Atlanta PUG Meeting Tonight

I am really looking forward to attending the Atlanta Chapter PUG (Pictage User Group) meeting tonight. It is the first night this year that it was not on a Wednesday (conflicts with my mid-week church services). I am also stoked because it will be very close to where I work. Maybe this will be the new permanent meeting place. If not, I probably will still go.

I am really looking forward to networking and making some connections tonight. Hopefully I can setup some options for 2nd shooting and/or meet-and-greets. Or even some mentoring (I would be the mentoree).

I will be taking notes and paying special attention. I will blog about my meeting and what it means to me personally and maybe some ideas that will help in my business.

Maybe the information will help you too. Check back soon.

See ya.

J

PS. I finally took some pics of my oldest son's football practice. It is his first year and I am really really such a proud papa. Jordy is such a stand up young man. I have been so blessed of God to have a great son such as Jordy. Stay Tuned.

To Blog or not to Blog

Sometimes I could kick myself. Everything I have read about on OSP and a million other places along with the success I see others have with Blogging, you would think it would sink into my head, DO IT Man!.

I have been remiss in Bloggin. I apologize. Sometimes I wonder if anyone is reading my blogs. That shouldn't matter though. I have had a number of ideas to blog about, great ones I think. Some ideas that would relate to others just starting out.

I have to commit to it, but just haven't. So, if you will just bear with me, I will get things in order and blog blog blog like crazy.

One of my BHAG (thanks Liana) is to increase my networking and bloggin 10 fold by mid year 2008. How, you might ask? 1) Post more on other forums (that I love being on), such as OSP, with constructive content as well as more of my pics for feedback. I actually have been sort of uncertain as to the response I would get. Mind you I am not scared to get negative feedback, it is just that first step I guess. 2) Blog on a daily basis. Whether it is personal or photography related, blog something. The third is to hook up with some local photographers who are where I am in my professional career or longer and hang out, share war stories, share referrals, 2nd shoot and all that jazz.

Ramble, ramble, ramble. That is exactly what I just did. I started writing this blog entry just to apologize and promise to blog more. Look where I went with it.

Thanks for listening.

I would really like to know if anywone is reading my blog. Especially if you are a local Atlanta photog. Drop me a comment. I would love to hear from you.

As they say in looney tunes land, That's All Folks.

See ya.

J

Bookkeeping, Taxes, Finances

Some of the "ugly" things we have to do to run a business. Some gravitate to doing the business side of a business, but some don't. I have been around financial applications all of my technical career. I have been involved with financial practices in some form and feel I am quite versed in its application.

BUT I HATE DOING THE BUSINESS SIDE OF MY PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS!

Sorry about that, letting off a little steam.

I met for a few hours with my accountant this past Thursday. He took the time to review how I was tackling my finances and gave me some pointers; helped me setup my QuickBooks the way I want to conduct my business, not the way Uncle Sam wants me to. I can still tie back to what Uncle Sam needs so I am not worried about that. It was productive though and I am good to go.

I still have a lot to do to get everything done that I need to so that things are running smoothly and I don't have to worry about it.

So pray for me. Let me know if you have any "tax season" stories to tell or if you want to share some of the things you do that could be considered creative when running your business.

See ya.

J

Planning, Planning, Planning.

I am sitting down in front of the annual calendar and planning out the year (the best anyone can at this point). I want to do a couple weddings a month this year, Lord willing. This will allow me to devote quality time and not get caught up in the "rush, rush, rush" of over committing. I still have a day job in reality. Most of all, I owe it to my brides.

Looking at the calendar...between church events (mostly teen events with my oldest son), personal time, day job, work at home and weddings, the year is already stacking up to be a busy one. All the better.

Anyway, stay tuned for more later.

If you want to comment on what your year holds, please do. I would love to strike up a conversation. If you are local (Atlanta GA area), let me know. Maybe we can get together and talk shop, life, business.

So long.

Alisa and Kelsey

Wow! I met with a fantastic couple this Saturday, Alisa and Kelsey. They are the sweetest couple and I am so thankful that they have chosen me to be their photographer. They have set the date for July 19, 2008. They are having their wedding in their family church and the reception is going to be on Georgia's Dobbins Airforce Base, in the NCO Club. I am really looking forward to the whole day. I am an Army brat myself and haven't been on a military base in so long, it will bring back memories. Their engagement session will be sometime early spring. I can't wait. It will be a blast.

Thanks Alisa and Kelsey. Sheryl, Thank you as well. I am glad that we have been able to work together for so many years.

God Bless All.

Game Summary, JV Boys, January 26, 2008 vs Alleluia Angels

The Cougar JV boys lost a tough one to the Alleluia Angels 48 to 42. The boys came out strong on defense. Both teams matched basket for basket through a quarter and a half. At halftime Alleluia was only up by 6 points. The third quarter seemed to be the toughest quarter where we saw Alleluia take the lead for good. Free throws hurt Cougars the most. Alleluia hit 20, Covenant hit 3. All the boys played hard and should be congratulated. Leading the team in scoring was Nick Geary with 12 points, followed by Luke Ragan with 9 points and 6 rebounds. Jordan Hardee contributed with 6 points and 8 rebounds.

 

J Hardee

 

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Col 3:23

 

Shout Out to Liana Lehman. Thanks!

I wanted to thank Liana for opening her home to host an invaluable Photography Business Boot Camp. I didn't know what to expect, but it turned out to be the most laid back and relaxed boot camp I have ever enjoyed. The content was right on and timely for me and my business. I really enjoyed getting to know everyone who attended and wish them all much much success to come.

Below is a montage of the folks that attended. If you attend the seminar and are reading this, drop me a comment. I would love to hear from you. Leave your photography website and I will post it in my links.

American Heroes! Past and Present

I was doing some general surfing and reading emails this evening and found an email from a friend of mine at church. The subject was about our men and women in the Armed Forces who are currently sacrificing their comfort, their safety, and their time with family, to insure we can live at home free and without worrys of some mad mans homemade bomb killing us.

This is now, but what about all those who went before our brave men and women of today. Those that faught in all our wars of yesterday. There are few and fewer men and women remaining from that period in our history that can tell the story.

Today, I give honor and tribute, as little as it may be, to our brave men and women of these here United States Armed Forces, both past and present.

THANK YOU for your sacrifice. God Bless.



To show your appreciation, leave a comment below giving your tribute in word to these brave souls. If your time permits, plan to do something special in the near future that will take you out of your comfort zone and will truly be a sacrifice showing them that we appreciate their sacrifice.

Here is a link to a humorous yet to the point statement showing that we need to value our men and women of days past who sacrificed for us.



Don't forget to leave a comment if you will please.

SNOW !!!!

Atlanta Georgia is getting snow. It has been snowing since 11:00ish. What about that. My kids are so excited about getting out in it. As a matter of fact the oldest is out with some of his friends having a snowball fight as we speak.

Here are some shots from my back yard.

My Lens went to the Doctor Today!

This is a sad occasion. But there is a silver lining. This past Saturday I had a family portrait session scheduled. I was planning on shooting the entire session with my Sigma 70-200mm 2.8 (can't affort the Canon yet). I unpacked it and the other equipment I would need and started my way into the park location. Everything seemed fine. I took a few pics of some things I thought would be neat. All of a sudden, my camera wouldn't let me take a picture.

I noticed the auto zoom was not working. I didn't panic. I knew I still had my Sigma 24-70mm 2.8 which I ended up using and worked out quite nicely.

Anyway, the lens is still under warranty so I took it to a local repair shop. My biggest fear was that I would have to ship my best lens off in the mail, insure it and everything. All they way to Japan no less. I contacted Sigma, they informed me that there was a local repair shop. Amen. On top of that, they said it shouldn't be more than a week to repair it.

I hope it is that easy.

I will post a couple of pics from my family portrait session shortly. Stay tuned.

Scott and Rhonda's 25th Wedding Anniversary

What can I say. It has been a month since their beautiful 25th Wedding Anniversary. I still remember the feeling I had as he put the ring on her finger. They renewed their vows to celebrate this milestone in their relationship.

I don't quite know how to express it here. I won't do it justice. But, the Love I saw between Scott and Rhonda was precious and heartwarming.

Scott and Rhonda, you both have been patient for your pictures and I thank you. You two have something really really special. I pray you will always keep that special friendship and Love.

Here are a few pictures from your special day. Check out your slideshow HERE as well. Let me know what you think. Leave a comment below.

God Bless you both.

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Talk to you soon.

Hugh and Angela's Wedding | 09.22.2007

Angela and Hugh's wedding was a small gathering of family and friends, but it was beautiful and fun. They have been waiting on me to post some pictures for them, and guess what, I finally got some posted. Here are six of my favorites and I have also posted a slideshow on my website HERE.

Angela and Hugh, thank you for your patience and understanding. I wanted to post something for you to take a peek at while I continue to finish the remaining photographs.

Thank you again.

Please leave comments. They help me make the necessary changes to better serve you.

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Digital Projector for Photographers

I started reading this article that I thought would be really interesting. I have to run out of the house for a few, but wanted to post a link to the article.

Thanks to MPIX.com and ProjectorPeople.com for this info.

MPIX Forum: http://community.mpix.com/blogs/mpix/archive/2007/09/13/how-to-choose-a-projector.aspx

ProjectorPeople Link: http://www.projectorpeople.com/resources/photography-projection.asp

Blog: http://hiphotography.blogspot.com/
Website: http://www.hardeephotography.com/

JoJo's Last Ball Game

My oldest son is in his high school's drumline. I must admit (not just because I'm his dad) that he is quite good. He played for a couple of years prior. This is the inaugural year for his schools drumline. Mr. R really made something out of nothing. He started the drumline this past summer with a group of kids that never did touch a drum stick or a drum before, with the exception of a couple. He practiced with them all summer.

When the first football game came and they went out onto the field, it started pouring down rain. Everyone except them ran for cover. They stayed in formation and played to the end. It was very cool. With the water bouncing off the drums as they beat them, reminds me of the "Blue Men".

They all did very well and I am very grateful for all those who helped mold these kids this summer.

I had the priveledge of photographing the drumline's formal picture this year. Mr. R asked me to photoshop a placard onto the picture. You can see it below.

#1 CCA Drumline - CCA Pulse
 

This picture was taken on the way to my son's last football game where he was playing for the drumline. I saw this beautiful sky as I was driving past this small country church with a graveyard. I thought I would get out and take a few pictures. I am beginning to like very blue skys.

Let me know what you all think.

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God Bless.

J

They Grow Up Fast

You know, you have children and worry about the lost sleep. Then you worry about them going off to school for the first time. Then there is more worry for things that just have not happened yet. Worry is a strong word. I can be obsessive.

Right now, I couldn't be more proud of my oldest son. He is now 14 years of age. He is just 2 inches shorter than me. He was bummed after a doctor's physical for JV basketball where she told him he was only 5' 11". I am 6' 1". He was really expecting to be as tall as me.

In due time my son.

Anyway, he will be 15 in November and, yes, he is talking about the dreaded permit. I feel for him. I remember how I felt when it was my time.

I drone on. Sorry about that. Below you will see some recent pics of my son at his first Homecoming "Dance" for his school. There is a long story behind the "Dance" part of it. If you want to know, look me up.

He is a hit with all the girls and after seeing these pics, I can see why. Leave me a line below. I really like to hear what folks think of my work, good or not so good. It helps me grow.

God bless.

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#2 GQ
 

Ashley & Jason - Wedding Slideshow Posted

Hey everyone who is out there. I have posted Ashley and Jason's wedding slideshow. It has been long in coming and I am sure Ashley and Jason can attest to that. Thank you guys for your fantastic patience.

anyway, you can find the slideshow here.

It is a wopper of a slideshow. there are 208 pictures. Hope you guys enjoy the pictures.

See you all later.

J

Ashely and Jason, September 15, 2007 Wedding

Jason and Ashley, you are really the greatest. I am so grateful for knowing this great young couple. Jason and Ashley's wedding was spectacular. It was one of the longest and exhausting weddings I have done, but, it is weird, I felt the best I have ever felt after a wedding. I really was blessed to get to know Jason and Ashley's parents better. I want to send out a big wave to Pat and Deanna, Ashley's grandparents. I told them the other day, I wish they were my grandparents. They are the sweetest you will ever meet.

Jason and Ashley have been so patient with me. It has been one month since their wedding and I am just know getting a select few pictures on my blog. Don't worry though, I will posting your slide show tomorrow evening for your viewing pleasure. I am continuing to post-process the 2000+ remaining pictures.

My deepest apologies for the slow turnaround, I have been swamped.

I hope you enjoy just these few pictures. I will post the slide show shortly.

#1 The Rings


#2 The Church Foyer


#3 A Gourgeous Dress


#4 A Message from Ashley before the Wedding


#5 Him and the Deep Blue Sky


#6 Her and the Deep Blue Sky


#7 Hurrying back to get ready for the ceremony


#8 A very beautiful Bride


#9 Great taste in flowers


Thank you all for a fantastic time.

Two Weddings. Wow!

I had the privilege of photographing two weddings in one day yesterday. I don't normally book two weddings in one day, but yesterday was an exception.

The original weddings was a beautiful 25th wedding anniversary renewal for a fantastic couple in our church who were not only husband and wife but passionate friends. You can tell by how they looked at each other and how they talked about each other. Congratulations Scott and Rhonda.

The other wedding was a last minute request from a friend for a friend. An emergency in the family required the bride and groom to move up their wedding. A beautiful quaint wedding in the chapel of a local methodist church. I had never met them before, but that didn't hinder getting some great shots. Congratulations Hugh and Angela.

I will be posting a couple of pics tomorrow for each wedding.

Thanks to everyone for the privelege to be a part of your celebration. God bless you all.

J

Photo Biz Bootcamp by Liana Lehman

I have just started the Photo Biz Bootcamp offered by Liana Lehman based here in Atlanta, GA. She is a very accomplished entrepenuer and photographer. I am really looking forward to the bootcamp.

One thing is on my mind though. I'm going to have to take a really hard look at why I am doing what I'm doing. Setting priorities, getting a grip on running the biz. Most of all balancing my family, photography business and my day job.

I will add posts here and there about some of the things that really hit home for me during this time. She has sent me a DVD that I need to follow 10 steps in preparation for a 3 day Bootcamp at her studio here in Atlanta. This will be in December, so plenty of time to mull things over and prepare.

More later.

Enjoy

J

Nikki and Chris : : Congratulations!

Nikki and Chris,

You guys are a blast. I had a great time Saturday. Thanks so much for getting up early and coming out to Vines. It was a pleasure getting to know you both better (and getting Chris to relax). And Chris, you have "about" 20 more photos to add.

Here are a few from this Saturday.

You can also view the slideshow here.

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God bless you both. Can't wait until the wedding day.

J