Life is funny at times. Months passed, and we both went on with our lives. Still speaking in passing, but never bringing up the earrings. One late night, while staring at the ceiling, I remembered those earrings. I saw her at church that Sunday and said, “Call me.” While I know we shouldn’t pass notes in church, but she passed a note with her number, and this is where it started. “The Inquiry.” I didn’t know what I wanted to do, did not have a clue how I would explain what had been revealed to me in a dream, without her thinking I was crazy perhaps, but I did what I always do. I push people to the dreams that have at some point been mentioned. I’m starting to think I have a habit of this? I’m sorry, well maybe not, because in the end, we all need a little nudge every now and then.

I sat at the computer, pulling pieces that I knew would represent who I am. Things that I like, and sent to her. Before I knew it, the products were on the way. It would be left to her to design that “something,” that would have to make me swoon. Pressure? Of course not, right? lol In a few days, she had the pieces ready for me to see, and I love them. An instant, “Oh my Gosh, that’s so me.” Yes, I said it out loud, sweating in the 90 degree weather, but smiling from ear to ear.

After much thought, she asked, “Tasha, it’s your collection, what do you want to name it?” I sat here, with all my new loves in my lap, and thought “The Pieces.” Why? Simple. My journey into the world of photography, has been developed piece by piece. From makeup artist, to business partner, to owner and shooter. It took stages to get to where I am. This is how we develop into our success, piece by piece. That’s what I hope to see happen for her. Develop her success, piece by piece. Every piece definitely is a labor of love, a little bit of her dreams, and a piece of her passion being shared with you. Show her some love and support. It started as a crazy dream I had about some earrings… we will see where it takes her. I believe in investing in dreams, why? Because someone did the same for me! Tasha

To view or purchase some of the pieces, visit my website here. Her site will be up soon! Her name is Brittany Brown.

My instant favorite!

Last week, CreativeLive and Jasmine linked up in Seattle for a 5-day workshop. I don’t think I realized how powerful this workshop was going to be, until I was so drawn in, I pulled it up on my HTC EVO (DROID) and listened as I shot, just so I didn’t miss anything. It was truly an eye opening experience. From the business aspect, to literally following her and her husband while they shot a live wedding over the internet. WHAT? Insane. I can’t begin to imagine the pressure and stress she must have been under, and yet, she was amazing. Transparent, and an absolute gift to everyone that watched. Of course, I’m sure there are the haters out there, flossing at her style, her loudness, her laugh even, but at the end of the day, she rocked it out. Simple as that.

J* & JD(her husband & 2nd shooter) are in my book, one of the most awesome, untouchable wedding photography teams, just for letting us be a part of this event. Mad respect to them for being so open, and transparent. For letting us all into their lives, their business, and their process from start to finish. To go from Law School to one of the top 10 wedding photographers in the world in just 4 years… inspiration. I can’t speak for the thousands of people that were watching, but for me, I am humbled to share this industry with people like these two individuals.

If you missed it, the downloads are available for purchase on the www.creativelive.com website. One of the things I have taken from this workshop is, it’s ok to be me. That’s how people that follow this blog know me, know my life, my dreams, and aspirations before they ever meet me. So if you thought I talked too much before… Oh boy, prepare yourself! Transparency is what drives clarity. My goal is to give everyone a clear view into who I am as a person, an artist, and a photographer.

Here’s a look into what I have been working on… Taking it back to the fashion, the light or lack of light, and of course… The art of photography. Happy Tuesday!

It was a few months ago, I suppose, when I initially met with the newly engaged Yolanda. We had a pleasant meeting of course, I went through and showed her my work, products etc, and she paused for a moment and said “You’re nothing like I thought.” If I knew how to raise one eyebrow, it would have been at the top of my hairline at that moment, pure curiosity of course. But since I can’t, I smiled and just asked politely…”What do you mean, and what did you think I was like?” LOL Hey, I keep it real right? And from her mouth came words that I am proud to say were about me. She continued on to say, “You’re so humble. I’m not sure what I thought or expected, but I just imagined different, and this is a pleasant surprise. Just to have done so much in such a little time, alot of times people forget who they are, and yet you’re so humble, really. While she never did let up on what she thought I was like EXACTLY (hint hint), I was content with knowing my humility is in tact. I have no idea where it is I am going, but I do always keep in mind where I have come from. It keeps me grateful, grounded, humble and striving for better. So months passed and this brings us to today…

Engaged. We traveled to Raleigh for their session this afternoon. The golden light came out and gave us FAVOR, yes! I love it. Yolanda’s finance’ James, a character for sure. I love it when the guys are open and game and just ready to have a good time in front of the camera. I, personally think James wants to be an undercover photographer, but hey what do I know right? Ha Ha! He kept telling her, “Hey, this is what photographer’s love, I bet you it’s an awesome pose, watch!” She just gave him that look like, “Baby, you’re not a photographer, stop!” Too cute! These two, had us rolling. Let’s just say we talked, we laughed, they competed… YES COMPETED! In what you ask? Who pursued who of course…

His Story. It was Korea… She EYE’d me down. Her Story. I didn’t even notice him. His Story, SHE GAVE ME “THE LOOK.” Her Story. I didn’t even see him! But one day, as she was in the store, she heard from the aisle over, “Hey, so what’s the story with your girl?” and you guessed it, he was an aisle over, asking her friend about her… The rest is history… Although the entire story is hilarious, it doesn’t matter who chased who, who eye’d whom, because in the end… They are here, soon to be married.

I am again honored to be traveling to Florida to shoot another destination wedding in October. I’ve been up shooting since early this morning, and I am exhausted… So just to give you a peek of what’s to come… Goodnight!

What a week! What did I do? Same thing I do every week. Shoot, Shoot, Edit, edit, design, design. You know the drill. The kids started school this week, and let me tell you that is a post all by itself. I let my babies ride the school bus for the FIRST TIME ever. So what, they are in middle school, and soon to be high school! So, yes, I drove them and picked them up everyday! I just didn’t like the idea of them on that big school bus, plus being a work at home mom, it’s my job to take them right? Like, I look bad if I don’t? You know, I have the super duper soccer mom White Suburban and everything! You’re laughing right? Ok, so I’m missing a soccer magnet on the back, but I will have a basketball one soon! Either way, let’s just say, 3 of 4 made it home on the bus, OMG, I almost said never again, but I pushed through and we now have conquered the school bus fear.

In other news, here’s my little diva, showing off her new harness. Cute right? Happy Friday!

Congratulations on all we have accomplished thus far. No, seriously, to some, we have reached some level of success, but we both know inside, we desire so much more. It’s time. Time to move. Time to take things to another level. It’s time to not only wow them, but to WOW ourselves. We have what it takes, we know what it takes, so do it. DO NOT let fear, intimidation, or anything else hold us back any further. Take the blinders off and see the BIG PICTURE, literally! Every time we pick up a camera, it is to produce our greatest work yet. Remember that. Our only competition is ourselves. Remember what we have done in the past, but pay attention to what it is we desire to do in the future! It is time to surround ourselves with those that desire to be greater than they have ever been. This is not personal, this is business and professional development. Sacrifice is what it takes to reach the place where God has meant for us to be. Whether that is people or things, distractions are not apart of this journey. While we know we are good, it is time to develop ourselves into GREAT. We have quietly been defining who we are, developing the art we want to represent us, but it’s time people knew… I am more than a woman with a camera. I am an artist. I am a photographer.
I am, Tasha Prescott. You thought you knew, but really… You had no idea.

Portfolio starts here…

Love & Respect,

Inner-self

I am a survivor in many ways, and it always seems that when things are going well, there comes the boulder in the road, trying to slow me down. Normally, I just pick up, climb over, and keep it moving, but this time about two weeks ago, I stopped. I shut down, and literally had to stop, be alone, and cry out. I know some times we have to be taken to a point, where we have no one else to lean on but God, and this is where I was.

Two of the three people closet to me in my life, were waiting on “News.” This broke me. I don’t even think the two of them realize where it took me. The selfish side was thinking, “God, what are you doing to me?” To me, yes, I felt he was doing something to me, through them. Crazy right? I lashed out to any one else close to me. I cut them off, out of fear. But in the midst of my moment, I began to pray. I prayed in the morning, I prayed in the car, I prayed in the shower, every moment I took a breath, I prayed like never before. The first news came, and to all his glory, not cancer, surgery, but not cancer. So we waited another week, more news, not cancer.

This week started with nephew off to college on yesterday. We are so proud of him already. I thank him in advance as my sister heads into surgery on Thursday. I am taking the time to do what I need to do to keep peace, love and happiness in my life.

I received one of the most disrespectful phone calls I have ever received today. As angry as I was, I thank God for it. It taught me something… Lesson is: The next time I pick up a phone and they speak to me in a manner less than what I deserve, instead of giving them the courtesy of listening to the foolery coming from their mouth, hang up and let them try again. Thank you God for that wisdom.

As for the other person, with whom I adore, thank you for being here. Thank you for wiping my tears, putting up with my rants, listening to my venting, and knowing when to just let me be. I appreciate you, your support, and your constant push to making me better, more than words could ever say.

I heard this today, and thought of you… I’m taking the time…

I had the honor of photographing the wedding of Lorraine & Milton today. I love my job. Every day I have another opportunity to capture someone’s memories. One of their most precious days in life rests in my hands, and that is a wonderful feeling. Today, just reminded me that Love comes when you least expect it, and when it’s right, not only will you know, but everyone around you will as well. I saw this in them the first time I photographed them for their engagement session.

She stood at the back of the church with her father. The pride on his face, and the love on the groom’s face, met in the center aisle, as if to say, “Here we trade places.” Connected. There is something about being surrounded by people in love. As the day progressed, the most touching moment of the day, his father’s toast. He spoke of the promise he made the groom’s mother, and how proud he was of his son. Fighting back the tears, he picked with the new couple as well. As tears filled every eye in the room, I realized just how blessed these two are. Her father reminisced of Lorraine as a child, and even put out a little warning of what she’s capable of doing when mad. It was a beautiful time. The bride and her father danced as if no one else existed in the family and friend packed room. She wept in her daddy’s arms and they twirled around the dance floor. Such a sweet and tender moment, and they laughed in the end. The perfect ending.

Lorraine and Milton, I hope you enjoy your secret honeymoon, and the many years you have ahead of you. To Milton, Proverbs 18:22 says, “He who finds a wife finds a good thing,
And obtains favor from the LORD.” We all know, she is your “Good Thing.”

Thank you so much, both of you, for trusting me with your special day! Congratulations again, Tasha. Here’s a quick preview of their day…

My awesome lens bag and laptop bag are by ShootSac. I LOVE these bags. My shootsac is perfect while I am shooting as my lenses are totally accessible and easy to swap out on quick draw! lol

Lens. I am a Canon girl all the way. Why? Because the first camera I ever picked up was a Canon, so that’s where I started. For those that are building their businesses etc, I highly recommend renting lenses from time to time to get the quality you need until you can invest in them. I recommend Borrow Lenses. They are awesome! Lenses are shipped to you, and a return label is as well, drop off at FedEx, done. Easy right? Oh yea, they carry the other brands as well lol

My website was designed by me, using SHOWit. Amazing software. If you have not actually been to my website, go check it out, I like a clean, simple, minimalistic look, and hopefully that’s what I accomplished. (Updating currently with images)

What are my must have lenses? This is the most asked question I get. Ok, my all time favorite lens is my Canon 50mm 1.4. I originally had the Canon 50mm 1.8, but few months later, upgraded. For a wedding I carry Canon 24-70mm 2.8, Canon 70-200mm 2.8, Canon 50mm 1.4, and I love the wide angle of the Canon 10-22mm. I use Canon 580ex speedlites. And just for reference, I do not use rechargeable batteries in my flashes. Perhaps I am nervous, or paranoid, but I pop in new energizers, I know they are always ready lol (Yep, I’m crazy like that). Also, I use 4gb and 8gb cards. I had 16gb card and washed it, woops, but I’d never shoot a wedding on one card anyways! Hope that helps!

For albums, I am currently still using KISS WEDDING BOOKS, but we are adding Leather Craftsmen to our signature series coming in 2011. For album proofing, we have just added Album Exposure.

Oh and my blog was done via the awesome folks at PROphotoblogs.com ! Happy Friday, I’m shooting a wedding tomorrow, woohoooo!

This brings me to this day… It was last July when we first got together to do some photos of her. I look at the pictures and feel my skill set is far beyond that day, I am humbled she chose me to be apart of the process. I had the privilege of proofing the book in the early stages. The best part about that was after having read it, I knew the characters. Why is this important? Because, little did I know, almost a year later, I would shoot the cover of this very book. So it wasn’t too hard to find the models to shoot for the cover, having “Known” the characters now. DO YOU KNOW HOW HARD IT WAS to NOT show those pictures for this long? LOL I love showing images, but I am proud to say I MADE it through it! So without further ado… To K(no)w Avail by E Marie Sanders is Available here! Congrats! It is an awesome read! I’m waiting patiently for the next book!

Tasha Thanks to Norman Anderson, Janae Jacobs and Quinton Williamson for modeling for the cover for me.