As part of Ball State University’s centennial celebration, Ball State partnered with the Indiana State Fair. Here is a short video I put together to showcase the fun of the day!
As of late, I've been tasked with learning aspects of video: collecting b-roll, learning software, production, audio, etc. It has been an interesting learning curve as I have previously never produced a piece before. During this process, I've grown a fondness for video and am looking forward to learning and growing with this medium.
While I still have much to learn, I am happy with this piece. I hope you enjoy my first video!
Upon first entering ‘Wild Wind,’ our eyes devoured every detail possible until our brains revolted into a state of relaxation.
Chandelier ships swayed from the ceiling as the lake waves brushed against the pier, sending the house to a gentle sway- noticeable only if you were still. The stylish seats dawned denim material that was actually quite comfortable to everyone’s surprise.
The open concept kitchen, dining room and living room allowed a constant feeling of connect among our family of 6 adults and two dogs, while the bedrooms provided more than enough privacy if we wanted to hide away.
Sophie and Sadie, our lab mixes, quickly made themselves at home by the dining room table that housed silver but realistic crab napkin holders that rested on themed dinnerware.
‘Wild Wind’ provided anything we could have possibly needed or wanted during our stay in the ways of fishing needs, extra bedding sets, grill, laundry needs, fully equipped kitchen and more silverware than one could ever imagine.
Stepping out onto the gazebo, we were met with a warm breeze that slowly chilled as we crossed the pier toward the center of the lake.
A swinging bench etched with pelicans was stationed next to a large picnic style table with storage bench seats where we could leave our fishing poles, tackle boxes, etc. for the week. Life jackets, a large net and several other necessities were located in the bench seats, as well, and a large life ring hung in the center of the upstairs deck.
A small staircase led us down to the lower portion of the pier’s deck, where a bench stretched most of the distance of the deck to a sink along the side.
During our stay, we happened across many forms of wildlife including otters, two snakes (one dead, one alive), several lizards, many types of birds, cranes, and a few kinds of bugs we care not to remember.
While the girls took to reading, fishing morning and night became the boys’ lifestyle, quickly leading to a daily journal-style entry of the “Chronicles of the Beast”:
Day one: No one has seen the beast, but he's snapped two lines and continues to be a tyrant to the boys. Perhaps it lies in wait for
girl power. To be continued...
EDIT: THE BEAST HAS BEEN SEEN. He appears to be a swordfish, at least two feet long.
Day two: The house is relatively still apart from a constant but dull sway brought on by the lake meeting the pier. The boys, I believe, are dreaming of capturing the beast, the dogs of never-ending treats. "What shall today bring?" I wonder, as I sit along the white marble counter eating Fruit Loops with marshmallows in a paper bowl.
The excitement of potentially catching the beast grew with each passing catch. As the sun began to set and the lake grew dark, crabs had begun to take the stage and danced below the lake’s surface in the pier lights.
The boys caught several fish but were weary as they thought they had seen a snake the night before. The “Overwatch Tower” had officially taken form when the girls set down their books and peered over the upstairs deck, watching for potential threats that turned out to be twigs drifting by.
Day three: The beast breathed a sigh of relief this morning as the boys ventured to New Orleans only thirty minutes away. However, the boys came across a small fishing shop nestled in The Big Easy and stocked up on lures, weights and shrimp galore. Hold fast, beast, because the boys will be back.
Day three (cont’d): Though the beast has yet to be caught, Jeramey sought a slightly more obtainable creature this evening. With the sun setting against a purple, orange and pink rippled sky, he slowly fell to one knee before me. He presented a brilliant, sparkling sapphire lure designed especially for me and asked, “Will you marry me?”
Day four: As much as I would love to leave you with a cliffhanger as the entry before, I am much too excited to leave it at that. The events unraveled before me and I exclaimed, “Aww, stinky!” (‘Stinky’ being a term of endearment we have adopted over the last six and a half years.) I embraced him and smiled, “Yes!”
Due to the excitement, the beast had thwarted capture once again.
Day five: Storm clouds surround us, but the only rain we’ve seen is a brief patch this morning. I believe the lake possesses hypnotizing properties, as I am entranced each morning by the lapping of waves against the rocks beneath us. How many creatures reside in this lake? How many monsters are looming in the depths that exceed those of our beast?
Day seven: Today brings the end of our stay at the ‘Wild Wind’ on Lake Pontchartrain. Though the boys fought hard and exhibited great perseverance, the beast will live on for another day.
Farewell, beast.
It has been a long time coming for Krista and Stacy (Brian), who have been together for ten years. Words cannot describe how happy I was to have the honor of photographing their engagement and surprise wedding! Congratulations to you both (and their daughter, Addison)!
Congratulations to Calah and Mark Kem!
Sometimes there are couples you just know are meant to be together. Kylie and Cody are that couple. You could hear it in their playful banter and see it in the way they looked at each other.
Cora recently celebrated turning 3 months old! She officially has the prettiest eyes I've ever seen.
Every Sunday, these families gather at their parents' home to have a family dinner. This is a tradition that I admire as there aren't many families that still get together often, if at all. My extended family mostly only came together for Thanksgiving and Christmas, so I definitely love this idea!
It's been awhile since I've updated and shared the sessions and work I have been up to. In early August, I began a new position that I have greatly enjoyed so far. I accepted a position with my Alma mater as a staff photographer- the first female full time staff photographer, I might add! (How cool is that?)
It has been busy with the beginning of a new school year, as well as with weddings and sessions on the weekends. However, now that I have gotten acclimated with the schedule, I will be updating more frequently as I have sessions.
I wanted to let readers know I am still taking clients despite my lack of postings! With that being said, Fall has finally arrived, the leaves are changing, and it's the perfect time to get a family session or senior photos. :)
If you would like to book a session, just follow the "Contact" link and fill out the required information.
Thank you all for following!
Decided to take a trip around the Indianapolis and Carmel area the other day. I never knew how gorgeous the architecture is in the Carmel area. They have an Arts and Design district that features life-like statues and several shops that I will definitely be making my way back at some point! I also took a short walk along the Canal Walk in Indianapolis. This place was amazing. There are several apartment buildings that line the canal and I cannot believe it's someone's backyard. If you haven't been, be sure to check it out!
Taryn and Jeremy will be getting married in December. This session was so much fun! They truly are a perfect match for each other!
These two have known each other their entire lives and have finally said their vows to each other! Congratulations to Sadie and Jordan Matchett!
Today was the first time I've had to open on a Sunday in a long time. After working 8 days in a row, mostly nights, the lighting was a very pleasant surprise! I had to snap a photo with my phone before the light changed!
I have photographed Stephanie and Shawn throughout their relationship, from first couple photos, to a surprise proposal, to their wedding and now their maternity. I'm so thankful they have chosen me to capture so many important milestones in their lives and I'm happy to be a part of them. Congratulations you two; you're going to be great parents!
Raven will be graduating from Ball State University in July. Congratulations!
Muncie City Hall is adorned with rainbow lighting on June 12, 2016 to show support and love for those in Orlando, Florida who recently lost their lives and loved ones in a mass shooting at a gay nightclub.
