Where am I going...

For some reason I feel blah this week... I have no idea why. It's not even like I am starting my period or anything... which is usually the number one reason for the blues. I just am feeling directionless. I feel like I need to be out there networking more, meeting people, etc. But, I just don't have it in me. It's almost as if I am scared of the failure. If my labor doesn't produce any fruit all my work would be in vain. Where has my passion and zest gone to?

I suppose that is something fleeting, something that comes and goes now and again. Also, if this was easy everyone would be doing it. Even though sometimes it feels like everyone is doing it. The greats never stopped though. They didn't give up and they didn't give into the norm. They didn't pick up all their stuff and move to Revolutionary road.

So I suppose I will get off my computer and go make something happen... anything...

Frieda

It's really funny the things you remember about your childhood. Like... smells, outfits you wore to a birthday party, crushes and memories. I wish I could bottle them up in a jar and keep them on my bookshelf to remember or at least have the discipline to write them down.

For the past week I keep coming back to this one particular memory. My great-grandmother Frieda Biedenwig. She was actually my step grandmother and I never met her. My grandmother's mother passed when she was relatively young and my grandfather re-married Frieda. I met him a few times throughout my life, those memories are for another time...

But her. She wrote us letters and always called us on our birthday's. When I say us, my grandmother has four children and between them there are eight grandchildren. Admittedly as I got older I dreaded the call. I never met this woman, I never knew what to say and she spoke in such a thick German accent I could hardly understand her.

But she called each one of us, every year. She remembered.

Maybe it's because she liked birthday's or maybe it's because she really loved my great-grandfather. I guess I will never know, but I wish I did.

Feeling Blessed...

We just got back from a weekend in California visiting our wonderful friend Yuan. Yuan is like family to us, just like family. He has seen us both at our best and our worst, nothing is sugar coated, nothing is hidden... we just have a real friendship. His company is always a delight and I know he would walk through fire for us.

Friends like Yuan are hard to come by.

We had such a great time soaking up our surroundings. Walking around Stamford, taking in a Giant's game, running into my old sorority sister's, sipping wine in Sonoma and capturing coast by Santa Cruz and just good company. Somedays I wonder if I am living someone else's life. Who decided that I would be so blessed.

Thanks Yuan for being you, for the laugh's and the car sick adventures...

Keeping the beat...

For the longest time I didn't fit in. I hadn't found that thing that I was really good at (not saying that I have now, but maybe closer than I ever have been.) I had read about this magical place where people live and dream and work in a place where the worlds greatest needs meet their talents etc. etc. But, for so so so many years I was lost.

I wasn't really good at anything, except connecting with people I suppose. I have been thinking about this a lot lately and how many stupid things I have done, tried and or failed at. One silly thing came to my mind... Mrs. Hinrichs 7th or 8th grade band lessons. I played the Saxophone (or tried) just like my dad did. During a practice at school we were having small group lessons and I was tapping my toes along with music and Mrs. Hinrichs said I wasn't keeping up with beat. My toe wasn't tapping with the music! She told me she had never seen any student do this - tap their toes against the beat... I guess that is what you would call it.

This just made me laugh and made my heart thankful that at least now I can keep up with the beat....

Branding/Blogging and watermelons...

You can see that I'm still not getting my fancy new blog anytime soon, right?! I was at a conference this past week and one of my fellow photographer friends said that she consistently blogs everyday and how much of an effect it has had on the traffic of her blog. I so agree! The blogs that I follow are defiantly ones that post nearly everyday. Something I look forward to checking out because there is fresh new stuff to sift through... so still... the internet waits for me:-)

To branding...

Throughout the years... okay that sounds like I have been in the industry for years... ( it's been like three) that I have worked in the photography industry I have had the importance of branding ingrained in my head. Branding "you." Making your business not only about pretty pictures you take and hopefully sell, but about the person you are and what makes you different, special, unique. And how that important fact will set you apart from the competition.

I have thought about this long and hard and how I can make myself stand out. Maybe taking different types of photos, marketing to a niche group of people, shooting film (okay well not shooting film, but it's a nice thought) and even photographing pets! I don't have any magical ideas but a strange comparison really resonated with me this past weekend. It's something that my dad was talking about... A little back story... my dad is a farmer. He grows corn, beans, wheat and watermelon (our family's claim to fame.) For years people have come to our farm that is tucked into the middle of nowhere to purchase these melons, I would guess that some have come from a 3 - 4 hour radius and maybe even farther.

Sometimes this gets taxing on my parents. I asked my dad why he doesn't just hire someone to do all the sales. He his reply was, "because they want to see me." Wow! I have realized the success of my dad's operation all these years isn't necessarily the watermelons, though they really are fantastic, but him. It's my dad. It's his willingness to grow a good crop, provide excellent customer service and sit and talk to people for at least two hours that sometimes only spend $10.

The heart of the business isn't the melons but my dad. His incredible ability to connect with people, remember their names, details about their lives, and even make them laugh, has had people coming back for years.

I hope someday that people will be coming back to me not only for my pretty pictures but because they like me. They like my customer service, my ability to connect with them and just because I care. The market is saturated with photographers, even very talented photographers. I don't know how I will do it... maybe just like my dad? The connector that he is. Time will tell, I still have a few years to catch up to the amount of time he has been working in the people business.

For now... thanks dad for being a great example on how to run a successful business and most importantly connect with people.

Still..

I still haven't mastered blogging, so I suppose that means I can't quite drop the 3 grand I would love to invest in a really smashing custom blog. But, that is okay. It seems like I have been the type to think, "once I have this really sweet new toy, computer, the best of..." whatever it is I will be consistent, #1 or whatever in that particular regard. When I went to college my mom took me to Omaha to the Gateway computer store and I remember her spending $3000 on my computer. Yes! $3000... that is why I am such a good sales person, she should have known this when I was a child and I convinced her to make me an ice cream cone Halloween costume... that's for an entirely other post! Anyway, about the computer. I'm not a student and that $3000 computer was just a headache and took up way to much space in my dorm room where I totally could have fit more clothes. So, all in all... the blog will have to wait until I am more consistent.

Something inspired me to write today. A video that J* posted, one of my most favorite photographers. Not for her images, but for who she is and how she has shaped my business and my life. I could watch her intro video 1 thousand times. One day I will have one. Watching it reminded me of my failure, where I have come and where I am going. I am so thankful for this place... this road that seems to be traveling upward. I have failed far, far, far more that I have succeeded, but that just makes the successes that much more delicious.

The me I want to be... again...

Since starting my own business in January a million things have ran through my mind... how do I price myself? Am I too high or too low? What do I want to photograph? Who do I want to photograph and will anyone want me to photograph them?! A realization came to me today.... of what I want out of this and where I want it to go. Often I could see myself on a stage teaching other photographers or desiring that life... being big time! Do we all? But, that is just seeking fame and affirmation from the masses and do I really need that or could I even attain it. What I mostly want to do is create beautiful images of inspiring people... Maybe I have a tag line here?! Darcy Demmel Photography, "Beautiful images of inspiring people" or "Inspiring images of beautiful people." Oh and I would really like to travel too.

I really want a blog....

I really want a cool blog... like one that you pay for and someone designs for you that is just really rad. However, I am not good about writing on them. I am going to give myself a test though and if I can keep up on posting on a blog then I am going to consider getting one designed for myself...

the me i want to be...

"I kept thinking about how I didn't want circumstances to change in order to live the way I was meant to live." John Ortberg, (the me I want to be) You're on to something in this book Johnny and it makes me want to keep reading it. Reason number#285 that I decided to stop waiting until I feel awake enough to write in this damn blog.

My cool boss.

I didn't know any other way to title my post - so here it is. Sarah is speaking at the Heartland of America Conference next spring as one of the featured wedding photographers. I'm very excited to hear her speak, what an honor it is to work with someone with such talent.

Program Description:

Urban Excursion:

A Wedding Safari! Bring your cameras, empty cards, and walking shoes because this program is on location! Sarah and her team will show you a wedding day in the life of Pfeiffer Photography! We’ll be shooting a wedding couple in the posh Kansas City shopping center, Zona Rosa. Expect to take away tips and tricks that you can start using immediately.

Topics include:
- Say NO to on camera flash
- Training a Rockstar Second Shooter
- Posing for trendy wedding parties
- Rocktography
- Lens selection
- and much more!

Bio:Sarah started with a degree in journalism and a minor in fine art from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. After college, she worked for an architecture firm where she studied from top architectural photographers. Soon after, Sarah opened Pfeiffer Photography in a small commercial space in Lincoln, Nebraska. Just last year, she and her husband designed and built a home with a 1600 square foot studio attached in Roca, Nebraska, just outside the Lincoln city limits. Sophia and Darcy, who make up Sarah’s team have worked with closely with her to create one-of-a-kind wedding photography, custom albums, and gallery collections for their clients.

Dr. Demmel

Ruth if you follow my blog at all, I have to give you big shout out. I would have hugged you on the phone today if I could have.

So... I gracefully slammed my finger in my car today. Luckily I have two wonderful medical people in my close circle of friends. First, Paul's mom, Ruth. She is just fantastic. I call her at random times asking for advice on my dramatic ailments and she is always sure to deliver fantastic advice.

I have always thought it was so insipring and cool (probably not the best use of words, but I'll use it anyway) that Paul's mom is a Dr. I look up to them. I know I would have never had the guts or the brains, or the stomach for that matter, to be one. The dedication and heart you have to have for this profession is just incredible.

Thanks Dr. Demmel, I think you are great!

One more shout out to Jess, my PA friend. I talked to her today as well. She is my other medical go to person. I found out today that next to her immediate family, I am "that" friend that is always calling for medical advice, a bit of a hypocondriac I know. So... thanks Jess, you're pretty great too!

This post wouldn't be complete without a special note to MY mom as well. When I was sick a few weeks ago it brought back memories growing up of how well my mom took care of me. It makes me think of the big blue blanket on the couch, Vicks Vapor Rub, orange juice from a can in the green pitcher and leg rubs. My mom isn't a medical professional, but don't kid yourself if she wouldn't have been on vacation today she would have gotten a call from me. For some reason complaining to mom just makes me feel better.

Focus on the Family

I am a huge fan of Focus on the Family.  Not only because I had a fantastic experience that their leadership institute in the Summer of 2006, but because I feel they have such a comprehensive ministry, hold true to their values and they are founded on such strong biblical world views.  I listen to Dr. Dobson's podcast and have read a lot of his books and books Focus produces.  Their podcast has given me so many tips on relationships, family, christianity and even political matters.  I know some may disagree that Focus should not mix ministry and politics, but with the direction that our nation is going at this time I like to have some education about what is going on in Washington from a christian perspective.  I don't claim to be an expert by any stretch of the matter at all!  I do wish I was more informed and I have found that through their podcast and one of their ministries, www.citizenlink.com, it has been helpful.  Also check out www.focusonthefamily.com.    

Lucas + Laura

It couldn't have been a better day for a wedding. Perfect weather for an outdoor wedding in August. Paul and I stayed with Luke and Jess (note Jess & I switched dresses for the evening) don't you just love her silk dress I'm wearing? Anyway, we went with them to the wedding. They have really become great friends of ours in the last few years, we love spending time with them. The wedding was at a small Lutheran Church outside Omaha and the reception was under a beautiful white tent at the couple's home. Flowers from her garden, fantastic food, fun music and I had a fantastic date. Paul gets major kudos for being such a great date. Enjoy the pics!

Model in the making...

We had a great weekend in Chicago. I love the city. It's a warmer friendlier place than New York, but still very busy and tons to see and do. More Chicago pictures and blurbs to come...

First, there is a small internet contest I would like to submit a photo to. It's on depth of field. Paul generously and mostly willing.... (mostly) obliged to be my gorgeous model. I do have to say, I'm lucky. He's always very helpful in all my photography pursuits and thus far my biggest fan.

So... which one is your fav?

I think it's either this one...

This one....

Or this one...

Praise the Lord

Psalm 150





Praise the Lord


Praise God in his sanctuary


Praise him in his mighty heavens


Praise him for his acts of power


Praise him for his surpassing greatness


Praise him with the sounding of trumpets


Praise him with the harp and lyre


Praise him with tambourine and dancing


Praise him with the strings and flute


Praise him with the clash of cymbals


Praise him with resound cymbaks


Let everything that has breath praise the Lord


Praise the Lord.





(My version)


Praise God


Praise God in his wonderous creation


Praise him on the mountain top


Praise him for his acts of grace


Praise him for his mystery


Praise him with your lips and actions


Praise him with your time and talent


Praise him with your forgiving heart


Praise him through your sinful mind


Praise him when you're tired and weary


Praise him when you're joyful and content


Let everything that has breath praise the Lord


Praise God

Praise God in his wonderous creation...

Whirlwind weekend in MN...

My friend Diane (from Delta Gamma) asked me if I wanted to go up to Minnesota to visit our other friend Jenny for the weekend. I think this trip is becoming an annual thing. Diane and I have great chats and lots of laughs. There is nothing better than old friends. Jen and her husband Murphy have a 1o month old and they wanted me to take a few snaps of their baby Fiona.


This is my crazy friend Jenny. She is beautiful on the inside out. She is one of the funniest people I know. I started laughing right when I got in her house and didn't stop until I walked out the door. Fiona is going to have a wild ride with a mom as fun as Jen!

This makes me want to be a mom. (Someday a long, long time from now:-)

Jen saw this little dress at Mall of America and bought it for my benefit... cute hugh?! I wanted to buy up the whole store because there was so much cute watermelon stuff. I hope I have a girl someday.

Hm.... I wonder what this is?

Curious if I can touch it...

Is mom looking?

Maybe I'll just take a little lick...

Nah... I'll just stick it in there real quick before my mom can catch me... I'm cute, I can get away with it.

July 1

We got into Chicago around 3:00pm. Check out the Jeep. I think I had a breakdown the day before because the mess was driving me crazy...Paul's place is great, furnished, view of the Hancock building, great location. We moved everything in, got organized and went to meet Paul's boss Bill.Bill showed us around Chicago, we went down to the "Taste of Chicago," and found a few hot spots to check out in future visits.

I saw this and thought of Yuan.

June 30

I went to take a shower... probably five hours later I was looking through my pictures and this is what I found...

What a dork... he set up the timer and everything...

We went to Canada.. had a horrible lunch but got a few good pics:-)

I just thought this was a cute picture.