Top 5...#1

In keeping with my promise to let you know me better....

My Top 5 List of things I like to do (other than photography)

1. Dance. In another life I'd be a dancer. I love music that makes you move. I love going to dance concerts, and oddly my legs kind of twitch when I do, because I just want to get up and dance too. I will often turn on music and just dance with the kids--they love it, and we laugh a lot. One of our favorite CDs to dance to is Jackson 5.

2. Read. I've loved to read as long as I can remember. I love curling up on the couch with a book, or staying up late just to read. The last book I finished was Johnathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke. Apparently there is a website, you can look it over here. It was a delightful book.

3. Watch movies. I used to go to movies all the time, and then I had children, and now I rarely go. We rent movies more often now, but there is nothing like going to the theatre and smelling (and eating) that yummy, greasy popcorn. mmmmm. I love independent films and films that make you think about the world.

4. Date night. We don't get out on date nights nearly as often as we should, but there is something so (maybe even more) magical about date night since having kids...I get to get all dressed up and get away and remember who I am, and pamper our relationship. I love date night, even if it's just going to a park and walking and talking.

5. Eating. I love me some good food. Again, I don't get to go out to eat nearly as often any more, which makes eating out even more special, but I love making good food at home too. My husband even cooks alongside me sometimes, which is so fun to do together. We like trying new recipes. And, some of our favorite places to eat out are: Sundance Tree Room (my TOP pick--I go for the peppered steak), Z Tejas (My fav: the stuffed poblano with pumpkin seeds, chicken and raisins...mmmm, and it's a little spicy too, even better), Curry in a Hurry (yea! They opened a location even closer to home--anything on the menu), Bambara Restaurant (everything is good, but I had salmon last time, yum!), JoyLuck (always good everything), and Pace's (a burger joint).

Updates

FIRST

My phone said: insert smart chip

I said: it's already inserted

it said: insert smart chip

So I decided I needed to bring out the big guns. 'Das right. I called customer service.

Would you believe that scared the phone into actually reading the smart chip? While on HOLD waiting for customer service to pick up?...aahhh, so now you can call me!

SECOND

I used to write. A lot. And I realized that over the years I've tried to become more and more concise and to the point in business. This doesn't leave you a lot of room to get to actually know me. So, for whatever it's worth, I've decided I'm going to share a little more insight into me on this blog. I've been thinking of doing some "Top 5" lists every so often, or quotes, or just how I view things. Hopefully I won't bore you too much:)

THIRD

I love photographing newborns. I think newborns are one of my favorite subjects to shoot. I love how innocent and sweet they are. I love the way they look, smell, and curl up into themselves. I love how flexible their hands and feet and legs are, and how they naturally fall into positions I think would probably just hurt me now;) There is something so inspiring to me when photographing them. And, aren't I lucky? I got to go and help a friend on a newborn shoot yesterday. Here are some of the images I took:

Phone Down

I've had issues with my cell for a while, and I finally FINALLY got a new one (after issues trying to get it a few months ago). I was so excited!!! Well, my luck is out again, because my smart chip seems to have already quit working for me. So, while I get this figured out, please email if you need anything! joannataylorphotography at gmail.com

park days

I love that it is now warm enough to take the kids to the park!!

3 beautiful kids

I had so much fun on Saturday shooting these three beautiful kiddos. I have been getting the itch to get out and shoot again. It was a gorgeous day, but by the time we started their session, the shady areas had really cooled down. But, man, these kids were such troopers...not a single complaint!!

Happy Easter

I don't really have time to be editing on the beautiful Easter day, but when I shot this picture last night, I just KNEW it had to be processed black and white. I loved the wind in her hair and the light in her eyes and her sweet, little face. So, I wanted to share this with you today. I'll be back with more in the next day or so with some of her big brothers too:)

Curiosity

I just love how curious kids are...my little girl always has to pick up rocks when we go outside. So we keep her "special" pile of rocks right outside the back door where she can deposit them before coming in. And I have a session Saturday! Woohoo! The snow is melting and sessions are coming in and I'll have lots more to show you!!

For you photogs....

figured out my problemo:)

I went out with my little girl in the yard to play this afternoon and had to grab my camera...I finally decided to try shooting in RAW...it's very cool:) I'm going to have fun playing around with that!!!

Happy

Have a session coming up this weekend and I'm feeling happy.

Spring Special

.

....drumroll please

Oh my word, there were so many great entries (you all have some cute kids!) I had my son draw these names out of a bucket, so here are the winners!!! Contact me with your child's name and age about getting your free session and 8x10 and we'll discuss all the details.



Ella
Kaiden

Isaac

Spencer

Zach

Marci


Jen

Don't forget to contact me at joannataylorphotography at gmail.com to have your free session!!!!

And for those that didn't win a session, I have a (sigh) consolation prize...email me if interested:)

Last Day to Enter!!

Just wanted to remind you all that today is the last day to enter! I'll be announcing the winners of the free sessions tomorrow!

Killing The Blue

Do you ever hear a song and it just stops you in your tracks? Every time I see the new JCPenney commercial for the American Living line, that is exactly what happens.

Listen to the song here.

Still Looking!!!

Keep those submissions coming! I'm still looking for more children in the 7-10 and 11-18 range!

Free Session TIME...go crazy!!!

In order to get some new images for my new website, I am going to be giving away some FREE sessions!!!! Yep, you heard me right. In addition, you'll get a free 8x10!! I'm looking for some specifics, so listen up!

These will be sessions of individual children, so if you have more than one child in these age categories, submit them separately, please.

I am looking for:
2 children between the ages of 4-6
2 children between the ages of 7-10
2 children between the ages of 11-18
2 couples, currently engaged or married within the last 18 months

Here's what you need to do:
Email me a picture of the child (a snapshot is great!), with their age and first name and last initial. My email is joannataylorphotography@gmail.com

I will close this offer after one week, at which time I will randomly draw names for each of the categories. The winners will be notified on THIS BLOG and will need to contact me to set up the free session.

Sessions will need to be held in Salt Lake or Davis county, so please do not enter if you cannot come to either of these locations. Sessions must be held by June 15 to take advantage of a free session. This contest is open to both old or new clients and holds no monetary value for cancelled sessions or forfeiting free print. These terms are subject to change if needed, by Joanna Taylor Photography and associates.