halloween.

I don't know if there is another time of the year that is more highly anticipated for my kids than the moment that magically chimes the free-for-all-door-to-door-candy-walk-a-thon.  My kids think that half the year passes every one minute that leads up to the first sighting of a trick-or-treater.  This sighting means that we need to be out the door 5 minutes ago...at the very least.

They try to keep themselves busy in the middle of the "can we go now?!!" and the "when are we leaving?!" and "all of the candy is going to be gone!".  You would think that somehow Halloween was going to pass with out them. 

This reading moment of Miriam's lasted all of about 2 minutes before the barage of questions about when would we EVER leave to go trick or treating??? started up again... 

I have a feeling your kids sit quietly on the couch with their hands in their laps patiently waiting for the clock to strike "TIME TO TRICK OR TREAT."  And then they very passively walk to the door and begin their trick or treating.  All the while remaining calm.  Or maybe not.  Maybe they are just like my kids and act like they are caged animals...

putting on their costume the moment they wake up.

are we going trick or treating now?

no.

oh man.  (takes costume off)

puts costume back on a little while later.

are we leaving yet?

no.

geez. (wears costume for a little while and I find it peeled off in the driveway)

costume is magically back on again

WHEN are we GOING trick or TREATING?

not yet.

UGH!

hat from costume is on

will we be leaving soon?

in about 5 hours.

WHAT!?!??!!

and so the day goes.....

.........

..............

.......................

Finally, the costume is back on for the umpteenth time. 

Mom and Dad, we HAVE to leave!!!

Okay.

And before I can say another word...

they all bust out the door, running to the neighbors to be the first to ring the doorbell, with me yelling behind them, make sure to say thank you!!

I think Halloween should always be on a school day...

:)

funny. LIFE.

***All images in this post are copyright Ulrica Wihlborg.***

NEXT WEEK: Melanie Nashan

{To nominate women you'd like to see in this series please list them in the comments-or if you have a question you'd like to see in the interviews--make sure to include your info in the comment fields so that I can get in touch with you- or write to me at: davina at davinafear dot com }

As always make sure to leave comments for the women who are featured. They like comments as much as I do I'm sure...let them know if you have questions or just to say thanks! for their insight and wisdom...

You can check out the rest of the series by clicking here. Tell a friend!

You are very busy and have numerous private as well as commercial clients.  What do you do to keep things normal at home with your family?

I have a great partner in my husband Craig and our household is pretty much 50/50. Also, once I had children I simply gave up a lot of things that used to be important to me in order to have a more serene home life. For example, I try not to answer the phone or spend any time on the computer before 10 am or after 5:30 pm. I try to get all my work as well as personal phone calls and errands done during my "office" hours. Sure there are drawbacks. I miss working out as much as I used to, I miss spending time with my friends and I wish I had a few more moments to myself. But my two boys are young (Gustav is only 8 weeks and Axel will turn 3 in December) and I want to spend as much time with them as possible before they start school. My hope is that as a result, they'll grow up feeling secure and peaceful.

Your work is so beautiful, serene, and natural.  What have you done to ‘come into’ your own style?

I've always been drawn to simplicity, from my taste in design to my life philosophy. My style is simply the way I see the world - as a beautiful place where freeways, skyscrapers and litter have no place. It's a dreamer's world, and I know it's naive, but it makes me feel happy. In order to transfer my vision to photography, I learned by trial and error. I started shooting 35mm film, metering everything. Then I switched to digital photography. Now, I shoot almost exclusively medium-format film using Contax 645 cameras. I shoot manually without metering - I estimate as I go and tend to slightly overexpose my film. It frees me up to focus on the moment I'm trying to capture, and gives my photographs that "happy" luminous feel that I like.

I love the way you’ve edited your images for your website.  You have sweet detail shots that add so much to the story of images.  What is the process you go through in doing such a beautiful edit of your images?

I think details tell so much about a person's life. What they value, how they see beauty...To me a portrait is a combination of the details surrounding a human being as well as the "traditional" portrait of their face. I think we remember so many things about our lives through the little objects we surround ourselves with. Whenever I do a portrait shoot, I ask to photograph details that are important to a person during that time in their lives, be it a favorite pair of shoes or a dress.  My hope is that later on that image will trigger a beautiful memory.

What are the three most important things you do as a businesswoman?

I have to admit I'm a terrible businesswoman and I'm still learning. My husband is the tough one when it comes to business and he tells me daily that I'm too nice! I honestly haven't figured this one out yet. Photography is so personal to me and I always want to make others happy, so I tend to overdo things.

What are the three most important things you do as a mom?

Cuddle, cuddle, cuddle :) Apart from those three things, I also read a lot to them, I always try to meet them with kindness and I do my best to create a home environment that is as calm and happy as possible. Of course I'm not always successful, but I try to do my best!

What does your workflow look like?  What three things do you do to keep it simple so that you’re not overwhelmed and away from your family too much?

Since switching back from digital to film, I'm so much happier. Not only am I happier with my photographs, but I've basically eliminated retouching and my computer time has been cut down by 80%. It's had the biggest impact on my life as a photographer.

You spend a great deal of the year in your home country of Sweden.  How do you make that work with your business here in the states?

I spend about 5 weeks in Sweden every summer and 2 weeks during Christmas time. We just bought a house there and I'm so excited about the prospect of spending even more time there at some point in the future. When I'm in Sweden, I get incredibly inspired. Those weeks are a crucial time for me as a photographer.  I shoot a lot for my portfolio, and my latest exhibit was entirely shot in Sweden. To me, creatively as well as for my business, I need the time there in order to evolve as an artist.  

You shoot mostly film.  Do you use the computer, digital cameras, etc.?  If so what do you do to keep it from overtaking your life?

I basically don't use a digital camera unless I have to due to cost limitations or what not. I scan all my film, so yes, I do spend time on the computer. I also spend time designing albums - I do my own layouts in Photoshop. But I rarely retouch my photos and I deliver prints to my clients, so that cuts down a lot of time.

You have been widely published and recognized.  What tips to recommend for getting published? 

For me, t's basically been pure luck. I have wonderful friends who are often interviewed in the media and have hired me to take their pictures. I also work as a journalist, so at times I shoot my own stories for magazines. I've simply been fortunate. To me, personal relationships have been the key. So as for advice, I'd say try to develop personal relationships with magazine photo editors. Don't be afraid - they're almost always looking for new talent. And in this day and age, getting celebrity clients almost always makes it easy to get published.

What do you recommend women do who are just getting started in the industry?

In the beginning, if you have a day job keep it so you don't have to rely on the income of your photography. It takes the pressure off. Be prepared to do a lot of favors to get ahead. Creating relationships and goodwill is key. I highly recommend working part-time for a photographer who is already established, even though the pay might be very low or non-existent. It will give you an invaluable insight into how successful photographers operate and help you strike out on your own.

To see more of Ulrica's work:

website:  http://www.axelandmoa.com/

***All images in this post are copyright Ulrica Wihlborg.***

*tell a friend*

lauren clark and uno. 

Lauren Clark   is a master at photoshop! 

I've learned all kinds of photoshop basic and advanced skills from her...and plenty of great tricks.  To me, she is a photoshop genius...in fact...I'm trying to figure out CS4 and I'm planning to buy this dvd.

You really can't go wrong with  UNO .  I had quite a few people try to teach me about layers and other photoshop techniques and it wasn't until Lauren explained it to me that it all finally clicked.  She has a no nonsense approach in her teaching style that is straight forward and easy to understand.  I love hearing her teach...I learn something every time.

Lauren is one of my favorite friends and so maybe I'm a little bias.  I've been learning from her for over 2 years now and I still keep picking up new ideas and great tips.  There's seems to be no end to her technical knowlege when it comes to cameras and photoshop.  Really...what are you waiting for?  Head over to the  UNO website  and see for yourself!

she's got skills..."like nunchuku skills, bow hunting skills, computer hacking skills..." (name that movie) Okay...so maybe not those skills but she's got powerful photoshop skills!

www.unobylaurenclark.com

simpler. LIFE. 

*image from thinnerware website*

thinnerware.

So...it's a new month!  We're almost at the end of our  year...

October's winner is Karen.  She won by only three posts...crazy!

Karen also told me about thinnerware.  I thought it would be a perfect giveaway since we've talked the entire year about just a couple of things making a difference in being more healthy and losing weight.

#1-Eat less, smaller portions

#2-Leave something on your plate

#3-Eat small, healthy snacks

#4-Walk at least 20 minutes a day

Thinnerware is a dinner set that helps you to measure your food without an additional measuring cup...it helps you to know what a serving size should be instead of what you think it ought to be.

So our contest this month will be to eat less.  Put less on your plate and then leave a little (if you can make yourself do this).  Get  your mind and your body to stop eating so much when you sit down to dinner or a snack or dessert.  Come to the weekly Move it Monday posts and post every day that you eat less than you normally eat.  Practice this month taking less food than you usually do.  The person that takes less food and eats less food the most days will be the winner.  The winner will get two sets of thinnerware (2 cups, 2 plates, 2 saucers). **this does not mean you eat less everyday of the month to the point where at the end of the month that you are eating only a crumb of food for a meal...it means that you are going to eat less every day this month than you did in the month of October.**

Next month (December) will be a big contest...get ready!

smaller. LIFE.

emma.

Yesterday was wear-your-costume-to-ballet-day.

Emma was a cloud.

Yes.

A cloud.

It was all Emma's idea.  A few weeks ago she got some clothes out of storage.  A gray shirt and some tan pants.  She said, "I look like a cloud!  I'm going to be a cloud for Halloween."

So we made a crown out of cotton balls and white glitter.  We cut clouds out of cardboard and painted them white.  We dumped an entire bottle of white glitter on the fluffy clouds.  We connected them with blue ribbon and put them over Emma's head on her shoulders.

Emma went to ballet.

I love Emma.  She sees the world in an beautiful, fun, thrilling and yet matter of fact way.  She laughs loud and with lots of energy.  She teases.  She's extremely sensitive and nurturing.  She loves to read and is fabulously smart.  She is thoughtful and full of kisses.  She loves a quiet moment and will sit for a very long time enjoying a project.  She'll also be the loudest person in the house.  Emma watches out for the underdog and is a true and dear friend.  She's a dreamer and an artist.  She sings with her whole heart...and loves that way, too.  She thinks of things like being a cloud for Halloween.  Who thinks of that? 

Emma does.

beautiful. LIFE.

Note:  If you are looking for a ballet school in the Charlotte, NC area, we are loving The Belmont School of Ballet...

***All images in this post are copyright Dawn and Bob Davis.***

NEXT WEEK: Ulrica Wihlborg

{To nominate women you'd like to see in this series please list them in the comments-or if you have a question you'd like to see in the interviews--make sure to include your info in the comment fields so that I can get in touch with you- or write to me at: davina at davinafear dot com }

As always make sure to leave comments for the women who are featured. They like comments as much as I do I'm sure...let them know if you have questions or just to say thanks! for their insight and wisdom...

You can check out the rest of the series by clicking here. Tell a friend!

You are very busy.  What do you do to keep things normal at home with your family? 

Normal...?  I laugh at normal.... well sometimes I cry seeing that we're far from it!  Bob and I work from home and we have 2 kids in 5th & 6th grade, who are very active in school and sports.  We are both really involved in our their lives, so we spend as much time with them as we can.  Bob shares much of the responsibility of "life" with me so I'm very blessed to have his help.  I'm not sure what normal is, but we love what we have going on.  It's overwhelming at times, but I wouldn't change a thing!  Well, maybe if I could have a chef on hand, I'd change that...!

Just four years ago you quit your job as an accountant.  What brought you to that point?  How did you do it? 

My boss of 6 years literally threw a book on my desk "The Prayer of Jabez" and told me I needed to read it.  He was younger than me and somewhat cocky.  Needless to say, that book changed my life; two weeks later I gave my noticed and I never looked back.  He didn't know this, but I was at a point in my life where I didn't enjoy my job anymore.  Being married to a photographer who comes home everyday loving what he does, finally made me realize that life is too short to be spending 40+ hours a week doing something that wasn't satisfying.  After that, and I believe a lot has to do with that book, we were hired to photograph a 3 day job for Oprah and design a 100 page fine art book.  On top of that, she ordered 500 of those books to distribute to all her friends and family.  It was a huge leap of faith for me and I am so grateful that Bob encouraged me to quit my job.  I have never been more satisfied with my career.  Not everyday is easy or full of glamourous jobs, but I am grateful for everyday, every moment... even the not so good days.    

You’ve talked with Oprah in her kitchen.  How did that opportunity come about? 

Back when I was an Accountant, and Bob had just left his job at the Chicago Sun-Times newspaper, we were living very modestly.  A friend of ours, George Burns, called who works at Harpo and asked Bob if he would like to help him photograph the episode where Oprah gave her entire audience a Pontiac G6.  Of course Bob jumped at the idea.  Well, he came home that day totally exhilarated. They moved 9 images on the wire and it was really an exciting day for so many people... including Bob.  About a week later, Bob came to me and told me he wanted to do a book with all the photos from the day as a gift to Oprah.  I thought he was crazy.  I mean, why would she want a book from us?  We were living paycheck to paycheck and the book was very expensive to make, and I gave him so much grief as I was the "Accountant".  Well, Bob won the battle.  I designed the book and Oprah cried when she seen it.  Since then we have worked with her on several of her personal events.

You’ve just created a new blogsite.  How did that process help you to solidify even more completely your brand and business? 

We actually don't have a blogsite.  I'm so glad that it looks that way.  We are using the best website software company in the world. David Jay's Showit Sites at www.showitfast.com.  I have never designed my own website before and I had no idea how to do it. When I signed up for Showit I was instantly AMAZED.  It is the easiest program on earth to use and the most brilliant.  I was able to create a brand that I could showcase through my website and blog and everything appears to be seamless.  It's fantastic.  There isn't anything you can't do with Showit.  It changed everything for us.  Once we branded ourselves, chose our colors, built our website, we ordered our letterpress business cards, our marketing materials (thank you Sarah-Q).  We have never looked more professional before using Showit Sites.  Every single time we meet with a client, they gush over our site.  I think it's changed everything about the way we sell ourselves.  We finally feel branded.... really well branded.    

What are your top 3 tips for bringing in the clients that you want and love?

Tip 1:  Keeping in real.  Selling yourself instead of your photograph is thee most important thing you can do for your business.  Building relationships is what it's all about.  

Tip 2:  God gave us 2 ears and 1 mouth for a reason.  When we meet with a potential client, we get to know them, we share stories and laugh and truly enjoy each other before we ever talk about our work.  That is usually the last thing left to do.  By that time, we have fallen in love with each other and it makes the business aspect, which I think is the uncomfortable part, much easier.  

Tip 3:  Knowing when to say "I don't think we are a great fit".  That's okay.  Not everyone is a fit for each other.  If a potential client is asking for things that are outside of your comfort zone, persisting on a discount because another photographer is cheaper, or wanting more product because they can get a bigger package for the same price somewhere else, well, that's when it's time to make a decision.  In our experience, when a client can negotiate you down to where they want you to be, then that is just the beginning.  They will be in control and continue to insist on things.  The sooner you get yourself in a place where you're comfortable with your sales approach, your pricing and packages, the easier it is to say "I don't think we are a right fit".  I always give them a recommendation to other photographers who may be a better fit.

Do you have a retail studio space?  If so, how has having a studio improved your life and business?  If not, why have you chosen to forego the retail studio route?

Bob and I have opted not to have a studio.  The type of events we cover are all on location.  We don't have a need for a studio space. It just isn't practical for us.  Although, sometimes, it would be nice to have some peace and quiet, somewhere I can get some work done after the kids get home from school but truth be told, I love being a mom first.  This job allows me that luxury.  The hard part is when the kids go to bed, I'm sometimes caught back on the computer until late in the night.  I'm not a TV person, so I tend to spend my time on the computer getting work done.

What are the three most important things you do as a business woman?

1.  For me, the most important thing I do as a business woman is keep it real.  Treat people the way I want to be treated.  I am grateful and honest in my personal affairs and I want to make sure my clients can feel that from every ounce of my soul.  I want them to love their experience with us and I want them to feel they made the right decision when they chose us to document their special moments.  They are driven by emotion when it comes to their wedding and I want to be sensitive to their needs. 

2.  We not only photograph events, but we educate as well.  One of the most important things for me is to let people know that we are human, we are accessible and we are not perfect.  We make mistakes and we make great accomplishments and we want to share that with our attendees and those who come to listen to us speak.  There is something so gratifying when you can help people achieve success.  Success in their business and success in their personal lives.  Of all the things we do in our business, I think I love that most!

3.  Never let my husband talk pricing.  He'd give it all away for free, that's how much he loves what he does!

You adopted children about 7 years ago.  What are the three most important things you do as a mom?

Yes, 7.5 years ago, Bob and I adopted our son and daughter, who are biological siblings, from Chisinau, Moldova.  We are so blessed to have 2 incredible children.  So blessed...!  We love every single ounce of their beings.... from the tips of their heads to their little toes!

The 3 most important things I do as a mom... it's really hard to narrow this down because there are so many important things to do as a mom.

1.  I treat my kids as individuals and respect who they are, not what I want them to be.  It's not always easy, because they may not always make choices I would make, but I'm okay with that.  I don't want to judge them or harass them about their decisions.  I want to be a good role model for them so when they grow up.  I also want my daughter to know how a woman should be treated, and my son to know how to treat a woman and how a woman should treat him.       

2.  I laugh and have a ton of fun with my kiddos.  I may get upset with them and I let them know but I always treat them with respect.  I think the most important thing we can teach our children is to respect one another.... it's the golden rule of life "treat people the way you want to be treated".  They are allowed to be upset with each other or at us, their parents, but they have to do it with respect.  We don't disrespect them, they are not allowed to disrespect us.

3.  When they ask for me, I make myself available.  I don't say, later.  They grow up too fast and before we know it, they will be off on their own.  I want to always be there for them when they need me.  And I always greet them the way the greet me.  It's what we've done since they we're toddlers.  So, when they would come running to us when we pick them up from school, we would run to them and twirl them around.  Now that they are older, we greet each other with hugs even at school or on the soccer/baseball field.  They know they are loved and supported and so far so good, they are not embarrassed by that.  Another important thing is that they know that no matter what happens in life, home is safe.   

It seems like you travel quite a bit.  How do you make this easier on your children?

It's getting harder as our kids are getting older and their schedules are more demanding.  I usually fly my mom in from Florida to stay with our kids if we have a big destination job, tradeshow or workshop.  But most of the time, I stay home while Bob travels.  It's more important to me that one of us is with our kids, while the other one travels.  They are very used to the travel and we take them with us as much as we can.

You are involved with the Medical Mission Foundation.  How did you get involved in that opportunity?  Do your children get to go with you?

Medical Missions Foundation is just one of the organizations that we support.  I believe that giving back is one of the most important things we can do with our lives.  Bob and I donate our talent and time as much as possible.  Every year, we try and participate in a mission trip.  Bob will photograph the mission and I will design a book so the organization can use our work to help them bring awareness to their cause.  It's truly incredible how the power of pictures can help with fundraising.  Two years ago, we traveled to Kenya, Africa with 410 Bridge and we brought our children with then.  You know it was a great experience for them when they say "Mom, we are truly spoiled."

"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. -1 Peter 4:10."  

What three products or things help you stay organized?

1.  iPhone... couldn't live without it.

2.  MacPro... couldn't live without that either.

3.  And I'm just getting started with ShootQ.  I can't wait to get going with that.  

So many women complain about all of the time they spend on the computer, missing out on their lives.  What have you done to make editing and other life-eating computer tasks less time consuming?

I've learned that our clients don't know the difference.  And what I mean by that is they don't know if we've spent an hour on a photo or a minute on a photo.  They run on emotions, not on the technical aspects of a photograph.  They see things differently than I do. So, I've learned to outsource a lot of our business.  Mainly to Pictage, Photographer's Edit, and Modern Album Design.  The only time I give that extra special touch to a photograph is when it's going on the website, blog, large canvas or in a fine art book, because I always put my own creative spin on a design, even if I've outsourced it.   But this has freed me up to meet with more clients.  Besides using Showit, outsourcing has been the best business decision we've made.

To see more of Dawn and Bob Davis's work:

***All images in this post are copyright Dawn and Bob Davis.***

Oh baby.

Ever since we went apple and pumpkin picking in hopes of getting to have some apple cider donuts...and being disappointed...I have been craving some of them!

I got online and found this recipe randomly posted by a person on a forum that found it somewhere.  My family and I tested and tasted this recipe for you.  It was a difficult job but some one needed to do it...

These were delicious and even more fun to make.  The dough is totally gooey and the kids could hardly move their fingers as they tried to cut the donuts out.  We made some with powered sugar sprinkled on the top and some tossed in cinnamon and sugar. 

You have to try them...they are the perfect gloomy, rainy, fall morning treat...or right before everyone goes to bed when everyone is in their pjs (that's what we did...pjs all around).  The house smells warm and cozy and there is just nothing like an apple cider donut.

Have fun!

Apple Cider Donuts

2/3 c. packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. ground nutmeg
3/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground allspice
6 Tbsp. butter, melted and cooled
1 c. apple cider
3 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
Oil for deep-fat frying
Confectioners' sugar or cinnamon-sugar, optional


In a mixing bowl, beat the first six ingredients until thick, about 5 minutes. Gradually beat in butter, then cider. Combine flour, baking powder and baking soda. Add to batter; beat just until blended. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour. Divide dough in half. Turn onto a lightly (we found out that this was more like super heavily...not lightly at all) floured surface; pat to 1/2" thickness. Cut with a floured 2 1/2" doughnut cutter (totally wish we would have had this). Repeat with remaining dough. In an electric skillet or deep-fat fryer, heat oil to 375 degrees. Fry doughnuts, a few at a time, for 2 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels. Dust with confectioners' sugar if desired or shake in cinnamon-sugar. Makes about 1 1/2 dozen.

tasty. LIFE.

*tell a friend*

*tell a friend*