Hitting the Mark

In order to hit the mark, we need to know what our target is. In archery, my husband George practices every chance he gets. He and my oldest son are in a tournament with the Sonoma County Bowman's Association. Every Wednesday afternoon, they head out to a 600 acre dairy with cow pies, and plastic 3D animals of every kind, and shoot for points. George is a great archer. He always places first or second. He knows what he is aiming for and goes for it.
We have something in common, we both love to "Shoot". He shoots his bow and arrow, and I shoot with my camera.

For me, sometimes it's not always clear what to aim for when shooting. Sometimes it's not always clear as to what I want to aim for when it comes to the photography business. I was told that this was not a good time to start a business in this "Touch Economic Time". I started anyway. I am glad I did. Things are slow right now. But I know as I keep perfecting my "Shot", I will create a special place for my business in the midst of it all.

My mother in law is still working through some adjustments. She has been with us now 5 months. I am learning that with the Alzheimer's, the "Adjustments" will keep happening. Every day is a new day. I have to adjust my schedule at times to accommodate her. We have caregivers now, and Adult Club. That has been great for her, and for us. She comes home with "Bingo Prizes", and necklaces she has made, and lots of stories. It frees me up to pursue my job. I would not want her to be anywhere else. I am thankful that we are able to be there for her. It's a good thing.

Sad to say, my cookbook is not on schedule. I am still working on it, but right now, I have to go it alone. And that is okay too. It will get done.

So, I want to encourage all of you. We all have things in our lives that shape us and mold us into who we are. I remember a wonderful lady, Trella Witt tell me, "You can grow Better or Bitter, it's up to you". I CHOOSE BETTER.

If you have a passion-Go for it.
Get out your "Bow and Arrow" Aim for the target.
With Practice-You will not miss it.
Have a great week!

Once Upon A Time

My little super model Rosalia was back in the studio this week. She told all her grade school friends that she had a "Model Shoot". She came with ideas, and we worked together as I was working out some of the bugs with my lighting in the studio. We had fun. I have learned that when working with children, you have to let them sometimes lead and let them show their personality to earn their trust, so that you can get the best possible pose. I wanted to capture "The Love for Reading". As I handed her the book, she began to read. So natural, so sweet. The book is called "You Are Special", by Max Lucado. Once of my favorite children's books. When my husband and I worked with foster children, that was the book I would read to them. Speaking of reading! Lauren is graduating from Sonoma State University next month. Her major is teaching. I was honored to take her Senior pictures. Sonoma State is a beautiful campus-perfect for photo shoots.

A Window of Opportunity

I have heard the saying "When God closes a door, He opens a window. The window of opportunity is opening for me. I am excited to see the light shining through!
The Famous Italian Cookbook that I have been working on, will soon have it's own blog. I am in the process of finalizing the website design, and pictures. I will share with you my journey through this time consuming process.
In the "Business World", networking is a major key to a persons success. I have met so many colleagues lately that have been very encouraging for me, and have a willingness to help me in my journey into this Photography business.
George, my husband has been my wonderful supporter. His three little words inspire me as I get my rubber boots on, and sometime trek through the mud of life. It's "You GO Girl!". He's been a wonderful husband.
I am reading books on websites, photography lighting, posing, composition, marketing, branding, and the list goes on. Can this old dog learn new tricks? I think so. I am learning and growing. I hope that keeps me young in heart and spirit!
I just finished hosting my first art show. It was last weekend. I hosted it with another photographer, and through the ups and downs of planning and being on the same page, it was wonderful. We had 34 artists from all over the bay area set up shop at the DoubleTree Hotel, and over 175 visitors to the show. For a first year, not bad. I am in the process of planning next years Art Show. This time I will work with my son Philip. He was my right arm on Sunday. He navigated with the Hotel staff, artists, volunteers and guests. He did an amazing job! I am proud of him.
I have a photo shoot on Saturday morning with a young lady that is graduating from Sonoma State. We will be shooting at the "Duck Pond", and then some studio shots in the studio. On Tuesday, I am working with my new little model Rosalia and our theme is "Jasmine and Once Upon A Time". Stay tune for those pictures!

Do you have a "Window of Opportunity" that you would like to share with me? We need to dream big! Waiting to hear from you!
Blessings to you this coming week
Fran Russell

The Biggest Loser TV Reality Show

I don't know if you have been watching The Biggest Loser, the TV Reality Show. This season they are featuring two young men, Sam and Koli, from Rohnert Park, California. Right where I am. It has been great watching, and photographing, and going to the viewing parties at the DoubleTree Hotel here in town.
Last night's episode was that the boys came home to see family and also for the "Cupcake Challenge- And a stationary Bike ride of 26.2 miles. This episode will air again on Saturday night.
I am in the crowd with my camera. I was taking pictures for the newspaper. You don't see me, but you will hear me twice. My Whistle came in handy. My father use to whistle for us when it was time for dinner. I was trained by the whistle, and I learned and used it with my own kids, as well as church family at potlucks, cheering when I go to a Giants Baseball Game, and when I just need to be heard!!! Anyway, I left my carbon thumbprint of sound on a reality TV Show. (I guess I can write that off my ever growing bucket list)
Anyway, enjoy a couple of the pictures that I captured of Sam and Koli returning home! One of the relatives Jane Peleti has been the family photographer photo journaling their journey. You can see wonderful pictures on her facebook site. She's done a great job. The Community Voice Newspaper will also have a gallery of photos from the family and friends get together as well as the Challenge of the 26.2 mile bike race. You can read articles at www.Thecommunityvoice.com
GO GREY TEAM!!!!

Studio Time

I had the fun of photographing two individuals this week in the Studio. First a little 7 year old Rosalia. Her grandfather is the publisher of The Community Voice Newspaper in Rohnert Park. She was hanging around in the office Tuesday, and I needed a subject. She was reluctantly willing. Her mom said to her, "She needs your help, and that's what we do". I liked that. She has 1/4 Indian (India), so her coloring is beautiful with those dark eyes. I did not have any of my props with me, so we explored and found a couple of pieces of material. She was up to the challenge of feathers, laces and teddy bears. This was just a piece of red lace. What a little Trooper!

Then along comes Matthew. I took some pictures last year when he graduated from high school. Living in one place for 20 years really has it's advantages. I knew his parents before he was born. So I have watch this wonderful young man grow up. So, it was really special for me to take pictures of him again. As serious as he looks, he is a real ham. His first year in college and working, and moving forward has been good for him. I might use some of his images for Stock photography. Just too funny!


I have an ad coming out in the newspaper in two weeks for Studio work. Don't put off that Family portrait in the studio or out. It's BEAUTIFUL IN SONOMA COUNTY

Mustard Fields, Longer Days Ahead, Spring!

Jon and I just returned from Las Vegas. We were at the MGM Grand Hotel for the WPPI Convention. It was wonderful and we came home with about 30 pounds of information in the form of pamphets, books, samples, even a Las Vegas Canvas Wrap! I am glad that we had the opportunity to go, but I tell you there is nothing like Sonoma County. We flew into Sacramento Wednesday and spent the night at Phil's apartment. In the morning we drove home through Highway 37 and then Adobe Road.

The vineyards have been groomed, the mustard is showing it's brilliant color of yellow. The hills are so green and lush from all this rain. I am so thankful, to live in this beautiful place. I have been taking pictures of the mustard fields, but right now the photos don't do them justice. You have to see it with your naked eye! If you have time, drive Petaluma Hill from Rohnert Park Expressway, looking east. Pull the car over, get out of the car and be still. The bees are at work,the butterflies are starting to leave their cocoons and the little birds are all around and it's wonderful. You will even see photographers with their tripods and clients in the middle of the mustard. The above photo was a session last year with a single mom and son. The little guy almost got lost in the mustard.

If you are interested in getting a family photo in a mustard field, now is the time. Give me a call. I would love to get out there with you and yours.

I have made some changes to my website. It's still in process, but I think I am headed in the right direction. It's an online company that provides music with copyright licenses so that you can be "Legal". I hope you like the new song I chose. There were over 5,000 to choose from!

I did not bake last week for the cookbook, but Monday is just around the corner.
Blessings to you all this week. Slow down, you don't want to miss the splendor of the King's artistry that is all around us!

The Daffodils Are Blooming in Rohnert Park, CA

Driving around town there are daffodils that are coming up all over. In the past couple of years, over 90,000 daffodil bulbs have been planted all over the city. It's almost like an Easter egg hunt. You look for them, and all of a sudden, there one little daffodil is hiding behind a tree, or along the road. Very pretty site. First sign that Spring is on it's way. I feel like planting daffodils too! I am looking forward to planting a garden this spring. My mother-in-law loves to garden. It will be good for the both of us. We have already started our list.





It was a busy week for me. I like that. It's makes the week go by fast. It started on Tuesday at Johnny's Java on Hwy 116 in Cotati, California. Bruce is the owner of 4 Johnny's Java is Sonoma County and has allowed me to hang 18 Framed Photographs that I have taken of Sonoma County and Italy in the Cotati coffee shop. They will be on display for at least 4 weeks. After that, I will be contacting a couple of my photographer friends and have them hang their photos for the opportunity to showcase their work. So, if you are in Cotati, go in for a great cup of coffee, local pastries from the area, Internet, and the cleanest bathrooms around. (They are known for that!)



Next on my schedule was with Haus Fortuna in Petaluma. Karla, the owner invited me again to keep my photos in her store for 2 more months. So excited about that. I also have product that she is adding; Jewerly boxes with scenes of Italy and kitchen Trivets.
If you haven't been down there, please go and visit. The second Saturday of every month the Art Council of Petaluma has Art Galleries open for people to come a spend the evening for dinner, galleries, and local entertainment. Petaluma can and is a destination.


One week from today, my son Jon and I are flying to Las Vegas for a WPPI Convention. It is the Wedding, Professional Portrait Internatioanl. 12,000 photographers, 350 vendors of every thing PHOTO, and accessories, software, Canon, etc. We went to a David Ziser Conference in San Franciso last year, and won the free registration to go. I am looking forward to the Trade Show, and classes. The last time I was in Vegas was in 1982. I think things have changed there. I am looking forward to spending time with Jon. He just got a job with Bay Photo in Santa Cruz. They will be one of the vendors. So it will be nice to put faces with voices.

Take time to explore the beauty that is around us. God is such a wonderful Creator.
George and I walked the Golden Gate Bridge on 10-18-08 . It was the 5th anniversary of my dad's passing. I love you Dad and miss you! I'll see you in Heaven!

One More Artist Reception

This Saturday, the 13th, will be the last Artist Reception at Haus Fortuna in Petaluma. I can't believe that at the end of the month, it will have been 8 weeks of my "Off the Beaten Path through Italy" photos on display. I also can't believe that my mother in law has also been here already for 7 weeks. There has been a lot of adjustments, but it's been good. I am very happy she is with us. It's a new day, every day! Keeps me on my toes.

My first week in the studio was a lot of fun. I was happy to go to "Work". A place of my own, 3 days a week. I have been working on the studio lighting, photographing cookies for the cookbook, taking photos of the jewelry boxes and trivets that I am selling. I am starting to get phone calls from people that need a Photographer--so, that gives me great encouragement.


I discovered etsy.com I'll be able to sell some products. Kitchen trivets, jewelry boxes, photographs, and when the cookbook is done, I'll be able to sell them there.
Check it out: www.FrannieLynn.etsy.com


I started on the lst of February to read one chapter a day of Proverbs. They are "Apples of Gold". Focusing on the word of God throughout my day has been my strength. I challenge you to walk with me on this journey. We can't help but Grow.
Blessings to You. Have a Great Valentine Day! You are Loved!
Fran-

Puzzles & Life

Puzzles!!!! My mother-in-law and I just started puzzle Number 10!

Funny thing about puzzles. After you pull it out of the box, you have to turn all the pieces over so that you can see what you are working with. Then, you look at the picture to see what the Picture is. Sort through and find all the flat pieces and put up the border first. Once the border of the puzzle is complete, you begin to fill it in. One of the things I do, is put like colors together. If I see something like a dog, or an ice cream cone or a small little bird, it's easy to figure it out. But I never look at all the pieces, and do it on my own. I need the picture on the box. I can take one tiny little puzzle piece, study it with the picture on the box, and know exactly where it goes. It's the same thing about life. It is so important that we put our borders up, and then fill in the pieces, sort it all out,by studying the master picture. Without that picture, it would just be a pile of cardboard pieces.

I feel like my life is just like that puzzle. The picture I picked is Photography. I have put up my borders. Sometimes I feel like I am still finding all the border pieces - Other times I feel like I am done. But one thing I know for sure, it is a very long process to sort out the pieces of my photography business, as well as life at home with my husband and mother in law. It's going to take time, but when the picture is done, it will be well worth the effort and time. I am enjoying the process.

This week I got the key to the Studio.
February 2, 2010, I will be in the studio waiting for my first client.


I will also be able to work on the production of the cookbook in the studio. I finished another batch of cookies for the cookbook. This week I made Date Nut Bars, Nana's Rich Brownies, and Biscotti DiRegina. My Lemon Bars flopped!

The Road Ahead

End of my first week with many short term goals to reach. Out of all of them, I accomplished one. I made one recipe from the "Cookbook". Nana's Rich Chocolate Brownies. They were wonderful. I was able to bake, correct the recipe, take a picture, and have it all beautiful.
Did I also tell you that my mother in law is now living with us? She is going to be 87 years old. Her name is Frannie, like mine. She has dementia. The challenge of it all. George and I have been alone for over 1 1/2 years, and so there is somewhat of an adjustment. I am glad she is with us. She needs our help. That's what families are all about. Being there for one another.

So, as I journey through this life, I know that we are all in God's hands. He will give us the strength and courage to face each day.

I had her read me the recipe. She felt like she was working with me. She had a job to do, and it made her smile. It made me smile too! But as I write this blog, I have tears in my eyes. There is sunshine in this sadness. One day, she won't remember us. So as I journey with my photography business, my cookbook, and all the other "Things" I am working on, I may go just a little bit slower, so that my Mother in Love, can walk beside me, and be a part of all of this as long as we are together.
"Trust in the Lord, with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path. Lord, I am counting on that!

The Year of the "Italian Wedding Tray" Cookbook

As I sit here planning out my day, my week, and my year. I have short term goals, as well as weekly goals, followed by a yearly goal. It is so different from "New Year's Resolutions. I don't do well with those, so I never make them. But what I do try to set are goals.


One of my goals for this year is to finish a cookbook that I started many years ago. My first recipe was my mom's Peanut Butter cookies. That was at 11 years old. That was the same year, I got my first camera. And the two have gone hand in hand all these years. A desire to be the best in photography, and the other to write a cookbook of all the recipes that my mom, grandmothers, aunts, used for the "Italian Wedding Tray".

I promised my dad I would finish the book, that was six years ago. The week before he died, I told him I would. Mourning my loss, I lost track of the process and also loss of time.

So, I will work on finishing this cookbook. I have a connection from a local company that will help me. I will call them this week.

So, Bowl, ingredients, and camera in hand, the journey has begun.

This week, I review the contract for Studio Space in Rohnert Park. If all looks good, I sign papers for a one year lease. February 1, 2010, My shingle will be hung. I am going to have a Grand Opening Celebration! You will all be invited.

2010 Brings Promise

January 13, 2010.

We are just two weeks into this New Year. And wonderful things are ahead for Russell Event Photography.

I would like to share with you some exciting things that are out on our Horizon.

January 9, 2010 at the Haus Fortuna in Petaluma, I had the honor of being a featured Artist along with two other women. I was able to share my "Off the Beaten Path Through Italy", photos. The display will be there on display for a total of 8 weeks. So if you are in the Petaluma area, stop by. It's a wonderful "Everything Italian" gift store. You can find Murano Glass, Wonderful smelling imported soaps, kitchen utensils, Masks from Venice, Italian cookbooks, pottery from Umbria, and so much more. I want to thank Karla for the invitation!
http://www.hausfortuna.com/



My photography business is up and running. I am very excited with what is ahead this year.
My son Jon and I are flying to Las Vegas in March to the Wedding, Professional Portrait International Conference. There are about 12,000 attendees and 350 vendors-Everything for the Photographer. We won a free Registration through a David Ziser Conference that was held in San Francisco last year. We are excited to learn and gather wonderful information through the platform classes. We will be there for one week.

I have some "Italy" photos in Nicolino's Resturant in Cotati, California. Wonderful Italian Restaurant with very good authentic food. Nicolino is a wonderful Italian Man.
707) 664-1418
8204 Old Redwood Hwy Cotati, CA I also have some of my "Italy" photos at an attorney's office in Santa Rosa, Ca.

I have landscapes, flowers, rivers and wildlife photos at doctor's offices throughout Northern California. So I am just waiting for the photo calls for orders!!!

April 11, 2010, I along with a photography friend Steve Bryan are producing an Art Fair at the DoubleTree Hotel in Rohnert Park. We are working to bring artists together during these hard economic times to show our community at large that the arts are still alive. If you are in the area, or better yet, make a special trip to come to this wonderful art fair. more information on our website at: http://www.northbayartfair.com/ We are hoping for 40 artists. Look at the artist/vendor page to see who is going to be there. I am so excited with the artists that have signed up so far. It's going to be a great day!

February 1, 2010, if all goes well, I am in the final stages of securing a Portrait Studio here in Rohnert Park. Just about 3 miles from home. I will let you know when I move in.

Keeping You posted!
Fran Russell
Russell Event Photography
(707) 479-4772