Isn’t it funny how when I was in college I couldn’t wait to be done with school? I even picked a major that allowed me to graduate in three years instead of four. But now that I have my own business and I am solely responsible for my success (or lack thereof), I have this (almost obsessive) urge to do anything and everything better and now I can’t STOP learning new things!!

I am constantly working on my web presence, relationships with my clients, workflow enhancements, shooting techniques and everything in between.

I recently went to my very first workshop and it was so. much. FUN!! It was like college, but way more exciting. Not only did I learn lots of new tips and tricks, but I got to know my two favorite photographers on a more personal level (instead of just following their blog). That’s right, I finally got to meet bobbi+mike!! I think I laughed just as much as I learned. They both have amazing strengths that compliment each other and their business, and they are so energetic and so much fun to be around!

What’s strange about this experience is that I didn’t take a single photo while I was in Indianapolis for the workshop!! Apparently I was too busy learning and chatting with my new photographer friends. :-)

But I’m guessing you’re more interested in seeing photos than reading about my excitement to learn… so here’s a photo of me and Lance from Easter (it would be in color but our outfits clashed…so black and white it is! :-))

This weekend I was in on a little secret. Okay, a BIG secret. I was asked to photograph a PROPOSAL!!!

Brent was planning to propose to his girlfriend at Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park and he wanted photos of him, down on one knee, asking Kelcey to MARRY him!!!

I told Brent I would be walking around the lake, and I would be taking photos of the nature and the scenery….

… and how beautiful Sylvan Lake looks…

…and I would be in just the right position when they walked up…

(…and I SO wish I could have recorded Kelcey’s uncontrollable giggles!!!)

…and with a little wave from Brent I came over to photograph the VERY newly engaged couple!!!

As they were driving up, and I was taking photos of the lake, they said “ooh, that would be a pretty place to take some pictures!”

Little did Kelsey know, she was going to get photos of Brent proposing to her!!! :-D

Plus a few extra portraits around the area…

Thanks, Brent for including me in such a special and exciting moment of your relationship!! Congrats again to you and Kelcey!!

It’s that time again!!! :-) Welcome to the April edition of ‘laura loves…’ I am SO excited to share my new favorite things with you!

1. Victoria’s Secret’s Daily Glow Gradual Tan Moisturizer – it’s like summertime in a bottle. It smells good compared to other sunless tanning lotions I’ve used in the past AND it gives me some color while I wait patiently for summer to arrive.

2. Yankee Candle Samplers – I get tired of smelling the same candle all the time, so I like to use these small ones so I can move on to a different scent after a while! I recently purchased the Pineapple Cilantro scent. It smells like Tropical Starburst. Which is good because I like Tropical Starburst, but bad because my mouth waters for Tropical Starburst every time I burn my candle. :-)

3. Despicable Me – yes, I know I’m behind on the bandwagon. My bff Jill made me watch this movie a few weeks ago and I HAD to buy it immediately. It hasn’t left my DVD player since and I find myself saying things like “oh yeah!!!” “pause for effect…” “you’ve got to be pulling on my leg,” and, of course, “it’s so FLUFFY!!” all. the. time.

4. bobbi+mike – are pretty much the most amazing photographers EVER. I have been following their work for over a year now and….

5. I’m going to be at their WORKSHOP in FIVE DAYS!!!! I can’t wait to rub elbows, meet new photographer friends and learn some new tricks!!

6. Photoshelter – speaking of learning new tricks, this winter I have been doing a lot of independent ‘continuing education.’ When I’m not photographing weddings or engagement sessions or newborns, I am working on improving my business. Photoshelter has some great resources in the ‘free reports’ section of their website, so all you photographers out there, check it out!

You know how I know it’s spring?

The mountain bluebirds are back in Custer State Park.

:-)

Sometimes I wonder where I get my quirkiness from. The puns and quick wit are definitely from mom. My ears are from my dad. But why do I care about the number on my car’s odometer?

Grandpa Braun.

On one of Grandpa’s trips to town, his odometer hit a really cool number. I don’t know what it was, but you can believe he pulled over and waited for someone to drive by to show it off. (He must not have had his videocamera with him… he videotaped EVERYTHING!) The first person to drive past was my cousin, so thankfully Grandpa’s silly ways were only known to the family and those who heard the story.

Until now. Because I’m sharing it with the whole wide web. And because I had to somehow segway into my latest odometer excitement:

Mmkay so maybe I’m just as ‘cool’ as my grandpa was, but if you can’t find joy and entertainment in the little things in life, when can you? :-)