Where-oh-where-did-my-spacebar-go?

So-I-set-up-the-laptop-this-morning-thinking-I-could-write-a-quick-little-blog-about-some-sophisticated-topic-like-High-Dynamic-Range-or-some-new-lighting-trick-I-picked-up-while-reading-the-other-night.--When-what-do-I-find-before-me?--Someone-has-broken-my-spacebar!--Must-have-been-the-boy.--His-recent-fascination-for-Nickjr.com-has-freed-up-much-of-my-time-to-do-things-I-need-to-get-done-without-constantly-entertaining-him,-but-the-downside-of-allowing-a-3-year-old-access-to-a-delicate-piece-of-computer-equipment-has-become-painfully-obvious.--So-this-morning-you'll-find-no-intelligent-discussion-of-my-latest-photo-session.--You'll-find-no-witty-commentary-on-my-class.--You'll-only-find-my-fumbled-attempt-at-typing-without-a-spacebar-and-read-about-my-frustration-as-20-plus-years-of-expert-typing-goes-out-the-window-as-my-sad-little-thumb-feebly-hits-that-impotent-spacebar-after-every-word.

I have a new passion for teaching

When I first took on this teaching project, I must admit I was a little nervous. I've never done well in front of groups of people. I tend toward the shy side and have a naturally quiet voice. I took on the Community Education class because I saw the need for it and wanted to mingle with the public and share some of the exciting techniques I've learned in my own photography education. I had no idea I would have so much fun. The other night's class on composition was one of the most fun hours I've spent in a classroom ever -- as student or teacher. My students are so eager to learn and they have a real passion for photography. It's great to be able to share some of my own knowledge and see their eyes light up when they finally get a concept or learn some piece of useful information. I love it when they grab their pencils to jot down something I just said -- which of course forces me to mentally do a double check to make sure I said that right.

What's also surprising to me is the large turnout we had for this class. It seems to have topped out at 19 people -- pretty much to capacity. I must say I was expecting maybe 6 - 8 when I started. I was hoping for at least four. They had to move us to a bigger space than they originally had planned. Our little class is one of their biggest and NBISD is thrilled about that. They're already making plans for next semester -- that means they want me back!

Lisa on Location joins PPA

Christmas13web
Originally uploaded by lisablaschke

I made a couple of big steps this week. Lisa on Location is now a member of the Professional Photographers of America and will shortly be a member of the New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce. I have had some major photographic successes lately and I feel the time is right to join the ranks of the professionals.

I've also started gearing up for Christmas portraits. The time is right to start thinking about those Christmas card photos. I have some ideas that I can't wait to get into print.

My big restaurant project is wrapped up and Schobel's Restaurant in New Braunfels will soon open its doors. The walls of this place will feature a dozen or so of my photographs blown up in super size gallery wraps. I'm anxious to see how they look on the walls.

Life After People

oldtruck2web
Originally uploaded by lisablaschke

I've always been a bit fascinated with the concept of Life After People, even before the new History Channel show. I had the concept to do a series of photos like this to show the demise of human belongings and places. Abandoned buildings overgrown with vines, empty shells of automobiles and weathered and beaten belongings are great photo subjects. This is one of the images that will be appearing on the walls of that restaurant I told you about the other week. My work on this project is winding down and I'm looking forward to the grand opening.

I had a most excellent bridal shoot this past weekend in Fredericksburg that almost didn't happen. Months of dry weather and absolutely no rain had spoiled us for expecting clear skies for outdoor photo shoots but just as we pulled into Fredericksburg, the skies opened up and began a continuous downpour of wet stuff that lasted for more than an hour. The bride was not very happy and almost sent me home without a single shot. But we waited until later in the day and when we made it out to the venue, we found a clear sky and an almost dry ground. I normally share the shots I get from a photo session here the week afterward, but this time the bride asked me to hold off until after wedding. It's bad luck for the groom to see the bride in her dress before the wedding and this is one snoopy groom who may just sneak a peak at my site. You'll find none of that here Mister John! Just wait until the proper time!

Takin' Care of Business

TJ17web
Originally uploaded by lisablaschke

School started last week and the house got really quiet for a change! It was great having some free time to take care of things and get a lot done. I had a couple of major deals that came through last week and I got to work on my lesson plans for the classes I'll start teaching in just two short weeks.

The other day I had a photo session with another of my favorite brides to be. All I can say is WOW! Who knew there were so many great photo opportunities in small town Columbus, Texas. On the surface it seemed like a typical main street, USA. But we managed to turn a boring street corner into a backdrop and produce some fun and memorable images. I loaded a few of my favorites up in my Engagement/Anniversary gallery. Next weekend we'll be tackling Fredericksburg with wedding dress in tow. Check back later for those!

Party Time!

BKparty39web
Originally uploaded by lisablaschke

I went to a super engagement party last weekend and had a blast with one of my favorite brides (probably because she's also my sweet cousin!).

You'll recognize this bride from my engagement gallery. She and her fiance were so great to work with. We just walked around downtown Austin and got really silly and tried a lot of new and different things for that session. I can't wait for this wedding -- beautiful bride, beautiful bridesmaids -- fun people. I'm so lucky to be their photographer. I'll be following them through the whole process, engagement, bridals, preparations, parties, this is what I love.

I'm also doing more work on that restaurant deal I told you about. It's going to be so exciting to walk into this place and see my work all over the walls! I'll let you know more about it -- including the name of the place -- when it's time for their grand opening!

I also just sold a piece to a high profile client so you should be seeing more of my work pasted all over town. It's an exciting time to be a photographer!

Welcome to New Braunfels

viewfrom bridgeweb
Originally uploaded by lisablaschke

I have the chance this weekend to land a big restaurant deal that could get me a lot of exposure and, therefore, a lot of business. I went out yesterday to try to shoot some of the scenes they may be interested in. I like this one taken from the Faust Street bridge near the the old Mission Valley Mill. The sky was a beautiful shade of blue and the clouds looked so puffy that I thought I'd make them the focus. I plan to shoot some more over the course of this weekend.