Kara to the Rescue

On occasion, I am asked to take corporate headshots, that require I set up my at-home studio. Today was one of those days. 

So after my client session, it was still rainy outside,  and I had a ton of energy....   I did what you do when you in said situation, and text'd my 11 year old friend - 'cuz thats what you do!  

30 minutes later, it was: Kara - to the rescue.  


Photo Gear Case: Pelican wins!

My photo gear is my livelihood, so protecting it is important. I can be frugal, so when it comes to bigger purchases, I take my time & do my research. 

In this case, I was in need of a case where I could carry all of my gear with me, show up to a shoot full pro-style, and store my things without worry.   

My first choice was actually a Manfrotto backpack, it was totally rad, and I do love the backpack for its functionality, and because it gives me the freedom to take my camera to the streets or to the hills. I might get the backpack further down the road. 

After I decided against backpack, I wanted a hard shell case that I can keep in my car or in my studio, and always have my gear on hand. There have been a few shoots where I show up with bags of gear and lenses, and it honestly didn't feel "professional".   

This Pelican 1500 waterproof case is my top choice for the amount of gear I have.  

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it averages around 100 bucks on amazon, comes in about 4 colors, and arrives with foam that you can customize to your needs:

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simply cut the size you need:

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I ordered a few sizes because I thought I might keep one at work, where I use my camera for about 3 hours a day, but these two smaller cases were too small for my canon 5d mark III. 

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 Pelican so offers various inserts and camera organizers for the interior. I love anything that I can customize.

front view

front view

 I could have chosen the pelican with wheels, but decided to go briefcase handle style. As my gear collection grows, I'm sure I'll get another pelican case, and make sure it has wheels for easy transport. 

and they call me a photographer?!? Sorry for poor quality on these.

and they call me a photographer?!? Sorry for poor quality on these.

 

waterproof feature 

waterproof feature 

pelicase case the company is based in Hawthorn, California - bonus! 

two steel holes for locking purposes & watcher proof latches.

two steel holes for locking purposes & watcher proof latches.

next purchase? External hard drive... Let the research begin. 

Newborn mini-shoot

One of my clients from last year's popular Holiday Card Sessions contacted me last week because she has been blessed with a newborn baby boy!  We agreed on a mini-session that would be under 1 hour, and exchanged ideas pre-shoot.  Overall it was a success, and here are some of my favorite pictures: 

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Big Sister with her little brother.   For more info on booking a mini-session, email me at hellodeer@gmail.com 

Big Sister with her little brother.   For more info on booking a mini-session, email me at hellodeer@gmail.com 

Emergency Jewelry Shoot!!!

When your friend is a Jeweler with 2 kids, 1 large Bernese Mountain Dog, 1 husband that works full time in the city, and is 9 days away from 2 of the countries largest jewelry wholesale shows (take a deep breath) contacts you at 9pm on a monday night needing photo help..................................  You put down your glass of wine, and grab your camera (the next day of course....) 

Thats pretty much what happened last night & today on my lunch break. Even though I am busy at work as well, (replace kids, dog, hubby, & shows with 3 bosses, 3 websites, 15 social media accounts and 150 un-photographed cars) I managed to get over to SRJ Factory and snap a couple pics for SARAH RICHARDSON JEWELRY.  If you do not know her work, you should! Here are a couple un-edited samples of pics we took today for her to use in her new banners.

Sarah of course did all the set-up & prep.  I literally just pushed the button. :) 

Oh - one more thing about Sarah - I left my phone on her couch, and without skipping a beat, she was in her car, racing it back to my office at the dealership.  Most people don't do that.  Most people say "i'll leave it in the mail box for yah".  Thank you so much Sarah! 

Sierras - starting at the top, with Tahoe:

 I've joined a mountaineering club for two reasons: expanding my photography & improving my health. Nevermind the fact that I love geography & traveling. And nevermind the fact that I was born & raised in Alaska.

So before the club starts, I decided to book it up to Tahoe to see what all the fuss is about........... because.... (Drumroll please) I HAD NEVER BEEN!!!

Here's a little bit of my perspective: 

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 Emerald Bay: Future car shoot for sure.

here it is in color 

here it is in color 

actual emerald bay

actual emerald bay

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sledding TOWARDS the water at South Shore. Genius

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snow is so pretty, isn't it?  The last time I was in the snow, was the freak snow storm from 2011 in October in NYC. Remember that East coasters? It was halloween, and we were up to our necks in fresh snow. 

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stopped me in my tracks

sequoias 

sequoias 

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one of my favorite things that seems unique to the area are the round boulders. So cool!!

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this concept seems strange to me... Gated boardwalk that you can just jump on anyway...  

I am excited to go back & get some quality exploring done. For now, I've learned the basic lay of the land, and I'm no longer a Tahoe Virgin. WHEW! 

 

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 (one more boulder pic for the road.)

Christmas this year

here are some of my favorite clips from CHRISTMAS this year. It was bittersweet, and filled with a lot of love & giving. 

here, M is trying out Google Glass. We all gave it a go, and my take is: I'm giving it a few more years. 

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Noelle on her 30th birthday 

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getting my tree at San Rafael High

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JP & Dan at work 

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heather & Lauren's annual holiday bash

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 Snowman cookie : $4.65

Joshua's headshots

My brother Joshua asked me to be his friend on LinkdIn - I accepted, but with trepidation, as his profile picture looked like a mugshot!!  Right away I sent him a text stating: "over Thanksgiving break, I will take your picture, and up your game".   Mission accomplished! Look at this handsome pup.   He's now ace to start his new Engineer Consulting business in Arizona. Good luck brother!