Heads in Beds. Chicken and Chairs.

For the first time in my life I am not worried about what the future holds. I am hopeful and excited for the adventure that awaits me. It finally hit me the other day. I am almost finished with this chapter of my life and am about to move on. I am trying to take in everything around me. I realized just how many memories I have here in Orlando, both good and bad, but they make my life what it is today. From my first move to the UCF area and transitioning into adulthood, to meeting the most amazing people at the Sports Complex and everything in between. I would not change my life. I have made mistakes, but ultimately learned from them. I have realized that I am stronger than I thought and that if I put my mind to something, it will become reality. I'm going to miss it here, just as I missed NSB after I left. I am blessed with the most amazing friends that are continuously telling me they don't want me to leave and a family that has been there for me through the ups and downs. I am truly blessed and thankful for it all. Sometimes I take it for granted, but when I think about it, I realize that I don't know what I'd ever do without them. Thank you all for the most amazing 26 years. Let's keep it going.

So I don't really write too much about events that have occurred, as I do not want this to be a diary of 'this is what I did today,' but whenever something pertains to reaching my photography goals, it deserves mentioning. So the other day I shadowed a Disney photographer, the ones that do weddings and conventions. It was very interesting and enlightening. I learned that I know more than I thought I knew, and that was very comforting knowing that I can be successful at this stage.

We were doing what was called a RUSH bridal shoot and we started off by picking up the bride and groom (Amy and Mark) from Disney's Wilderness Lodge. We then drove over to Magic Kingdom and took shots in front of the castle, behind the castle and a few other locations. The set up was fairly simple. Camera mounted on the tripod with on-camera flash and a stand that held another off-camera flash, as well, that slaved to the first one. There were also small daylight balanced video lights, the size of my palm, that I had never seen before, but helped throw lots of light on to the couple. Very convenient. Joe, the photog, realized that he had forgotten to stop by and pick up the bouquet, so he was forced to take the beginning shots with her posing her hands as if she were holding it, until it arrived. Then we traveled to Hollywood Studios and took photos in front of Tower of Terror, the hat, Star Tours, the Muppets fountain, the Chinese theater and a few other locations. All of the bridal shoots are done before park hours, so it was neat to be able to see the park without having to be working turnstiles.

We then returned to the office and since it was a RUSH, Joe began editing right away. He was unaware of how to place the bouquet into the bride's hands, so he called over Bob, the Photoshop guru. I told him that I knew how I would do it, but didn't know if it was the easiest or most efficient. He asked how I would do it and I told him I would lasso the bouquet, drag it over and erase to the background. He said that was exactly how it was done! It made me feel good that I knew something the photographer didn't know.

The coordinator Tonya then gave me a tour of the building. Disney is amazing. I know I say a lot about how horrendous it is, and yes, it can be, but there are parts that are just amazing, I will admit. In this building they do not only the photography, but graphic arts, audio and video, floral designs, celebration baskets and so much more. Just seeing so many creative people under one roof made me happy!

Well, today is Cinco de Mayo and my friends and I are having an epic party! Plus, Liz comes into town this evening and I am super excited for the next week! School is almost over and then it's time to pack up the apartment. I can't wait for my first 'white' Christmas.