My Shoot With Norma Jeane

It was a gorgeous, sunny, fall day during the Thanksgiving holiday in the magnificent city of Chicago. Wow! That was a long sentence. I'm pretty sure it's not a proper one either. Where's Jake when I need him?! Whatever! I'm not a writer, I'm a lover...oh wait, that's a different saying...

As we walk Michigan Ave. I'm reminded of why I love this city so much and how much I really do miss it. Chicago lacks for nothing in the way of things to do, eat, and see. One of the highlights are the unique pieces of art that gets displayed in different parts of the city. Right where "The American Gothic" by Steward Johnson was once displayed is now his work of Marilyn Monroe. The official image was taken by Bernard of Hollywood in 1955 for the movie The Seven Year Itch. He was the photographer who discovered this now famous american icon that still lives on.

As I recorded my version of the statue amongst the other tourists, Troy tells me he's been listening to the comments of the passerby's who can't help but to notice the enormous piece of...ART...where most stop to get their picture taken next to it. When I shoot, I tend to block everything out other than what I'm focusing on. So I start listening.....

"How come you don't wear a dress like that?!"

"You want to take a picture of her underwear?! Don't worry, you can't see anything!"

"I don't know why they put that up, it's tacky!"

"I was already under there!"
"Oh, she is wearing underwear!"~ what Troy heard from a couple of asian ladies

"Is that Madonna?"~ what Troy heard from a group of teens

"Granny panties confirmed."~what Troy heard from a group of Twenty-Somethings. 

"This is embarrassing!!!"~Ryan Johnson (My Son)

Oklahoma & Twisters

Isn't it on everyones bucket list to chase tornadoes?! OK, maybe not but it's definitely been on mine. Being able to experience such an adventure didn't satisfy my curiosity but only gave me a little taste of something that keeps me wanting more. I have a friend who knows a friend....and that's how it all got started.

Willie Nelson & Family

It was my great privilege to be the house photographer for The Coronado Performing Arts Center to cover the multi-talented Willie Nelson and his opening act Brett Eldredge. Unfortunately I wasn't able to meet the man but I did get to meet Brett along with a few other of his fans and that was pretty cool!

Even though Willie is now creeping up on 78 years young in April, he sounded phenomenal and sang for an hour and half straight, standing the entire time. Not bad for an almost 80 year old. His energy level was high (no pun intended) and he got the audience out of their seats, dancing in the isle ways.

It was truly an amazing experience to be under the sound of such a musical icon!

Blogging and WPPI Fashion Show

BLOGGING, BLOGGING, BLOGGING, BLOGGING........


Please forgive me for I have not blogged in a VERY long time!!!! It's horrible.

Anyway, I guess what I really have on my mind right now is WPPI. It's finally time for me to get that off my chest before another 3 months goes by. What is that for those of you that don't know? Wedding & Portrait Photographers International. Every year there is a big convention in Vegas where photographers gather to learn from the best of the best and get all the info about the latest and greatest in product.

This was my first year attending. It's a great time to learn about what others are doing in their business, meet new friends, network, meet mentors, all that good stuff. It really is a must if you are serious about your photography craft.

I had two main agendas while there. Find a website solution and learn more about wedding albums. Both, a success.

One main event that was a highlight for me....don't get me wrong, there where many highlights on this trip but this was pretty exciting....for me.

Nigel Barker.....need I say more?!!!! If you don't know who he is, and you may not if you're not a photographer, don't watch much reality T.V.  or not much into fashion. But I must admit I have a guilty pleasure in watching some episodes of America's Next Top Model for so many aspects that have to do with both photography and fashion but mostly photography for me.

Nigel is a fashion photographer and judge on the show. He's also a spokes person for Sony as he shoots with Sony cameras.

One evening of WPPI Nigel hosted a fashion show along with informing all of us photogs what was going on in the Sony world. Now I shoot with Canon but am very tempted by the Sony NEX-5.

This experience was a great one and I hope to go back again next year to continue the WPPI adventure as there is not enough time in just a few days to see everyone or everything that you want to. And I'm only talking about one little corner of the Vegas world!

Please enjoy some of the images from the plane and the fashion show!

Ms. DJ