What is a big "shift" in my career?.. Back to basics..

So.. a little back story to that first..
I had been taking portraits since I've started my photography business. It was always fun. I have also some decent knowledge of make up, so I could even do a make up for my clients (convenient but not very practical, because it's too much to do in one photo session).


But I always enjoyed working with people - one on one. And I was also interested in weddings, so I started shooting weddings too. I would say, it was never my passion. I love doing weddings and capture such a special day in people's life. The biggest part I love about wedding was usually the continuity working with the same people. First their engagement pictures, after that wedding, pregnancy pictures next, family pictures, some anniversaries.. The list goes on. I definitely enjoy the portraits the most, because it's time, when I can be creative, open up and let my clients to open too and hear their story, so I can capture it.

Since my son was born, I'm going through a huge transformation and transition and lately, I'm realizing, that I don't wanna be away from my family for so many hours and afterward spend so much time on my computer with the postproduction.

After Eli's first birthday celebration, Nick and I decided to do a special detox/cleanse by Dr. Robert Morse. He is amazing, if you wanna check him out, he has a channel on youtube and he is helping anyone who is willing to listen and do something about their health. I'm super passionate about it too.
I have to tell you, part of this shift/turn in my career is because of this detox. It's only raw vegan food diet. Without seeds and nuts. Only fruits, veggies and juices. We've been doing it for about 3 weeks and I felt amazing. The clarity of my mind is incredible and I'm really enjoying it so much. Also all the inspiration that is freely coming and I feel super motivated. Hands down, best detox that I've ever done. I can recommend it to anyone!

Ever since we moved into our own place in Normal Heights, San Diego, I'm feeling more and more on a right path in my life. I'm a healer. I love helping people to heal and see the beauty within. I always wanted to combine my life purpose - healing and helping with my photography business. And now I know how. I'm in love with glamour portraits.

I love working with women. I love empowering women and I love connecting with people. And I can do that through photography. It's such a wonderful gift to share my skills and healing with anyone, who would like to give themselves the chance to open their heart and see the beauty within through my eyes and heart.
I also realized, why I loved taking pictures of weddings so much (and I still do, but I'm not as passionate about it as I am about the fine art portraiture)... Because the bride is so nicely dressed up, with beautiful hair and make up, in a spectacular dress and she feels and looks like a princess. And that's what I want to capture - the happiness in the woman's eyes, when she feels special and beautiful. It's such an important reminder in every day life.

I believe, that we don't have to wait for a wedding day (not everybody wants to get married anyways) to look and feel like Goddesses. My team and I can help you capture your beauty any day on our mutually open schedule.

I also believe, that everyone needs and most of the time wants a good portrait of themselves. And I can do that for you.

The question is simple, how would you like to be photographed?

Have a wonderful day and stay tuned for more to come.

Warmly,

Barbora

Too tired to be a good mom...

Welcome back to my blog. I would like to share something that I've experienced yesterday. It might help ...or maybe you can just stop beating yourself up about feeling guilty, that you are not a good person or mom and you are failing.. Ready for this? Ok.

My son has been teething lately. It's been few days already. When it was the first day and second, I'm still calm and can take care of his needs and mine. Sleep deprivation is still manageable. Third day is getting worse and the 4th day, you are loosing your mind already. Like I have.. What to do? Well..

He wants my camera here..

I was trying to breath through it, I was trying to just give myself some space. But the more I was trying to get away from him and give myself some space, the more he was following me like a shadow and wouldn't let me even breath on my own. I was truly loosing it.
He wouldn't even fall asleep, until the third time I tried to put him down. Glued to my boob, that is becoming pretty sore from him sucking too hard, because he is teething.
The whole time of his sleep, he was glued to me, wouldn't let me go. I really needed some time for myself. Just to meditate. Even 5minutes would be great.

He finally lets go an hour and 15minutes after being glued to my boob. I sneak out of the room, hoping that I will finally have some time to decompress and meditate. When I come out of the bedroom, the kitchen is mess, the living room is a mess. So before sitting down for a short meditation, I have to clean up a little bit. I cannot relax in such a mess. I'm cleaning. The kitchen is pretty good in few minutes, so I start picking up some toys in the living room. Almost done, feeling like I can finally sit down and meditate. And in that moment, I hear his "slapping" hands against the floor, crawling out of the bedroom towards me. In that moment, I felt like in a horror scene, when you are totally exhausted, trying to get away from the monster and when you feel like you are safe and got away, the monster just creeps out behind your back and got you. I lost it. I felt like I will start crying..

I thought that he is hungry, which he was, so I put him in his seat and gave him food and started cleaning dishes. He wasn't happy and started being fussy about eating as well and wanted me to hold him. I couldn't. I lost it. Put him down and just left him there on the floor.

I closed myself in a bedroom and he was crying hysterically behind the closed door. I couldn't let him cry like that.. But as soon as I opened the door, he would hang on me... But when you are loosing it, the last think you wanna do is to hug them. You feel like it's their fault that you aren't feeling good and you want to get away from them.
I feel like it's a great metaphor with our emotions in general. The more we are trying to get away from them, the more they are "hunting" us.
I realized, that the only thing he wants is to be held. I picked him up and held him. Sat on the couch, holding him in my arms and felt tears coming down my cheek. He was holding me back. So happy, looked at me and holding me back. I felt peace finally. Looked at our picture in the kitchen that says BREATHE, IT'LL BE OK and also JOYFULLY TOGETHER. I realized, when I stop trying to get away from the big "monster" in my head, it disappeared.

I'm very grateful for this experience. I apologized to my son and myself and since that moment, our day has been peaceful and good. I'm so grateful for my hubby and his support and love.

What drives you crazy? Are you also loosing your mind sometimes? Let me know in the comments. And have yourself a wonderful day!

Warmly,

Barbora

How to shoot details at home plus behind the scene photos

I've decided to inspire myself and shoot more during the month. I was at a point, when I would only take pictures on my phone and would pick my camera for only for paid work.

I had to take a step back after reading some tips and tricks from other photographer and business and realized, that I have to keep inspire and challenge myself, so I can be better and better at what I do. Not only take nice pictures, but to get out of my comfort zone and get better at arranging and preparing the "set", so I can take not just presentable picture, but a picture, that I could potentially and happily share maybe with my clients or at some Photo Stock.

I'm stay at home mom now, so I do my photography job only part time. So my son assist me to everything I do. He wasn't very happy, that I didn't wanna share my camera with him, but you know.. I have to set my boundaries and say NO to him (I try not to say no as much, so the only word that he would know would be no, but at the same time, I won't let him do whatever he wants. I'm trying to practice healthy balance of the attachment parenting).

What inspires you? What keeps you going and challenging yourself? I wanna know. Leave a comment.

Have a wonderful day and I'll post another Wednesday again! Stay tuned.

Warmly,

Barbora

Wedding of Jen and Rosa at the Martin Johnson house, La Jolla shore

Jen and Rosa known each other for years. And as soon as it was possible, they planned their wedding in San Diego, where they both used to lived and spend their first years of their relationship.
A friend of theirs that I worked for before recommended me and since they live on the East Coast, we Faced time each other for our consultation meeting.
What a fun, new age connection we are able to make.
We instantly felt like friends and the whole conversation about the wedding went in the spirit of giggles, laughter and some tears of joy.

Rosa's family traveled for the wedding all the way from Puerto Rico. What a treat.
She also used to study right there in the La Jolla at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego and as a science student, she got a very sweet deal on the venue place. Jen on the other side is a very thoughtful and open minded teacher, who is trying to make a difference in the world by spreading her love, knowledge and kindness among her students.

We did some pictures before their ceremony, that was planned for 5pm, so the reception followed would be sunlit with the perfect sunset light. They said yes to each other in front of all their friends and family on the overview of the Pacific ocean. I felt so blessed to be present to this wedding couple years ago. Time flies and I can't believe, that it has been already 2 years.
Jen and Rosa were sweet enough to invite me to the reception to sit with their guest and have a dinner, even though, I was there for only 3 hours.

wedding ceremony La Jolla shore @The Martin Johnson house.

I would have stayed for longer, to dance and have fun, but I had to leave after 8pm, because I had to go to support another family as a doula, since the mama went into labor while I was photographing Jen and Rosa's wedding.
It was a wonderful party blessed by all the love and support of everyone there.

Happy 2nd Anniversary Jen and Rosa and I wish you more wonderful years together as a wife and wife.

Wonderful bridal party

First dance for the beautiful brides

Colorful sunset, last picture of the spectacular day

 

 

 

Have a wonderful day everyone and stay tuned for more blog posts!

Warmly,

Barbora

What is my favorit animal - CAT

I have a confession to make. I love cats. I always have and always will. I grew up with cats. My mom grew up with a cat, that my grandma had in a flat for over 16years. So naturally, we had cats as well.

 
What I like the most about cats is their independent and very specific personality. I like, that they aren't always happy barking at your leg. Sometimes, they just don't feel like being pet, sometimes, they just don't want you touch them or even see them. They are simply very interesting to me and I really enjoy to get to know them.

I know, that so many people like dogs and those people might not like cats specifically for those reasons that I just listed.. Well, to each their own, right?
 

I cannot stop liking cat just as much you cannot stop liking dogs. I'm afraid of dogs. Kind of. I'm also grossed by dogs licking people's faces. I think its gross. Maybe I'm weird and maybe dog lovers will hate me for saying that, but I do really think it's super nasty, knowing, where the dog was sniffing and licking and getting in all different kinds of dirt and stuff.. 

You can call me crazy and say, that dogs are so sweet and cute and this and that. And you might be right, when it comes to puppies... I know. Puppies are cute, I admit. But they are still kind of clean and clumsy.. I believe that most little babies - animals or humans are cute.

But.. cats are just fun, interesting. They are they own personalities. I guess, that's why people might be either cat lovers or dog lovers. 
My husband is definitely a dog lover and I'm a cat lover. Nonetheless to say, I like animals to live outside. I don't car what kind of animals. They belong outside. 

Don't get me wrong, I don't want any animal to suffer cold or nasty weather, but outside is their natural habitat and so they belong there and are happier there. Just because they wanna be inside your house/flat with you doesn't mean they like it there better. They wanna be where you are. 

But I don't like to clean up all the time and have all the hair and fluff around my place. It's not nice.. 

What animal is your favorite and why?

Have a wonderful day and stay tuned for my weekly posts!

Warmly,

Barbora