VP Blog » Life http://vignettephoto.com/blog The blog of Vignette Photography: Austin, TX based Wedding and Lifestyle Photographers Thu, 22 Jul 2010 14:00:30 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Milestoneshttp://vignettephoto.com/blog/posts/milestones/ http://vignettephoto.com/blog/posts/milestones/#comments Mon, 31 May 2010 14:00:50 +0000 elizabeth http://vignettephoto.com/blog/?p=1920 Before May disappears I wanted to do a special post about Vignette Photography turning 2! That’s right, this month marks our two year anniversary in the wedding world. May 2008 seems decades away and I can still see us in our apartment brainstorming the business, ideas, the website, the blog. We shot our first wedding together that year in November for our dear friends Amy and Rodney.

We also saw quite a bit of this cutie that first year.

It’s a bit strange going back and reading old posts. Things have changed a bit since then. You may not know that VP started out as James’ baby. He had the wedding experience, understood a digital camera and has an incredible portfolio of studio work. I came from a film background, swore I’d never shoot digital (or Canon for that matter!) and only had a couple weddings under my belt along with family and child sessions. We were going to build the business together and the plan was to hopefully transition James into the business full time. I was going to be a second shooter and office manager. Funny how things change. I have always loved weddings and knew that one way or another my career would pertain to them. The plan was something event coordinator related. As we grew the business my obsession for weddings grew and James’ love for web development grew. Haha, that sounds funny. Don’t worry, we still adore each other but our career paths over the last two years have changed a bit. Vignette is now my baby and this 2 year anniversary marks my launch into wedding photography full time. Yep, that’s right, last week was my first full week at my new job. It’s scary but awesome all at the same time. James is still a part of Vignette but 90% of it is me. You’ll still see him occasionally assisting with sessions and being the best 2nd shooter at weddings a girl could ask for. I know I wouldn’t be here doing this if it weren’t for him.

When 2010 began I had a strange sense that this would be the year of change. I’ve followed Lara Casey since early 2009 on Twitter and she is one amazing woman. She’s inspired, encouraged and challenged me and probably doesn’t even know it. When she announced the first Making Things Happen workshop I wanted to be there (especially since it was in Watercolor, FL!) but it wasn’t doable at the time. I knew this workshop was going to be monumental. Then the Dallas workshop was announced and I wanted to be there but had a wedding to shoot. I still haven’t attended a workshop but I follow quite a few of the alumni on Twitter and between them and Lara Casey, the MTH bug had bit me! This was the year I was going to make things happen!

I started out by attending The Simple Plan in February. I wanted to get a better handle on the business and get that plan written! It was an amazing two days and Michelle and Kelly are awesome. We also had the pleasure of hearing Blair from June Bug Weddings and Shannon, the CEO of Texas Wedding Guide. I learned so much and left with a brain on the brink of overload. Whether new to the business or a veteran, I can’t recommend Sage Wedding Pros enough.You can visit Catie’s blog for a workshop recap and some eye candy.

Next up was the Get Real Sales workshop. Saundra Hadley is incredible and knows her sales stuff. Well, I wanted to know her sales stuff and improve my technique. Then in April I attended Eventology. Um, wow. What an experience. I even got to meet Lara! Please excuse the iPhone pic.

Attending Eventology (click here, here and here for some fun recaps) was life changing in the sense that it got me thinking seriously about what I do and the possibility of doing it full time. Being around so many other creative, fired up individuals was addicting and inspiring. By the time we got home, unpacked and then packed again for Chicago, I was pretty sure I was ready to take the leap.

May 21st was my last day as someone else employee. I am now the boss and a full time photographer. Who would have thought?

This post has gotten a bit out of hand but there you have it. I love what I do and that I have the opportunity to pursue it. I am excited about the rest of 2010 and how it’ll unfold for us and the business. I admit to being nervous but I am believing and trusting for great things.

Here’s to 2 years and making things happen in the years to come!

]]> http://vignettephoto.com/blog/posts/milestones/feed/ 0 Chicago – The Gardenhttp://vignettephoto.com/blog/posts/chicago-the-garden/ http://vignettephoto.com/blog/posts/chicago-the-garden/#comments Tue, 25 May 2010 14:00:55 +0000 elizabeth http://vignettephoto.com/blog/?p=1893 As I mentioned in my post yesterday, Chicago has a lot of green space. If I remember correctly, our tour guide says it has more parks than any other city in the U.S. I could be off on that fact but it was something to that effect. They even have gardens on top of the skyscrapers!

When I found out there was a Chicago Botanic Garden I immediately added it to my list of things I HAD to do while in Chicago. Technically, it’s not in Chicago at all but you can get there pretty quick by train. Totally worth the trip. I love botanic gardens and this one is by far the best I’ve seen yet and it’s free to get in! Amazing.

Again, I was trigger happy but there was something new around every curve…

]]> http://vignettephoto.com/blog/posts/chicago-the-garden/feed/ 0 Chicago – The Cityhttp://vignettephoto.com/blog/posts/chicago-the-city/ http://vignettephoto.com/blog/posts/chicago-the-city/#comments Mon, 24 May 2010 14:00:07 +0000 elizabeth http://vignettephoto.com/blog/?p=1873 Chicago is a great city, one I’d visit again. Although big it still has a small town feel. I really love the green space and openness of it all. We spent almost 2 days seeing the sights — most of them from a top a tour bus with a very funny guide.

I took way too many photos but I enjoyed shooting for fun. I practiced, played and tried for different angles and compositions. Here is a selection of some city photos from our two days around town.

View from Wallis (Sears) Tower.

The Ledge – 1,353 feet up, 4.3 feet out from the Wallis Tower Skydeck on the 103rd floor.

By far the best cup of coffee I’ve ever had.

And because it reminded me of Paris.

]]> http://vignettephoto.com/blog/posts/chicago-the-city/feed/ 0 {Vacation} Franklin Park Conservatory Pt. IVhttp://vignettephoto.com/blog/posts/vacation-franklin-park-conservatory-pt-iv/ http://vignettephoto.com/blog/posts/vacation-franklin-park-conservatory-pt-iv/#comments Thu, 06 May 2010 14:00:40 +0000 elizabeth http://vignettephoto.com/blog/?p=1792 Ok, last one, I promise. But I think I saved the best for last….orchids.

]]> http://vignettephoto.com/blog/posts/vacation-franklin-park-conservatory-pt-iv/feed/ 2 {Vacation} Franklin Park Conservatory Pt. IIIhttp://vignettephoto.com/blog/posts/vacation-franklin-park-conservatory-pt-iii/ http://vignettephoto.com/blog/posts/vacation-franklin-park-conservatory-pt-iii/#comments Wed, 05 May 2010 14:00:08 +0000 elizabeth http://vignettephoto.com/blog/?p=1783 I have always had a fascination for butterflies. When I was younger I’d collect them but only the ones I already found dead. Surprisingly they were always in good condition. I no longer have them and enjoy them alive much more now.

The butterfly release was great and something I have never experienced. What lovelies and amazing creatures!

Butterfly “nursery”.

Ready to be released.

Since it’s illegal for the butterflies to leave the sanctuary they provide mirrors to make sure no one escapes.

]]> http://vignettephoto.com/blog/posts/vacation-franklin-park-conservatory-pt-iii/feed/ 0 {Vacation} Franklin Park Conservatory Pt. Ihttp://vignettephoto.com/blog/posts/vacation-franklin-park-conservatory-pt-i/ http://vignettephoto.com/blog/posts/vacation-franklin-park-conservatory-pt-i/#comments Mon, 03 May 2010 14:00:24 +0000 elizabeth http://vignettephoto.com/blog/?p=1755 We’re back from a visit and some much needed relaxation with the in-laws in Columbus, OH. During our stay us girls spent a few hours wandering around the Conservatory on Earth Day. Visiting botanical gardens and observatories in different cities I go to is a sort of hobby of mine I suppose. I really just love gardens. This was a real treat too because of the Chihuly pieces on exhibit, the butterfly release we experienced and watching a glass blowing demonstration.

I just wanted to share a few of the photos I took during our visit. This first post will be all about the glass. Enjoy!

This yellow is scrumptious.

This piece was called Persian Rug, I believe. You walked underneath it.

Love the vibrant colors.

And this piece would work perfectly in our house!

A few images of the glass blowing demonstration.

]]> http://vignettephoto.com/blog/posts/vacation-franklin-park-conservatory-pt-i/feed/ 0 Couldn’t Miss Outhttp://vignettephoto.com/blog/posts/couldnt-miss-out/ http://vignettephoto.com/blog/posts/couldnt-miss-out/#comments Sun, 18 Apr 2010 18:00:56 +0000 elizabeth http://vignettephoto.com/blog/?p=1735 So, my love of bluebonnets? Yeah, no way was I going to shoot in a field of bluebonnets and not get at least one photo of James and I. Our first!

Thanks Daine for being our photographer!

Aren’t we just the cutest? Haha!

]]> http://vignettephoto.com/blog/posts/couldnt-miss-out/feed/ 0 Spring has Sprung!http://vignettephoto.com/blog/posts/spring-has-sprung/ http://vignettephoto.com/blog/posts/spring-has-sprung/#comments Tue, 23 Mar 2010 14:00:39 +0000 elizabeth http://vignettephoto.com/blog/?p=1604 I think I got that phrase from my aunt when we were younger. I love all the seasons of the year but Spring and Fall are my two favorites. I am looking forward to and at the same time dreading the heat of summer so, right now I am trying to soak up as much as I can of this wonderful Spring weather we are enjoying.

You may have heard via my Twitter feed or other blog that we recently purchased our first home. I am loving it. OUR home. It has a small yard but quite a bit of landscaping the previous owners planted that is pretty well established. Bushes, vines, trees and rose bushes (that I hope I can keep alive). After doing some ‘Spring cleaning’ in the yard we were able to tackle planting some new things to add some color. I am also experimenting with a few tomato and pepper plants to see how well they do. And I know it’s probably a bit late, but two strawberry plants. More of a sentimental thing than anything really but I see the start of some fruit!

It’s such a joy to walk out in the morning and see my flowers and plants. I love how it feels so fresh.

I love, love this tree!

I hope you are also enjoying the Spring around you.

]]> http://vignettephoto.com/blog/posts/spring-has-sprung/feed/ 2 Happy Fall!http://vignettephoto.com/blog/posts/happy-fall/ http://vignettephoto.com/blog/posts/happy-fall/#comments Sun, 01 Nov 2009 02:21:19 +0000 elizabeth http://vignettephoto.com/blog/?p=1273 Loving this time of year! A little bit of fall for you from main street Buda, Texas.

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]]> http://vignettephoto.com/blog/posts/happy-fall/feed/ 0 New Yorkhttp://vignettephoto.com/blog/posts/new-york/ http://vignettephoto.com/blog/posts/new-york/#comments Tue, 20 Oct 2009 05:10:02 +0000 elizabeth http://vignettephoto.com/blog/?p=1239 James and I had a short but wonderful time in New York city last week. We have both decided we’d definitely go back to visit again. I’d love to do a session in the city- what amazing backdrops!

Here are just a few images I took during our trip. Enjoy!

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