Is it June already?!?

I love summer. But that fact that it's already summer of 2014 is crazy to me. This year is flying by. Oh well, I think that's a good thing. 

So obvi it's been a while since I've posted. I don't really have an excuse.... well... except for the fact that I've been busy. Like stupid busy. The month of April was crazy. Good, though. Being busy with portrait sessions isn't something I ever plan for, but it was a great way to spend all of April and most of May. Speaking of which, May was pretty awesome too. Filled with lots of fun, weddings, and other shenanigans. Which brings us to June. For the sake of time and laziness on my end, I'll just quickly bullet the updates in my life (since March)

· My best friend got hitched (it was awesome. Love you Kaitlyn VERETTE!!! Happy one month anniversary!!)

· We all lost an incredible friend/cattleman/inspiration

· Read a boat load of books (see below)

· Discovered Netflix (GAHHHH!) (see below)

· Made a huge lifestyle change of doing my own nails (scary)

· Team #BlinnWin 2013-2014 has left Brenham, America :(

· My babies all graduated from High School.... Emily June, Anna, Haley, Atalie, Jonathan, Maddy, Mason, Dylan, Team Hope&Faith, Jeb, Caleb, Logan, Ashley, Kourtney, Quinton, McKenna, and so many more... I love y'all and will miss you SO MUCH next year :(

· Chopped of all my hair ... No, I am not trying to look like Miley Cyrus. No, I'm not going through a quarter-life-crisis. I'm lazy, it's easy. I like it, and yes the coach likes it. If you don't like it, I'm sorry, but it's not on your head, so get over it. Stop asking me if I'm okay. Stop touching it. Stop singing Miley Cyrus songs when I enter a room (T-SHACK!....(though admittedly, it is really funny)). Get over it.  

· Judged a show with the coach (well... sort of)

· Spoke during state 4-H roundup 

· Pictured the state simmy/simbrah show with my showchamps fam

· Potentially have a pregnant dog (super unclear/super impossible.... but our little market lamb is looking more and more like a dang overfed southdown lately :( sooooo hopefully it was the neighbors Chihuahua that did the deed)

· The Spurs won (GO SPURS GO!). No, I'm not a huge basketball fan - but I do love the Spurs. And if you look back to last year's posts around this time, you will see I am not a bandwagoner. I secretly love watching Tony Parker play. It's freaking hilarious. I literally cheer "Go little man!" When he has the ball. And Kiwi (Yes, I call Kawhi Leonard Kiwi) is amazing - both athletically and professionally - like I want to be his friend. And, I mean, who didn't cry watching Tim Duncan with his kids? If you didn't you might be heartless. Or male. And Manu.....well, he is the easiest person for me to pick out when I'm watching the games without my glasses on. Bald white men are hard to come by in the NBA. And Lebron is a frogging baby. 

· That's essentially it. 

Since I'm such an opinionated little cuss, I figured I would go over some of the books I've read since March and some of the TV shows I've crazily become addicted to... Because if I utilized this post to vent... well.... I'm sure my lovely stalkers- I mean readers would have a few choice words to say about me. (Get over it already)

Books (yes, they still make these)

· If I Stay · Pretty incredible/horribly tragic/terrible ending/I really liked it. Back in April, I saw the previews for the movie based on this book and thought it looked really interesting. Naturally, I felt I had to read the book before even thinking about seeing the movie, I dove into this love story. It isn't typical. It is straight up SAD. If you are looking for a quick, witty, emotional read then definitely check it out. I will say, after reading this there is no way I want to see the movie. If you've read it, then you understand.

· The Stark Trilogy · Okay, I really did not like 50 shades. So sue me. But this trilogy..... well.... it's uuhhh.... it's nice. I recommend it. el oh el.

· Psychos · This is the second book written by "Babe Walker". As most of my readers know, I LOVED White Girl Problems. I will say, it is funny... and good... but it's not as good as WGP. I'm still planning on rereading it. But... it wasn't as EL OH EL funny as WGP. Still screen-shotted a boat load of pages, however. 

· Are you there vodka, it's me Chelsea ·  READ IT! Like now! and while you are at it download....

· My Horizontal Life · You'll thank me later. The Chapter 'Shut up already' is absolutely hilarious. I read a lot of the chapters out loud to the coach while we were driving somewhere. He enjoyed them. You will too.

· The Fault In Our Stars · Let me be the first to say, I DID NOT want to like this book. After seeing the  previews for the movie, I was so upset. Tris and Caleb can not be in love. That's incest. And I may be from Lancaster County, but I do not support kissing cousins/siblings/the family pet. But, I caved and read the book. And I have to admit -- IT WAS AMAZING! It's a really short, quick read... I read it from cover to cover in 6 hours (it was a slow day). But, holy gracious, it is amazing. I didn't cry like Pinterest tells you you will. Okay, maybe I did a little. But instead of being really sad at the end, I smiled. The book is so wonderfully written. I know it sounds corny, but it is the most beautiful book I've ever read. I recommend it to everyone - young, old, Christian, Wiccan, in-love, pissed-at-life, everyone! I'm still working up the courage to see the movie. I know I will cry. And again, I really do not want to see Tris and Caleb kissing. It will just ruin everything. 

Currently reading....

· Is everyone hanging out without me? · I made the mistake of starting this after reading the Chelsea Handler books. Don't do that. Mindy isn't nearly as funny as Chelsea. At least I don't think so.

· City of Heavenly Fire - Mortal Instruments Series · So far, it is much like the 5 books before it... not bad enough to scrap it completely but not good enough that you can't put it down. I don't mind it... I'm making myself finish it because I feel obligated to complete the series. But it kind of sucks. Just saying. The writer should have stopped with the first one. I'm not really into supernatural stuff, though... Unless it's Harry Potter. I flipping love Harry Potter.

T.V. Series (God Bless netflix and my ADD)

· Orange is the new black ·  Thank you, Rebecca Hamilton, for recommending this show. HOLY COW IT'S AWESOME. Except for the whole lesbian thing. Contrary to my haircut, I'm not into girl on girl anything. But again, past that, both season 1 and 2 are freaking incredible. It makes prison look fun.... something tells me I'm going to regret putting that on the internet.... :/

· Pretty Little Liars · I know, I'm super late jumping on the PLL bandwagon. But I don't care. I have to have something playing when I edit pictures. It's just a thing. My previous boss/amazing friend/about to be the most gorgeous mommy ever, Blaine Fisher, can attest to that. It just helps your productivity. So when I started editing to Netflix, it suggested I watch PLL. I was skeptical. But now, I'm addicted. And the coach hates it. End of story. Oh - one last thing.... Ezra Fitz is freaking gorgeous. That is all.

· Ladies of London ·  LOVE. Better than RHOanything. Caroline Stanbury is the definition of perfection.

· RHOC · Shannon, you're crazy. Everyone needs to stop picking on Heather. She is amazing. Right up there with C_Stanbury. 

· FIFA World Cup ·  If the coach makes me watch one more game, I will cry. Unless David Beckham is still playing.... Is he still playing? Cuz, I'll watch the shizz out of that game. 

And on that note, the coach is calling for me to meet him at the school so we can go look at our potential new home (way more important than blogging (yay for being a grown-up! (insert eye roll))). 

PS- the coach and I are judging a show together on his birthday. Isn't that kind of awesome? #nerdstatus 

PPS- HAPPY BIRTHDAY MYKA BLISSARD!!!! Love you, girl!!!!

Until next time my faithful non-stalkers.

Kisses

-J

(because I am THAT obsessed)

2014 is looking pretty solid

Yeah, it's been a few weeks. But if you know me, then you know I've been running around like a chicken with my head cut off. So - let's go over 2014 thus far.

Went to the great old PA Farm Show... and got the flipping viral plague. Thought I was going to die. Thank God for z-packs. Like seriously. BUT Farm Show was pretty fun. It was wonderful seeing all my old friends and spending time with my family.

Then came Denver. National Western, once again, did not disappoint. From start to finish, I enjoyed it so much. Being back on the backdrop (and in the ring) for ShowChampions makes my heart so happy.
But there is one part of Denver I really just have to brag about... or be giddy about... or whatever.

I am SO INCREDIBLY PROUD and HAPPY and EXCITED for team #BlinnWin!!! Not only did they win the carload contest, but they also were the champion team in the normal contest (that sounds so weird), AND our dear little Cody Doubet was high individual. So so so excited for every single one of these amazing bucs. BUT! Special shout-out to Tagg Taylor for A)being Blinn's low drop in the carload contest - and placing 8th - and B)not peeing himself during the awards banquet. I almost decked him. For those of you who were at our table - you know why. But, no seriously, so happy for this dude! Brice and Joe should be extremely jazzed for their team!! 

Anyway- I know this great group is going to continue kicking butt and taking names at the rest of the contests this spring! Love my #BlinnWin babes :) They deserve all the success in the world. 

So now that I am back from NWSS, I have about a week to "chill"... which includes picturing/videoing calves for the 2014 Texas Reload Sale (website coming soon), finishing editing, doing a bridal session, and two AMAZING senior sessions ;) Sneak peeks will DEFINITELY be coming soon!!!

Oh - and for all my wonderful show babies headed to Fort Worth - GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!! I will see y'all down the road in San Antonio!!!!

***

I'm going to try to post more on this... but, then again, I say that literally each time I blog.

We'll see ;)

But for now, I leave you with a cow yelling at you. Enjoy .....

Another #MCM

I can't even remember the last time I did a #MCM... and seeing as the coach once again proved to be the most amazing husband in the entire world over turkey break, he deserves a My Coach's Moment post.

This one - however - is not of his ... uh ... picking. It's one from my archives. Turkey break marks three years since the coach asked me to come to Bastrop to "picture his cattle" .... or, in all honesty, to meet his family (which scared the poop out of me, considering we had only been talking for about a month... and only publicly dating for about a week and a half.). I guess he really did want me to take pictures, too - but y'all get my point. Anyway, at the time I had owned a DSLR for only about three or four months. And I had only been taking livestock photos "professionally" (for ShowChamps) for about two months. So I was pretty terrible. Well, I thought I was awesome... but looking back, I was terrible.

Which brings me to this version of #MCM. The coach and I bonded - years before we started dating - over our mutual love of cattle. So when he asked if I would come to Bastrop and take pasture shots at his family's ranch, I jumped at the opportunity. He loved the shots and used them as Christmas presents for his parents that year. He still has some of those 'original' pictures hanging in his office. It drives me nuts, because I think they suck. So every time I stop by while he's working, my skin crawls.

Well, anyway, this past turkey break we had a bit of an emergency involving our dear Jessie. She's fine. Crisis over. She'll heal in no time. But back to the point of my story. I planned on taking pictures of the cattle this year like I did three years ago... Well, that wasn't exactly possible. So, after picking Jessie up from the vet on Friday, we went to the pasture about an hour before the sun went down.... Not exactly enough time to see all the babies AND shoot more than two or three groups. But I still got a few... check out one of the shots from three years ago compared to a very similar pose taken this year. No, the 2013 picture isn't my favorite from that night, but I think it's cool from a comparative standpoint. PS- the recent image has not been run through photoshop, lightroom or even bridge. I shoot on jpeg, not raw... because honestly, I'm too lazy to do any kind of editing. I don't remember editing the image from 2010, but I really can't remember.

Thanksgiving 2010 shot

Thanksgiving 2013 shot

Things certainly have changed over the past three years. I mean, we honestly knew back then that we would be married at this point... but I'm not sure we could have guessed that we would be almost exactly where we always hoped we would be, professionally speaking. Don't get me wrong, I still have an insane amount to learn. But, I look at the image taken in 2010 and just have to smile. So much has changed, and I really think I'm headed in the right direction. But, I don't think that would have been possible without the coach.

This holiday season I'm most thankful for having such a wonderful, handsome and supportive cattleman/husband that pushes me to be a better person on a daily basis and is behind me 100%, no matter what I do. He loves my career as much as I do... and I love his as much as he does. That's really something wonderful.

Thanksgiving 2013 shot

It's a beautiful life. Take the time to notice how breathtakingly unique your every day truly is.

Holy weather change

Yes, I'm blogging one post after another. I just couldn't see tying my last post into this one... Johnny deserves his own post. 

Anyway, it's cold outside. Really stinkin' cold. I appreciate the rain, but it is currently messing up some plans. I should be currently at an engagement session with my dearest future Mr. and Mrs. Verette. But no, that shoot has been postponed. Oh well.. I know where she lives. I can capture her (both the amber alert kind and the picture taking kind) whenever I want. Maybe I shouldn't have used the aa analogy. It was a joke. I promise. Please no one send the authorities. 

This weather better clear up before tomorrow... Or else I'll have to reschedule another shoot. And then I might have a panic attack. I only have three open days until I leave for PA... soooo I'm gonna need this chill to chill the crap out like pronto. 

Speaking of shooting.... Whoever nominated me for "Best On Farm Photographer" for the Best of the Barns... is your head okay? No, seriously though - I am extremely honored to even be on that list with some of my favorite photogs. Makes me feel pretty awesome. I encourage all me readers to go to www.bestofthebarns.com and vote for your faves. You don't even have to vote for me, just vote! Oh, Blinn is up for best juco.... sooo ahhh.... *cough, VOTE FOR BLINN, cough* Annnd I guess you can vote for me too... if you want ;)

In other news, another Louisville has came and went. HUGE congrats to Texas A&M for bringing the bull back to aggieland!!! Super excited for them. We didn't quite have the same luck. And Louisville ended in one of the worst ways possible. Like the original coach's wife, Lauren Poe, said... "we will have a lot of "children" in our lives'. That's what the team becomes. They become our children, and our friends. And when one of our team members is hurt, we hurt. The amount of tears that came from me were just a small portion of what was shed from team #blinnwin. We are a family, and watching the team be there for their 'sister' was/is nothing short of amazing. We are all continuing to prayer for our beautiful girl and hope for a speeding recovery. We love you, gorgeous!

Okay, on a lighter note... It's officially the season of giving... so I figured I'd 'give' y'all something... a movie review -

Catching Fire hit theaters yesterday/early release Thursday. And yes, I went. And made the coach go with me. Of course. (Sayde, he kept checking his phone, looking at the time... he was so anxious to get to bryan. It was funny... or it will be in a month or so ;) ) 

Here is my official review - GOOD GOD IT WAS AWESOME!!!! I get weird about book-turned-movie movies. But this one (just like the Hunger Games) was almost perfect. I saw only a handful of differences. But none were huge and didn't change the movie in any major way. It was awesome. Jennifer Lawrence is seriously the most perfect Katniss. Oh, and Johanna... YES! So glad she was portrayed EXACTLY like I was hoping. And the ending... oh my lanta... so perfect. Made me want to reread the series for the tenth time. OH! and the preview for Divergent.... AHHHHH!!!!! March 21st better hurry up!!!

I give Catching Fire 5 gigs out of 5. I plan on seeing it again before the weekend is over. No, coach, you don't have to come.... unless you want to! (Which I secretly know you do)

Okay, I'm about to get ready to stuff my face. #verettepartyof2 and the JoeRathmanns are headed to Fogo annnnnnnd I'm excited!

Oh, and BTHOlswho?

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.

Photo Friday, Awesome Edition

Yes, I've been neglecting my blog. I feel like I'm on repeat with that phrase... sorry.

Anyway... It's friday. Which means I should be writing a photo friday post. And I am... of sorts. It's also my birthday. I'm old, so I'm not going into details on age. It's sad and scary. I literally spent my day editing pictures and watching Harry Potter. Actually, it was wonderful.

That was until the coach decided to remind me that he is the most amazing person in the world. You see, my old trusty camera ( I call her old... she is just a few weeks shy of three years young ) has been acting like a rah-tard for the last few months. I know she just needs to be cleaned... but since her model is discontinued, I started getting nervous. I also knew I eventually wanted to upgrade to something a little more... I dunno... bada$$. The d700 is killer. I love her and I will never get rid of her (sorry for everyone who already asked if I would sell her). But, she ( you're dang right I speak of my camera like it's a child... and yes ... she is a she.... cuz she can be a moody B ) also doesn't have video capability which is something I am looking for. About two months (or more) ago I decided I was going to upgrade to the d4, the billy bada$$ of the nikon pro world. I had been saving up since making that decision with hopes to purchase it potentially as soon as Royal ( ... :) .... ) but for sure before Denver ( .... :).... ).

Fast track to today. The coach tells me a UPS package is coming with my Birthday present - insert excitement - and I will have to sign for it... AKA don't plan on leaving the house on my bday. Cool. I can handle that! Especially considering I made him bring me lunch :) He and Brice took the team to Hagan's .... mildly jealous considering that is the ONE workout I really should have gone to! .... so he wouldn't be able to wait around on UPS with me. I told him it was no biggie, I would just wait until he got back to open whatever the package was.

Or so I thought...

6:30 pm rolls around and big brown enters the driveway. Doorbell rings. I open it to find a cheerful looking guy holding the BIGGEST B&H BOX OF ALL TIME..... B&H??!?!?!?! And he expected I would actually be able to look at it and not open it. PSH!

I beg for permission over the phone. And since it is my stinkin' b-day, I succeed.

And open the box to MY brand new Nikon D4. Oh my lanta. This is real life.

My husband is the most amazing man in the world. I am well aware of the fact that I will be paying him back for this beaut.... but still... holy poo he is amazing!!!

So, yeah... that's my "photo friday"... SO AWESOME!


Now go google the d4... and drool ... or just look for my new edition with me in the ring, at the backdrop or in the picture pen ( ... :) ... ) - JA is BACK!

Photo Friday

It's Friday.... and I'm actually blogging "on time". Be impressed. No really, please be impressed.

This week's Photo Friday comes from the third of our July weddings. Corey and Allison got hitched in the most gorgeous, amazing way possible. I mean, it's July. In Texas. And they had an outdoor wedding. And it was BEAUTIFUL! Like whoa. Like nutso. Anyway... the duo that shot their wedding day was a married couple (McGowan Images -- Stephenville, Texas), and let me tell you... THEY ROCK! I'm not saying the coach is a hard person to impress, but (since he was in the wedding) he came running to me as soon as he could after the ceremony, telling me how incredible the photogs were (are). I don't think he's ever done that. But, then again... he was right! Not only were they super cool, put up with our group's craziness, and were fun to work with ... but they also had images from the wedding posted on their blog THAT NIGHT! Like what?! Holy speedy!!!! And not just any images.... but some seriously incredible ones!

I'm not just saying this, but this duo produced easily the BEST wedding images I have ever seen. From top to bottom... I love them all. Here are three of my faves....

HOW GORJ? I mean, really?

I die..... seriously?

BEST IMAGE EVER! Take it all in, my babies... take it all in.

It certainly doesn't hurt that Allison and Corey are such a wonderful couple. They completely deserved such a fairytale wedding day, with insane images to remember it with. 

For more info on this photog duo, visit their website, blog or facebook. I am completely a fan of their stuff. Love, love, love.... cannot say enough positives about them. 

Did I mention I really liked their pictures? Jussssssayin'

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 :)

Photo Friday

Hey look! I'm actually doing this on a Friday! It's the simple victories in life that mean the most, lemme tell ya. Especially considering my directTV box is currently full of recorded "retro" episodes of The Hills.... It's amazing that I was even able to leave the couch. I heart scripted reality TV.

Oh! And do you like the new blog design? I don't. But it's better than what it was.

Anyway....

This week's photo comes from one of the most talented photographers I have ever worked with. Not only that, but she is also one of my best friends. I really don't know what I would do without the lovely and amazing Stacey Shanks - aka cajun queen - and it gives me so much joy to highlight one of her images this week.

Meet Sully Shanks, Stacey's oldest son. He is such a complete angel and has one of the neatest personalities ever. As you can tell, Stacey is wicked talented with the camera, but she is equally as fabulous at being a mom. Sully and his younger brother Rayne are simply awesome. Yes, Stacey and Brandon, I really mean that! I will babysit anytime you want!

I asked Stacey what her favorite shot she took lately was and she sent me this.... Gosh, could it get any more perfect? The innocence and wonder in Sully's eyes makes this picture to die for. I love how Stacey chose B&W for it, too. So perfect. Love, love, love. 

You can look at more of Stacey's work by visiting her website, Facebook, or by being lucky enough to call her a pal like I do. Be jealous. Go ahead, I won't be upset :)

Hey, I blogged a Photo Friday... on a Friday.... I'm so impressed with myself. 

.... admit it. Y'all are too. 

#MCM

Welp, I thought this might soon happen. The coach is currently burning the midnight oil, trying to get a well working on one of their lease places... with that said, he is not thinking too much about what this week's #MyCoach'sMoment is/could be. I forgive him.

Instead... you get stuck looking at two pictures from wyoming :) That's what you get for reading my blog..... complete and utter randomness. Get over it, or close this window and never come back.

The Coach.... he's so cute .... But he needs to drop that snow/iceball. 

Because I can. Top of the froggin' world.

I know it was a crappy edition to #mcm... but again, I figured this would happen. I'm thinking I will have to blog tomorrow about more randomness. And hopefully soon I will change the God awful design of these here little dealy. Makes me cringe. 

Over and out. 

Photo Friday : another Saturday edition

.....because I got lazy last night. Sorry. I think I'll have to do two separate blogs today just to catch y'all up on what's been going on... It's hard to keep up with us. We need our own reality show or something just so we can look back and remember everything that happens in a day's time. It would be like the show Keeping Up with the Kardashians. Except with substance. And cows. And no babies named after the coordinates on a map. Not clever, Kim K, not at all.

Anyway... Photo Friday strikes again! And, like I promised, it's not one of my own! Only prob is I really don't know who took the pic....

But, holy hereford, how could I NOT use this pic?!?!? Yesterday - instead of blogging - the coach and I were at the Belt Buckle Bonanza in Waco... which got my blood pumping for the Spring's Major Show Season (YES that deserved capital letters). So, I got inspired for this edition of photo friday. The internet is amazing. You can search just about anything and get the neatest pics and stories. This gem came from googling "champion slap". It is from Houston, circa :: ?? Late 1950's-ish probably. How killer is this, though? I mean, A) winning the Houston steer show is definitely cause for a giddy-girl jump. and B) LOOK AT THAT FROGGIN' HEREFORD! I love old timey steer/cattle pics. Watching our industry change via snapshots always amazes me. The 50s and 60s are easily my fave. They look like adorable little puffs of fluff. The above champ is no exception... complete with the straightest hock I've ever seen. This little midget was #fluffycows before #fluffycows were #fluffycows. And those jeans..... I mean COME ON! Hashtag :: awesome. The best part is - this might be a dude showing. And for those days he was a rad stud for rocking those painted one pants. Oh, this is way too much greatness for one frame. Can't take it.

So perfect. So hilarious. So awesome. The butt shot of all butt shots.

Uhhh. I still die. If you say this picture doesn't entertain you than you don't have a pulse.

End of story.

How am I ever going to top this?

Photo Friday

Well hey there!

This week's photo Friday was the coach's suggestion. You see, we are on the road - again - headed to Wyoming to visit my brother, his wife and my two wonderful nieces (one of which I haven't met yet). With that said, coach and I use road trips to talk about the future, our dreams, shows, ranking our top five fave show steers, play 'my horse' and just enjoy the scenery. So while stopped for lunch in Pueblo, Co - home of the funniest person I know and my legit soul sister, Kasie Pigg Smith - the coach asked me what picture I was going to use. At the time, I still didn't know so he suggested this beauty...

Yes yes, it is yours truly, at the tender age of 3, I believe... And if you know me, you've seen this picture a hundred times. But it is still one of my faves. Photo cred goes to my mom... From the get-go, I wanted to be a 'picture taker'. Actually I really wanted to be a livestock photographer. I ran around with my mom's old film camera... It didn't even have film in it, but I would still pretend I was taking pics. I've got a wild imagination, let me tell you. Anyway, I asked my mom if I would be able to take show pictures (yes that is literally what I asked) as a job and she said no, it would be too hard and the likelihood of me being good enough was too low. Well, I guess that idea didn't turn out. I don't hold it against her, but I love watching her reaction when she sees some of my work. 

Oh! And the other part of this pic... We raised cattle and sheep in Lancaster County, PA... So it was almost always green, chilly, smelled like Amish pastries and we always had something fuzzy and cute for me to be BFFs with. Good life, if I do say so myself. Plus for a circa 1990/91 style lamb, this dude wasn't half bad! 

Anyway, starting next week I'm going to start highlighting other photogs, so watch out! I could be stalking down your pics as we speak!! (Said in the most non-creepy way possible)

Have a stellar weekend my friends!

Photo Friday... Saturday edition

A day late and a dollar short, but here's the second edition of photo Friday! I apologize for the delay. The coach and I are in Lubbock -well, Levelland actually. Coach is judging the Golden Spread with my fave bday buddy, Brady Ragland. I must say, it's been quite an impressive two days. Now if only there wasn't 150 steers left to show today... Or if only I had pages left in my book ... Or had remembered to bring my kindle... Then I might be a little more chipper. I find reading while the coach judges the best way to not be 'that' coach's wife who yells at her husband from the stands. I mean, he has to hear what he did wrong (in my most expert opinion) on the car ride home, so I might as well save him the public embarrassment. Anyway.... 

This week I felt the most appropriate photo would be one of our very own 'fluffy cows'.  Yup, I used it. Buzz phrase of the summer. Sorry I'm not sorry. It is what I'm gonna use as my muse this week... That and this pic is one of the only images I have saved on my phone (being on the road at random shows means making sacrifices - liking blogging via iPhone ). 

Sooo here we go- 

This is JoJo (don't you dare laugh- I did NOT name her) and her bull calf. It was taken about a month ago at the river place in bastrop. Back story- JoJo hates me. She is the only animal that has ever pinned me more than once. Unlike everyone else, I'm not the least bit scared of her and she hhhhaaates it. She's a b word. That being said, I laid on my belly in the grass for about 30 minutes just praying she'd move slower than I could... It wasn't my ribs I feared for- but if JoJo would have touched my camera her behind would have been on a trailer headed straight to the slaughter house... And then coach would have done the unthinkable... Been upset with me for the first time... Anyway, I love this shot, not just because this little guy is oh-so precious but because I rarely have time to actually shoot OUR cattle. Typically I'm running all over the southern US picturing/videoing - and when I do get the chance to be home there is always something to get done, leaving no time to just lay in the pasture with my camera, capturing our cows just being cows. But here I was lucky enough to get JoJo (coach's first heifer purchase since 'we' started) with her first calf. The flowers give a little extra pop of innocence, especially how they blur just perfectly and beautifully against my little man - even if he is sporting a nasty brown fluff. Fluffy cow or not, the shot means something to us, making it even more gorgeous.

There is nothing more fantastic than picturing cattle- especially like this. Coach may enjoy evaluating and raising cattle - as do I - but there is nothing I love more than to picture them. I sound corny- but if you really know me, you know this is true... And you know I'm unable to hide my corniness. Don't like it? My sweat! Just close this tab out on your browser and never come back (again said into wicked witch of the east coast voice.)

Well... I hoped this blog would take me a few more breeds to finish... Unfortunately, it did not. That's what you get for marrying a Rathmann... I fear our kids will inherit his long-winded-ish-ness (your mind in blown by that lame creation of a word, don't lie)... Like my dear friend T. Shack joked yesterday "your kids are going to give a set of reasons and the judge is going to ask them how long they thought they talked. He then is going to say to whatever response they give him 'well I watched half an episode of Friends sooo you might have gone a little toooo long'." I freaking love T Shack.

And that's all folks. Ps... I love the fact that #coachswife is trending on social media. I guess that means I should probably start blogging about something - anything - with some sort of substance, instead of just rambling... Eh, we'll see. 

Photo Friday

Holy moly, I'm blogging two days in a row. Woo!

I've decided to instill a 'photo friday' on this here little bloggy. Ps - please forgive the *still* lack of design or appeal... I'm working on it. Being without photoshop for a few days is proving to be much more difficult than I thought it would be. All I want is a pretty little header for this blog. That's all. And an appealing/blog relevant image. And not being able to size down said relevant image is kind of a drag. Literally. No, blogger, I do not want to tile my background image... just make is small enough so I can make it stays put and still be able to see all of it! please and thank you. I'm an awful blogger. I need to watch more Awkward or Sex in the City. Jenna and Carrie make this crap look easy. Or stalk down more blog sites. Anyone got some suggestions? The whole lazy thing hasn't changed overnight.

Gahh another rabbit hole.... back to Photo Friday. Since I do kind of house a boat (like titanic sized) load of images, why not have a "fave" pic for the week.... and being that it's the current trend to have an event or play on words for each day of the week (thanks social media, really) why not do this little deal on Friday? I'll highlight just one image - and it does not necessarily have to come out of my camera. I'm definitely an art junkie, so who knows what I'll pick.

So here we go, the first ever photo friday. I figured I would start with one of my own. And no, it is not my spiffy new blog background image (which I believe describes our -me and the Coach's- life pretty perfectly.. red sole and all).

*This photo was not drug into photoshop, and I do NOT shoot in auto... so go ahead and think I'm not decent at taking pictures, it doesn't effect my pride... but while you are at it, close this tab and never come back (said in my wicked witch of the east coast voice). Rude, hateful people are not even worth my cyber time. Vent session: over. 

The above image is one of my fave shots from our delayed honeymoon. It was taken from the deck of our hotel in Sorrento, Italy. Sorrento is pretty much a cliff town, with a gorgeous port and some of the most spectacular views the Mediterranean (and the World) has to offer. The dock, Naples' City lights and Mt. Vesuvius all blend together to frame the shot just perfectly. I'm pretty obsessed it. I wish pictures could capture the beauty of the Amalfi Coast, but they really just can't.

Great, now I want to go back to Italy. Now. Booooo.

Welp, I have successfully completed my first Photo Friday. I feel pretty solid about it. I hope you enjoyed the image and reading my random ramblings.

Lata babies.

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