I like to think that every family has random boxes full of old photos. Mine does. Heck, my siblings and I have our own sections in a huge blue binder with all of our school photos and other things going up through our teenage years.

Starting in middle school, I remember that I would get cheap disposable cameras and pretty much always had one on hand. I have random photos from classes and random walks and hanging out with my friends at the time. These cameras would just be brought to the local CVS to be developed, and later all those photos would just end up in random boxes again. Maybe I didn’t look at them every day or every week, but they were (And still are) there if I want to. They are now one of a kind’s, since I am certain I don’t have any of the negatives anymore…

I hate to admit it, but ever since I was in high school and had a digital camera I never really bothered in making any prints for myself. All my personal photos are stored away on CDs and hard drives. Even my phone photos get put on a folder on my computer. I’ve gotten prints, albums, canvases etc made from photos I have taken of other people, and ofcourse all my wonderful wedding couples, in order to have on hand as samples. Some of these photos are even in my home office and my living room…but I have no personal prints. (Okay, maybe I have two of my dog on my refrigerator, but that’s about it)

So, I hereby make 2012 as the year where I start to make prints and albums for myself!

Here are just a few that are at my parents….

The three kids on the right are my siblings….awww. I am guessing about 1985?

And below, in the middle, is me….the day or day after I was born. I was one cute baby.

This actually makes me REALLY excited and I hope it gives any of you, who may have thought about doing the same, a boost to do so! My hope is that this time next year, maybe I can take some new photos of new albums or wall art of my own personal photos.

Hello everyone! I hope you have all been enjoying your summer! Right now I am in the middle of the “Wedding Season”, and oh man is it busy! This is only my second year of photographing full time, and if it continues this way in the future (2012 is looking great!) then I am one happy camper!

One thing I have been doing lately is keeping an eye out for a potential office/studio space. I’ve looked at a couple this week that were both great. We will see how all that pans out. I need to focus on getting myself through the next couple of months first!

I’ll try to get a couple new sessions up here soon…I have skipped blogging a few weddings because I just don’t have the time! Pretty soon I will have to hire someone just to put new work on here! Ha!

In the meantime, Rigoletto really wanted me to post a few photos of him since he just got a bath and tooth brushing today, and is looking quite charming!

I know that many people out there have barely been guests at a wedding, let alone many! So maybe some things are not really thought about when it comes to guest etiquette. There is a lot to say when it comes to this subject, but I decided to just jot down a few things that have really come to mind lately, and hope that if you are an upcoming wedding guest, that you will keep them in mind!

1)      Turn off your cell phone during the ceremony. Please. There have been more then a few times where the officiant asks this before the ceremony begins, yet right in the middle of the vows someones goes off. Heck, one time it was the grooms phone that went off!

2)      Please sign the guest book, and know that signing the guest book does not literally mean to just sign your name. The couple invited you there because they wanted you to be apart of their special day. Take a minute to write a short message to them! Most people sign the guest book as they are walking in to the reception area, but know that its going to be there all night. You can always go to it after dinner and take a minute to write your well wishes to the couple.

3)      During the first dance, or the parent dances, please don’t talk loudly with others at your table, and please don’t walk through the dance floor. There will be many chances throughout the night to speak to whoever you want, so please allow these dances (which take up just a few minutes each) to have your attention for this time. If you got up to go to the bathroom, or to get a drink before the dance started, please wait until its over to walk back to your seat if it involves going through the dance floor.

4)      Same goes for the toasts. Sometimes its really hard to hear what people are saying during a toast because of the mic, or they are just really soft spoken people. Guests chatting at the same time does not mix well. Chances are they have rehearsed this toast a few times to get it right, so please take a minute to listen.