Social Media & Networking

 

 

 

So I was at a Birthday party today and got to talking to a friend of mine, he's actually the cousin-in-law of one of my good friends. But we have spent many celebrations together and have become buddies too. Anyways, we got to talking about iPhones which led to Facebook and him making fun of me and my continuous updates, etc. He said he finally just turned my updates "off" (*sob*sob*). I started feeling a little defensive and the need to explain (I was feeling like a complete nerd behind a computer screen with nothing better to do than narrate my every move. WHICH is complete the opposite. I'm super busy but thanks to devices such as iPhones I can update quickly and easily on the road). This is pretty much what I said (or what I wanted to say)...

First off, all of my family and many of my good friends are out-of-state. They regularly check my blog to see what's up with me, and now especially with baby Brooklyn, via my Twitter updates. And I, in turn, get to see what they're doing (I'm learning things I would never know or hear about since I'm here in SoCal). Not to mention the fact that I'm in contact now with old roommates and friends from WSU and Spain, via Facebook. Second, I'm connected on Facebook and Twitter with hundreds of other photographers that regulary comment on my status and respond to my questions. It's amazing what an awesome community of photographers there is, who are completely willing to share their knowledge and entertain my questions. I'm in contact with a couple that I feel like I know even though we've only communicated via Twitter or Facebook. Second, all of those photographers offer daily tips, discounts, and awesomeness on their updates. Third, my clients get to know ME! I really feel strongly that most people want a photographer they like and are comfortable with....and via my blog, they get to see if I'm a match.

If you're wondering what Twitter is still, check out this cute video of "Twitter in Plain English"....

25 Random Things

So if you're on Facebook, you may have been tagged with "25 Random Things" about yourself. I have really enjoyed reading everyone elses, so I was obliged once I got tagged by a friend. And since not all of my blog readers are on Facebook (although you should be b/c it's so much FUN!), I thought I would post here too. So here it goes...

1. I am a super impulsive person and can make a life decision at the drop of a hat.
2. Although I've made plenty of mistakes, I don't regret much. They have been life lessons and have made me who I am today.
3. I like chips & salsa to a fault. I'm usually full by the time I get my entree at Mexican restaurants.
4. I decided to start a photography biz while shoe shopping in Barcelona in April 2007. I've always taken a million pics but had no photography experience.
5. charla "BLUE" came about b/c of my obession w/ the color turquoise, coined by my husband Dan.
6. I don't consider myself a sad person, but I love sad songs and sad movies.
7. Speaking of sad...I cry easily since I had my baby girl.
8. Just listening to my daughter "coo" will make me cry.
9. I'm a technology junkie. I love computers, iPhones, iPods, digi cams, etc.
10. I love my family (sibs & parents) and feel blessed to have them in my life.
11. I hate the word "blessed" but for the lack of a better word use it.
12. Because of no technical training in photography other than reading, practicing, and experimenting...I sometimes feel like a fraud too.
13. I'm so over teaching high school but genuinely love hanging out with the kids.
14. I hate HATE hate laundry.
15. When I get something in my head there is no turning back and I won't take NO for an answer.
16. I did not enjoy pregnancy nor labor & delivery. I've always wanted to be pregnant and was disappointed that it was so hard for me.
17. I am internally battling with what to do with my future...teaching, photography, & motherhood. I don't want to neglect my child by always working but I'm passionate about photography and secure with teaching. I'm constantly thinking about what I should do.
18. I am an open book. There's not much that I won't share about myself.
19. One of my favorite places in the word is Southern Spain. Love wine, tapas, flamenco, & Spanish guitar.
20. When I saw my husband in an elevator for the first time, I was smitten. Too bad he was with his girlfriend at the time. Not for long!!! (They were already on their way to be done...so NO, I did not break them up)
21. I like Oprah. I watch it. I reference her & her guests all the time.
22. Even though I did not enjoy my first pregnancy, I can't wait to be pregnant again. I feel like I have realistic expectations now.
23. I've always felt a disconnect with all of my life experiences and the amazing people I've become friends with along the way (but have lost touch w/). Facebook has reconnected me with so many old friends and I love it!
24. I have been nicknamed "Snarla" because of my grumpy behavior when I sleep.
25 My worst fear is losing someone I love.