A Season for Giving

I have found it quite fortunate to be involved with wonderful organizations like Music City Youth Orchestra, and others which support the arts in the community.
One organization which I have been encouraged to get involved with for the past two years is Help Portrait.  Due to time restraints I have not been able to be involved due to work responsibilities in the past.  However, this year I signed up as one of the Photographers for the event.
Help Portrait is an amazing opportunity for people who are Photographers, Photographer Assistants, Hair and Make Up Artists to donate their time to give portraits to those in need or homeless.
It was quite an experience, the stories and people I was fortunate enough to meet wonderful individuals who came to my studio space we had set up for their portrait.  Tears of joy fell, eyes full of hurt and fear walked into my presence, and I felt honored to give the gift of love, kindness, compassion, joy and share my photography that day.

Help Portrait goes beyond the setting up photography studio space, hair stylists doing other peoples hair for free, and make up artists sharing their talents.  Help Portrait is simply about giving of your time to someone who could use help.  Maybe you have a neighbor who needs help with their garden, his or her computer, or errands?  Maybe there is someone in your community who would simply enjoy your conversation.  What does it take?  Nothing but time. What does that mean?  You slow your own life down for more than a minute, put down the cell phone, turn off the computer and go help someone else.  It doesn't have to be every day, it doesn't have to be every week.  It just means you take a step in the direction of giving someone else comfort.

New Years Resolutions come and go just like the Holidays.  Instead of making a "resolution" to make a change, make a commitment to help one person in the year 2014 and those years which follow.  You will be amazed at the transformation which happens....not just in that person you help, but within yourself.
When you give to others, the true gift is what comes back to you.

 Me as we were winding down from setting up

 My studio space!  I was "Photo 2"

 Busy hair and make up artists!!

 The group photo area...(Jeremy & David I think you need a bigger light!!!)

 The hustle and bustle

 Santa Cow & Santa himself meet...

 Yay!  They were buddies in no time.

 Thanks to new technology, Santa can check the "naughty and nice list" right on his phone!

 Live music played throughout the day

Loving, happy people I was blessed to photograph

Babes in Toyland

Dangerous Curves Photography is booking NOW for Boudoir Sessions.  Not sure what to give that special someone?  How about a beautiful and sexy portrait of you?!  Perfect for some quiet "me time" during the hustle and bustle of the Holiday Season.
Along with giving to yourself with a fun and exciting boudoir photo session.  If you mention "Babes in Toyland" 20% of your photo session fee, and print order will go towards the purchase of toys for Toys for Tots.
Give to yourself this Holiday Season because you deserve to feel beautiful.
Give to others this Holiday Season and bring a smile to a child in need.

Book by December 18, 2013 and take advantage of helping others this Holiday Season.

Contact us at: 615-939-1179 or by e-mail: info@curvesphoto.com

Volunteer with the Community

I have only a couple organizations I volunteer with anymore.  I use to volunteer left and right with my photography.  I learned two things-one, I could find a way to get burnt out quite easily; two-not everyone appreciates your time and efforts.  I don't say this to discourage anyone from volunteering, in fact, I encourage it!  Volunteering your time is the most rewarding thing I feel fortunate enough to do.  There are days, or weeks where it feels overwhelming when I have that "one extra thing" to do.  However, I have always walked away feeling better about myself when I give a little of my time to someone else.  Especially organizations which can make such a difference in other peoples lives.  One of those organizations is the Music City Youth Orchestra in Nashville, TN.  An incredibly talented group of high school students who will blow your socks off when you pay the modest ticket to attend their performance.  Check out their website for their next performance date and time: www.musiccityyo.org
I began my involvement with Music City Youth Orchestra over a year and a half ago.  I serve on their Advisory Board, and I take photos at their concert which I give to them for their use.  I put together a video of the video and photos I took the other night.  Hope you enjoy it!

Music City Youth Orchestra

We offer Photography Workshops and Photo Tours

As an avid photographer I have traveled all over this state and around the US finding those great places to take photos.
I have started a video series which shares with you some of those locations.  I hope you will enjoy this short video of a location I have visited many times; Radnor Lake State Natural Area, Nashville, TN.

Click here to watch a video on what you can find at Radnor Lake State Natural Area.
Photo Tour video by Dangerous Curves Photography

While I was active with the Nashville Photography club as their Hiking & Adventure Group Leader it was my duty to seek, find and take club members to great places to take photos.  Even though I am not as active with the photo clubs as I once was, I still get asked quite a bit "where can I go to take nature/landscape/street photos?"  Hopefully this video series I am developing will help curious photographers answer that question.
Want to know more?  Want to attend a photo tour or workshop?  Contact me at: info@curvesphoto.com and I will be glad to help you get signed up for our next event.

 

Until next time...keep shooting!

Live Performance Photography - Jake Shimabukuro

Recently, Jake Shimabukuro-ukulele extraordinaire-returned to Nashville, TN.  For those who do not know him, please check out his website or his clips on youtube. Or click on this link: Jake Shimabukuro at 3rd & Lindsley, Nashville, TN
Such an amazing and talented ukulele player, who is incredibly kind and humble. 

I was able to catch the show this November and brought my camera.  Here are a few shots from that night at 3rd & Lindsley in Nashville, TN.

 

Aloha - thanks for the inspiration Jake!

Preparing for your family Holiday cards

Most people enjoy receiving the best holiday photo cards from their relatives and friends. Often they are found displayed in peoples homes well beyond the holiday season.  With the holiday season is coming near, we are preparing our own version of holiday cards that will be sent to friends and relatives.
It is never too early to prepare. It is better for us to make personalized holiday cards and by booking early you can save money. It may take a little effort, but this will be the best way to preserve your holiday family memories for your loved ones during the holidays.


Sometimes, it is more heartfelt if the cards being sent out are of your family or something significant from the past year.  Many are using photo holiday cards to tell their holiday messages to their friends and relatives. It does not require a lot of hard work. Personalizing photo cards are considered to be one of the best things that can be received by friends that lived miles away from you. It is something that makes your relatives cheers up seeing that you and your family seem to be in their most perfect condition.
The best holiday photo cards are easily produced when they produced by a professional. A family photo, your kids' photos, or even your pet's picture would do as long as the theme pertains to the highlighted holiday. Holiday is not just about celebrations. It is also about spreading your love and greetings to people that you love but are far from you and your family. Make the best holiday photo cards as early as today by booking with Dangerous Curves Photography and send them with you and your family's sweetest holiday greetings!

Such a fantastic photo...absolutely wish I took it

I came across this article which has the most fantastic photo.  It truly pays to be in the right place, at the right time with a camera.  Check out this link!

htthtmlSurfer cliff jumps to catch up for competition

Return of the Flash Party

It was a late night on facebook when I saw a notice about a flash party this past Sunday.  I didn't know if I would be able to go as I did not have access to all my gear.
After digging I found a monopod and gathered up my flash-disappointed I didn't have a soft box, but wanting to give it a go.
I am hoping this is a start to getting back into the groove.

Summertime Fun...

I use to get myself to the coast at least once a year.  I have not been to Gulf Shores, Alabama for over two years and I sure do miss it.  It is such a beautiful place where you can escape and be by yourself on the ocean.  Or, find a happening bar or restaurant and be surrounded by locals and tourists. 
I typically choose a quieter option when I am in Gulf Shores, and here are a couple photos from my last visit.

Outdoor Fun

I went hiking and kayaking a week ago.  It was nice to get outside, I took my boyfriends waterproof camera with me, took some photos and a few videos.
I put it all together in a short video that you can watch here: Hiking & Kayak video

Even with a "waterproof" camera, I was a little nervous about dropping it in the lake.  Thankfully I did not, it remained safe in the kayak & in my backpack with me.  I am not an experienced person on the water or in a kayak.  I most certainly enjoy a quiet ride along calm waters.
It was a lot of fun, and I would encourage anyone who wants a relaxing place to go, to try Land Between the Lakes in Kentucky.

Friendly side kick with a watchful eye over the map

 Path into the woods which will take you to Honker Lake in Land Between the Lakes in Kentucky

 Pretty blue skies with clouds reflecting in the lake

 View from the kayak - came across 5 deer at the edge of the woods by the lake.

I've Seen the Light!

I have used Lightroom for the first time EVER yesterday.  I have put it off, because of many reasons.
Here is my first experiment, and if you have any comments, please e-mail me at: info@curvesphoto.com

Let me know your thoughts between photo 1 and photo 2.

Photo 1:

Photo 2:

Maybe I will finally be able to play in the yard with the big dogs now???

On a happier note...

I have finally decided to go forward and pursue something I have been working on for several years.  Using the images I have taken for Fine Art.  I have at this time over 300 images I am sorting through and having critiqued.  The plan is by this fall to be in an art fair or exhibit with my images.  They have been sitting around on a hard drive for long enough-it is time to do what I initially planned to do with them.
I know this won't be easy, it will be tough and there will be good days and really bad days.  Hopefully partnering with a friend and fellow photographer we will make it through together.

Maybe this will finally lead me to having my photography take me down the path of traveling???

Wayne Miller, LIFE Photojournalist Dies

Sad news announced recently.

http://www.pdnonline.com/news/Wayne-Miller-LIFE-P-8197.shtml

New gallery...

Well, probably not so much "new" that it is just finally posted.  Now I have a place to post some of my images for my website and business.  Whew - that process took a longer than necessary!

http://lacreshakolba.weebly.com/gallery.html

From Nashville to NYC

It is pretty cool to me that I was able to photograph this woman.  She is now a full time model in New York, I hope she has continued success as she is a lot of fun to work with - and looooooves to model, I'm happy that she took the chance to follow her dream.