Life is Precious

"This is the beginning of a new day. You have been given this day to use as you will. You can waste it or use it for good. What you do today is important because you are exchanging a day of your life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever; in its place is something that you have left behind...let it be something good." I don't know who to credit this quote to, but I really love it. It spoke to my heart when I read it. At the end of my life, I hope to be able to say that I left something good behind.

Fashion Friday {REDO}

Okay, so last week, I wrote a blog on fashion. What to wear on a couple's shoot. It's been bothering me all week, because I feel that it was poorly put together. Hey, what can I say...it was late and I was tired, but didn't want to miss a blog entry. So I decided it deserves a redo.

The Do's:

• Put together outfits that compliment each other. Not outfits that are matchy matchy 'cause that's just cheesy.
• Bring more than one outfit. I, along with a lot of other photographers, allow our clients change of clothes. I did this for my engagement photos. The hubs and I wore casual outfits and then we changed into a dressy outfit.
• As I mentioned before, try and stick with solid colors. Prints and designs can sometimes take away from the main focus of the photo...which is you!
• Accessorize!! Bold jewelry and shoes or a nice colorful tie for him or a hat...they all matter!
• Bring along props...umbrellas, vintage suitcases or trunks, a cool chair...it can all be used

The Dont's:

• Don't wear solid white. This can sometimes wash you out or be to "harsh" with lighting.
• Don't wear something that you're not completely comfortable with or are "iffy" about.
• Don't change your look or your hairstyle before the photo shoot.
• Don't forget to iron your clothes.
• Don't forget that details count!

Fashion Friday: Couples by allywiseman featuring a wool cardigan
Dressy and Casual

Budgets and Bad Debt

Last year Josh and I put ourselves on a budget. A tight $1000 budget. Now before your mouth drops down to the floor...this budget does not include bills or my student loan payments. The only bills included in the budget is our cell phone bills and internet. The rest of the budget is for groceries, gas, movie rentals, clothes, going to the movies, eating out, and our "free money" that Josh and use to buy things we want. For the first couple months, I was really excited about the budget and did great. After a while, it became harder and harder for me to stay within the budget...or should I say, my portion of the "free money". Let's just say Josh and I had a BIG talk about my spending habits and I swore to change my ways. I've been doing great so far and am very proud of myself for getting back on track.

So why am I letting you all into mine and Josh's personal business? Why do you/should you care?? Because you have goals...at least, I hope you do! And wasteless spending is not getting you any closer to them! Now, I know I'm not a financial expert so you can do what you want with my advice.... But I urge you to put yourself on a budget. A cash only budget. That's right, take those debit/credit cards out of your wallet (that way you won't be tempted!). Not only will you be able to save for that vacation you've been wanting to go on (and not have to worry about putting things on credit!) or that new DSLR you've been eyeing at the store, but you'll feel great!

Lost and Found

It's a scary, sick-to-your-stomach thing when you lose something. Keys, wallet, wedding ring...a little munchkin with four legs.... That's right people. Charlie got out this morning. She escaped through the little spaces that our wrought iron fence has. Josh and I spent hours looking for her. We posted several signs at different stores around our house and walked around asking people if they've seen her. To no avail, we stopped searching for her and crossed our fingers that someone would be kind enough to pick her up and call the number on her tag. On my way home from doing two basketball shoots, I got a call. A call that I had hoped to get. It was a man who said he found Charlie! He told me he was at Yoshihachi, a sushi bar near my house. I raced their as fast as I could...I'm sure I broke a couple laws of the road. But when I saw him outside holding Charlie...it was worth it. I couldn't have been happier. So ladies and gentlemen Charlie was lost, but now she's found. And I cannot explain how important it is to have you dog wearing a collar with a tag at all times.

About Me!

For this post, I decided to let you all know a little bit more about me. So here are 12 random facts.

1. I went and saw True Grit with the hubs tonight. His choice. Let's just say that I'll be picking the next movie...for the next 100 years.
2. I have just discovered a love for salted cashews. Seriously.
3. I'm 26 going on 27 this May. I know, I look like I'm 16.
4. I have a degree in Communication (Multimedia) and yet, I don't use my degree. I work as a program analyst on a marine base.
5. I have a love for chubby animals. Specifically, chubby doggies.
6. I am the BOMB at Wii Mario Cart. Just ask the hubs. He'll agree.
7. The hubs and I are currently addicted to Dexter. We're on season 4...episode 9.
8. I LOVE peppermint bark...and sugar cane ice cream. Not at the same time.
9. Skydiving is on my to do list.
10. I have a totally awesome husband who makes me watch WWE RAW every Tuesday night.
11. Butters is my favorite. Please don't tell Miki or Charlie.
12. I love how comfy my bed is and sometimes wish I could sleep in it ALL DAY LONG.

Have a great Tuesday!!

2012 Senior Reps Wanted!

Are you going to be graduating in 2012? Do you love socializing and talking to people? Do you want amazing photos that capture your personality? If so then apply to become a senior rep! Reps will get a FREE session along with other tidbits! Please answer the questions below and email me at: info@allywisemanphotography.com with your answers!

Name:
Email:
Phone:
Mailing Address:
Name of High School:
What year will you graduate?
Do you have Facebook, Twitter, Blog, Other?
Tell me about your in school, after school, and out of school activities (sports, clubs, jobs, volunteer work, hobbies, etc.)
Tell me a bit about yourself (random quirks, what are your plans after high school, whatever! I want to get to know YOU!)
Why would you like to be a senior rep for Ally Wiseman Photography?

Please be sure to answer all questions!

Fashion Friday: Lovey Dovey Sessions

For todays blog post, we'll be talking about fashion. What to wear on your photo shoot. A couple's photo shoot. I love it when clients take their time to think about what they're going to wear for their photos. I'm a big fashion girl and frequent a few fashion blogs every day for inspiring outfits, so I guess it's fitting for me to talk about fashion and photography.

On your couple's shoot, I like to tell couples to wear their favorite outfits. The outfit that makes them feel amazing. Because if you feel amazing, it'll definitely show in your photos. Patterns are great depending on the location of the shoot, but you can never go wrong with solids...or a little pattern. I like it when couple's come to a shoot looking like they just stepped out of a Jcrew catalog.

Here are a few examples of outfits that would be great for a photo shoot.

Photos courtesy of Jcrew and American Eagle

I love color, but again, it just depends on the location of your photo shoot. And cardigans are great to have for a quick wardrobe change.

Color and neutrals work great together as well.

3D tops like this work great if you want some kind of "pattern"but don't really want it to interfere with the location of your photos.

For men it's pretty simple. A button up, polo, or nice sweater will usually work along with a pair of jeans of slacks, depending on what look you're going for.

I do have to admit...if this post seems a little "sloppy", it's because it's 12:40 am and I'm a bit tired. I just didn't want to miss a day of blogging...although technically it's already Saturday...but hey, it's still Friday in the states! In the future, when I'm not so tired, I'll probably do another post about what to wear to a couple's session.

Have a great weekend!

Pretty Thing Thursday

So, in my two years and a half-ish years of marriage, I haven't taken a photo of my engagement and wedding ring...or at least, a nice one of them.... So for my 'Pretty Thing Thursday' installment, I wanted to share a nice photo of my pretty rings =)

McCullough Baby Bump Session

I had the opportunity to photograph my friend Kayla and her hug-a-hubby for their maternity photos. I'm thankful that it wasn't too cold the day we took the photos and grateful that they agreed to meet me early in the morning! This is Kayla and Justin's first baby and I know they are so excited for him to arrive! Congratulations and I hope you enjoy the photos!

One of my favs!

Justin with his modeling face. Kayla, I think he wants his own photo session!

Serenity & Strength

"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;

Courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference. 

Living one day at a time;

Enjoying one moment at a time; 

Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace...."

This prayer has been on my mind for the past couple of days now. I'm going through a hard time right now...nothing to do with me or Josh...I'm just having a hard time accepting something that is inevitable. Something that will crush my world for a little while. So right now I'm praying to have the strength and serenity to accept it. Taking it one day at a time and enjoying each moment that I have, one moment at a time. It is my prayer that if you are also going through a tough time, that you find the serenity and strength to get you through this moment, because that's what it is. Just a moment in your life and it will come to pass.

Peace and Quite

Today is the start of a long weekend. A long weekend that I look forward to. One that will be spent relaxing and enjoying the things that I love to do. And I hope that your weekend is filled with the peace and quite we seldom enjoy because of the hustle and bustle of our every day lives.

SNEEK PEEK!

Be sure to keep a look out for the full post coming soon! 

Mikadilly

And so it's Wednesday! We're half way through the week everyone! For this blog post, I decided that since I posted something about Butters and introduced you all to Charlie, I should probably post something about my baby girl Miki, said like "Mickey" or Mikadilly, said like "Mick-a-dillio" without the "o"as I like to call her. Miki is the sweetest, cutest mutt that I've ever known. And I'm not just saying that because she's mine. Josh and I got Miki in November 2008, a few days before Thanksgiving (what can I say, we love our holiday doggies). At first, Josh didn't really like her...but then again, he didn't really like Butters when we first got him either. But alas, he grew to love her and now she is his favorite (shhh, don't tell the other two!) and she's also a big daddy's girl.... Case-in-point: When he comes home from work, she runs around in circles and gets totally excited. When I come home, she walks to the door, looks at me and probably thinks, oh, it's just you, and walks back to her bed. Yup, no love for the one that feeds you in the mornings and gives you treats. But don't worry, mama still loves you Miki. Hence this post.

Happy Birthday to My BudBud

Six years ago you were born. You were just a little pup. I can only imagine that you were so cute and cuddly. Even though I did not have the joy of knowing you then, I still celebrate the day you were born, because you are my little budbud. Happy Birthday Butters. 

Logos!

So, I'm cheating on this blog post a little since I already featured my new logo in a different post.... But hey, I was really busy today spending the morning at my regular full time job, spending two and half hours at the vet's office this afternoon and then photographing the Warriors, a youth sports basketball team. Finally, at 9:45pm I'm able to sit down and relax. So yes, this blog post is all about my new logo. I decided that since I'm having my blog redone, I might at well change up my logo. Although I love the simplicity of my other logo, I love the look of this new one as well. I'll probably still feature my old logo on some photos, but from now on, this will be the new look...until the next one.

Cozy Beds and Resolutions

This year I debated whether or not to come up with a resolution. I had one in mind that I thought I could keep, but then when push came to shove, I decided to go with no resolution. And I'm not going to mention what it was just in case I decide to keep it for next year. So now the start of the new year has come to pass and yesterday is when I came up with a resolution that I think is a great idea and one that I can most likely keep. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. This resolution was inspired by another photographer, who's blog I visit religiously...on a daily basis...sometimes twice a day. As my new year's resolution, starting now, I am going to TRY and blog every day except for on weekends and holidays. See how I threw in the word TRY. That way, if I don't get to blogging on a day when I'm "supposed" to, I don't have to feel completely bad about it...as long as I did try.

I know this can be a blog entry in itself, but I didn't want to leave you without a photo. Every night or almost every night, I watch a little bit of Friends (my ultimate favorite tv show) while laying in the bed with Josh and our babies. Josh was exhausted last night and fell asleep fairly quickly while Butters cuddled up to him and Miki was at his feet. As I sat there with my Friends on the tv, I looked over and watched my little family sleeping peacefully and warmly underneath the covers and was filled with great joy and happiness. Simple moments in cozy beds sleeping next to my family are what satisfies my soul...and I couldn't ask for anything better than that.

I'm featuring my new logo on this photo. What do you think?

Please Meet Charlie

So this past new years, the hubs and I decided to actually go out and celebrate...for the first time. Not just for the first time together on new years eve. But for the first time...ever. I used to spend new years eve with the family visiting friends of the family and hanging out or one year, my BFF and I went and watched fireworks over the ocean and ate little pieces of cake and drank some kind of non-alcoholic sparkly drink at the seawall...romantic no? It was actually one of the best new years I've had. But, onto new years eve 2011...or would it be 2010?? Anyway, after a fun night of dancing, posing for photos, scrumptious food, good music, and toasting to the new year, Josh and I headed home in our free taxi cab (ask me how and I'll tell you!). As we were coming closer to our house, in the darkness of 2:00am, we saw this little white fluff of fur strolling along the sidewalk. Josh and I, along with the taxi driver all let out a little, "awe...". When we arrived home, Josh asked if I wanted to go and get the dog, and if you know me, I lit up like it was Christmas all over again! So we went looking for the little fur ball and I'm happy to say that we were able to find her. So, without further ado, everyone, please meet the newest member of the Wiseman family, Charlie! And yes, I know it's a boy's name, but it just fits her so perfectly :)