For Photographers
Karmen Meyer
That Time I met Gwyneth Paltrow’s Wedding ...

“Is anyone sitting there?!” I said while balancing a plate of food and glass of wine.

He said “No, it’s all yours.”

And I cheered a silent ‘hoooray!’ because I was starving, and the wine was free. So far my day of solo travel had only occasionally been haunted by that painful kind of awkward. You know, the kind that almost always comes along with navigating new environments and experiences. And, dang, dare I say this was shaping up to be a good night.

I honestly can’t remember how the next bit went. But I quite quickly came to the realization that I had parked my clueless little self right beside the star of the show….

That Time I met Gwyneth Paltrow’s Wedding Photographer/4 Life Changing Lessons I Learned at Photo Native
For Photographers, Brand Sessions, Soul Sessions
Karmen Meyer
Why is photography so expensive?

OK, so here's the thing, this is really uncomfortable to talk about but I am going to anyways because I think these days transparency is everything.  So here we go (let's hope I don't make a mess of this). Why is professional photography 'expensive'? 

Why is photography so expensive?
Brand Sessions, For Entrepreneurs, Free Resources
Karmen Meyer
25 Places to Use Brand Photos

So you just had an amazing brand photography session done (insert happy dance here!). Now it’s time to put your images to work! We often suggest that you plan to sprinkle them into your social media to really make them last. Perhaps put a few on your website, but then what? Well the good news is that this beautiful collection of photos that aligns so powerfully with your brand both visually and emotionally can be used in so many other ways! We put a lot of effort into making sure your photo sessions tell your unique brand story and are absolute workhorses for your biz. It’s super important to us that you get the most use out of you one-of-a-kind as you possibly can. Heck, even if you took the initiative to create a set of brand photos yourself (bravo!), we still want your efforts maximized. Our mantra is 100% work smarter, not harder. So let’s go…

25 Places to Use Brand Photos
For Photographers, For Entrepreneurs, Free Resources
Karmen Meyer
6 Reasons to Start a Bullet Journal and How to ...

DID YOU KNOW THAT WHEN YOU WRITE DOWN YOUR GOAL YOU ARE 90% MORE LIKELY TO ACHIEVE THEM?!* For me journaling is such an essential part of my self-love, creative and entrepreneurial journey. I check-in with myself daily to reduce anxiety, stay creative, commit to goals and plan my next moves. Here are 6 reasons why you should have a bullet journal too and super easy steps to start your own!

6 Reasons to Start a Bullet Journal and How to Get Started Today
Art Shop, Travel, Soul Sessions, Slow Living
Karmen Meyer
The Story Behind the Photos // The Mojave ...

What happens when two sister’s head off into the desert with a tiny teardrop trailer and a killer road-trip playlist?! Magic, my friend. Pure magic. I am so excited to share everything about our adventure, from the creepiest night in a tiny Montana town, to the unbelievably beautiful abandoned mid-century motel that used to be frequented by celebrities like Harrison Ford!. If you love the desert as much as I do, you are going to love coming along on this wee adventure with us. Or heck, just come for the beautiful desert art!!!

The Story Behind the Photos // The Mojave Collection

beautiful

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Rebecca | Genuine Portrait Series

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I have always been drawn to simple portraits.  You know the kind that pull you in a hold you there.  Somehow frozen in time, is this person and their personality.  No distractions, no bells and whistles.  It's genuine and it's  pretty wonderful.  I have known for a while that I wanted to start a project like the #GenuinePortraitSeries, but I wasn't really sure how to go about it.  But, I finally decided that couldn't just wait around for the perfect idea to formulate, if I want to start a simple portrait series, well then I should just do it!  Sometimes the best things just happen organically, you know what I mean?So I hauled out my lighting equipment and set-up for weeks in my living room (Ok it's still up, but I have taken it down a couple times lol).  I started photographing woman after woman (men are welcome too haha, just hasn't happened yet) and started to really, truly fall in love with the project.  I am so excited by not only the beauty of the portraits, but also their potential!  These people are all so unique and amazing, and, WOW, am I ever excited to tell their story through portraiture!!  And I honestly can't wait to see how each person uses their new photos to develop their brand or to hang in their house or to give to their Moms or to freshen up their Instagram feed or, well you get the point =)!Annnnnyways, it is about time that I start sharing them with you all here on the blog!!  And I am really excited about it (don't suppose you can tell?)! So without further ado.  Here is Rebecca.  She is incredibly passionate about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and the strength that she has found within the sport!

"Hi, it's me Rebecca.  I started jiu jitsu in January of 2015.  I learned about this particular martial art through a good friend of mine who had started jiu jitsu the summer we met.  After just a few months of training in jiu jitsu she knew enough to show me some moves on her basement floor. The technique is one I will never forget (arm lock series from side control.) Up until that moment I had never felt truly empowered by what my small 115lb frame could do. With a sort of fragile physical history, (having crushed my T9 vertebrae in 2012 while cliff jumping) I was surprised to understand that with proper leverage I could not only break someone's arm but that I could actually hold a grown man's life in my own two hands.  Once unlocking this new found strength, there was no turning back. I moved to Calgary the next month and found the gym closets to my home. Since that day I have been training, traveling, and competing for jiu jitsu. It has taken me places I thought were out of my reach. That’s what jiu jitsu will do. It will bring you places that you didn’t even knew existed within yourself and the world. But that’s for you to find out.
I am passionate about helping others learn and love welcoming new people to the sport.  You should try it, I guarantee you will love it.  Here are 5 things you need to know before your first Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class:
  • You are not an inconvenience to anybody. Every single person on the mat has been exactly we're you are right now. Even world champions.
  • You are not going to be good at it. But after your first class you will feel happy. No matter what you'll love it.
  • Yes people sweat and it's ok if you do too. Jiu jitsu is cardio x1000. Bring a small hand towel or face towel if you are really worried.
  • What to wear. Regardless of what Academy you are planning to attend most Jiujitsu players dress the same. We will start with the gi. A gi is a garment worn in jiujitsu that looks like a judo or karate kimono but is very different. It's used to grip, control, and to submit your opponent. Call the gym you are planning to attend and ask if they provide a rental gi. If not that's ok! Under the gi we wear a rash-guard and spats. A rash-guard is a top that does exactly what the name insinuates, provides a layer of protection from bacteria for your skin and from the friction of your gi. You can buy special jiujitsu brand but it's not necessary, it needs to be tight fitting and breathable (anything but cotton). Next are spats or tights. I know you're thinking "but I'm not Peter Pan." It's okay you can wear shorts overtop or most likely gi bottoms. Trust me, rash-guard and spats are life savers. Pro-tip: TAKE OFF YOUR SOCKS!
  • Information overload is a real thing.

You are not alone. Nerves are real and we all have them to a certain degree."

  I hope you enjoyed learning more about the #genuineportraitseries and this spit-fire of a woman!  If you are interested you can follow her journey on Instagram @beansofnebula.Warmly,Karmen