happy friday!

 I started this week off with a quote and I wanted to end it with a quote. I got this Four Leaf Clover Growing Kit from Target like in March. I just finally planted it! It looks super cute sitting on my windowsill. Cannot wait to see if four leaf clovers actually grow (or if they are just the typical three). 

On a side note, it is the last Friday in August. How time flies. Before you know it 2014 will be here.

Happy Friday! Have a wonderful Labor Day Weekend.

chalkboard fun

Yes, this just happened. With all the pinterest pins floating around with cute children in front of their houses, who could resist? Granted, I am not a third grader (nor am I as cute). But hey, making life interesting.

(For the record, the princess part is a JOKE).

XOXO

sneek peek

I had an early morning photoshoot on Sunday with this gorgeous chic! We took tons of photos and I cannot wait to share more of them with you! This is just a preview of more to come. Check back soon for the full shoot.

Happy hump day!

The Pod

I started my internship at The Pod Advertising yesterday! I am so excited to get hands on learning experience with graphics, Photoshop, Illustrator and more. I'll keep you updated with more information and all that I am doing. I am also expecting to have some photos to show soon! If I haven't invited you to "like" The Pod Advertising on Facebook already, do so here. It would help me out! 

Thank you!

quotable

This is going to be my motto for the next year. I am a senior, and I think I know exactly what I want to do after I graduate. However, I want to be absolutely sure. In order to do that, I am going to jump in headfirst at any opportunity and make an adventure out of my senior year.

Hope everyones Monday is off to a fantastic start!

Thanks for following along 

XO

perspective

This mural (I guess you could call it that) is located on the side of a building (what building I have no clue) in downtown Tallahassee. Each time I drive by I am absolutely captivated by it. The picture above shows exactly how big the mural is. I think this piece of art is a great way to put in perspective how small you really are compared to everything else going on around you. For me, it is a great reminder to just keep things in perspective.

Thanks for following along! Have a great weekend :)

DIY: make your own postcards

There is a slight problem in the digital age - nothing is ever printed! Emails, tweets, Insta photos, Pinterest Ideas - are all on your computer, iPhone, iPad, etc. In my case, I have tons and tons of photos saved on my computer. Granted, a good portion of them are saved on my blog, but it just isn't the same. 

I found a cheap way to share the photos I take with the people I care about. Postcards! Who doesn't love getting mail (as long as it isn't bills)? Postcards are easy, no need to buy an envelope or even write a long message for that matter. PLUS the TOTAL COST for 6 postcards (with the stamps): $8 

That is a STEAL.

These were printed at my local Target Copy on matte card stock paper. What I love about this is that you can do many different photos to personalize each message for extremely cheap.

I made my own template that I wanted to offer to download, but couldn't find a free website. So if interested email me and I'll send you the template with the directions! To make your own, place your image(s) in Microsoft Word and then under Insert > Shape > Line and Connectors > Straight Line. Draw lines for the divider and address area. I even inserted a box for a stamp. 

Write your message and add a stamp!

Let me know how your postcards turn out! Thanks for following along. 

XO

Shikira

Model: Shikira Saul

Yesterdays post was a concept post of this same lovely model Shikira (check below). She is such a pleasure to work with and has such a fun carefree spirit. I love the serious concept photos we achieved and I love the "fun" photos I captured of her. Shikira made it easy to do both :) Thanks for modeling girly!

If anyone is interested in being a model, or knows anyone interested in being a model, please contact me at juliarayphotography@gmail.com as I am in the process of expanding my portfolio. 

concept

Model: Shikira Saul

This is one of the first concept shoots I've done. I love the black and white photos and how they turned out. I'm always interested in expanding my portfolio. If you are interested in photos please contact me!

juliarayphotography@gmail.com

Check back tomorrow for some of the fun portrait photos of Shikira.

late nights

Some Pinterest inspired photos + cool creativity.

Like what you see? Email me now to book a session! Contact me at the email address below.

juliarayphotography@gmail.com

be a dreamer

This summer, I worked as a Camp Counselor. One kid had a special impact on me. One day he asks me, "What do you want to be when you grow up." I thought about it, as he looked up at me, and I had no answer. I was at a loss for words. At twenty years old, a Senior in college, I still had not a clue. So, I looked back at him and said, "honestly, I haven't quite figured it out yet."

He sat back in his seat, looked out the window and said, "I want to be a doctor." Plain and simple. At seven, he knows exactly what he wants to do and isn't afraid to say it aloud. I remember when I was like that. But as you get older, obligations, money, time and lack of clear focus get in the way.

Looking back on that moment, I wish I would have said I want to be a dreamer. Everyday, I am constantly thinking up new ways to occupy my time and sometimes these ideas could become a serious career goal. As I've watched the adults in my life grow older, I have realized that I never want to stop dreaming and expanding my knowledge. In the world of technology - jobs could come and go on a dime. Being able to constantly adapt and be an innovator is a seriously strong survival skill.

I'm going to keep dreaming. What about you?

downtown

These photos all have a different style of editing. I was messing around and found so many cool things I liked, I just couldn't help myself. Still working on finding my editing style. With the millions of ways to post process your photos, your editing style is bound to change as you discover new things. Even Instagram users have gone above and beyond the simple filters Insta offers with the million of other photo editing apps. As my editing style is constantly changing, I hope my photography continues to improve. It's something that I hope will always grow and develop as things in my life change. Photography is a really cool medium.

^^^So I just geeked out on ya, I know. Sorry guys.

Check Lauren's blog to find out her outfit details.

it is someones birthday ~

I want to wish Ms. Lauren Tarr the absolute best 20th birthday in the world. She is my best friend and always willing to be my model or photographer! Obvs, we haven't changed much in the last three years.

Love ya girly! and happy happy happy birthday :)

Check out her blog here