CHECKLIST...CHECK

Batteries charged...check.
Memory cards formatted...check.
Lenses cleaned...check.
New outfit...check.  Heeey, a girls gotta look the part!

I can't believe tomorrow is the day!  I'll be second shooting my first wedding and another step closer to my dream.  I'm a ball of nerves and each emotion is battling its way to the top.  Fear.  Happy.  Nervous.  Excited.  Scared.  And I'm only second shooting I can't imagine what it'll be like when I finally do this on my own.  I sometimes find myself pinching my arm to make sure I'm not dreaming.

When I went to Photo Tech fotosource, a local camera shop downtown, this morning to grab a few supplies for the big day tomorrow, I couldn't resist telling them the good news!  I think they could tell I was walking on Cloud 9 so it would have felt weird if I didn't say anything.  And plus, they're my homies.  They were so supportive and gave me some tips - which there can never be too many of - then we joked around for a bit and then I was off to prepare for the big day.

I just hope I can calm these nerves enough to get a decent nights sleep tonight.  With the state I'm in now, I have a feeling I'll be up all night.

Wish me luck!

A CAMERA AND A DREAM

Remember a while back in this post when I talked about having some very exciting news to share within the next couple of months?  Well, friends, that time is here!  And I am beyond excited to finally share this very exciting news with all of you!!

Back in January, I began networking with photogs around the island and within the Greater Vancouver area - which is so very important, and often overlooked by many.  To be honest, it felt a little weird at first - emailing people I don't know at all, asking to hang out because we all like taking pictures - but I was greeted back with so much love it made me wonder why I hadn't thought to do it sooner.  It has opened the door to so many new opportunities and experiences that I know will only grow myself and my business to places I'd only ever dreamed.

Through my networking process (which is on-going) I stumbled upon Wren and Rook Photography; owned by the most lovely girl, Adina.  Once I navigated my way through her website, I knew we just HAD to be friends!  Instantly we had a connection and set up a Skype meeting for the following week so we could talk face to face.  And it was there where the most amazing thing happened.  She offered me the opportunity to second shoot/assist  with all her weddings this year, and of course, I graciously accepted.  Our first wedding together is this, YES THIS Thursday and I seriously cannot wait for these next few days to pass by!!

Although it has been a few months since then, I am still in a state of shock that all this is happening.  I am at a loss for words and I cannot tell you how excited I am for this wedding season to pass my way.  And Adina, I know I've said it before, but I seriously cannot thank you enough for all that you've done for me.  I was just a girl with a camera and a dream and you gave that girl a chance.  I promise I will not let you down.

Now, let's make that girls dream become reality, one picture at a time.

CANADA PHOTO CONVENTION: WORKSHOP WITH JASSER + JAMIE DELAINE

First things first, I couldn't find any parking.  I drove around aimlessly for about ten minutes until I threw my hands up in mercy, screw it!  I ended up parking about a block down the road and paid for parking.  I don't have time for disss!

Second things secondly, after I asked reception where the workshop was being held, I made my way up to the third floor.  But wait, what room was it in again?  Oh Gawd!  I walked around the third floor (which is a tiny cirlcle of closed doors) for about ten minutes, trying to figure out which room was the one for me.  It was kind of like my very own Monty Hall Problem, without the goats and no chance of winning a car.  That was until I noticed little monitors beside each door that said what each room was being used for that day.  Duh, Julie.  Make note, and remember for next time.

Thrice things third (wut?), I walked into the room and was the first one there *facepalm*  Way to look like an even bigger nerd, Julie.  I introduced myself to the only two other people in the room, Jasser and Jamie - the presenters - as I tried to act cool and pretend that I knew exactly what I was doing.  Fake it 'till you make it, riiight?!  

Then it was time to learn.  And boy did we ever.  The workshop began with Jamie Delaine as she discussed the business of blogging.  Which makes sense because she is practically a blogging genius.  I've always enjoyed and look forward to reading her posts every week.  Topics included finding a balance between personal and buisiness, thinking up new blog topics and why to have a blog in a world of social media.  I'm still going through my notes and integrating her tips into my blog.  And for those of you who don't know, Jamie is one of the founders of The School Sessions, along with her husband Randy.  Truly a wonderful lady, inside and out.

And then there was Jasser.  I want to start off by saying Jasser is hilarious and his dedication to helping others be the best the can possibly be is incredibly supportive and humbling to say the least.  He is also the founder of the Canada Photo Convention and is often referred to as the Oprah of the photography world.  Nobody went home with any cars though.  I guess the information and invaluable lessons and tools we learned was his version of a new Mercedes.  Marketing.  Referals.  Cash flow.  He was an open book about everything from his fallen photography empire (which takes balls) to giving everyone an inside look at how he runs his business on the daily.  He is truly one inspiring human being.  There was so much good advice given my head was spinning with new ideas by the time I left.  I can't wait to implement all that I learned into my business this year.

The best part of the whole workshop: meeting new people who love photography just as much as you do.  And they were hands down the most genuine, friendly, loving people I have ever met.  When the workshop came to an end, a few of us met for lunch/dinner at E.B.O in the Delta Burnaby Hotel where the workshop was held.  And can I just say their wild mushroom soup is to die for.  They even made it into a little presentation as the server poured the creamy soup base atop a bed of wild mushrooms and other goodies (only God knows what it was, I only know how delish it was).  I seriously cannot wait to get to know each of you better at CPC next month!

As I drove past the hotel on my way out to catch the ferry, I spotted the parking garage for the hotel.  It was literally in front of my face the whole time.  I shrugged it off knowing to remember it for next time as slipped on my shades, cranked Taylor Swift on the stereo, pulled onto the free way and made my way back home to the island.  Oh, life is sweet.

Happy Long Weekend Y'all!

2 A.M

I feel like I have been neglecting my blog lately, and I feel terrible about it.  I really do.  So much has been happening lately that I don't even know where to start!  The whole purpose of my blog was to be somewhat a journal documenting this crazy journey of mine.  I don't ever want to forget a single bit - good or bad - so even if it doesn't work out, I can always look back and know I gave my dreams a shot.  And I'm going to apologize now for how long this post is (if you even make it to the end of my ramblings), but like I said, this is like a journal for me, and by the words of the one and only Steven Tyler, I don't want to miss a thing ;)

Last week I left for a workshop in Vancouver hosted by the Canada Photo Convention, which was absolutely amazing to say the least.  But I'm going to leave that for another blog post as, like I said, I have waaay too much to tell you all!  I left for Vancouver last Monday night to stay with my dear friends, Bock and Ricardo.  The night before I left, I asked them what the weather was like so I knew what to bring.  All they said was to prepare for rain.  But boy, oh boy, I didn't realize that when they said rain, they meant RAIN.  

As I drove off the ferry into Vancouver, I noticed a few rain droplets dancing across my windshield, which was expected, and I rather quite enjoyed.  Soon after, I noticed the sun falling behind the mountains and not long after, the rain came down with an angry vengeance.  I think the proper term is: it was raining cats and dogs.  This normally wouldn't bother me but the last few times I stayed with my friends, they've been house sitting, and it just so happened my GPS was out of commission and if you know me at all, you would know that I have a fear of being lost.  I'm serious.  And it is legit.  Long story short, when I was very young, I got lost in a shopping mall.  So now when I get lost, or think I am lost, I go into full blown panic attacks until I know what's up.  My sisters think it's funny to trick me into it every now and again.  I don't find it funny at all.  My sisters on the other hand think it's hilarious.  I eventually made it to my friends in one piece - surprisingly - and was finally able to kick up my heels and enjoy some much needed time with my friends.

That night, as we were getting ready for bed, we ended up staying up until 2 A.M talking about business.  Can you say nerd alert.  Brock and I were both the Valedictorians in our graduating year from high school if that gives you any insight into how cool we are.  But it wasn't until halfway through our little chat when something clicked inside of me.  I've always shied away from asking my friends for help or advice because I don't want them to feel like I am using them in anyway (something which stems from my childhood), but it wasn't until that moment I realized that they WANT to help.  They don't see me as being annoying/demanding/pushy at all (weeellll, most of the time).  All they see is a friend asking for help.  A friend that they are willing to help however they can to see them succeed at something they love.  And the more I thought about it the more I realized how truly wonderful each and every one of my friends truly is.  You guys are da bomb.  Seriously.  

Your network of friends and the people you hold close to your heart are the ones who are willing to help you the most in hopes of seeing you succeed.  Thank you to everyone who has helped me get to where I am today.  Even if it was just a little nudge of encouragement, you have helped me more than you will know.  And on days when I feel like giving up, I think of you all and it gives me the faith to keep going and to chase this silly dream of mine.  And although the road may seem dark and scary (and rainy!!!) and I feel like I'm lost, I realize now all I have to do is ask for help, and somehow we will find our way through, together.

TAILS UP

I stop to listen as I hear a faint voice behind me - Excuse me!  I turn around, looking for the face to the mysterious voice.  I was about to continue on my way as I seen a lady I have never seen before walk up towards me - quite excitedly I might add - Sorry to bother you, but I have always been told that if you find a coin laying on the ground, tails up, you are supposed to give it to someone else, and that way you'll both have good luck! she said with a smile as she gently place a shiny nickel into the palm of my hand.  But if it's heads up, you just keep it for yourself!  And just like that she was gone.

Strange things, such as this, have been happening to me on the regular lately.  At least is feels as such.  And the strange thing is I feel like they have all been coming to me at just the right time, and I have no other way to describe them other than fate.  Chance.  Luck.  I have been finding that the more I push myself out of my comfort zone the more these strange occurrences have been happening.  We were all put here for a reason, a purpose.  Some find that reason when they are young, some a bit older, and others a lot older, but eventually, we all find it.  I can't help but wonder if this is mine.  Or perhaps it's just leading me to where I am supposed to be.  But all I can say for sure, is that as of today, I am doing just fine.

Also, I'm keeping that nickel tucked away on my person for good measure!  You know, just in case ;)

INSPIRED: TAIL FEATHERS AND THE SIZZLE

There are times when I get an overwhelming urge to create something.  I find myself constantly coming across ideas that make me scream, I want to do that! but the rushes dissolve as quickly as they came because I realize I just don't have the time - but there's still a little spark of inspiration and desire, deep down in the pit of my stomach that just wont go away.  I call it, the sizzle.  And the sizzle just won't take a chill pill and cool it down, so I've decided it's time to make something happen!

For the past couple of months now, the idea of organizing a styled wedding shoot has been causing havoc on my thoughts, so I thought I'd give into the sizzle and attempt to create something extraordinary - with the help of uber fab wedding vendors of course!  Props, a floral designer, hair and make-up stylists and of course the fierce-est (yes I just made that word up) set of models prepared to work what they mamas gave them in front of my lens.  Do you think you could be one of these people?  Hit me an email at juliejagtphotography@gmail.com and let's talk!  This is an opportunity to get your work photographed, try something new, get connected with the most amazing vendors in the area and above all else, have fun!  And if you were recently married or want to play bride for the day, I want to hear from you too!  

I've created a moodboard which is the main inspiration and backbone to my sizzle.  It’s a little bit bohemian with a dash of vintage flair smothered with the freshness of spring that just screams Summer is coming! -  if that makes any sense at all.  Overall, it's fresh and fun to say the least.  

And naturally, I want to create something unique that brings everyone's talents together as one to show everyone what our mamas gave us.  Tail feathers and all.

Photocred:

1. John Schnack

2. Unknown (I found it on Pinterest so if anyone knows, please let me know :) 

3. Kay English Photography

4. KT Merry Photography

5 + 7. Ben Sasso

6 + 8. Lisa Lefkowitz

9. Dear Wesleyann

TALKING WITH STRANGERS

I was talking with this man yesterday about the new Insurgent movie that's coming out - leave it to me to talk with strangers about YA novels turned movie.  face palm.  After I told him all the details, I looked at him waiting for a response while I tried to catch my breath.   Yes.  I talk THAT fast.  He waited about five seconds and his response was completely unexpected.

His response:

You know, all these kids are growing up thinking that the future is something to be scared about, but I think they're forgetting how much the world has changed and that it's really not as scary as it was even 60 years ago.  Gender equality, same sex marriages; everyone now has the ability to embrace their individuality without being knocked down for who they were born to be.  We're treating everyone as equals - as we should.  People are finally able to express what makes them different and unique and we're are okay with it.  It's actually a beautiful time to be alive.  We shouldn't be afraid of the future, we should embrace it.

Whoa.  I stared at him for a few moments in silence soaking in every last word.  He was right.  We all think about how corrupt the future may be.  But I think it's worthwhile to take a step back, hold hands and look at what we have accomplished.  It really is a beautiful time to be alive.

Shine On,
JJ