Every year, as a Halloween alternative, my church puts on a Country Fair for the community. At the center of the hub-bub of candy, kids, costumes, music, food and animals is the Silent Auction. Back when I had some time on my hands, I ran the silent auction. Collected donations, sent letters, set up the booths, manned the tables, totaled up the proceeds and happily passed the money off to help fund the Children’s Winter Camp.

This year, I was in Africa during the festivities and I didn’t have to err, could not help. So I donated a portrait session in my stead. I was surprised and ecstatic when one of my inaugural families (you know, the ones who volunteered to let me shoot them when I didn’t know which way was up on my camera) bid on me and won.

Here they were one year ago (don’t judge too harshly, I was just starting!) Click Here to See!

Yup. I’m just that funny.

Weeks and weeks and weeks ago, in the midst of the whirlwind of my life, I stopped by the new San Diego GTG (GTG = get together) sponsored by Photog Shootout to lend some support and check out what hopefully will be the launch of a new area group in San Diego. SoCal is just too big of a place for Matt and I to handle alone, so some good friends, Yvonne LeBrun and Stephen Knuth, hosted an event, way down south. They were fabulous and I was glad to be a part. Good things are coming from PhotogShootout and I cannot wait to share.

P.S. I am off to Africa and although I have wireless internet, who knows if it will be fast enough for me to blog. So, you may or may not hear from me for the next 2 weeks. Don’t be scared. I’m still around, just don’t call me. Email me instead I will be updating my facebook and twitter (if I can), so check in often and leave the LOOOVE.

Minutes before the SoCal Photog Shootout was to begin, my scheduled models had a flat tire and would not be able to make it out. And then my friend Michelle texted me to tell me that her boyfriend would be dropping her off at the shoot. Michelle, the face behind Mila Photography, who just happened to be gorgeous and her gorgeous boyfriend who just happened to be dropping her off at the shoot.

So, I pulled the friend card. I asked her and Curtis, (okay so, I begged) them to be our models for the day. And they were gorgeously fabulous and nature models.

This month’s SoCal Photog Shootout was held at the UCR Botanical Gardens and was limited to a few amateur/semi pro photographers. Matthew of Matthew Saville Photography taught us about finding natural light and using off camera flash. Afterward, the crew came over to my house for a Memorial Day BBQ and a chat about branding.

Our next BIG Photog Shootout will be in July and if you are interested in being a part of it or know of someone that might benefit from the group , make sure you have joined out Facebook Group and follow us on Twitter for the details. Space will be limited to 50.

Makeup by: Kacee Geoffroy Makeup Designs

Kacee was wonderful to work with!

Here’s our group. Thank you random guy who took this shot! And a big thank you to the amazing photographers who are a part of our group!

Um, why yes, all my friends look like models.