||Endeavoring To Find My Norm||

It's been a very productive week so far. I've had introductions to all my classes at SFAI but one, gone to overwhelmingly huge art stores, went on runs, got a tattoo, eaten some scrumptious food and managed to get a little more familiar with my new home.

Last week I was torn between staying in Painting 1 and switching into wood-shop, but after today's class I could not be happier with sticking to my first pick. Although all we've done so far is paint a picture of a box, it was fun and having my own easel and painting materials somehow made it more enjoyable. I'm also the type of artist that gets paint ALL over their hands and in high school all we had was regular soap which was no help and left stains for at least a day. Here they have soap with tiny ball like texture that actually removes paint stains. What?! Yes, people it exists!

This week I've also realized how blessed I am to have the roommate that I do. Marina Claunch is her name and we are polar opposites. Our mentalities on life could not be more different but I'm so thankful for the way we get along. We're able to communicate when we feel bothered by one another, make each other laugh by giving a look or doing something dumb, and the level of respect we have for one another blows my mind. I feel like I've known this girl my whole life, it's hard to believe we only met over a year ago.

The weather here has been exceptional, a little cool in the mornings but nice and warm in the afternoons. Although I'm enjoying the temperature I am indeed looking forward to some good ol', scarf and sweater wearing weather.

Happy Hump Day!

-DG

||Do It Daily||

"Because God is unique as an all-glorious, totally self-sufficient Being, he must be for himself if he is to be for us. The rules of humility that belong to a creature cannot apply in the same way to its Creator." - John Piper

I've never thought of it that way but I'm glad someone did because it's given me a better understanding of who God is.

I highly recommend John Piper's daily devotional, Solid Joys. Not only has it expanded my knowledge of God but it's humbling and a good way to start every morning.

Happy Saturday!

-DG

||More Than A Thousand Words||

The bluffs have been good to me over the years. Rich in their beauty through all seasons, I've definitely had some of my favorite and most memorable shoots in those fields.

Though I've enjoyed years of getting familiar with almost every inch of them, I'm more than excited to find secret treasures here in San Francisco. From interesting walls as fashionable backgrounds for more exotic shoots, to parks with green grass and tall trees for the simple ones, I can't wait to find them all!

I truly believe the reason why I love photography so much is because watching people and beautiful scenery collide in a creative way and being able to capture that forever satisfies my eyes.

I don't feel pressure to be the best photographer in the world but I would like to know that my images mean something to people and that families, individuals or couples can look back on a photo I took of them and remember those moments.

So here's to photos that mean something, no "bored selfies" or random snapchats, but moments that were intentionally taken for good and hard days. And with a little help, to remember that there's hope.

-DG

||Baby Steps||

Monday was my first full day in SF, no parents, no moving in, just being here. And for some reason that morning my fingers just started typing on my DG facebook page, letting all friends and family know that I'm now living here and am available as a photographer. That same day with in a couple of hours I got a text from one of my really close friends Sierra (who lives in the city) asking if I wanted to take pictures of the little boy she babysits! I was free, she was free and so that same day we just decided to go for it, meet at the Golden Gate Park and shoot.

Little Thaddeus Stephens was the perfect baby model, I couldn't have asked for a cuter client. I was already blessed by the fact that I got my first paying gig, on my very first day here but also getting to catch up with my long time friend was a sweet added bonus.

I'm looking forward to many more shoots here in the city and even at the Golden Gate Park, look at this place isn't it beautiful? 


-DG

||Oops, I Did It Again||

Michael Rans. The first time we met was also the first time we had to sing together, how's that for intimidating? Natalie, one of my very close friends asked me not only to be one of her bridesmaids in her wedding but also if I could sing with Michael (her brother in law) for her and her husband, David's first dance. After agreeing to sing with a stranger we decided it was in everyone's best interest if we practiced a few times before the wedding.

So two friends and I (who also happened to be Natalie's bridesmaids) took a trip up to San Luis Obispo to check out Nat's future home and meet the brother in law. All I can remember is after eating some really good steak sandwiches together it was evident this friendship was meant to be.

That day we ate, sang, did a few acrobatics to pass the time and much more. I remember leaving SLO satisfied and excited for the future practices, as well as just being around new company. It's always fun making new friends, though the old, loyal ones are indeed special there tends to be an excitement about unfamiliarity.

The wedding was absolutely beautiful and it was such a pleasure watching Natalie and David dance as Michael and I sang for them.

Michael is heading out for other adventures now, he'll be driving all across the country exploring and playing music for strangers here and there along the way. And yesterday we thought, why not take a few photos of a man and his truck. Not to mention the mini house he built in the back. How legit is his set up?

I'm excited to see where life takes this guy. I know his friendship has blessed me and will continue to bless others. And um, Natalie and I decided that modeling is his new side job.

-Deb

PS. This was my OFFICIAL last shoot in Carp.

||Oops||

Well, I lied. I had a last minute booking, on Thursday and I just couldn't resist.

Here's a little peak at seven of the beautiful girls graduating from Carpinteria High School next spring!

Aren't the patterns and colors just lovely?

-Deb

||A Good One||

Earlier in one of my posts, I mentioned that lots of lasts were coming up now that I'm leaving. On Monday I had my last photo-shoot in Carp. I must say though it was a good one. Simple, easy, fun and beautiful. Juan and Maria Martinez were a referral and I'm glad I was referred to them because their company was very natural and easy going and that is all a photographer could ever ask for.

With their first child on the way this couple is excited for a change after five years of marriage. Just talking and getting to know them I am confident Juan and Maria will be loving and caring parents. I don't know how many times this couple has had thier photos taken but being infront of the camera seemed to come very easy to them, which made my job simple.

I'm not going to say all photo-shoots are easy because their not, things can go wrong, kids can cry and mishaps can occer. But when they are easy it just makes for a good end to my day. So thank you, Juan and Maria for making my last shoot in Carp a good one. It reminds me why I love what I do so much.

-Deb