisdom and love, it’s the right choice." -Angeles Arrien

Can I just say that I am so inspired and thrilled about the future of my career. So many amazing things have happened over the past couple of weeks that are confirmation to me that I am in the right place and have made good decisions to further my business. I needed to hear this quote....it reminded me to stay focused on things that are going to last. I am making a lot of important life decisions and I am realizing more and more how crucial it is to invest my time & energy into things that are inspiring, positive and healthy. 

Here is a little glimpse into some future blogs:

1. My last minute creative trip to Nashville.

2. Details on shooting for the WFF Conference 2012 at the Sheraton in Dallas, TX.

3. New love ballad YouTube Vids. Follow my channel HERE.

4. My fave work spots in Dallas.

Joseph + Breianne | Huntington Beach, CA.

Sometimes I have ridiculously adorable clients who are so in love & big on romance. The love these two have for each other is inspiring. View more HERE. Very happy to have known Bri since she was 7. I'm old.

Random Doodles.

One of the perks of having a short attention span is that I randomly doodle on any paper I can find. I get lost...it's my escape. I turn up the music in my headphones and get real into it:) Here are a few from the last couple weeks while traveling.

 

My Studio | Dallas, TX.

So this is where the magic happens...my partner and I own a wedding studio in Dallas, TX called TreeHouse Wedding Studio. Our website is currently being built but you can check it out at www.treehouseweddingstudio.com ...view more picture of the studio on our facebook page HERE. If you know someone getting married we would love to send them our engagement/wedding packages. 

AJ + Tiff | Irvine, CA.

You know it was a fun session when you find leaves in your beanie days after. Loved meeting AJ and his mom♥ Here are a few.


To view more from AJ and Tiff's session click HERE.

Old songs > New songs.

I've been holed up for awhile listening to old music and editing. Obviously, I have been behind on the blogging...that should change. Maybe I'll work on that now. Here is a little bit of what's been going on in my headphones. A little Billy Joel- she's got a way, some Fleetwood and maybe some Bay City rollers.

My kids and Music.

So I have this friend from the UK...we'll call him "Fattie"...he asked me if I would MAKE my kids play music if they didn't want to. Here was my response:

"Heya Fattie...I have thought about your question and as much as I would want to say HECK YES I would make them...I probably wouldn't. When I discovered I wanted to play drums (prob in 5th or 6th grade) I would do anything to get my hands on anything that I could hit and anything I could make music from. The passion in my little heart to learn was so strong that I would want my kids to feel that for something on their own...whether it was music, sports or something else that was important to them. It makes me excited to think what my kid(s) will be passionate about one day :) Thankfully I had parents that saw my passion for drums and music that they bought me a drum set and didn't force me to take lessons...they let it come natural and I taught myself how to play and it was a hobby and not something i HAD to do for someone else. You're so welcome for the text, miss you! <3 Stephan"

Donald Miller & I | Dallas, TX.

So after all of this writing and recommending...I finally had the opportunity to meet Donald Miller [my favourite author]. I got to attend a private screening of Blue Like Jazz the Movie [view trailer HERE] and it was amazing. I read the book years ago and enjoyed it...but my all time favourites you can read about HERE.

Check out Through Painted Deserts and A Million Miles in a Thousand Years.

Formula 3 Group | Huntington Beach, CA

To view more from the Formula 3 session click HERE.

Meet the brains behind F3G...Andrew and Russ. I have been lucky enough to work with them over the years with Hurley International. F3G is an agency that specializes in digital marketing and e-Commerce. Check out their work at www.formula3group.com

The Kents | Irvine, CA.

One of my all time favourite families. I ♥ every single member of the Kent/Spathes clan. So much love in this family...documenting it is the best.

To view more of The Kents click HERE.

Russ + Logan | Huntington Beach, CA.

My favourite father/son duo. So slick. Russ is one of my very best friends and my mentor. We worked together at Hurley & have traveled to NYC together. Logan and I have been calling each other "kemosabe" since he was 5. I ♥ them.

To see more of Russ and Logan click HERE

Hartleigh | Huntington Beach, CA.

Over the years I have met so many sweet families who I remain close with to this day. Most of my work is through referrals. This is Harleigh...I got to take pictures of her and her mom and dad on my last trip to Orange County. Check out more families HERE. To book a family session please email me at AskSteph@ImSteph.com

Dane + Rachelle | Dallas, TX.

To see more photos of Dane click HERE

Seriously this kid was a character and we all had so much fun hanging out in Dallas. He can even speak robot better than me! I get to meet some really amazing people that's for sure and this guy had style for miles.

Ash + Tiff | Fort Worth, TX.

SEE MORE HERE.

I had the pleasure of taking these 2 lovely humans on a photo adventure for Vday. One of my favourite sessions so far. They are my very best friends and roommates. I ♥ them large amounts.

Ali + Chelsea | Deep Ellum, TX.

Started out w/ french toast & bourbon pecan coffee at Cafe Brazil...then went exploring in Deep Ellum. Lots of hugs and laughs to stay warm♥ To see more from Ali + Chelsea's Valentines Day session click HERE.

Twitter.

Hey Hey!! Follow me & my company on twitter. Let's see if you can keep up with our shenanigans. Click on the photo to follow.

We get one story, you and I, and one story alone.

“And once you live a good story, you get a taste for a kind of meaning in life, and you can't go back to being normal; you can't go back to meaningless scenes stitched together by the forgettable thread of wasted time.”

Hi friends of mine...near & far. This morning's blog post is simple but it's often those seemingly simple tasks that are the most difficult to do. I would encourage everyone...TELL YOUR STORY. let people get to know you...cry a little. be vulnerable. be real. make a connection. i have a big story to tell and today I am sitting down to tell it...not because it makes me comfortable but because it's the right thing to do. Many of you know that my "story" is all over social media...BUT that is the filtered story of Steph. I have spent years, countless hours and tears writing in these brown journals. Sure, I've kept this blog mostly for those things I am comfortable sharing with you. But who knows...maybe words on these beat up pages will stick to someones heart and make a small difference in how a person is treated. Nothing is more real to someone until it hits home. This is my story. This is my song. Stay tuned.

And so my prayer is that your story will have involved some leaving and some coming home, some summer and some winter, some roses blooming out like children in a play. My hope is your story will be about changing, about getting something beautiful born inside of you about learning to love a woman or a man, about learning to love a child, about moving yourself around water, around mountains, around friends, about learning to love others more than we love ourselves, about learning oneness as a way of understanding God. We get one story, you and I, and one story alone. -Donald Miller | Through Painted Deserts: Light, God, and Beauty on the Open Road

2011 from Steph's iPhone.

I appreciate everyone who made 2011 a great year. Ready for 2012♥