Welcome to my cozy little blog.
Grab a cup of coffee, put on your favorite sweats, and cuddle up in a blankie to read.
(Well... this is how I blog anyways)
Long Story Short.
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.
Summer.
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!)
Corine Hatfield SENIOR
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.
Lifestyle.
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
Remind Me.
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.
Arika Jane
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 =)
The Mitchell Family
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!
GRAD ANNOUNCEMENTS 2013!!
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
JORDON & AMANDA MARRIED.
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!!
