Am I a Photographer?

The thought has been in my head lately, what it means to be a photographer? (Cue long rant...)

I am not a professional photographer, by any means. I never went to school, took classes or got any sort of professional training in this field. I have no certifications and no titles. I feel like I put too much emphasis on the fact that I'm not a professional sometimes, but only because I want people to know up-front that this is just a hobby of mine.

Don't get me wrong, I love photography. I have ever since I got my first Canon Rebel 35mm back when I started high school. I still have it, and I love it. There's nothing (in my opinion) that compares to film photography. Even as advanced as we are today in our modern times with Photoshop and Lightroom and all the other wonderful tools of the editing trade, to me nothing can replace a film-photograph.

I also love to shoot SOOC, but not a lot of people like that these days. I think we've all grown really accustomed to clean, perfect, edited photographs. I play around with editing and have fun with 99% of my digital shots, but I find myself doing it moreso for the "client" and not for myself. If it were up to me, I'd shoot nothing but film all the time, no editing at all.

There are a million photographers out there today, some really good and some really bad. Anyone with a fancy camera and the want-to can and will call themselves a "photographer". And I'm in that bunch. I'm just a lucky girl with a good camera who loves taking photos of friends and family. It's not my business or my craft. It's just an enjoyable hobby I'm lucky enough to do on weekends every now and then.

But I still feel the need to be appreciated. I don't think I'm bad at what I do. I enjoy it. My "clients" seem to enjoy my photos. I have a ball during the entire process. I don't want to be looked down upon or judged or feel inadequate standing next to professionals. We are in two different categories. I would never claim myself a professional or try to charge an arm and a leg for my services.

And I don't feel like someone needs to pay out the behind to get great photos of an event or moment in their lives. Photography is all about fun and preserving those moments of fun forever. Who could put such a high price tag on such a thing?

I'm very blessed and thankful for all those wonderful people who have given me a chance to photograph them over the last few years. It's been such an awesome experience, I wouldn't trade a minute of it for the world. I've learned a lot of hard lessons through this process (always carry a back-up battery pack or two and a few extra memory cards! especially at weddings!) and I feel like I'm improving every time I pick up my camera.

And that's what I want to focus on in the future - my camera. Perfecting my SOOC photographs and to stop using editing as a crutch. I might even ditch the digital all together for awhile and shoot film only. (If only I could develop my own photos! Every girl needs a dream, right?!) I have a wedding coming up next month, and of course, I'm going to take my trusty digital gal along with me. But after that, I think I'll just stick to what I know and love best: film. I'm not sure people will be clamoring for those kind of photos, but at least I'll be doing what I love the most and I'm sure there's someone out there willing to take a risk and give me a chance.

I'm an amateur photographer, and I know it, believe me. But my love for photography is anything but. My love is my passion, and I refuse to let other people call me out or call me down because I lack the experience or education to be a professional. This is something I will continue to do every day of my life, if only to photograph my children and my family.

I am a photographer, regardless of what some would say and what doubt may fill my head from time to time.

{Featured are just some of my favorite photos from the last few years -- so many good memories!} 

finding time to blog: the midnight diaries

I'm so busy. Busy isn't even the right word. Between my school and Sidney's school, my work and taking care of Rhealen, trying to have a social life and being a good wife, Sidney's cheerleading and spending time with my extended family, and all the other little million things that comprise "having a life", I am so busy.

Me being busy puts a strain on those around me, too. I am so blessed and lucky to have family and friends that step up to help Justin & me out with the girls. He's always working, I'm always running around like a chicken with my head cut off. It's just insane. Starting soon, the only evenings I'll have off will be Sundays and Mondays. That's it. Two evenings at home. It's ridiculous.

How am I supposed to keep up with the housework? When do I do homework? When can I just play with my kids? When can Justin and I spend any time together? How am I supposed to do all of this?

{This is just a rant - I'll get over it and get back to my regular programming tomorrow..}

I'm glad to be here and glad to be alive and glad to be surrounded by family and friends. I'm glad to have multiple shoulders to lean on and people there to catch me when I fail/fall.

I just can't wait for November to get here. To be graduated and done with school and for life to be considerably less busy. I can't freaking wait (the understatement of the century, believe me).

lately

My bright eyed beauty!

Hot and sleepy (at Sidney's cheerleading practice)

We went to the fair over the weekend - Sidney had a blast!

Awesome weekend cookout = fresh crab was AMAZING!

Some little dolly is looking a lot like her Daddy these days :)

Sidney & her BFFs Johnna & Gracie - Sid calls this look "fashion girls"

Smiley girl :D

Before Sidney's beauty pageant last weekend - the makeup was her favorite part!

I didn't realize how much we look alike 'til this picture. Wowza!

My "little boss" hanging out at work with me - notice the bib!

{happy birthday}

I have to give a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! shout-out to my awesome Mom today -- I won't tell you how old she is (because I value my life too much) but she's twice as smart as her age and half as old as I want/need her to stick around 'til.

Sidney & her "Gran" - Myrtle Beach '11

I love you Mom -- thank you for loving me more and whipping me less than I deserve!

{Five Question Friday: Feat IROCKSOWHAT}

Today's awesome guest-blogger is Jessica from IROCKSOWHAT -- if you're looking for an honest and open mom/life blogger, look no further! Jessica is the epitome of a fun personality, and I love reading her blog. It's one of my daily visits! She also does custom banner designs and is an all-around talented little lady!

Be sure to stop by and tell her I sent you!

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{What's your favorite song to karaoke to and why?}

I don't have a favorite song to karaoke to. I've only done karaoke like twice in my life and I think I sang Beatles songs since I know all the words. :(

{East Coast or West Coast?}

I'd have to say West Coast. I'm from the East Coast and I'm so over it that the West Coast seems so appealing. Plus my husband is from there and we've made multiple visits.. actually, there's a big West Coast move being planned in the Craig household.

 

{Do you usually prefer books or movies?}

MOVIES DUH! I'm too A.D.D. to sit and look at words on a page. I love the TV and I will probably always choose to watch a movie than read the book. I'm shallow, yeah...I know.

 

{How do you vent your anger?}

Like every single woman in this world, I vent to my husband (or in other cases- boyfriend, partner, etc.). He hears it all. I'm very surprised he's still around after all these years.

 

{Name one thing you worry about running out of.}

WHOLE MILK. We're constantly running out and getting more because we're seriously almost out! But if we're talking about something that I use, probably BEDHEAD hairspray. I love it.

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Thank you so much Jessica for guest-blogging! Be sure to check out Jessica at her blog

{If you would like to be a guest-blogger, feel free to email me -> maryruthcan(at)hotmail(dot)com} 

the earthquake heard barely anywhere in the world

Yeah, I didn't feel a thing yesterday.

Source: None via Mary on Pinterest

People in California have to be laughing their asses off at us.

Sidney the student

I meant to blog about Sidney's first day of school, started the post, and then it got lost somewhere in my draft folder. Oops!

So far, Sidney is loving school - she's happy to have her Saturday and Sunday off, but ready to go back first thing Monday morning. It's the sweetest. She's had a couple little meltdowns after school, but I think it's just from being tired. (She cried one night saying all the kids hated her and no one would play with her -- Mom checked on her next day and found her in the middle of four little boys playing her heart out!)

I didn't have solid plans for today, anyway

I spent most of the morning in the ER today. How was your Tuesday?

I felt half-adult, half-child this morning -- shortly after I got to work, I started having these ridiculous side pains that were stabbing and constant. Seeing as how I'd never had a pain like that in my life, it freaked me out. I felt a bit like an infant running off to the ER after only enduring said pain for an hour, but I couldn't help myself. Unknown pain = wildfire panic (in my little brain, that is). I felt quite like a grown-up, however, driving my big girl self to the hosptial without calling anyone in tears first.

{Last time I drove myself to Norton Community, I was in hysterical in tears calling my Mom because my OB doctor told me I needed to get checked out -- I was 39 weeks pregnant and alone and ended up having Sidney the next day. So...yeah}

Justin can't be reached at work, so I texted my Mom (I would've called her first anyway, I'm 99.9% sure) and told her my situation - but told her not to panic or come a'running just yet. The Dr took one good look at me and figured it was a kidney stone (which it was), so I figured there wasn't much she, or anyone else, could do. But my sweet little momma, she is a momma - my momma and the best of mommas. She came straight away, doing exactly what I told her not to do (but exactly what I wanted her to do deep down). I've got a good momma, how 'bout you?

It wasn't much of a day - just CT scans and good drugs. I'm feeling much better and much more prepared for the next time this happens (which I hope and pray is years and years from today). I had the luxury of being "babied", which I always love and appreciate. And I can head on back to work tomorrow.

It wasn't exactly how I pictured my Tuesday going -- but what can you do? At least I got a lot of love from today, which is always a bonus any day of the week!

{find someone}

Find someone who makes you smile every day -- someone who isn't afraid to be silly and make fart jokes. {Fart jokes will always make you smile.}

Find someone who will keep your secrets, become a partner in crime.{You need a Wayne to your Garth, always.}

Find someone who knows what you're thinking before you ever think of it yourself. {You can learn so much about yourself looking through someone else.}

Find someone you can look at across the room and know they're thinking of inside jokes and stories to tell when you find yourselves alone again. {Inside jokes are one of the best things about relationships.}

Find someone who will support you -- someone who will hold you for a moment before falling asleep but roll over and let you have the majority of room in bed. {Everyone loves to cuddle, but it's no fun being tangled up all night long.}

Find someone who will give you the remote, even when they're in the middle of watching something. {There is no sweeter gesture in the world.}

Find someone who will call you throughout the day just to say "hey, I love you". {There will be moments when those are the only words you'll need to hear and they'll come at the exact moment you need to hear them.}

Find someone who's willing to work at a relationship, willing to admit that life is full of ups and downs, but it's commitment that counts. {Life is hard on your own, even harder when you're with someone.}

Find someone who's imperfect and flawed but all the more beautiful because of it. {No one's perfect and it's no fun dating Superman, I don't care what Lois Lane says.}

Find someone who finds you irresistable. {Cheap Trick was onto something when they sang, "I want you to want me"...}

Find someone who loves you, above all other things and isn't afraid to let you know it every moment of every day. {Love is all you need, kid.}

{My sweet girls, find someone who treats you like the little ladies you are.}

{Five Question Friday: Feat. The Walmart Gourmet}

Today marks the start of a new series! Each Friday I will feature a guest blogger who shares their fun and random answers to five run and random questions!

I wanted to start this series to better acquaint myself with other bloggers, while introducing readers to new and exciting blogs. All of the guest bloggers featured here have amazing blogs that I read daily (sometimes hourly!). I encourage you to check out their blogs and let them know you found them through these postings! Blogging is all about networking and encouraging each other to keep sharing our stories with the world. I hope this new series inspires all of us to be better bloggers (and readers), while having lots of fun!

So without further ado, I want to introduce you to Leah from The WalMart Gourmet - I love Leah's blog! She's honest and upfront about her entire life, a quality I admire so much in a blogger! She's a hoot to follow on Twitter and always makes me laugh. Her tales of Adam Richman kept me laughing for weeks - be sure to go say "hello" and tell her I sent you!

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{Who was the hottest teacher you ever had?}

Not gonna lie, I totally took this one to my Facebook Page. I grew up in a small, small town. I was pretty sure we didn't have any hot teachers, but I needed backup. Since all of the teachers were friends of my parents, my views are pretty skewed. So my "official" answer is.....MY PARENTS! Because the created me. Obviously.

{What's the strangest talent you have?}

Hmmm. Strange talent? I can sing the hell out of some karoke, but I don't think that's strange. And I'm pretty sure I need to keep this PG 13, so I'm gonna go with none. I am utterly and completely talentless. Strange or otherwise.

{How many times have you been cussed out and why?}

Let's not count cussings out related to my douchebag ex, mmkay? That aside, just one. Many years ago, my BFF found herself in a 'situation' with an 'attached' man. In her defense, he totally lied to her and said he was not 'with' his girlfriend at the time. The next day, we all found ourselves together at a golf tournament. The idiot boy (and really, aren't they all) brought the girlfriend he was supposedly broken up with. I can't remember exactly what happened (it's possible a few beers were consumed), but somehow the girlfriend found out. She cussed us both out and with my beer courage, I jumped to my BFF's defense. I actually drew back my fist to punch her! It's the closest I had ever (and since) come to getting in a fight with anyone! My friends stopped me from hitting the chick, but I kind of wish they would have let me. It would have been awesome to have 'I decked a bitch' on my resume.

{What's the weirdest thing you've done while driving?}

Are we talking me actually behind the wheel? In that case, nothing super weird. Probably just taking off my bra or something. Now; while someone else is driving? Let's just say I'm glad we didn't get in a wreck.

{Name something you do when you're alone that you won't do in front of others.}

This is hard. I'm an open book. Really. Just read my blog and you will know this is true. I have no shame. Except digging my underwear out of my ass. I usually don't let people see that.

Thank you so much for asking me to answer these questions! This was super duper fun!

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Thank you so much Leah for being my first guest blogger! Be sure to check out Leah at her blog and on facebook.

 

 

{If you would like to be a guest blogger, feel free to email me -> maryruthcan(at)hotmail(dot)com}

{today}

Today has just been on of those days. When you walk outside and the sun hits you and you smell the best of life in the air. Your close your eyes, breathe in deep, and it just feels right. Life feels right. If only for a moment, if only until you open your eyes again. It's days like today that get you through the cold winter. It's days like today that remind you the sun will always shine again, even in the darkest moments.

I look around me and see my family, happy and healthy and here beside me. What more on this earth could I possibly need?

Sure there are things I want, but there's nothing more I need. This natural high, this state of euphoria is beyond reach sometimes for me - but not today. Today is a good day. The best of days.

source

{How's your Thursday?}

sleepy

Life must be so hard for an (almost) 4-year-old and an (almost) 3-month old girl. My sweet babies!

{Tomorrow's Five Question Friday post is ready to go and Lord willing, will go up in the morning! Come back in the morning to meet our first guest blogger!}

I, for one, am glad that Shark Week is over

I know I've mentioned my irrational fear of sharks before, but yesterday I came across a picture that made my heart stop and speed up at the same time. I nearly crapped my pants.

The buzz is that this photo is actually an old, photoshopped creation that is making a comeback recirculating on Tumblr. True? Not true? Doesn't really matter to me. Even the notion that this photo might be fake doesn't rationalize to my heart that it's okay. My heart just can't wrap it's notions around it. I'm fairly certain I'll never go back in the ocean again. The beach is nice and all, but I'll sit in the sand and swim in the pool, thank you very much. It's only fitting that one of Sidney's favorite movies these days is Jaws -- she just loves to play with my poor head, even at her young age!

I know I'm being irrational and the likelyhood of me ever being attacked by a shark is considerably less than, say, getting hit by a truck or some other oddity. It doesn't matter, though -- in my mind, the worst death I could possibly suffer would be a shark attack. Here I am, in southwest Virginia, and I'm terrifed of the masters of the ocean. I rarely go to the beach! And when I go to the beach, I rarely ever swim in the ocean!

But my fear is there, and so I can't take my eyes off that photo. Someone bring me a clean pair of undies, stat.

The little caption to the photo went something like this:

A family were on holiday in Australia for a week and a half when husband, wife and their 15 year old son decided to go scuba diving. The husband is in the navy and has had some scuba experience. His son wanted a picture of his mum and dad in all their gear so he got the under water camera ready to go. When it came to taking the picture the dad realized that the son looked like he was panicking as he took it and gave the ‘OK’ hand sign to see if he was all right. The son took the picture and swam to the surface and back to the boat as quick as he could so the mum and dad followed to see if he was OK. When they got back to him he was scrambling onto the boat and absolutely panicking. When the parents asked why, he said ‘there was a shark behind you.’ The dad thought he was joking but the skipper of the boat said it was true but they wouldn’t believe him. As soon as they got back to the hotel they loaded the picture onto there laptop and that was what they saw.

source

{ED: I'm regretting blowing this picture up here on my blog -- now it's going to haunt me forever!}

Over There, Not Here, Today

I'm guest-posting over at Windshield Diaries today -- talking about that sweet Basset Hound, Buddy Bob.

Please go check it out -- and tell the lovely folks there at WD that I sent you! GUEST POST HERE.

Van Morrison makes me weep daily

These are the days of the endless summer

These are the days, the time is now

There is no past, there's only future

There's only here, there's only now

These Are the Days --- Van Morrison

make animated gifs like this at MakeAGif

{This post inspired by the always lovely Amy}

lately

sweet sleepy babe

my blue eyed beauty, Justin looked at this the other night and said "wow, she really is pretty" DUH!

kickin' it old school

little lady had shots this week :( but she recovered quite beautifully thank goodness!

I could eat those little piggies



Sidney keeps it real classy when we go out for Chinese...



silly elevator picture

Yesterday was my baby's first day of school!!!! We both handled it like ladies, I'm so proud of her :)

{Five Question Friday: COMING SOON}

I was hoping to post our first guest blogger today, but I've been having trouble getting into Blogger all day long. It's been a HEADACHE.

It'll have to wait 'til next week, unfortunately, but please come back then for the kick off to this exciting new series! I promise you will love it...(I hope)

{have a good weekend}

today is a big day leading up to an even bigger day!

Today, Sidney has orientation for Pre-K at the school. I told her this morning I might cry come Monday when she officially starts. She told me, "Mom, I hate it when you cry." She said it not so much in a sweet way, but in an annoyed, wish you wouldn't do that you're embarassing me way. I live to embarass my children; makes me feel like I'm really doing this whole parenting thing right.

I'm super hyped up and nervous about tonight, even though I know it's nothing special - deep down, it is something incredibly special. My sweet girl is starting school. I don't feel that old. She shouldn't be old enough for this yet. And yet, she is. And I am getting older. And the wheels on the bus go 'round and 'round.

We're here. This summer has officially been the quickest summer EVER. From the moment Rhealen got here, life has doubled in speed. I used to blink and a day had passed me by. Now, I blink and a week or two have gone straight out the window. I just keep marking days and weeks and months off the calendar. It's insane.

I know on Monday when I see her with that big backpack and bowl-legged knees I'm going to lose it. Maybe not in the car, maybe not in the schoolhouse. But at some point on Monday, I'm going to break down and have a little moment to myself (or maybe with the entire school, we'll see). I'm sure Justin will cry on his way to work, too. And I know my Mom (who teaches third grade at the same little school) will be sniffling and then some all day long. It's hard on all of us to see our little Sidney start school. She's our little baby no more. Now she's our big kid. Our big sister, student, cheerleader. Our brilliant, sweet, funny, adorable, snuggly, beautiful big girl.

{Tomorrow is also the kickoff day for a new blog feature that will showcase on Fridays featuring some great bloggers from around the country. Come back tomorrow to meet our first guest blogger & learn more about this fun series!!!}

{Also! Don't forget to check out the up and running sister blog, Toastess - all things fashion and style to be found!!!}

Think Tink//Biker Chic

Think Tink//Biker Chic by mommaruthsays featuring a lace dress

{ED: This is the only post like this one that will show up on mommaruthsays - all things style & fashion will be featured on the sister blog, Toastess}

Lace dress
$165 - theoutnet.com

Lot78 leather jacket
$985 - net-a-porter.com

2 Lips Too lace up booties
$70 - heels.com

Lulu Guinness clutch handbag
$431 - coggles.com

Vintage earrings
$800 - amrag.com

Just Female Acces star necklace
€18 - welikefashion.com

Stussy gold snake ring
$15 - zumiez.com

iSpy

One of Sidney's favorite games to play nowadays is "I Spy" - which is easy and quick and you can play it practially anywhere! Good choice, on my little gal's part! We usually play in the car and our conversations go something like this:

I said I wasn't going to cry

So far, Pinterest has been a lot of fun! I've pinned a bajillion recipes and craft ideas (although, I can't really cook and I really can't craft) - it's definitely a huge time killer, but sometimes it's nice to zone out for awhile and just be a Pinterest-zombie.

It's been all fun and games 'til I saw this:

Source: thewillcuttgirls.blogspot.com via Olivia on Pinterest

Now Pinterest is making me cry. I can't believe my big girl starts school Monday. I was totally prepared not to face this fact until Monday. Damn you, Pinterest!

tweaking

So, as if you couldn't tell (could you tell?) I've been tweaking with my blog layout and design. I wanted to simplify and get down to the basis of writing and sharing pictures. I go through phases where all I want are clean lines, crip letters, and no fuss. So that's what we're going with right now - what do you think?

Are the page jumps annoying? Do you like them? I like using them, they seem to help me and my insane need to clean things up around here. Now I can post a million photos or videos or whatever and they don't eat up all the space in my layout. I like pagejumps. Pagejumps are my friend!

I've also got a new and exciting series starting this Friday - I can't wait to get it rolling! I know I've tried several things in the past (giveaways, DELIGHTS, TT, Etsy searches, honorable mentions, yadayadaya) and none of them have really clicked. I'm hoping to make this one click! Make sure you come back Friday (and everyday before then) to see the goodies I'm getting ready to unroll. You're definitely I hope going to want in on this goodiness!

Let me know what you think about this *new and improved* mommaruthsays - is it your cup of tea? Too plain jane? Love or hate the pagejumps? Can't stand the new font? Be honest!

two month old babe

My sweet little RJ turned two months old this past Saturday - part of me wishes time would slow down completely, but then another part of me wishes it would speed up just a little. Babies are sweet and they smell so good (thank you, Johnson & Johnson) but it's hard when they don't have much of a personality and they can't tell you what hurts them. My mom is right when she says babies start being real fun around 9 months.

a year ago

It's been an entire year since my husband lost his best friend - Justin doesn't talk about him much anymore, but Sidney has the perfect answer as to Dozer's whereabouts now: she says he's at the ocean playing with the dolphins. I know we all wish that's where he was...at least then we could visit him from time to time.

best friends

I adore both of these girls

I try so hard not to compare my kids BUT...

gains and losses

I have a hard time with saying what I want to say the way I want to say it. My words don't come out right and I find myself tripping over my ideas and the thoughts in my head. But I'm not one to proofread or edit my blog posts. I hammer them out, hit publish almost immediately, and never look back. They are what they are, typically spontaneous and always true to the moment. I say all of this to ask you to bear with me on this one - I hope I don't lose any of you, or myself, in the words today.

I had a moment to myself yesterday on the college campus to realize something about myself: I need to mourn the loss of my youth a little. Not that it was unfairly taken from me or that I am bitter about any of it. I feel like my life has worked out exactly as it was meant to, whether it's how I had imagined it'd be or not. I am where I am supposed to be, surrounded by those I'm supposed to with. This is my life.

hi ho, hi ho

Well, it's back to work for me...