Just for fun I’ve decided to share these cute things my students have told me over the past 8 years.

After a 1st grader found out that I have a mom, her reaction was, “You have a mommy???!!!!!????!!!!!!”  I replied, “Of course I have a mommy. Don’t you have a grandma? Your grandma is your mommy’s mommy.” She thought for a second and said really quickly, “oh ya.”

One of my autistic, hyper active and very loveable student told me, “Ms. Munmun. You are the funniest teacher ever, but sometimes you are very crabby.” Should I laugh? or cry? I laughed.

One of my 4th grader asked me, “Ms. Munmun, do you want to get married?” I replied, “Are you done with your math?” She ignored me and said, “I think you really should get married. You are getting too old.” I looked at her :O??

One of my 4th grader asked me, “Ms. Munmun. Where is Mr. Munmun?” I replied, “I don’t know. He ran away.”

One boy saw my gray hair and exclaimed, “Ms. Munmun! You were right. You ARE old. So many gray hair !!”

My adorable hyper autistic boy walked in the class in December, and screamed, “Ms. Munmun is Mrs. Clause!! Ms. Munmun, will you please tell Santa I want a peacock for a pet?” I looked at him :O A few days later he came to me and asked me, “Did you tell santa that I want a peacock? Did you talk to him Mrs. Clause?” I asked him, “Are you naughty or nice?” He replied, “Oh O!” and sat down.

Last a year a couple of 6th graders asked, “Ms. Munmun, what do you want to be when you grow up?” Another 6th grader said, “She’s already a grown up!”

This is my goal for 2012, to share more about myself on my blog. If we have anything in common, I would love to hear about it. I will share only 5 facts about me today, and you have to wait to find out more. The hardest part is what should I share first? I am really having a hard time with this, but here we go…..

* I still don’t know how to ride a bike. There you go. I just admitted it. I rarely share this info with anyone, and I can’t believe I am sharing it with the whole world now.

* As a kid, I was allergic to pretty much everything out there, and now all my allergies are gone. What happend? I don’t know, and I am happy. Don’t even want to know.

* Growing up I wanted to be a doctor. Now I laugh at it.

* I love designer handbags.

* I love, love, love flowers.

“You are over estimating what you can do in a year, but under estimating what you can do in 2 years.” These were the exact words that Dane Sanders told me last month. I really felt as if a light bulb just lit up inside my brain.

I had the wonderful priviledge of meeting Dane Last month in Newport Beach, and we talked about different strategies for a successful photography business, steps that are used now, and were used before. Steps that work, and steps that can burn anyone out. You know the best part was? He was a teacher, and kept a full time job for 8 years while running his photography business. “Fill up one bucket at a time instead of all three.” Now I am filling up my first bucket, and I am sure once I am done with my first bucket, I will be able to fill up the rest smoothly although it will take some time.

He told me a lot of harsh truths, and I am so glad he did because now I can change my strategies, and goals, and focus better. We talked about pricing, and his approach to how he does his pricing or the pricing strategies that work is pretty different from a lot of ours. I am a little ashamed of admitting this, but I still haven’t worked on my pricing which is one of my goals for this year.

I will forever be grateful for that wonderful meeting, and I wish I wasn’t sick that day, and didn’t get lost because I totally forgot to take a photo with him. I mean the photographer who inspires me, and I look up to was right there, and I didn’t take a picture?? Let’s see if I can use what we discussed and learned that day in 2012, and have a wonderful photography career.

Raise your hand if you plan something for your birthday. Now raise your hand if don’t plan something for your birthday. ME ! I always thought that this is the time to see who cares about me or loves, and willing to do something special for me, and btw, I LOVE surprises (hint!).

The first thing my students told me last Friday, Jan. 20th, “Happy Birthday Miss Munmun!” And I thought to myself, “Wow! They remember that tomorrow’s my birthday when I told them my birthday at the beginning of the school year?” I received a few very sweet hand made cards. All day the students showered me with sweetness and wished me a happy birthday. At 2:45, a fellow 4th grade teacher, and one of my dear friend, walked in my room saying, “We need to show you something outside Ms. Munmun.” And a whole bunch of 4th graders walked in my room singing happy birthday. That was such a sweet moment. After getting lots of hug from lots of smelly 4th graders, I smelled like another 4th grader. They took me outside, and OMG! Chocolate cupcakes ! and Tisha, one of the sweetest teachers EVER brought Cheese It (not sure if I spelled it right). That was the best birthday surprise EVER ! Thank you so much 4th grade ! I still feel very special, and the handmade card was so hilarious. I still read the students’ comments and laugh. I love these kids. Hope I get this lucky every year.

Ever since I was a little girl, I LOVED fashion, clothing, shoes and anything girly you name it. I always enjoyed staying current with the newest trends, and tried my best to incorporate that into my style without looking like a copy cat or trying too hard. Did I succeed everytime? I don’t think so, but I still try to stay current with my own personal touch. I love mix and match. I might wear green dress, with bright shoes, and a red necklace. I give this advice to everyone, go with your guts, and if you are still not sure, then go check out nordstrom, or macys or banana republic’s website, and check out how they style their models.

After publishing my photos from my latest headshots, I got asked by many friends and followers about my clothes, and how I put the whole  look together. Honestly, I really didn’t think this look was going to be so well liked. Thank you thank you thank you to all of you from the bottom of my heart. I really can’t explain how much it means to me. That’s why I’ve decided to publish this blog to share with all of you where I got each item, and how I put it together. And I bought everything on sale/clearance.

I wanted a fashionable professional look. First I was thinking about wearing jeans and boots, and then found out that my jeans were too tight. Since my closet was full of dresses, I decided to go with plan B. Unfortunately, my back dress was a little too tight too. I KNOW, right?? What was I eating? I mean really?? wake up Faria. ding ding ding. Anyway, then I found these pieces and put these together. I wanted a brown belt, but didn’t own one at that time. So I used the black belt (sounds so cool. BLACK BELT !) for a more defined waist line. Ladies, always look for a defined waist line. And I have a soft spot for rings and sparkle, but don’t like to over do it and kill the look. There you go. Voila !

If you have any question or would like to go shopping together (Please ), feel free to ask me. I will NEVER say no to shopping. (Geez, I kind of sound like a teacher, don’t I?)

I’ve been thinking about doing a styled shoot for quite some time. When Julie from Veilsbyjules, met last year, we came up with the idea of doing a styled shoot, and getting a few other vendors involved. The end result…..

Bridal Gown: Brides by Demetrois

Veils: Veilsbyjules

Florist: Mywedflowers

Invitation: Noel’s Paperie

Hair & Makeup: Becky Marshman

Models: Cynthia & Jennifer

Finally, I am all done with my goals, and I am super excited ! I can’t believe I spent almost a month without publishing my goals. I really need my readers’ help to hold me accountable. I am determined to turn 2012 into a huge success for my business AND my personal life.

1. Order a sample album
2. Bring out my personality more on my blog and facebook page. Blog 5 times a week
3. Contact at least one friend each week.
4. Get a manicure and pedicure
5. Attend WPPI
6. Buy at least 2 pairs of shoes to compensate my vertically challenged side
7. Meet my Showit family from across the globe
8. Get a pair of new glasses
9. Buy some great flipflops
10. Pray regularly
11. Send out newsletter/emails once a month
12. Post something on Facebook business page at least 5 times a week
13. Go to a yoga class at least once a month
14. Highlight my hair
15. Visit Universal Studios
16. Exercise at least twice a week
17. Order brochures/welcome packets for clients
18. Donate more to charities
19. Travel to at least 1 new state
20. Buy my new baby 35mm f/1.4
21. Attend a Zumba class at least once a month
22. Buy a macro lens. It’s about time
23. Learn more about OCF (off camera flash)
24. Reach my savings goal
25. Get rid of 70% loan, other than the student loan.
26. Update my headshots with a new look
27. Lose 10 lbs, and keep up with the new weight
28. Change / improve wedding and lifestyle packages
29. Complete a 5k
30. Second shoot at least 5 weddings
31. Blog every day at least 2 months out of the year
32. Get a facial done every trimester which means 4 times a year. Wish me luck on this one!
33. Finish my X files DVD collection. Yes, I am still a sucker for that show.
34. Update my website
35. Read at least 5 books
36. Reach my Facebook business page goal: at least 1000
37. Hike at least once a trimester
38. Write my ideal client profile
39. Send out holiday cards to clients
40. Play around with natural lights more often
41. Do a styled shoot
42. Shoot a wedding in a different state other than CA and AZ
43. Feature at least 5 more businesses or people on my blog
44. Keep up with my cute wardrobe
45. Spend some time with my nephew
46. Attend at least 10 networking meetings such as PUG, Showit, ABC and so on.
47. Take my mom for a nice facial at least twice this year
48. Buy a new and improved laptop
49. Get my work published
50. Travel somewhere with some girlfriends only
51. Improve my workflow
52. Improve my client interaction
53. Send out anniversary cards to past clients
54. Go skiing or snowboarding
55. Offer holiday minisessions
56. Share at least 2 new photos every week on facebook page.
57. Blog on 2012 bloopers on Dec. 31, 2012
58. Share more behind the scene photos on blog and on facebook
59. Visit Disneyland. Haven’t been there in like FOREVER !
60. Improve my time management and procrastinate less
61. Buy another external hard drive
62. Learn more about different hairstyle. I really need help with this. Any help is appreciated
63. Have a memorable Dec. 31. Last few years were spent going to bed on time.
64. Write down all my business plans
65. Connect with at least 1 vendor/business via email each week
66. Become the next Jasmine Star
67. Get married

Alright. I know you are laughing about the last 2 goals. I threw these in there to check if you were still reading or not. If you read it all, then please hold me accountable and wish me goodluck !

Here’s a before picture. After will be up after I fulfill my goal #7

What is branding exactly in business? There are so many information out there that it can get very overwhelming. I am so glad I found Julie through our wonderful showiteers group, AND I picked Julie Story to create my new logo, and learned so much about branding, and earned a lifetime of friendship (I hope). It’s my honor to be able to feature her on my blog. She’s a wonderful mother of 2 beautiful kids, a photographer, a graphic designer, a branding and marketing specialist, a website designer and overall a wonderful human being. If you can’t afford to hire Julie Story, then definitely check out her beautiful style groups that can be purchased.

Describe yourself in 3 words.

Playful

Loving

Huggable?

 How long have you been doing photography? Graphic designing/logo? Website designs?

I have been a photographer for 8 years and a visual media specialist for 6. I originally worked in branding and marketing for small businesses prior to specializing in branding for photographers.

What inspired you to become a photographer and a designer?

I became a photographer because I loved the idea of taking an emotion, an invisible concept, and portraying it visually. I loved the idea of making an image and having someone have an emotional response to the image.

 I became a designer because I wanted to be able to be home with my kids and work, but over time it became so much more. Now, working with other photographers I am able to help them reach their dreams an change their lives by giving them a media identify, and a unique was to connect to their clients

How would you describe your style?

My photographic style is cinematic. It is filled with story telling elements. From the emotion to the details, capturing the flow of the wedding day the way a movie would unfold, giving the viewer context to the environment and the emotion.

 My design style in general is it more contemporary, modern and chic. I love bold statements and strong lines.

What is your goal in each field?

My goal as a wedding photographer is to capture the way a groom loves on his bride. This is the one thing that drives my creativity and at the same time warms my heart. Each couple is so unique, and watching the groom sweetly romance his bride, make her light up, feel stunning, and gives her permission to be empowered by his love for her.

 My design goal is to visually communicate to specific cliental by portraying who the photographer is, and what makes that photographer unique! I love helping people reach their dreams. THis inspires me and design is an amazing outlet to do that in.

If you had to pick one which one would you pick, photography or website design?

What a hard question! In photography, I am honored to capture the way a man love a woman and what that love makes her feel like. And in design, I get to help photographers reach their dreams. Both of these things fuel my soul and creative energy

Is there any photographer and/or graphic designer whose work you follow?

I have been in love with Jasmine Star since I found her. Girl crush ::guilty::

She has influenced me so much, giving me permission to be myself, and use that to connect to my brides.

In design, I certainly follow Promise Tangeman & Melissa Love. What I love about those girls is between the 3 of us we each bring unique style, so it encourages me to try new things, and push myself.

 What’s in your camera bag?

Canon 40D

Canon 50mm 1.4

Tamron 28-75mm 2.8

I asked Santa for a 5D Mark ii and a 50mm 1.2. He said yes.

Finish the following sentences….

Growing up I wanted to be … A mommy! I am so blessed to be a mother

If I could change something in my life, I would… Love people endlessly, completely, and never allow fear to stop me from doing so.

I want to photograph … Raw real emotion, between a man and the woman he loves.

My favorite quote… Everything is possible for him who believes Mark 9:23

When I am not shooting, I like to… Read, write, dance, skip

3 things I can’t live without….

God

My Kids

Cupcakes

Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

More in Love with God

Which country do you want to visit the most?

New Zealand

If you had the option to move anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Denver or California

What advice would you give to other new photographers?

Get connect in a safe photography community (I recommend Showit . Educate yourself. Learn how to connect to people, and make it a goal to help other’s succeed!

Website: http://www.julie-story.com/

facebook: http://www.facebook.com/juliestorypage

twitter: http://twitter.com/julie_story

I am really happy to say that recently she wrote a blog post on branding for Gray Photography. Check it out. http://www.grayphotograph.com/blog/tuesday-tips-tricks-guest-blogger-julie-story/14476/

I am a little behind I  know. Ended 2011 and started 2012 by getting sick, but I am still happy. 2011 was a wonderful year with full of major decisions, and positive influences. I’ve received a lot of support from you, from my family and friends, and from some wonderful well known photographers; nevertheless, my journey is only getting more and more challenging now. I want a lot more from 2012. Stay tuned for a new blog coming up next week on 2012 goals and plans and expectations.

I wanted to do a top ten favorite blog with 2011 photos, and it was really difficult. Everyone must like their own creations although there’s always a lot of room to grow. I picked the photos based on the challenges, and what I’ve learned. Please leave your feedback.

This is one of my earliest photos of 2011 taken at the Desert Botanical Garden. I love vintage pictures although vintage was never my style. I tried to add a little bit of vintage touch to it while still keeping the modern touch. Another reason I picked this photos was because this was not a flower garden. It was freezing cold, and everything is dry. These flowers were on the side of the curb, and I tried to make it look as beautiful as possible.

Used Nikon D300

50mm f/1.4G 

f/1.4 and 1/1000 sec

I love vibrant photos with a lot of contrasts. After this senior shoot, I practiced using photoshop to give a high contrast look without overdoing it. If I take this same shot now, I would love to make a lot of changes to improve it 10 times; however, at the beginning on my photography career, I learned a lot from all these experiments.

Nikon D300

50mm f/1.4G

ISO 400, f/2.8 and 1/6400 sec

I won’t be modest now. I was amazed at how dramatic a photo can be only using available natural light. The back of the cake had the kitchen cabinet, and it was set directly underneath the chandelier. One side of the cake had the beautiful window with plenty of natural light.

Nikon D300

50mm f/1.4G

ISO-800, f/1.4 and 1/800 sec

I discovered that I had this picture the entire about 2 months ago. This was also taken using available natural light without any flash.

Nikon D300

50mm f/1.4G

ISO 2000, f/1.4 and 1/250 sec

Nikon D300

50mm f/1.4G and 35mm f/1.4G

Left Hand Side   ISO 200, f/2.8 and 1/250 sec     and   Right Hand Side ISO 200, f/2.8 and 1/800 sec

The sun was very bright in the back.

D300

50mm f/1.4G

ISO 200, f/2.8 and 1/400 sec

My goal was to capture the circular sun ray while keeping the photo and the subjects well exposed to show the emotion.

D300

50mm f/1.4

ISO 200, f/2.8 and 1/320 sec

D300

50mm f/1.4

ISO 100, f/1.6 and 1/8000 sec

There’s nothing more fun than capturing the true emotion.

D300

50mm f/1.4G

ISO 400, f/1.4 and 1/3200 sec

The room was filled with candle light, and I loved using the available light to create drama.

D300

50mm f/1.4G

ISO 1000, f/1.4 and 1/2500 sec

I noticed that my favorite photos from 2011 were all natural light photographs which proved that I really enjoy shooting in natural light or available light. If you’d like me to write a blog post on explaining step by step how to get well exposed photographs using available light only, feel free to write your feedback.