tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10987438024404006822024-02-06T19:55:01.044-08:00g j spiller photography blog ~Southern California wedding and portrait photographerCheck out our latest and greatest clients and their fabulous pictures!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger185125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1098743802440400682.post-76101231095442552702009-05-25T19:03:00.000-07:002009-08-24T01:55:55.775-07:00new blog site on Square Space.com<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold; font-size:18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">just in case you don't know....WE'VE MOVED!! </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">we have moved our blog to a new URL. please subscribe to our RSS feed, or simply, bookmark us and check us out weekly! please leave a comment to let us know what you think and that you visited us! click </span><a href="http://gjspiller.squarespace.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">here</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> for our new site or go to <a href="http://gjspiller.squarespace.com">www.gjspiller.squarespace.com</a> (copy and paste to URL)</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold;font-size:18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold;font-size:18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">see you there!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1098743802440400682.post-11169716389803651392009-05-19T19:52:00.000-07:002009-05-19T19:59:32.628-07:00new blog site<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwz0NysA1MfA8eVlBmhzdeUxTT4pbeCuQEKeC8nDtkdMGHN-FmJKUhQGrw7huTTsymO6ABeacBV9IoZHjXGJIGmUPNEzvYrMMneZ22zjSAlq9iupBcu88JV4Ptada_jprxinkD_q2Y/s800/relay003.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 598px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwz0NysA1MfA8eVlBmhzdeUxTT4pbeCuQEKeC8nDtkdMGHN-FmJKUhQGrw7huTTsymO6ABeacBV9IoZHjXGJIGmUPNEzvYrMMneZ22zjSAlq9iupBcu88JV4Ptada_jprxinkD_q2Y/s800/relay003.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">hi blog readers! <br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">thank you for following us on our blog. we moved our blog over to <a href="http://gjspiller.squarespace.com">www.gjspiller.squarespace.com</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">please bookmark us! we will be attaching an email subscription link soon on the site so you can sign your email address and be notified each time we post. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">check out our<a href="http://gjspiller.squarespace.com/"> first full post</a> about one of the events we shot this weekend. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1098743802440400682.post-17869964123634186132009-05-10T03:14:00.000-07:002009-05-10T03:18:13.710-07:00new blog design<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkETsrkgk_53q6YU-ImA4-MrDvtLIs6nWza7w1enfr02v62-JHFI3w4cOQEW-aI9CNpVB_pB3CRB1chHj2eavETb8-_1l4L-m9X9Hhxcox1EBC4Qq7CVn8hHhyhHt5iyWMkBfrlxV-/s1600-h/Picture+3.png"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkETsrkgk_53q6YU-ImA4-MrDvtLIs6nWza7w1enfr02v62-JHFI3w4cOQEW-aI9CNpVB_pB3CRB1chHj2eavETb8-_1l4L-m9X9Hhxcox1EBC4Qq7CVn8hHhyhHt5iyWMkBfrlxV-/s400/Picture+3.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334137506122117458" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">i'm up...late...again. <br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">but this time it's because i'm multi-tasking: redesigning our new blog, and catching up on podcasts. i've always been a night owl. i thrive at night because frankly, the heat makes me lazy...er, i mean, sleepy. so just thought i'd drop a line to my peeps...my night owl peeps. stay tuned for a new blog design, and new posts!! good night for now. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1098743802440400682.post-74887668062595575632009-05-04T23:06:00.001-07:002009-05-04T23:24:22.559-07:00happy 67th, dad!<div style="text-align: justify;">we just celebrated my dad's 67th birthday at <a href="http://kingshawaiian.com/">King's Hawaiian </a>in Torrance. everyone was in good spirits. my dad looked pretty good, and he seemed to be in a good mood, too. it's a treat to eat here because we rarely travel that far to eat. with three diabetics in the family, we can't stand long distances. hahaha...okay, all right....<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">I</span> can't stand driving long distances. especially when you're hungry.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">below are some pix of our day. i had the Luau Platter, which consists of lau lau (steamed pork wrapped in ti leaves), lomi lomi (hawaiian salmon salsa), chicken long rice (chicken with noodles), potato salad, and white rice. oh, and huli huli chicken (it's not in the pic because i gave it to j. because, let's face it, there was lots of food on my plate!). so <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">ono</span> ("delicious"). i also had to have the chocolate dobash cake (i only had 2 bites...gave the rest to j.) before we left. it was a good meal. worth the drive. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">afterwards, we headed home with guava cake (which was also our wedding cake), to blow out my dad's candles. today was a good day. happy birthday to my dad...and hope for many more to come. </div><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vvEEHov6NuVu6Y1QmDp_yg?authkey=Gv1sRgCNLk-r-5v5X1bg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTA-nSsb2Cvu2zyW5-5Rq7N4rCx0TVr1D2bd7FQjApgsVls7kywIuCYJUaQToS6NW1IcN702sqfPCmiPeDqm6s6vpBtTxhsc5LvFrHyCK-sxM_xJa8P5N4iImDZf5StjpMQL0DluFy/s800/parents.jpg" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/noi54tJAHX7ws14M_LvRtQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCNLk-r-5v5X1bg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQ4Zsm7RZZb6qmnhCfShgcvh-Q6FjlNGcPNtcF8eQ7iHd3hZvru8vJUL8yYZHVneyupAycGTru6zwRW0Ncgk_-xb4ObOnWLR-sRse_bpOYND0lsNpWqN1DOvIw_XmBdJV1LWTB9MJ/s800/luauplatter.jpg" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RGZYO4jS-DpXrSHNZVIQIg?authkey=Gv1sRgCNLk-r-5v5X1bg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJdp5CCIhMEW3B4hf1sfZNj580dbD728sItbG6tRsNMIiCQ7JBI56cyMiL0nzHEZPwMz00rdLLfOKYsBXgQ6I3_lv9vJAHi2rrL0i9ok2sVTQmTDEyMyRkcBfaEryAdf_4ndBjo0QS/s800/bood%201.jpg" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/le0wLeB9caNVYUr10Oc4bg?authkey=Gv1sRgCNLk-r-5v5X1bg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMc1HgVCw-YHIOEvh0x_qVLAWAFegVG3-hOKdIy9SIdt5O4RGx75ZlPXCAhM_a8XCRBUvsAhi7L4Venr0rnt5cCe-k7d5DW_H0MbsAW8cCAgRpfBqZXYMkJ6lfw_xWlBLP93P1NaQ9/s800/cake.jpg" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Bhc7fH1_NNFCy3PIPimTTg?authkey=Gv1sRgCNLk-r-5v5X1bg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMvM0RtDqifB9CWqlrTxFdGGihPjrQZI38oQBnMUrF6iZicLj2BWWWnsd1sWS7BpH9Z319tbmqen6NNBIADPFpxEmjPUQDCtwvu84V3X4pfVvvnR5WVJvKTU454YnKPz8tPLtY43tk/s800/parents2.jpg" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1098743802440400682.post-68719575687306587512009-04-30T00:00:00.000-07:002009-05-04T20:05:14.964-07:00photo tips by g.<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/lBDXyxV8XcHIJeyqBpT3HQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCNLk-r-5v5X1bg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiovm2y5GtUWgqu328Pq9sXQfg35-sBT-a-7ec-s3I8w2EJPEPQ-DT42dPcfQQiD_Ne9fRH_3QP3RP2mdQVJdUhcSLADpRkc8ABwjuhMKcklOTyg-MLJHJHwaWSNST_Me4AEAjVaHwq/s800/jaylyn5.jpg" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;">often times, people ask me my opinion about photography or ask photo-related questions. in this age of digital, more and more people are interested in learning more about DSLRs (Digital Single Lens Relfex) cameras. one question that i get from most are, "i want to get an digital SLR camera. what kind will help me take awesome photos?" well, the answer is....none. no camera or gadget will take "awesome" photos. you are the one, the one behind the lens, that can make that photo the best that it can be. if this is your first time buying a camera that is not a phone or a point-and-shoot, here are some suggestions:</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">1) information is key. you are making a big ticket item purchase. so get your information from someone who knows about cameras. do not go to Best Buy or Target or Cost Co to inquire about cameras. your local camera shop, will know more about different brands of cameras, and will be able to answer your questions and suggest brands and models to meet you needs. </span><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">2) i am very big on educating oneself about new products, especially electronics. read up on camera models online or in photo magazines. reviews are also informative.</span><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">3) this is a must!! after you buy your camera, make a commitment to learn it outside of "auto" (if it has this setting). if you have difficulty following your manual, (do not throw it away! put it in a safe place for reference) take a workshop or class to learn how to use the features of your camera. you will have bought an expensive "point & shoot" camera, if you don't use the other features of the camera. </span><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">4) shoot, shoot, shoot. practice makes perfect. it's digital, so you're not wasting money on processing and developing. join a <a href="http://flickr.com/">Flickr </a>group or join a <a href="http://meetup.com/">MeetUp</a> group. there's a plethora of free advice and critique, and thousands of enthusiasts, like you, learning from one another.</span><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">if you have any other photography-related questions, please post a comment on our site! your question may be featured on our blog in future entries! happy shooting!</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1098743802440400682.post-5817554913361620322009-04-20T23:30:00.000-07:002009-04-20T23:47:28.226-07:00car show<div style="text-align: justify;">when we're not shooting portraits or weddings, we like to check out local events. because we're so busy, we usually do not get to partake in what our community has to offer. <br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">as much as i like taking pictures of people, for some odd reason, i love taking photographs at car shows. i think it's because i like shiny things, and colorful things. at car shows, you find all of the above. a car is somewhat like a person, in that it has curves, and shiny accessories. i understand why guys love their cars as much as their women. duh. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">i don't know what any part of the car is. so don't ask me. all i know is i absolutely love chrome. it's like the accessories on a beautiful woman. ooooo....shiiiinny. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">it was fun hanging out at the car show, and cool of the participants to let us be spectators and admire all the sweet cars. check out your local car show. you'll see what i mean.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/IIi5_UMwMEfjDrSRAEpcMw?authkey=Gv1sRgCNLk-r-5v5X1bg&feat=embedwebsite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "></span></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/IIi5_UMwMEfjDrSRAEpcMw?authkey=Gv1sRgCNLk-r-5v5X1bg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl3Bd83uuhG6PWc5R9jZFZ4TaHlUwiIrhr_Nco2phQRlMxDhVPF-SLO8ot78BhPOgpAOLBVU4BlVlr5k-WE_JieRqmRbDsL_dDLvIUt1DRXNHzJJhMV48IonlAPpckKn_ln87cursT/s800/car%20show003%20copy.jpg" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tw2UD7s7yRjXp3Lg6_9TuQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCNLk-r-5v5X1bg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd7ktaZkV4l4jWOBndeAk-Z-hrQoIoq2eqgtKXS4pdNmq7qeQu5KqWFEZTHzQ6xuxuxuubzN5DhE5XUOT0N3DcTs3Tvq_s5KhSZqdrwNBuozNKXkzbxUhnjO-wAQV77gqKYeu08XPD/s800/car%20show008%20copy.jpg" /></a><src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_emvfk1ao_eg/se1mglss7zi/aaaaaaaabwq/my6xgpvrwnu/s144/car%20show013%20copy.jpg"><<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/a4LExCMjABV8tO3MCOkaPw?authkey=Gv1sRgCNLk-r-5v5X1bg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo8feqsp6oYAtgoo3nbpVNjcvZGB_lJgx8Svh2NenGXDz7T7VthPYXEFQWjEdcUodBG3_2fWAyhBUjEE0ZV8APX4UEUQN-soU-ocCbtydCDgb2D8S-74piZfX_7YvIlBgV4cxk9oPm/s800/car%20show006.jpg" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/BDIl65yAQQClL2AK0w_0yg?authkey=Gv1sRgCNLk-r-5v5X1bg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAAaN1vLQjKoQo5n9vVmgGtuNe9Bacyi5_8WGg0MwD3wwZwtroPi6SfJPbSAI9NODp_QKzclMeCwPVCx8pAT_PWVpIMSX8adbWo7oLrmxOwxqcdYgpcEp1fOt6AcxofdE-Ulaie7r8/s800/car%20show013%20copy.jpg" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/cXAK1H29v64hRdyVit_0WQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCNLk-r-5v5X1bg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf9sCd5qWInOdrcBi_MUxElBFU-zY8cOI7Jr543_4cuCo7yds7rB94XHBKgUThSJeGvcJR-C7D9aZVSLJQtCBvO5P8BMcPwzH71W-CEJieoW7ORnWr2nMxReLA-rw8jjt68VSDC-Cn/s800/car%20show004.jpg" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FrgXMIOpFTi2cJFvO2ML9A?authkey=Gv1sRgCNLk-r-5v5X1bg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpEdmqNIOwjzMcRI6_S3SBwg3VyvJKlXj_vuf5svCkfTqgc23nbZH36OysU2SgIjAyF_MqMkNv4ymKfVTl9dIPQecTfUufGZuDNxU8-dQKPkfnbYl-qjoUmDNJYhoxh9SN2dHrdeBt/s800/car%20show009.jpg" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/G8HwjNlO3lC0d-HUE9JaLQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCNLk-r-5v5X1bg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROA2Q1U30CwmsawDrgySqRsXDT8-TwlHAVraW_gTMNnf9IqwLKQ4JRc-Bc-3WsqrFMK5NO5WxmWnU2IFMmfkYcvqIsKFZeLJpNHU8a2QwAc7iAgYylnr8F404po6DRtn_AGRiDxgQ/s800/car%20show010.jpg" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/iOTx1PyFpXH3Sqfgjj1oxg?authkey=Gv1sRgCNLk-r-5v5X1bg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA6q02QPyyHg5FH0auQJZW7o3xH1zwFRxSP650OR4ItTh9QkDDdcUjwLN4YYIeNTZTZcvqw7G8JdzwqE1wXlU_pyE4VyW5aRQpSPsAugSHgkK010QJ9K5Ou9IUnSkKpbAOmhDQDrtL/s800/car%20show015.jpg" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6LCDrgQoWOByoE7gMwNOtA?authkey=Gv1sRgCNLk-r-5v5X1bg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiimOAJTbrw9NCXaQFuGEYn9MDCL6A_3-jtsHrXzyd6iynrQ2KN9nL5ik6Xkld7UurJrVDd-0OVhSNImBiE5JjL4Hx5T4w-rU_4EaD9k9-be9X-Pq82QYwXieAaffQNs-4jtTnP62c_/s800/car%20show016.jpg" /></a></src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_emvfk1ao_eg/se1mglss7zi/aaaaaaaabwq/my6xgpvrwnu/s144/car%20show013%20copy.jpg"><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1098743802440400682.post-55483755047346009892009-04-19T23:47:00.000-07:002009-04-20T00:01:51.302-07:00Clean Paws<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; ">this weekend was a warm, and activity-filled. i will post pix from the weekend this week. but until then, i thought i'd post some pix of my baby, Popo, who is 2 and a half years old. whilst people share pix of their children, since we don't have any children, we have Popo. he's the apple of our eye, and is always giving us unconditional love. </span><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">here he is, right after the groomers gave him his monthly bath. our puppy is so spoiled, his groomers come to my parents' house (aka "grandparents") every month. i wish i had that treatment! i thought it was so cute that he had a purple bow, that said "i love my owner." we have a great mobile grooming service, called "Clean Paws" and they serve Los Angeles and San Bernardino. They are great, and the price is right! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span><nobr class="tel"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">(909) 592-0120</span></span></nobr></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:13px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">tell them Popo Spiller sent ya!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size:13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial;font-size:13px;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial;font-size:13px;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial;font-size:13px;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_0vC64sBtq71et-yieDNag?authkey=Gv1sRgCNLk-r-5v5X1bg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJEf0z5qneUkuMp8QTcEkVRx86Ck8NM4t_ypudJ5DtDi5dPvK3LSwmCBIGugDUd0Zu9gISDT5tBrbl2KrFG0TqbmAlahmcpH28PtYN1hgqTrDsz8JlxIHnYJiH9AVCm4hNVuBeTY6a/s800/POPOBow-1.jpg" /></a><br /></span></div><table style="width:auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/OCfcX_1QwxJxFc4R8Ee1jA?authkey=Gv1sRgCNLk-r-5v5X1bg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZqUx0749rlsZxRhNqfaNlPe0C7dmwxOxQPclfnnNjhc0JEX4ZVLlTdKemZiRFHyFUbeLLzDX7Y8woTbXFIHWeyP39-L9WgciCKUGNUV6o6OTuO2kOx6Mz1ortOtIDqP1JdlDwc5XT/s800/POPOBow-21.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/gjspillerphotography/DropBox?authkey=Gv1sRgCNLk-r-5v5X1bg&feat=embedwebsite">Drop Box</a></td></tr></tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1098743802440400682.post-43424964949310147182009-04-10T00:21:00.000-07:002009-04-10T00:49:50.740-07:00guest book<div style="text-align: justify;">we got married about 2 years ago. it seems like yesterday. i still feel like a newlywed. at times, i feel i haven't quite stepped into my wifely duties, but it's on my list of to-do's, for sure. <br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">when we got married, since it was a big affair, (i was the only girl, and first child to get married in my family) i wanted to make sure that i remembered everyone that attended. so i had a few things in place. on our RSVP postcards, we had everyone write their best marital advice. from there, we chose the most memorable, unique, funny, etc., and printed them on candles, which were to be 1 of 2 favors we were handing out. i saved all the postcards and kept them in a keepsake box, so we can reminisce later by reading all our well wishes. another way to remember all our guests, was having assigned photographers (my bridesmaids, and maids of honor) to take fun, informal pictures of each family. i like these instead of the table group pictures or whole group formals because you can actually see everyone. the last thing we did was to hire an awesome videographer. we asked our videographer to take some time before dinner to walk around and ask our guests to record their well wishes. we watch our wedding DVD at least once a year and we are still touched by the sentiments and laugh at some funny moments. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">another cute idea, which we did not incorporate in our wedding, but wish i did, was having a personalized, custom guest book. instead of having your guests sign a picture framed mat, guests can sign your guest book with all the wonderful engagement images from our session. you can leave some pages blank, put personalized questions on the pages, or simply have lines drawn and have a traditional guest book (for addresses). here is ronald and kathy's <a href="http://gjspillerphotography.com/KatRonGB">sample guest book</a>. this is a rough sample, but it will give you an idea. click <a href="http://gjspillerphotography.com/KatRonGB">here</a> to view on a separate window.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">i love cute ideas that incorporate photos! if you have a cute idea, leave a comment and let us know! </div><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-nn2obytDekKI9v9FFrNzQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCNLk-r-5v5X1bg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizhhZgGKS19iALsNI8A6JXq4tu2Nxd-s8tbgHoVYCbKquKQ-BNkakAcWDvGcO42sq2QjK4wYtCP0pW18p7yXE86f5ofMMhiphkFO3h1xfcP9DasCtB2FIfxIlTrfuz-iDmg6c4L-SV/" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1098743802440400682.post-60217437911785746372009-04-08T15:29:00.000-07:002009-04-08T15:41:14.826-07:00cool film<div style="text-align: justify;">if i feature other photographers on my blog, it is because i respect and admire what they are doing. in this line of work, you have to continue to be inspired, and push yourself to improve as an artist. my passion is photography, since i picked up my parents' 110mm viewfinder at 12 years old. so, even if i was not in the business, i was still be experimenting with my photography, learning techniques, and striving to do better.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">below is a cool film shot entirely with a camera, by <a href="http://engagedfilms.com/">Engaged Films</a>. the new digital SLR cameras are coming out with high quality video. so it's an exciting time for photography. i thought i'd share with you a cool concept for an engagement session. i thought the idea was inspiring. not to mention the setting and couple are very sexy...oh, by the way, the song, "show you my love" was written and performed by our wedding videographer, <a href="http://MikeSchmid.com">Mike Schmid</a>, who has moved on to bigger and better things, like playing on tour with Miley Cyrus and producing his own albums. you can find more of his tunes on iTunes! i love his music and i'm so proud to say that i "knew him when."<br /></div><br /><object width="425" height="239"><param name="movie" value="http://cdn.smugmug.com/ria/ShizVidz-2008120101.swf"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><param name="flashVars" value="s=ZT0xJmk9NDQyMjgxMjU3Jms9bXNSdmomYT02OTExOTU5X1FMeDdTJnU9RW5nYWdpbmdGaWxtcw== "><embed src="http://cdn.smugmug.com/ria/ShizVidz-2008120101.swf" flashvars="s=ZT0xJmk9NDQyMjgxMjU3Jms9bXNSdmomYT02OTExOTU5X1FMeDdTJnU9RW5nYWdpbmdGaWxtcw== " width="425" height="239" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1098743802440400682.post-53602470814612758262009-04-07T02:09:00.000-07:002009-04-07T02:38:31.497-07:00life lesson #3: most fears are in your head (i mean, MY head)<div style="text-align: justify;">had my first insulin appointment today. well, it was a training on how to inject myself with insulin. if you've read enough of these posts, you know that i'm the biggest scaredy cat/biggest baby when it comes to any type of discomfort. that discomfort translates to pain with me. i think it all started with my oral surgeon and his mission to pull my wisdom teeth with hardly any anesthesia and a jackhammer.please read <a href="http://gjspiller.blogspot.com/2008/12/my-father-dentist-and-needles.html">this post</a> to update you on my phobia of dentists, needles, and the hospital, in general.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">anyway, i woke up, with courage, and a positive outlook, knowing that i would have to be injecting a 2 inch needle in me. j. went to my appointment with me, assuring me that it was going to be ok. well, more like giving me the "coach pep talk," like "don't be a baby," and " it's no big deal" kind of motivational talk. nope. didn't work. but i kept thinking, it's for your own health, possibly for your own baby. God willing. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">so the training went ok. we watched a video, and then the nurse showed us how to prepare the syringe and inject the site (aka, my belly). the good thing was that i didn't have to inject it right then and there. the pharmacist ordered me to have one dose, before bedtime. the bad thing was, was that all day i was thinking about that syringe. this skinny, long needle, to be poked into me at an approximate 90 degree angle. it didn't help that j. kept making these pokes to my stomach, with a closed fist, like he was an ER doctor, injecting a dose of adrenaline. not encouraging. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">right after watching "Dancing with the Stars," j. suggested i inject the insulin now, before he goes to sleep. he agreed to do it for the first couple times, until i was used to it, and ready to inject myself. he looked nervous, too. not good. i said, "let's wait until after we watch Heroes, yeah?" he looked at me, seeing right through my stalling tactics, but let me watch my favorite t.v. show, anyway. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">soon it was over. we prepared the syringe, just like the nurse taught us. reading and rereading the directions. i started to get more nervous, and could feel the tears come, but i held back, because well...i felt so dumb crying about something that i have to do. everyday. for a while. i decided to not think anymore, and trust in j. to do it correctly. i trusted the nurses when they told me that it wasn't going to hurt as much as my daily blood sugar finger pricking. i took a deep breath.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">j. told me to lay down on the sofa, and relax. popo, my 2 year old chihuahua, immediately jumped on my stomach. j. scolded him and popo quickly jumped off, with me, feeling myself, let go, and thinking, "it's all in your head." i lay there, looking at the t.v., not remembering what i was watching. anticipating the pinch of the needle. i squeezed a section of my abdomen, and closed my eyes. i peered my eyes open, waiting for j. to just "do it already," and he had already walked to the kitchen to dispose of the syringe. he had already injected me. i felt like i had run a marathon and won the gold medal (well, without the sore muscles and achy feet). i was so proud of myself for going through it. then, i felt dumb for worrying about that stupid needle all day. maybe there's hope for me, yet.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">so, if you know someone that's going through this, rest assured, take it from me, i wouldn't lie about it. injecting insulin is not as painful as you might think. i'm glad that i made the right decision for me, taking care of my health, and possibly for my future baby (God willing).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">here's a pic of my beloved popo. the apple of my eye....the cutest dog ever (who is also receiving his shot tomorrow...shhhhhhh, it's our secret!)</div><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/M4rA6El11VATXxNPwq4cRg?authkey=Gv1sRgCNLk-r-5v5X1bg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKJSThWAnBSk8xPqy1QBNl3w9zmNKdRW9gr5a2T8dWWkOvSIWu_r2kQObejIYVFuTPWFNe4SJ09S3ulFJzBxaTHBQCdYcvI_l84xlJVI_v2-Cx8cSmXoWaDcDu2cYkZ7Ktbf6fjhvu/s800/DSC_0127.jpg" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1098743802440400682.post-54316842878579352222009-04-04T19:08:00.000-07:002009-04-04T19:28:21.952-07:00thank you for the prayersas some of you may know, my father was recently diagnosed with multiple myeloma (bone marrow cancer). he has been undergoing chemotherapy since dec. and it has been a struggle for him, as well as for my mom, and family. we prayed hard, asked others to pray, too, and hoped for a strong recovery. we also did not expect him to be eligible to get on the transplant list. it was a surprise, a good one, at first. until my father decided that he did not want to receive a transplant. he had his reasons. i feel that i have to respect his reasons. but that's me. i hate to see him suffer. <div><br /></div><div>last night, i was happy to hear that his doctor reported that his test results have been improving. he doesn't have to go through chemo, at least for now. that is good news. i have to think that our prayers (and yours) have helped him endure and improve his health.</div><div><br /></div><div>so...thank you.</div><div><br /></div><div>here's a fave pic of my parents. </div><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/gjspillerphotography/DropBox?authkey=Gv1sRgCNLk-r-5v5X1bg&feat=embedwebsite#5321027885679757218"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcALbK-uymV9ZJQkf49P_t3UUqiIT9cPZcBeGzfuLtzQehQN0lI4WsSh91JgXe2D_uu0eTIK2f2nVtOTaM4dZN4PUwDjidKuCNAKKxGp5Dk4cI85HSonMt9tcTW9GXWnr6E0uWdgGX/s800/my%20parents.jpg" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1098743802440400682.post-45502990871105270382009-03-29T08:45:00.000-07:002009-03-29T09:24:26.578-07:00life lesson #2: be prepared<div style="text-align: justify;">ask any of my good friends, who have gone on a trip with me, it is always an adventure. it's never a dull moment. this includes local driving trips. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">last night, coming back from bingo (yes, i love playing me some bingo), i felt like passing out, and/or puking in my cousin's pretty-darn-new car. and no, dear blog readers, not from a night of drinking (remember...bingo). i did not realize that we were in the casino for 5 1/2 hours. since i'm diabetic, i should be eating or snacking every 3-4 hours to prevent my blood sugar from dropping. my husband, j., had packed me a bento (box lunch) for bingo earlier that day, but i had forgotten to bring it with me, and thought i would get something at the casino. but if you've ever been at a casino (no clocks, no windows), or ever played bingo, you lose track of time. and obviously, a sense of hunger. <br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">i did not feel hunger until we hit the slots, and it wasn't until my third penny slot, and last ten dollars, my stomach started growling. i listened to the cue, and my cousin agreed that we head home. i thought we would at least make it home to eat, but about fifteen minutes on the road, i started to feel awful. the worst feeling i'd felt in a long time (at least, without being intoxicated). we were on the road in Boony Ville (because that's where most of these casinos are), late at night. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">i regretted not eating at the casino. i regretted not packing at least my glucose tablets or even gum in my purse. most of all, i could hear j.'s "i told you so" comment ringing in my ear. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">we got off the closest off-ramp, after five to ten minutes of trying to ignore the sick feeling. afraid of puking in my cousin's car, i strongly suggested we get off the freeway and find a drive through. i thought of the diabetes class, and how low blood sugar could cause a seizure or a coma. i'm sure my sugars were not that low, but my paranoia and hypochondria kicked into gear, and i found myself pleading and praying to God to not have any of the above happen to me. well, getting off the freeway into Boony Ville was not helping the situation. it was all darkness, and a long stretch of houses for miles. no 7-11. no McDonald's. no nothing. nothing but a whole bunch of houses and parks. a lot of parks. then we started driving up this winding road. now, i started to panic. i'm never moving to the 'burbs, thoughts screaming in my head. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">we proceed back down the mountain, for fear of getting lost, and get back on the freeway, with my eyes rolled to the back of my head. the fun that i just had playing bingo and winning on the slots were fading away fast. like the light at the end of a tunnel, we saw something from a distance. a red, white, and yellow neon sign, "In-N-Out." and heard angels singing....</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">quickly got off the ramp, and searched for the place called "In-N-Out." worried that the late night rush would delay my order and prolong my suffering, i was tempted to pay double for my order to come out next, or even beg them to throw a potato at me. when i got out of the car to walk towards the bright lights, my toe had a blister from my slipper sandal. so i'm limping towards the bright lights....man down...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">to make this long story shorter, we had our burgers and fries (in silence, because both of us were scarfing down our food), and headed back on the freeway. four exits away was home. we had not realized home was that close. but seriously, i don't think i could have survived the four exits. the funny thing is, after eating the meal, my stomach was still growling, i still felt nauseated, and i was still light-headed. so once i got home, after my husband's "i told you so's," i went to bed. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">what have i learned?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li>always pack a snack, candy, and definitely, glucose tablets for emergencies.</li><li>carry my GPS with me at all times.</li><li>listen to my husband.</li><li>oh, and keep my stories short.</li></ul><div>i'm happy now and it's all good. we're planning another trip to play bingo soon. this time, i'll be prepared. </div><div><br /></div><div>special shout-out to In-N-Out! thank you so much for being there!! </div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1098743802440400682.post-37127274381490359072009-03-22T23:25:00.000-07:002009-03-28T00:12:07.453-07:00resolution update<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">ok...ok...i have not been doing well in keeping up with my resolutions. not even worth listing the excuses, because they're just excuses. but i'm someone who perseveres, and sometimes i'm more of a 4th quarter kind of player, i bring it hard at the end. <br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">haven't met at any of my meet ups because, well, i've been too busy to meet up (isn't that how it usually goes?) </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">exercise has definitely been replaced with napping in front of the t.v. and then sleeping more. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">my doctor agrees to put me on insulin, so we'll see how that works out. yay. more needles. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">i predict that the tide is turning for me, in a more positive direction. so my future's bright. hope you're sticking to you goals this year so far! tell me all about it! </span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1098743802440400682.post-7990947060225259212009-03-22T00:55:00.000-07:002009-03-22T01:05:06.022-07:00our lil' neighborkylee is about 7 months old, and she already has everyone wrapped around her little finger. our neighbors, eric and denise, who can be seen featured under our <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Maternity</span> section in our <a href="http://gjspillerphotography.com">website</a>, invited us to spend a day at the park with their family. we enjoyed playing on the swings on that bright, sunny, almost-spring-day. ahhhh...this is the life!<div><br /></div><div>i made her a mini <a href="http://gjspillerphotography.com/Kylee6m">slideshow</a>, check it out.</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/z4jOr9vvKve_WgDhvuYuMw?authkey=Gv1sRgCNLk-r-5v5X1bg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyAyiAXB2E_gYQbTlj3NVYucVxrb7xSqtP3Cd_YvZ1kH3wRV26LrTP7F1hw3TjNeKBNHsk0Rz7Cisp1N1V6qvnGKH6sjHX4F3uWbxeul4NBtfY8VTP2Ow3F1niDgr4iK4K1vF2uwXy/s800/DSC_0013%20-%20Version%202%20copy.jpg" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Znkzns1f15aOLM21Q2hKDQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCNLk-r-5v5X1bg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN3wmW4yeqFVowY7CLb5zjoolPIf1Si7xDwI0HN8JJqiTDznb6Dl_k29DqLnWAGbA6mykPi71uJeLX1d3v6qSdpdX5D9AQUPB7Rw8b90_FaWzcysTOmFLjeIk3d5qbddfLE_UHUg_R/s800/DSC_0011%20-%20Version%202.jpg" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/TKgPbRm4yyoMZjn_ErxWKg?authkey=Gv1sRgCNLk-r-5v5X1bg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFZWP5NytntelyAO8aisg-QYUD5snMlICp2bayIA0IrUfLocXAGkhzRiYxqgbHZ66w9rmDFHM0IgJBxbBeEwnm36x3F1RCWoj8RPc3BKsHGge3RzWV8HCpWSMFIdEMEU69WS4wdHt2/s800/DSC_0026%20-%20Version%202%20copy.jpg" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1098743802440400682.post-54714173232148620652009-03-16T20:34:00.000-07:002009-08-23T16:12:09.034-07:00arcadia arboretum of los angeles engagement portrait: ronald + kathy<div style="text-align: justify;">ronald was the strong, silent type. kathy had a special power...she was the one who made him laugh. apparently, the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">only</span> one who could make him crack a smile at work. another special power kathy had was persistence. she pursued ronald for about a year and a half, after he succumbed to her charm, and they officially became a couple. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">one warm afternoon, taking a break from their walk through Arcadia's beautiful <a href="http://arboretum.org/">Arboretum</a>, kathy checked her text messages. it said, "Babes. Will you?" she mumbled to him, "Will you, what? You didn't finish your sentence." she looked up, and saw ronald, on one knee, ring box in hand. in true ronald style, he had wooed her without a spoken word.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">we had a laughter-filled day with kathy and ron. we planned their shoot at the site ronald proposed. they were such good sports. when they said they cleared their schedule for us, they were in <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">big trouble</span>. i like to shoot--- a lot! the more i shoot, the more inspired i get. the more game the subject, the more i get in the "zone." so as for the slideshow, i had a lot of faves to choose from. we love couples that are totally game, and just go with the flow during our sessions.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">with our Designer Engagement Session, we include lunch, and later, shoot a different type of session. all our couples fill out a survey with questions about them, individually and as a couple, to get to know them before we shoot their session. we brainstorm ideas with the couple, and design a shoot that expresses who they are. no stuffy studio pictures here! so we went bowling with them, since they were avid bowlers while they were dating. intimidated by their pro gear, and fancy bags and bowling shoes, j. and i thought it best to split the teams, boys vs. girls. j.'s bowling nickname is "black thunder." (you'll just have to watch him bowl to see why). oh, and also, make sure you stand behind a shield when j. bowls. the ball seems to slip from his hands.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">here are some faves from the shoot. see more here on their <a href="http://gjspillerphotography.com/KatRon">slideshow</a>!<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">for more information about our Designer Engagement Session, contact us!<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">thank you, ron and kathy, for the laughs and the strikes. looking forward to seeing you again (hopefully for karaoke...johnny's practicing "endless love" in the shower now!).<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table style="text-align: justify;width: auto; "><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/y2WlF91FX5OHGPD1sLWWjg?authkey=Gv1sRgCNLk-r-5v5X1bg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwnBuxt9EDdS2zZj2UlveKf5wzrfCOAqT_pSmExfYpG3yBZQxkkrJey5NNog6-CD_AnyX3wYW1EVccXSP-Kbg8qziKRkS35WuqaJBhzuC6Ta7cXBmrB0epnt1plH3GH9Gzd415HedS/s800/engagement%20%20008%20copy.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/gjspillerphotography/DropBox?authkey=Gv1sRgCNLk-r-5v5X1bg&feat=embedwebsite">Drop Box</a></td></tr></tbody></table><table style="text-align: justify;width: auto; "><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wm_mxSxpEwyWzswj5cOWUg?authkey=Gv1sRgCNLk-r-5v5X1bg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV62FBIx6Bl-iwpZaCwhX2JfdOcWcr5yUJB3xstjuQOSzYbz2kfjXZfMItSTx47n8xvFHW29Wk0cwKi0REwDS-RHuT59KwkUSYdXukgyAu0eRnYFEXRjpjkbhrLEiT9pgytRWRzoba/s800/engagement%20%20019.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/gjspillerphotography/DropBox?authkey=Gv1sRgCNLk-r-5v5X1bg&feat=embedwebsite">Drop Box</a></td></tr></tbody></table><table style="text-align: justify;width: auto; "><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Ekj9YPFL4oMeupCXO8yN6g?authkey=Gv1sRgCNLk-r-5v5X1bg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUW31HkHIPs5gPqTA3bHC_MFEZdfWx7o9R9m2m6cV-ICglH6V6E0s7Agac5UZ6dqqWfHgdYrXYtkH6Q7PK89P6efcBgRDcXJ9VaI1SZDwptp3bdMch3cVsOXi16A_0WEEZIMqmvvhZ/s800/engagement%20%20034copy.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/gjspillerphotography/DropBox?authkey=Gv1sRgCNLk-r-5v5X1bg&feat=embedwebsite">Drop Box</a></td></tr></tbody></table><table style="text-align: justify;width: auto; "><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/uAnYzy2kRyg6LC7Ac6aSKg?authkey=Gv1sRgCNLk-r-5v5X1bg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsy6CO5A_Stutk6OcRjUxwKUXYO-hns4ufXJwX8sTfwtA2iuuwqKjwGFzzNr2PsUJ9FBLV_wnfPdPlh9xVeoso5cEgpfat0UmP6B84wKMGnjo3OqziL-6Y0JO9WkliSmvl3L57T5G1/s800/engagement%20%20109%20copy%20copy.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/gjspillerphotography/DropBox?authkey=Gv1sRgCNLk-r-5v5X1bg&feat=embedwebsite">Drop Box</a></td></tr></tbody></table><table style="text-align: justify;width: auto; "><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/OzNeYucAVi--YEpMsmSGiQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCNLk-r-5v5X1bg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM27e6Jkjoz2AF7QMeAhLwbcAsGbnD6-B6vuZVBbVlWhWBruaULwf81pM3h3t5TWkZPzrJysB-EPWT2szr8p994xNPSaUaHOq58GGcdf3pH4_kTFjn0831f11dOQzqdIVYsq_S38BP/s800/engagement%20%20097.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/gjspillerphotography/DropBox?authkey=Gv1sRgCNLk-r-5v5X1bg&feat=embedwebsite">Drop Box</a></td></tr></tbody></table><table style="text-align: justify;width: auto; "><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gMQUZTpexR6e6lsXDZZL6g?authkey=Gv1sRgCNLk-r-5v5X1bg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOtPQJ0S3_QwjEzpZEfSZLKKfKsowKwJOdU0ZLOBAryP8C7ABAHTGhoaBhhIK-rWRlhDjWzx7YtTadowUxta9Kk_U5Q_JfVALkOKbvOL8nilm9Jh5vJvm8OYvxxVXUAY1O7q6geQ3V/s800/engagement%20%20114.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/gjspillerphotography/DropBox?authkey=Gv1sRgCNLk-r-5v5X1bg&feat=embedwebsite">Drop Box</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">arboretum of los angeles</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; border-collapse: collapse; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">301 N Baldwin Ave<br />Arcadia, CA 91007-2697<br />(626) 821-3222</span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1098743802440400682.post-15987459124641993122009-03-15T21:46:00.000-07:002009-03-15T22:03:12.876-07:00might as well, JUMP<div style="text-align: justify;">this weekend needed to happen.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">this past week, with the doom and gloom of the news, unemployment, and the economy, this weekend at Aurora Elementary needed to happen. headed by teachers, most of which are losing their jobs next school year, Kid Fit was planned to promote health education to the community through vendors, and fun activities. thanks to good friend, Maricela Cedano, a resident teacher, for inviting us to this inspiring and positive event. it truly chased the dark clouds that have been looming over this week.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">looking at these pictures, fun and exercise can be achieved no matter who you are! look at the guys having a ball jumping rope! to check out more pix of this great event, click <a href="http://gjspillerphotography.com/AuroraES">here</a> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">it's schools and resident teachers, like these, that make differences...everyday. support your local school. write to the district, the governor, the president. voice your concerns about education, and the loss of teachers, like these. for more info, check out www.utla.net or www.pinkfriday09.org, for more information. you can make a difference.</div><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/CMjNwXKh1XwJwEWD_XHyVQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCNLk-r-5v5X1bg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz0tJFo1X-0ErBVH26E3eO_OUZapTHUUjQz70IO91iRJEik-OVkt2fyG1wUxh2c3sHO8YDNfrs5iu3hjxqhLtPa4BkDM6P4wJ_dzB-9kB_kGVy94Tll-tdOXCB-lZcFJsuNtwfk8b3/s400/KidFit%20%20163.jpg" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/CGv4uflWvN4d8OVBtwhU4g?authkey=Gv1sRgCNLk-r-5v5X1bg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7fxdJYRZIIagWZdV_eZKVoL1kBtT4y12t9NyEQp2GlIPn64mpB6NSJ1-OAXw3Pv9xFqdwM6ljlPkkEPryed68QKlPNXlJaSJVm_EucSZ5AVWohleElrNMY4cIkhnGkA3PyYY_7Exh/s400/KidFit%20%20166.jpg" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xRqJfIJlfixlh6prgMzQiA?authkey=Gv1sRgCNLk-r-5v5X1bg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEczJvDyEIzqgpFGFpxmu9OMFmNeWRCLC24T9zw2coeCdmp387IH_eMyX0ejuixZdRERZuFIDxjl7EXCbl4AdB5gZmV-x1zB4OT1rsQz_6QBEBke2R6Lk8k-IwVtX9L2R8TenYAxF0/s400/KidFit%20%20181.jpg" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1098743802440400682.post-78043974024863313522009-03-11T06:32:00.000-07:002009-03-11T21:47:00.649-07:00support schools, support children, support your future<embed wmode="opaque" src="http://static.ning.com/pinkfriday/widgets/video/flvplayer/flvplayer.swf?v=3.14.3%3A17089" flashvars="config=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pinkfriday09.org%2Fvideo%2Fvideo%2FshowPlayerConfig%3Fid%3D2810631%253AVideo%253A1737%26ck%3D2055193514&video_smoothing=on&autoplay=off" width="448" height="364" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" scale="noscale" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed><br /><small><a href="http://www.pinkfriday09.org/video/video">Find more videos like this on </a><em><a href="http://www.pinkfriday09.org/video/video">Pink Friday</a></em></small><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">all of us are who we are because of a teacher. when you support teachers, you support children and their education. this affects all of us. it affects our future. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">check out more info: www.pinkfriday09.org and www.utla.net </span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1098743802440400682.post-84870831643980485202009-03-09T23:27:00.000-07:002009-03-09T23:49:54.710-07:00life lesson #1: you are in control of more things than you realize or acknowledge<div style="text-align: justify;">hello, blog readers,<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">i have no shoot to share, no pictures to post, no promo to..well, promote. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">i was getting the feeling to write in my new journal of the year (which was bought in jan. and never written in, yet) and wanting to write because the last couple weeks have been so stressful. the idea of buying the journal and start journaling again (i have been journaling since 3rd grade when i received my first diary, all with a heart key and lock!). my goal was to....(drum roll) WRITE THE STORY OF MY LIFE...starting from right now. the idea was to leave something behind for my son(s); yes, i believe i will have all sons. i wanted them to know the journey that i am experiencing, just trying to "have" them. i guess the reason why i haven't written in it yet is that because i write so much about what's going on in my lil' head here on my blog. my blog is almost like my journal. almost. (i tried to videotape myself...but that was a little nerve wracking, talking to myself)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">today, i'm feeling hopeful. with a dash of melancholy. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">today i wanted to blog, but i didn't have anything photography related to say. but i wanted to get out what i wanted to say....which is that...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">there is hope. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">oh...and faith. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">my father and uncle are both recovering from their medical scares of the last 6 weeks. thank you, God! it's so good to see them both smiling and laughing, and walking without a cane or walker in a long time. recovering well...knock on wood.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">my health is hopefully turning over a new leaf. since sat., i have been better about remembering to take my diabetes meds and check my blood sugars. the doctor told me that she will start me on insulin shots in two weeks. i am nervous. not about the needles, although that was my initial reaction, but more about what this means to my health. this is definitely going to slow me down and change my lifestyle. the only thing i can do is stay positive, and do what's best for me. doc says that she still discourages us from conceiving right now, until my blood sugar is stable, and i'm healthier. i am looking forward to june, when i see her, and report that i have managed and controlled this disease, and that i am at least 10% lighter. the doctor said to cut out parts of my busy schedule. at first i was like, no way!! i LOVE my business! i LOVE my clients and i love what i do for them. no way am i going to sacrifice something that makes me genuinely happy. but i know what she means. i need to make time to take care of myself so that i can do the things that make me happy.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">thank you to those that have chimed in and given me encouragement. j. says that he wants me to be healthy first, before even thinking about having babies. babies or not, he says that he wants me to be healthy and live long, and grow old with him. i have to remember that i am in control of more things than i realize or acknowledge. i guess this is part of the journey.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1098743802440400682.post-76223860995555663682009-03-07T12:14:00.000-08:002009-03-08T01:29:39.563-08:00senior portrait: priscilla<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dSMJ_lM7KgtT_2HIbKv1Ag?authkey=Gv1sRgCNLk-r-5v5X1bg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfb8ioXF7LvIMLtRdCmZGbpNcvsRnvHY8Ii0_D1uRrrLc4wafkAdm165LnkzGZ_NXU2R9-9SkVePdV_Q0I9TlmQrK9cVVYTII59TsOccI_sTBT3QGAnYClCbf29b30l3SmVoMzGSMy/s800/prisicilla5.jpg" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0kNSE85sURMESnHV9oNCiw?authkey=Gv1sRgCNLk-r-5v5X1bg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-SoDW6JtLJCz8Wr0ts3erh3T3w1Ost0iyDxgYgCJGdtI2ioMZUBokkKwDxmaIjoy7mGLVGD4KdovMHzhGZMVpkDyonN2x7pOi_cmj1-ERus10-lTRbrRbOKWVodoEAR_SPmQd7iMU/s800/priscilla1.jpg" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/pDkrfn0TDcQngJw88Co55Q?authkey=Gv1sRgCNLk-r-5v5X1bg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzaOIE2cqIltVI-XHctWSci32b65ZOxv-eGdbfRiILk1BAc_tEZGoPKm3ubPrJHrjXFCdY73PX66Ltww8OyLQk6TCJwqCxzFxTd5i_80kAOcHDTlLRAnddbxgxvq5VvgEmnj0ZVCGK/s800/priscilla4%20(1).jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">this beautiful girl is graduating high school this year. priscilla is a senior in high school, and hopes to go to college and maybe enter the entertainment industry. she has one of the brightest smiles and the most positive outlook on life. she is bound to be successful in anything she pursues. <br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">senior portraits have come a long way from your studio portraits. these portraits were done on location, with multiple wardrobe changes. check on our website for more details about the packages we offer. this package is the Day in the Life Package, (valued at $250)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li>which includes up to 1.5 hours session, </li><li>$75 print credit, </li><li>all image files on proof CD, </li><li>and wardrobe changes. </li></ul>not only do you get the flexibility of wardrobe changes and extra time for a variety of poses, but the senior has a chance to express their individuality and personality. we take our time, and are open to multiple locations. an added plus, parents can feel at ease knowing that these photos will be taken in good taste. if you want to add friends to do a group session, we have an Heirloom Package that allows for more people, more time, and more print credit. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">check out <a href="http://gjspillerphotography.com/Priscilla">priscilla's slideshow</a> to get an idea of a session like this. we had a lot of fun shooting this! if you're interested in finding out more about senior portraits, contact us!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1098743802440400682.post-84430237966813594292009-03-05T23:25:00.000-08:002009-03-05T23:42:01.702-08:00america's best dance crew<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAmAA4FlOkD_KZ5YBW2P_wqhLn_LiHOzQ_galJfq5MxNePXaw04-DxtmErvFwgwixBtaDaL0uGBmJH9YoWoxOsRfXK95dnvAlpEQ-aMzbn-OZ9RJW8w6FqNCsfCR0z-ZcDpTfYcmEQ/s1600-h/BeatFreaks_Crew_021.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 208px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAmAA4FlOkD_KZ5YBW2P_wqhLn_LiHOzQ_galJfq5MxNePXaw04-DxtmErvFwgwixBtaDaL0uGBmJH9YoWoxOsRfXK95dnvAlpEQ-aMzbn-OZ9RJW8w6FqNCsfCR0z-ZcDpTfYcmEQ/s400/BeatFreaks_Crew_021.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309973333834764258" border="0" /></a>i was never part of a crew. but i loved dancing, back in the day. in high school, i loved performing for talent shows and choreographing for friends for lip sync contests and school dances. i continued that in college, choreographing routines for shows, entering contests, and one time, for a club that i wasn't even a member for. i also dabbled in hula, and ballroom dancing. so i can totally appreciate dance shows, and love that Randy Jackson, the judge from American Idol, produced this show, <a href="http://www.mtv.com/ontv/dyn/dance_crew/series.jhtml">America's Best Dance Crew on MTV.</a><br /><br />no, this isn't <a href="http://www.mtv.com/ontv/dyn/dance_crew/series.jhtml">America's Best Dance Crew</a> winners. this is Beat Freaks, the runners up. Quest Crew won, and they were an awesome dance crew. i really liked Beat Freaks because they represented for the females, but more than that, they did what the boys did, and sometimes better. they're not my faves because they are girls, contrary to popular belief, that if they win, it's because they're girls. i don't think ABDC's fans vote based on gender. i felt their performances were consistent throughout the series, both creative and athletic, every single time. to be fair, i do think that Quest Crew 'brought it' the last episode, the Hip Hop Challenge, and their last routine 'killed it,' as they say. if based on the last ep, i have to say Quest won. if based on their collective performances, i have to say Beat Freaks took it.<br /><br />in the end, i'm glad both crews made it to the end. it was an exciting season, for sure! if you missed it, you should definitely check it out when you get a chance. if you love dancing, even if you don't like hip hop, you will definitely get inspired, excited and entertained.<br /><br />congrats to Quest Crew!! <br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1098743802440400682.post-87115317063209690952009-03-05T22:55:00.001-08:002009-03-05T23:25:41.868-08:00day at the doctor's<div style="text-align: justify;">so i went to my regular check up/follow up with my doctor about my diabetes. i was very nervous but also looking forward to talking with my doctor, and "facing the music," as they say. a week ago, i took some blood tests, and it was not good news. well, my busy lifestyle, and bad habits finally caught up with me. it has taken its toll on my liver and kidneys. my doctor says that i need to give up, or cut down something in my lifestyle. it's difficult, because both j. and i still have our "day" jobs, and our business, which is a full-time job in itself. we don't want to give up our business because we absolutely LOVE what we do, and what we do for our clients. we love being a part of people's joyous moments. we love meeting new people, and we've been so blessed with meeting such nice, friendly, and cool people. we are not ready to give that up.<br /><br />what i'm thinking is that i need to make small "cuts" in my lifestyle, and more effort to really take time out for myself, whether it be taking a walk, spending an afternoon cooking a special dinner for myself and my husband, turning up the music in the house and cleaning/dancing, reading magazines on the couch, etc. i think it's those little things that will make an impact on my health. it has been a struggle to accomplish this.<br /><br />i found myself getting teary-eyed up before the appointment, everything finally hitting me, that this is my health. this is me. i need to do something about it. j. was there, and the doctor walked in, while i was having this emotional moment, and as j. put it, the doctor looked at him, like he was Chris Brown (the singer that is allegedly accused of beating his girlfriend and singer, Rhianna). i quickly explained...i don't know if it was also because in the last couple months, there has been serious medical drama with my relatives, but i was scared of the doctor was going to say. j. thought i was crying because the nurse asked me to take my shoes off so the doctor can inspect my feet, and i was nervous because i haven't had a pedicure for more than a month (ok...that was part of the reason i was crying. i'm self conscious about my feet, ok?)<br /><br />she, of course, told me that i have to cut down on my schedule, take time out to take my meds, and check my blood sugar regularly, as well as exercise and eat healthy. sigh...she did not want to prescribe me insulin because she felt that i needed to get back on track and on schedule with my meds. in three months, she wants to see improvement, so we can talk about fertility again. so that's the goal. we want to see improvement, as well, for ourselves, our future, baby or no baby.<br /><br />i'm so glad j. was there. he takes good care of me and i could not ask for more. i need to take care of myself, so i can take care of us. i want to get back to the person who i was...no...i want to be a new, and improved me.<br /><br />how do you take time out for yourself? please leave a comment! would love to hear from ya!<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1098743802440400682.post-83307670995697265892009-03-01T22:29:00.000-08:002009-03-01T22:45:28.276-08:00goddaughter jaylyn: 6 months<div style="text-align: justify;">here's an update on my goddaughter, jaylyn. this is her <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">6 months</span> old shoot, although she is almost 7 months now. i think she looks adorable in her laker outfit and bunny get up. i don't know which one i like the best. she's chloe's cousin (see earlier posts). we took their portrait sessions together, in the backyard of their grandmother's house. i think it worked out great. j. and i were going to set up this big backdrop, but we thought it might rain, and it would be a big hassle to breakdown if we had to do it in a jiff. besides, i love the japanese fountain in the background, and green grass spoke to the upcoming season, as the theme was Spring Portraits.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">i always favor natural settings, anyway. the setting also tells a story. whether it be baby portraits, senior portraits or bridal portraits, the choice of setting and background, add to telling the story of what type of lifestyle the subject leads, personality of the subject, or even, like in this case, document the setting of home life. this is what is called Lifestyle Portraits. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">i remember a portrait my uncle bert took of my dad, in his backyard. it was an action shot of my dad doing a flying kick (martial arts). now, that backyard is no longer, as they have remodeled for a more mature garden, and no longer is the wide open backyard, where we once rode swings and danced the night away. i'm so grateful for that picture. it brings me back to a time of my youth. i'm sure you can think of a picture that reminds of being in that moment, that place, and that you can almost touch, see, smell, and hear the elements, like you're there. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">studio pictures, with generic backdrops, have their place in an owner's collection. but if you want to tell a story, natural settings are the way to go!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">jaylyn, as was her cousin, chloe, were great subjects. she loves to smile, and smile for me and her mommy, she did. i love the in-between expressions, the wide open mouth, the questionable stare...are all so endearing! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">check out my faves below, and her <a href="http://www.gjspillerphotography.com/Jaylyn6m">slideshow</a>!</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qZwPm5XtXmlFDQfnY5LVIg?authkey=Gv1sRgCNLk-r-5v5X1bg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsyOA6z5NuYlU6IO29tnBqmvkzom0jI6ftnvZeurrlEiHi-vIT9tXh7PJieuIn_g0lEv9-CkB4sis71GjM9QmRXRVkOZwMRx6IT9XTwXpeRJGo__M0ygEGLoD3_9FPCbi3qj-1Csat/s800/jaylyn2.jpg" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6w1uawEV46ee5voG4BZxhg?authkey=Gv1sRgCNLk-r-5v5X1bg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2TS8hIsKnZfeL028RnSRpseuNO7_Shnl2Wkc-Ivqcapv04kFImSYTjuj2-aIM9dMlz7mcNBDEmg1clbe2fvTMOubJof7dsMQsCTFkZOFhsOnxYRf_lm-WJJdpDn3uSvbsz2OnrnWF/s800/jaylyn.jpg" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xBV_58zv4kEVzTn3Dqx7tQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCNLk-r-5v5X1bg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnq3VKxP1GSJ0GXKAKB4E3djPGFEZT94bX-wjhZJdFltl-AmD1YGLb_GIiuthkim7qBmdxctUEentB8_Tm4yhBWW3-8JBkQn0bsnFi6TwKUGuEZqRgjfy0_J_JNbVNKL-gJ1Llfh4s/s800/jaylyn4.jpg" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/lBDXyxV8XcHIJeyqBpT3HQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCNLk-r-5v5X1bg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiovm2y5GtUWgqu328Pq9sXQfg35-sBT-a-7ec-s3I8w2EJPEPQ-DT42dPcfQQiD_Ne9fRH_3QP3RP2mdQVJdUhcSLADpRkc8ABwjuhMKcklOTyg-MLJHJHwaWSNST_Me4AEAjVaHwq/s800/jaylyn5.jpg" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ESyO2QBYAlZN9hx5rh_-JA?authkey=Gv1sRgCNLk-r-5v5X1bg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqkanBJ7fS5Q9A-kl2Ec0REH_O6lw5dpFOuaibnzgf1i4q82E3_-ELwVTgxMwRghyvflVaU3YTblC-2tt7tOLwWiyWLdiLj4hgshZZqvw6wphPzPnckd6X7oKj4WF6fSUlWyAQLxF/s800/jaylyn3.jpg" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1098743802440400682.post-82367557684056628612009-02-28T08:00:00.000-08:002009-02-28T08:00:00.894-08:00Chloe Anne: First Birthday<div><iframe style="border: medium none ; background-color:000000;" src="http://www.gjspillerphotography.com/ChloeTeez/iframe.html" title="Showit Web Slideshow" frameborder="0" height="590" width="610" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><div>just in case you haven't checked it out! </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1098743802440400682.post-59911877311440013192009-02-27T19:16:00.000-08:002009-02-28T19:01:02.263-08:00my response about a rant<div style="text-align: justify;">i wanted to share my response to a blog entry from another photographer,<a href="http://blog.jaredpolin.com/"> jared polin</a>. i've mentioned him before in my blog. very cool photog, with cool afro-ish hair, that has shot for Rolling Stones (cool!). his blog is full of tips, stories, songs, video, and funny asides. his <a href="http://blog.jaredpolin.com/home/2009/2/26/you-must-help-others-rant-and-song.html">blog entry today</a> was a "rant" about how photographers should help other photographers. i thought this was very interesting, seeing that a couple days before he was ranting about newbie photographers breaking into the wedding business in <a href="http://blog.jaredpolin.com/home/2009/2/25/rant.html">another blog entry</a>. i had to read this, immediately thinking that these two rants are contradictory. i needed to investigate.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">his first rant was about newbies, kind of struck a chord with me. i've been shooting weddings, professionally for about three years now. i still have a day job, that i respect and like. i shoot weddings and portraits because i love the art of photography and the relationships i make with people. i love documenting their joyous moments. it's a challenge to me every time i shoot, to be better. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">at first, i was taken aback by the rant. but i understood it. i was shooting a Nikon camera, fully manual, since i was sixteen years old. i know the basics of darkroom printing and developing. took two photography courses, worked for a photo processing booth and worked as an event photographer in college. even though i recently bought my first digital camera two years ago and i am so-called a newbie to the business, i do not find myself included in jared's rant.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">and..i actually agree with him.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">since i just got married (two years ago), i know what it's like to interview many photographers and finding "the one" within a budget. with that said, i also know that wedding photography is something everyone should NOT skimp on. i understand the recession and the economy is not making it easy for all of us. but couples are still getting married. this is a moment that cannot be rewinded, redone, reenacted...this moment is unique because it's your moment. why are you going to leave that in the hands of someone inexperienced, ill-equipped and not knowledgeable of workflow, technicality, and professionalism? your friend may have a fancy camera (doesn't everyone?) but you cannot replace a good "eye" for composition, quality of light, and the skill of anticipating a shot. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">but my friend will do it for less than $1,000 or free! </span>i've heard brides say. you can't put that kind of value on an event and on memories that will be invaluable to you. i would never want to put that kind of pressure on a friend or family member. they can shoot at your wedding, and give you the pictures, but first and foremost, they are a guest. let the professional photographer be responsible for those important shots. let them carry the burden of fulfilling your wishes.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">i always tell potential clients that i want to be their photographer because they like the way i photograph and the rapport we have with each other, not because of my price is lower than my competitor. someone's style of photography cannot be bought. neither can their personality. even with the highest end camera. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">because we are in a recession, does not mean the bride needs to go cheap on everything. i always say, the flowers will wilt, the dress will be stored away, and the cake will be eaten. ten years from now, twenty-five years from now, your wedding album and pictures will be your heirloom, a family tradition, passed on and enjoyed by generations later. most photographers are accommodating and will work with what you need or want. tell them what you want, and if you have the same vision and connection, they may "work" with you on the price. both parties "win," like<a href="http://blog.jaredpolin.com/"> jared polin</a> says. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">lastly, i do agree again, with <a href="http://blog.jaredpolin.com/">jared</a>, that photographers should help other photographers. i am truly grateful for information that i have gained from giving photogs, just in running a business, and giving the best service to my clients. i believe that has become a win-win for both my clients and my business. we pride ourselves on good service, and good products. so, i definitely don't mind "giving back" to the photog community. i love talking about photography! so if you have a question, no question too silly, please let me know !</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1098743802440400682.post-34156475335109508222009-02-24T22:36:00.000-08:002009-02-24T23:12:40.620-08:00making memories in the maternity ward<div style="text-align: justify;">about a year ago, i was taking Kat's maternity portraits. it was memorable, because it ended up with a trip to the hospital. Kat came over and i took some maternity belly shots, all the while, she was complaining that she was having some, let's say, going through some physical discomfort, without going into detail. in true form, i keep shooting, telling her to stand here, sit there, lie down, sideways, upside down...etc. and like all my pregnant subjects, she was a trooper. saying it was okay and it was up to me when to stop shooting. everyone knows i can keep shooting till the cows come home. for some reason, i get my best ideas (and shots) once i've warmed up and the subject has become used to the camera in their face. in this case, her belly. <br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">what i remember the most is going to the hospital with Kat and keeping her company, entertaining her (because there was NO TIVO) and i remember, a lot of giggling and laughing. those moaning mothers probably wanted to kill us! (sorry!) i stayed there until her husband, Jeff, arrived (thank goodness, thought the patients). </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">so i wonder if Chloe recognizes my laughter, now that she is out of the womb, and WALKING! she is spunky character, who's apparent new favorite word is "OUT!" hmmmm...i wonder what her parents teach her!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">here's some faves of Chloe's one year portrait session. for my expectant mothers, i have a maternity portrait package called My First Year, and it includes a full year of sessions (maternity, newborn, 6 months, 9 months, 1 year sessions) print credit, and a custom, personalized photo book keepsake. keep your eyes peeled for Chloe's First Year book! if you, or anyone you know needs maternity portraits to mark this special time, please contact me for more details!</div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">check out more pix here (<a href="http://gjspillerphotography.com/ChloeTeez">slideshow</a>)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4jEwt41xswU18v8X7AJeYw?authkey=bupV-5f-slI&feat=embedwebsite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "></span></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4jEwt41xswU18v8X7AJeYw?authkey=bupV-5f-slI&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKXwxZBrvJNPwCXtUsJjw4uocRtQ0lswjMtwOy3L5ITCQTpEa3qdsKaSeF7tG_XVXB4d1HIok_X6bx5gV5zeUJGR5SZm-vRuZbm-IiqewvpWU7OHneltv07CIt0I38L3Hgxkzw06uf/s800/Chloe039.jpg" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/I3X9WJ8goR-WTm-TZCOE3A?authkey=bupV-5f-slI&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaUSbogUiUxrZg64OJ3NMhDGQ9RhPWrIMPsfM-gD5NQXfLQZdrGJedGhGTL-gLZMhIJq33vsMJUjvuEATOSWpPd8ZxXCzMNarcr_h2-woilY1BL2Bm__PrGb7Ka7hG6JrkQrnqLkQL/s800/Chloe014.jpg" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wDLXE8REfVGne6UH-3K-oQ?authkey=bupV-5f-slI&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM0a81hh_k0NkxgkLUv3Z9ENngQkPYyj13JvKddYqnnehkcDuqa09JDhOkq2K_XIKMXwfUo4BhLBsYktMrOluaWOX69ybygxInjvU2mYBDJlR2c9_2S4oAjtKyLlN4dwe59nLIcFwW/s800/Chloe023.jpg" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qs_ZLBiNipBeLLnTFYsAhA?authkey=bupV-5f-slI&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6miAv70ajon2IpeitnIxlWNhsC6HG7kwgJ_7k6tqg90dIWKoEcGQSCA_Bin3L4kaf_6_zUQAhKNLM0_m_7aK13uotaV-sEbGF6gH044q6cQqOoriqBJwwF6nSUglvuYqQA8xESVm1/s800/Chloe028.jpg" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wgpYUoGg4CqUXa2RiwaV8A?authkey=bupV-5f-slI&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL8t2lKAjUTdHi3hS6X2VkCzwflmvE27R7CDonaEpFql41_9lOY-W903yPdy8xBvoGgg-TCjO4m2gOKEdp9c3pm-sI9RJKJGrvZvQGo7sL1DJ4dNlEF-YkGGlZBOkqeVAafBL1QVMU/s800/Baby%20Steps.jpg" /></a><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0