Inspiration

Who out there struggles with self-doubt? Now add the burden of attempting to run your own business to a psyche already riddled with that self-doubt and you could very easily have a recipe for disaster.

While there is no easy solution for that, one of the awesome things I learned during the

Bride Attraction Bootcamp that I attended via phone in December was the need to

surround myself with positive reinforcement.

So, at the risk of seeming egotistical, I created my "I" poster to keep above my desk to

1. 1. Remind me of the awesomeness in my life, and
2. 2. Give myself a boost at how awesome I really am/can be.

Now when I am feeling lackluster and uninspired I look directly above my computer monitor and take a few moments to read this:

Another amazing quote that Natalie Bradley of Bride Attraction recommended that we keep in mind is this:

Our Deepest Fear

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, handsome, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us. It is not just in some; it is in everyone. And, as we let our own light shine, we consciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

by Marianne Williamson

Yep, this is going above my desk as well.

Sometimes we all need reminders like this to help us get through those times when all we want to do is wallow in self-pity and mourn about how much we feel that we suck. Instead, take that time and remember why you DON'T suck. Kinda like counting your blessings. Plaster it on your wall, or your desktop of your computer, wherever you need to to give yourself a little wake-up call every once in a while.

Hope you all have a great day!

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Rachel Allen - Senior Photos - Indian Springs State Park

I'm trying to catch up on sessions that really should not be missed. I did this amazing senior session this summer with a lovely girl who was so sweet and willing to try anything I suggested.

I headed to Indian Springs State Park where we had arranged to meet a little bit early to check out the area for possible locations and was very excited by the plethora.

I loved all of the stonework in the pavilion as well as the light coming through.

I absolutely love this stone wall covered in moss. Reminds me of the stone walls I saw when I got the opportunity to visit Scotland when I was seventeen.

Definitely one of my favorites.

The two of us picking our way across the rocks with our flip flops was very interesting to behold, I am sure.

Doesn't she have some of the most amazing blue eyes?

Another one of my favorites. It's so nice when you have clients that are willing to lay down on the ground for you. ;)

I asked mom if she wanted to join in for a picture with her gorgeous daughter. She was a bit reluctant but you wouldn't know it from her amazing smile.

I also enjoyed making her this awesome personalized website just for her.

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Red Nail Polish and Being an Adult

My dad would never let me wear red fingernail polish as a kid. He always said that it was too adult of a color for a little girl. Sometime in the last few months, I purchased a bottle of red nail polish and as I painted my nails red for the first time in forever, his words rang in my head, I somehow felt like an adult and wasn't sure how I felt about that.

From about February until now, there have been alternating periods of extreme busyness. . .or the opposite thereof. In the course of those months, I have been privileged to attend a HUGE photography conference that happens once a year in Vegas given by WPPI. Immediately following that I attended a photo/business/life workshop hosted by Dane Sanders. I have also gotten to enjoy several online informational seminars. {{deeeeeep breath}} PLUS I am attempting to read Dave Ramsey's "Total Money Makeover" as well as keep up my personal Bible study so that, above all else, I maintain a strong relationship with Jehovah including attending the wonderful three-day convention in Duluth designed to strengthen and encourage. Needless to say, I have been having a hard time assimilating this plethora of information in my life and into the thinkings of my mind.

And they call all of this being an adult. . . {{SIGH}}

That is looking on the downside of things though. Sprinkled in these months have been photo sessions with beautiful loving people getting ready to bring new life into the world, or just celebrating life just how it is. I know I sound like a million other photographers out there by saying this but I truly do love what I do professionally. In today's economy, many would say that what I offer is a luxury. I agree. It is a luxury I don't think many should do without. As my husband and I fill in the Dave Ramsey budget sheet, I am planning on adding a savings column for pictures to be taken of myself and my family (preferably before I have to get braces, but that's a whole other story) so that I can have some of the beautiful images that I take of others all the time. My walls are lonely.

I'll leave you with the cutest little video of Liam I came across while going through my hard drive tonight. It seems fitting as the epitome of what sweetness and innocence are and also the joy that being an adult can actually bring.

Untitled from Abra Morris on Vimeo.

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Chowaniec Maternity :: Fairhope Alabama Part Deux

So here we are with part two of one of the most amazing maternity sessions. This girl was so much fun because she was open to so many things and had me be a part of the whole process down to having me help her go through her closet for the perfect clothes and shoe combinations and so forth.

One of the places she wanted to go was the beach. Who was I to complain? She was such a trooper because even though it was quite nice weather everywhere else the beach reminded us that it was still February and quite a chilly February at that.

As much as I love these pictures, I will never be able to look back on them without remembering that day as the first time I ever stepped on a cactus as I was exploring which was the best place to shoot from.

!!!!!

Granted, it was a mini one, but it still hurt quite a bit.

Wasn't it a gorgeous blue sky day?

This was one of those days when the wind was definitely my friend.

The sun and the colors took my breath away.

Favorite! Love the tree and the character it lends these images.

GORGEOUS!!! I am becoming more and more convinced in the whole theory of a maternal glow.

This sweater wasn't originally meant to play such an integral part of her wardrobe but, as stated previously, it was windy and cold on the beach.

I have to say I was quite proud of her hair. Once we got to the parking lot of the pier, I realized that her long hair and the wind weren't going to play nice together so I took my bobby pins and went to work and came up with this. I like the effect it gives. We would have had a nightmare on our hands if her long hair had been loose.

These two are definitely my absolute favorites from the beach portion. I love the rich color of the scarf and the gorgeous sunlight.

As we were walking back to the car, I shot some of the scenery I was able to work in. Yes, this was definitely one of the days I L-O-V-E my job.

I really hope that you guys don't get tired of this gorgeous girl before I am done posting about her. We went to one more location this day and the next day her husband joined us for some fun images of the two of them.

Sooooooo, that means we have at least two more posts starring the Chowaniec family. I just can't wait until I get to go back to Alabama to take pictures of the gorgeous Max now that he has made his appearance.

contact me or view my online portfolio. . .

The Maternity of Sarah Corcoran :: Covington GA Maternity Photography

I am so glad that I have fallen in love with maternity photography. It is such a fulfilling part of my job. Pregnant women just radiate joy and beauty. . .as do their husbands in this case, or at least the joy part. ;)

They had the baby's room decorated in the cutest owls.

I love how this blanket was such an excellent prop in the foreground.

Isn't she absolutely stunning?

I love the feeling of comfort I get from this shot.

I love when my clients' come up with lovely ideas for us to try out.

We ventured outside for some of my favorite shots.

Another favorite.

This one definitely is. Just look at her eyes. Sheesh. She's gorgeous.

One of her friend's started the idea of showing off their team spirit. It's become quite the wonderful trend.

Wowzers! Seriously gorgeous.

contact me or view my online portfolio. . .