In 3...2...1...

I did it. It's finally finished. The moment you have all been waiting for. O.K. the moment I have been waiting for. After 4 long months of planning and preparation my new blog is complete.

Please Click Here:

http://jessicamariephotographs.wordpress.com/

Networking....

It all started with a simple text message. One that read, with an English accent, "I have a brilliant, beyond brilliant idea." O.K. so maybe the message did not say exactly that, I may have quoted that from the "Parent Trap", however, I did have a brilliant idea. An idea that would begin to market my business and my brand. An idea that will hopefully open doors to many future clients.

It was a Friday, I did not have to go to work and I had no homework to do. I did have lots of free time to focus on my photography and building my business and my brand. As I sat in my apartment in front of my laptop I wondered what I was supposed to do next. What am I supposed to do in order to book clients and photo shoots? That's when it hit me. I was going about it all wrong. I needed to be pro-active and market myself, and so I did. With this brilliant epiphany I sent a text message to a friend of mine who is graduating asking if his mother would be interested in any graduation photos. He of course said yes and before i realized it I had just booked my first paying client. A few days later, through various emails to his mother, she had recommended that I get in contact with three other individuals she knew of that would be graduating as well and would also be in need of graduation photos and by the end of the week, after contacting one of these references, I had booked my second paying client.

Tomorrow I have two photo shoots in Park City and I couldn't be more excited. I have started to network, and for a couple hours tomorrow I will get to live my dream. Stay tuned for a posting of the photo shoots next week.

Its my Birthday...

Internet world, I have turned 21!!! Hola!!! I am now old enough to sit at the bars in restaurants and order a Pepsi or water! Which I did, by the way, on Friday. I went to "Iggy's" for dinner with one of my best friends. We sat at the bar because the wait was super long. At first I felt really lame sitting at the bar when we weren't going to order any alcoholic drinks. So to look somewhat cool I decided to branch out and order a Pepsi instead of water. And let me tell you, I felt so cool.

Though my birthday was on Wednesday, the true birthday celebration began on Friday. I took the day off of work and I had no classes and no homework. I began my day by sleeping in till 9:00 a.m. When I woke up I changed into my basketball clothes and then sat around the apartment watching some of my favorite T.V. shows and doing some work on my laptop. Later in the afternoon I played basketball for a couple of hours and I won two games of 21 against my good friend Albert. And no, he didn't let me win cause I am a girl. I truly won!

To top off the birthday extravaganza, I mean seriously this was like the cherry on top, I went to Salt Lake to go to the Jazz game against the Phoenix Suns. It was the first time I had ever gone to a professional basketball game and it was so fun. I absolutely love watching basketball and I love my Phoenix Suns. I was definitely outnumbered in the fan section but I did not shy away from cheering on my boys Steve Nash, Grant Hill, Vince Carter, and Channing Fry. They struggled in the first half, but pulled it out for the win in the second. That's right Jazz fans, we won!!

Dance Like No One Is Watching...

As we waited outside in the cold winter weather I almost could not believe where I was standing, where I was in that moment in time, what I was about to participate in. It was unreal and almost too good to be true. I had been waiting for this day for years and the idea that it finally arrived, the idea that I was about to do something that I had dreamed about doing for years was absolutely mind boggling. I stood in that line waiting for the world to say, "Just kidding Jessica. This really isn't happening." However, despite my doubts and my fears, it did happen and my hopes and desire were fulfilled.

This past Thursday I was a rebel and ditched my classes in order to go to Salt Lake for the day. For on this particular day my favorite show, "So You Think You Can Dance", was holding auditions in the city and I had a ticket to be in audience. It was an early birthday present from a good friend of mine and I was overjoyed to have the experience. I began watching the show when it was in its second season and had always dreamed of being in the audience for the tapings. Now as Season 8 auditions were taking place that dream had finally come true. As I walked into the theater I could not have been happier. For the next five hours I was surrounded by various young men and young women who were chasing after their dreams, I was surrounded by beautiful dancers. It was such an amazing experience and one that I will never forget. I had so much fun and am so grateful for the opportunity I had to be there.

(Sorry for the poor picture quality. This photos were taken with a Nikon CoolPix.)

On Top of the World....

Saturday morning my alarm went off at 6:35 a.m. Half-asleep I reached over to grab my phone and turn the alarm off. As I lay there, trying to find the motivation to pull myself out of bed, I thought of the activities that were about to take place. It had been a long, hard week and Saturday could not have arrived any sooner. I had been anxious for Saturday since the beginning of the week. I knew that it was going to be a great day. A day to refresh, have fun, and not think about school. A day to do what I loved.

At 9:00 a.m. I stepped out of the car, put my boots on, grabbed my board, and with a smile across my face I walked over to lift ready to ride down the runs. For the first time in over a year, I was going snowboarding. With each run the joy I felt increased. All at once everything had escaped my mind and once again I had become one with the mountain. All that mattered in those few hours was me, my board, and the snow. As I sat at the top of the mountain strapping in I felt as if I was on top of the world. As I looked out all I could see for miles into the distance were beautiful mountain ranges. I felt at peace. I felt at home. I was happy. Yesterday was a great day. It was a day of friends, a day of fun, a day of snowboarding, a day to do what I love.

(These photos were taken with a Nikon CoolPix camera):

Find a Way...

..."its always been a long dark road that I've been wandering on. I've never known where it goes but I kept moving on. No I don't want to waste more time following dead end roads, so I'll find a way or make my own."

A good friend of mine gave me this song a few days ago and told me that it reminded him of me. The artist is Jamestown Story and the song is titled "Find a Way." It's an absolutely beautiful song and it perfectly describes the last few years of my life. Since all words seem to escape me tonight, I thought I might let Jamestown Story express my thoughts and feelings. Enjoy! And remember to Love Life, and Be Brave.

"Find a Way"

Summer Lovin.....

Yesterday afternoon I made a trip up to Aspen Grove for a summer staff reunion. It was so good to be back in the mountains that had been my home for four months. It was especially good to see all of the wonderful students and staff that I had the opportunity of working with over the summer.

As we all sat down to eat lunch it was as if nothing had ever changed. It seemed as if the summer had never come to end. We simply picked up where we left off. We sat at the same table, with the same people, and laughed till our sides hurt and our eyes began to water. It was a good feeling. It was the feeling of summer. As I sat at the table with some of my closest friends, memories of the past summer began to flood into my mind. They were memories of friends, love, and laughter. And later, after we had all finished our lunch, I grabbed my camera and took a walk around the camp. With each footstep, a memory would come to mind. It was as if the footprints I was leaving in the snow were the memories of last summer. The footprints of last summer left in my head. A path that would lead to happiness, joy, friendship, love, and laughter.

As I walked around the camp my heart was filled with gratitude. Gratitude for the experiences and the friendships that Aspen Grove had given me. Gratitude for the memories I cherish in my heart. Last summer was special. It is a summer that I will never forget. A summer that holds a special place in my heart.

Snowshoe; home sweet home:

The basketball courts I played on practically everyday:

The swimming pool. The after-work relaxation spot for all us girls:

Day to Day Routines....

-Wake up at 6:00 a.m.

-Get out of bed by 6:30

-Get ready and leave for class at 7:30

-Accounting class: 8:00 am

-Return home by 9:30

-Do homework till 12:30

-Religion class:1:00

-Return home by 2:15

-Do homework till my brain hurts

- Bedtime: 10:00 pm

We all have our day-to-day routines. This one is mine. Well, its my Tuesday and Thursday routines. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday have a completely different routine. Then Saturday and Sunday I get crazy and wing it.

It makes my life a little bit more exciting. I rebel and step over to the dark side of the unknown and the unplanned. Yes that's right, I am a risk taker.

Alright, time to be honest, I'm not really that much of a risk taker. I'm boring and get stuck in my day-to-day routines. I don't take risks, I am not adventurous, and I am certainly not spontaneous. I will admit that I have days where I get so caught up in school or work that I completely forget to just stop and live life. Enjoy the moment that I am in and the life that I am living. Life is more than just school, grades, and work, though these are all important. Life is about family and friends. Its about making your dreams come true. Life is about experiences and the people you share those experiences with. Life is about learning and growing. Its about being loved and loving someone in return.

Its a new year and tomorrow is a new day. Be spontaneous. Take a risk. Tell your story. Live life, love life.

4 school days down 72 more to go.

Day 1....

I did it. I made it through my first day of classes. I have always had strong dislike for the first day of school. I find it to be uncomfortable and nerve wrecking. You are basically walking into the unknown. You have no idea what the professor is going to be like. How the class is going to be graded. And in my case, you have no idea who is taking the class with you. Meeting new people is definitely not my strong point. It is an experience which scares me beyond belief. However, I am proud to say that I have gotten better at it. For example, today I opted not to wear my "Hannah Montana" backpack today because I wanted to meet new people and make new friends, not be made fun of. Sadly, despite by ingenious plan, I didn't talk to a single soul. Now I am thinking that maybe I should have taken my "Hannah Montana" backpack to school. It might have had potential in others starting a conversation with me. Well, no worries. There is always tomorrow and the next day, and the next. And who knows, maybe I will meet my future husband in one of these classes.

Anyways, the first day of classes is always difficult. It comes bearing an unnecessary load of stress because it is the beginning of the 4 long months to come. Four months in which we will experience too much homework, too much studying, too much stress, and far too many sleepless nights. Four months in which we will experience the greatest of joys, the hardest upsets, our greatest achievements or our biggest disappointments and failures. And, for some unexplainable reason, we choose this. I choose this, and I am grateful for the opportunity I have to go to college, to further my education. This semester, despite how difficult it is going to be, is going to be a good one. I am sure of it. One day down, seventy-five more to go.

New Year, New Goals, New Me.....

Another year has come to an end, and a new one has just begun. With the passing of each year, we take a moment to look back on the previous year. We remember the good, the bad, the successes, the failures, the trials, and those experiences that brought us true joy and happiness. For me, as the year comes to a close, I like to look back on my year in order to learn from my mistakes. To give myself the opportunity to learn and grow in the year to come. To become different, to become better and improve.

As I looked back on 2010 and the goals I had set for myself, I was quite satisfied. I had achieved some of my goals and others I neglected. In the winter 2010 semester I improved academically and I spent my summer at Aspen Grove. Meeting new people, making new friends, learning, growing, stepping outside of my comfort zone, making mistakes, and learning from those mistakes. This past summer, I had one of the best summer's ever. However, as some people like to say, all good things must come to an end. Though I did have many wonderful, fun experiences this past year, I also came upon various rough times.

Now, as I have rung in the new year, I am grateful for this opportunity I have to start new, to start fresh. I have been given a clean slate, a chance to start over and improve. With a new perspective I am going to work hard to be different. This year I am going to live my life to its fullest, I am going to embrace life. This year I am going to love life and all that it has to offer. Time waits for no one and this year I am going to work hard to make my dreams become a reality.

College Room-mates....

A couple weeks ago, my sister Courtney called me and asked me if I would do a quick photo shoot of her and her room-mates. I, of course, said yes. Though I have struggled to take beautiful photos in the not so ideal Utah weather and was worried how these photos from the shoot would turn out, I was anxious for the opportunity to spend time with these four girls. Each one is so beautiful and so sweet. They all four have such fun personalities and are definitely entertaining to watch when they are together. In my book, they are the epitome of college room-mates. They live together, they laugh together, they play together. They are each so close and they are their own little family. They started out as four strangers and as time passed by they have grown to be the best of friends.

Theme Songs....

Have you ever had a theme song? For a day, a week, a month, or even a year? You know, that one song you listen to over and over again. Each time singing the words at the top of your lungs. And you can't help but smile every time you hear that one specific song. Don't lie! We have all had a theme song at one time or another. I know I have had many. Sometimes they last for a day. Sometimes for a week. And sometimes for a month. I just can't help myself. I discover this amazing song, fall in love with it, and the next thing you know I want to spend every second of every day with it. I will listen to it while I do homework, while I check my email and various photographers blogs. I will listen to it as I walk to and from school or when I go jogging. Basically, no matter what, my theme song is always running through my mind. O.k. pause......if we're being very honest here, well, then, this week I have had two themes songs. And I can guarantee you that they will be my theme songs for next week as well.

#1. Glee: "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"- Of course one of my theme songs would be a Christmas song. Tis the Season!! This song is absolutely amazing and it warms my heart every time I hear it. The arrangement is beautiful and the girls that sing this song have such beautiful voices it makes me jealous. Listen to this song, I promise you wont regret it.

#2. Auburn: "Perfect Two"- I can't even describe how much I love this song. It is so stinkin' cute and yes, it's a love song. A cute love song that will simply put a smile on your face each time you listen to it. I one day hope to learn how to play this song on the guitar so that I can sing it to a very special boy.

So, now you know mine. What's yours?

What comes next?

Someone once told me that our intended plans hardly ever workout. This past couple of weeks, I found this to be true as all of my plans came crashing to the ground. Everything. One moment I knew what I was doing, I knew what I wanted, and I knew where I was going. Then as soon as I turned around, it all disappeared. Its the worst feeling ever. Not knowing what I am doing or what I want. Not knowing what comes next. What comes next? Where do I go from here? Though I am still unsure, though I am still confused, though I am still lost and feel completely hopeless, I know that there is a plan for me. I know that whatever happens next will be the right thing. Though I walk blindly into the darkness, into the unknown, I walk with faith and hope. So, what comes next? For me, my dream, my love, my passion, my photography. Though I do not know what tomorrow holds or where I will be in the next few months, I know what I ultimately want. I know what my dream is and I am going to do anything and everything to make that dream a reality. What comes next? My photography!

"Yesterday is the past, tomorrow is the future, and today, today is a gift. That's why it's called the present."

24 days and counting....

That's right internet.....24 days. 24 days till what you might ask. 24 days till I get to go home for Thanksgiving break. For those of you who don't know, I am currently residing in Provo, Utah as I attend Brigham Young University and in 24 days I will be home in Arizona. If you couldn't tell I am super excited. It has been 6 months since my last visit home and if you ask me, that's far too long. It's actually the longest I have ever been away from home. So yes, I am super excited and I hope and pray that these next 24 days will be somewhat speedy.

For now, to pass the time, I have kept myself busy with school, work, and photo shoots. Yesterday, despite inclement weather, I had a photo shoot with my sister Courtney and her good friend Whitney. I was terribly upset that the one day I had scheduled a photo shoot it had decided to down pour. However, though the conditions were not ideal, we did the best we could and I was able to capture a few good shoots. Thanks Court and Whitney for being my models and for making the best of the rain, cold, and cloudy sky's.

Writer's Block....

For the past two hours I have pathetically and hopelessly sat at my desk staring at my computer trying to write a post for today. I have started and deleted four different posts, all of which were completely lame and pathetic. I hate to admit it, but I seem to have an awful case of writer's block and yes, I am going to blame it all on the insanely difficult political paper I am attempting to write for my English class. Let's be honest, that paper is not going so well either. So, in light of this fact I decided that this post will be a "Quote of the Week" post. Happy Sunday!

"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...its about learning to dance in the rain."

New Blog, New Brand, New Me

A couple days ago as I was sitting at my kitchen table contemplating life, in efforts to procrastinate doing my homework, I began to think about my photography and more specifically about my dream to start my own wedding photography business. After some extensive research I came to the conclusion that it was time to start fresh, to start new, to start over. For the past few months I have been restlessly trying to figure out what my next step would be. I continually kept asking myself where do I go from here? Finally a couple days ago I figured it out. I finally decided what my next step had to be in order to bring myself that much closer to making my dream become a reality and it all starts with a new blog, a new brand, a new me. Its time to re-design and re-invite my business. There is much under way and I am so excited to see my thoughts, plans, and ideas come forth.

My research, thoughts, plans, and ideas....oh, and of course a "TO DO" list:

Music...

Plato once said, "Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything."

For my sister Courtney, music is her life, music is everything. It is her love, her passion, her dream. For the past 8 or so years Courtney has gained a deeper understanding, a deeper meaning, and a deeper love for music. She has played her viola in front of numerous audiences and has touched the hearts and lives of many. She has lifted the weary soul, given hope to the hopeless, and as Plato would say, "flight to the imagination." For Courtney, music and her viola are what brings her the greatest of joys. As I have seen her love and passion for music grow, I have also seen her commitment and her determination grow. She has worked tirelessly and has put in numerous hours of practice in order to be where she is today. As a sister I am so proud of her and all that she has accomplished. Congratulations Courtney and may all of your dreams come true!

I had to include this photo. It shows her personality so perfectly!

BYU....Year 3....

The night before the first day of school is always interesting. To some it's like Christmas Eve and to others its a night they pray will never come to end for fear of what the tomorrow may bring. To be honest, for me personally, the night before the first day of school is one that I pray will never come to an end for fear of what tomorrow may bring. This year I began my Junior year of college here at Brigham Young University and it began just like all the other years. I woke up that Monday morning at 6:00 a.m. contemplating the classes that I would attend that day. With each minute I became more and more fearful of the unknown.

With each new semester there are new classes, new professors, new trial, and new challenges. And with each new semester the same fear I always have creeps up inside of me and I begin to second guess myself. I begin to doubt myself, I begin to doubt in my abilities and potential, and my self-confidence lowers dramatically. This semester has been no different. This semester began just like all the other, I feared that I would not be able to succeed in any of my classes. I feared that my classes would be hard, too hard that I would not be able to do well in them academically.

With so much fear, stress, and worry I called my mom for help, strength, support, and comfort. Being the wonderful mother she is, she sweetly reminded me that this same fear, stress, and worry comes every semester, yet every semester, despite how difficult my classes are, I succeed in them. Every semester I work hard and achieve the desired grades that I had hoped for. She then wisely told me, "Never second guess yourself.....No excuses."

This semester will require more dedication, more motivation, and more hard work than any other semester that I have completed. However, I know that if I work hard and do the absolute best that I can do, then I will be able to do well in all of my classes this semester. With hard work and determination, nothing is impossible.

Game #1: BYU vs. Washington

Goodbye Summer....

This post has been difficult for me to write for it has become so dear to my heart. It is difficult for I struggle to find the words in which will perfectly describe and memorialize the events of this past summer. For you see, after four amazing months I have grown, I have changed, and I have had experiences that I wish to never forget. This summer so much has taken place, so much has changed, and I pray that I will never forget any of it.

After four long months of living in the beautiful Utah mountains, my summer has come to an end. It has been a summer full of wonderful memories, wonderful friendships, many wonderful adventures, and lots of laughter. It has been a summer of growth and change. A summer of love. A summer of life. A summer of firsts. A summer of friendships. And a summer that I will never forget. This summer I experienced the greatest of joys and the greatest of sorrows. I lived, I loved, I laughed. I made mistakes and I fell. However, I picked myself up and learned from those mistakes. This summer I realized who I was, who I am, and who I can become. This summer I changed. I become more open, more confident, more independent, and less afraid of what others would think about me. I became loud and I pushed myself out of my comfort zone. This summer I made more friends than I could have ever imagined. This summer I found a best friend. This summer, the summer of 2010, I will cherish in my heart forever. Thank you Aspen Grove for giving me this wonderful opportunity to live, to love, and to laugh. To grow and to change. And most importantly, thank you Aspen Grove for blessing me with such wonderful friends.

First Week of Aspen Grove:

Last Week of Aspen Grove:

Top 10...

As the summer has begun to come to an end and the beginning of a new school year looms ahead, I have taken some time these past couple of days to reflect on all of my summer adventures. The late nights playing games, watching movies, playing basketball, going hiking, going swimming, etc. This summer has been one of the best summer's ever and I never want to forget it. For this reason I have come up with a top 10, the top 10 adventures I had this summer. The top 10 adventures in which I experienced the most joy. The top 10 adventures in which I spent time with the people most important to me. The top 10 adventures in which I laughed the hardest, played the hardest, and truly lived life to its fullest. So here it goes, my Summer's Top 10 (in no particular order):

#1. Participated in the World's Largest Water-Balloon Fight at BYU

#2. Spent a wonderful weekend in Park City with my family.

#3. Went to Salt Lake City's Gateway Mall with Albert

#4. Had the opportunity to meet and shake Elder Holland's hand.

#5. Had a "So You Think You Can Dance" party with my girls.

#6.Broke into the kitchen late at night to make pazookies with Albert.

#7. Floated the Provo River with all of my Aspen Grove friends.

#8. Went to the midnight showing of "Step Up 3D" with two of my best friends.

#9. Became best friends with Jessica.

#10. Watched "The Big Bang Theory" all summer with Albert.

I cannot find the words to explain how incredibly fun this summer has been. I feel so blessed to have had such an amazing summer and am truly grateful. As I have reflected on this summer and all that I have done, I have come to realize that this summer has been so wonderful because of the friendships that I have made and the people that I have been blessed to work/live with. This summer has been a summer to remember and I will forever cherish each friend and each memory.