Photographer Then Baker

Can I just say the wind is so vicious out there today that I half expect a tree to fall or lose power. Hopefully neither will happen. In the meantime I will preoccupy my mind with this blog.

First I would like to establish that I am a photographer first and a cookie baker second. I have been told on many occasions that maybe I should put more emphasis on cookie baking, because it is doing so well, but I refuse, because though I love baking cookies, photography is my first true love, my passion. The cookie business is supporting the photography until the photography can run by itself. That is my plan and I am sticking to it.

To give you a little history about my cookies. I have been baking for the holidays for the past 15 years or so for family and friends. After lots of feedback to start a cookie business I finally did this year. I attended 2 farmers markets to sell my cookies which turned out quite well. One of the markets did far better than the other. Both markets allowed me to sell some photography as well. Which was a bonus. The markets lasted from May to October. In December I had 3 cookies orders, which I didn't expect. So yes cookies did far better than photography. I plan on doing 2 farmers markets next year as well which will keep me plenty busy with cookies. One of the markets I'm sure of the other not sure yet, but if I do get into it, it will be a good one. I will let you know what the markets are later in the winter.


So to summarize this year. Because of finances I was only able to do 7 art shows. Only 2 of those shows had better sales from the previous year. Which is why I am doing 9 new shows all in Southern Maine, in Connecticut, Vermont and New Hampshire. This year I also created a new website about a month ago which has more features than the old one. I have also invested more time in social networking which I have been recently working on. It is slowly working and I am learning alot of new things.

I am also in search of my niche. I will be doing alot of experimenting this winter with hand coloring, using my new Canon S95, landscapes and more. For the most part I love B&W and I really hope I can get the hang of hand coloring. I used to hand color using the traditional darkroom printing techniques then hand colored using oil pencils. But because of where I live (Maine) and the expense of disposing of chemicals I had to give up the traditional methods. But thanks to Dianne Poinski I have a renewed faith to start hand coloring again.

This year I will see how both businesses do and compare at the end of the year.

My 4 p's will get me through the year

Perseverance--Persistence--Patience & Passion

Re evaluating

American Gold Finch

So since I have started Tweeting I have learned alot of things about how I do things. Basically I have to do what is right and what works. Most of the time if you follow your gut it's right. Right? For over a year I have been blogging and I only have a few followers. Who I am grateful to have! But I want more people to learn about me and the adventures I have chosen to take with my 2 businesses. The struggles and successes I contend with constantly.

So to keep it short and sweet. For those of you who are new readers, I have been in the photography business doing Art Festivals for the past 4 years with some success, but not enough. I started a cookie business this year to help with the photography business, (Do Not want to go back to the big box stores!) which had very good results! But who doesn't like a homemade cookie!?

With that said I will be posting weekly on my progress for 2011. My goal with this is I hope to learn for myself and for others the good and or bad of running 2 businesses. I also hope I will get feedback from my readers.

So bare with me, hang tight and I'll take any and all advice you have to offer.

My next blog will be a summary of 2010. Some good and some not so good. See you in a week!

In the meantime out my Website, follow me on Twitter, and follow me on Facebook.


HAVE A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY SEASON
&
MERRY CHRISTMAS!

My 2011 Goals

I'm Working Here

So as we approach the new year and look back on this year, I have to take the time to consider what I need to do to make changes and better my businesses.

I have already created a show schedule for my photography and farmers markets for my cookies. I had to make sure that the 2 schedules wouldn't clash with each other and gave photography more shows of course. I am doing 4 out of state shows this year to help get my photos out there. In fact every show I am doing this year is a new one except for 3. So I hope to attract a whole new customer base. I will also be more aggressive with my marketing and soical media plans. I do have plans to improve my photo product line. I also have several new photo project ideas that I am working on.

This is my year! I have stuggled for several years putting every penny I make right back into my businesses. I have made lots of mistakes and I have learned and observed others to better my businesses. 2011 will be the year to breath slightly, I will always put 120% into my businesses. It is my love, my passion, my life! With Patience, Perservence & Persistance I will be successful!

So as the year progresses I will keep you up to date with my show schedule, marketing and social media plans, new products and my projects. I will also continue to learn to be a better photographer/business person.

I'm Tweeting!

I have spent the last day or so trying to get Twitter up and running and I am still trying to get the language figured out. I have only made 2 posts at this point and I guess I will just have to keep on posting and trying to get the hang of it all. With that said follow me on Twitter and see how I master the language.

The photograph above are My Boots. That day there was a winter storm and as I often do I go out and start shoveling, because I know that the snow from the roof will fall and double the shoveling time. That day I chose not to. I stayed inside and photographed. Then did double duty later.

New Website!

First let me just say 1960 was a great year!

For the last week I have been fighting a cold, which I refuse to give into. So I have been busy creating a new website. I created the new site for several reasons, 1 ease of use, 2 more access to search engines and 3 to make more social media connections. Please take a moment and visit the new site and let me know what you think you can send me a comment right from the site on the contact page http://cindiresslerphotos.photoshelter.com/ . I will be keeping the old website for a few months to see if the new one can produce better results.

Black & White or Color

Black & White or Color. Which one do you like. I like the Black & White.

I have one more photo show this year. It is the United Maine Craftsmen 36th Annual Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts Show. Friday the 25th & Saturday the 26th. I still have photography at the Maine Crafts Holiday Store in the Bangor Mall until the end of December.

It's that time of year when I start getting all the summaries of the year together and to get ready for next year. Paperwork, paperwork, paperwork! With that said. Have a great Thanksgiving Everyone!

Simply Blue

Good Morning,
In the process of learning more about social media and online marketing. I have been told that for a business to really success it is necessary to know social media and the different platforms to be involved in. I will say it is a slow process trying to figure out who is who and who you should be connected with. I want my business to thrive and in time it will. I will continue to have an optimistic outlook. I refuse to give up. I find myself constantly learning. I studied photography at the Arts Institute in Seattle and though I learn a tremendous amount of information about the technical side of photography, I didn't learn too much about the business side of photography. So I will continue to learn and become the best that I can be as a photographer and business woman.

The photograph above is called "Simply Blue", because it is just that for me. But maybe you see something else. I want my Color Reflections Collection to Inspire the Imagination.

Help me Name this Photo!

Well I have been busy getting my website updated and working on my color reflections collection. One of the toughest things about this collection is coming up with names for them. Some come easy others take alittle longer and others like this one I have several titles. But I would like it very much if you could help me name this photo. I don't want to tell you my choices, because I would like you to come up with your own without any help of what I might think. I often get several perspectives on this collection and it is always fun to see what other people see. Sometimes it's similar and other times it is way off!

I have added several new photos to my website. Please check them out!

Goodbye Dusty

Unfortunately Dusty has lost her battle with her kidney disease. She became very anemic, and was given only a week or 2 to live. I did not want her to suffer further so she was sent to heaven last night.

She was very happy until the end. I love and miss her dearly.

Goodbye my furry little friend.

Summer is Over

Well here it is September and come Tuesday summer will be officially over. And frankly I am glad it is over. It has been a very hot and humid summer here in Maine which is very unusual. But I guess the weather has been crazy everywhere.
Can you believe it is now time to start thinking about the holidays. It is true how time goes by much faster the older you get!

Just because the summer is nearly over doesn't mean the shows are over. I will be at The Newport Farmers Market-Saturdays 9am-1pm til October 9th, The Rockland Farmers Market-Thursdays 9am-12:30pm til October 28th. Starting October 1st through December 31st I will have photography in the Maine Crafts Holiday Store in the Bangor Mall near Sears. I am very excited about this one! It will extend my selling season. I also have a new show this year that takes place at Sprague Nursery which will benefit the Bangor Humane Society. That is coming up the 8th of this month. That same week the 11th I will be at the United Maine Craftsmen show at Smiling Hill in Westbrook, Maine. Then not much until November which I will update later. I am also updating my website in the next few days hopefully with some new images. http://www.cindiresslerphotography.com/ I will be adding some promotional sales on my newsletter. Sign up and check out the sales!

The photograph above is another reflection from my photo excursion last month. It was at the Camden Harbor in Maine. I am hoping that we get a great fall season and hopefully go photographing later this month into October.

Chow for now!

A Different Perspective

I was down at the harbor in Camden, Maine photographing when I saw some interesting reflections of the American Flag. Her glory still shines bright on the waves.
Update on Dusty. She is doing very well, she is even quite playful. I haven't seen her look so good in quite a long time.

Dusty Update

First I would like to thank James and Lucy the Cat for their kind words and helpful information. Thank you very much! You have helped me considerably in understanding CRF. How is Simba doing?

Dusty came home on Saturday late in the day. She had a subQ treatment which was to show us how to do it before she left. Sunday she ate quite well and took her subQ medicine like a champ. Although Mom was quite nervous about it. I cannot give a needle! If I absolutely had to I would, but it really freaks me out bad! Monday was a different story she slept all day and didn't eat. I was afraid that this was it. I called my Vet and they suggested giving her 200cc of the subQ (she was getting 100cc). Right after treatment she ate and was doing just fine. In fact at 3:30am this morning she decided to sharpen her nails on my bed and when I woke I gave her some food which she ate for about 3-4 minutes. I guess she was hungry. I would leave her food down, but I have a very smart husky mix who can get into any situation just to get her food. She was up even before me this morning at 6:30am. She gave me her morning meow and we were good to go. I offer her food every 2-3 hours or so. When she is with me in the office I leave food and water for her. When I go downstairs she goes with me. Sometimes I have to guide her because she can't see well. Today she even played a bit. Mom gave Dusty her subQ this afternoon and she did better and was pleased that she could do it on her own. Unfortunately because of the art shows and farmers markets I won't always be home to help her. Now she knows she can do it on her own and Dusty is so good about it. So far everything is going well. We are taking it 1 day at a time. And enjoying each day! Thank God for Dusty and her strong will.

The photo above was taken just about an hour ago after she had several bits of food. Hence the dirty nose.

Our Pets

My pets are my children who I love and would do anything for them. They make me laugh, they my me mad, they make me happy, they let me cuddle them and hold them and they as I love them unconditionally. They may not talk to me in human words, but they speak volumes with their affections. You know when they are happy and when they are sad. You learn to watch for those small signs that let you know that something isn't right. Then you decide whether there is a need to go to the Vet. Despite the costs you do the right thing and hope for the best. Well 2 days ago I had to make that decision and it turns out that Dusty ( kitty photos above) has kidney failure. She is about 12 or 13 years old and has been through so much in her life, everything from urinary tract infections, to thyroid issues and high blood pressure, losing her vision and now this. She is responding to treatment and will be home tomorrow. She is happy, alert and eating all good signs, but in the long run the kidneys will shut down and will take her from us. The Vet can not determine how long that will be. Could be a few months or longer, I am hoping for longer. But it does seem to be short term. I will do everything I can to make her remaining months however many she has as happy as I can. She is the last of 4 cats that I have had since 1990. There was Apollo who I had for 9 years, then Pumpkin was 16 years and Misty my most recent was 19 years. I am happy that all my cats have had and has a happy life. They were and are spoiled kitties, with lots of toys, they had and have condos to play on and of course lots of catnip. I don't know if I will get another cat. After cleaning litter boxes for the past 19 plus years, I think I might take a break from cats that might last all of a few months perhaps. I still have 3 dogs who I love very much and they to are very spoiled. More about them another time.

Thank you for letting me ramble on about my pets.

Catch up

Sorry it has been so long since my last blog. Between the cookie business and the photography business I have been quite busy. I also have been trying to photograph the flowers in my garden before they pass by. The photographs here are of my Asiatic lilies and my blue bearded iris. Both flowers types did really well this year. They have double in size from last year.

Well I have to say the photography shows I have done so far this year have not been very good. I am not really sure why though. I have heard other vendors are also disappointed in their shows. So maybe the economy isn't what they say it is, but at the same time if people want to spend they do. So I guess I will re evaluate and see if it is my product or maybe my pricing. I will have a week before my next show to see what I can come up with. Although the weather is has been HOT and HUMID which is unusual for Maine. Everybody is heading for the beaches instead of the Art Shows. What ever the problem is I hope it gets taken care of so I and other vendors can make a living.

I Love Spring!

Have I told you that I love spring! I know I have mentioned it many times, but everything is so fresh and new. Birds are nesting, bugs a mating, flowers are blooming everywhere.

The photos here are what is new in my backyard.

The first one is of a Lady Bug who is sharing a peony bud with her soldier. A soldier beetle.

The second is of a Viceroy butterfly enjoying a nice meal of chives. Good figure who would think butterflies have a flavor for onions.

The last photo is of one of many peonies that are blooming in my gardens.

Enjoy your Spring wherever you are!

Dogs, Cats & more...Pet Photography

Dogs, Cats & more...Pet Photography is officially open for business. I am very excited about this, and all the wonderful pets I will meet and the adventures they will take me on. As Jake the cat will say, Let's get this show on the road!

The photos here are of Jake the Cat who is a very laid back kinda cat. Although I haven't met too many cats that aren't laid back.

Avery who is a pitbull rescue. This dog was truly amazing! Very friendly and photogenic. I really enjoyed working with her. Avery waits for her owner to come home from fishing then may examine the fish, and if she had it her way she would eat too.

I am hoping to have lots of wonderful stories to tell about all the different pets and their owners I meet.

Check out the Dogs, Cats & more...Pet Photography webpage on my website for more information and photos. www.CindiResslerPhotography.com/pets.html

Mind Boggling!

Peony

I am in the unfortunate situation where I have to transfer web hosts. I find it to be very difficult and frustrating and confusing. I have already provided my new host with the information they required, but honestly I don't know if it is right or not. I have tried to communicate with them and being I am using dreamweaver I think it is more difficult. I just started this whole process today. So I will see how long it takes for things to transfer. I hope I didn't make a mistake. My current host has become a nightmare to contend with and I just couldn't take them any more. I hope my new host is better.

As soon as the transfer is complete you will be able to see my new Dogs, Cats & more...Pet Photography page. I will fill you in on the details late.

Well here it is May 24th, I am in Maine and it's 90 degrees! What is with that! We have had some unusually high temperatures this month and spring has sprung early. This morning I transplanted 13 plants and I have to say they don't look so happy right now, but I will baby them to the max to get them established again. I am considering creating another peony garden in the fall, trying to get some unique colors other than the whites and pinks.

The Farmers' Markets were great this week for photography and cookies. I look forward to another great week.

Have a great day!

White Bleeding Hearts

White Bleeding Hearts

Well I think I am starting to master maintaining my gardens and my businesses and everyday stuff and still have a piece of mind left. I have been working on my pet portfolio and it too is slowly coming together. The past 2 weeks I have been doing the Newport Farmers' Market and despite the rain it too has been going okay. This week I will be starting the Rockland Farmers' Market. This week the weather is suppose to be a lot nicer, so I will be anxious to see what kind of crowds we'll have.
Well I am off to work on more projects. Have a great day!

Need a day off!

How can you say no to this face.

This is my dog Sami. She is 12 years old, German shepherd lab mix. Alot of gray on that beautiful face. Her nickname is wiggles, because she is always wagging her tail and is always happy.

Well the past couple of weeks have been extremely busy between my cookie business and my photography and getting ready for my first farmers market where my photography and cookies will be selling. I have also attended a business conference and photography club event and to top it all off, I am adding pet portrait services to my photography business. I am currently photographing friends pets to gain some experience and to build a portfolio. Check out my facebook Dogs, Cats and more....Pet Photography page to see my first session. In the weeks ahead I will hopefully have collected enough experience and photos to put this aspect of my photography business in business and on my website. This will also be featured in my Newsletter.

So after tomorrows farmers market I will be taking the rest of the weekend off and getting a fresh start Monday.

Have a great weekend!

Happy Mother's Day to all Moms and even the Moms with their animal children!

My Sweet Sugarbee

It is with great sadness that Misty also known as Sugarbee is no longer with us. Yesterday my Mom and I had to make that devastating decision to put Misty to rest. After 19 wonderful years it was time. She was a wonderful kitty. Always a petite 7 pounds. Very graceful and agile. In her younger years she was very much a high jumper. And could move with lightning speed to escape the dogs. The photographs are only a few, Misty was not very photogenic. As you can see my the look. On the other hand when I could photograph her they were great and crazy like the black and white photo. She has had a very happy and long life and yes I wish I could have kept her forever, but we all know all good things will end.

She will be sorely missed. She is now in good hands and I hope happy.
I miss you Sugarbee........

Getting Ready for Spring Cleaning

Well I know I am getting a late start in garden cleaning and of course the one year I am not in a hurry to get into the garden Spring comes early. So now that I have tied up almost all the necessary loose ends ie. updating the website, brochures, business card. I can finally get myself outside and get my garden cleaned up. I have noticed my peonies, lilies, Valerian, toadflax, poppies, sea holly, globe thistle, daylilies, daisies, delphiniums and coneflowers and that is just to name the ones I can see. I am sure there are many more under the dead growth from last year I have yet to uncover. Plus I have a lawn to mow and a garage to clean out. I definitely have my work cut out for me and I hope I can have it done by weeks end. It is suppose to be nice weather all week. I expect I will be very sore and will taking some aspirin for a few days to get me through the aches. Then after it is all done I hope that I can maintain it better this year than I have in years past. I get alittle better every year. I am anxious to photograph all my flowers.

The photos above are from a place in Florida called Corkscrew Swamp. It was very diverse landscape. These are reflections of airplants that grow among the trees and are very common there. Although it was slightly disappointing visit.

Well here is to a busy week.

It's Done!

After a week plus time I have completely updated my website. Now I know I have done this once, but I have added a new ordering setup and I have added enlarged photos. So when you go to one of the galleries and choose a photo click and it will show an enlarged version and it will also show size and pricing options and you can order from there. Where before you had to know your item number then go to the order page type in the number and then order. And you had smaller photos. Now I have larger photos to see and easier ordering. Lots of work! But I really like the way it came out and hopefully it will encourage more orders. Please let me know what you think of http://www.cindiresslerphotography.com/ new website. Also I have added alot of new photos alot from my trip to Florida. I am done with doing anything more to this website except to add new photos. Now I can get out to my gardens and get them cleaned up so the new flowers can get through and I can start photographing them. I am looking forward to a good year!
The photograph above is one of my many color reflections. I call this "Nightclub". Naming my color reflections photos has become quite a chore, but after redoing the website I have managed to create some new names.
Have a great Day!

Re Doing the website again!

Hi All!

Well I am at it again. I have a new plan for my website and I hope it will make it easier for the user. But it will involve a ton of work and at least a week to do. It will be definitely an improvement on the current site. I just have to be patient and diligent to get it done within a week. At least that is the goal. It will look similar as it does now. But that is all I am saying.

On another note. I am having a photo contest with my newsletter. Any one interested sign up for our FREE newsletter for more information.

I finished my taxes. Yeah! Taxes are never fun, at least not for me.

So how do you feel about lady bugs?! Well I do like them and I won't kill them, or not on purpose, but right now they are flocking to the southwest corner of my white house and they are getting in too. In fact right now there is one wandering on my keyboard. Kinda hard to type around him/her especially when it is on the "S" key. Excuse me while I move it....... On a daily bases I get the vacuum and clean up the many who have died. Not pleasant and frankly quite stinky. It won't last long and they will fade away. Fortunately I am very good at ignoring things when I need too and if they aren't in my way. And of course it is my office that is the only room effected. Oh well.

The photograph here is of an White Ibis. One of the many birds I saw in Florida.

Have a great day!

I'm Working Here.......

I have my coffee, my glasses, my computer, I'm ready to get working here.
This little squirrel came visiting our camp and decided he was in charge and was going to take over. In fact he tried to scurry away with the little black pouch seen in the photo.

New Look

Hi All!

Well I have spent the last week or so updating and changing my website. I have given it a new look and have changed the layout some and of course added new photographs. Please take a moment and check it out and let me know your thoughts. http://www.cindiresslerphotography.com/.

Have a great day!

Let sleeping giants lie

This alligator was probably six feet long. I photographed him at a place called shark alley which was just outside of the Everglades. This site is 7 miles long. Good place to photograph alligators and birds. Although I didn't travel the 7 miles, only about a mile and saw several gators, but I am sure there were alot more down the trail further. There were no barriers protecting you from these animals. So you really had to use your common sense and be alert. Although this gator was too busy soaking up the sun.

Have a nice day!

Rosette Spoonbill

This is a Rosette Spoonbill. The bird is both beautiful and not so beautiful. The red eye makes the bird seem a little odd. Just the same the bird is striking.
I am still editing photos, and it is taking longer that I had hoped. I have had to do alot of errands the past few days, but I expect to get alot accomplished this weekend. So back to work I go. Have a great weekend all!

Nice to be home

American Alligator

Snowy Egret in breeding plumage

Englewood Beach, Florida with shore birds

Well it was alot of fun in Florida! But it is great to be home. Camping wasn't so bad, I would do it again. I met alot of nice people. And thanks to all who let Lori and I stay the night in a nice warm bed. I have to say the night time temperatures were around mid 40's and the daytime highs were about 60. Fortunately we didn't have any rain while photographing and the drive home was sunny. Thank you God for that. Over all the trip went quite smoothly especially with the dark chocolate and occasional ice cream. Lori and I are planning a trip to Arizona next winter and we will travel my way. My truck and hotels.

I have tons of photographs to go through and organize and edit. This will keep me busy for a bit. I pulled a few for everyone to view. The alligator was photographed at the Everglades, a location called the Anhinga Trail. I have alot of great shots from this location and of course alot of alligators. I must say that this trail was the only good thing about the whole Everglades. Very disappointing, except for the trail of course. The egret was photographed at Ding Darling Bird Sanctuary. What a great place to photograph birds. We saw so many birds I couldn't even begin to count the different species. The sanctuary is located on Sannibel Island. The island alone was beautiful. I had never seen such beautiful blue water. We did alot of seashell collecting on the island and being the collector I am I found some great seashells and I did share with Lori. Those were my souvenirs. The beaches were full of seashells, but you have to get there early to get the good ones. The last photograph is at Englewood beach. Not sure what kind of shorebirds are there I am still working on that. This too was gorgeous! I got some great photographs there too!

Pretty much every where we went we did get some great photographs. And as I edit and organize I will share.

I hope next week to have them on my website http://www.cindiresslerphotography.com/. I also have to send out more show applications. So I expect to be very busy for a while. I also have a newsletter which I started before I left which I have to get out. Please sign up for it if you haven't already. I will be having a contest in April. The winner will receive a 11x14 matted photograph.
Well this is it for now. I will be posting more.

Have a great day!

CRITTERS!

Camping thus far has been good except it is still cold. I am sleeping using 2 sleeping bags and still not quite warm enough. It is suppose to be in the 50's here in Florida, but I have yet to feel that mild evening air. In fact it has barely hit the 60's during the day and that is if the sun is shining and it isn't windy. I wonder if we are in Florida? Did we miss an exit?
Any way I had my first critter encounter! Unbelievable! It was the middle of the night and I was awaken by rustling in the leaves outside my tent. Then all of a sudden a large critter stands on my side of the tent right near my head! I thought I was a goner! It was horrifying! I couldn't believe my eyes! I was in a panic and screamed! Then soon realized it was a young raccoon and his buddies looking for some snacks. Lori and I laugh about it. So far that has been my only experience with camping critters. This is my last day camping and I will say it has been a good experience and I would do it again. I just need my air mattress, my pillows, 2 sleeping bags, heavy socks and a bathroom. A real bathroom. We will be heading home Sunday night after our visit to the Alligator Farm in St. Augustine.
I will post more later. Chow

We are in the Everglades

Hi everyone!
Well we are finally just on the outskirts of the Florida Everglades. Tomorrow we will be traveling through The Big Cypress National Preserve, then the Everglades. We spent the last few days in Sanibel, Florida photographing an amazing variety of wading birds at the Ding Darling Bird Refuge. We did see 1 alligator and he was about 7-8 feet in length. Absolutely beautiful! I'm sorry I don't have any photos yet. But we have been so busy photographing I haven't had time to doing any editing. I will have plenty when I get back. Which we expect will be any time after the 9th of March or so. Hang with me. I will have photos soon enough. Camping hasn't been half bad. We had one night with some serious wind. It did make me nervous but I got through it. And believe it or not it has been chilly in Florida! I think the real camping challenge will be in the Everglades this week were we are more likely to run into critters. But I trust Lori (who is an avid camper).
Well I guess that it is for now. I will post again soon. Chow!

First Day Photographing

Hi All,
Well today there was alot to see. We went to the beach and saw all types of shore birds like terns, skimmers, pelicans and a great horned owl, and osprey, as well as wading birds which were at a rookery at Venice Beach, which included blue herons, white egrets, ibis, sandhill cranes. I also saw anoles (a small lizard) and butterflies. I did alot of seashell collecting which I love to do and I also photographed alot of the seashells. The water here on the Gulf of Mexico was soooo blue! Unbelievable! I got nice and sunburned today. I guess I need more sunscreen. No sign of alligators yet. Signs are everywhere, but not yet. I also had the experience of hanging out with some storks. They are bout 3-4 feet tall, white plumage and funky looking heads and very long and can be dangerous bills. They are the type of bird that only a mother could love.
Tonight will be my first official night sleeping in a tent. Hopefully the critters will stay away.
Sorry no photos yet. I will try soon. Post more soon.

First Day One The Road

Hi All
Well so far so good. Yesterday I left home around 2pm. I was very sad to leave my Mom and the dogs and cats. All is good. Dogs are trying to adjust, but it has only been a day in a half.
We are now in Hersey, Pennsylvania and are staying the night at a friend of Loris'. No official camping yet, but I am ready for it. Lots of driving today, pretty exhausting. No photographing til maybe tomorrow. We will be heading through Virginia on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Should be very photographic with the recent snow. Then on to Florida which I suspect will be-what's today oh Friday-so probably Monday.
We or I did see a snowy owl which I thought was unusual for the time of day, but silly me it turned out to be a white garbage bag. Oops! White bag and white snow makes it a little tough to see. That is my only excuse.
Off for a good night rest. Chat more soon.

Big Day Tomorrow!!!

This will be my last post in Maine. Then I will be posting on the road letting you know all the goings on.
Tomorrow is the big day! I have an early morning meeting then by mid afternoon Lori and I will be on our way to Florida. Although I have been in informed that we will be making some pit stops along the way. We will be driving through the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. There are a couple of grist mills she wants to stop at if the snow is fresh. They have been getting more snow there than Maine has. And it is usually the other way around.
I am trying to make sure I have everything I need for the trip. I have made a list, but you never know what you will forget.
I have created a newsletter for Cindi Ressler Photography. Which I spent all day Monday working on. I have been told that it will help improve business. So we will see. Feel Free to sign up it's FREE!
The photo above is Sebasticook Lake near my house with a heron. I call it The Herons Morning.
Have a great day everyone. I'll chat with you soon!

FLORIDA HERE WE COME!!!!

Good Morning All!


Have I told you that I am going to Florida in just 3 days! I am getting more and more excited! Although I will miss my dogs and kitties while I am gone. The dogs haven't had but one opportunity to be without me. So it will be up to Mom who I will miss too, to take over feedings and walking the dogs. I think after a couple of days they will be okay. I am still a little nervous about all the camping we will be doing. I have never camped before, but I think it will be a good experience. Providing I don't get any uninvited guests ie. snakes, bugs, and who knows what else, but I can't wait to see what kind of animals I will see and plant life. I am very excited!
Lori and I will be gone probably 2 1/2-3 weeks and I know we will have a ton of photographs to go through when we get back.
I do need to remind her that on the way home we have to stop at my favorite pizza place in Connecticut where I grew up. Pizzarama has the best pizza ever! And it is on the way home.
As I have said I will be blogging about our travels.
The photograph here is a ash tree leaf.
Have a great day!

FireFly Love

Happy Valentine's Day!

Sunshine

When we look at sunflowers we or I think of bright sunny days with clear blue skies and happy days. I love sunflowers they are one of my favorite flowers and are always in my garden. I posted this photo because God willing I am going to Florida next week and I hope the weather is sunny days and clear blue skies. My friend who is also a photographer has invited me to drive down to Florida where we will go to the Everglades, Sannibel Island, Merritt Island and where ever else after those. She has been commissioned to do some work for a gallery in Florida. Which is why we are going. I can't wait to go and this will be an awesome opportunity! I will definitely blog on this and if I can during the trip I will add pictures, otherwise I will add pictures when I get back in March. Now getting there will be interesting with all the bad weather that has been happening on the eastern seaboard. It could take longer to drive down. We have been going back and forth with this for a few months, but I think we will actually be going! I can't wait to see my first alligator! Maybe even some manatees! Of course there will be tons to photograph! I have never been to Florida and for that matter never camped before either which we will be doing. So this will be an experience I am sure I will never forget.

Keep an eye on those posts. Have a great day everyone.

Changes

So I have made some changes to my blog. Change is good! Change keeps life interesting. Just like my photography, I never know what I will photograph. Photography to me can be a time to reflect. To really look at what I have photographed and why. I do alot of photography at cemeteries. Some people don't particularly care for them, but you never know what you will see and learn. The gravestones alone can tell a story, but the wildlife can be just as interesting. I have seen everything in the local cemetery from snapping turtles to friendly gray squirrels, groundhog, ravens, herons and more. The cemetery is also a very peaceful place even if it is in the middle of a city. The patterns and shadows are amazing too. I actually leave there feeling relaxed and peaceful. Despite the gloom that looms over these places. Although I will say I will go to one at night. Besides they close at sunset.

I have a new follower, Yeah! Welcome Aussie Bryan. I was beginning to wonder if I would get more followers. I look forward to more followers and of course your comments.

Bangor, Maine

A different perspective. I shot this photo when I was photographing for the gallery show in January. This is one of the buildings in downtown Bangor, Maine. Photography to me will always be a learning experience and adventure. Always looking for something different.
Well tonight is Superbowl night. I am not much of a football fan, but I do follow the game somewhat. I look forward to the Superbowl, not just for the game, but the commercials are pretty fun. As for the game I expect it will be a good one and I am going for the Saints. They have had a good season and deserve to win.

Marketing

Can I just say how much I dislike marketing. When you are working literally on a shoestring budget it is very hard to market as most of us who are starting up businesses well know. I try very hard to find various locations (area) to market by businesses. Frankly I think I am on over load right now and I need to relax and step away for a bit.

I did work on dreamweaver and did add my 2 calendar baskets. There is now a gift basket page on my website www.CindiResslerPhotography.com.

I sent out my Yarmouth Clam Festival application yesterday. I actually debated on this show, because it costs alot to do the show, but it also attracts huge crowds and I generally break even. I do enjoy the show and the other vendors I work with and hope I get in again, and hope that I do extremely well. I should be hearing something from the Fryeburg fair soon. I am starting to get a little anxious about the year. In a good way. I go through this every year and I keep hoping that this year will be the best year yet.

The photo above is actually a black and white slide film. He was a very good squirrel. I have been living in Maine about 6 years now. And between the Gray and Brown Squirrel hands down I would prefer the Gray Squirrel. They are friendly and less likely to have attitude. Those Brown Squirrels are just down right mean! They chat at you just walking in the woods. It is probably good that I don't know what they are saying. Mean little critters. Although I will say they are cute. But that is all I am going to say.

Have an awesome day!

New Product

I would like to introduce The Calendar Gift Basket. You can get more information on this product through my cookie blog www.theblackhorsecookiecompany.blogspot.com. I came up with this product so I could incorporate both businesses and promote both. I haven't decided quite yet if I will put this on my photography website yet. I don't think I will be creating a website for the cookie business. At least not yet. But I'll try it out later today on dreamweaver and see how it looks for the photography website.
I have spent the entire weekend baking and photographing cookies. I think I am good for now. Watch my cookie blog for more additions.
Oh and don't forget to check out www.CindiResslerPhotography.com. I have added new photos and yes even 2011 calendars. It is never too early to get those calendars done.
Have a superb day!

Free Spirit

Good Morning all on this snowy Maine morning. Well I still have a ton of photography work to do, and I hope to have it all done by tonight. I have been scanning my black & white negatives as well as some color negatives. This photograph is one of the color and is one of my favorites. I try to live my life as a free spirit. Doing what I love and what I am very passionate about. I try to stay as stress free as possible, but as most of us know that can be difficult, especially when you are trying to run 2 of your own businesses, but I love what I do, and as with any job you love there will always be highs and lows. Right now I am on a little high. Trying to stay mildly optimistic about my 2 businesses. I am in a hurry up and wait time. I am so curious on how the businesses will do this year. But as they say patience is a virtue. And let me tell you my patience have been tried.

Anyway my photographer friend has been asked to do some photos for an art gallery in Florida featuring Florida wildlife. So she will be going to Florida soon. She had asked me if I wanted to go and split the costs, and at first I jumped at the chance, but after serious consideration with what little finances I have, my business might suffer from it. And this year really has to shine for me, As I need this year to really show some positive financial increases. So I had to tell her no. She was completely understanding, but still wants me to go. We'll see.

I sent in my application for one of the biggest fairs in Maine (the Fryeburg Fair) and with a referral from one of my friends who does the fair, I hope along with my photos I can get in. It would be huge!!!! I would have 9 days at this fair and would need enough product to last 9 days. I should hear something within the next month or so. It is a tough show to get into. Here's hoping. Off to work I go. Have a great day everyone!

Art Gallery Reception

Last night went well. Although because this show was done on such short notice that not everything was in place. Let see, the week after Christmas I was called to do the show, and I told the gallery dealer I would have to think about it, because it was such short notice. I called my friend Lori and she got the same phone call and basically told me to do it. So on New Years Day the gallery dealer called back and I agreed. The concept was the photos had to be current, like within the last couple of weeks. Well I have to say I don't generally photograph in the winter, and lately it has been brutally cold, but Lori and I went to downtown Bangor to photograph (since this exhibit is about Bangor and the photos have to relate somehow to Bangor). It was cold and slightly windy and the sun managed to stay around for the morning and was gone by lunchtime. The last week or 2 here in Maine the weather has be snowy, cloudy and very cold. So we were lucky to get the sun before the opening. Needless to say this show was very last minute and very quick to put together. Which is why it wasn't completely set up last night. Lori photos didn't have enough lighting on them to see them well, and my photos, one in particular was too high to see the full story in it. It is a photo of the Mt Hope Cemetery in Bangor, the lighting and shadows were very cool, but what caught my eye was out of all the cemetery headstones one stood out with a sunburst on the corner of the stone. So I called the photo Angel. With the photo so high you can't see the sunburst and get the full effect. So I asked the gallery dealer if he could lower the photo. I hope he it does! The other photo I have there is similar to the photo here, but the window is on a brick building with black trim around the window that is reflecting the building across the street. That photo received alot of good comments. My photos will be at the Bangor City Hall until March 19th when there will be another reception and I will then find out where my photos will go next.

The photo here is also in downtown Bangor. I believe it is a tobacco shop and the reflection is the building across the street.

Have a great day everyone!

Art Gallery

Well tonight is the big night. I have my gallery opening tonight and I am excited and nervous! I really don't know what to except. I hope the photos that I used look alright. Unfortunately I can't display them until after the show. I was asked by the gallery dealer to bring some sort of food item for the reception tonight. So I took this opportunity to bake some cookies and maybe do alittle promoting for my cookie business which is due to officially open February 1, 2010. Check out my cookie business blog at http://theblackhorsecookiecompany.blogspot.com/ . I will be posting photos hopefully in the next few weeks. Anyway back to photography--I have been invited to donate 1 of my photos to one of the larger healthcare centers here in Maine for their big gala event in May There will be an auction in which my photo and several other item will be auctioned off. Which would produce quite a bit of publicity and hopefully customers. I just have to choose which photo. Lori tells me I should us one of my Color Reflections. I agree and I am thinking of one of these photos. Any opinions would be awesome!

Well I'll let you know how it goes. Have a great day everyone!