Playing with strobes and gel.

 For my class that I am currently taking, I have to shot still life. So here some of my images that I did. For the makeup images I used gel in barn doors on a boom. I liked how they came out.The first image of the pineapple we were doing texture. The wine glass we were doing reflective.

Studio Lighting

I got some new lighting and was playing around with it. Here is some sample shots of me. 

Who I am!

I am a daughter, a sister, a wife, a mother, a model, a friend, and a photographer.

My parents raised me to who I am today. My father and my best friend worked hard to give my family the best. He taught us that we have to work to get what we want in life. We could be anything if we set our minds to it. I got married in 1994 to my high school sweetheart. Three days later my dad found out that he had cancer. That changed my life forever. In 1997 we were all called home. They didn't expect him to make it much longer. When I went to visit him, I told him he couldn't leave us he was going to be a papa. All he told me was why did I go and do that. Well he was able to spend 5 years with my daughter. He was the world to her. He still is from heaven. My mom is my go to person. We do everything together. That is what I want for my daughter. I am showing her that life is too short so we must live life to its fullest. And that she can be and do anything that she sets her mind to do. As I say dream big. I am a sister to three wonderful people. We may have our differences and some may not talk to others but in time I hope they will. 

I have always had health issues. I was born preemie; I had seizures as a child. I still have health problems. I had low self-esteem right after my daughter was born. I was fat and hated myself. I wore big clothes to hide under but it didn't work. It just made me look bigger and more depressed. I had a health attack that almost took my life. That is when I realized that I needed to change. No, I am not skinny. I am currently a size 18. I am not ashamed of that. I have learned to accept what God has given me and love myself and who I am. I learned that beauty comes from the inside. When my friends saw who I become they wanted to know how I did. So when I hear people talking bad about themselves then I help them to love and see the beauty within. Attitude is the key. You can be pretty on the outside. One of those that everyone drools over but be ugly because you have a bad attitude and don't love yourself. 

I am a plus size model. I really enjoy it and do it just for fun. It shows people that if you are confident you can be beautiful at any size. You have to love and believe in yourself. My passion for photography came from when my dad found out about his cancer. I wanted to have as many memories to pass on to my children. When I started out I wanted to take pictures of everything. I love to be behind the camera. It goes everywhere with me. I wanted everyone to have those special memories. I shot babies, maternity, newborns, etc. But I recently learned that wasn't my true calling. Yes, I will still shoot them type of photographs but my true passion is making women feel beautiful. I am now a contemporary photographer. I specialize in glamor, beauty, and boudoir. I take that every day women that don't think she is pretty and make them stunning. I help them see the beauty within. 

I am telling you all of this because every bit of it has made me who I am today. I by no means have a perfect life. I don't have tones of money. But I live life to the fullest. And I am who I am. I am a plus size women that loves herself and knows that I am beautiful. I believe I can achieve anything I set my mind to do.

I will leave you will two of my favorite quotes. 

Never stop smiled because you never know who is falling in love with your smile. 

“Until you value yourself, you will not value your time.
Until you value your time, you will not do anything with it.” ~ M. Scott Peck”      

It is up to you to want to better your life. 

Value yourself

“Until you value yourself, you will not value your time.
Until you value your time, you will not do anything with it.” ~ M. Scott Peck”

What Should You Charge? - Sue Bryce

Inspiring Weekend

                    I watched Sue Bryce on Creative Live this weekend. There was so much information I ended up purchasing her course so I have it for future reference. WOW! is all I can say. She gave so much great information. I don't even know where to begin. My head is spinning with all the information. After listening to part of her on Friday, I was able to narrow down the genre I want to specialize in. I will still do all the others but I will cater to glamor/boudoir/beauty type photography. I had the same envision as she talked about. I have always wanted to make people feel like and know that they are beautiful. I now know who my target market is. I will be doing a lot of changes. I will be redoing everything. I will be working on a new portfolio, new branding, new marketing ideas, and a new website. I will also be looking for a place that I can have a permanent place to shoot my photography. I have set my goals and have a new attitude toward achieving them. Sue had inspired me and woke me up to see the light. She had a wonderful quote, "when you are at the bottom and don't have anything to loose, you really don't have anything to be afraid of". I have nothing so it can only get better from here. So with that said here is to change. The first change will be to know what I am worth. I will simplify my pricing. No more confusion. I will need models for school and to build my portfolio. If you are interested let me know. Here is to a new outlook on life and change.

Valentine's Day Special extended

You don't need a special day or holiday to do boudoir photos or any type of photos for that matter. So we decided to extend our Valentines special to the end of the month. Remember it is $75 and you get 8x10 or 5x7. Mention Facebook when setting up appointment and get another 8x10 or 5x7. The photos don't have to be taken in February you just have to set up the appointment in February to get this great deal. Email us at info@jrussellimagery.com or boudoir@jrussellimagery.com or call Jacque at 307-286-1908.