Are you trying or doing?

So I have a huge confession to make to you.

I haven't been training as good as I could for the marathon I set out to do in August that is coming up on February 21. I know my body is not going to thank me when that day gets here.

But between traveling, hosting Dane Sanders's workshop, preparing for my workshop, bridal meetings, etc, etc, etc, it's been HARD making the time to run. That's why I blogged about signing up for it back in August because I know I needed the world wide web to hold me accountable. Had I not blogged about it, I honestly probably at this point would have said to myself "Well, you haven't been training as good as you could have, just skip it and try again next year."

But one thing I loved that Dane preached at his workshop was "Stop trying and just do it." And I realized, I needed to stop "trying" to train for the marathon, and just DO IT.

So today I headed outside to run again after a few weeks off. But what happens, I barely walk a few feet and it starts raining. Of course, there I go to finally get back out there running, and the world tries to stop me with rain. But I was determined to not give up. So instead, I went to my condo's gym and ran on the treadmill. Mind you, I usually don't have an attention span for the treadmill beyond a mile or two, but I actually made it to 4 miles today. AND I even lifted weights and did crunches... more than I expected to accomplish that day.

Yes, I feel like I'm slightly starting over with the training, now just three weeks away, but, it's better late than never right?

I thought about how much this applies to our dreams too, whether you are "trying" to pursue photography, or something completely different. Are you just "trying" or are you actually "doing"???

Also as part of my mission to hold myself accountable, I set out to raise $1,000 for the marathon to go toward Breast Cancer research at Mayo Clinic (Where both of my parents were treated.) I've raised $550 so far, woo hoo! Will you help me run toward finding a cure?

http://donate.breastcancermarathon.com/2010marathon/Scarlett

And if there's someone you would like me to run for who is battling or has battled cancer, I'm making a t-shirt with everyone's names on it. Please leave a comment on this blog entry below linked (not this one) where I have been collecting names:

http://scarlettlillian.blogspot.com/2009/09/262-with-donna-national-marathon-to.html

By the way, you have full permission to pull a Jillian on me (for those Biggest Loser fans) and yell at me everyday on my blog to get out there running! :-) I need your help!

I leave you with one of my favorite videos about running, and a determined spirit who chose to do instead of try. It always makes me cry! Especially the end, when his dad jumps on the track to help carry his son to the finish line. What a beautiful analogy of God's Heavenly Father love that is!



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nifq3Ke2Q30

Scarlett Lillian Workshop: Meet Kerry Andriuk

I just wrapped up hosting the awesome Dane Sanders here in Jacksonville this week. What a life changing workshop that was! More to blog on that later! Now it's time to put the finishing touches on my upcoming workshop next weekend. I'm getting sooooo excited! I can't wait to reveal which winner of America's Next Top Model will modeling at the workshop!

Today I'm excited to show off attendee Kerry Andriuk on the blog! What gorgeous eyes she has!




1. Name:
Kerry Andriuk

2. Website:
www.nativeskyphotography.com

3. Blog:
www.nativeskyphotography.com/blog

4. Twitter:
http://twitter.com/ksandriuk

5. Where are you coming from?
Maryland, near Washington DC

6. What 3 words describe your photography?
Natural, fun, emerging!

7. What do you love most to photograph?
People of all ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds.

8. If you could photography anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?
Maya Angelou – that woman is just simply brilliant!

9. What does fabulous mean to you?
To me, fabulous means inner strength and confidence, and the belief that all things are possible!

10. If you were on a deserted island, what three things would you want with you?
That’s tough but I think I’d bring my fishing pole, Chapstick, and of course my family!

11. Who is your hero and why?
My mom is my hero… I admire her strength, intelligence, and grace. She is amazing!

12. If they made a movie of your life, what actress would you want to play you, and what would the title of your movie be?
Sandra Bullock would be ideal because of her ability to play a natural, but goofy, often clumsy girl. It would be called, “I Meant To Do That.”

13. What’s your favorite flavor of cupcakes?
Chocolate all the way, baby!

14. When you give thanks, what is on top of your list?
I am always thankful for my family, first and foremost. After that, I have a loooong list of more things for which I always give thanks!

15. What is one valuable thing you have learned as a photographer that you can pay forward to those reading this?
I have learned patience….patience in every aspect of photography, personally and professionally. I would encourage other photographers to throw aside their fears and focus on their goals, to be patient, and to embrace mistakes as an opportunity to learn from them. Have confidence and believe in yourself!

AskDane.com- The Rerun

Oh my gosh. I can't believe over 400 of you hung out virtually with Dane Sanders and I on yesterday's episode of AskDane.com. From the bottom of my heart, thank you sooooo much to all took the time to watch it LIVE and who participated with Twitter questions, and retweets and all your supportive words of encouragement. I so wish we had had more time to answer all of your questions! Thank you for being a virtual friend!

For those that missed it, here's a recording from the show. Enjoy!

You're not gonna believe this!

Here's the link I talked about to reserve your last minute seat for the amazing opportunity I talked about in the video:

workshops.scarlettlillian.com

FYI: Just a reminder, I will be chatting LIVE today with Dane Sanders on AskDane.com at 5:30pm EST! I look forward to answering your questions! See you there!

Scarlett Lillian Workshops: Meet Erin Campbell

I can't believe it's just 2 weeks until the workshop! Ahhhhh. Oh my gosh, the surprises I'm lining up. I'm busting at the seams to share, but it's exclusive for workshop attendees! This event is almost sold out. Will you be the one to grab one of the last seats?

workshops.scarlettlillian.com

Today blog showcase is the fabulous Erin Campbell coming all the way from Canada! Woo hoo!




1. Name:
Erin Campbell

2. Website:
I don't have one yet :(

3. Blog:
erincampbellphotography.blogspot.com

4. Twitter:
So don't have any idea what it even means!

5. Where are you coming from?
Cobourg, Ontario, Canada! Yay!

6. What 3 words describe your photography?
Fresh, colourful, relaxed

7. What do you love most to photograph?
Children, brides

8. If you could photography anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?
Mother Teresa or my grampa, I adored their wrinkles.

9. What does fabulous mean to you?
Something that goes above and beyond my normal expectations, and truly makes me happy.

10. If you were on a deserted island, what three things would you want with you?
Um hello?? Food!! (I love food), sunscreen (I'm a freckle face), my family (I'm in LOVE with my family)

11. Who is your hero and why?
My parents. They are the epitome of unconditional love.

12. If they made a movie of your life, what actress would you want to play you, and what would the title of your movie be?
Forget what actress I want to be, as long as the main actor was Josh Hartnett, I'd be in my glory. The title movie of my life would have to be " Glory Days "

13. What’s your favorite flavor of cupcakes?
I'll probably get a good "American Whoopin" when I get there but…….. I don't really like cupcakes…….

14. When you give thanks, what is on top of your list?
For the many, many blessings I have received in my life.

15. What is one valuable thing you have learned as a photographer that you can pay forward to those reading this?
I don't really have a lot of learnings to pass forward but if I had to say something, I would say, Change your battery BEFORE the bride walks down the aisle! Gah!

Chat LIVE tomorrow with moi on AskDane.com!

Check out the video blog for some exciting news happening tomorrow, Tuesday January 26 at askdane.com! Details on exact time to follow here on my blog and on www.twitter.com/scarlettlillian! :-)

EDIT:

I just found out that the AskDane.com LIVE chat will be held at 5:30pm EST! Can't wait to chat with all of you!!! Get your questions ready! :-)

Scarlett Lillian Workshop: Meet Sarah Bray

Eeeeek! I'm getting so excited. It's been so amazing to see so many surprise blessings fall into place as I've planned this workshop. What was once a vision in my head is now becoming more and more a reality. It's just one of those moments of totally seeing God's hand control it, and how BEAUTIFUL and GOOD He is. And how he over abundantly exceeds your expectations when you simply take the first step forward.. how amazingly He ALWAYS provides!

I introduce you to Sarah Bray who is another fabulous girl attending my workshop! I'm totally loving these interviews and getting to know the heart behind the camera.





1. Name:
Sarah Bray

2. Website:
www.sarahbrayphoto.com

3. Blog:
www.sarahbrayphotoblog.com

4. Twitter:
www.twitter.com/sarahbrayphoto

5. Where are you coming from?
Winter Park, FL

6. What 3 words describe your photography?
Romantic, Dramatic & Vibrant

7. What do you love most to photograph?
I love to photograph people who are in love! I’m also very inspired by fashion, so I love working with people who aren’t afraid to embrace their inner top-model and have some fun!

8. If you could photograph anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?
Elvis Presley. Don’t laugh, but I had a serious Elvis obsession when I was little and just never quite got over it. He’s so iconic and larger-than-life.

9. What does fabulous mean to you?
Fun, beautiful, vivacious, cutting-edge, trendy but timeless, beyond cool.

10. If you were on a deserted island, what three things would you want with you?
Aside from my hubby and two cute boys….my camera, my iPhone, and an endless supply of Starbucks Chai Tea Latte!

11. Who is your hero and why?
My mom. She has been such an amazing role model to me of a godly woman, a devoted wife, an incredible mother and a creative and successful business owner. So much of who I am today is because of the example she set for me.

12. If they made a movie of your life, what actress would you want to play you, and what would the title of your movie be?
Oh gosh, I don’t know! Probably “Calm in the Chaos” my life is always pretty chaotic, running a business and raising two boys! There is never a dull moment, but God has blessed me beyond measure and I’m so very thankful. I would love to be played by Reese Witherspoon, she is so cute and talented (and a southern girl, like me!)

13. What’s your favorite flavor of cupcakes?
Vanilla with chocolate frosting and sprinkles!

14. When you give thanks, what is on top of your list?
My darling husband. He is simply the best. He’s so supportive and pretty dang cute too!

15. What is one valuable thing you have learned as a photographer that you can pay forward to those reading this?
Never underestimate the value of good customer service. There are a zillion talented photographers out there, but the relationship you build with your clients is what will truly set you apart.

Trina spent the day with me!

Oh gosh.

I can't believe I'm blogging my very last "Spend A Day With Scarlett."

It just seems like yesterday when I nervously pushed the "Publish Post" button on this blog in August 2008 to announce the news to the world. So many fears and doubts crep through my mind back then. The first one being "Who am I to think I can teach? I've only been a professional photographer a year and a half!" But for whatever reason, so many of you were following my blog and filling my inbox with questions about how I did what I did, and I wanted to help. Thus came the birth of my 1-on-1 workshop. I told my mom that I would be lucky if one person came, but God blessed me with the faces of 30 beautiful women to serve, some from as far as Germany and Canada. (For me? Crazy!)

I sit here with the same doubts and fears about my 1st group workshop coming up in two weeks. Now, 3 years into doing this, I still question, who am I to teach? I know there are so many better/cooler/more experienced/people with more Twitter followers and Facebook friends/more successful photographers out there. But I love what Mike Colon said to all of us at his 1st Hawaii workshop. (He's having another one, I highly recommend it!) He said "I don't care what level of photographer you are, you ALL have something to give and some kind of knowledge to share. Each one of you could be speakers or teachers."

I never imagined myself as a teacher, and God knows I have a horrible fear of stage fright when it comes to speaking. But it's crazy how I've discovered how much I LOVE to teach and to provide someone the tools and inspiration to turn their photography dreams into a reality.

So now I bring you Trina Lewis, who came all the way from Edmonton, Canada! From what Trina told me, when she was here, they were up to their knees in snow and a Florida vacation with the family was much needed. Yet, when she was here, it had to be one of the coldest days in Florida this winter. We were all bundled up shivering and barely able to feel our hands as we shot our bride on the beach. Here's a pic Trina grabbed of me in action trying to focus and press the shutter with my gloves on. Seriously, I don't understand how people live in the north!






Here's my favorite pics I took of Trina and of our gorgeous model Summer (who you might remember from this previous day with Mindy!)

Jenn spent a day with me!

I love taking a photographer who thinks she is better behind the camera instead of in front, and giving her good images of herself! I truly feel like anytime a photographer can get in front of the camera, it makes them a better photographer to understand the vulnerable feeling our clients go through being put on the spot, and how important feedback is that we give them as photographers. So it was fun to get Jenn Hopkins with all her curls in front of my camera to start off her day with me.

Jenn and I had a fun photoshoot around downtown Jacksonville with the stylish Stacy & Alex. Here's my fave pics of Jenn and the stylish couple!

Mindy Spent A Day With Me!

With my first group workshop around the corner, I've ended my one-on-one workshops for the new year. But before the end of the year, I had three back to back amazing "Spend A Day With Scarlett" workshops. Here's the 1st of the 3 remaining to blog.

Mindy Mier, a mom of 5, (whew!) came up from South Florida to hang out. She is definitely a multi-tasker because on top of being a mom and a photographer, she also runs a wedding magazine in her area. I joked with her that when I become a mom, she can teach me a few things about how to juggle it all. :-)

Here's some images I took of her and my fave shots from our photoshoot!



A funny story and an example of how it pays off to be bold. The day before Mindy's day, I still hadn't found a couple to model, but as I was walking out of church I spotted Summer dressed all cute and stylish. I literally walked up to her and explained that I was a photographer, thought she and her boyfriend were hot, and would they want to model for me? Just so happens, they were available, and oila, it all worked out! I loved Summer so much that I used her in another day coming up! Stay tuned!

Mindy wanted to learn about off camera lighting with my Pocket Wizards and 580 EX II, so most of these where shot with that.
























This was with my video light, the Lite Panel Micro.

Scarlett Lillian Workshops: Meet Heather Caudill & Connie Rollins

What a fun 2 weeks ahead full of learning and sharing. First up, I'm hosting So Cal rockstar photographer, author, and speaker Dane Sanders in the Jacksonville area for our Pictage User Group meeting and for his private 2 day workshop. (For more info on how to sign up for his free talk at the PUG and save $$$ on his 2-day workshop, click here).

Also, stay tuned for more details, but to let you in on some cool news, Dane has asked me to be a guest on his popular "Ask Dane" live interview show this coming Tuesday, Jan 26. I'm still waiting to find out an exact time, but get your questions ready to ask me on Twitter via twitter.com/danesanders and I can't wait to connect with you all via the show!

Then the following week, I'm hosting my first group workshop. I've been out of town and slacking on getting the attendees blog interviews up, but what an AMAZING & BEAUTIFUL group of women coming! I have a bunch more to post this coming week as we get closer.

Today, you might remember Heather, from Charlotte, and Connie, from Orlando, from each of their "Spend A Day With Scarlett" 1-on-1 workshop last year. I'm so completely humbled that both Heather & Connie are returning for my workshop!

Here's Heather's interview and a fabulous photo taken by moi at her "spend a day":



1. Name:
Heather Caudill

2. Website:
www.photographybyheatheranne.com

3. Blog:
www.photographybyheatheranne.blogspot.com

4. Twitter:
twitter.com/heathercaudill

5. Where are you coming from?
Charlotte, NC

6. What 3 words describe your photography?
Natural, Relaxed, Heartfelt

7. What do you love most to photograph?
Newborns and Families

8. If you could photography anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?
My father. He passed away in 1985.

9. What does fabulous mean to you?
It means being yourself and honoring what is unique about you.

10. If you were on a deserted island, what three things would you want with you?
My family, my Macbook and my iPhone.

11. Who is your hero and why?
My mother. She raised me to have high self esteem and to dance to my own beat even if no one else hears it.

12. If they made a movie of your life, what actress would you want to play you, and what would the title of your movie be?
Kate Winslet would play me, and the title of the movie would be, “Life: An experiment in Love, Laughter and Chaos”

13. What’s your favorite flavor of cupcakes?
Banana or Vanilla- it’s hard to choose!

14. When you give thanks, what is on top of your list?
My family

15. What is one valuable thing you have learned as a photographer that you can pay forward to those reading this?
Although I admire the work of so many other photographers, I need to fine my own voice. My journey is still new, so I am a work in progress and I’ve learned to let that be ok.


Here's Connie's interview and a hot photo I took from her "spend a day":



1. Name:
Connie Rollins

2. Website:
http://www.photoartbyconnie.com

3. Blog:
http://www.connierollinsphotography.com

4. Twitter:
http://twitter.com/photosbyconnie

5. Where are you coming from?
Orlando, FL

6. What 3 words describe your photography?
Fun, Passion, Flair

7. What do you love most to photograph?
I love photographing people of all ages.

8. If you could photograph anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?
Peter MacNicol, because I loved his character on Allie McBeal.

9. What does fabulous mean to you?
Being fabulous means believing in yourself, being willing to invest in yourself and others, and helping others find the best in themselves.

10. If you were on a deserted island, what three things would you want with you?
Water, Camera, Cell Phone

11. Who is your hero and why?
My Mom, because she has invested so much time and effort into raising five children and she gives so much of herself to others.

12. If they made a movie of your life, what actress would you want to play you, and what would the title of your movie be?
The actress would be my niece who loves theatre and acting, and the title of the movie would be Moving Forward.

13. What’s your favorite flavor of cupcakes?
Chocolate with Peanut Butter Icing

14. When you give thanks, what is on top of your list?
I am thankful that I still have my Mom with me, and thankful for the time I am getting to spend with her now.

15. What is one valuable thing you have learned as a photographer that you can pay forward to those reading this?
Invest in yourself by learning from other photographers. Seeing things from a perspective you may not have considered otherwise is a great way to become a better photographer yourself.

There's still a few seats left for you to join these fabulous women at my workshop. Learn more and reserve your seat at:

workshops.scarlettlillian.com

I'm getting sooooo excited!!!

This is why I love Twitter.

All you The Hills fans will appreciate this email I got.




And I just noticed that Heidi is also following me! Funny!

In total "Oh my gosh, am I really about to confess this?" news, I recently read Heidi & Spencer's book "How to Be Famous". NOOOOO, I didn't buy it for myself, my mom bought it for me for Christmas because she knows I like The Hills. But I do admit, it was a funny and interesting read. Love them or hate them, you gotta admit, they are geniuses at keeping themselves in the news.





And speaking of the news, I know Heidi's plastic surgeries have been all the controversy lately. Last week, there was an interesting discussion that went on on my Facebook when I twittered about the story. Join in at:

http://www.facebook.com/scarlettlillian?v=feed&story_fbid=249762044468

Scarlett Lillian Workshops: Meet Kayla Mercedes

As part of the continue showcase of attendees for my 1st group workshop coming up next month, I'm excited to introduce you to Kayla Mercedes! A few months ago, Kayla's mom emailed me in secret wanting to give her daughter a surprise gift for Christmas. She said Kayla has been following my blog for a while and how she dreamed of being a photographer too and wanted to help her daughter turn her dreams into a reality. It was such an honor to record a surprise message for Kayla that her mom filmed of me and showed Kayla on Christmas morning!  I love seeing moms that support their daughters because my mom played such a big part of in helping me to turn my dreams into reality too!  I'm thrilled to also help give Kayla this great start to her career!  :-)

Will you grab one of the last seats available in the workshop?

www.workshops.scarlettlillian.com




1. Name:
Kayla Mercedes Knowles

2. Website:
Coming Soon!

3. Blog:
www.KaylaMercedes.com

4. Twitter:
www.twitter.com/KaylaMercedes

5. Where are you coming from?
Jacksonville, Florida

6. What 3 words describe your photography?
Experimental, Bright, and Fun

7. What do you love most to photograph?
Love. I’m absolutely in love with love.

8. If you could photography anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?
I think I would have to photograph Taylor Swift because I think she would be willing to try anything to get an amazing picture, no matter how crazy my idea might be.

9. What does fabulous mean to you?
Fabulous is having the courage to take risks, being your own person, having your own style, and trusting God to lead you through absolutely every aspect of life.

10. If you were on a deserted island, what three things would you want with you?
Why do I always have so much trouble answering this question???
My boyfriend (Chris), sweet-tea, and my pillow (I don’t travel anywhere without it!)

11. Who is your hero and why?
My parents because I think they did a pretty great job as parents and I hope that one day I’ll be able to do just as good with my own children as they did with me. Always supportive of my dreams. (Attending the workshop was a surprise Christmas present from them!)

12. If they made a movie of your life, what actress would you want to play you, and what would the title of your movie be?
I think I would want Rachel McAdams to play me because I love her in “The Notebook” and “The Time Traveler’s Wife”. (And I think I’ll have to make a request that my love interest be played by Ryan Gosling and we’ll pretend it’s a remake of “The Notebook”)
For the movie title, I’ll go with “Pink Dreamer” because practically everything I own is pink and I’m reaching for my goals and dreams about where I want to be with my photography and life.


13. What’s your favorite flavor of cupcakes?
Classic yellow cake

14. When you give thanks, what is on top of your list?
My parents. They are the ones who I persuaded to buy my Canon 50D (and all the other photography stuff to go with it) for my Christmas present last year.

15. What is one valuable thing you have learned as a photographer that you can pay forward to those reading this?
As tempting as it is to blog-stalk other photographers, if you’re just trying to copy what other people do exactly then you aren’t getting anywhere yourself. Browse other people’s blogs, there’s nothing wrong with that, but figure out how you can make things your own. Make your pictures unique. There is no right or wrong in photography. It’s what your clients think is right for them.

The Adventures of Stephen & Scarlett

I'm still in California and it's been a delightful visit to San Diego back in my boyfriend Stephen Knuth's hometown of Coronado.  Earlier this week we visited a cute old-fashioned town called Julian an hour outside of San Diego.  I documented it on my iPhone video and while Stephen was watching the San Diego Chargers game today, I put together a little web episode of our adventures.  Enjoy this little peek into our goofiness!

Photog Retreat: Bahamas Cruise Wrap Up

Back in August, my friend Kaci and I attended a Christian women's photographer retreat in Oregon called Be Thou My Vision. On the last day when we had some down time, we walked the Oregon trails hiking through the forest and sharing with each other certain dreams and visions the Lord was placing on our hearts during that weekend. We both share a heart for helping other photographers and while I shared with Kaci my vision about hosting my 1st group workshop, she shared with me her vision about a retreat for photographers to come together on a cruise for part retreat/part workshop.

It's so exciting to fast forward to now. Here I am planning my own workshop for February, and we just got back from the cruise to the Bahamas that she once dreamed about hosting. I love seeing when God fulfills the visions He places on our hearts, and I was excited to join Kaci on this amazing retreat as a guest speaker.

Thursday night, everyone met for a meet-n-greet and we sang Happy Birthday to not one, but 2 of the photographers celebrating their birthday that very day. Sarah, from Wisconsin (who posted a fun blog entry, go look!), and Joyce from San Diego were only 1 year apart!

Friday began the workshop and my boyfriend, Stephen Knuth, and I opened with inspiring talks. Friday afternoon when we pulled into port, Stephen and I led the group around the Bahamas to shoot. I taught about how to find the fabulous in couples, and Stephen taught about off camera lighting.


Image by Joyce Kuklis

Saturday, we finished the workshop with more talks from the Bui Brothers, Shaun Austin of KISS Books, Kylie Banks of Phaunt Actions, and Todd Watson, co-founder with David Jay of Show It Sites.

Saturday night, Stephen took headshots of the attendees and we all danced the night away in the cruise dance club.

SUCH an amazing time it was. I loved how the attendees all became like a family by the end of it, and it was hard to say goodbye. Here's a fun shot of some of us looking up into a mirror on the ceiling on the cruiseboat!


Pic by Val Ritter.

A bunch of candid pics that were grabbed from attendees can be seen on my Facebook that they tagged me in. But here's a few of their teaser videos they made of the cruise. Kaci will be posting more pics and a wrap up up on the retreat blog soon at photogretreat.blogspot.com. She told me that because of the success of this cruise, she is already planning next year's cruise for Alaska!! Woo hoo!

First, by Sarah Bohl:



Second, by Shain Petty (who was Stephen's roommate and caught this funny video of Stephen trying to record an out of the country voicemail. he he)

.

Here's my shots from the photoshoot in the Bahamas of Todd Watson and his beautiful wife Elisa!





























Here's a slideshow of all of Todd & Elisa's images! It was so funny to be creating a Show It Slideshow of the guy who created the software! ha!