5.29.2008

Proofing done! Chicago here I come!

This time of year is so busy for me. Wedding after wedding, shoot after shoot. It's never-ending. I love actually going out and photographing and I love coming home and post-processing on my computer, but I really don't like the time it takes me to post-process. Man oh man oh man. So while I have been down one computer and online a ton less, I'm still attached to my other computer as I proof away. I pushed myself incredibly hard this week finishing up 2 weddings. One I proofed over 1,000 photos (yes, that many), and the other, being just a reception, I proofed about 500. I figured I spent about 50 hours thus far this week post-processing. I've learned this week that I am not charging enough for the time I put in to my work. ((sigh)) At least I enjoy it. Now if I could only figure out how to balance that time between home/kids and work. (As I work I always am thinking "how do those other women do it?". I wish they would tell me.)

The good news is that tomorrow morning we're packing the kids in the car and heading to Chicago for a long weekend. Saturday, my beloved Johanna, is assisting me in photographing 6 shoots. All downtown Chicago!! How incredible it that?! I'm very much looking forward to this experience. It's something I have always wanted to do, and now unbelievably I am! The day is suppose to be gorgeously perfect and I think (no, I know) Jo and I are going to have an amazing time.

The rest of the time I am spending it solely with my family. Neil and the kids will be with me. We have no plans. We like to go places without plans and do everything spur-of-the-moment. That's a true vacation, when there is no thought processing involved!, for us. We've talked about the Chicago Children' Museum, Lincoln Park Zoo again, we don't know. But it's Chicago, and where we stay each time we're up there, we're within walking distance to everything. So we have the Windy City right at our fingers :c)

So with that said, I'll see you all Tuesday! We are coming home late Monday. Hope you have a great weekend. Think of me Saturday and send me energized thoughts as I have a feeling come lunch I will be exhausted. I'm shooting till 7:00. Yeah, I'll be tired.This is where I'm shooting. And maybe here where Buckingham Fountain resides. (Katie, yes we would LOVE lunch!! Thank you for the offer -- incredibly thoughtful.)

Here's a peak into the last two weddings. More, as always, can be seen at my other blog or flickr.

..side mirror smooch..
..love reaching out..

..retro love..

..embrace....new family..

p.s. I haven't received my new laptop yet. I'm thinking if I don't, it's actually probably a good thing. It means I won't have a computer to take with me and I can't work on anything photo-wise no matter what. What will I do with my time after the kids go to bed? Talk to hubby? Read a book? Watch Joel on The Soup? Watch the Ferris Wheel turn with it's beautiful lights at Navy Pier from the balcony? All sounds heavenly. ((happy sigh))

And I forgot I had this one. Myself in action doing that photo up there. (Wanting to draw an arrow right now to that picture.) Heather shot it. She's so funny. It's kinda fun, though, to see what I look like. One thing I learned by seeing this picture is that I won't be wearing that dress again. It looks like a Moo Moo. Ha :c)
me in action .. caught by my lovely assistant :)

12 comments:

Michelle said...

Have a great time in Chi-town. I know you will! :)

Alexis Jacobs said...

Have a great trip! You will do awesome! :)

Anonymous said...

Have so much fun : ) I can't wait to see some of the lovely pictures you take while there. Most of all relax and have fun with your family!

Missy!! said...

:) How fun... ohh.. and.. how can a size NOTHING dress look like a moo-moo dress??

Mrs.Naz@BecomingMe said...

Beautiful photos Val. You are so talented!!

Chel said...

Your photos are just beautiful!! Where were you when I was getting married?! Oh, yeah... probably grade school. :)

Jennifer C. Valerie said...

Awesome pictures Val! You really do great work. Enjoy the weekend!
Jenn

Corie said...

Have a fabulous time in Chicago!
We'll be waiting to see your pictures when you get back! :)

Oh, and hopefully I will have some exciting news by the time you return.....

Cate said...

Val, these pictures are gorgeous. You are so, so talented!

Aimée said...

You are just absolutely the most talented photographer in the entire world!!! I love love LOVE the car mirror pic and the one with the rings in the bouquet! You are amazing, Val! Hope you have a wonderful time in Chicago! I am missing my city already...but...I am happy to be home with the ones I love and missed!! :)

Crystal said...

I have some Bloggy Love for you over at Memoirs of a Mommy

Kate said...

OMG!! I want to renew my vows just so you can come and take pictures! I don't even have a favorite...I love them all!

I so want to be like you when I grow up!!!!