Joanna Taylor Photography

The weather...

2011-06-02T10:21:00.000-07:00

I'll tell you what...once I had time to sit down and start figuring out how to work my film camera, the weather decided to do winter round II, and in between life has been busy...sigh...so I have yet to really get to play with my camera. In the meantime, however, my sister asked if I could shoot a few images to update their family pics since it's been far too long. I obliged and wanted to share a few of them with you.

This is what it's about, folks. Reality, love, family.

New images will hopefully be coming soon as I experiment with my new camera...now that the sun might not be so shy.

Little Ballerina

2011-04-26T12:59:00.000-07:00

Hello? Is anyone still around? It's been a LONG time, hasn't it? I have missed posting, missed your comments, and have missed my business, but I wanted to let you in on a little secret...

I've got some new projects in the works, and I am SO excited! I'll be announcing one project soon, and I'm hoping to get some good participation, because I'll need it in order to accomplish my vision. Let's just say I recently bought a film, medium format camera. I'll leave it there for now, but please come back, because I'll be asking for some volunteers in the next few weeks.

In the meantime, I'll leave you with some of my latest.

Little Ballerina

Nope, this next one is not in focus, and you know what? I ♥ it that way.

A little ray of sunshine on this springless spring day.

2011 brings new things

2011-01-03T09:14:00.000-08:00

It's a new year, and with that many of us take time to contemplate the changes that need to come in our lives. Changes that will help us to be better people, both internally and externally. I have set my goals for 2011 already, but what I really want to talk to you about is 2010.

If you have been following my blog for a while, you know that 2010 was really a year of discovery for me. I had the yearning inside of me to figure out who I was as a photographer, and where I wanted to take my business and my art (my heart). I wanted to find value in what I was doing, I wanted to be challenged, I wanted to feel alive. Because of this I took on some new challenges. I opened studio space. I looked at partnering up with another photographer. I attended WPPI, a photography convention, in Las Vegas early on in the year. I went to photography user group meetings, networked with other photographers at meetups, I took small business courses online, and heart courses online, and went to two different photography workshops to better my skills and learn to listen with my heart. I read books, I bought and sold equipment. I tried new things, new approaches, and I furthered my knowledge of the camera, of light, and of my heart. 2010 also happened to be a really successful year with many new clients and many repeat clients. I set my dates out in July for the fall, and filled up through the end of the year in July! Needless to say, it's been a very, very busy year.

And I learned.

And I learned, and I learned, and I learned. It's truly magnificent that when you go searching for something, you find answers. And it took me a year to find my answers. But really longer, because this entire photography-inspired journey has been one of growth and learning. One of success and failure. And I cannot begin to tell you how grateful I have been for the experiences I have had. For the people I have met. The stories I've heard. So many of YOU have directly changed me and my approach to life. I am forever blessed because of that.

While I started 2010 thinking I would grow my business, expand, hire on employees, I have left 2010 realizing that I need to do just the opposite. And this is so bittersweet to say, but I have decided that for now, my place is at home with my family, focusing on the people in my life that mean the most. And with that, my official Joanna Taylor Photography business will be retiring. For now. For how long, I do not know. I want to express my sincere appreciation for the support I have received from so many of you. Blog comments, emails, inspiration in so many different ways. My heart has been so deeply touched, it has changed. More than anything else, I have learned that although we are different, unique people, we are the same. This human connection that ties us together is a beautiful, wonderful thing. If we hold to that goodness, and see that goodness in one another, our lives will be forever improved. And so will the lives of those around us.

I will continue to work on personal artistic projects, and I hope to share them here. One of my own projects that has been dear to my heart is highlighted below. I worked on this months ago. My thanks to Mallory and Josh for modeling for me. A beautiful couple, so much in love. Thank you for putting your wedding gear back on, and traveling out in the heat to the Salt Flats, just so I could try out some new things.

Of course, if you want to find me, I'd love to have you join in at my new blog, Creating Better Habits.

And with that, I will say good-bye, but not really...I will be around, and I hope you will too. xoxo

A giveaway

2010-12-15T09:48:00.000-08:00

I know many of you that follow me are not only photographers, or appreciators of art, but also busy moms. And for you WAY-TOO-BUSY moms that need some better organizational skills, I've got an awesome giveaway on my other blog. Go check it out!

Be sure to spread the word for some extra chances for this giveaway.

Favorites from 2010

2010-12-13T11:05:00.000-08:00

Holy mega post, batman! What a whirlwind of a year this has been. In fact my next post is all about the changes this year has brought, but first I wanted to share some of my favorite images that I created in 2010. Although I enjoy meeting with all of my clients, these images are ones that I feel define me and my style, and were thought out and created to appease myself. Maybe a little selfish, but hey, hopefully you'll enjoy them too! I tried to keep the number of images down, so hopefully you'll make it to the end. :)

Big post coming soon about the changes of the year and I'll be featuring one of the sessions that has one of the images below that you've not yet seen!

Carlsen clan

2010-12-03T06:57:00.000-08:00

What can I tell you about Danni and Aaron? Well, for starters, they are amazing. They inspire. They work hard. HARD. Danni is strong, fun, brilliant and beautiful. Aaron is quiet, loving, smart and supportive. I can also tell you that, in very selfish ways, my life has been better for knowing them.

Danni is one of my absolute favorite people. I have learned so much from her through her example. I have loved observing her as a person, and have been amazed and humbled on so many occasions.

This family is dear to ours. She has four children that are roughly the same age and the same gender as my own. And what's better, they get along so well.

I am grateful for their presence in my life, no matter how short lived it will be. They are going on a service mission, and I can't wait to hear about their adventures. You have to read their blog, and I'll be amazed if you aren't inspired by them as I am. If you have any way to help get them started on their journey, contact her! Or, contact me, and I'll help you contact her.

Danni, thanks for being one of my best friends. You've made me a better person. Love ya!

P.S. I'm really not digging the way blogger is making my pics look lately. If you want to see a crisper version of any of these, just click on the image.

Thomas Family

2010-11-29T11:59:00.000-08:00

Fall is my favorite time of year, and now that the snow is falling, I figured I'd better share my favorite Fall session with you! I just love these guys. Thanks Thomas family, it was great seeing you again!

Mulford Family

2010-11-19T10:31:00.000-08:00

This family is really a hoot. They are in my ward and I just sit back and admire them. They are full of love and laughter and we had such a fun little session a bit back. I think I went home with sore stomach muscles from laughing so hard. And this was such an important stage to capture, with one son getting married in a few short weeks, and the other getting ready to leave on his mission. Thanks Mulfords!

Maxwells

2010-11-15T07:59:00.000-08:00

It's always fun for me to get to hang out with old clients for a while, and to see how their families grow. Like the addition of this incredibly handsome little guy:

To this sweet little character:

What a gorgeous family!

With and incredible back yard. :)

Thanks Maxwells!

And, my lights sold, but I still have my backdrop stand for sale, if anyone is interested. It's portable!

Sweet

2010-11-08T07:37:00.000-08:00

Fabulous family, right here. These are some of my favorite people! I've been photographing them for years, but I've known Windy most of my life. She is incredibly intelligent, sweet as pie, clever and witty, and it's obvious she's met her match in Scott. The kids...well, let's just say two of mine fight over them. We picked a gorgeous day for their session and had such a great time.

Now, tell me honestly, do these look okay on here? Not sure I am in love with blogger's new method for loading pics. Not sure they look quite right? Thoughts?

Also, my lights and stand are still for sale. The light kit is TWO lights (I've had questions), and comes with a total of five bulbs. Two sets of the regular as well as an additional CFL ($150) bulb. Email me at joannataylorphotography at gmail dot com if you are interested. I'm taking best offer.

Now on to the show!

Items for sale

2010-11-03T11:18:00.000-07:00

I have some items I no longer need/use that are for sale. The first is a photoflex continuous light kit. Size medium. You can see the info on the kit here. Comes with softboxes, stands, and four tungsten lightbulbs. Also comes with two carrying cases and one additional CFL lightbulb (alone $150). For sale: ~~$600~~ $500.

I am also selling my portable backdrop stand. You can see the information on this product here. Great condition and sturdy. Comes with carrying case. $125 local pickup. Contact me for shipping rates.

I am also selling THIS book (Fashion Photography by Bruce Smith...a GREAT read) for $15 local or $18 shipped.
AND I have about 470 clear CD/DVD hubs with the sticky backs. I'll sell these for $20 local or $25 shipped.
If you are interested in any, please email me at joannataylorphotography at gmail dot com.

Creating Better Habits

2010-11-01T08:43:00.000-07:00

Do you know I have a new blog that has nothing to do with photography? I'd LOVE it if you would come join in the conversation! Come check it out here: Creating Better Habits

Matt and Mandi | BELOVED

2010-10-28T08:22:00.000-07:00

The way he looks at her, you'd think no one else existed. Not even me with a camera. He loves her, and she loves him, and they aren't afraid of sharing that with one another.
Mandi, who happens to be an incredible photographer (Utah County peeps, check her out) mentioned that she wanted to do a Beloved session. She does a beauty campaign, and I thought it would be fun to have her do some fun shots of me, so we traded. But hello, I totally got the better end of the deal. Awesome pics of me, and awesome pics of them FOR me. :) tee hee.
But really, it's such a neat experience for me to be part of a couple's love for just a little bit. I'm always reminded of the respect we must give one another in order to make things work.
Thanks Matt and Mandi!

Happy Monday!

2010-10-25T09:06:00.000-07:00

Oh boy, I am sorry it's been so long! Things in my personal life have been so busy and I've been keeping up with fall sessions and you know the rest. Here's a sneak peek from a recent session, and a song for a mellow Monday.

Mandi and Jeff | Beloved

2010-09-29T07:58:00.000-07:00

I know it's been a while since I've blogged. I can only apologize! It's been so busy around here lately, which has been good, but I've had to take some things off my plate to keep up. Blogging has been one of those things. I do hope you'll forgive and enjoy the post today!

I knew Mandi way back when....when I was a high school-er. Oh boy! The bad memories she must have of me. We had friends in the same circles, we had some classes together, and we probably even belonged to a couple of the same clubs (NHS..anyone?)...still, we never really hung out. We reconnected through Facebook and I've gotten to know her much better through that and her blog. Oh. My. Word. I wish we would have hung out. She is hilarious. And talented. And beautiful. And she totally inspires me.

Mandi really values beauty and people and laughter, and Jeff. They have a happy, wonderful marriage and they really wanted to capture some great images that they could hand down to their children and grandchildren as they grow old. They wanted them to understand how truly happy they are together. And how much they mean to each other. She told me that in the last ten years they only have one semi-good picture of them together and they really wanted just ONE that they could cherish. I think we got a few more than that for them. What do you think?

Baskets for sale

2010-09-23T13:03:00.000-07:00

Photographers and general consumers (tee hee :) ), I have some baskets I'm selling. I've used these for posing babies. If you are interested in any, please email me at joannataylorphotography at gmail dot com I will also have a few more items coming up for sale soon. Buy more than one and make me an offer.

Friends looking for pics, come back soon as I will update my blog with them next week! In the meantime, please go see some recent work on my Facebook Fanpage!

BASKET #1

BASKET #2

~~BASKET #3~~ SOLD

BASKET #4 SOLD

BASKET #5 Sale Pending

BASKET #6

Congratulations

2010-09-16T10:38:00.001-07:00

...to

Jen Houston

who won the Mind Organization for Moms! For those that did not win, please go check out the website and buy a copy for yourself. I'm sooo impressed.

Curve ball & a giveaway

2010-09-13T17:00:00.000-07:00

Have you ever felt overwhelmed with life? Wondered just how on Earth you can get through a day? A week? A month? This has been my life this year. I've run from one thing to the next, trying to stay on top of it all. On top of my business (keeping up with blogging, staying up on orders, creating buzz, working on my identity, and my education, and my passions, bookkeeping, and on and on...), on top of my family calendar (soccer, dance, camps, musical theater, music lessons, and on and on...), my church volunteer position, my home, my marriage...the list goes on.

I went downstairs to get my two middle kiddos (4 and 5) for lunch on Saturday, and discovered that my 5 year old son had just cut off 8 inches of my 4 year old's hair. She cried when she realized that she no longer would get to wear braids, ponytails, or buns for ballet. But what I've realized more this year than ever before, is that life throws you curve balls. My pre-schooler's teacher uses a phrase, "You get what you get, and you don't throw a fit." I love this approach. When life is different or harder than you expect, you have to figure out a way to change things up and make them successful for you.

One of my biggest downfalls is organization. I'm just not good at it, as much as I'd like to believe I am. My life has started running me, rather than me running it, and so I've just been running around completely frazzled. :/ I decided it was time for a change. It was mandatory. I prayed about it, and I researched. And what happens upon me? The most incredible Mind Organization program. I have been looking over it for the last several days and just started implementing it, and I already feel so much relief. And lucky me, I have one extra program to giveaway to someone that could really use it. So if you are interested, send me an email at joannataylorphotography at gmail dot com. I am closing entries on 9/15/10. Put Mind Organization in the subject line to be entered!

So take that curve ball, change up your life, and rock it. Just like my sweet Lulu did. Isn't she adorable?

A Day of Reflection

2010-09-11T06:52:00.000-07:00

(photo credit: Thrifty Decor Chick)

This week has been one of reflection for many around the country. For me, it's been two things in particular on my mind. First, it's suicide prevention week. I've lost two dear family members to suicide and still, years later, my heart breaks. My heart breaks for their heartbreak, and it breaks from my own. If you are in Utah and able to attend, the suicide prevention walk is being held today.

Of course the other reason I've been reflecting this week has been for the events of 9/11. And again my heart breaks. I read this post yesterday and cried. I cried for the tragedy, I cried for the families, I cried for a nation full of terror and fear in the days and weeks that followed.

But in both of these circumstances there is hope. As many of us think about the events of 9/11 today, may we never forget the lives lost. May we never forget the tragedy. May we always remember the heroes: the every day man and woman, the firefighters, and the families that had to deal with questions we might never comprehend. May we always embrace the hope and not the anger that came out of such a tragedy, and may we ...learn our lesson to make peace with differences that can so easily rip a nation and families apart. Instead, let us emit tolerance and love in hopes of understanding. God bless us all.

For Sale

2010-09-01T08:40:00.000-07:00

I have two lenses for sale.
Lens #1: (SOLD)
Canon 50mm 1.8 $75 shipped. Bought new a couple of months ago for backup. Used for one session. Works fine, but now have better quality for back up. Great starter lens.

Lens #2: SOLD
Canon 24-105 F4L IS $850 shipped OBO (reserve the right to turn down offers)
Clean amazing copy. I have been in love with this lens. In fact, almost every image I've taken has been with this lens. I am selling it because I needed the 2.8 for weddings and don't like to have extra equipment sitting in my bag. Sad to part with it. Fast to focus, and SHARP. Perfect for portraits, but also good for wide angles.

Contact me at joannataylorphotography at gmail dot com if you are interested in either lens!

Jena | Utah Bridal Photographer

2010-08-30T07:31:00.000-07:00

Remember these adorable creatures? Well, in a bridal gown, Jena is even more stunning. And I am telling you, she knew how to work it. No really, she watches America's Next Top Model and has learned the craft of smiling with her eyes (yeah, when I try that, it doesn't turn out so well) and giving the modelesque face...but her smile really shows her true personality which is so bright and fun and beautiful.

Hold on a little tighter...

2010-08-24T12:42:00.000-07:00

My mom sent me this video the other day. It goes into a subject that has been on my mind so much lately. You all know how I wax nostalgic and am a little romantic and hopeful about life, and always finding lessons in the little things (because, hello, they are everywhere!), and this little clip hit home for me. I hope that you enjoy it, even if you are not the same faith as me. The message is an important one. Now, go snuggle your kids a little more, listen to them a little better, talk to them a little deeper, and appreciate that difference they make in your lives.

A sneak peek of the latest session I'm working on.

JoLynn & Brad & Family | Utah Lifestyle Photography

2010-08-24T08:11:00.001-07:00

Gorgeous family. Gorgeous baby. Gorgeous home. Beautiful spirits. Lots of love. Perfection in every way!

(and until I can figure out how to size these images so that they don't cut off in half of your computer screens, they are going to be smaller for a while).

Brandie and Conley | Wedding | Utah wedding photographer

2010-08-20T07:49:00.000-07:00

Brandie and Conley's wedding day was perfect. The weather was gorgeous, and they were completely surrounded by family and friends that were so happy to celebrate this new event. I always find it so inspiring to be included in somebody's wedding, even when I'm just photographing it, but I've known Conley since he was a small SMALL boy. It's been so neat getting to see what an incredible man he's become and I am so happy that he found such a beautiful, kind-hearted woman to share his life with. Congrats you two!

And, I realize that I'm REALLY bad at blogging weddings. I'm going to try and get to all of them in the coming weeks. Sigh...it's one of my weaknesses (no time!).

Leslie + 2 | Utah Family Photographer

2010-08-17T10:05:00.000-07:00

Meet Leslie. She is beautiful, focused, quiet, and might just be superwoman.

Leslie is a single mom of two of the most beautiful, rambunctious, endearing little children you've ever laid eyes on. And she adores them. She adores the small things about them, like the color of her daughter's eyes, even though they are not hers, and the tender heart of her little boy even when he can be a handful. And she's working hard to make their lives better. She's setting some high goals for herself and an incredible example for her kids. But it doesn't mean life is easy. In fact, it is sometimes hard. Being a single parent brings on a whole new level of questions and guilt, but it's amazing what you can accomplish when you need to.
Leslie, you are an inspiration!