Inspiration & Design Photography BLOG

New Beginnings

Hello All! My name is Emily Plecker, Debrah's new sidekick for the month of January! I come from the down home backwoods of Bath County, Virginia, home of the critically acclaimed Homestead Resort. You may be familiar with it! I currently reside in Roanoke, Virginia while I continue my third year at Hollins University. My passion lies within the subjects of Creative Writing and Photography. I have been writing expressively since I was a young girl, whether it be through poetry, short stories, or just simply journaling. I am a firm believer that self expression is essential in surviving this crazy life. Not to mention it allows you to discover yourself as a person. After all, who can you be if you cannot first be yourself?!

Anyway, now my journey has brought me to you and hopefully this month I can shed some light on the world for you through my eyes! How did I find myself familiar with Inspiration and Design you might ask? Debrah and I met last January when I interviewed her for the wedding issue of Bella Magazine. Needless to say we had an immediate connection and gabbed away for hours longer than either of us intended! Now, a year later, I have the privilege of working with her on fun and exciting new projects for 2012! As a young creative mind I am excited to work and write more freely during my time with Debrah. One of those creative things is writing as a guest on Debrah's blog. I am also confident I have much to learn from Debrah being the successful lady that she is! Hopefully she can show me the ropes on this big fancy camera with endless capabilities that I have yet to figure out!

One of the first things Debrah and I did together was have our own little personal photo shoot. While she was photographing me, she was also teaching me about things to do if I were photographing someone. I was learning to be on both sides of the camera. The wind was not in our favor, which made my hair even less cooperative then it would have been regularly. Despite my hair problems we managed to make it work, and I explained to Debrah that messy hair is the norm for me so the truth be known in these photos when all was said and done! Very few times had I been photographed professionally, so I didn't know what to expect exactly. Debrah really guided me through it when she explained how important movement and light are. You really have to let the person photographing you into your world, so that they can capture your true essence and that isn't always easy. I struggled a bit in the beginning, probably because at times I can be a reserved person. Debrah had some great tips on how to loosen up. In addition her attitude is just so compelling and that worked in my favor. She said, "You know I'm going to know when I finally capture 'Emily' don't you?" It reminded me of something my mother would have said to me and I felt myself loosen up just a little more. We only really had an hour of daylight, usually a photo shoot would last longer, and we had limited time to think of a venue so we just did it around Debrah's home. It was a beautiful warm day and the feeling was so peaceful. All in all it was a BLAST! Little bear had to make his cameo appearance, I couldn't have all the attention now could I?!

Afterward, Debrah and I uploaded the photos to see what we had gotten. The results were more than satisfying. The warm tones and the country feel were so natural. We we're surprised how awesome our limited venue turned out to be. As we flipped through I found myself saying, "Oh, WOW. That is such a 'me' face." We also decided that the frumpy green sweater I had initially worn for the shoot was not one of my finer choices in fashion. In fact, it might be a smart decision to just go ahead and take it to the Goodwill now! It was definitely a new experience for me, but I felt excited. I was so happy with how they turned out, and truly feel like you see a little piece of me from every angle of my personality.

So, with that being said, here's to new beginnings and new inspiration and saying NO to frumpy sweaters! "Every new beginning comes from some other beginnings end."

 

Just for Fun:

1) Sweet Tea is essential to my earthly existence.

2) There are no stoplights in my hometown...no..seriously..

3) I have a small addiction to hair accessories...just a small one.

4) My cowboy boots are the most comfortable shoes I own.

5) I am a Jesus lover!:)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Disposable lights and Mr. Scrooge-y-ness.

I didn't see the word disposable on the box???  However, it seems Christmas lights are indeed DISPOSABLE!  Yup, you get one year and then those tangledmesses of deadness march their way right off to the land fills! Well maybe with a little help, after all, they are dead. What's up with that?!?!? Seriously, when I was growing up we used the same strands every year, all we had to replace was the light bulbs.  Those were the days, the good old days of "un-cheapness", where a toaster would last a life time, cars had real bumpers...like made from metal and chrome and actually protected you in an accident! 

This year I pulled out all the icicle lights that were carefully packed in plastic bins and only used once. NONE of them worked (yes, I tried several electrical outlets and even changed the fuse)! I decided it was not a good investment to spend over a $100 for several more boxes. So take that ole maker of junky light strands. The neighbors and delivery men will just have to assume that I am related to Mr. Scrooge...before his conversion, all because you make lights that hibernate in the off season and never wakey-wakey, when it's TIME to wakey-wakey!

It's a good thing that my Christmas cheer and good will towards men is not dependent on lights on my house, but the light of Christ that fills me with love & graditude for his birth and all that it means for those who trust and obey him!

God bless you all and to all a "light filled" Christmas!

 

 

Bumpity-Bumpity-Bump

I was 10 years old when he died of a heart attack, only in his forties at the time.  He was too young to die and I felt I would also die of a broken heart from my loss. My deep sobs of pain would not comfort me or return my beloved uncle Raymond to me.

They say, "you won't remember what someone said, but you will remember how they made you feel".  It's true, I don't remember much of what my dear uncle said to me, but he was one of the few people in my family that made me feel really loved.  I was very young when we started spending time together. 

 I fondly remember the random trips in his old pick-up truck, which always included driving over the rail-road tracks. To turn this noisy event into something fun, he would sing a silly song which included the words, you guessed it; bumpity-bumpity-bump! He always made me smile and have fun no matter what mundane activity we were doing. When we were together he made me feel like I was the most special little girl in the world and that he enjoyed every playful moment with me.

A day spent together always ended with a trip to the little country store located right next door to his house. I still remember the old creaky wooden floors and squeeky screen door that led to the dim lighting & limited inventory; all part of the wonderful experience of picking out whatever package of cookies my heart desired! He knew the way to this little girl's heart!

I still have fleeting memories of those special times as a young girl and wonder what my life would have been like had I not lost my dear uncle & childhood friend so long ago.

Thank you Raymond, for the little things that meant so much, to a little girl so long ago.

YAY...I'm away!

In all the scurry of preparing for vacation, I remembered to do everything except let my blog readers know that I would be absent for a week. I'm enjoying the VERY HOT & sunny weather in Tulsa, OK. Yes, Tulsa. Maybe not the vacation spot most would think of but I'm happy anywhere there's sunshine, shopping, great restaurants and my best friend Luke.

Anytime away from long hours spent with my booty plastered to my office chair, working late into the evening/night and trying to figure out what to eat for dinner at 10:00 p.m., is a GREAT TIME!!! Do I hear heads nodding out there??

If you ever get to Tulsa, you have to eat at a restaurant called Mahogany it's a bit of a wallet buster, but OH MY GOSH I will never forget the AMAZING, AMAZING, AMAZING, food and dining experience!!!!! Worth every $$$.

Sorry no pic this time, it's midnight and I'm too tired to add one....maybe next time.

I have some awesome wedding photos of Sarah & Ryan's wedding to share with you when I get back home.

I wish you a cool dip on a hot day, a juicy stake after a day of involuntary fasting and rest for your soul and body...oh yeah and don't forget to laugh that's the very best part...well maybe it's the stake...Yes, it's definitely the stake, laughter second.

Happy summer!

Happy Mother's Day!!

Being a mother is the hardest & most important job we could ever have. But the rewards are enormous!  I know personally being a mother has been the best thing that ever could have happened to me.  My two boys are my best friends and have filled my life with companionship, love and laughter beyond measure. I thank God for the gift of motherhood.

This snapshot was taken about 4 years ago while on vacation; my youngest is now taller than me. It looks like I didn't get the memo about the brown & blue color scheme ;)  (I think it's time for a new family photo.)

 

 

Real Mothers don't eat quiche;
they don't have time to make it.

Real Mothers know that their kitchen utensils
are probably in the sandbox.

Real Mothers often have sticky floors,
filthy ovens and happy kids.

Real Mothers know that dried play dough
doesn't come out of carpets.

Real Mothers don't want to know what
the vacuum just sucked up.

Real Mothers sometimes ask 'Why me?'
and get their answer when a little
voice says, 'Because I love you best.'

Real Mothers know that a child's growth
is not measured by height or years or grade...
It is marked by the progression of Mommy to Mom to Mother...

The Images of Mother...

4 YEARS OF AGE - My Mommy can do anything!

8 YEARS OF AGE - My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot!

12 YEARS OF AGE - My Mother doesn't really know quite everything.

14 YEARS OF AGE - Naturally, Mother doesn't know that, either.

16 YEARS OF AGE - Mother? She's hopelessly old-fashioned.

18 YEARS OF AGE - That old woman? She's way out of date!

25 YEARS OF AGE - Well, she might know a little bit about it!

35 YEARS OF AGE - Before we decide, let's get Mom's opinion.

45 YEARS OF AGE - Wonder what Mom would have thought about it?

65 YEARS OF AGE - Wish I could talk it over with Mom.

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair.

The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes,
because that is the doorway to her heart,
the place where love resides.
The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole,
but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul.
It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she
shows, and the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows!

Rest along the journey

My dear friend always says "Debrah, you have to eat the elephant one bite at a time", but it seems I love to feast on this pachyderm to the point of gluttony!

My long list of goals both business & personal that I piled on myself in recent months, left me feeling: overwhelmed, stressed & just plain zapped my creativity; which in-turn left me feeling confused about how to proceed. Goals are good, but I needed to pace myself!  I think as artists many of us are perfectionistic-high achievers, thus prone to temporary burn out.  I want to encourage each and every one of you who may feel burnt out by the demands of this busy life we live...take time for yourself. It's okay. I am here to tell you that when you feel the treadmill of life taking you on a journey you don't want to go on, it's okay to get off that treadmill for awhile.  You'll be better for it.  How many times do we really listen to OUR needs?  Aren't we too busy taking care of everyone and everything else? Thinking we have to achieve all these things? I know I have.

Granted I wanted to lay on the porch like a lazy coon-dog until I felt like coming back to the pressures of life, BUT instead I just focused on what HAD TO BE DONE and put everything else on hold in an effort to recharged my batteries as best as I could.  That was a GOOD decision! I knew I risked losing some readers by my spotty appearance on the blog-o-sphere, but also knew that in the total scheme of things it was for the best.

I feel refreshed and ready to give my clients and readers more of me. I also feel like I have a fresh perspective about goals, business, life and the direction I want to take my blog readers!

When I dubbed 2011, "The Year of New", I had no idea what an appropriate Label it would be for many areas of my life this year so far. I hope you will join me on this journey and see where it leads us.

Your friend,

Debrah

Here's our journey, it looks like a fork in the road ahead (smile).

 

I LOVE yellow! Doesn't it just make you feel happy? 

 

 Have a sunny day!

The Year of NEW!

One evening while reading the current issue of Professional Photographer Magazine, I felt inspired to do some new things with my business.  The next morning I was buying plane tickets and making reservations for the Imaging USA 2011, in San Antonio Texas! This was the beginning of a new business plan that began to unfold.

Times are tougher than they used to be, and although I was holding my own in the market, I didn't want to just hold my own!  I wanted to excel! Why not?  Am I not the captain of my own ship? Well then. . . no more letting the economic waves decide my current & future destiny! The fire inside me began to burn. I felt like a race horse behind the gate chomping at the bit to hear that bell ring and take off in a blaze of glory!

I eagerly began evaluating my business and I am really excited about all the new things planned for this year.  God willing, here are some of the changes that will occur.  Ironically-11 new changes for 2011!

1. BRANDING MY BUSINESS - I have purchased Sarah Petty's the 21 Days to Branding, offered through The Joy of Marketing series.

2. A NEW WEB SITE - Will showcase my current style and as well as larger higher resolution images and helpful information. (I have already begun this project and it's about 30% finished.)

3. A NEW BLOG DESIGN- although my current blog is okay, I want the new blog to reflect my brand and allow for more interaction with my readers.  I want to find out who my readers are, why they come, and how I can better serve them. (I am still researching designers.)

4. BECOME A BETTER WRITER - My creative strength is not writing, although I am starting to enjoy it. Through various resources I hope to become a better and more interesting communicator. (I am currently reading two books on writing and won't stop there.)

5. INCREASE MY PRESENCE IN THE MARKET -Most of my career I have been passive, letting my reputation and website images speak for themselves.  I have decided to increase my presence quite a bit through advertising, social media, networking and image submission to publications. (Already in the works.)

6. CREATE NEW MARKETING MATERIALS -This will be an extension of the branding. The printed materials will be cohesive and better represent the high-end service that I offer.

7. NEW PRICING - After I review the latest products at Imaging USA, I will be creating newly designed wedding packages with more versatility.  

8. OUTSOURCE EDITING - As part of my new business plan, I felt this time consuming task was one area that I didn't really enjoy and outsourcing would allow me to do more weddings, start album designs sooner and have more time to do the things I love. (Currently researching professional editor's to try.)

9. REDESIGN THE GALLERY- I have redecorated the gallery room into a comfy, casual, romantic, vintage, modern & glam aesthetic all rolled into one. The next step is all new canvas gallery wraps.

10. GET MY CPP DESIGNATION! - I will be taking my Certified Professional Photographer test while at IMAGING USA.  (I have been studying for a couple of weeks, luckily most of it is review.)

11. EDUCATION - You can never stop learning in this profession, which is one of the many things I love about it.  This year I want to spend more time and money attending the many seminars, workshops & classes that are offered through my professional organizations.  This will keep me refreshed, energized and creatively charged so I can always give my best!

Well, as you can see, I will be busy! I will be posting my journey in an effort to help other photographers who are wanting to make positive changes in their businesses.

Here's a look at my new gallery room. It still needs some work, but the bones are in place :) I really enjoy interior design and almost became a designer, but ended up switching my studies to Photography.

 

 

Gotta love these feather pillows!

 

 

The antique pillars, bookshelf and dresser (which you can't see) as well as the replica art deco chairs blend nicely with the new elements. The color harmony ties it all together. I added layers & dimension with the fabric which is attached to the ceiling. Now I just have to choose images for the wall that fit the color scheme and feel of the room.

 

Artful Blogging

I wasn't looking for anything about blogging, but there it was; so eye catching, so delightfully designed, and popping with color! It drew me to it like a plate of warm cookies.  I flipped through the charming pages. It was love at first sight! 

Curled up on the couch in my cozy layers of baggy clothing on a quiet Sunday afternoon;  I revel in the beauty, the art, the photographs, the fonts, the design and most of all the stories! I can't put it down. As the blissful hours pass, I turn the last page. Taking a deep breath, I ponder all the ways I have been enriched; hoping someday to equally enrich others from my small presence on the blog-o-sphere.

I'm inspired by the on-line journals and virtual galleries of these artists from all over the world.  Their artistic endeavors, moments of self-discovery and tales of friendships are delightful & endearing. Each artist/writer so charming, so fresh, so real. How did this knitter-painter-vintage button collector, become such a good writer? I think to myself. 

I would recommend this publication to anyone who enjoys art, creative inspiration, pretty photographs, charming stories or are thinking about maybe venturing into the world of blogging. 

I would love to hear your thoughts about this or any other publication you would recommend.  Thanks!

Click here for some eye candy -  Artful Blogging 

Happy almost New Years!

 
 

 

Oh Christmas tree!

My mom was a perfectionist in many ways and the Christmas tree decorating was no exception.  It was our yearly tradition to gather the family and friends to venture out into the wilderness of Southern Oregon, to carefully select and cut the "perfect" Christmas tree. They were always very large and the lower branches would bulge into the room.

While drinking hot chocolate & listening to Christmas music we would carefully unpack and re-discover our treasure trove of ornaments. I think my mom loved the cheesy ones we had made in school over the years.  She always loved handmade things for their sentimental value.  My favorites were the antique ornaments passed down from my great grandmother who had passed away.  I marveled at how unique and beautiful they were. 

But the main event was always the tinsel! Boxes and boxes and boxes of tinsel and then to the store for more! The four of us would painstakingly adorn every last branch with these light reflecting strands, but only by carefully placing three to five strands at a time so they wouldn't look messy.  It took about a week of working on it everyday.  And when it was done it was MAGNIFICENT!!  The talk of all who beheld it's glory!!

Family traditions are lasting memories that occupy special places in our hearts. Through the years we have accumulated our own family traditions, absent the tinsel.  I have to leave that penchant to my mom.

One of our more recent traditions is to go see the Christmas tree competition at Hotel Roanoke on Christmas eve.  Local businesses and organizations decorate trees which are then professionally judged.  There are about 30 different trees each year, which are placed thoughout this historic and beautiful hotel. We enjoyed the display,  But I can honestly say that not one took my breath away as much as one of mom trees (smile)!

I took my camera this year so I could share some of my favorites with you.  I hope your Christmas was tree-ific!

 

Congratulations to Grand Home Furnishings

 for getting first place on their cherub tree!

 

 Congratulations to Creative Occasions for getting 2nd place on their cool wine inspired tree!

 

 

 

I guess I missed 3rd place somehow. Am I bad!

 

 

I should have brought something to take notes on so I could tell you who did all these wonderful creations. . .but I didn't!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Well those were some of my favorite details.  I hope you enjoyed them!

Where's the "Merry" in Christmas!

 
I noticed it almost immediately.  It had happened several times now.  All the stores!  It's a conspiracy!  Am I in a time warp? A parallel universe? Or is it Christmas?!?!

Upon sending off my last package at the local UPS store, there it was again!  "Have a nice day."  I promptly said, "Merry Christmas!"  Then I proceeded.  "Have you noticed that none of the stores are saying Merry Christmas this year?" The friendly girl behind the counter responded with a knowing "YES, that's why I quit saying it."  It got me thinking.

Even with a lousy economy, wouldn't the retailer's have more spirit, given the added spending? I know in the recent past there has been the big hang-up about saying " Merry CHRISTMAS", that it might offend someone, so they opted for Happy Holidays instead. Did I miss the memo? Has "Happy Holidays" now been added to the list of unacceptable greetings? 

This wasn't the only difference.  It started out like a normal Christmas. I collected my bins & bins of Christmas decorations with the full intent of artfully displaying all my collected treasures.  But somehow, it just wasn't in me. I kept thinking about all the work to put everything up & all the work to tear it down and store it away! For the first time, they remained. . .in the garage. I wonder if they come alive like a scene from Toy Story, having meetings to discuss their current jilting.

And my annual Christmas party? Lights on the house? Didn't happen.  Didn't really care. It's not that I have gotten scrooge-y or anything, but there seems to be a blanket of lackluster this year that is smothering the Christmas spirit for many. Several people have remarked that it doesn't feel like Christmas and that it has flown by faster than any other.  I agree! There's just something different. I gave to charities, did my shopping, decorated the tree and baked some cookies. But not with the normal enthusiasm.  Still with love in my heart, reverence for the season and thankfulness for the birth of my savior; but not with the spring in my step and the holiday twinkle in my eye for sure.

I'm left wondering what does this mean? Is it just a freak anomaly? It is the economy?  Is it just something in my area?  Have others noticed the Un-Merry-Christmas-ness of the season? Am I weird for even trying to analyze it?

I would love to know if the lackluster blanket has hit your area or if the joyous sounds of Merry Christmas can be heard? Or if you have any insights at all. Inquiring minds want to know!