Hello Friday =) 
 

Looking back at blog posts never published! Here's one from a chilly autumn day at the apple orchard.

 

 

Half asleep, I scramble to get ready so I can make it to the gym before a full day of activities. 14 steps later and a severely bruised rumpus, I limp out the door making it just in time for my class. My being in a hurry had caused me to forget that my bulky wool socks and sleek wood steps are not friends. Also, my face does not like the floor.

I am always in a hurry and usually late. I am running here and there and hoping that one thing will get done so I can move on to the next. Feeling utterly important, I say yes to every opportunity that arises because the world needs me- as if I hold it in the palm of my hand. Everyone tells me to keep busy and you will be fine! My question is, since when was that a cure for loneliness? Where did we learn that? There are so many lonely, but people just say to keep busy and we’ll be fine? We are lonely because we don’t make time. I can’t speak for everyone, but I can say that for myself. We are too busy to cultivate the very relationships that we need most. Everyone has their own way in connecting with people. For some, it is doing things. For people like me, it is just taking the time of day to care. Some of the most beautiful things in life come slow and are not easily handed to us- and rarely are they things.  

Tying this in with the season- more than the giving and receiving of gifts, realize that the presence of the people around you are gifts. Cheesy? Yess. True? Absolutely! Try turning off the T.V. , leave the computer at home and purpose to BE in the present instead of wishing you were somewhere else. Listen to your great aunts silly ramblings, notice the wrinkles on your grandmother’s frail hands, hear the wisdom in your father’s voice and tell your mother you loved the lutefisk.

Speaking of the most beautiful things in life that come slow! Below is My little sweet pea of a nephew who is being carefully formed in his mothers womb. Just incredible! I can't even voice how excited I am to meet him in a few months!!!!! 

 

ALSO, Today is my parents 26th year wedding anniversary!!! There's another example proving my point! 26 years. I want to share this photo with everyone. I just love it so much! 

 

I have high hopes and so much to look forward to in 2013! Hope you all have a safe and cozy Christmas! 

Normally, snow is stressful to me. I hate being cold, I hate driving in the snow and I hate being cold.

This year I find the snow a calming, re-assuring, and hopeful blanket that covers my world. Here is my whimsical winter wonderland. This place holds so many memories and so much love. I had an overwhelming and long week/ weekend filled with hustle and bustle, meetings, shoots and work work work. It has been a great year. A busy year. This morning I am thankful for that, but I am extremely thankful for the rest that comes after a season of non-stop go. I am snowed in, and am in no hurry to get out! 

 

 Below are some people I love. 

I can't WAIT to welcome the new beauty that will soon be here!

I threw together some fun Christmas Cards, here are a few previews! Available in 5x7 or 4x6. Digital downloads available as well. 

Colors, fonts, and wording can be customized.

Call 763.567.8900 or EMAIL  [email protected] for more info!

 

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FRIDAY! Need I say more?! 

Here's the last of my short and sweet tidbits of inspirations for the week! Hope this fuels your heart.

5- CREATE. Sometimes to get that drive you just have to put your hands to work. I love DIY projects and anything I can create with my hands. I have found there is something in the movement of doing something rather than a click of a button (whether the mouse or shutter release) that gets me motivated to think outside the box. When I am clickin'- I get out my old film cameras and get real captures of things and people I love. Other than that I have a BILLION hobbies (those of you who know me know this!) Getting busy on a knitting project, journaling/songwriting, sewing, or making some new art for the home is a treat to this deep longing to create. Though it’s not a “paid” portion of what I do (which I feel like most of what I do isn’t) it is SO necessary to keep my heart alive and beating for love of what I do. 

6- STOP COMPARING. (probably my favorite tip) The WORST thing I can ever do for myself is to compare. Someone will always have better gear, make more money, have more business, and make life look simply glamorous while I am working so hard just barely moving forward. It is your story and your battles and victories that make you unique. We are not to be like people around us and we don’t even know what people are dealing with. I read a quote last night that said “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle” This definitely helped me keep my mind in check about how I view others and myself. Instead of letting other people’s victories disappoint where you are at, be happy for them and use them as motivation to meet your own goals. 

Be proud of your work and accomplishments. Always grow. And enjoy the journey. 

That's all I got to say for the weekend! Besides apologize for my grammer.  Sorry to all of you grammer fanatics, I am working on it!! 

 

So much for doing an inspiring post a day! Our internet decided to be awesome (as it allllways is) and go out for the past few days. So here's a few short and simple things I like to do to keep the ball of inspiration rolling!! 

 

 

2- SAY NO.  I am a people pleaser. It has always been a constant battle for me to know whether I am doing something to please people or because I actually want to. I have owned this baby business for a few years now and if there’s anything I’ve learned, it is that I MUST say no. I can’t possibly say yes to every opportunity, lunch date, or meeting and keep my eye on the goal. I have given myself the permission to respectfully say no to things that would drain me or distract me from my ultimate goal either for the day, month, or year to come.

 

3- KEEP IN TOUCH. I am a very relational person. I absolutely love one on one , in depth conversations about anything that rises to the surface. One of the biggest ways I keep trucking a long is by simply nurturing relationships around me and not only sharing what I am passionate about, but taking time to lend an ear to what makes other people tick. One of my new favorite things is meeting other people in the same creative field that I am in. I LOVE meeting other photographers and small business owners just to encourage each other and leave feeling refreshed. Competition is dumb. I like friends better!

 

4- CHANGE OF SCENERY. There are times where I get stuck in a rut and just need to get out of my house for a change of scenery. I take my journal and go to my favorite local cafes or go for a drive and visit the nearby wildlife refuge and just let my mind rest and not feel guilty for prying away at a project I’m not motivated to do. I won’t lie and say it always works. I get home at times and want to do the project even less. In that case, I grit my teeth, put on some good tunes and get to work. 

 

 

As seasons take a turn, I am preparing for what will most likely be a long winter. There is no doubt I am looking forward to part time hibernation because my body needs it! I’ve been running like a crazy person for months on end!  It can also be the most challenging part of the year as a photographer and creative being. It is so important to keep the groove of inspiration going to last you through until spring arrives. 

I am going to do a little bit of processing out loud and sharing what keeps me going when the going gets tough. I will be posting one tip a day this week.. so stay tuned! Or just look at the end of the week and read them all at once =D 

1. CLEAR YOUR MIND>>> For me, it’s like a clean house. My life can be COMPLETE idiotic chaos, but I clear the center island in the kitchen of all the clutter and suddenly life is simple again. I take time normally in the beginning of the week to just clear my head of anything stifling creative energy. I call it my "Monday Morning Retreat". It's a time where I set aside distractions and take time to dream (business related). I journal away some negative thoughts and dig into the book of truth to renew my mind and replace those thoughts with "God thoughts" (yes, I mean "God" thoughts which are way better than "good" thoughts). I allow myself to just dream with no hesitation and do away with the nagging voices in my head to do or be something I am not. After that, I switch gears and make a P.O.A for my week and pull out the white board to write out my tasks daily that need to be accomplished. I keep it visible throughout the week or it WILL slip my mind. I have an end goal for the week that is something short term for me to work for and focus on.

I have come to really enjoy my Mondays and I love the Friday feeling of accomplishment and less wasted time as well. If you have any pointers on how to "CLEAR YOUR MIND" or how you get organized for your week I would LOVE to hear. 

Tomorrow will be #2 and it has to do with the word "NO"! 

Love you all. 

Fun fact for the day- I have never enjoyed sleep! If I didn't need it, I could go without. That is why I am up at 3:58 a.m. and this is normal. I am just super happy to say that my wonderful husband and I made it 6 months through deployment. YIPPEE! Worth a blog post, definitely. Thanks to all of you and your never ending support during this time! I am ready to get over this akward stage of life but am also seeing the beauty in seasons of life and learning to enjoy the ride. Speaking of rides! We are planning our big welcome home roadtrip/backpacking/camping trip! We'll be starting in Arizona and making our way up the west coast. Any tips or suggestions are welcome =) We just plan on hitting a bunch of parks and doing some hiking/ kayaking/ and whatever else true mountain men do. 

 

 

September 17th. One year of marriage.

Beauty. Blessing. Joy. Challenge. Joy. 

I could not be with my husband on our one year anniversary. As somber as it sounds, that wasn't stopping my celebration! I got incredibly blessed with an incredible support group in my life. My sister, mom, and grandma decided to take it into their own hands and make sure it was an anniversary I would never forget! I got blessed with gifts like Christmas morning from so many dear ones. My mom and I got pedicures, I got a much needed massage, and then we headed up to Spicer to a little bed (as my mom would say "bread") and breakfast for the night! We shopped a lot, drank excessive amounts of coffee, and laughed even more. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Love him more than ever. Looking forward to next year to have my husband back! 

 

Thanks for keeping up with my blog, hope you enjoy it! 

This is my day. Everyday. I start making breakfast until I realize that I CANNOT function or have my breakfast without coffee. I start making my morning cappuccino. I forget the burner is on and it gets way too hot but I throw on an egg and put the bread in the toaster. Both burn because I am so meticulous about this latte I forget about my breakfast. I get a burnt breakfast and an unequaled latte. 

I sit down at my computer with good intentions to edit a full shoot in one sitting. I find some music to get me going, log into facebook for easy preview uploading. One song leads me to think about another song which reminds me I have to tell my friend about this new song I found. I go to facebook, share my song. Start an hour long conversation which leads to a coffee date in an hour. Through this, I get inspired to decorate my whole house for fall. I come home and it's go time! But before I can decorate, I have to re-organize and clean EVERYTHING. So I clear all the cupboards, my whole closet, and filing cabinet. THEN, I realize I MUST get this shoot done. So I get back to editing. 

This is my life. Everyday! It literally just cracks me up the way the human mind works and the way we connect things to other things which leads to other things. I will say that I am easily inspired. I will also say I have a priority problem! Here's to a new season of focus and a breathe of fresh air.

 

***What do you do to keep focused on the task at hand? Seems like it'd be so simple, but my mind can't always grasp it! Share your wisdom!! I'd love to hear a little bit from you. 

 

 

 

Long Hair Short.

Long Story Short.

Check out my friend's sweet and condensed story @ http://beatuifulday.wordpress.com/2012/09/10/jubilee/

 

There are things that defined beauty for me. One of those things was HAIR. A silly thing such as hair. Yes! I know I'm not the only one. It's not a bad thing. For those of you who knew me- I loved messy, big, crazy hair. I spent years and years growing out my hair and it was finally where I wanted it! Not only did I love it, but other people loved it. (besides those who have had to brush through it or my mother!) The days I didn't do my hair were the days random strangers would come up to me and ask how I did my hair. My prideful response was :"I didn't do it, actually. This is au naturale". The days I was insecure of my skin or didn't wear makeup, I could hide behind my hair. A safety net. There, I said it!

A traumatic experienced challenged me and my friend Molly to take a "radical" action that was an outward expression of what was in our hearts.

(Again-*Read* http://beatuifulday.wordpress.com/2012/09/10/jubilee/) 

I watched what used to be beautiful become chains that dropped to my feet as we hacked off the hair of precious Marta to bring about her freedom. I have never seen beauty the way I did that day. And it had absolutely nothing to do with an outward appearance. 

I wasn't going to do it. I was NOT about to chop my hair off. The more I thought about it, I became disgusted with the way I held outward appearance so close. I started imagining a freedom I could walk into through a simple act. I knew it was the only right thing to do at that moment. I can't even tell you the change in my heart since that day. I will never expect anybody to understand. Some do, but most don't. And that's ok. **A cool little side note- I happened to have my camera with (which is weird if I'm not going to or coming from a shoot) so we got to capture this, and I got to donate 12 inches of hair!

I think we all get the moral of the story. I hope this inspires you to go a little deeper and discover the gold in people we've never seen before. 

 

What an amazing summer it has been!! Biggest summer for me yet- meeting my goal for weddings/shoots booked plus some! I am so thankful for every client this summer who helped make it a good one! I have definitely grown a TON in a short amount of time and learned so much. I welcomed my new camera a few weeks ago that my husband surprised me with! Quite the surprise I must say =) I am LOVING getting to know a new camera body and I love that it is about 5 lbs lighter than my 1d! Also, check out my updated web page! I am still adding a gallery and a few finishing touches but I'm loving the new look to go along with my proofing site/blog. 

I really don't know what else to say other than I look forward to a productive autumn and I can't wait to blog more of my shoots! (That WILL be happening!) 

 

Here is a short preview to 1/4 of a senior session. We are doing a 4-season senior shoot at the same location which I think will be quite fun! Good thing I REALLY like hanging out with this beauty =) She is probably the happiest person I know. Happy people make me happy! 

 

 

We are both also excessive coffee drinkers. 

Who needs a legit reason to get photos done?? Nobody. Ever! You living everyday life is a good enough reason for me! Why?? Because YOUR LIFE MATTERS! This is a great opportunity for you to get some new profile pics, blog entries, and show who you are in a unique way! I am so excited because it also allows me to be creative as well. Take me up on this and I know you won't regret it =) 

EMAIL OR CALL TO BOOK SESSION

 

 

You know those days where you drag your feet to your desk... feeling no desire to put any effort into your work... I know those days too! Though I do not work a 9-5 office job or spend all day looking at numbers and data that means nothing to me, I have those days where I feel like I'd be anywhere else but working. Though it is what I absolutely love to do and my dream job, I get stuck and loose inspiration. I start to feel like what I do does not matter and affects nobody else. It's easy to feel alone and want to give up. Today is not one of those days for me, but I've had plenty of those! The past few days I have been heavily reminded of why I do what I do and who I do it for. 

Colossians 3:23 NIV "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men"

Whether I am working on the foundation of my business, with clients, shooting, or editing- It is UNTO THE LORD. In everything I do I can use my work, words, and actions to glorify him. When I am alone and nobody can see the effort I put into my work, he sees me. How cool is that? I don't know about you, but it drives me to my best. It gives more weight in what I do than just having a good job so I can pay the bills or have nice things. In whatever things we do, it has eternal purpose. Keep that in mind today as you go about your daily routine! Thanks to all of you and your constant support in my life and business. 

 

I am kind of excited about my decision to take a break off of facebook for a year.  Facebook has been a great thing for me, being self employed because during the week when I'd be stuck in my home working alone it would allow me to make social connections when I was sick of talking to myself. The other side of that is the distraction it causes me! I log in to upload some of my work and a few hours later realize I've been horribly distracted by the status updates, photos, notes, catching up with people I would never know if it weren't for FB... blah blah blah! I am looking forward to disciplining myself in my work. I am a free bird and will go wherever the wind takes me... and so many times I end up getting nothing done! This also means more blogging in my future! So I am hoping that people don't stop contacting me just because it isn't a click on facebook. Keep updated on my blog and website as well! 

 

Here is a recent newborn session I did with Arika Jane. I have had the privilege of photographing her siblings since they were babies. Love this family so much! Enjoy =) 

 

 

 

We had a short time last week to get everyone together and get some quick shots of the Mitchell family. So glad it worked out! I am blessed to have grown up knowing such a wonderful family! 

 

Hi Friends! 

I decided to expand my horizons and put together some grad announcements to make it a one stop shop for those who need photos & invites... One or the other is just as fine too! I have them posted on my site under "STATIONARY BY ME" and also featured on my online proofing site. I have done custom invites for those who already have ideas in mind or want a different style. More will be uploaded soon! The information on these invites are NOT accurate so don't mark your calendars for the party haha 

ALSO, I have some new & exciting things to announce soon SOOO don't go too far for too long! 

http://vanessaraquelphoto.com/

http://vanessaraquelphoto.zenfolio.com/invite

 

I had the privilege of meeting Amanda on a missions trip in Haiti a few years ago. We've built a friendship and kept in touch ever since and I was very honored that she chose me as her wedding photographer. I don't think Jordon & Amanda's wedding day could have been more beautiful!! It was a great kick off for the wedding season. 

My lovely assistant, Tasha (below), ran the photobooth at the reception and did a fabulous job!! 

 

 

Today I am blogging about someone dear to my heart.

My first best friend. My role model. My sister, Brittany. 

 

Only being 14 months apart, Brittany and I have always been closest of friends. I always thought it was SO weird if someone didn't get along with their sister because I can only count a few arguments we've had and I think we were 12 years old. (Probably because she tattled on me!)

Through every, and I mean EVERY season of my life she has been there. Never missing a beat. When I think back the things I remember most are... countless times of goofing off & belly laughing at the most inappropriate times, singing & dancing all around the house (which we still do), sorting socks (I swear that's what we spent most our lives doing), and pulling all nighters talking, talking, talking.

We are now grown up... well, kind of. We both married incredible, Godly men, got blessed with owning our own homes, and now we both have black lab pups. The 2 most amazing days of my life was her wedding day and mine (if I had a 3rd it'd be her graduating from nursing school!!!). I couldn't be more blessed with an incredible sister. She challenges me, comforts me, laughs & cries with me, and will always be there through every season of life. She is beautiful, so full of wisdom, compassion, patience, joy, and lives a life of full hearted abandonment to the Lord. LOVE THIS GIRL!

It took me quite an extensive time to go through all of the photos we have together and pick a few to share. Enjoy! 

 

 

 

Today, before I blog my first wedding of the year, I am going to kick it off with some details. For this particular wedding, I had alot of fun playing around with capturing the little details in the day that really makes each wedding unique. Amanda did such a GREAT job in planning and pulling things together. I am looking forward to another great year and am loving the relationships I get to build with each client. I am Here is just a little sneak peak of the details... full wedding blog post coming soon!! 

 

There are many kids that I've had the joy of watching grow since they were newborns- Carter is one of them! He is now 2 years old. I decided to pull together a few photos I've taken throughout the years- I don't even realize how much a child is grown until I travel back in time to when they were just born. This is one of the reasons I love what I do. Enjoy! 

I have the privilege of photographing my wonderful sister/in law/amazing friend, etc & her fiance's (he's pretty cool too!) wedding/ engagement photos! We picked the best day to do a shoot last week! The weather was just perfect, we laughed alot, had a good time, got some lovely shots, and it makes me SO excited to shoot their wedding in September. Enjoy! 

 

 

 

My heart has been bursting with joy this afternoon and I can't even explain it. I woke up feeling helpless, tired, worn out, and lazy. Apathy was written all over me. I got up, did my cleaning and was getting ready for the day. All of these disappointments really left me feeling down. I started praying and just tried to shake it off.

I sat down with a cup of coffee.

The Lord reminded me of his steadfast love and his promises. "I will never leave you nor forsake you. I love you. I am DELIGHTED in you. You are my daughter. YOU ARE MY LOVE." and BAM- my heart couldn't contain this giggly, giddy, joy! Despite my circumstances, downfalls, and defeats- he is for me. This world is full of doubts and fears. It is too easy to be weighed down and depressed by the cares and burdens of this life. JOY is rising above circumstances. Joy doesn't make sense. Joy is found way underneath the surface and it can only come from the Lord. This feeling is just too good to keep to myself. So here it is... I pass it on! I pray that wherever your day finds you, you can stop & take a deep breath... and smile. 

Love you guys! 

I am ready and excited for this new season coming up!!! It's time for SENIORS to start thinking about their photos! It is never too early to get on it and score some good deals for doing so! Look out for specials and tips each month. Looking forward to making new friends!!! ALSO- Check out the referral program and take advantage of it. Why?? Because it's there for YOU! 

 

 

 

For those who don't know, our little Indie pup was hit by a car a few weeks ago on the road in front of our house. She was in pretty rough shape, but no internal organs were touched. Amazing. She has been such a trooper and I don't think Siah could have chosen a better pup for us. We just love her to pieces! She completes our little family =) 

 

The other day, the vet took out her stitches and they just love on her every time we come in. Indie came out wearing her heart on her sleeve. I just had to share this photo because she is TOO STINKIN CUTE and I think she could make anyone smile. So, have a wonderful day- and don't forget to smile and share your smile with the world because we all know it needs a little love. 

 

 

A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed. Proverbs 15:13

I am Vanessa. A new wife.
I drop things, burn things, misread the directions.
I trip, slip, and find creative ways to fall.
I am in a constant state of dreaming and my head is in the clouds.
I am scatter brained, forgetful, and inspired.
I have messy hair and chipped nails.

To be perfect is certainly not a concern of mine. But to live and give others life is what I'd die for.
I am not in the business of impressing others, but to urge others in the direction of doing what they love and what makes them free.

All this to say... Being newly married forces me to find new discoveries about myself daily. Like I said in my last post, I have been through a year of constant change. My life is slowly returning to some sort of normalcy, (as normal as it will probably ever be) and now I am looking at what the past year has produced. I have never been over-confident with myself. The past 3 or 4 years I have been figuring out who I am and getting comfortable with... me. The more I figure out who I am, the more I realize I am not normal. I mean... yeah... who is? But really... I am NOT normal. haha! I really don't mind. I just see that I don't fit into this society the way people would like me to, and I think I am finally ok with not fitting that mold. I still dream like a child. I sing, I dance, I laugh uncontrollably at all the wrong moments. I am not as bold as I'd like to be, but my heart is fully in the things I put my hands to and my words are always sincere. I didn't go to college or read a ton of books, but here I am with a business and a vision inside of me. I am nowhere close to where I want to be... but slowly and surely I am getting there. I fall everyday and my heart goes so far, but my Jesus picks me up and calls me lovely.

Today I am excited about life.
Let your brain be fueled with inspiration from your heart.
Never stop doing what you truly love and what makes you happy.
There is a purpose in the things God has placed in your heart.
Go. Jump. Dig in deeper and challenge yourself.

I am happily getting acquainted with my new blog!! I am enjoying the clean slate and the process of re-building a blog. Let's do this!! 

If you must visit my old blog---> http://vanessa-raquel-bakken.blogspot.com/

-VANESSA