Let's play catch-up

Okay, so obviously it's been a while. The fall kind of got the best of me. I've been running around like a crazy person and on my "off" moments, I've either filled them with spending time with the coach or with our four-legged daughter, leaving minimal time for blogging. So let me try and catch y'all up on the important stuff that's been going on.

-My birthday present from the coach is insanely amazing. Still.
-I got another tattoo.
-I've traveled. A lot.
-The coach wants sheep.
-No, he really and truly wants sheep.
-I broke a video camera. And when I say "I", I mean TSA and their greedy, rough, fast moving hands broke a video camera. All resulting in potentially the worst three days I've experienced in my adult life.
-I no longer will fly to video places.
-I read a lot of books and saw a lot of movies. But more on some of that later.
-The coach and I had a Hannibal Lector moment with some random couple on twitter. I apologize for saying this, but I'm still creeped out. Like who does that?!
-Team #blinnwin fish rocked the first two contests this year.
-I cut my hair. And went blonder. It's awesome.
-Sophomores left for Kansas City this morning.
-I leave for Kansas City tomorrow!

I think that was all the major stuff... ish.

Anyway, since it has been a long month plus of no posting, I figured I would start up with current events and leave the past to the list noted above. I really don't feel the need to go into detail on anything and plus, none of y'all care. Am I right? Exactly.

Let's start up with a little review.

So if you follow me on twitter then you know that this past tuesday was a big one for me, entertainment wise. The new season of Awkward premiered and the final book in the Divergent series, Allegiant, hit my kindle.... And here is their reviews

Awkward :: TEAM COLLIN! Like honestly. Need I say more? Other than the fact that the premiere was totes awesome. I am THRILLED for this season. Matty doesn't deserve Jenna.

Allegiant :: If you have not read the first or second book in the Divergent series, all I have to say is WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?!?!? These books are beyond all normal levels of incredible. Typically in trilogies, I dislike the second book... but not with this one. I loved it. And then the third happened.... ERRMAHGERRRRD. So good. I just finished this book earlier today and am still crying. I will say, I wish the ending didn't happen the way it did, but I think it made the book just that much more incredible. Such an awesome story. And not at all typical with what has been hitting book stores in the past five/ten years. It's an insane mix between The Hunger Games ... and The Hunger Games on crack. Speaking of that series... I honestly didn't think a trilogy or any book for that matter would top the story of the girl on fire. But Tris absolutely stomped that idea. Without question the best series I have ever read. So good. Could not put it down. Now, if only I could give the coach some kind of serum so he would get tattoos like Tobias....

I'm kidding.


For the most part.


Anyway... Like I said earlier, I leave for The American Royal tomorrow. I've missed the thrill of picturing shows and cannot wait to work with ShowChampions once again.

Oh, and this will be the first time I've been back to the Royal since 'happily ever after' started in the P&L district. Crazy to think it's been three years already. I'm sure I'll have more on that in a later post...



Then again... I can't promise I will return to being a frequent blogger.


Opps.

Shout out and mild rant

A few weeks ago, my bff/the coach's bff/jessie's bff/our roommate/general entertainer, Cody Wellmann asked what it would take to get a "shout out" on this here little bloggy-poo.... Well, here ya go, Wetty. You got your shout out.

But that kind of gave me an idea for a blog. I'm dedicating this post to a "shout out" of sorts, but then tying that into my usual rants about what a photographer should/should not do/ what a client can expect from ME when I come to video/picture their cattle/other livestock. This way, you know exactly what to expect when you hire me.... or something like that.

Okay, so first off (the shout out part) I'm going to tell you the stock photogs I admire/ look up/ think of as BAs.

1.) the one and only - Christy Collins. Need I explain? She is without question the most talented cattle photographer of the era... and the person I strive to be like on a daily basis.

2.) Anyone I worked with at ShowChampions / are now employed by the company. Because their work is clean, high quality, professional and amazing. When it comes to show photography, no company is better. End of story.

3.) Kyla Copeland/ the Focus Marketing group. Kyla is rocking it. No two ways about it. I love her work.

4.) whoever's logo is 'KM' .. kudos to you! Always producing legit shots of some legit cattle.

When I see the logos of these 4 companies/individuals, I know the shot is going to be a great one.

Now, as far as portrait work, I respect just about everyone. For one thing - I dislike portrait work. This is because I'm not a designer and I rely heavily on my ability to shoot high quality images without having to drag them into photoshop. When it comes to people pictures, this action is standard. I'm not saying I won't do it, I certainly will... but only if I a) know the person I'm taking pics of ... and b) feel comfortable enough around that person that I can be completely myself. Typically, I only agree to picture my livestock friends... since most of them will understand when I start jumping around like a monkey. Anyway, I love love love looking at other peeps work... two of those in particular are/is Morgan Meisenheimer and Taylor Walker. These two young ladies do an AMAZING job. And are SO fantastic to be around. I look up to both of them for sure. 

Here's why I say all of this... the response from my recent rants about "photographers" was overwhelming - in a good way. I'm not trying to "dis" anyone. That's not my job/place/how I was raised. All I'm saying is if what you are selling/providing to people as "professional photography" can be done on an iphone app.... you might want to reevaluate your style. Jusssssayin'. Plus, if you have worked in photoshop, you can tell when a picture has been messed with. However, most cattlemen aren't blind, either. So when you put a steer on a new background or take something out of the background, we can see it. My father-in-law can even see it. Google how to photoshop cleaner. If you have five of the same branches in a row because you had to take out a hand.... WE WILL NOTICE THE FIVE EXACT SAME BRANCHES LINED UP. If you think it looks weird, guess what? Everyone else is going to think it looks like shhhhhhhhh-crap. And don't get me started on tilting.... wow. Gah. 

And for the love of God, do NOT come at me AGAIN with all your nonsense saying you have how ever many facebook followers, blah, blah, blah because you assume I'm talking about you. The good photogs know they're good, don't have to copy others, and don't have to do stupid design techniques to their images. Because they are Just. That. Good. If you don't like what I'm saying, don't read my blog and STOP ASKING MY TO 'LIKE' YOUR PAGE.

I digress. 

Okay, so with all of this...now onto what you can expect from me....

*I will be on time (98.99999% of the time)

*I will be prepared

*I will prepare (get directions/exact numbers on what is being filmed or pictured/etc) at least a week before I get to your place. I don't do surprises. Solely because I go from zero to anxiety attack in t-minus 2 seconds. 

*I'm directionally retarded. But my GPS is not. 

*I am a guy's girl. Ask the coach's friends. I just get along with males more quickly than females. With that said.... 

*I'm not girly. Do not think that for a second

*Not much scares me. Literally. 

*Unless something other than me touches my still camera

*Or I see a snake. Soooo... warn me if your place is prone to the pythons. 

*I prefer picturing stuff off the halter. I can control the shot so much more. Plus, the animal will look much more natural and higher quality. 

*But I will picture on halter if you would like me to. 

*But I will take it off in photoshop. Halters and crap - the literal kind - are the only two things I will photoshop without you asking me to. 

*I'm not afraid of a bluffer. I can smell one from a mile away

*Don't assume I'm afraid of your bull. I'm not

*However, I am TERRIFIED of your pony.

*Don't ask why

*I will be entertaining. 

*I will make you laugh

*But will do so while doing a kick a## job

*I don't slack

*Even though I'm a girl and I'm witty, do not assume I have no idea what I'm doing/looking at/how an animal is supposed to look. Please.

*I will not do something that someone else has done. That meaning, I don't copy others work. 

*Please don't ask me to

*I will use our shoot as an opportunity to tan my face and shoulders, so...

*If I start to look burnt, don't worry... my skin is fabulous and the burn won't last more than a day

*I will have your images ready/"done" the same day or the following day after your shoot.

*Because I don't need to edit.

*That is if you get ears

*Always be prepared to get ears

*I don't need a team of more than 3 (not including me) for the video pen and 2 (including me) for photos. 

*However, I do enjoy it when there are people working in the back, getting cattle ready/having the next lot ready to go/etc. 

*Your videos will be edited 5-7 business days after I come home from your place. 

*I don't need a lunch break

*Because I pack snacks

*I will eat those snacks while working

*Don't judge me

*Please let me know if the fence I'm standing beside is "turned on" or has electric running through it. I will scream. 

*I was raised in a barn. I've had my butt kicked by a rouge bull before. So I know how to move/handle/act around your rouge bull. I'm 100% comfortable around said bull. However.....

*I will geek out if the mosquitos around your place are bigger than said bull. 

*If your cowboys arrive to the shoot hungover, I will make their lives a living hell. And you will be 100% entertained. 

*I'm not rude

*If I have nowhere else to go after your shoot, I will be glad to help you put cows back/move stuff around/lend a hand.

*I will take my time with a picture

*Don't rush me through taking a picture

*If I'm satisfied with a shot, you will be too... I promise

*Do not bring up PSU or JoePa.... unless you are prepared to have me go cray cray yankee

*You won't hear me say anything negative .... unless it's below 50 degrees.... I hate cold. 

*I will provide a professional, high quality product. 

*And an endless supply of wit and smiles

This is how I roll... I love what I do, and I love the people I work with/for. I enjoy every second I'm on the job and the time I spend in between shoots. I hope this post has given you more of a perspective of what I do/my thought process. I'm not using this post to brag about myself or to talk "smack" on anyone. I'm just giving you as a reader a better look into the life of this coach's wife.

Sorry, I'm not sorry.

If I get yelled at for this post, I'm blaming it on you, Wetty.

Photo "Friday" / Home Sweet Home....Pennsylvania?

This one is going to be like my typical photo Friday... except on crack. If you follow my blog, you know the coach and I were in Pennsylvania last Sunday until yesterday. It's was a really great, busy week. I miss seeing my family and friends, so getting to catch up with everyone (including my brood ewes) was nothing short of wonderful.

So with that you are about to witness some of my favorite shots from the week. Most were taken at my county fair - where I got to wear three different hats ... official photographer, judges wife and (most crazy of them all) judge. I know, I know... I said I would never judge a show again for as long as I lived. But it wasn't bad. I survived. My champions were straight studs. Plus, I didn't even make a kid cry this time (yes, I actually have done that) so I'll count the experience as a win.

Anyway, let's begin with my babies.

Now, need I remind all you snoops that I DO NOT edit my livestock images. Aside from slapping a logo in one corner and occasionally taking off a halter or some crap - the literal kind - I do not, will not and think it's tacky and retarded to alter my livestock images. So critique away and call yourself a "photographer" because you put corny, cheesy and just plain ugly color techniques and "design" manipulations on your pictures... oh and while you're at it... get the H off this page. Go stalk someone else.

This is my parents' new buck, Spook..... I dig him. Thankfully, the coach is getting pretty good at helping me picture sheep ;)

My baby, Iris. 7 years old and still lookin' like a stud. This shot kind of sucks...but regardless... I love her... please ignore the POS in front of her. 

Meet Maddison, my AMAZING niece. I love her. So precious. Too cute for words.

I ventured into the horse picturing world last week, too. This shot didn't make the cut of final images selected (something about her nostrils not being as flared as they were in some of the other shots or something), but I still thought it was cool. Looks like I'm not too shabby at Arabian photography... kind of exciting... that is if I wasn't TERRIFIED of equine. Makes no sense. None. 

Welcome to the Lancaster County 4-H Fair ;)

One of my faves from the sheep show... it was one of the coach's first breeding sheep judging experiences. He did a nice little job, if you ask me. 

LOVE THIS!!!! He's so great with youth. I love him.

One of my favorite families of all time.... Ben Welk with his champion market hog. I kind of fell in love with this hog. But, I mean.... look at her. She's a stud. 

'Sup homie?

It does not get ANY CUTER than this little lady! She made our week/weekend!!!! And yes, we show dairy steers in Lanco... we call them "baby beef" or "dairy beef". Their purpose is to prepare 4-Hers for "big" steers..... so typically, the cute, adorbs little showmen flock to this club.... and I love it. 

You remember the picture I posted Monday? Well, this is the corn field across from my parents' place.... yeah.... the crop is lookin' pretty solid this year. 

I finish with the loves of my life. Iris is on the far left with two of her daughters by her side. I love this shot. I don't care how much crap I catch for raising sheep, I wouldn't change it for the world. I am 100% a cattle girl at heart (yes, it's true) and I will be for the rest of my life... but I would not trade my momma Iris for anything. I miss my babies already. 

Hope you enjoyed a few of my fave shots from PA. More posts will be coming soon, I promise.

Oh, and it's good to be back in Texas :)

I heart quality livestock photography

This will most likely be the title of a few posts... But in light of majors season - here's 'I heart quality livestock photography' post número uno.

First off, I am a huge supporter of ShowChampions. For those of you who know me- you know why. For those who are reading a strangers blog - I owe everything I know and all my success to Bruce, Dave and Allan. I love them.

With that said, I'm a huge fan of hotshots. Most breeders don't recognize the value of a great hotshot. Think about it. 98% of livestock look 100% better in the ring or loose in a pasture or lot then they do at a backdrop. The backdrop is a necessary evil that is so unnatural for most stock. But then again, the backdrop is what everyone works towards. Necessary evil. Ah well.

Anyway, the other reason I love hotshots is because when I'm stuck at home or on the road working, I can still see what class winners or breed champs look like. Which brings me to my blog's point:: taking pictures of livestock requires you to know what livestock are supposed to look like. Just because you have photography experience does not mean you take awesome livestock pictures... So when I went to see what my pal Jonathan McAnulty's home raised steer looked like ( before he literally JUST won grand at San Antonio ... I'm serious I started this blog before he even entered the rodeo arena ) I was pleasantly surprised... No, surprised isn't the right word... I was flat impressed. Kassie Johnson, you nailed hotshots over the past two days!!! Nice work!!! I appreciate quality livestock images over just about everything in life and you made my day. ( By the way, this came at little surprise .. have you seen her cattle? the girl knows how to breed a great one ) From Jonathan's expressions, to making Emily June's steer look awesome and to making my Niece's steer 'little Mac' actually look like a class winner in the AOB's (which he was! Made the lap in ftw, gets the brand in SA... We'll take it)

Here are some examples of what I'm talking about... I like visuals ::

Nothing better than this

EJ superstickin' Heavy Hitter. 

Emily June's face is priceless. I adore her

Emma in champ AOB drive... looking pretty solid!!!

I tip my hat to you Miss Johnson! And to all quality livestock photographers out there. We are becoming few and far between.

Oh and CONGRATS JONATHAN!!!!!! SO SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!



JAR