Pansies & Giveaway Winners

Did you know that flowers have a meaning? When I was a cheerleader in my senior year of high school we had a very special luncheon for all the girls and their mothers to celebrate the ending of a great season. Our cheerleading captain had a huge bouquet of flowers. As she spoke about the victories of our cheer season she began to read off the names and characteristics of each member calling them up to the podium to claim their flower. Along with the flower and characteristic she announced the meaning of each flower we were getting, which corresponded to our characteristic. I felt so special that day. I had no idea that flowers had meanings until that day.
A couple weeks ago I randomly picked up some pansies that were on clearance at Wal-Mart. I bought just enough to line the sidewalk to our front door. They're not perfect, but I so love flowers. The purple and yellow that color the petals of these pansies are just the right amount of contrast. It was a windy day as I sat shoveling dirt and planting flowers. Pansies are so delicate; it surprised me that the petals didn't just fall off with each blow of the wind. I was so proud of my planting job. It's amazing what some flowers can do to the aesthetic of a front yard. I called my grandma to tell her. My grandma used to own a flower shop; she loves flowers too. When I told her what kind of flowers I planted, she sighed. {It was a good sigh.} I asked grandma what she was thinking and she shared such a sweet memory of her grandmother who would always pick pansies and lay them in the pages of her Bible. I am so glad she shared that memory with me. After I got off the phone with grandma, I looked up the meaning of this dainty flower. Pansies mean "loving thoughts".  How fitting. This reminds me to write down the memories and stories my grandma tells me so that I can one day share them with my boys and God-willing, my grandchildren. Thank you for reading. I hope your day is filled with Loving Thoughts.

P.S. Giveaway Winners: You ALL win! Be expecting a little package in the mail by the end of next week. Thank you for entering and thank you for your support. xoxo.

The Birds

{The above image was taken at the Miami Seaquarium}

We've been watching a lot of RIO around here lately. My boys love to hear the music and dance around the house. I have to admit that I really like that movie too. Never underestimate the subliminal messages of a cartoon movie because RIO has definitely persuaded me to consider travelling to visit Rio de Janeiro. The culture, the music, the people, the colors all seem so vibrant. Plus, I think it would be really cool to see the Christ the Redeemer statue. 

Watching RIO has made me ponder what birds think. Yes, I realize what I just said. Stay with me :) Birds, were created to fly and to be free. Do they worry or wonder where their food will come from? Do they worry if they'll make it to the south for warmer climate in order to avoid a harsh winter? God didn't create them to worry. He gave them instincts to just know what to do.

I could seriously type out a laundry list of worries and anxieties. I'm the "what if" kinda girl. Well, what if this happens...I need to have an action plan for that. And if that happens then I'll have to do this that and the other.  My list ranges from when will I have time to go grocery shopping, to I have no idea what to get my husband for his birthday, to am I doing an alright job as a SAHM, to how much money should I invest in my business. I looked in the mirror today and realized that worry doesn't make me sound any more wise than the next person and it sure hasn't done a positive thing for the wrinkles that are very prominent in between my eyebrows. Seriously, if Jesus says that we shouldn't worry, then we shouldn't worry. But it's not that easy, is it? I know it's not that easy for me. It takes practice. Worry, for me, is a daily practice. So maybe I'm practicing that wrong thing here. The opposite of worrying about this that and the other is trusting in God. When we trust in God we experience His peace. When we have the peace of God worry is no where to be found. It tries to pop up and if we go into our old practices of worrying, it'll reign in our life. The birds of the air don't worry because God their Creator provides all their needs. Consider how much more valuable you are. The next time you find yourself worrying about something, minute or significant, practice saying out loud, "I trust in You, Lord. No matter what happens I know that You have a plan for me. Your Word tells me that Your plan for my life is to prosper me and not to harm me. I pray for Your Peace to replace the worry that repeats in my mind. In Jesus Name. Amen." Now, please know that I am no expert. I am just sharing with you what I feel the Lord has told me through my quiet time. This spiritual journey is lifelong. I hope you feel encouraged today. 

KDP {Giveaway}

Hey, hey, hey. It's a giveaway! Kim of Sassy Girl Originals has created these beautiful flowers that are perfect for spring. Each flower is made out of up-cycled sweaters and hand crafted into a lovely fashion accessory. All three have an alligator clip and a pin fastened for versatile wear. These pretty spring flowers can be clipped in your hair. They can be pinned to a coat, a purse, a diaper bag, or a camera bag {for photographers}. If you are looking for a cute little gift, they are perfect to place in a little girl's Easter basket too. I am so blessed to have such a talented friend. I will be giving one flower away to 3 winners selected by random.org.

How to enter:
1. Like my page on facebook {Karrie Drake Photography}
2. Like Kim's page on facebook {Sassy Girl Originals}
3. Leave a comment here on my blog letting me know you completed both 1 & 2
4. For an extra entry post on your status: "KDP Giveaway! with featured vendor Sassy Girl Originals. Go enter for a chance to win!"

Giveaway will be closed Thursday, night at 9:00pm eastern time. Winner will be announced on Friday morning, February 17, 2012! And to end with a little quote from The Hunger Games, "May the odds be ever in your favor!"

The Refuge!

Hello there. This weekend I got to experience the coolest little photography retreat. Melanie & Jeff Mansfield of Fresh Photography hosted a photography retreat, Fresh Perspectives Workshop, at The Refuge in Ayden, NC. Five local photographers including myself signed up for this amazing weekend filled with lots of photography goodness for our learning pleasure. Lighting, posing, angles, and portfolio reviews are among some of the subjects we covered. I got spoiled with some good tasting food that I've never had before. Sweet potato pancakes and chicken salad sandwiches seasoned with curry are just a couple of the yummies we had. Melanie shared stories and showed her fabulous products that she offers her clients. Jeff showed us the benefits of using lighting and how to use lighting in our photography. All five of us girls were listening intently to them while writing notes. We also shared some of our own personal stories and experiences, asked questions, received timely advice. I was totally nervous about my session review. I haven't had another artist critique my work since college. Melanie was very helpful and gave me some things to work on, which I simply can't wait to do. It was so much fun staying up late talking {3:30 a.m.} I don't think I've stayed up that late on purpose in a LONG time.
The following day the models arrived, a few families that came out to The Refuge. Melanie & Jeff arranged for the models to come out for us to practice some the techniques we talked about. These families were absolutely gorgeous! We all got a chance to photograph the families together and individually. I feel so blessed that the Lord has given me the opportunity to do something like this. I just wish I would've done it sooner. The photog retreat was so great that I definitely plan to do it again as soon as I am able. I treasure this time I had with some lovely lady photogs and with Melanie & Jeff. God is so good. {Above}Check out some of the pics I took at The Refuge.

You've Come a Long Way, Baby (part 2)

Yesterday I shared a little piece of my photog journey. I included links to a few of my very first sessions. If you didn't catch it, you can right here.
Today I'd like to flash back even further. Let's go back to the school days. I often find my thoughts in my past remembering where I've been and the journey I am on. My journey is not just a journey to find myself, but to find out who God wants me to be and what He wants me to accomplish according to His plan.
I went to a small Christian school in South Florida. My love for all things Art started a very young age. When I had an assignment to write a book report and to draw a picture of my favorite scene in the book I would spend more time on the drawing than on writing down the summary of the book. Art was my favorite and still is. Then music came in to my life. I loved to sing, but didn't sing very well so I picked up an instrument. I started playing the flute in 5th grade and continued until the 10th grade. I was in countless concerts, solos, trios, and even marched in the band for one year in high school. You're impressed aren't you?! lol!

Moving on :)...after high school I was so over school, classes, etc. I didn't even really know what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. So, I went into the banking business hoping that having a full-time job with benefits would afford me some form of grown-up responsibility and respect. I took college classes here and there at the community college in town. Can you guess what kind of classes I took? Yep, Art classes. I took all the ones that interested me at first and then with the advisement of some of my favorite Art professors I went on to finish my degree at the local University. I was 27 years old when I graduated from college. You're going to laugh, but I'll tell you anyway. My concentration was Pottery. I love Pottery. 

The very last class I took in college was a photography class. My photography professor was very impressed with my work. He made references to it through out the semester. I didn't really think much of it because I was bound and determined to be a successful potter. After the photography class was done, I felt a tinge of longing for it. I had taken a photography class as a freshman in high school as well. I still have some prints from both photography classes. I'll have to share them at a different time.  

Well, this is just another part of my journey. I am thankful for each detour and each bump in the road because it brought me to where I am today. The Lord has blessed me with people who have counselled me and others who have criticized me. God is able to use both for your good (Romans 8:28). Your journey probably looks a lot different than mine. That's cool, man. If we all looked the same and had the same ways then I think the world would be boring. God likes uniqueness. Embrace yours! He is going to use your uniqueness for His glory. Don't be discouraged when things aren't happening in your time or in your way. The Lord has a plan for you and it is good. Believe it! Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I love to hear feedback. Your sweet comments are welcome!

You've Come a Long Way, Baby!

Karrie Drake Photography will be 3 years old, officially, on February 10th. I am so excited that the Lord has given me the determination, strength, and encouragement to continue on this journey. There have been many times in the course of these 3 years that I've wanted to throw in the towel. It is so easy to get discouraged in this business. Mmm, in any business really. Dealing with and fighting against the forces of the world and the opinions of many is no small feat. I struggle daily with resisting the magnetic force that are my eyes to compare my myself, my business, and my images with others in my field. The reality is that there are always going to be people in my field who are better than I am in certain areas, in all areas even. I am okay with that because I am exactly where God wants me to be.
I look at my oldest son, Julian, who will be 5 years old in a matter of months. My journey began when he was less than 2. I remember coming across a photographer's website in middle Georgia where we were living at the time. Her work was widely known in the area. She photographed every stage of life. I was so inspired by her work and by the public confession of her faith in Jesus. It moved me. I wanted to take better pictures of my son. So, after the prompting of my friend, I contacted Kyle Hitchcock. She was instantly welcoming. Kyle invited me to her home studio to talk shop and to take some pictures of Julian. She answered all my questions and replyed to every e-mail. Kyle encouraged me to practice, to shoot in raw format and maual mode so that I could learn my camera. She also suggested that I start a blog. Documenting your journey through a blog is so eye opening. Looking at my very first images under Karrie Drake Photography is quite humbling. If I am totally honest with myself I will admit that I had no business starting a business when I did. It has been slow. I knew next to nothing when I started. I continue to be a work in progress. My journey began in Georgia and God sent me in the path to meet Kyle. I am so thankful for the wealth of knowledge she shared with me. She was and continues to be a great inspiration to me.

I'll be sharing more of my photog journey tomorrow. Until then, please take a look at where I started and where I am presently in my work.

Want to see my very first newborn shoot? Look Here!
Here is the most recent newborn shoot...Look Here!

Want to see my very first maternity shoot? Check it out!
Here is the most recent maternity shoot...Check it out!

Want to see my very first birthday party {event}? Mira. Mira.
Here is the most recent birthday party {event}...Mira. Mira.

Sassy Girl Originals

Happy Monday! Today I'd like to share a sweet surprise. A long time family friend, Kim, has started her own business. She creates these cute fashion accessories. You can find Sassy Girl Originals here. Go "like" her on facebook and share her page with your friends. Kim fashions these flowers from beautifully colored sweaters and adorns them with buttons and pins.

These lovely accessories from Sassy Girl Originals are fashionably versatile too. You can clip it to your sweater, jacket, or even your purse. The aligator clip allows you to wear it in your hair by itself or clip it to a headband for extra cuteness. I love my purple flower. I am going to wear this flower out!

By the way...Valentine's Day is coming. It's only 8 days away. Sassy Girl Originals will have something for the littlest Sassy Girl to the Sassy Mama. Thanks Kim for my purple clip!

Bridal Session Today!

Pembroke Hall is an amazing historic house on the market in Edenton, NC. How beautiful is this place! I got to shoot a Bridal Portrait Session here today. You think this is a pretty sight, just wait until you see this gorgeous bride and her little girl that I got to snap some pictures of. As all Bridal's go...you'll have to wait until after the wedding day. It won't be long though. Only 5 weeks to go. I cannot wait for the wedding of Katie & Jason. They have such a cool story too. I'm looking forward to sharing their special with you. I'll keep you posted.