My photography “Birth” started when our youngest daughter, Myla Mae, was born.  You know how sometimes big life changes spark something in you that you never knew you had??  Yep, that is exactly what happened here.  My husband bought me a “big girl” Nikon D3100 camera which I was completely furious pleasantly surprised but concerned with him over because of the expense.  I mean, we were about to have a baby and he just spent over $800 on a camera,  I was a bawling hormonal mess completely calm and collected in voicing my concerns, but I did get over it eventually and I am so thankful for him just buying it behind my back and surprising me. ;)  So, here I am with a big girl camera and no clue how to use it out of “auto” mode.

I started reading an amazing blog called Minding My Nest that the very talented Kelly Ishmael (who just so happens to have worked with me at the time) writes and was in awe of her blog writing because she’s just so funny and inspirational, but more so of her photos…they are absolutely breathtaking and I needed to know the secret.  Check out her work at Kelly Ishmael Photography and you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about…so amazing!  So what did I do, I bugged her to death until she said yes called her up and asked for a little photography lesson.  She started talking about shutter speed, aperture, ISO and bokeh and I must say I was completely confused through most of those conversations, but she sent me lots of sites to check out.  We met at Woodward Park here in Tulsa with both our daughters and tortured them for a little while as our models.  Here are my very first “real” pictures.  Real meaning ‘out of auto mode” being coached by Kelly.

My oldest daughter Ali two years ago.  DSC_0780

And here is the gorgeous Kelsey who is such an absolute sweetheart and was so patient posing while I tried to figure out what the heck I was doing. Mind you, I had not started editing photos at all so hopefully she won't strangle me for posting this unedited picture, but come on, her skin is GORGEOUS!  Oh to have the skin of my 20's again would be a wonderful thing!

DSC_0765

And so, this photography journey was born.  From that point forward I was caught hook line and sinker and I cannot be more grateful to my girls for inspiration, my husband for unfailing encouragement even when I’m completely overwhelmed and my friend, Kelly, for her mentoring and constant encouragement.  I could not have started this wonderful journey that has given me such a beautiful artistic outlet without all of them.