When it comes to balancing business and family life, I often feel like an epic fail.  Why am I telling you this?  Because I’m human.  Because I know you may be feeling just the same way.  You may not have a business, but working outside the home and juggling family, takes balance as well.  Despite my huge to-do list (45 items listed to be exact and just pertaining to my business), I ordered 5, yes F-I-V-E books to read over the course of these next cold weeks ahead.  Will I get through them all?  Maybe not.  But I am excited about reading them all.  Once I get them, I’ll do a post about them.  But I’m hoping that after reading those books, I will hopefully have a clearer head.  It’s really hard getting things accomplished when you have visions of “post-it-notes” in your head and 3 kids pulling you all different directions! lol!

ANYWAY, not sure where all that came from…oh yeah, balancing…that’s right!  Our youngest daughter turns 3 today and I just cannot believe it.  Really….just can’t believe it.  My current website lauched in August of 2009 and she was only six months old.  I must have been crazy.  My business has grown right along with our little squirt and it’s been a blessing to have her hugs along the way.  Also, today my other daughter needed to bring a treat to her preschool for snack day.  So…last night it was decorating (because we do the streamers, balloons, the whole bit), making a cake (a teddy bear one), and getting snack bags ready.  Oh, but we did manage to squeeze in some laughs last night when my hubby and I watched our newest favorite weekly show “Impractical Jokers.”  If you haven’t seen it, you MUST check it out (every Thursday at 9pm central on the TruTV channel)!  Seriously, bust a gutt, hilarious!

Well, I’ll close with a few images of our little squirt.  She still does that face from time-to-time! lol!  Have a great weekend everyone!

Until next time, Live, Laugh, and Love the one you’re with…your to-do list will always be there tomorrow waiting for you!

Last year was a whirl-wind year for me.  In fact, I’m not even sure where 2011 went.  The Monday’s just seemed to come and go at lightening speed.  This year has started in the same fashion and I quickly realized it’s also a Leap Year this year too!  In 2011 I really hadn’t written down goals for myself/business and I am going into 2012 the complete opposite.  I have a lot of goals set for 2012 and I may or may not meet them but I will surely give it my best shot.  Last year I had them all in my head but it isn’t until you put them on paper and give them some value, making them a constant reminder, when you really put forth the focus to make them happen.  With 3 weddings booked for 2012, I’m well on my way to one goal and I’ve already received an inquiry for a 2013 wedding.  Another goal already checked off the list for 2012 was to obtain my LLC (Limited Liability Corporation).

There will be some changes coming to my website in the coming weeks as well.  Not major changes, just some tweaks and adjustments.   I have a lot of text/galleries/images to update as well as a client site that will be available to clients once they book.  This client site will be an excellent resource, containing information pertaining to consultations, sessions, and post-session guidelines and facts.  I’m really looking forward to getting all this biz stuff done and over with so I can move on to bigger and better things….like planning some concept session ideas I have brewing where I would probably have a model call and need some brave souls to volunteer.   Too many ideas and not enough time!!

Well, this is just a quick, little post today just to say that this blog is still alive and kicking, just taking a little hibernation.  To tide you over until the next post here are some fashion guides.  What else do you have to do with your Uncle Sam refund check but go shopping, right?

By the way, this post was ready to post on Monday, except for the image images below but I was having technical difficulties.  Gotta love technology!

What You’ll Need:

• IRON (set to cotton and make sure it’s not on the steam setting)
• SCISSORS
• FABRIC (just a square a bit larger than the tummy area of the onesie and to give you a little extra to work with)
• HEAT n Bond LITE (I purchased it like you would fabric at the fabric store but you can purchase it in a pkg as the link indicates)
• A LETTER STENCIL (I just used the font “Optimus Princeps” (found here: www.dafont.com)  in Open Office or you can also use Word, created the letter and printed it.  Since onesie sizes vary, you’ll have to experiment with what you’ll need.  Ideally, you would want a stronger stencil that’s easier to work with but I could not find the best size anywhere and for the sake of time, didn’t experiment with other ways)
• NEEDLE & THREAD/SEWING MACHINE & THREAD

What You’ll Do:

Step 1. Preheat iron to medium, no steam and place adhesive on back of the fabric to be bonded (paper liner face up).

Step 2.  Place and hold the iron on the paper for 2 seconds.  Repeat until entire surface is bonded.

Step 3. Stick pin your pencil in place and cut it out and peel off the paper liner.

Step 4.  Place the stencil, adhesive side down, on top of the onesie (the one pictured is 6-12 months).  Press and hold the iron for 6 seconds on each section until entire piece is bonded.

*Times listed are for cotton material.  Iron thick fabrics an additional 2 seconds from the back of the onesie.

*If stitching is not desired, try Heat n Bond UltraHold in the red package.  (I like a finished edge and for the sake of it lasting longer, I opted to sew mine using my sewing machine)

This was made with the baby’s first name in mind but you could do a number, or whatever your heart desires.  I also added my own little touches with the heart on the butt and the extra ”bling” on the front. Also, from start to finish, I think this took me about an hour, maybe a little less.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial, comment/share,  and if you create your own, I’d love to see it!  Please email photos to victoria@vlvphotography.com!  Likewise, if there is something you’re wondering how to do, photography related or not, I’m always up to learn something new and share some photography tips/tricks!

In other news, my entire family was sick starting on Wednesday…some from one end, and some from both.  And for the first time, literally EVER, I didn’t catch it!  I still can’t believe it!  I would like to think that it’s the fact that I’ve actually gotten more sleep in the last 2 weeks than I’ve gotten probably all year.  It’s been wonderful and I’m even dreaming! lol!  It’s amazing what some good sleep can do for your body.  I’m still not a morning person, but hey-I’m a happier morning person than I used to be!

I should be receiving a huge shipment today-hopefully.  I have got some pretty sweet goodies coming and to all of my clients who were so awesome and sent me your friends/family and who also trusted and invested in me, it’s the least I can do.  Because of you I had a fabulous 2011 and I can’t wait to share my goals for 2012.  Thank you for your continued support and patronage.  I very much appreciate it!  Have a great week everyone!

Until next time, Live, Laugh, and Love the one you’re with…especially when they’re wearing something so cute like your very own homemade onesie made with love.

What I love most about finally having a specialty is being able to put all my energy and focus into this specific niche.  There’s a saying in the photography community that goes something like “shooter of everything, master of nothing.”  I want to develop my skills even more when it comes to wedding photography, as well as try new ideas.  I also want to be able to give the best I possibly can to my wedding couples.

In 2011, I have really felt like a chicken with my head cut off!  Between being a mom and wife first and foremost, I was feeling like I was constantly having to switch gears between all the different types of sessions.  One day I was working on engagement images, the next week newborn, then seniors and then designing various products for these various types of sessions….just made my head spin some days.  In the midst of all that, blog posts fell behind, galleries weren’t early like they had been previously, and I would end up with piles of orders at once.  Believe me when I say I’m not complaining-but I did realize my limits this year and where I need to improve.  Finding balance is always difficult when you have a family and a business and saying “no” isn’t a phrase that comes easily to me.  But I truly look forward to having a focus in my business.  I think I will finally be able to actually start marketing!  Imagine that!!  Up until now, word of mouth, my website, and Facebook have been my only means of marketing.  And at times I fail miserably at the later two.  I strive not to fail miserably at the first one. 

So, as a result of all this, in 2012 some things will be changing.  Portrait sessions will only take place during the week for starters.  Because I’m changing my focus to couples, Saturdays will be reserved for weddings/bridal/couple/engagement sessions.  When I don’t have any of these types of sessions on a Saturday, I will be planning ahead to do a shoot just for me.  I have specific ideas for sessions and in 2012 look forward to doing some model calls for these sessions that will include a free session and dvd of images to the perfect candidate(s).  There will be no strings attached to these sessions, no obligation to order-just the pure enjoyment for me to bring some creative vision to life.  And I cannot tell you how excited I am for this!!!  These sessions may include children, couples, seniors….depends on what or WHO inspires me.  I sometimes see someone and get an idea instantly of what type of session I would want with that person and only because that person has a specific/different look.  Think of it as being spotted down the street by a model executive.  Although, I won’t pay you big bucks, you will receive some free images and hopefully have a good time!

I am just smiling as I type this.  Believe me when I say – I am giddy like a school girl! lol!

I have so many things on my to-do list before Spring comes and look forward to taking some time off.  Although, that time off will be spent working on business things.  BUT….a little relaxation is much needed, that’s for sure!

Because today I shared my niche news, I thought it would be proper to show off the latest product offering to my bridal couples.  I had such a fabulous time with Sami and Dion on their wedding and have really gotten to know their families over the past year.  These two are sick in love too.  I don’t read romance novels (quite the contrary, as I prefer murder mysteries-lol!), but these two could certainly write their own.  I’m just a sap, plain and simple.  “The Notebook” has to be one of my all-time favorite heartbreaking love story – ever.  Anyway, Sami wanted a wedding album and I had upgraded the album company I was working with because I wanted to provide one that was as sleek as it was beautiful.  Upon recommendation of several other photographer’s I went with Leather Craftsmen albums.  I could not be more happy with this album and the quality.  I would LOVE an album like this of my own.  Unfortunately, I have only film negatives from my wedding.

This album can be as upscale as you want it and I plan to get another sample that will show some of the upgrades.  My albums come standard with 20 pages/10 spreads, genuine, black leather, an open window for a single image, imprinting on the front, and presentation box with slipcover.  Some upgrade examples would be different fabrics, two-tone, striping, side imprinting, slip-box for storing upright on a shelf, and several more cover options.  Behold the beauty……isn’t she lovely?  (The book too-lol!)

Well, I think that’s about all my news for one day! On Wednesday I will be posting a little tutorial on how to make a homemade, newborn onesie. I know, it’s not couple-related; however, with Christmas coming up and with all the prego mama’s out there, I think a lot of people will like it! Also, I will share some images of some other gift ideas and some links to some cool products if you still have a few people left on your Christmas list. I, however, am done shopping! Woot! Anyway, have a great Monday and Tuesday and I’ll catch you back here on Wednesday!  If you’re still on the hunt for the wedding photographer for you, contact me.  I’d love to chat!

Until then….Live, Laugh, and Love the one you’re with because they encourage you to chase your dreams. :)

I have only done 7 newborn sessions total, including Anthony’s, and I struggle every time with what to bring/what to use.  I am a very indecisive person sometimes and when those little people are so darn cute, I wonder to myself…how do I possibly make them any cuter?  I have a newborn session tomorrow with a little girl and that’s even worse as I have a stash of headbands to mull over too!

In case you missed this little guy’s first debut in his momma’s belly, you can catch that blog post sneak peak here.  As I was leaving, we were talking about how six months from now, when I see them again, it will be April and nearly Spring.  The time really does go by fast but winter may make it seem to take forever to come around.  I look forward to seeing this little guy again, as well as his big brother.  Big brother wasn’t much for the camera and lucky mom, he’s a boy that loves his naps.  Hopefully next time around we can get a few adorable ones of these two cutie-pies together.  Anthony seems to be a carbon-copy of his big brother, so I really do look forward to seeing how much alike these two look six months from now.  I’ll actually see them between six months and one year, when Anthony’s aunt Brittney gets married to her sweetheart Matt.  Can I say how much I adore this family??  Thank you all for choosing me to capture your family’s history.  THIS is huge reason why I love what I do.

Now, onto the cuteness that is Anthony….

I have so many plans for my website and blog posts and also the January bridal show coming up, it’s not wonder too, my mind is always racing.  I’ve also had some personal things going on in the mix too, including neck issues.  I guess that’s a hazard of being in front of the computer too much.

These last few months have shown me what my limitations are and that a few things need to change.  There are some changes coming to my business in 2012 and am excited to see what my 3rd year in business has in store for me.  I’ve been inspired so much lately too, and I look forward to bringing some ideas I’ve had nestled in my brain for a while-to life in the coming year.  In the near future though, coming up on Saturday, Dec. 10th Hague will be having it’s annual holiday showcase with area vendors from 10-3 and also Santa will be there.  More information on this event to come on my Facebook page.  Please stop down and check out what local businesses have to offer and maybe get some Christmas shopping done too!

I had the pleasure recently of second shooting with a photographer from Sioux Falls, SD who has been in business going on 10 years.  I first started following Shalista Photography back when I was just a photographer blog stalker dreaming of taking beautiful pictures.  She offered me the opportunity to second-shoot with her at a wedding in Bismarck and I was extatic to say the least!  It was so fun to finally meet her and share ideas and get to know her.  We hit it off right away (I’ll call it ”photog-chemistry”-lol!) and I most definitely look forward to working with her again!

That’s basically been the run-down of the last two weeks.  Fast-forward to Thanksgiving and being thankful.  I had such a great day today and I don’t know about anyone else but I was LOVIN’ the weather!  I was outside most of the afternoon with the kiddos and it was just perfect.  It really was a ”picture-perfect” day for a session, no pun intended! lol!  I had made a roast for my family and this weekend we’re doing the whole turkey kit-n-kaboodle when more family comes home.

Today I am thankful for those in my life that have a hold of my heart.  I could not imagine my life without them.  I’d probably have a house full of pets.  Ironically though, we don’t have a pet.  We’ve tried a few times but either my son goes fishing for the goldfish (true story-he was 2 years old), the hamster dies, or we just didn’t get the right dog for our family.  So we’ve been down the pet road with no luck.

Anyway, back to being thankful.  My life is full today and I am thankful.  It wasn’t always this way and so on a day like today it’s good to be reminded.

Tomorrow I get to meet the future President of the United States.  Okay, well it’s kinda hard to think that far ahead when talking about a newborn;  however, little Anthony can be anything he wants to be.  He will be 10 days new tomorrow and I’m so excited to meet him and see his lovely family and big brother Brevin again.  The rest of the weekend I will be with family.

I hope all of you have a wonderful weekend and don’t let those sales on Black Friday (or shall I say Black Thursday this year?) bring out the crazy in you!   I think next year I’m shopping online in my pj’s!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Families like branches on a tree, grow in different directions but the roots remain one. - Unknown

….the ones who have my heart…

My weekend was quite productive as well.  Most people probably Spring clean but I tend to “prepare for Winter” clean.  I gave the entire house a deep clean and started the daunting task of rotating clothes in the closets for the changing season, as well as go through stuff that doesn’t fit anymore.  Also, got all my Halloween decorations put away too.  Sundays are suppose to be my relaxing day but it’s been a while since I’ve had a weekend of doing absolutely nothing.  I could use some of those days as I have some unfinished crochet projects I started last year.

It was nice to see a little glimmer of sun this morning at 7am;  however, I’m sure I’m not alone when I say that Daylight Savings Time stinks as it only means one thing.  DA-DA-DA……S-N-O-W.  Bleh!  But you know, I had a conversation over the weekend with family and I can’t imagine living somewhere where my kids would never see or experience snow.  Living here, we expect it and although we may not get use to it;  however, kids love it and look forward to it.  Could you imagine being a 6 year-old kid seeing snow for the first time and building a snowman for the first time as well?  I just can’t fathom what that would be like and it would surely be something to photograph.  I mentioned that if my family lived somewhere that doesn’t have the seasons, I would have to take my kids on a winter vacation because how sad is that to go through life without that experience?  Like I said, we think nothing of it living here a.  Heck, most probably dread it every year, but as much as I may dislike it, I have an odd appreciation for it when I look at it from that perspective.

I’m still surprised though, there are some trees still not feeling like letting go of

In preparation for the long, dark winter months ahead, I’ll leave you with this beautiful reminder of the Spring and NEW YEAR ahead.  This monarch was quite the little model for me.    I know its wings were wet and so I took advantage of its vulnerability before its wings dried.      

And before the snow flies and all the trees are naked, I’ll throw in a couple Fall what to wear inspiration boards.

Until next time…Live, Laugh, and Love the one you’re with all the seasons through.

These were all taken by me while on my deployment over in Iraq with the 141st ECB back in 2004.  Hard to believe it’s been that long.  Now with news that the troops are coming home, it will be interesting to see what the results will be.

Anyway, because there is far less air pollution over there (even though it is the dirtiest and smelliest place EVER) the night skies seemed to just twinkle with a billion more stars, like you could almost reach out and touch them.  The sunsets made the whole sky appear like it was on fire too.  And don’t get me started on the heat.  When you can pull your shirt and plated vest away from your body and literally feel the heat come from your body go into your face and you’re drenched with sweat, then you know it’s hot-as in a 123 degrees hot!  I call it the “Iraqi sweat diet.”  I dropped 20 pounds on that diet.  True story…and had some hair that grew so long I had ” 80′s metal band hair!”  I got a kick out of seeing a tractor there too….made me think of home.  I also wanted to capture an image of the irony of it.  When I heard the Chinook coming, I grabbed my camera (which I ALWAYS) had on me and snapped that picture.  I hope we never see any Chinooks on our horizon.

I have literally hundreds of photographs and many videos that I would love to share but in an effort to remain sensative to others, I selected just these few.  So Happy Veteran’s Day to those who I had the pleasure of serving alongside, to those who served in the past, who will serve, and continue to serve.  And not to mention the families that stuck by tand supported their veteran.  Home wouldn’t be home without you.  Have a safe and wonderful weekend everyone!

With the portrait season winding down with the cooler weather settling in, I will have the time to get my website updates all completed that have been put on the back burner, as well as get my welcome packet information finally ordered.  I’ve stressed myself out trying to get everything done all at once but there is only so much time in the day and only me running my business.  If there is one thing I’ve learned about having my own business, it’s that sometimes you just have to acknowledge that it’s impossible to do it all, at least do it all right now.

I can’t believe it’s nearly November already.  When I think back to flip-flop days, it seems like yesterday.  This summer just flew.  I have a newborn session to look forward to in November though. Also, I will be an aunt again in March and also April and have already declared photography rights to the newest additions to the family!

Tonight I’m taking my little monsters out trick-or-treating.  Xavier will be a ninja, Alexandra a pirate girl, and Jozlyn has been a bee for the last 2 days.  She hasn’t wanted to take it off.  We have a tote full of costumes, as we’ve made it a tradition to go shopping after Halloween to snatch up the good deals.  Halloween is one of our favorite times of year and Fall is my favorite season in general.  But when you can get a $15+ costume for $2, you jump on it.

We decided three Halloween’s ago that we were going to have a Halloween party.  We lived in Bismarck at the time and we totally decked out the garage and had a pretty good spread of food.  I can’t tell you how much money we’ve invested in decorations, but like I said, you can’t beat the after- Halloween deals.  This was;  however, the first year we decided against the party.  October has been very busy for my husband’s job and I’ve had a crazy month as well.  It takes us at least 2 days to decorate and actually takes more preparation than Thanksgiving or Christmas! LOL!  Also, there are a lot of babies/young kiddos in the family and so it’s harder for people to stay longer.  The older kids really enjoyed it though as we played games and they would all get goody bags and play hide-n-seek outside.   I do look forward to hosting future parties though, once the little kiddos are all a little older.

Hubby and I did enjoy this Halloween though.  We don’t get out much but it was fun to dress up and go out with some family!  In honor of it being Halloween and all, I’ll share some images from Halloween’s past.  Next Monday I’ll share an image of my little monsters from this Halloween.  I hope everyone has a fun, tooth-rotting Halloween!
I was over 8 months pregnant here with Jozlyn!  And doesn’t my mom make an awesome KISS ROCKSTAR???  She’d kill me if she knew I put this on my blog! Muuuuahhhh!!!

Yeah, I didn’t do any costume shopping…

Hubs and I make some pretty cute rodeo clowns, huh?

This year I did wear the gown again. Next year…..I’m going all out! LOL! Happy tricks & treats everyone!

Next is  their oldest daughter Irma.  Irma went to school with my brother and I have no doubt he provided many moments of class “half-time entertainment.”

And last but not least, sweet Liz.  This summer I had the pleasure of working with Liz for her senior session.  She’s a natural in front of the camera and just naturally stunning.  All those little ”D” kids are adorable, not to mention spunky which is my kinda fun!

So now that I’ve talked this family up and how wonderfully kind and soft-spoken they all are…how about some images of love at its best, eh?  Thank you everyone so very much!