Hotels

I decided to stay at a decent hotel last night. Was I impressed with the Best Western the kids and I were at? Yes. It was so comfortable and friendly service (the hotel reservation girl is from Lubbuck (sp)).
The beds were delightful! So comfortable and quiet. The breakfast we perfect and free with the room. My only nit-pick was the bathroom was very crowded. It had a microwave and fridge in the room so that would be nice if we were staying longer.
Today we are at the DoubleTree in Boise, ID. While the grounds are amazing, I wish they would upgrade the bathroom wall paper, the fixtures and counters all circa 1970's. The rooms lamps were from the 80's and falling apart inside - so the diffusing fabric wasn't so diffusing. The furniture was also old - I'd say 70's on that too. But the bed looks very comfortable and in the end, for an overnight stay, that's important too right? Especially since I drove for 11 hours...
I should mention that I did get the hotel for tonight on Priceline for a great price so I'm not complaining and the bathroom is HUGE.

Straight Talk

Sooooo, I decided to get my kids the "Straight Talk" phones from Walmart. The phones cost $29.99 and there are 2 plans to chose from 1) $30 for 1000 minutes and 1000 texts or 2) $45 for unlimited minutes and text and 30MB of data. They use Verizon towers but don't have roaming available. I picked the unlimited plans because my daughter can talk and text til the sun comes up! There are NO contracts which is great if they happen to lose a phone.
On our drive to WA, my phone with Sprint was random in many places while my kids phones were getting service the entire way here. I will be switching since my TWO year contract was up in June and this "unlimited" plan is $30 cheaper a month and better coverage than my provider.
They have 3 phones - they range in $29 to $99 range.
Two big thumbs up from this consumer!
Check out the phones and plans here.

Fun With Rob Heyman

 

If you are a photographer and you ever get the opportunity to go to Rob's workshop - GO! I have learned so much from him in the 2 years of his workshops. The days are long and so informative, you won't find a better workshop out there (especially for the money). Everything is hands on and he likes to keep the groups to 20 or so to give you one on one time with him and see what he's doing, (you shoot right next to him and see what he sees).
His wealth of information is endless and with as many years as he has in this business, he REALLY knows all aspects of the industry. Rob doesn't use flash - not unless he absolutely has no other option but I can't recall when that was. When we were shooting these images, I'd have thought it was too dark. Rob showed me once again that I need to trust and see, not assume. He challenges you to see beyond what you know. Seriously, the best money I've ever spent was on his workshops. I am hoping to get to Australia for his workshop there - and hopefully to August Exposure if I can swing it next year (2010 ROB!!!!). :)
As an Aussie, his presence is rare here in the US, so I encourage any photographer, who work on location or in studio, to make a point to get to his workshop. He keeps company with many of the greats in the business and has won numerous accolades as well. He's a true Master of Light using a Rembrandt style to perfection. He's changed my work 10-fold and it will only get better as I continue to learn from this amazing photographer!
Visit Rob's work at http://heymanports2.blogspot.com/

 
 
 

Congratulations Renee & Rick!

Baby Shoot...
At 2-3 weeks, you get the best shots of babies. This adorable baby girl was perfect! She's the sweetest little thing and she is smiling already. Her mother is SO in love with her, you can see it in all her images. Congrats Renee & Rick!
 
 
 
 

Lately...

 
 
 
 
I have not blogged some sessions in quite some time. I took one of my favorite families out to Las Colinas for a shoot and we had a blast. It was hot but you'd never know it from these photos!