Pro Photographer's Quick Tips: How to Prepare for your Upcoming Family Portrait

I am often asked about the best ways to prep for photo sessions, so I thought I'd share a little advice to help you get ready for your time in front of my lens.  Lots of people can take great pictures, but if you are investing the time and money to hire a professional photographer to create artwork for and of your family, take the time beforehand to prepare for your portrait.  

Prepare yourself for your portrait ahead of time:


Prepping ahead of time allows you to be relaxed the day of your appointment.  Gather your clothing, press it, make sure you have everything you need ready to go.  Ahead of time.  If you are planning on a haircut, schedule it a week ahead so that your hair has time to relax (are you seeing a trend?)  Avoid drinking alcohol or smoking a few days before, instead, drink plenty of water to hydrate your skin which will minimize lines and wrinkles.  Make sure everyone gets adequate sleep the night before to appear rested and you guessed it...relaxed!


Decide what everyone will wear, ahead of time:


I think the rules about what to wear are flexible.  Everyone doesn't need to match; would you all go out to dinner all matchy-matchy?  Didn't think so. Do think about making sure that everyone GOES together--I like to tell people to pretend you are preparing one BIG outfit.  But if you are a bright and bold family, then be bright and bold.  More importantly, choose clothing that fits well, is clean and pressed.  Lay out your clothing and accessories ahead of time.  Choose the colors that look best on you--everyone has something in their closet that is always complimented.  Compliment your body--if you'd like to appear slimmer, keep in mind that darker colors tend to be slimming.

What about hair and makeup? 

Makeup is subjective; if you don't normally wear makeup, don't apply it like Lady Gaga!  However, a concealer matched to your skin tone can provide an even skin tone. Stick with matte foundations, powders and eyeshadows: shiny makeup reflects too much light and can be distracting in camera.  For hair, put a little a smoothing product on your hands and lightly smooth down any frizzy strays.  This is a good time to use a professional makeup artist or hair stylist.  Important things to check for in the mirror before we shoot: stray eyebrows and nose hairs, dry lips and inner eye gunk!


The day of your portrait:


Try to plan a relatively calm day.  (That's where all this advance planning will help out!)  Many times, our portraits will be scheduled at times that may be meal times.  Try to keep sweets and sugar to a minimum, as it can wind kids up quickly, then they can crash just as quickly! It helps to fed the kids prior to our meeting time.  Feel free to bring along some snacks and drinks, both for you and the kids.  Think of this as playtime for your family--be ready to have a great time!  Most times, I've scheduled your appointment time based on the light, so it's really important to be on time.  Plan your arrival accordingly. 

When you schedule your appointment, we'll also start planning your session--location, clothing, props, everything that will make your session great!  Great sessions require a little planning-don't worry!  I'll help guide you through it all. 

Have more questions or ready to schedule?  Send me an email or give me a call!  Talk to you soon!

Why Hire a Professional Anything?

Last week I read a blog post by Nate Berkus.  You know, THE Nate Berkus, interior designer extraordinaire.  It was on the 5 perks of hiring an interior designer and I got to thinking about how that might apply to photography.  I mean, there are lots of people with a good eye, right--AND a good camera?!!

But why hire a professional anything? And in the case of photography, why hire a professional photographer?

When you hire a professional anything--plumber, interior designer, attorney, personal trainer, doctor, photographer...you are hiring someone who has learned and worked their skill.  Obviously there are certain professionals that must have a formal education--I don't know about you, but when I'm having dental work done, I don't want just anyone with a pair of pliers! Most likely, professional anything have an education in their field.  They keep abreast of new trends and skills through continuing education.  They may have a degree or certification in their field that provides academic knowledge or have spent a good amount of time in an apprenticeship or internship working and learning through many years of experience, providing real world skills.


What does hiring a professional photographer for visual solutions provide?  Education and experience  of a professional provides:

The ability to deliver what you need and the ability to collaborate on a plan to get there
The ability to work with and within a budget
Someone who works with efficiency and minimal disruption
The ability to create the proper licensing terms
Someone who can meet deadlines.
Someone who can provide consistent results.
Someone who will collaborate on marketing your brand and deliver the quality that will exceed your competition's.

This is my job and I have a professional investment in your satisfaction.  Finding the right photographer can be challenging--Have more questions?  Drop me a line!

Editorial Corporate Headshots: How to Choose Your Images

Everyday, we are bombarded with images of all sorts.   My goal is create the ones for you that will stop the viewer in their tracks and make them want to get to know YOU.  But, how do you pick those images?

After my corporate shoots, I release a proof gallery for image selection.  I already know which images my clients should pick--they are the images that will make the viewer stop and take a second look. But images in the proof gallery are unedited so sometimes it's challenging for a client to see how great the final result will be.  To give my clients a head start, the image I choose as the proof gallery cover image is often one of my favorites and I choose it based on certain criteria:


1.  A connection--most likely with the eyes.

2.  A natural smile or laugh.  I'm not usually a fan of the smirk or a non smiling image.  It works in some cases, but I feel the better images will most likely have a smile going on.

3.  There is a sense of confidence and approachability.  That sense of "I know that person!"

4.  Communicating a bit of personality that shows though.  A sense of "realness".

5.  A simple and clean image, usually more about the person, with background filling in a few details.

When looking at your proof images, apply my criteria:  now can you see THE images?

I do understand that it's tough for most regular people to be in front of a camera--for most people, the thought of having their headshot taken is stressful--I like to joke that it's why models get paid the big bucks.

My goal is to make it as easy and as fun as possible, so that I can create that connection and capture your best images to stop people in their tracks.

See you soon!

Where Should We Shoot Your Headshot?

I get that question a lot--where should I have my headshot taken?  My answer is dependent on the look you are trying to convey or the business you are in.  Are you in a traditional business environment? A more casual business?  Do you want to help tell the story about what you do and who you are or simply focus on you?

Many companies that I work for like to show their office culture or tell a story about what their business is.  I often shoot in or around their offices and this works well, especially when I'm shooting larger numbers of people in a day.  I come to the office, find my location and it's a breeze to schedule multiple employees.

However, when I'm shooting individuals, we have more flexibility with locations.  I do limit distractions in the background while still giving the viewer information about the subject.  Last week, during a conversation with a city council candidate, I recommended a couple of well known locations in the city for his background, which would show the viewer this is a candidate of the city.

Several weeks ago, I shot an IT executive at her home.  I like shooting in my client's homes or offices because they feel comfortable in familiar surroundings.  Most people are already apprehensive about having their portrait taken and this takes the element of unfamiliar surroundings out of the equation.  As usual, I brought both backgrounds and portable lighting with me, just in case.  While I do come prepared,  I also know that in most cases, I'll be able to find simple light or dark backgrounds in most home or office situations.  It's not always the case to find those backgrounds with the right light, so I make sure I'm prepared to create my own if necessary.  In this case, I found a lovely bank of windows as well as the background.

A quick test shot with my hairstylist using the background I brought yields a more traditional portrait with absolutely stunning results.  For my client,  I wanted something a little less traditional with a little depth to the background.

Going outside lends a fresh and more casual feel.

Wherever we shoot, I'm looking to provide an engaging, approachable portrait and at the same time a fun and relaxed experience for my client.  

Where will we photograph your headshots?

When the Universe Tells You What You Need To Hear

Today, I'll admit I was a bit grumpy.  I was taking my daughter to a gymnastics camp and I was grumpy about it.  A little background:  I was a swimmer.  My mother and father were swimmers. And when my daughter started swimming and showed a good deal of talent, we were beyond excited.

Fast forward to today and the possibility of my daughter NOT wanting to swim anymore.  "Mom, I want to try gymnastics."  to which I replied that most girls in gymnastics started when they were really, really young.  "But I just don't think I want to swim anymore."

Whhhhhaaaaat??

So begrudgingly, I enrolled her in a gymnastics camp for a week.  And this morning, when I took her, I was quiet.  So quiet, that she asked if everything was alright.  "NO!" I screamed on the inside, "NO! You don't want to swim anymore!! It's your gift and you're leaving it behind!"  But on the outside, "Everything's fine--let's get you inside and signed in."

Standing there waiting, a mom with her child started talking to my daughter.  Something ordinarily I would do in an effort to facilitate a friendly connection for my daughter in the class, but was too grumpy to do.  She asked if she had done gymnastics before and I answered that she was just trying it--she's actually a swimmer.  "Oh, how great to do gymnastics--great for cross training and strength--great experiences! I was a swimmer and I did gymnastics for a little bit and it really helped my butterfly!" And BOOM, just like that, I realized just how wrong I have been.

When I was in college at the University of Arizona, I moaned and groaned about taking classes that were NOT photography.   Not general ed classes, but the ones I was required to take for my degree--painting, graphic design, jewelry, drawing.  I ONLY WANTED TO TAKE PHOTOGRAPHY.

I. AM. A. PHOTOGRAPHER.

But looking back, I realize just how well rounded they made me.  They gave me structure, experiences and framework that I never would have gotten had I had only photography classes.  And several years after graduation, after working in the photography industry from the time I was 16, I left photography for a while.  And when I returned, my path in that other career lent structure, experiences and a framework to my photography.  Frankly, I might not be where I am now in my photography career without having left it.

And maybe my daughter would leave swimming and never go back or maybe leave it just for a while.

I almost cried.  You know that feeling you have when you realize you've been so wrong and want so badly to apologize?

I introduced myself and thanked her for her words.  "It's so ironic to meet you today and hear your thoughts, I really needed to hear those words."

And then she introduced herself to me... "I'm Angel."

Pro Photographer's Quick Tips: Photographing Fireworks

I posted this several years ago and thought a repost might be helpful!  There is ample time for planning and/or purchasing if need be.  I tend toward an experimental and simplistic approach to photographing fireworks.  Just as with anything, there are many ways to go about doing anything, this is just one way.  

My first bit of advice: get your "special firework photography gear" together in advance.  Specifically, a tripod and a remote and a camera capable of manual settings.  You can also use a neutral density filter to reduce the amount of light exposure but it's not necessary. A remote is helpful so that you don't jiggle your camera as you push the shutter release. Any shutter speed longer than 1/80th is subject to operator movement and most likely you'll have a shutter speeds in the neighborhood of 1 or more seconds.  You don't have to have a remote, but it does help.  You will want a tripod or something very stable to put your camera on.  You can also try other stable things like tables, chairs, rocks...but the tripod will offer the most flexibility for positioning to get your shot.

As the time gets near and it's still light enough to see: Set your camera's settings.  Turn off your flash if your camera has one incorporated in it.  You'll want to be on manual or bulb.  Keep your ISO low--at 100 or 125.  When the first fireworks go off, shoot with a f/stop of f/8-f/16 and then experiment with your shutter speed.  Fireworks are surprisingly bright, so your exposure probably won't be as long as you think.  Put your focus on manual and on infinity unless you are pretty close to the action.  If you can, think about positioning and how the wind will blow.  Most years, we find our fireworks location clouded by the smoke and haze produced by the fireworks mid show.  I know that I have to shoot early in the show, because toward the end, the bursts could be hidden by the smoke.

When the fireworks start: Take the first couple of bursts to figure out your framing or where you're going to aim your camera and set your focus (which will most likely be close to infinity).  The distance between you and the fireworks probably won't change much and you'll have a leeway with focus with your f/stop range of f/8-16.  Start with your initial settings, keeping your ISO low so that you get the cleanest, clearest image possible, and then experiment by bracketing.  Play with your shutter speed, check your screen and see out what works best.  If your images are too bright, use a smaller aperture to allow less light.  If you'd like to create multiple firework exposures in camera, the longer you keep the shutter open, the more multiple bursts you can get in one frame.  If you shoot single images, after the show with editing software available, it's fun to layer multiple images for maximum effect.

Photographing fireworks is photographing the unknown.  The dark sky lights up and the moment reveals itself.  Go out and capture it! (And don't forget to enjoy the show!)

(It's also loads of fun to experiment with sparklers, flashlights and any other light sources you can think of...but that's for another post!)

Happy Fourth of July!

Featuring: Behind the Scenes on RED Capital Group's Corporate Shoot, Columbus

When I'm shooting editorial corporate head shots, I'm usually very focused on the task at hand and my time is limited, so I rarely shoot behind the scenes images.  However, when I'm shooting for RED Capital Group, I've got an amazing team to work with that makes sure we gets few great behind the scenes images.

I enjoy working in the spaces in downtown Columbus, and there are a couple that I would love to be able to have here in California!  My favorite is in LeVeque Tower, an art deco building built in 1924.  Inside one of the spaces slated for renovation are amazing walls providing backdrops you just couldn't replicate.  And the light!  There are several large windows that sit approximately 4 feet off the ground, with thick 1 and 2 feet sills that essentially make large soft boxes.  See the amazing light coming from the left in this picture? Heaven.

This space has the most amazing walls and even more beautiful tile work.  I heard that it will eventually renovated to become a bar or a conference room.  Hopefully, we'll be able to shoot several more times before completion!

Yes, sometimes I do shoot with a fanny pack.  I'm single handedly bringing them back into style.

My second favorite space is between the LeVeque Tower (the Palace Theater wing) and the US Bank building.  The light that bounces off the tile onto my subjects provides just the right warmth for skin tone.  Really good thing I'm not shooting with lights and stands, it was super windy during this shoot!

Yes, that is a police officer in the background.

My heartfelt thanks to Joy Selby Cain and Lisalynne Quinn of RED Capital Group for capturing great behind the scenes images and the entire RED Capital Group team for a great shoot!

6 Mistakes You Are Making With Your Profile Image That Could Cost You: Part 2

Most of my clients have their head shots taken for business--primarily company websites, company literature and of course, LinkedIn.  This directly from LinkedIn: "We know that people take their professional reputations seriously, and as a result we expect LinkedIn profile photos to be professional in nature." And did you know that your profile is 7-14 times more likely to be viewed when you have a professional profile image? (LinkedIn)  With that in mind, here are 6 more mistakes you could be making with your profile image, part 2:  (Check out part 1 here)

1.  Wearing clothing that is too fashion forward.  Unless you plan on updating your image frequently, (I'm in!!) wear clothing that is classic and timeless.

2.  Using a full body profile image.  Your profile image on LinkedIn really should be a head and shoulders image.  I often shoot 3/4 views that are appropriate for other uses, but because those profile images on social media are really small,  I recommend using a head and shoulders image.

3.  Not sizing or cropping your image correctly or using a low quality image that is pixelated or blurry. Your image should be the correct resolution and appropriately sized for the application or social media channel.  Your professional photographer can also supply a correctly sized image.

4.  Forgetting that your profile doesn't just represent you on your page, but is also on every "like", "comment" and "share".  There it is, representing.

5.   Thinking that your image doesn't matter in your industry.  No matter how small your business or what your business, we live in an image conscious society, and it does matter.  Want to grow? A great image attracts great talent.  Want to gain more clients?  A great image projects capability.

6.  A profile image that doesn't draw the viewer in and make them want to meet you.  Does your image make you look approachable?  Friendly?  Confident?  Does the viewer feel like they know you already?  No?  It's easy to get someone to smile.  What's more challenging is to create an image that brings out their personality, creates trust and like-ability.

Feeling like your headshot isn't representing the best you?  Give me a call--let's create an awesome one!

6 Mistakes You Are Making With Your Profile Image That Could Cost You: Part 1

Recently, a client sent me a link to a seminar they were attending.  Of course, my client's profile image was fabulous, but I was amazed when I looked at the other speaker's photos.  These were professionals, in a very professional industry.  And frankly, they didn't look very professional.

It got me thinking about the 5 biggest mistakes people make with their profile image that could cost hurt you--as in, all things considered equal, your competition has similar qualifications, experience and education--but one of you has the better profile image. In a situation where there are hundreds of people vying for the same position or client, a fabulous profile image could give you the edge you need.

1.  Not taking your profile image seriously.  As in, not considering it as an important as, say a meeting with an important client.  Like it or not, research shows that first impressions are made in 10 seconds or less.  I've said it before: chances are, the first impression someone has of you is going to be your profile image.  When you want to learn more about someone, what do you do?  Do you call them up and set up a meeting?  Call them up and ask them questions?  Nope, you google them.  You check them out on LinkedIn.  As human beings, we are programmed to want to SEE what things and people look like.

2.  Not taking your wardrobe seriously.  Whether or not you are in an industry that requires more formal or more casual attire, it's important to wear clothing that fits well (isn't too big or too small), is clean and pressed.  That means if your favorite tie or blouse has a soup stain on it, get it cleaned.

3.  Having a friend take the photo with their cell phone or editing yourself out of a group photo.  Is it poorly lit, blurry or a weird color?  Do you see part of someone else's body or head?  Or worse, are other people in the image?  Does the viewer wonder which person you are?  Your profile image should reflect you as an individual professional.

4.  Not using the right makeup.  Have you seen the recent rash of celebrity postings that show strange white areas on their faces?  Using makeup that contains light reflecting elements like silica powder in mineral foundations or powders, or zinc oxide and titanium dioxide found in sunscreen can cause "flashback".  Check with your photographer on the type of lighting that will be used and if you aren't familiar with appropriate makeup needed, check with a makeup artist.

5.  Not updating your image when it doesn't look like you anymore.  Is your image more than 5-10 years old?  Have you changed your hairstyle, gained or lost weight or had any surgery or injury that has altered your appearance?  It's time to change that profile image.

6.  Are you still using the LinkedIn placeholder?  Potential clients and recruiters want to see YOU!

Is it time to update your image?  Give me a call!

On Photographing Animals

The last several shoots have included one VERY large dog and about a dozen horses as subjects. I feel a little bit like I've been herding cats!

I definitely approach photographing animals differently than photographing people.  Even if I plan on shooting with available light, I always bring lighting gear, just in case I can't find the light I need or want so that I can create my own.  With animals (and kids), however, I need to be cognizant of their unfamiliarity with big, white, round and floppy discs (my reflectors) or lights that flash at them or even the way my gear sounds. (I once photographed a horse that was fearful of the sound of the shutter!) I work hard to find the right space and the right light to avoid a lot of hullabaloo.  And I bring my patience with me, because more likely than not, it's often a waiting game for the animal/kids to put it's/their best face forward.

When the magic happens, it's awesome!

Would you like to have your favorite animals photographed?  Drop me a line and we can plan it!

How Will You Celebrate Your Mom?

Did you know Mother's Day is observed by over 40 countries in the world?  Mother's Day is May 8th--how are you going to celebrate Mom?

Real life and Headshots and How to Be Awesome

I’ve written quite a few posts on the importance of your profile image (check them out here and here)—and last week, I saw my advice in action.  On the plane home from my shoot in the DC area, I sat next to a woman who worked in human resources.   As she was open about what she was doing, I watched her research and vet her list of candidates.  First, she searched for them on LinkedIn—checking out their profile, their skills and experience.  Then, she went to Facebook and checked out their profile there.  Yep, Facebook.  Evidently, it’s not quite dead yet.

How much did a professional headshot verses a non professional picture weigh into the search?  "That's someone who cares much about their professional image."

What can you learn from this real life experience?  Take a look at your social media channels.  Check yourself--look at it like your boss, a prospective employer or client would.  If it's questionable, lock it down--or better yet, remove it.  And make sure your profile, including your profile pics are up to date and professional, especially on LinkedIn.  Think of it as an investment.  In YOU.  

Whether you are actively looking for employment or not, remember that prospective employers, customers and clients are always looking at you.  Be sure that you are representing yourself well with a professional image no matter where you stand in your career.

Pro Photographer Quick Tips: Better iPhone Photography

Since I've been handing out these tips on a regular basis, I thought I'd put together a little list of my favorite iPhone tips to help up your iPhone photography game.

First, did you know you can quickly get to a specific shoot mode by using peek and pop on the camera app icon? Yep, press hard and this is the screen that pops up!  While it may SEEM just as simple to jump into the camera app--this really does allow quicker access to the front facing camera, video or slo-mo.  Seconds count if your kid or your pet is doing something cute!

I find it really difficult to hit the actual shutter button when taking a selfie--that's why it's absolutely BRILLIANT that you can use the volume buttons on the side, or even BETTER: your headphone volume buttons as a remote shutter release.  Using your headphones as a remote shutter release also helps to alleviate camera shake, which can make your pics blurry.  So much easier!!  

Another way to release the shutter:  Did you know the iPhone has a self timer? At the top of your screen the icons are flash (when tapped can be turned to auto, on or off), HDR (Auto, on or off) Live (on or off) Timer (Off, 3 seconds or 10 seconds) and front facing or rear facing camera.  Hit the timer button and you can choose between a 3 second and a 10 second countdown. Awesomeness.

Did you know you can lock your focus and change your exposure on your iPhone?  When pointing your camera at your subject, you can lock your focus point wherever you'd like. (which prevents refocusing on something you don't want to focus on) Simply put your finger on the screen where you'd like your focus to be and hold.  You'll see the yellow square double and AE/AF LOCK at the top of your screen (Auto Exposure/Auto Focus Lock).  Now see the sun at the side?  Raise your finger, and then slide it up or down to change the exposure--it'll get lighter (up) or darker (down).

Although iPhones not the best for action, if you're trying to capture something fast moving, leave your finger on the shutter for "burst" mode to capture the movement.  (Later, be sure to pick the best view and delete the rest, or you'll fill up your storage like nobody's business!)

An easy one to forget--LOOK at the lens when taking a selfie or having your photo taken.  I know, it's easy to forget and check yourself out on the screen. 

Get as close to your subject as possible rather than zooming in.  Zooming in pixelates your image and you lose sharpness.

Finally, not a photography tip, but a helpful living tip: don't have a mirror around and want to check yourself to make sure you don't have anything in your teeth?  Use the front facing camera as a mirror.  That my friends, is AWESOME-SAUCE!

Remember the best camera is the one you have with you--now go take some pics!

Pro Photographer Quick Tips: 6 Simple Tips for Prepping for your Portrait with Kids or Animals

It's no simple task to gather the family, make them look presentable and keep them happy so that you can record the moments forever.  I only have one kid and one dog, but I totally get it.

Here are my favorite 5 tips for making the most of your portrait time:

1.  Prep AHEAD of time.  Let's talk about anything you'd like to include in your portrait or the clothing ahead of time.  Get everything cleaned, pressed and ready ahead of time.  Now, put it somewhere safe where it can wait for your appointment time.  Get hair cut a week before, drink lots of water, eat healthy and get some sleep in the days before. For your animals, groom them ahead as much as possible.

2.  Plan a mellow day the day of your appointment if possible, or at least a couple hours before your appointment, so there is time to relax.  Rushing around just before a session often leads to arguments and tension (I've seen that happen!)  so keep the hours before the session as relaxed as possible.

3.  Sometimes optimal light time for photography falls during meal times.  If it's not conducive to have a meal, at least have snacks.  Some healthy ones--not sugar filled ones!  So kids (and adults) aren't grumpy or hangry!

4.  Know that it's totally okay to love the images where the subjects aren't looking at the camera--the ones where they're interacting and having a good time and forgetting that I'm there recording the moment.

5. Be patient.  Sometimes it takes a little time for everyone to relax into the session.  Animals don't always cooperate and kids, well, they can be kids!  I have lots of patience and I'm there for you.  It'll happen, it often just takes a bit of extra patience and a little extra time.

6. Treats.  I'd like to believe that I make sessions with kids so fun that we don't need treats for kids, but particularly with animals, bring their favorite treats as incentive.  As in the very best, their very favorite.  Perhaps the treat isn't even edible, but a favorite squeaky toy, ball or whatever it is, make sure it's available for the session.  I'll also bring treats.  (Sometimes I feel like I'm the pied piper because my treats are different than usual--it makes me very popular!)

Have more questions about your session?  Contact me!

Looking forward to seeing you soon!

Portraits on Location: Equine Photography

What is it about loving horses?  I’ve never met anyone who outgrew their love of horses, myself included.  The relationship between Dolly and Michelle is a very special one and their connection is palatable.

I’ve known the two of them for a while now and Michelle and I have long been planning to create a gorgeous portrait of the two of them, but life got in the way, as it sometimes does, and our plans had to change.  Dolly currently has limited mobility, so our session took place in her stall.  

Creating portraits in a stall could have been confining--and stalls aren't always the prettiest of places (and you definitely have to watch your step(!), but I focused on their connection and just let things happen organically. It didn’t always work—horses are basically really big lap dogs that don’t always do what you need them to do.  

Every time I changed position, Dolly left Michelle to come over to see what I was up to. 

I think the in between moments came shining through.  Michelle and I hope that soon, Dolly will be able to walk further into a nearby field and we can continue our session, but until then, I hope these portraits demonstrate the very special love between these two.

These Are A Few of My Favorite Things...

I like to get people talking about themselves, their lives and their favorite things when I photograph them, but lately, it seems like my clients and subjects have been turning the tables on me and asking me to tell them about myself.  Hey that's my line!  My initial list obviously included my family and dog, but one of my clients told me since that was a given, to name 10 more.  This weekend, we spent some time on a weekend project that included several items on my list--a new full wall of reclaimed wood headboard, so I thought it'd be a good time to share my 10 favorite things that keep me happy in no certain order.

"When the dog bites, when the bee stings
When I'm feeling sad
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don't feel so bad"  My Favorite Things, Sound of Music

1. Leopard.  I don't like carpet (our house is all tile and hardwood) but if I did, the carpet would be leopard.  I have Ralph Lauren leopard sheets for our old queen bed, but now that we have a king, I can't find any.  And I love wearing anything leopard.  But it has to be a really great pattern--some patterns can be not so great.  I do consider it a neutral.

2.  Reclaiming.  (Also known in some circles as thrifting, or the thrill of the hunt)  Whether a flea market, off the street, from the dumpster or from Goodwill or a garage sale.  I'm not afraid of a little work to turn trash to treasure and if I can't find room for it in our house, I'll sell it.  Win win, right?

3.  Gardening.  I love my drought tolerant garden.  It fulfills me on so many levels--it's great exercise in a non traditional way, it exercises my creative spirit and yet, lets me zone out in a non thinking way.

4.  Pinterest.  Sometimes I'll create a board for a client or a client will share their board with me, but really, I just use it to pin all those pretty pictures of fantastic living rooms and dream kitchens, crafts and recipes that I may never get to.  It's my guilty pleasure on Sunday mornings while Michael reads the paper and we drink coffee.  (which is bad because I can come up with all kinds of Sunday projects for him!)

5.  Photography. Obviously.  I cannot go anywhere without composing an image.  I guess that could be a curse, but I love figuring out how I would light and compose something.  My husband is terrific at containing me when I shouldn't be shooting (as in holding my phone hostage at a recent wedding where we were guests) but he can't contain my thinking about it!

6.  The ocean.  I am definitely a water baby and love being near the water.  Many mornings find me by the water taking a walk to start the day.  There have been several opportunities to leave California but besides my parents, the ocean is what I would miss most.

7.  Spanish stuff.  I love spanish tile.  I love dark woods.  I like to think of our house as spanish, rustic, bohemian modern.  That's a term, right?   I think I might have been a spaniard in a past life.

8. Coffee.  It's my grandma's fault.  When I was little, she let me put a couple of teaspoons in my milk.  I'm not one to drink coffee during the day, but that (LARGE) cup in the morning is heaven. Add to that my husband brings it to me most every morning in bed.  Can you say lucky?

9.  Reclaimed wood.  Honestly, almost all wood.  Except for honey oak.  Which is what my kitchen cabinets are.  Someday when I have a week without anything to do, (hahaha!!)  I'll stain them, (or rip them out!) but until then, I hang air plants and pretend that my kitchen is bohemian chic.

10.  Music.  I love a wide variety of music.  It gets me moving when I'm working out, it keeps me pumped while I'm working, and  provides the background to living.  There's a special place in my heart for 70's, Justin Timberlake and Steely Dan but I'll listen to just about anything.

So, hey, there you go.  10 of my favorite things.  Now we can get back to your favorite things--do we have any in common?