Monthly Archives: December 2010

A Farewell to 2010…

2010 may go down as one of the most “game-changing” years of my life.  That said, I feel the need to reflect on an exciting year! I think the theme of this year has been “change”.  2010 brought about so many changes that will likely direct the remainder of my life.  Given that I’m not the greatest writer, I choose to keep this post simple and bullet this year’s changes and achievements:

  • Ceased to be Tied Down any longer….I left an excellent, secure career with great benefits, a steady salary, and consistency to pursue the unknown.  In May I made the switch to a full-time photographer.  This change has not been easy, but I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything.  During my 7 months as a full-time photographer…I have learned a lot about myself including the importance of doing what you LOVE! 
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  • Emily graduated from Medical School! It’s amazing to see Em follow her dreams as well.  She has wanted to be a Doctor since she was a little girl.  I’m so proud of her and her accomplishments.  She has been instrumental in persuading me to follow my dreams just as she has followed hers.
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  • Continued my photography and business education.  As the owner of a creative business, it is vital to not become complacent in your ways.  I have always had a thirst for education.  I love to learn and take every opportunity to learn from anyone I can.  This year I traveled to Las Vegas for WPPI, to Appleton, Wisconsin for Dave Jackson’s workshop, and to Chicago for Jerry Ghionis’ workshop.  Each of these learning opportunities helped bring fresh new ideas to my business.  I’m already planning for next year’s education opportunities!!
  • I have a goal of shooting at least one out of state wedding per year…this year I photographed a Wedding in Chicago
  • At the start of 2010, I had some goals which included getting published.  I was happy to see a few of my weddings recognized on both national and international wedding blog sites!!!  I also am excited to see some of my photography is being published in various print magazines (more on that in the near future).
  • Zoe got demoted!!! As much as we think of our dog Zoe as one of the family…Em and I have wanted a baby for a long time!!!  I never thought it would take so long…but it has been worth the wait.  It’s been an amazing journey…watching Emily’s belly grow.  We look forward to having our little girl in February!!!  We kept wondering why it has taken so long to have a kiddo…but now in hindsight we realize God was just setting things up for us….we couldn’t be happier with the outcome!!!!

 

2010 was absolutely amazing but now 2011 has some big shoes to fill.  Excited for the future!!! 

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Mary - January 1, 2011 - 11:39 pm

John, I found your site earlier this year and have really enjoyed seeing your work. Congratulations on following your dreams! Best wishes for you and Emily and your new daughter in 2011.

melissa oholendt - December 31, 2010 - 10:13 am

HUGE year! Can’t wait to see what 2011 holds for you and Em! xoxo to you both!

Watch Her Grow–Part 3

It’s been awhile since the last “Watch Her Grow” post…it’s been a month!! We’re down to the final 7 1/2 weeks till the big day!!! Our little girl has been kicking away and is doing great! It is almost unreal to see how quickly Emily has been growing her baby bump! This has been such an amazing experience.  I’m so glad I’ve tried to document, through photos, this exciting little journey!  I’ll be forever grateful for taking the time (not always convenient with Em’s crazy schedule) to capture her growing.  Here are the photos from the last four weeks.  All shot on film using a Contax RTS II, 50mm f/1.4 Zeiss and Fuji 400H. 

In case you missed the other Watch Her Grow Posts:

Part 1 – Weeks 20-25

Part 2 – Week 27

28 Weeks

29 Weeks
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31 Weeks
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32 Weeks
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Alisha Nuttall - January 4, 2011 - 8:48 pm

It’s not fair how cute she is :) Emily you are gorgeous and glowing! I’m so happy for you guys!!! She’s almost here!!!!

melissa oholendt - January 2, 2011 - 8:27 pm

She really does make it unfair for other pregnant women. GORGEOUS. And film? Love.

Karen Behrmann - December 29, 2010 - 9:40 pm

Congratulations guys! You are almost there…..and you could be closer than you think. All of ours were early…..35, 36 and 34 weeks! Can’t wait to hear the good news!

Kenny/Hoc - December 28, 2010 - 11:49 am

Great pix guys!!! :)

Jill - December 28, 2010 - 8:41 am

I’m so excited for you two!! 7.5 Weeks will go fast and then it’ll be time to start the “Watch Your Little Girl Grow” Photos!!

Olga - December 28, 2010 - 8:27 am

Just you wait. The next 7.5 weeks will bring profound changes and then… :) )) So excited for you guys!

[...] Part 3 – Weeks 28-32 [...]

Merry Christmas!!!

Wishing Everyone a Very Merry Christmas!!!!

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Ugly Christmas Sweater Party 2010

There’s something about Christmas and Ugly Sweater Parties that make me jump for joy! I was invited to Adam & Kyla’s 2nd annual Ugly Sweater Party.  Last year’s ugly Christmas Sweater party, I brought the photo booth and it was a blast.  That said, I had to bring my photo booth along for some fun photos for this party.  This year I was delighted to find a black fur collar for my ugly sweater. Not only was this sweater incredibly stylish, but also very comfortable.  Good times! Here are some of my favorites from the night

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I’m always amazed at my range of talent when modeling.  I can do “cool”, I can do surprised.  Really my facial expressions are pretty endless .
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Amanda Behrmann - December 28, 2010 - 8:27 pm

I would love to see a pic of your “photobooth” :)

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