ali bee

and some are just stuck up...

2012-01-24T16:03:00.000-08:00

So one thing that I have found extremely inspiring and helpful in my process of growing as a photographer is connecting with other photographers. But before this, school has always been what inspired me most, and when winter and summer breaks came around... I felt lost and almost as if I wasn't a photographer unless school was in session. It's a really horrible feeling actually, because photography is such a huge part of who I am... so I felt very empty when I was on my winter break, spring break, etc.

Every time another break in school came around, I would feel relieved and relaxed the first day, then I began to get more and more antsy the further it got into break. I didn't know what to shoot, where to shoot, or why I was even in school for this if I can't think of one good thing to shoot on my own without being assigned and idea/concept by my instructors in school.

I knew this needed to be fixed, and one piece of advice I have always seen other photographers give is to just get out there and shoot. Go take photos as often as possible! So that is what I tried doing, but every time I went out I found myself being lazy and shooting only the same things over and over again. I didn't want to travel very far to get the good shots, and I'd rather just stay indoors and search flickr and sulk as I looked at other photographer's beautiful talents unfold in front of me.

"This has got to stop."

I told myself, I had to find a way out of this groove that I continued to fall into each time school went on break. I began the 365 project, and planned other projects that I thought would get me going. Still, no luck! I slacked horribly with my 365, and now my goal is just to get 365 photos taken and uploaded to facebook by the 365th day. My other projects lasted a few weeks, but they all eventually became irrelevant to me. At least that is what I kept telling myself to make myself feel better about it. The projects I began weren't really my style anymore and I didn't feel it was necessary to finish them out.

Once again I told myself, "this has got to stop."

Now here I am, currently at the end of my winter break. It hasn't stopped completely but I have definitely progressed a ton! I started back up some of the projects that I stopped and even began new ones. I am doing them with more confidence and less pressure. It wasn't about finding things to keep me busy and motivated, and it isn't about my quantity of images, it's about the quality of them. I took a huge leap and told myself that I wasn't any less than the photographers whom I admire on flickr, facebook, etc. I began to connect with them, reach out and contact them. Some didn't respond at all, some didn't say much more than a "thank you for your support," and some actually reached back out and were willing to help me by answering questions and giving me any advice they could. The ones who reached out are the ones who gave me the confidence and inspiration that I am now able to have today on my own... without the help of my school instructors assigning me ideas/concepts to work with.

As for the photographers that I reached out to that didn't respond... well there could be many excuses for them. I'm sure they're very busy, maybe they're not "internet people" and don't check things online often, or maybe they're just stuck up. It happens people!! People get attention and fans, and they're head begins to grow larger and larger. They loose sight of who they once were and where they began. They forget how hard it was to get to the point that they are at now. I hold nothing against these photographers who may be "stuck up." But I do feel sorry for them, as they do not get to experience how it feels to truly help other's and use they're knowledge and talent to it's fullest.

I hope that one day when I become a stronger photographer and artist,

that I always make time for my fans. I don't only want to improve my own life,

but I want to touch other's lives and be a part of their improvements.

The main piece of advice I say for today is to not be afraid to reach out to others. Just because you are a beginner at your passion doesn't mean you are less than others that you look up to. Break down that wall of fear and learn from others when you can, be inspired by others, and let your motivation feed off others. If you do this, then the end result will always be you becoming a stronger artist who can stand on your own two feet much more often. Not always though. Every artist has their moments where they need a crutch or two.

Well, that's it for my blog post today. Sorry it's so long. Sometimes I'm just in the mood to write, open up a blank page for a new post, and my fingers play a voice for my mind. Thank you all for taking the time to read it. Hope I helped someone out today!

lot's of o's

-Ali Bee

Positive Thoughts = Positive Life

2012-01-16T20:43:00.000-08:00

So things have been going unbelievably well for me lately. I don't know what it is! It's like the first time in my entire life that I strongly feel a new year can be all about change, fresh starts, and new successes! I went into the new year with a positive attitude. I had on my mind that I would be getting tons of new people booking photo shoots, I would be getting my work published soon, that my name would get out there more and more, that I'll be able to be back in school soon pursuing my dreams, and that I'd have a brand new camera to work with before February. Never did I imagine that all my positive thoughts would become real life so quickly.

Now here I am, already living half of these thoughts. Since the new year, I've had 5 different people interested in booking a shoot. I've made stronger connections with other photographers. I got approved for a loan, and am going to be able to go to school and get a new camera. It's just amazing that pretty much all of this has happened within 13 days. I'm so excited for what the rest of the year has to bring. Well, the year won't be bringing it... I will be thinking it, and before I know it my thoughts will become my life.

THANK YOU UNIVERSE!!!!

Because of you, I have been able to think up my dreams,

and they are coming true right before my eyes.

I know this year is going to be a very successful and happy year.

Also, I wanted to share a very inspiring post by Rosie Hardy that I know I will be taking advice from. It's wonderful, and every photographer, artist, business person should read it!

Click here to read these wise words!

Things are really looking up :]

lot's of o's!

-Ali Bee

things are good good good.

2012-01-06T00:08:00.000-08:00

So how was everyone's Christmas and New Year? Mine was pretty great! I got to spend it with family I love, and my boyfriend! New Years Eve was fun, too! My boyfriend, Austin, and I busted out my new Fuji Instax camera that I got for Christmas and documented our night with instant photos. Pretty happy that I'll have those photos for ever to cherish. Something truly special about not shooting digital! It just made me feel all warm and fuzzy holding the instant photos in my hands... I felt like I was holding memories, things that cannot be replaced if lost.

Other than having a great time on the holidays, things have been wonderful lately! I am actually getting some people interested in booking shoots more often. This is all still so new to me even though I've been doing photography for 2 years now. It took me awhile to get to the level I am at now, but this last year I have grown more than I've ever grown before. It's amazing where I am at today compared to where I was a year ago. I know what I want, I know who I am, and there's no better feeling than that! Photography was always a passion and interest of mine, but now I think it's so much more than that. I am absolutely and completely IN LOVE with photography. It's truly like a relationship. When I ignore it (don't go out and shoot or allow myself to learn more) then it gets angry with me (I can't focus, my shots suck once I do pick up my camera) so I have to apologize and make up with it (spend extra time getting inspired and having one on one time with my camera until I'm back into the groove.)

As of now, I may have been ignoring it a little too much. With the holidays, I just really focused on getting everything prepared for family gatherings and relaxing with family when I could. Now that I'm finally winded down and back at work (Signature Worldwide), I think it's time for me to spend some one on one time with my camera again. The cold winter weather really doesn't help, so the other day I took some time to shoot indoors or from the windows inside as well. Even just doing something as simple as that for 30 minutes to an hour helps you stay motivated and inspired. Just try and stay consistent is what I keep telling myself!

Anyways, it's not like I have been COMPLETELY ignoring the relationship. I have been busting butt trying to get my name out there. Networking, emailing magazines my work (fingers crossed for a possible publish!!), and I soon hope to have my work featured in a gallery. My priorities are still straight. With my passion for photography and pursuing it as a career, a passion for business and marketing has developed within me. I know it's strange, photography is so right brained, and business/marketing sounds so left brained. But if I want my dreams to work then I have got to do anything and everything I can to make it work gosh darn it!

Well everyone, that is it for tonight. It's been awhile since I updated and I was honestly in the mood to vent about what's been going on lately. I don't know who reads this, or if anybody really does... but it sure feels good to know that I have 435 (as of right this moment) different fans on my facebook page that may be reading this. If not, it's okay... this blog is still so beneficial to myself and my mind. For all who do read, thank you for listening and taking an interest. I hope these posts are beneficial to you in some way... that was sort of one of the main reasons I started this blog! All I know, is I am feeling just so so so blessed lately :)

Of course some recent photos!!

The first image is a Christmas gift from my boyfriend
& the second is one from NYE that was taken with the Fuji Instax :)

lot's of o's!

-Ali Bee

Babbling About Awesome Links

2011-12-20T14:40:00.000-08:00

I feel like I haven't written a blog in forever. Honestly, there just hasn't been anything new and exciting to talk about. Christmas season has been going on, and Christmas day is nearly here. I been occupied with finishing up the school semester, doing last minute Christmas shopping, and trying to work more hours to catch up on money since Christmas sucks a lot of it out of your bank account!!

My sleeping schedule is totally whack and always has been. I don't typically go to bed until about 4am. I get off work about 8-9pm and go home to do homework and photography stuff. Since school has ended this past Friday, I've had a bit of free time during these late hours that I stay up. I couldn't really think of anything to write my blog post about, so I thought I'd share some links that have been keeping me occupied!

Here's what my hearts been searching on the web:

1. Love making something beautiful on a budget? Here's an amazing idea and little tutorial video on how to make something incredible with only a canvas, old books around the house, some paint, stamps, and mod podge!

http://christytomlinson.typepad.com/christytomlinson/2011/06/creatively-inpsired-an-summer-art-challenge.html

2. I love this idea on how to display photos. Instead of using that cheap looking photo frame you buy at Walmart or Target, why not get your butt to your local thrift store and buy some old frames! Attach a wire from one side to the other... either with a staple gun or maybe even a nail, then clothes pin some photos!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/taliachristine/5420456821/

3. I read all these sweet stories the other night. So cute, and it gives you some hope for the world. Sometimes it seems as if the number of good people is slowing fading, but these little stories make you feel better!

http://www.marcandangel.com/2011/11/20/60-tiny-love-stories-to-make-you-smile/#more-399

4. I stumbled upon this website the other day, and I said to myself .."you've got to be kidding me." Yes, for the slightest second I thought it may actually be real. But then I continued to look at the site and laughed at myself. I then googled articles about any controversy that this site may have caused. It was sort of interesting. I love giraffes so much, I sure wish this was real. But then again, the main reason I love giraffes is because they are so tall and amazing, the tiny ones kind of take that amazingness away.

http://www.petitelapgiraffe.com/

5. One thing I love about being so passionate and in love with photography and art, is that when I come across an amazingly beautiful image, I can stare at it for hours. I love how the light and curtain casts a patterned shadowed on her soft skin. Simply beautiful. This photo is done by Jey Photography.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeyphotography/6504921389/in/contacts/

6. Here are some other beautiful images done by Sarah Loven Photography. I love the soft tones so much. Not too long ago I started having this fascination with soft skin, natural beauty, and self portraits taken while in your own bedroom, using window light only. I really want to work more on self portraits, but I need to find some more confidence first.

http://www.sarahlovenphotography.com/in_my_skin.html

7. I love this little video done by Alex Beadon, to show how to use harsh sunlight to the best of your ability. Like she says, it all depends on your style as a photographer/artist... but I've always wondered exactly how she got her soft and hazy looking light. Light and I are just recently starting to get along better, and this video def helps me! I can't wait to try it out, and maybe discover new beautiful light!

http://www.alexbeadonphotography.com/blog/2011/12/20/lets-talk-about-light-chatty-tuesdays/

8. This website has been a great help for me to find creative gifts for my family and friends! I didn't discover this site until just a week or two ago, so I wasn't able to really use it too much this year. But I am def going to be using it next year and for birthdays or other holidays!

http://www.wanelo.com/

9. I love looking at jewelry. Sometimes I fantasize about working in a huge and fabulous jewelry store in New York City. I don't know what it is, just something about working with men coming into to shop for their honey, mother, daughter, etc makes me smile. Lately though, I am amazed at how beautiful these antique style engagement rings are. Also, the price on them seem to be quite amazing compared to other jewelry stores. Really beautiful stuff!!

http://antiqueengagementrings.com/

10. Lastly, this flask shop on etsy, Liquid Courage, is awesome. All of their flasks can be customize! How cool is that. Apparently it only is one extra dollar to customize any flask. Affordable and really unique flasks!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/LiquidCourage

Welp, the internet is an icredible thing. Hope you enjoy my links that I have shared :] I'm sure I'll be doing this more often, it was kinda fun!!

Happy Holidays to everyone!

-Ali Bee

busy, busy bee.

2011-12-02T11:33:00.000-08:00

Phew! Things have been crazy busy around here lately. It's the end of the semester for school, and I'm trying to finish all my final projects, plus keep up with the current assignments we have. I want to do my best to get a 4.0 again this semester, but I can feel that that isn't my priority this semester. That's sad that so many other things have been on my mind that school kind of went to the side instead of being number one. But it happens!! And that's what I kept telling myself... It's just one semester where I'm not always 100% focused. I feel like I'm always one of the students who is on top of things, so it's okay if I'm not on top of everything a couple weeks out of this semester... I'll live!!

Wanted to apologize for not blogging so much lately, but soon it will be winter break and I'm sure I will eventually get bored and have lots of things to blog about. There are a lot of changes I am wanting to make over break. I want to contact many galleries about showing my work. Fingers crossed!!! That's always been one of my biggest dreams. Hell, that is what I want to do with photography and art. That's the whole reason I am here, working my ass off! I want my work to be in galleries, and one day I hope to have my own gallery so I can show my own work off, as well as other young inspiring artists. I got this. That's what I keep telling myself, and I will make it if I keep that attitude!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and are enjoying the Christmas season. I know I am when I can! Been listening to the Christmas radio station to and from work, just decorated my tree, and been working on my homemade gifts! I'm not really in a good place financially to go all out and buy every one gifts, so I thought spending a few less dollars on supplies and making gifts was the best way to go this year. I'd love to share what I'm working on, but I know some people I'm making gifts for read this blog!

Anyways, that about sums it up for today. I just wanted to update you on what's going on and give you all a little inspiration to think positive and always reach for your dreams. Sometimes we need a little break when doing so, but that's okay... just get back up on your feet ASAP and it'll be all good!

Here are some recent photos I have been working on.

Some are re-edits, and some are new.

I tend to do a lot of re-edit because I believe,

"quality is more important than quantity."

To see more of what I been working on,

or see larger and better quality of these photos, go to my flickr.

Also, check out my website or facebook page!

lot's of o's!

-Ali Bee

Giving Thanks.

2011-11-24T07:47:00.000-08:00

I been inspired by the Miss Amanda Johnson to write something that I am thankful for each day until Thanksgiving. I thought it was a clever idea, and Thanksgiving has never really been my favorite holiday. Maybe I have just forgotten the true meaning behind Thanksgiving!

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Sunday, November 6, 2011

Today I am thankful for the sunshine. It's one of the few free therapies we have and it never fails to cause me to smile, even if I'm just smiling inside. It brings me warmth, happiness, and light so I can see this beautiful world we live in. So thank you sunshine for being faithful and rising every morning... even if you let the rain clouds join you!

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Monday, November 7, 2011

Today I am thankful for health. Lately, I been thinking a lot about sickness whether it be cancer or that yearly cold you get. Cancer is becoming more and more common, and I think being healthy is something we all take for granted unless we're put into a situation where we are actually very sick. I just recently got over a bad cold that I had for about 2 weeks and at night I slept miserably, only getting like 4-5 hours of sleep. I am so thankful that the cold is gone and I feel like myself again. I can't imagine living life every day with a serious illness or disease and I hope that I will never have to. So thank you body, for being healthy at this very moment!

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Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Today I am thankful for the right to vote. I never though that I would love voting and making my opinion count so much when I turned 18 and earned the right to vote. But I do! I think it's a blessing this country has and every citizen needs to be responsible enough to read up on candidates and issues and get out there and vote!

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Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Today I am thankful for my job at Signature Worldwide. In today's economy, having a job is having a blessing. I am so happy that my path in life led me to this job at this company. It's a well paying job and I get to make my own schedule each week! Talk about the perfect job for a college student! Though money is still often tight, I'm doing what I can and need to remember how lucky I am to be having some income coming in.

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Thursday, November 10, 2011

Today I am thankful for my strong-willed personality. Some people may see being strong-willed as a negative thing, but being stubborn and determined are definitely good qualities to have at times. It's part of what makes me, me. And in order to love others, you have to love yourself first!

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Friday, November 11, 2011

Today I am thankful for the veterans. Without them, our country wouldn't be where it is today. Though I don't agree with this current war, I am thankful for the strong men and women that are out there trying to bring an end to it! I know I definitely could not do it, nor could I image having my boyfriend, a husband, or a child go over seas to serve.

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Saturday, November 12, 2011

Today I am thankful for passion. Passion is what makes me feel alive! I have many passions, and each one is what makes me who I am. I believe the way to live a good life and the right life is to always follow your passions. If it feels right, then it's right.

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Sunday, November 13, 2011

Today I am thankful for my sister, Gabrielle. We have identical sense of humors and I never laugh harder than when I'm with her. Laughing and happiness are some of the best feelings in the entire world, and I'm glad I can share that with her on a regular basis. Not sure what I would do if my parents decided to not have anymore children and I would have stayed the only child. I would be bored out of my mind and would have to deal with this crazy family on my own! Thanks sis, for being my numbaaa 1!

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Monday, November 14, 2011

Today I am thankful for my macbook pro laptop. I don't know what I would do without my macbook. It hold all my photos, photoshop, adobe bridge, and many other things that I love. It's what connects me to my school and the rest of the world when it comes to photography. It's always there when I need some crafty ideas, when I decide to cook dinner with Austin, when I need to check my work schedule, and the list goes on and on.

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Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Today I am thankful for patience. I may not have it sometimes, but when I do... everything seems so much more peaceful. Patience is something worth praying for, it makes such a huge and positive difference in the way you handle difficult situations and hard times.

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Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Today I am thankful for my boyfriend, Austin. It's been about 13 months since we first started hanging out as more than friends and though the moments haven't always been filled with happiness and butterflies, they are now and things couldn't be more perfect. He's my rock, he cooks me meals all the time, he watches Teen Mom and all my other shows with me, we can just stand in the kitchen and drink some beers and have the best time, he drives to Columbus to see me all the time, he loves my family, he loves my weird dog, and most importantly.. he loves me :] The list could go on and on. But you get the point ;) What girl wouldn't feel lucky and thankful for him??

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Thursday, November 17, 2011

Today I am thankful for blogs. I've read blogs here and there, but it wasn't until recently that I began reading lots of blogs specifically about crafts, DIY projects, inspiration, and art. It's helped so much with getting my creative juices flowing. I love that people take the time to share their lives, experiences, and projects with the world. I love being able to read about projects and how-to's, so I can use my creativity to do similar projects. It's been great using my creativity somewhere else other than photography. It's really helped me become a more well rounded artist. So thank you blogs and those people who have blogs, for helping me stay occupied! :]

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Friday, November 18, 2011

Today I am thankful for the holidays. To me, the holidays are meant to bring family and friends together. Even though I think there should be more days where family and friends get together, and I hate when it gets to the point where the holidays feels like an obligation to people instead of a celebration. This year things have been rough, so I'm trying to think positive about the holidays. Surround myself with the people I know I love dearly, and have plenty of holiday spirit.

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Saturday, November 19, 2011

Today I am thankful for my dad. He's not always breathing down my neck. He gives me room to grow and become my own person. He trusts my judgement and knows I am continuing to grow into a good person. He let's me know when he's proud, and he supports me when I need it most. Very thankful to have a dad like him!!

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Sunday, November 20, 2011

Today I am thankful for my camera. When I got my camera for my 18th birthday, it opened a whole new door for me. Eventually, I chose that door and begun a new life! I said goodbye to regular college and studying psychology, and went the more artsy route! I've always knew I was a right sided brain kinda gal. So, thank you camera, for allowing me to use my creativity and for making it easy to hold my passion in my the palms of my hands.

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Monday, November 21, 2011

Today I am thankful for my dog, Bella. Though she can be a pain in the butt sometimes, I always feel like she needs me. She cuddles with me at night on the weekends and she's so strange that it makes me laugh. She brings some of the more simple joyful moments in my life. After having her for 6 years, I'm not sure what I would do without her now!

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Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Today I am thankful for my car. Even though it's a piece of junk now-a-days, and nearly breaks every other month, and people would call it a money pit... It's stuck with me since I turned 16 and I'm just thankful it's still running for me! It gets me where I need to go, whether it's work, Marion, my apt, or to a different state!

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Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Today I am thankful for my mom. She's literally the best mom ever and all she wants is for me to be happy. She's a good person and wants the best for every one, even if that means setting her happiness aside. She knows how to have fun, and like my sister and I, she stays up late at night being goofy and weird with us. I've had a great role model to look up to, so hopefully I grow up being as caring and selfless as she is!

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Thursday, November 24, 2011 THANKSGIVING!!

Today I am thankful for the simpler things in life. These things would include the book The Secret, Trevor Hall's music, NBA basketball, my school, giraffes, traveling, and the list could go on. These are just a few of the simpler things that have changed my life and are all parts of what makes me who I am today!

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Happy Thanksgiving everyone!! I hope you all have a amazing Thanksgiving and get to enjoy it with friends and family and lots of food! Don't forget to be thankful :]

Smile Often.

2011-11-18T14:20:00.000-08:00

It's been a bit since I've posted a new blog! Honestly, I just been in a cruddy mood and I figured if I didn't have anything good to say, then I wasn't going to say anything at all! No sense in bringing my bad mood here for all of you to read!

They say, if you surround yourself with negative people, then all you're doing is attracting negative things to yourself. That's what I learned from the book The Secret, anyway. Such a fabulous book, it changed my life forever! But I been backtracking and going back to my old ways of feeling down, and becoming more and more negative about things. But I'm done now! There's been a change in me within the last couple days, and I'm all better. I'm back to the old me, which used to be the new me, but now it's just me :] Did I confuse you there?

No more feeling sorry for myself, no more hating cloudy days, no more wishing it was summer, no more being sad about finances, no more being stressed about homework, no more being my own worst critic, and the list could go on. Yep, that's how awfully negative I was being!

Here is my mood now... I love the holiday spirit that is coming around, I love a rainy day because it helps the Earth stay healthy and it's also perfect for cuddling in bed, I love that I have a good and steady job that pays well, I love that I am always trying to better my shop on Etsy and get my clients to book photo soots, I love that my instructors at school are so helpful and understanding and that they're making me feel special and like a true artist, and the list could go on. Yep, that's how positive I AM being! :]

If I continue to stay on this positive and happy frequency,

then I am on the right track to living the good life.

So stay positive everyone! Smile often and love more passionately.

lot's of o's!

-Ali Bee

Just Take a Chance.

2011-11-06T10:51:00.000-08:00

Even the best of your friends can and will doubt you. If other's don't believe in you, sometimes it can be hard to believe in yourself. Especially when those people are the most important people in your life. I've been in many "slumps" where I don't think I will ever reach my goals and dreams, and I'm sure I'll be in many more in my years of being an artist.

Sometimes I go through days or even weeks where I don't pick up my camera at all, nor do I even really think too much about photography and art. This is when I would consider myself in a "slump." My "dump of a slump!" No one wants to be there! But it does happen. When it does happen, and I realize how ridiculous I am being... I do what I can to get inspired again! I typically am not inspired enough to pick up my camera and shoot right away, so I search online at some of my favorite artists and discover new artists. Before I know it, I'm inspired and am wanting to try some new things.

For all of you photographers and artists out there, I wanted to share with you my favorite site to be inspired photographically. Can anyone guess it?.......

Yep, it's Flickr! I actually just recently got a flickr a few months ago, and my abilities to stay inspired and improve myself have never been better! The best part is, everyone else on flickr is just like you!! They're all wanting to be inspired by others, and admire one another's work. Getting a flickr has also helped me find my personal style, and figure out my passions within my passion.

I don't typically like commenting on a photo that I've fallen in love with and I'm dying to know how they created the image. I feel like that is their secret that only they have the right to know, and I'm overstepping my boundaries by asking them such a personal question. But I've come to realize that that is just silly. So just take the chance! If you love someone's work... no matter what it is! Painting, photography, home decor, teaching, etc. It could be anything. Just take the chance and ask them for some tips and advice on how you can maybe use the techniques that you're admiring so much. Chances are, they are going to be flattered that you asked them for help, and they will give you some tips that you will end up using all the time!

So, that's my advice for you. Don't be afraid,

and ask lot's of questions when you're curious!

If you're already a member of flickr or

are wanting to check out my flickr, click here! :]

Below are some images that I have created after being inspired by other flickr members,

and after getting the guts to ask them for advice and tips.

I know this was a long post, but I hope if you did take the time to read it that you found it beneficial to you. Oh yeah, I also wanted to thank you for taking the time to read this post, and any other post that I have written.

Lot's of o's to you all!

-Ali Bee

Wooded Wonderland

2011-10-31T20:55:00.000-07:00

Hi, everyone!

This past weekend was my sister, Gabrielle's, birthday weekend... and I def had a lovely time! We went to Hocking Hills which is in southern Ohio. Probably one of the few of Ohio's wonders. Talk about the beautiful outdoors and lots of sites to see, especially this time of year! Luckily I discovered this place while the weather was just perfect.

When I first became interested in photography, I took a big interest in nature and landscape photography. I fell in love with the color's of nature and how beautiful the world around us truly is. Things we pass by every day and take for granted may be some of the most beautiful things we'll ever see. We all really need to take the extra moments to appreciate simple things like this.

Nature is always changing in front of our very eyes, and those are often the most beautiful times. This would include Fall and Spring seasons. I love summer, and I love Christmas time... but the rarity of what exists in nature during Fall and Spring makes me love those seasons more. The beautiful colors of Fall and the freshly bloomed flowers of Spring. The perks of it all lasts only about 2-3 weeks.

I know all our lives can be crazy busy,

but just remember all this when you're driving to work

or picking up the kids from school.

Trust me, if you do... you're whole day will go a lot better!

To see some better quality of these photos, go to my flickr :]

To see more photos from my trip to Hocking Hills, click here :]

lot's of o's

-Ali Bee

Why is Having a Blog Good for the Soul?

2011-10-28T13:35:00.000-07:00

I've never been one to keep a journal or a diary. Well, I shouldn't say I've never had one... because I've made many attempts as a young girl and today as an artist to have a journal to write down my daily thoughts and ideas, but I just can never seem to make it a habit to write in it regularly. So what's the next best thing? A blog! Journals and diaries are known to be private, a blog is practically a journal/diary but there is no privacy what so ever. To me this makes blogging exciting. Typing my thoughts, inspirations, personal stories, and ideas for everyone to see on the internet may sound scary... but I've always wanted to help others and inspire others. If having a blog leads to inspiring others, then that's exactly what I'll do.

So, back to the question... "why is having a blog good for the soul?" Well, don't you always feel good after helping others? Whether you're stopping so a pedestrian can cross the street, or you gave a homeless person a $20 gift card to McDonald's, or you've created something artisticly beautiful that someone can cherish forever, or you've finally found a way that will help your nephew remember how to tie his shoes. The list can go on and on! Bottom line is, we always feel warm and good inside after giving a helping hand. So this blog is me hoping and wishing that I can inspire and help some people out there who are striving to be creative!

Everyone has that creative bone in their body!

Sometimes, we just need some reminders on how to use it :]

Click here to view my website to have some visual inspiration!

Lot's of o's to whoever is reading this..

Hopefully somebody out there!

-Ali Bee

My Tips for Wedding Photographer's

2011-10-26T20:08:00.000-07:00

First off, I know I said in August that I was going to start blogging, but at the time it just wasn't one of my priorities. I did some changes to the website though and a blog is def something that will fit perfectly in with my changes! So here goes nothing...

For my first real blog I wanted to write about my experiences on shooting my first wedding. I was asked by an old high school friend if I would be interested in shooting her and her fiance's wedding. I was thrilled that someone actually trusted me and was excited for me to shoot their wedding because I had never done a wedding before. I've done portraits and some children here and there, but that's about it. But hey, we all have to start somewhere, don't we!?

My awesome boyfriend came along to help me. I was extremely nervous and really did not think I could handle the whole day on my own, especially if something went wrong! You're probably wondering now, "did something go wrong?" Unfortunately it did, and I had to learn the hard way!

Here is a list of some of the things I wish didn't happen:

-I ran out of memory before the reception

-My boyfriend's mom tried to help out by bringing us her camera

-Soon enough, that memory ran out

-My dad came to the rescue with a new memory card

-Guess what, that memory card didn't fit my camera

-Finally, my sister let me use her camera and the memory card my dad bought, fit her camera (So I had plenty of memory by this time)

Can you believe that all this madness happened within like 15-20 minutes. My stomach was in knots once I ran out of memory, then I had some relief when my boyfriend's mom brought her camera, but that didn't last long! I was a nervous wreck and didn't know what I was going to do. I thought I was going to miss all the most important shots of the reception. To hold me over, I deleted some really cruddy shots and snapped a few photos while I waited for my prayers for some more memory to be answered. Luckily, this happened when the guests, bride and groom were eating and none of the important things like the first dance or throwing the bouquet were going on quite yet. Overall, I managed to get hundreds of shots and didn't miss any of the best moments. The bride didn't even realize anything crazy was going on. I tried to stay calm and collective because I most def did not want the bride thinking something terrible was happening. Never again will I fudge things up with memory cards!!

I made a list for all you wedding photographer's out there on what to remember when shooting a wedding!

1. Bring 1-2 EXTRA memory cards

2. Bring an extra camera if you have it

3. Try to have an attachable flash for indoors

4. Bring a tripod

5. Make sure your battery is fully charged

6. Bring an extra charged battery

7. Create a list of the shots you're wanting to capture

8. Scout a location to shoot the wedding party at

9. Make sure you understand the expectations of the client

& they know exactly what you're package includes

10. Shoot the small details (decor, center pieces, rings, etc)

11. Don't be afraid to push your way through for the best shot,

but don't be rude and make so all eyes are on you and not the bride & groom

12. Practice with lighting. Many weddings are indoors

and it's hard to get just the right amount of light sometimes.

13. Shoot in RAW when possible

14. Try getting different and unique angles

15. Be prepared to shoot at any given moment

16. Lastly, but not least! Wearing a big smile will make everyone feel comfortable

with you shooting them, and will also make you approachable for people to ask

you to shoot certain things which makes your job a little easier :]

Here are some of my favorite photos from the big wedding day!

my first official blog post, ever!

2011-08-25T15:44:00.000-07:00

Hello, everyone!

It's Ali Brown, or you may know me as Ali Bee Photography :] I've been wanting my own official blog for quite some time now. My mind is on a never ending roller coaster, one second I'm thinking about what I want to eat for lunch, then all of a sudden I'm wondering what kind of photography series I want to work on next. So many things going on in that little head of mine... or maybe I have a big head? I don't even know, I'm just glad I decided that I'm going to start blogging!

I am currently at work right now at, Signature Worldwide. This is where I go Monday-Friday to make my money outside of photography. It's such a wonderful company, with amazing people that are working here! So blessed to have this job in today's economy.

Anywho, here are a list of some things that I am hoping to blog about in the future:
1. My inspirations in the photography world.
2. Photography updates
3. Photography tips
4. Motivation
5. Personal
6. Fun things to do
7. DIY Arts & Crafts
8. Home Decor
9. Random!

We'll see how this goes :] Thanks everyone & good day!
-Ali Bee