My favorite things ~ Best of Photography Basket *closed*

I can’t tell you when my love for photography began. All I know is that my mom loved taking our photos growing up and one day I just started taking photos too… and never looked back. But I’ve always wanted my photography to be bigger than just me and even bigger than just my clients. I wanted it to change lives. Because at the end of the day…. at the end of an era… what would I have to show for my hard work? Will it just be photos hanging on people’s walls out there? Will it be just that I just helped someone have really cool Facebook profile pics for a year or two? Will it be something that fire and rust or even time can destroy?  Or was I  investing in something greater than myself?

I will say that investing in other people has definitely been the highlight of my photography career.  To see friends become business partners when you discover that they are artists just waiting for someone to stick a camera in their hands and show them how to use it.  To remind a photographer who is a mom that while photography is important that she’s not wrong and it’s a beautiful thing that her children have become a bigger passion than her camera and what does that look like in the months/years to come. To capture a wedding of a friend who never thought they would ever meet the one and when they do it’s such a God thing that you want to document it because it’s helped your faith grow in the process. To be the one to take all the photos at all the family get-togethers not for photo’s sake but for history’s sake.  Those are the investments that will makes your  life…. your passion… your work… so much richer and so much Bigger.

I want to invite you to be a part of such an investment.

Some of you may not know me personally, and I hope if you don’t you’ll get to know me and let me get to know you.  You see, God put my husband and I on a path a few years back that would lead us through some of the darkest days of our life as we said goodbye to Asher, our newborn son, just minutes after he came into this world. Only 4 months after that precious horrible day God brought into our life a healing bundle of joy named Zoe. She brought healing to so many and I can’t tell you how perfect she was for that moment and for our family.  She is my sunshine. 10 months after that we were starting to feel like God was wanting us to adopt again…. and within a few weeks we found ourselves a family of 4 as we welcomed a little newborn boy into our home whose parents were in prison. They loved him but couldn’t give him a home, so we did.  Last month Jack became an official Chappell and I can’t imagine our family without my energetic affectionate boy!

I have always told my husband that as beautiful as Africa is…. I had no desire to go there. It’s amazing what a mothers love will do.  Now, I have a desire…. a Strong desire to go to Africa. To the DRC in Africa to be exact. God put in me a passion for the children of that war torn country and Dan and I feel like we can be a part of making a difference in the lives of two little someones who might not even have a chance at living otherwise.  Here is a little more of how we decided to adopt from the Congo. Sure, it requires sacrifice…. but it’s not really a sacrifice when you see what you get in return.  We are going to get a son (Ezra, who is 9 months)  and a daughter (Evie, who is just 6 weeks old) . We are going to get more love and more laughter in our home. We are going to change a life…. well, two  little lives who hopefully will grow up and live very BIG lives!!!  and already… these two little ones have changed my life and I haven’t even met them yet. But we will…… soon. As in next month possibly. We will become a family of 6 by Thanksgiving.

Will you be a part of this amazing journey? Will you invest in something that IS much bigger than you?  Will you make your passion for Photography make a difference for Ezra and Evie?  I hope you will.

Instead of seeing this as a small chance at possibly getting an awesome bundle of goodies…. look at it as a way for your photography to Give Back! Consider maybe donating the cost of one of your photography sessions? (and tell your client that part of their money is going to help bring two orphans into a family!) Or a portion of your fall Weddings? Or part of your savings for a new lens… I feel a little strange asking you to sacrifice, because I know how tight working in this industry can be…. but I also know how rewarding giving back is and I think if you are,  your joy will increase and your work will give you deeper fulfillment.

 

I hope this Basket encourages and educates you about some amazing things out there that to me have been with me through this journey as a photographer and also has helped me become the photographer I am today.

 

All of these are things I love myself, recommend often, or have researched to prove them the best!
All you have to do to is enter your name into a drawing for this basket when you make a donation of $5 towards our Congo Adoption. For every $5 we will put your name on the list…. so,  $10 we will put your name on twice… $25 five times… and so forth.  ON September 1st I will do a videotaped recording of the random choosing of one of the entries and will announce it on the blog and/or contact you through email or facebook.  I will then pack up all the goodies, and send it your way to enjoy!!!

 

I wish I could have given away a Camera… but I’ll tell you why I’m not (other than the one that I would put on my “best of” list would cost me a fortune) is that everyone has different needs and desires.  Canon/Nikon  Primes/Zooms  Full Frame/Crop  Video/Still’s   There are lots of options out there and a lot of great camera’s.  So,  while I’m not giving away a camera or lens… I’ll give you $100 to put towards one that you’ve had your eye on for a while.  How about them apples?

I can’t tell you how many people write and ask me what camera should they get.  A lot. I always ask them what their budget and needs and then point them to B & H Photo. (I did not get paid or any merchandise for saying this… it’s just my 100% honest opinion)  I’ve been a victim of Internet scamming and of business entrapment and up-sells… and I often hear of others being caught in it as well. There are MANY companies out there offering the same or similar products… but not all companies are the same. B & H are trustworthy and have been a leader in this profession for years. I’ve always had wonderful shipping and customer service and feel very safe ordering from them.  Even if an item(s) are a bit more expensive… I’ve learned the hard way that it’s worth paying it for peace of mind and for trustworthy equipment and service.  Order from them.

When I first started out in Photography I spent HOURS pouring over forums and reading every thread that had to do with anything I was interested in or thought I might be interested in. I developed friends all over America. And many of the ones who invested in me and also the ones asking questions themselves as well are now big time super rock star photographers. I love looking back on those days and remembering the passion that brought me together with that group of people who were so open to sharing with each other what they were learning in the world of photography.  Lately, I haven’t had that community apart from the close friends God has put in my life… but I need it. I need encouragement and inspiration and to be known by other photographers. That is where The Bloom Fourm has come in.  They are an amazing group of women who are there for each other….. from image critique to location scouting to just encouraging you when you don’t know if you can make it in the industry (or even as your own kids photographer!) They will be there for you. They have walked in your shoes. They have a passion for the things you are passionate about. They are moms… artists… friends…and they are there for you.

 

There aren’t many camera bags out there that are fashionable and functional. I’ve used/seen Jill-e and Jo Totes and Shootsac… and while each may have something that benefits your shooting style over the other (still a big fan of Shootsac). I think Kelly Moore has hit the nail on the head and pretty much takes the cake too.  Her bags are Beautiful and Stylish and Very well made!! And guess what, She is giving you one of them.  An totally rad coral Hobo Camera Bag!!  She’s a HUGE fan of adoption and is actually about to go from a family of 3 to a family of 4!!! God has given them the opportunity to adopt a newborn baby girl. I’m super excited for them!! Check out her blog…. she’s amazing!

Okay, I must confess… I don’t use Photoshop very much at all. I know many who do and PS is awesome…. but I’m just a die hard Lightroom Fan!!! I use it for EVERYTHING! Culling, Editing, Printing, Collaging… everything!  And Lightroom 3 Rocks! It’s a MUST HAVE! And you’re getting it.  For those of you who may already be using Lightroom…. Lightroom Killer Tips is a must read blog that really helps you use it to it’s full potential!!

 

I love presets. I love the feel they can give a photo in a second. And often it can add the element of what it felt like when you took it when SOOC (Straight of of Camera) just didn’t capture it all.  I love One WIllow Presets. * They are ONLY for use on Lightroom. (not photoshop) These are the presets I’ve been using lately on all my photos here on the blog.  I love the softness… the film look… the undertones… the creaminess it can give a photo.  You will LOVE her Timeless Collection!  And once you try these…. you will want all the rest of her preset sets as well.

 

Sheye. Sheye. Sheye. She is the creative genius behind Eye Candy Photoshop Actions. I said I don’t tend to use PS that much… but for these actions it’s WELL worth it!!  I’ve been a reader of Sheye Rosemyers blog for years now. She lost her little girl Ava a few years ago and she may not realize it but she taught me how to embrace and not push away the horror of sorrow and how to put my grief into words before I knew I would need to.  I think her love for Ava and her appreciation of the things in life that before might not have been noticed  have molded her into an amazing artist.  I love the “lens” with which she captures her everyday life and the feel and mood of her photos just make me swoon!!! So, trust me these actions will make you swoon as well.  So, take your photos on a Vintage Roadtrip.… it will be a Road trip filled with Your unforgettable memories and remind you to cherish each and every day with your loved ones.

 

Smugmug has been my friend since the very humble beginnings. It’s been there when computers crashed… when CD’s failed… When clients needed images yesterday… When I needed to order my own prints from my own home.. when I wanted to change the look of my whole gallery… when I needed to get paid for prints… when clients needed Christmas Cards…  Smugmug was there for me.  The customer service (can you tell I’m really BIG on customer service? I am.) is amazing!!!!! They are a huge company that acts like a small company in how they deal with their customers.  I love them.  And they LOVE adoption and families.  Smugmug is  SO excited for us in our adoption adventure… and they wanted to be a part in changing these little lives….. and also in changing your life by giving you awesome online gallery and lab services.  A Professional Subscription costs $150 for a year and for the recipient of this basket… it’s on them!!

Miss Millie Ann Holloman.  I can’t say enough about her, this gal is one of my professional heroes. She not only has grown a fabulous photography team and has impacted the world of photography in a big way, she also loves the Lord and loves those He has placed in her life. I often think to myself… will she ever run out of energy/creativity/love with all that she does week in and week out? And I don’t think she will because she is tapped into the greatest Creator ever and His strength never runs dry.  God has gifted Millie and her team to organize and structure their work-flow and process in such a way that they can accomplish a HUGE amount of work and art in very limited time frames.  If I were to write a book it would be titled ” how NOT to run your business” but Millie’s team, they got it together now and She is ALL about sharing what she has learned along the way.   The Get it Together Kit…. yep, it’s included in my best of!!!  It will change your work-flow… your business… and your life.

There are so many books out there on photography… and guess what? they ain’t cheap. You can go broke looking for just the right book that will teach you something in a simple memorable way. Well, look no more. If I’ve used Bryan’s illustrations once I’ve used them a hundred times. He is such a great teacher. The way he explains ISO and Shutter Speed and f stop’s are all just amazing!! (there are many of you out there who call yourself photographers and don’t yet know what ISO or f stops are…. and you REALLY need to know or else you are greatly limiting yourself and your equipment!)  You just need to curl up with his books and soak them up and once you’re done… you need to re-read it again and again. Yes, it’s that good. And yes, it’s extremely simple to understand. I had to include them in the “Best of”!!

There are a few blogs that I have delivered into my email inbox because I want to know the minute they post. Tofurious is one of those blogs. Seriously, this guy is a photography business genius!!  Where were you 10 years ago Lawrence when I was DYING to have someone help me figure out this industry and help me understand my clients?  Anyways, I’m glad you’re here now.  Everyone of you need to go sign up to receive his blog via email…. Today!!  His E-Book Creative Pricing and Packaging for Photographers is a MUST read for every photographer… even if you already are comfortable with your pricing I promise he will help you think of something you missed or re-think something that you thought you were doing right and might not be for what kind of business you are wanting to bring in.   Lawrence is Awesome…. not only for impacting his industry with his amazing blog but also for giving one of you a copy of his e-book.  You’re rad man… really rad!

Shelly Eve Moore. Aka Shelly Eve, Shelly Moore Band, just Shelly! ;)  What can’t this girl do. She sings… She captures… She designs… She Inspires!  I love her. And you will too.  Her ideas are abundant as well as her creativity. And I wish I could give you a whole branding/logo design by her like the fabulous one she did for Nancy Ray Photography… but this girl’s time is GOLD and very limited with all the amazing things she has going on in her life.  But what I can give you is Fabulous still and sometimes the hard part of branding and design. It’s the consult. Do you know who you are? Do you know your style? Do you know what clients you want to attract? What ideas/fonts/designs do you have already in mind? Are they viewer friendly?  Those are some of the questions you and Shelly can dive into and see what advice or direction she might be able to give you. If you like her and like what she has to say/offer… which you will. Then I think you’ll have found your branding design girl.  :)

Yep, the Same Shelly Eve mentioned above is one of the creators of this soon to be website for photographers. StillFrame Studio will have all sorts of design trinkets and print templates… like albums and framing, vector overlays and so on.  They haven’t launched yet… but when they do. You’ll be one of the first to go on a shopping spree for all the web design goodies! I know her work…. so I know this will be good stuff!

I WANT a Bad Sass Backdrop SO bad!! Obviously I haven’t been able to get any just yet or else you would have seen pictures with them everywhere on my blog. But I’m saving up… well, after I’m done saving up for some babies!! ;)  Kristen Caldwell of Bad Sass is such a joy and is an amazing photographer as well as a business woman who knows what you as a photographer needs. I love these Backdrops and love the uniqueness of them and versatility of them for babies….kids.. and more! I’m also a huge fan of getting the most for my money and with their split and tri-split backdrops…. the possibilities are unending!! :) Good luck picking your favorite. I want them all.

The last things I’m want to include for you are  few things that I think EVERY photographer needs!!  The first is a Dust blower for your DSLR sensor and lens changes. The Second is a Lexar Multi Card Reader. (I can’t tell you how many times I was thankful to have some random type of card reader when I needed it… so I think having a 24 in 1 reader… it’s a great idea!)  Third… is a Neoprene Camera strap. Camera’s aren’t lightweight these days and the strap they come with can really tear up your skin… so having a neoprene strap is a neck saver!!! And lastly, I’m including a 1TB WD Passport External Hard drive. This little thing is amazing… it stores SO much so you can keep your computer running fast instead of bogging it down with images. And it can go with you where ever you go! (I’m including a cute little carrying case for it as well)  So, those are the four little things that I think every photographer should have. :)

 

There you have it!!

The Best of Photography Basket.

It’s a doozey…. and the thing I’m most excited about ( aside from that it’s helping get our babies home to us) is that it is going to help a fellow photographer love his or her Passion even more!!

After you donate  (for each $5 you get an additional entry into the list of names for the drawing for the basket!) post something about this on Facebook or Twitter and we’ll add your name again to the list.  Just be sure to friend me and tag me (Casey Nichols Chappell) in your status on FB and/or use the hashtag #bestofbasket in your Twitter post. (that’s the only way I’ll know to add you again)

 

If you desire your name to be put on the list without donating just email me at caseychappell.com@gmail.com

PayPalDonationsare not tax deductible. If you would like to send a check in order to get the tax deduction, just email me.

Donations will end on the 31st of this month and the lucky name will be announced on September 1st!

*an actual basket is not included.

 

 

 

 

Thank you for giving.

We are grateful that you’re a part of our village!!

{ and so are they }

 

*due to security reasons we can’t show their sweet faces. Please be praying for their safety and health.