Just a Little Side Note...

I've been doing some side editing work lately for some friends who need help with their snapshots....

So I'm going to continue offering it as things are in transition right now for me.

Here are a few examples:



The first two photos are examples of basic retouching (a few spots on the shirt, skin smoothing, eye enhancing, color and brightness adjustments)

The second is an example of extensive retouching, adding a background and some other major adjustments.

All retouching work comes with an offer of 50% off my pro lab client prices; you can have your edited photos printed on professional paper, put into professionally printed albums, or added to products (canvas, jewelry, photo bags, etc.)

Please email me (dominiquemata@gmail.com) for prices and more info!

Sleeping with the Enemy

I feel like telling everyone a story... {so deal with it}

Meet Deb.



In the world of business, Deb is my "enemy". Not literally (how could you hate a face like that!?!?) but she is my direct competition. Same target market and I could probably throw a rock and hit her house if I wanted to (watch out Deb...)

I met Deb through a social networking site for Moms and saw that she was a photographer, in my area....and she was good *gulp*. Oh no, more talent infiltrating MY area!

Then I got to know Deb...and she was awesome. She made me laugh and (*gasp*) I learned a thing or two! I started to get to know her and it seemed ridiculous that we couldn't be friends!

And then...I had a revelation. Deb and I had coffee yesterday and it was just meant to be a time to get together and catch up. Slowly after the conversation progressed, talk turned to photography. We talked about clients, advertising, shoots...all of the stuff geeky photographers talk about.

It hit me, we all have "ISUCKITIS" at some time. I look at the work Deb is doing and think, "wow I wish I could be there". I see her post a new session and think, "I can't believe she's getting work and I'm not". I see her buy advertising and think, "I can't believe she can afford that". When really, we're all in the same boat.

There is always two sides of the story. So if there is a photographer you admire (and maybe secretly envy) take them to coffee. Maybe they'll let you in on the fact not ALL of those shoots they posted were paid....or the fact they got a discount on that ad spot. Maybe you'll walk away feeling like you not only have a friend, but an "enemy" you really like.

[oh and go check out my amazing enemy @ http://debradeanphotography.wordpress.com/ cause she really does rock]

Full Circle

I truly believe that when you give to others when they need it the most, that you will receive back what you have given in.

Not based on an idea of God or Karma, just the idea of getting back from life what you give.

The past few weeks for me can only be described as rough at best. Life has truly been a struggle.

I feel so blessed to have friends, old and new, in my life who truly care about me- and are showing me support when I need it the most.

Very rarely do I get flowers...but my wonderful misfit photographer's family sent me flowers just two weeks ago as a show of love and support

I feel as if everything I have given to others has come back to me twofold lately when I needed it the most.

The amazing {H} family whom I blogged about yesterday, were so thoughtful to send me flowers as at thank you for their session this past weekend. Literally the day I was throwing out the flowers my friends sent...




This wonderful family, who invited me into their home and let me spend some time with them- had no idea how much something like this would mean to me on a day like yesterday.

I have come to realize, that although the work I do through my photography (whether it be paid, volunteer through NILMDTS/OPLove or something else entirely) may not always receive a "thank you" but when you do, it is that much more meaningful.

Thank you to the H Family and My misfits Crew. You guys have kept a smile on my face the past 2 weeks.