• March •

I see a trend forming. I am really quite terrible at keeping up with this thing. I will work on this issue... maybe.

Since my last post, a lot has happened. San Antonio ended. Houston started... and finished. It was rad. Loved every second of it.... well not EVERY second... but almost every day ;). 

Team #blinnwin sophomores finished up their spring season, thus their juco career. I am extremely proud of them. In 2014, the team was either champion or reserve at every contest. Awesome job, y'all! 

I figured after Houston was over, I would have a life. hahaha, yeah no. Senior sessions, weddings, bridals, and engagements sessions are stacking up quite nicely. It looks like April will have a high frame rate for sure :) That makes me a happy photog...

Now, let's get to more important topics... Like a movie review. If you follow me on twitter, or facebook, or anything really, then you know that I LOVE the Divergent book series. Like LOVE. I mean, I have a "be brave" tattoo for crying out loud. So, with that said, I have been very excited for the release of the Divergent movie. But, since it happened around the same time as the steer show at Houston, I had to wait until after we were done with the show to see it. Since leaving the grounds Sunday night, I've seen the movie three times. Judge me. But, with that many views, you know my review is going to be pretty spot on. So here we go.

Divergent :: Overall rating 3.0 gigs out of 4

First and foremost, I completely understand that most every book-turned-movie films are not going to be 100% exact. With that said, this movie strays from the book... a lot. The first time I watched the movie, I hated it. I think this is because I knew what should have been happening next, and was anticipating it. However, with my second watch, I let those expectations go and actually just plain enjoyed the movie. Most of the parts that did stray from the book were done so well... total improvements, really. Yes, there were parts that I wish would have gone differently, but there were also some parts that went above and beyond what I envisioned while reading. Prime example would be the warrior games. I LOVED this part of the movie. Amazing. Loved the changes - and LOVED that the zip-line was added here. On that note - the zip-line scene was hands down my favorite. If you have read all three books, you should know why this scene made me cry a little. Absolutely amazing. 

I thought the general vision or artistry or whatever of the film was super BA. The graphics for the city and the different factions - especially the dauntless compound - all were super on point. Oh, and the music selection for the film... SPOT ON!

The movie was casted awesomely. However, I wish more of the characters in the book were present in the movie. But, I do understand that for time purposes, some had to be left out. I also wish the directors would have paid more attention to detail in some scenes... Like right after Tris gets her tattoo and is working late hours in the training room, you see her checking the board.... without a tattoo. Or there was the occasion when someone would have bruised knuckles one minute, then have clean hands the next, then have bruised knuckles again a second later. Or the fact that her tattoo was half coming off after her first sim during stage 2. I'm a freak for noticing things like this, but they all kind of jumped out at me the first time I watched it. 

Now, with both my positives and negatives stated, here is my final word - I LOVED the movie (changes included) up until Tris and Tobias get caught during the attack simulation. After that, I think the movie goes to heck. Why would you change how Tris's mom finds her? Or how Tris's mom dies, for that matter? (I realize she technically dies the same way... but come on...) Or how the attack simulation is being controlled? OR THE FACT THAT TRIS SAYS I LOVE YOU BEFORE TOBIAS. All big no-no's for me. 

However, I DID drag my butt to the theater three times already to watch Divergent, so obviously I really liked it. The reason it gets a 3.0 for me is due to some of the lower-budget looking scenes (I can see the blur around their heads... bad green screen editing), and for the last 15 minutes of the movie. Past that, I really loved it. 

If you haven't read the book, you'll like the movie. If you have read the book... I think you'll still like it a whole bunch.

I mean, it's a crap-ton better than all those stupid Twilight movies. 

I mean, Theo James.... need I say more?

Allow me to explain

So clearly everyone and their neighbor thought I was referring to them specifically in my last post. I wasn't. Here are the exceptions to my vent (as in, that post was not about you) ::

*Mothers/parents/siblings/ag teachers/county agents taking pictures of their kids. My mom took pictures of us. I will take pictures of my children. Y'all are not who I mean. AT ALL.
*People the show has contacted/contracted/paid to take media shots for the show's website/press release purposes ONLY. 100% of these type people introduce themselves to us, are wonderful to work with, and know what their job is as well as ours. They hand their images into the show each day, and never worry about them again. Nor do they take the time to promote them. They work for the show, not for themselves.
*iPhone photographers.
*Most breed reps. Example of awesome breed reps - the crew at the limmy association. A-mazing. That's not to say they are the only breed that is wonderful to work with... just using them as an example.
*Breeders. If you bred the calf, you have every right to take a picture of the calf from ringside.
*Publications, as long as they are not hindering the potential income of the official photographer - i.e. not selling images, or handing out images that are identical to what the official photographer is shooting.
*Around the grounds photographers. I'm talking like picturing fitters, grounds shots, people pictures, cool scenic type stuff. This does not include promotional shots of a single animal at.... oh let's say, Denver. I can think of an individual you can ask as to why that's a big no-no.
*If there isn't an official photographer, do whatcha want.

**Oh- and if you really want a picture of your exhibitor in the ring, just ask us... if we are able, we ALWAYS fill those requests.

Now, here is why I - like 100% of the livestock photographers who have ever been an "official show photographer" - am upset. I love this job. It is my everything. And, ultimately, these people are hindering my job and thus my life. It is my passion, and it is also my income. So yes, I'm upset... Because these type of photographers are -essentially- purposely taking money away from the official photographer. Stock shows seek out what photography company they would like to use. Sometimes, they even pay them to be there. They trust that we will give the exhibitors the most professional product.

On that note- Try to do those pictures at some shows, and you will be banned from the grounds. And that is NOT in our control. At all. The show is the one that watches for those type people and is the one that wants them out.

So, think what you want of me. But I can almost bet, those of you who were unhappy with my post have never been an official photographer. Now, I know my vent will not stop this issue. We have been dealing with this kind of unprofessionalism since the invention of the scissor pose (thanks, Walt;) ). But, if you read my blog...well... maybe you'll think twice about trying to be the unofficially ring shot photographer at a show or event that has not hired you or asked you to cover it.



Thank you to everyone who called, texted, messaged, voiced words of love and positivity about my last post. Y'all are the ones who know me and the person I really am.

Vent Session Saturday

Currently, I'm sitting in a hotel overlooking the Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas. Tomorrow we start day 10 of SALE. It's been an incredible show thus far. Lots of excitement for my show babies, and also lots of disappointment for them. If y'all follow me on social media, than you know how much I love my show family and how much they mean to me....

But anyway... with the thought process of love, also comes the thought process of what you do not love. And thus, another vent session must commence.

If you are not the official show photographer, I don't give a DAMN what media credentials you have, get the eff out of my ring and away from my backdrop. I'm so sick of seeing people post their ringshots, with a tacky logo, or some GOD AWFUL effect on the image. Or a yards shot that is FREAKING TERRIBLE. And get the HELL AWAY FROM THE BACKDROP! What is wrong with you?!?!? You aren't the one that set-up the animal. I AM. You taking that image gives the indication that you did the work on getting that animal looking the way it does. AND YOU DIDN'T. And that's a copyright violation. And makes people think you are more talented than you are. Which is wrong. Cuz I know what kind of set-ups y'all are capable of. And - to put it nicely - they don't look like ours. Now why y'all gonna go and lie to a bunch of innocent exhibitors?

Done pretending. If I whipped my camera out at a show that I was not the official photog for, y'all would have a come apart. So, you pull that low budget camera out around me again, and just be prepared for me to lose all respect for you.

You want to take pictures, EARN THE RIGHT TO BE THE OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHER. You know how many exhibitors laugh at the work y'all type of "professionals" are doing? Like a freaking lot. And, no, I am not just saying that.

I love watching "photographers" pop up and then dwindle out within three years.

Just saying.



****This DOES NOT include show mommas trying to get cool pictures of JUST their children. Or breeders who want to take pics of the cattle they bred, raised and sold, like Pearl. Cause Pearl is awesome. And she respects ShowChampions. ****

Branding myself

I'm not exactly a girly girl. Like at all. If you see me at a stock show and I'm wearing make-up... well, consider yourself lucky. Cause it hardly ever happens. And "bling"? Ha! Yeah, that word is not on my radar. I have my staple jewelry pieces that I wear daily - that being my wedding and engagement ring, my aggie ring, my grammy's ring, and my diamond earrings the coach got me as a wedding gift. Oh, and I guess my helix stud too. Can't really take that out yet. 

Anyway! That all being said, I don't typically wear a lot of jewelry or change my pieces up all that much. However, I have become addicted to Courtney Kerr and her blog What Courtney Wore - thus becoming OBSESSED with BaubleBar. When she featured her hashtag/@ necklace on her blog (around Christmas), I was immediately in love with the idea. And since it was during the "giving" season, I decided to treat myself to this beauty >>>

I am seriously BEYOND obsessed with this necklace. And yes, I look like death eating a cracker in this picture. Go ahead and judge me. But I'm just that frogging excited for my "brand". 

Yes. I am 100% aware that there should be an apostrophe in between the 's' and the 'w'. But for those of you who know how hashtags work, you know that's not an option. Yes, it drives me bat-poop-cray-cray. But I'm having to deal with it. So I suggest y'all do the same. 

Okay, I just wanted to brag about my new purchase and give a HUGE shout-out to the crew at Bauble Bar for making some seriously amazing pieces of jewelry. They might actually turn me into a girly girl. 

Ha! That's a laugh. 

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 .....

The typical "End of the Year" post

Well, well, well... 2013 is hours from being history. How crazy is that? I know everyone keeps saying this, but this year really has flown by so quickly. I figured since I haven't posted in a number of weeks - and since it is the last day of the year - I would highlight some of the .... well highlights of 2013.

The Coach's Wife's official "Best of 2013" list....

-Starting "The Coach's Wife" Blog
-Successfully completing the first Texas Reload sale with the coach
-Establishing myself as an on farm photographer
-Italy

-Getting on Instagram 

-Taking the coach to his first Texas A&M football game
-Limiting myself to only ONE new tattoo for the ENTIRE year. That's just cray
-Spending time with my brother's family in Wyoming
-Reading the Divergent trilogy and thus changing my life forever
-Watching my husband judge numerous shows across the US
-Being able to call him my husband
-Videoing for some absolutely fantastic breeders/ranchers/clients for Ideal Video Production
-Picturing three wedding proposals for some wonderful friends
-Being nominated for the category of Best On Farm Photog for the Best of the Barns awards. My mind is still blown
-This is annoying.... but getting the D4.... like seriously
-Not getting into a public social media battle with anyone. all. year. long.
-Taking a stand to say I decide who my friends are no matter what ANYONE thinks of their sexual orientation, appearance, or popularity.
-With that, being proud to say I support the gay community
-Making it through our first year of marriage without getting preggers.... or making the coach divorce me (double score)
-The 50,000 I've put on my brand new car since she was "born" in November 2012
-Driving home for the Christmas Holiday with Jessie.... seriously so fun

And my top three "Best ofs" for the year are.....

3. Establishing so many wonderful new clients that I more importantly call friends
2. Picturing cattle backdrop for the most amazing company, ShowChampions Inc., thus truly fulfilling my life long dream.
1. Continuing to put a smile on almost every exhibitors face when they come to my backdrop or when they see the image we just captured. This job has never been about the money for me. It has always been about making every single exhibitor feel like I treated them better than anyone else in the barn.

And that's all there is to it.

I'm sure I missed quite a few awesome moments/memories.... Tomorrow I might actually post again... possibly.

But for now, I'm going to go work ewes with my parents and the coach... and just smile at how incredible this past year truly has been.

Thank you to all my readers, followers, and friends for making "The Coach's Wife" such a success.

Friday the 13th

I have a confession. When I was younger, my "lucky" number was 13. Is that weird? It's true though. With that said, I guess today should have been extra lucky for me. Or at least that's what inner-Jo is telling me. I suppose my inner-Jo wasn't too far off, because it wasn't an unlucky day... which for me is saying something. I mean, nothing that extraordinary happened per say... but it was a decent little day. I mean, I played with Jessie, packed for home (now leaving on Sunday morning - thanks to the nasty weather expected to hit the east coast), cooked for the coach,  and watched Courtney Loves Dallas.

On that note, can I just tell you how much I love that show? Holy crap. It is amazing. Courtney Kerr is my idol. For those of you who have not checked out her blog, do it now. I mean, she is seriously brilliant. And adorable. And a texan.

Anyway, on the note of packing... you know how hard it is to pack for a 40 plus day trip? Really froggin' hard. Hate it.




That's really all I've got for this blog. I realize this post isn't very long and contains little to no substance... but at least I froggin' posted... right?


Stay tuned for stories/ posts/ rants from my road trip.