2013

Learning to Tell Better Stories: Viewfinder Day at BlogHer ’13

July 31, 2013 by Lucrecer Leave a Comment

This past weekend, I attended BlogHer as a speaker for the first Viewfinder Day. I was looking forward to sharing with the attendees and learning a few things myself. The day started with Secretary Kathleen Sebelius addressing us at the pre-conference breakfast before attendees broke up into three different tracks.

Kicking off Viewfinder Day, keynote speakers Diane Cu and Todd Porter of White on Rice Couple speak again and they brought it with an emotion evoking presentation about using pictures and video to tell better stories. Diane and Todd struck a cord when they shared some of their amazing photography and the stories behind them. Their videos were deeply moving and helped me see you can tell an amazing story with video and not say a single word.

Here are a few of my favorite takeaways from their talk:

Keep shooting and keep learning.
Never forget the story in everything you do.
Your voice is what sets you apart. No one can tell your story but you.
Tell a story with video. You don’t have to have a lot of equipment or a large crew.
Don’t be so wrapped up in the details.
Use the tools you have on you. It is not about having the best equipment. Capture the moment.

After listening to Todd and Diane, my panel took the stage to address the attendees about Finding Your Photographic Voice. Christine Tremoulet started by sharing messages of being enough and embracing the beauty of oneself. I then shared ideas for shooting awesome self-portraits, shooting men and women and practical tips for improving their photography over the conference weekend. Jenika McDavitt broke down the psychological side of telling a better story. She shared tips about adding more details to our writing so the reader connects better with your story.

Video bloggers followed us and finally, the day ended with a post processing workshop. Tomorrow, I will share a few pictures from an impromptu photo session I had with a few amazing women.

Filed Under: Photo Life Tagged With: authenticity, BlogHer, capture the moment, chicago, christine tremoulet, details, Diane Cu, finding your voice, inner beauty, jenika mcdavitt, passion, photography, purpose, secretary kathleen sebelius, story, storytelling, Todd Porter, tracks, video, video bloggers, viewfinder, White on Rice Couple, you are enough

What Do You Do When Life Throws You a One-Two Punch?

June 27, 2013 by Lucrecer 2 Comments

I have been hearing from a few friends about their daily struggles that are really testing them. I can relate, as I have been experiencing a few challenges of my own. It is not easy to stay up or positive when you are in the midst of challenges, but we must.

It is during these times we have to encourage ourselves. You can not wait for someone else to do it for you or give you permission to choose to act and think differently. One of my favorite songs during times of trial is Encourage Yourself by Donald Lawrence and the Tri-City Singers. This song is powerful and on point.

So, today, my friends. I offer you encouragement. You can get through whatever you are going through. It is only temporary and no indication of what is to come. Encourage yourself. Always.

Filed Under: video Tagged With: encourage yourself, encouragement

Be a Friend to Your Friend Video

June 25, 2013 by Lucrecer Leave a Comment

While picking up a few things to finish off dinner for my kids, I ran into my friend Barbara. We had not seen each other in a while, so it was nice to catch up. She told me she was enjoying my videos and I mentioned I was struggling with a concept for a new one. Ten minutes after arriving home, she sent me a text with an idea. No, it was more of a plea to do a public service announcement about what she saw when she was leaving the store.

Ladies, we have to be better friends to our friends. We can not let them look a hot mess just because they are making a run to the grocery store. NO! It ain’t cute when you are past the teenage years and still trying to fit into your extra tight, neon leggings from the 80′s. It is time to let those bad boys go. No one can see the size of your clothes, tags are on the inside, so buy the size that is most flattering for your figure.

And, to be completely honest, I have been told by many men that confidence looks so much hotter on a woman than seeing all of her goodies on display in too tight clothing.

Filed Under: video Tagged With: be a friend, blinded in the left eye, clinging, clothes, friends, ladies, leggings, public service announcement, too tight clothes, video, women

What Are Your Rituals? Video

June 21, 2013 by Lucrecer 2 Comments

I was inspired by my friend, Amiyrah of 4 Hats and Frugal to talk about rituals. I am so glad I did.

The older I get, the more important rituals have become for keeping me on track.

My morning rituals are by far the most important ones. They set the tone and my mood for the day. One thing that has made a difference in my mornings starting off right is drinking about 16 ounces of water when I wake up. We are most dehydrated when we wake up first thing in the morning and drinking water can make a world of difference. I share more of my morning rituals in the video.

What are some of your rituals, routines or things you do on a consistent basis? Or, have you started doing something that has made a difference in how you go about your day? Share. I would love to hear about it.

I have been shooting almost daily videos during the month of June. Subscribe to my channel for more of my musings, opinions and observations of hot messness. You won’t be disappointed.

Filed Under: video Tagged With: bed time, habit, happiness, healthy, mindset, mood, morning, negativity, Peace, rise, ritual, routine, sleep, speaking good words, video, water

Celebrating the Kindred Spirit Video

June 17, 2013 by Lucrecer 4 Comments

Do you have people in your life you connect with on a level most people do not understand? They are your kindred spirits.

Kindred spirits, to me, are a step above a friend. They get you and all your -isms. In my latest video, I celebrate the kindred spirit. I am grateful for friends who touch me on a heart level. This video is about you.