Imaginale Design Photography Blog | Phoenix Lifestyle & Wedding Photographer

Expecting Baby Tinquist

noreply@blogger.com (Imaginale Design) — Wed, 30 May 2012 17:20:00 +0000

Dan and Danielle :)

I met this sweet couple at our church (Cornerstone) when Jose and I first moved to Phoenix. Then we started volunteering at Merge, the high school group, and watched Dan lead worship every Sunday morning. Now he's going to be a dad! I was super excited when Danielle asked me to capture her maternity.

Dan had me cracking up during the session and we may or may not have said "baby daddy" a few times. These two... they're going to be such fun parents :)

The Best Anniversary Gift... Ever

noreply@blogger.com (Imaginale Design) — Tue, 29 May 2012 16:52:00 +0000

So... are you ready to open your present?

Jose and I are sitting in our resort room, celebrating our anniversary, and there's a box with a bow right in front of me. Of course I'm ready! What do you think it is? I shake the box and it feels like fabric is inside. I feel like it's... fabric... but I know you've been spending a lot of time on this so I don't think it's just a top you got me.

He smirks. Open it. I tug on the bow, it slides off the box, and when I lift the cover, this is starting back at me:

My eyes grow WIDE. What?!? Jose smiles. A smile that just reads "I bet you had no idea." And he's absolutely right. I'm stunned. I pull the shirt out and there's one right under it. One for him. The material is sooo soft. I stare at the design and look at him... how?!

It all started with an idea. Jose pursued it by first contacting his friend Johnny and my friend Alex. Fortunately Alex's sister in law, Yasmine Evjen is a graphic designer who was happy to work with Jose on the t-shirt design. Together, they went back and forth over ideas and proposals and finally came to an agreement on the final design:

Isn't it beautiful?! Yasmine did an INCREDIBLE job! The colors were slightly different when printed on the shirt because they switched from digital to screen printing. They had to switch the style of printing in order to use this type of shirt material -- tri-blend. SO worth it! It's soft, stretchy, and fitted. This is what it looks like on:

So there I am, listening to Jose tell me the entire story from beginning to that point -- me holding the shirt in my hands. I'm so blown away that I almost feel shy. I can't believe someone did this for me and the people that helped him make this possible. I'm grateful for Alex who I know will always have Jose's back on opinions for my gifts, her sister Yasmine, Johnny for encouraging Jose, and my HUSBAND.

But you guys. It doesn't end there. IT DOESN'T. Fast forward to Monday when we "casually" (yeah, boy was I fooled by this) planned a dinner with 2 other couples from our small group. Jose insists the entire weekend that we should both wear our shirts to dinner. Now, I'm in LOVE with this shirt... but there are boundaries. Baby, we'll look like we just finished shooting a wedding, I plead. I wear the shirt earlier that day when we hang out with friends, and when I get back home, Jose immediately changes into his shirt and I immediately change out of it. We get ready for dinner....

We pull up to the restaurant and Janean is waiting for us outside, letting us know she has a table inside waiting for us. As we get to the table, I suddenly see not 4... but a CROWD of our friends at the table... all looking like this:

I could just start crying right now. They were wearing my shirt!!!

Those are not only a few of my clients, but they are some of the BEST friends I have made here in Arizona. They are family. Oh gosh, I'm crying. The most beautiful thing is that Jose knows me. He knows that deep in my heart the thing I love most is to share occasions with others. Sometimes this annoys him because I always want to invite people to everything we do. But he knows that the core of my business and who God has made me is to be a relational individual. Jose so selflessly and thoughtfully sent out an e-mail a few weeks ago to our closest friends and clients to see if they would be interested in purchasing a shirt for themselves. He only needed 10. But then the e-mails poured in.

To say I feel so loved is a complete understatement. I feel grateful to have people like this in my life. To have a husband that has demonstrated God's love to me in ways I never dreamed. It's not what I've read in books... it's much more beautiful and complex than that. I told Jose that night in the car "you know, the thing is... they didn't even have to wear those shirts to show me their support. I feel it and I see it in their actions all the time. They truly believe in me." But they did wear those shirts, and they have rallied me on from the beginning.

At the end of the night I stood up to thank them, but as I walked to the center of the table I immediately whipped my head over to Jose in desperation and the tears began to suffocate my eyes. I knew they were going to come. I shook my head at Jose ... I can't do it. He smiled at me and I brought my hands to my face and wept. Gosh, I didn't just tear up... I cried. How could I not be moved by this? I think I managed to say a thing or two through the tears, but my words would never be enough. To them and to my husband. The term that keeps coming to mind is agape love -- love as revealed in Jesus, seen as spiritual and selfless and a model for humanity. My friends and my husband have inspired me. I didn't want that night to end because I knew it would be a marker in my life -- a reminder on a day where I will need reminding of why I do what I do.

Thank you, thank you, thank you. From the depths of my soul... thank you.

My Creative Space

noreply@blogger.com (Imaginale Design) — Fri, 25 May 2012 16:58:00 +0000

So this was pretty fun...

Yesterday on Facebook, The Music Bed held a little competition that asked "show us where you create." At first I thought: hmm, well, I'll just take an iphone photo. Aaand, it just didn't look right. And y'all know me... I had to do this right. Where are all those random instagram photos I've taken of my office?!

I fought bringing out my camera. Sometimes it's just too much for only one photo. But after 3 failed iphone attempts, the big boy had to come out. Not to mention I just bought my Canon 35mm 1.4 lens a couple weeks ago and knew this was the perfect situation for it. Let's keep it real -- I'm short and I wanted my heels in the photo... so I needed a reasonable wide angle. I propped my DSW heels up and snapped away...

And I won!! The Music Bed literally said "the swanky shoes probably helped." Ha!

Moral of the story: When you are putting anything out there that represents your business, even if it's just one image, spend whatever time you need for it to truly reflect you and your work. And when all else fails, throw on some swanky shoes.

A Peony Filled Backyard Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Imaginale Design) — Thu, 24 May 2012 21:32:00 +0000

I don't normally post the images of weddings I assist in, but this particular wedding was quite the exception. Mike Olbinski knew I would be in my element with all of the details and I was really excited to be alongside Mike, capturing Rachel and Scott's wedding. Not only that, he has so kindly allowed me to share with you all my version...

One of my favorites, and I'm not sure why :)

A Sweet Little Number

noreply@blogger.com (Imaginale Design) — Wed, 23 May 2012 22:17:00 +0000

Just a peek at one of my favorites from Jessica and Chuck's first dance :)

p.s. Today marks 2 years since this breath-taking day happened. Yes, there will be food, a little gift wrapped in confetti tape, dessert, popcorn, and a face full of kisses ;)

One fine beach day with my boys

noreply@blogger.com (Imaginale Design) — Tue, 22 May 2012 18:03:00 +0000

After all the commotion of graduation died down and our families drove back to Dallas, Jose and I stayed behind in College Station with my brother Vladi (the now, A&M graduate :). Ignoring the online weather messages of predicted rain, we hopped in the car the next morning and drove to Galveston -- the coast of Texas.

Jose found this sling shot in Vladi's apartment and well, I don't have to explain the rest do I?

Unfortunately there had been rain which brought on this nasty sea weed. Everywhere. Just imagine it tangling around your legs as you got into the water. Ugh. Vladi and Jose on the other hand, saw this as an opportunity to torture each other. I made sure to cling to my camera as my defense.

Love these guys :)

Couldn't imagine my life without these two!!

He thinks he's so cool...

Mmmm, seafood grub.

Joke was on ME at the end of this trip. I made them wear sunscreen and guess who got sunburned TOES?! YEAH! Can you believe that? And the worst part was that it was just the 3 middle ones. I must've slathered it on really sloppy. Have you ever had a sloppy sun burn? Let me tell you, it's not cute. We drove back to Dallas after some dinner and spent our last weekend in Texas before returning here to Phoenix. Good times with family are always my favorite :)

Twenty Brand Archetypes by Forty Agency

noreply@blogger.com (Imaginale Design) — Thu, 17 May 2012 20:20:00 +0000

You guys. I'm SO hungry!!! I'm literally pushing my lunch an hour later just so I can post this today.

I read the article last night as I was prepping for my Branding event tonight (ohmygoshimsonervous) and it was literally like something just exposed LIGHT to my thoughts. So here we go..

One of my favorite places to be educated on marketing and branding is Forty Agency. This article basically created twenty "brand archetypes" which is the idea that..

"brands are a basic human social concept, and that the same patterns and ideas tend to REPEAT themselves over time, such that what we now consider 'brands' are roughly equivalent to archetypal characters in literature, religion, folklore, etc."

In other words, think of your brand as characters. There's a trait or behavior that if turned into a 'person' would look a little like this...

These are the 20 universal brand archetypes that Forty Agency created:

MAVERICK (Rebel, Outlaw, Rogue)

    •    Brands: Harley Davidson, Virgin, MTV, Rimmel, Steve Madden, Urban Outfitters, Orbit
    •    People: Henry David Thoreau, Sid Vicious, George Washington
    •    Goal/method: To achieve freedom from the establishment through defiance, disobedience, and nonconformity.

EVERYMAN (Good Old Boy, Girl Next Door, Average Joe)

    •    Brands: Miller High Life, Sonic, Walmart, Lowe’s, Walgreens, Southwest, Visa, Covergirl, Hollister
    •    People: Jack Black, Homer Simpson, Tom Hanks, Princess Diana
    •    Goal/method: To bond with others by being humble, hard-working, and friendly

INNOCENT (Saint, Goody-Two-Shoes, Angel)

    •    Brands: IKEA, Google, Apple, Dove, Lysol, Master Card, Aveda
    •    People: Mr. Rogers, Gandhi, Boy Scouts, Oprah
    •    Goal/method: To achieve a simple, pure life by always doing the right thing

ENTERTAINER (Clown, Jester, Performer)

    •    Brands: Budweiser, Fanta, Jack in the Box, Hulu, Woot.com, Taco Bell, Doritos
    •    People: Robin Williams, Bob Hope, Jeff Foxworthy
    •    Goal/method: To make friends (and avoid making enemies) through humor and fun

VILLAIN (Bad Guy, Monster, Vampire)

    •    Brands: Megadeth, Hot Topic, LA Ink
    •    People: Marilyn Manson, Darth Vader, Dr. Horrible
    •    Goal/method: To satisfy internal drives or passions through whatever means necessary

INTELLECTUAL (Sage, Genius, Expert)

    •    Brands: Ask.com, CNN, Gallup, MIT, Harvard, CIA, Bloomberg
    •    People: Stephen Hawking, Marie Curie, Ken Jennings
    •    Goal/method: To find the truth through research, objectivity, and diligence

SENSUALIST (Hedonist, Pleasure Seeker)

    •    Brands: Victoria’s Secret, BMW, Godiva, Versace, Food Network, Nivea, Sephora
    •    People: Madonna, Paula Deen, Dracula
    •    Goal/method: To pursue perfect enjoyment through physical experiences

SERVANT (Martyr, Slave, Monk)

    •    Brands: Red Cross, Amnesty International, Peace Corps, Humane Society, Police Department
    •    People: Mother Theresa, Pat Tillman
    •    Goal/method: To lose yourself through service to others

TRADITIONALIST (Conservative, Old School, Miser)

    •    Brands: Old Spice, Wendy’s, Procter & Gamble, Wells Fargo, Folger’s, GAP
    •    People: Norman Rockwell, Ronald Reagan
    •    Goal/method: To restore the world through a return to old-fashioned values

NURTURER (Mom, Mother Earth, Healer)

    •    Brands: Campbell’s, Pampers, Volvo, Johnson & Johnson, Loreal, Allstate
    •    People: June Cleaver, Paula Deen
    •    Goal/method: To help others feel loved by providing for their needs and wants

CONNECTOR (Networker, Politician, Talker)

    •    Brands: AT&T, Verizon, Facebook, Linkedin
    •    People: Oprah, Donald Trump
    •    Goal/method: To make things happen by knowing the right people

ARTIST (Creative, Creator, Craftsman)

    •    Brands: hp, Adobe, Lego, Home Depot, Michael’s, Black and Decker, HGTV
    •    People: Beethoven, Salvador Dali, William Shakespeare, Bob Villa
    •    Goal/method: To create something of enduring beauty and value

PHILOSOPHER (Sage, Prophet, Guru)

    •    Brands: Scientology, Calvin Klein, Nikon
    •    People: Plato, Deepak Chopra, Paulo Coelho
    •    Goal/method: To help people understand the world by seeing things from a different perspective.

DREAMER (Magician, Sorcerer, Wizard)

    •    Brands: Disney, Axe, Rock Band
    •    People: Tim Burton, Carlos Castaneda, Steven Spielberg, Harry Potter
    •    Goal/method: To help people achieve supernatural experiences by promoting faith and wonder (transformation).

MOTIVATOR (Mentor, Preacher, Promoter)

    •    Brands: Truth, (RED), Electronic Frontier Foundation, MoveOn.org
    •    People: Tony Robbins, Barack Obama, Richard Simmons
    •    Goal/method: To achieve amazing goals by getting people excited about a cause

RULER (King, Leader, Father)

    •    Brands: Microsoft, Rolex, Gillette, The New York Times, Jack Daniel’s
    •    People: Steve Jobs, Franklin Roosevelt, Moses
    •    Goal/method: To lead people to a common destination through confidence, determination, and influence

EXPLORER (Seeker, Wanderer)

    •    Brands: North Face, Pier One, Jeep, Greyhound, Subaru, Starbucks
    •    People: Christopher Columbus, Jacques Cousteau, Steve Irwin
    •    Goal/method: To learn what’s constant in life by always changing your environment

DEFENDER (Knight, Superhero, Warrior)

    •    Brands: U.S. Army, Greenpeace, Marlboro, Dial, Band aid
    •    People: Batman, George S. Patton, John Wayne
    •    Goal/method: To protect others from harm through bravery and service

THRILL-SEEKER (Gambler, Swashbuckler, Adventurer)

    •    Brands: X Games, Mountain Dew, Chrysler Crossfire, Carnival Cruise Ships, New Zealand, Camelback
    •    People: Richard Branson, Ben Saunders, Errol Flynn
    •    Goal/method: To achieve great rewards through great risks

ACHIEVER (Athlete, Hot Shot, Strongman)

    •    Brands: Nike, Ford, Home Depot, Adidas, Under Armor
    •    People: Lance Armstrong, Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods
    •    Goal/method: To prove yourself through amazing physical acts

I don't know if it's the point of where I'm at in my business, but I LOVE and crave these descriptions. They sort of simplify my thoughts. Which leads me to the three I immediately connected with:

ARTIST // DREAMER // MOTIVATOR

And you know we're going to talk more in depth about this later. But for now, I would love to hear which one(s) stood out to you?!? As a business or even individual. I feel like it will tell me a lot about you :)

Little Party in a Box: Customized USB Flash Drives

noreply@blogger.com (Imaginale Design) — Tue, 15 May 2012 17:45:00 +0000

Plain and simple: I'm a sucker for packaging.

Yes, I'm one of those people that has to resist the urge to purchase something based solely on their packaging. Or I'll stop Jose at the grocery store and highlight a company's creative use of typography and spacing on their packaging. I have such an admiration for it so you can imagine the circus that goes on in my head when it comes to my own business. And then this baby came along....
Customized USB Drives. Goodbye CD's. I first saw my wedding photographer post about them last year and flipped out. You can do SO much because this little beauty can fit anywhere and is customizable!

So I bought craft boxes and gold sequin ribbons at Michael's, and used the same fabric rose I have always been using in the past (here and here). I stuffed it with some pink tissue paper and sprinkled heart confetti inside. Because really, I'm celebrating with you when you get your images ;)

Party for my eyes!!

What do you think?! I used Flash Bay and can't recommend them enough. So now my clients can look forward to this little party in a box ;)

Outfit Chronicles: Desert Boho Chic ... in ... grass

noreply@blogger.com (Imaginale Design) — Mon, 14 May 2012 17:12:00 +0000

I actually started this outfit in Phoenix (above) but re-did it in Texas in my mom's back yard (below) last week. Hence the grass and not the Phoenix... dirt. Just go with it ;)

Before we get to the outfit, I have to give a shout out to my BROTHER who took these photos! I'll show you a quick snapshot of how I walked him through it. Obviously I set the exposure settings, but this brother of mine is a natural! I would snap shots to teach him a certain composition I was looking for and he'd immediately nail it!

But he's good at congratulating himself, so I'll leave it at that :P (And do you see that Aggie bling?!)

This top is actually from high school and I remember enjoying the feel and shape of it, but never being in love with the pattern. Until now. Stuffed in the back of my drawer, I started pulling this baby out and wearing it and received a lot of great feedback. I paired it with my waist-high shorts, some gold accessories ... and I feel like a Phoenix native! Or what I refer to as... Desert Boho Chic.

Don't you love that necklace?! I have to admit I used to NEVER wear necklaces because I was such an earrings person. Granted, I'm still all about earrings, but necklaces are growing on me. I've been keeping my eyes peeled for this kind of necklace (which pairs perfectly under neutral button-ups too!) and found it at Forever 21! Or as my mom likes to say -- "forever my age." Bahaha. Are any of your parents also delusional about their age?

Accessories + shorts: F21, top: high school purchase, shoes: my mom's! :D

Anyway, I just got in last night from a week of family, graduation, and my good ole' Texas home. Crazy how much I have to catch up on, but that also means I have some great posts coming up ;)

A Yearning to Be More

noreply@blogger.com (Imaginale Design) — Wed, 09 May 2012 19:00:00 +0000

It was Sunday night and I desperately wanted to find a book to read on my kindle. I get in moods where all I want to do is read a good book. As I scrolled through the list on the public library site, I came across one of the few available kindle books: May I Have Your Attention Please by Chris Hilicki.

Hmm. Click. Then boom, it had me at the sub-title: Build a Better Business by Telling Your True Story.

The thing is, there's so much of the book I want to talk about, but THIS -- what I am about to share deserved its own post:

“As much as I love the exhilaration I get when I see something extraordinary and beautiful, I feel a little sad too, because it also stirs my feeling of lack in the beauty category. I suppose it is a yearning to be more."

Has it happened to you? You're either looking at a blog, a portfolio, or a Facebook album of just really amazing work -- but the feeling inside just becomes more and more... defeated? The part of you that wants to be able to admire ends up over taken by the sheer desire to simply close out your browser window, shut your laptop, lay on the floor, and stare at the ceiling. Um, YEAH.

And you might wonder WHY do I feel so down?

"It is along a longing to give more. Giving more would result in being appreciated more, if not by others than by myself for doing the right thing. So there it is: a circle that you and I spend our waking lives trying to close. It is the circle of giving and receiving, spinning around a core of appreciation."

Don't you love the word yearn? I do. I feel like it accurately describes the fire that travels from your heart to your lungs, shortens your breath, and grips your insides. YEARN. We yearn to be more. That is completely okay. BUT. But we cannot stay there. I believe that yearning can also be paralyzing when it meets face-to-face with lack. And comparison. Because yearning can come from a place of dissatisfaction and the lie that you aren't good enough. It robs us from the ability to be happy for the artist and most importantly, robs YOU of your own accomplishments.

But WHERE is that dissatisfaction coming from? And I can't answer that on this post because it stems from our own individual places. All I can say is ... do not isolate yourself. We are made to be relational people and it is sometimes that one individual who we are vulnerable with that helps us answer the question of dissatisfaction. To dig through the layers and find the root of that yearn. And sometimes... they even push us enough to be able to appreciate ourselves. As we should.

"Your self worth is not up for grabs" -- Pete Wilson.

A Surprise Proposal

noreply@blogger.com (Imaginale Design) — Tue, 08 May 2012 16:23:00 +0000

A couple of months ago my phone flashed a green bubble with a message from Tony. The proposal was about to happen... soon.

Tony is in Ohio finishing medical school so his appearance in Phoenix would be ... well, pretty much a heart attack for Octavia. And I guess you could say it went a little like that ;) We scouted places in South Mountain -- spots for Tony to hide while I set Octavia up for her "shoot." Once we had everything set and planned, I headed back to my place to meet up with Octavia. She arrived at my place and I was pumped with adrenaline that I had to suppress. SHE HAD NO IDEA! We drove back to the mountains as I tried to text Tony secretly that we were almost there and for him to get in place.

Jose came to "help out" (pretty much photographed the first part as I filmed!) and we set Octavia in place. I asked her to face the mountains with her back to me -- Jose cued Tony -- and well, the rest is a beautiful story....

Love you guys :) Jose and I are so honored to have played a small part in this day.

Chic Critique Cover Submission

noreply@blogger.com (Imaginale Design) — Fri, 04 May 2012 01:05:00 +0000

I can't help but love a magazine that is made for female photographers to inspire and inform. Chic Critique. Everything I believe in for my business! Love it. I freakin' love it.

This is Ana... and the story behind this image is one of my favorites. So I decided I would enter it for Chic's cover contest :)

Bella: Rendezvous in the Desert

noreply@blogger.com (Imaginale Design) — Wed, 02 May 2012 19:43:00 +0000

Sometimes I just don't have much to say (which is quite rare, let me tell you). This is one of those moments. I type something -- then I delete it. This post is meant simply for the images. So here you go....

One of my favorites on the left. Embodies the part of the desert that I love :)

This could not have been possible without the ever-great planning of Heather Diehard and the wardrobe that Elle Campbell worked so brilliantly in front of the camera. Cool was just spilling off of Elle. Sometimes it's just that simple. A skirt, a girl, and the sun. I'm a lucky girl.

p.s. The skirt is from Anthropologie. Because, yes, I was wondering too.

Live from... MY LIVING ROOM

noreply@blogger.com (Imaginale Design) — Tue, 01 May 2012 16:58:00 +0000

You heard me right! We are going LIVE from my living room talking about Pinterest in 5 minutes! We'll be discussing strategies and the best ways to use it for your business... all right here: http://showitfast.com/live/

Yes. I AM insanely nervous.

I talk with my hands

noreply@blogger.com (Imaginale Design) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 17:43:00 +0000

We made quesadillas and they turned out sooo good. Jose was back in town, we sat on the couch facing each other -- talking. Our specialty. I was recounting the girl's day at the pool on Sunday, highlighted by my delicious cheesy concoction. Lord knows why I needed to tell him the details of these quesadillas... BUT I DID. I wanted him to taste them. On some of them I just put slices of the gouda cheese, slices of tomato, avocado, and sprinkled them with pepper.

Jose bursts out laughing. "You..." -- he motions his hands twisting a pepper shaker. -- "sprinkled them with pepper?" The boy was imitating me! I didn't even realize that as I described this quesadilla... MY HANDS WERE MAKING THEM. Like, I was literally sprinkling imaginary pepper on my imaginary quesadillas. And I'm not talking about a one-handed pepper shaker. I'm talking about the two-handed, twisting pepper shaker.

I sank into the couch, pretending to ignore him. The extent of my talking hands are out-of-control. I sighed, surrendering to my habits and gave Jose a face for STILL laughing. But then I brought my hands to my face, rubbing my cheeks, and tried to hold back the smile that was forming. Well... that's who you married!

And, well... that's who I've always been. Thanks to my upbringing, my experiences, and intrinsic behavior -- I'm destined to be expressive. I've realized more and more why I can't help myself. It's because I want people to feel something. When I talk. When I shoot. When I write. Which brings me to a very known, but very favorite quote of mine:

I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. - Maya Angelou

Goose bumps: the bumps on a person's skin which may involuntary develop when a person is cold or experiences strong emotions such as fear, nostalgia, pleasure, awe, and admiration. Or as JLo would say -- goosies. I LOVE THEM. Because it is there, in that moment, when someone's way of expression has made your body involuntarily respond to an emotion :)

Expecting: Baby Madeleine

noreply@blogger.com (Imaginale Design) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 17:31:00 +0000

A few snapshots of my friend Emilie with her sweet doggies before her and Lucas welcome their baby girl into the world. While our husbands worked on household projects, I snuck Emilie outside quickly for some images. It was chilly and cloudy -- a rare moment in Phoenix. And while Emilie didn't know quite what to expect in front of my camera... her worries eased as each of her puppies nuzzled their noses against her.

Sending my love to those that have to go through a Phoenix summer during their pregnancy. Maternity may not feel beautiful every single waking day -- but when that baby is curled up in the mother's arms, I can only imagine every single waking day that wasn't beautiful was certainly worth the wait.

Motion: A Sedona Roadtrip

noreply@blogger.com (Imaginale Design) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:41:00 +0000

I love making road trip videos.

(hit play then pause to make sure it loads all the way before watching :)

To be blatantly honest with you, I don't know what my future in motion is yet, but each time I make a road trip video -- it makes me feel alive.

Within the first 10 minutes of the climb we had reached a flat area that overlooked the mountains and I yelled out "wait!!" to Jose. I asked him to walk ahead so I could get some photos of him. But after a few frames he smirked and responded with "you know, this isn't a photoshoot." Thank you very much Mr. Vidal. But little did he realize I was also taking VIDEO. Who's thanking me now? :)

I think one of the main reasons I love making road trip films is because I see them as mini movies of adventure. I film and edit so that others can be a part of that adventure. I know I've said this before, but that's why growing up I use to dream about working for Nike or Gatorade. Their commercials made me feel alive -- like I went through that adventure with them. Or that I wanted to run 10 miles with gatorade dripping down my temples and the perfect piece of music jolting me forward. I know... so dramatic. Story-of-my-life.

I hope my videos make some of you feel alive :)

Outfit Chronicles: Tees and Skinnie Jeans

noreply@blogger.com (Imaginale Design) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 21:23:00 +0000

Haven't seen one of these in a while, huh?!

These were actually quite interesting to edit ... and take. Jose arrived home from work and when I greeted him at the door he said "you look cute" -- I'm pretty sure he immediately regretted it when it dawned on him what came next. Cause, we both know what this usually means. Outfit Chronicles.

BUT. I have anticipated these moments y'all! I can hear the groan a mile away and I refuse to use a tripod. So instead, I start dinner early .. my peace treaty. "And we don't have to leave the house! Let's just do them in the doorway." Which lead to this really interesting and contrasty light that I don't normally work in...

T-shirt + Jeans: Ross, Shoes: Shoe Land in Atlanta, Earrings + Clutch: F21

But let me not diverge from the fact that Ross has just gifted me with what I call my new "favorite" JEANS! They're not even jeans.. they're like a fabric, stretchy, jean-looking pair of pants. Insanely comfortable! And hello, $9? I know. It's not even right.

Isn't the light interesting? Maybe that's just me talking photography. I guess I felt like it looked different from my other work which usually has softer tones. But I was in direct sunlight (sun was setting) and my hallway was of course dark. Kinda fun to try something new :) Hope you like the outfit! I've been looking for cute tees to wear to dance but I'm kinda liking them for general outfits! I'm thinking I'll be doing a lot of tees this summer.

Bellas: A Spontaneous Session

noreply@blogger.com (Imaginale Design) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 18:11:00 +0000

Let's backtrack to my Vegas trip back in February. Yeeeeees... long over due! When we weren't taking classes, we were busy making pancakes in our hotel or doing a lot of this:

There's something specific about these behind the scene images I want to cover, but that'll be another post entirely. The beautiful women you are seeing are my amazing WPPI roommates and beautiful photographers -- Jillian Tree and Megan Bookhammer. Here's Jillian :)

Jillian in action

I know, I know. A lot of profile shots because LOOK-AT-THAT-JAWLINE!

This girl does not mess around. Let's just say I'm thankful I haven't sprained anything considering the things I've also climbed.

Love these girls! This is actually the same area I took Karie's photos :) The gold reflection on the windows were so swanky.

I hope the middle of the week is treating you well. I've had a shattered iPhone for the past ___ months (I'm too ashamed at how long I've left it this way) -- and I am FINALLY getting it fixed today! Thank you groupon for hollering atcha cheap girl. Yup, if it wasn't for the groupon specials that existed, this girl would still be carrying around a shattered iphone. I forgot what it's like to look down at a clear screen. To not turn my phone upside down in public so my shattered screen doesn't stir up conversation. Actually, you want to know what I did? After the shattering occurred, I clearly couldn't use it without fearing I would slice my little finger. SO. Jose ordered a plastic screen cover to go over the glass. And now there are BUBBLES under the plastic screen. It's ugly y'all. So needless to say.. it-is-about-time :)

Try Being an Onlooker

noreply@blogger.com (Imaginale Design) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 18:06:00 +0000

So it appears that Ross has been calling my name lately. I went inside to look for photo frames and I managed to walk out with pants, socks, a top, and... a frame. I can't help but laugh when someone asks me "where did you get that shirt?!" and I try to not to sing "I got it at Ross!"

Do you love it? I love it! I got it at Ross!

Does that jingle date me? Anyyyyway :)

Something I've really been wanting to share with you guys are tips not only on styling (in terms of branding), but tips on photography. And I'm not referring to the technical aspect. I've had a lot of people approach me about private lessons -- something that I'm really excited about because I LOVE teaching. So if you have any specific questions that you'd like me to feature on the blog, just e-mail them to me (alejandra(at)imaginaledesign.com).

What I really want to help photographers with or just anyone with a camera is to start experimenting with your perspective. As I am giving you a sneak peek of this photo, I want to tell you a little bit about it too.

There I was with Elle (our model) and Heather (remember Heather? :). She had this gorgeous skirt that we wanted to showcase, and what's the most obvious thing to do? Have her twirl. But, yeah... twirling is not new, right? Heather wanted to capture Elle in the door frame with the mountains in the back ground. However, as I watched Elle move towards the door, I watched the movement of her skirt. I let go of capturing the mountains and instead watched as she walked back and forth in the room, crossing the door frame. I started creating a different image in my head. I moved around constantly capturing it at different angles. I LOVE when a photo feels like a fleeting moment. And that's what her skirt made me think of. I thought less about Elle being in the MIDDLE of the door frame and more about her walking out of MY photo frame.

So that's my first tip :) For fun, try having a person go do something (instead of posing them right in front of you) and pretend to be an on-looker. Pretend that you happened to have your camera and you caught her/him in the middle of what they're doing. This can be as simple as having a female pull her hair up in front of a mirror. Don't stand directly behind her, but maybe stand behind the door and frame her like you're peeking into the room. Remember, you can do this as a non-professional too with your kids. Pretty much spy on them :) Make sense? Hope that stirs something in your head! And if you try it, I'd love to see it!

Bella: Red Lips and Body Art - Nicole Agbayani

noreply@blogger.com (Imaginale Design) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 18:19:00 +0000

There I was, at the PhoenixONE expo event, slightly sleep deprived from creating my first gallery display, but full of adrenaline to be surrounded with other artists. After finishing my set up, I walked around the church to visit the other displays. The last table I get to is a display of necklaces -- but not just any display of necklaces. There were these long, delicate chains holding bullets with rustic feathers attached to them. And this is where I first met Heather Diehard and her line Ransom Me.

The mission of Heather's business is "to give consumers the opportunity to help ransom a life held captive in sexual servitude." On her blog she describes the project as "juxtaposing the beautiful and organic with the destructive and industrial" illustrating "the hope that exists in the midst of pain." Wow.

After running into each other a couple of times, we decided to get together for coffee one day and planned a collaboration shoot that focuses on people's individual style. This girl is my Jay during these shoots (ANTM anyone? :) and clearly knows people with incredible taste. You should also hear her knock-knock jokes. Cla-ssic.

So Nicole Agbayani is the first to grace us with her lovely, oh-so-bold red lips and body art....

This is actually the driveway of where I live!

A close up look at a Ransom Me necklace

Don't you love the combination of the geometric dark hair, the red lips, dark dress and colorful tattoos?! What I love most is the way women individualize their feminine traits. We couldn't be more different... and that truly is the best part.

Bella: A Pair of Lovely Sisters

noreply@blogger.com (Imaginale Design) — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 18:39:00 +0000

I was standing in a small room in Vegas, stuffed with people who were there to listen to Albert Tate preach the good word -- yes, at WPPI :) He kills it every time! As we shuffled around making room for others I over-heard the girls beside me talking about Arizona.

I don't know what got into me, maybe the conference just made me be a lot more bold about getting to know people, but I simply turned to them and interrupted their conversation: Hi! I'm sorry to interrupt, but did y'all just say you were from Arizona? Turns out they were sisters who are also photographers that live in the Valley!! Chatting proceeds, cards are swapped, and good byes are said.

Fast forward to a week later and I run into the sisters again --Taylor and Kacey from About Love Studio -- at the Jasmine Star workshop in Phoenix. They end up telling me that they'd like me to photograph them for their upcoming updates and I just freeze up with excitement and nervousness. What a privilege! Needless to say that I was pretty nervous to have photographers in front of my camera as clients, but the planning was like a Pinterest birthday party of ideas. Yeah, imagine that. Amanda Tzavaras of Makeup By Amanda did such an amazing job -- and the styling? Well, that's all Taylor and Kacey right there!

There are so many more images I'd love to bombard your eyes with, but I narrowed them to a few of my favorites. Their color choices were unbelievably amazing to photograph. You'll have to keep your eyes peeled for About Love's update to see many more!

I'm realizing more and more that my future definitely involves collaborating with creatives. This is a blog post all on its own, but as I'm pushing forward to continuously define my clients, my plans, and my future -- I just know other photographers will strongly be involved. I guess I'll have to save those thoughts for another post ;)

Today...

noreply@blogger.com (Imaginale Design) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 19:18:00 +0000

Heading to Sedona for the first time with Jose since we moved to Phoenix today! Sedona is up north a couple of hours and the weather drops about 15 degrees from the Phoenix average. And guess what else there is? GREENERY.

My sweet friend Kim visited me from Atlanta this week and I remember driving by this neighborhood with tons of trees and my face was glued to the window thinking: I need to shoot here! I proceeded to tell Kim how finding greenery in Phoenix is always an exciting moment -- especially for photographers. Basically if we had girl scout badges in photography -- greenery would be one of them.

While packing, I ran around the house barefoot and snapped these in my newly painted toes...

Time to zip up that little suitcase and get on the road!

Imaginale Design Featured on Wedding Chicks!

noreply@blogger.com (Imaginale Design) — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 17:30:00 +0000

You guys... I remember exactly 2 years ago I was a bride sneaking in 30 minutes of my workday to indulge in wedding blogs for inspiration. Engaged, inspired like a crazy woman, and I couldn't-stop-looking. It was this kind of imagery and emotion that propelled me a year later to become a wedding photographer. And now to see one of the weddings I photographed on a blog I visited so often is surreal! Not only am I honored to be on Wedding Chicks, but I'm honored to have photographed a bride who dreamed up such a beautiful wedding. Read the article HERE! :)

You can see more of Devon and David's wedding here. So excited!! :)

The most beautiful people..

noreply@blogger.com (Imaginale Design) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 16:18:00 +0000

I'll listen to a song and just have the urge to create. I think that's why I use to believe in high school that one day I'd create music videos. I'm not this music savvy girl -- at all -- but there are certain songs that set my thoughts on fire. I feel their music in me. Ever since one of the judges on American Idol told a contestant "some of the best singers sing from their struggles... their pain and vulnerability. You should sing with conviction." -- I remember thinking: Is that what sets artists apart? That some of the best works are from those that have suffered, struggled, or lost and create out of a place of fervent emotion? I don't know, but creating out of emotion is so liberating.

The most beautiful people we have known are those that struggle, known loss and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen. -Elisabeth Kubler-Ross