caitlin elizabeth photography | compromise

someone once told me that life was about compromise.  

and i'm all about that.

now, i will admit that there are something things that just must go my way. 

things that i will never be willing to compromise on.

like frozen yogurt.

i will forever and always get original tart with fruit toppings and white chocolate chips.
it's the most delectable combination.
why mess something up when it's just so right?

or gummi bears. i'm a haribo girl.  the generic 7-11 brand just doesn't cut it.

but generally, i'm a go-with-the-flow kind of person... not too particular about a lot of things.
i make due with what i have, the situations i'm presented with.  i adapt.

when the grocery store doesn't have the flavor of ben and jerry's i'm dying for, i re-direct my taste buds to another, albeit less satisfying, flavor.  or when purchasing the newest and greatest gear isn't within reach - i push what i already own to the limit.

if i know my wants are outlandish, i concede - and find the middle ground.

junior year when i found out i was accepted into the study abroad program for italy i had to get another job.  and when i turned in over 20 applications and didn't hear anything back, i had to figure something out. (it was the 'off' season in the bustling tourist metropolis of williamsburg, va - no one needed me to take their messages or type their letters)  i tried this online thing where you answered people's questions for money - but i wasn't making enough.  i kept putting in applications as a waitress around town. i was getting desperate.  but just before i decided that my only options were prostitution or selling my soul to the devil, i took a chance and tried something i never would've dreamed of doing before.

i stepped foot into a hooters.  and filled out an application.

you see... i was THAT girl in college.  the one who didn't kiss boys she wasn't dating or go to frat parties.  it just wasn't my thing. i wasn't particularly outgoing.  i was goofy, i didn't wear makeup and loved apple picking and shakespeare...
and while i had waitressed before, hooters girl just wasn't on the radar.

but 2 weeks later i stood awkwardly on that overly shellacked wooden floor and hollered "hey y'all" every time the door open and learned how to pour beer like a pro - all while wearing white tube socks and sketchers - with nude tights and a snug little outfit. 

and while i'm not going to say that it was the most wonderful experience of my life, i will say that it changed me.  in a lot of ways for the better.  and all because i was willing to do something i never would've even considered 6 months before.  but when i realized that i didn't really have any other options, i compromised, and did something i never would've done had i not been forced to make something work. 

point being: when you compromise, you experience new things.
your opinions change (or you become even more convicted in the ones you already have).
you learn. you gain valuable insight on life, happiness, tribulations.

in the next week, i challenge you (all 8 of you who actually read this thing haha) to do something you NEVER would've dreamed you would do.  be it flirt with a complete stranger or take that leap of faith when you're generally an overly-cautious individual.

or just compromise.
one something you don't really want to, but know you should.
business or personal.
big or small.   

caitlin elizabeth photography | personal | hampton roads portrait photographer

when i was in college, i had this really bad habit of having these little mini-freak outs.

ok they were a little more than mini...

they were major freak outs. to the point where i would find myself sitting at my desk, surrounded by the looming eyes of the past/present/future, breathing like i had just finished running a 5k *you thought i was going to say marathon, didn't you... please, do you know me? ;)

i would worry until i literally became ill.  and stress so much that my hair would fall out and i couldn't sleep for more than a few hours at a time.

once, i called mama from underneath the covers of my dorm room bed, bawling my eyes out and all but hyperventilating because i was terrified.  terrified that i wasn't enough.  it wasn't anything specific really. i just felt like i couldn't do everything i needed to. and that i wasn't good enough.  not for anything specific, but just in general. wasn't good enough. and that was a terrible feeling.

sometimes (ok, most of the time) i worry that i'm not good enough for this.  

BUT THEN I STOP. and really think about it.  

there are so many people trying to make it in this world - the photo one.  

which i think is phenomenal. 

the more the merrier - because we're here to make clients happy - and if there is a lot to choose from, that means that someone looking for a photographer can find exactly what they want.  

they just have to be willing to look.

some might think this is a terrible way to look at it. that this is what's ruining the 'industry.'

the bottom line: people are going to run their businesses differently, take pictures with their own twist, some are very involved during a session and others take a more hands off approach.  some think that it's all about the gear and others advocate the experience.

and then there are some of us who are all about keeping it real.  

i work with what i have, while i can, until i can make it better.

and along the way i capture what, to me, is beautiful: the real.

and when i accepted this (which is totally applicable in both my business and personal life) i stopped having those little mini-freak outs.  and the world became a much happier place.

:)

i had head-shots taken by jennifer warthan of warthan farms photography a while back - and i can't wait to incorporate them into my site/online presence! here's one of my favorites:

thank you jennifer! you make me feel pretty :) ratty hair, sweatshirt and all!

caitlin elizabeth photography | william and mary mini sessions | william and mary graduation portraits | williamsburg, virginia senior portrait photographer

if you know me at all, you know that i've got some SERIOUS tribe pride :) i graduated from william and mary last spring (class of '11 - hark!) and it's crazy to think that i was partaking in commencement ceremonies this time last year (well, almost a year ago. it's still a little early).  

[one of my favorite tribe seniors from last year - melanie]

 

current tribe seniors just purchase caps and gowns - the reality of soon joining the alumni ranks beginning to set in. *really, it doesn't hit you until august when you're supposed to be moving into dorms in 105 degree heat with 98% humidity and you find yourself sitting in an office and wishing to see those 'sweating for you shirts' while longing for your RA to at least help you a little ;) 

BUT what this post is really about has to do with documenting this time and experience for william and mary's class of 2012.  i've received countless emails and facebook messages asking if i was available for graduation portraits this year - and i'm excited to announce that I AM and i'll be offering MINI SESSIONS on the william and mary campus to better accommodate my beloved TRIBE seniors!  

[miss tracy gayle - class of 2010]

mini sessions will be Saturday April 14 and Sunday April 15 and are $75 each and include 20 minutes of shooting time and up to 5 high resolution images with unlimited printing rights - session times reserved upon receipt of payment and availability of requested time slot (it's a first come first serve basis y'all - snatch up your preferred time quick).  if you are late, time will be deducted accordingly so try to be on time! i know how feisty those bricks are in heels... so leave a little early ;) mini sessions are for current william and mary seniors only - one person per time slot please!

your images will also be uploaded onto an online gallery where professional prints are available for purchase - contact me directly for more information!

if you're interested or have any more questions please do not hesitate to email me at: caitlin@caitlinelizabethphotography.com or you can facebook me

:)

 [ravali - class of 2011]

can't wait to see you at the w&m

caitlin elizabeth photography | hair cut | scaredy cat

there aren't many things in life i LOATHE as much as getting a haircut. 

it terrifies me. 

every time i go into a salon they say: GURL. WHERE have you been? your hair looks terrible! so many split ends - how long has it been since your last hair cut?! (like clock work - about 35 seconds after i sit in the chair).  and the truth is: i avoid hair salons like they're the plague.

i DESPISE sitting in that little black turn-around chair and putting the fate of my tresses into someone else's hands. mostly because hairdressers never seem to listen.  when i say: 'i only want a little bit cut' or 'my hair is very thin, can you do everything you can to give it more volume?' then i think they should listen! but they never  do.  the last time i got a haircut - i cried.  yes, cried.  i TOLD her i needed volume. (my hair is super thin) and what does she do?! THIN IT OUT. my ponytail was all of 1/2 an inch in diameter.  and i cried.  

BUT TODAY IS THE DAY. it's been OVER a year since i stepped into the local hair cuttery. and as much as it pains me to say it... it is time.  

i'm thinking of a mix between some of the following:

actually, i like almost everything about this first one, the side bangs might be just a tad too long 

and this is just so fun! mostly i think i want to look like her, but THAT ain't gonna happen

and despite the ditzy expression, this is cute!! very summer-y.  but i don't think i could go this short.

i like the long layers here

and lucy hale.  i don't know why i even put this in here. because i KNOW my hair will NEVER look this good (i mean, if i had a team of stylists following me all around... maybe haha)

wish me luck!! GAH! i'm afraid.

GIVEAWAY winner announcement | cute puppy | caitlin elizabeth photography

today's post is threefold: 

1. share pictures of an adorable puppy named daisey

2. announce the winner of the GIVEAWAY

3. brag on jennifer warthan of warthan farms photography

1: meet daisey :) we became friends last weekend while i was visiting hilton head, sc and grabbing a diet coke at a cute little coffee shop with some pretty fabulous ladies - ain't she just the sweetest little thing?! 

2: last week i had a fun PINday blogpost on a DIY hairpiece and it was EASY and super cute (if i do say so myself) - so i decided to share the love and GIVE AWAY another one just like it (obviously i had to keep one because i will be wearing it myself hehe).  anyway... the WINNER (thank you everyone who participated!) is... Ashley Harrell Pearce!! *special thanks to RANDOM.ORG for picking for me ;) everyone's comments were so sweet and much appreciated!! ashley - email me at: caitlin@caitlinelizabethphotography.com with your address and i'll send it your way ASAP :)

3: this morning i had headshots taken by the beautiful and ABSOLUTELY AMAZING jennifer of warthan farms photography (you might remember her family session i did on their fantabulous farm in february) and you should CHECK HER OUT on facebook, like warthan farms photography's page, and leave some love... because anyone who can make me look 1/2 normal is a MAGICIAN - seriously though she made me feel pretty! and i've realized that unless you know me personally you probably have no clue what i look like because i never post pictures of myself!! there is a reason for this: i am a DOOF and unless i get to make a funny face i'm not exactly pumped to get in FRONT of the camera - point being THANK YOU JENNIFER <3 

PINday and a GIVEAWAY | caitlin elizabeth photography | DIY hairpiece | wedding DIY

i know, i know... it's been a hot second since i've blogged. 

 i don't have an excuse, i'm just going to make things happen: 

it's the next PINday installment!! and it's SUHweet DIY hair piece great for everyday wear OR for the big day - after seeing the sex and the city episode (or movie?!) where carrie is getting married and she has that thing on her head i'm convinced that ANYTHING can be a hairpiece for your wedding day.

my inspiration came from here (it's on my PINday board - you should probably check it out and like/repin whatever you want to see me do next!)

materials i used:

pen

felt

random circular objects to trace

scissors

muslin (gosh i just love this stuff)

hot glue gun

cheap hair barrette

~

first i scrounged around for felt and circular objects - i used my lens cap and a ribbon spool! 

i then tore strips of muslin - as you can see they aren't all the same size (that's because i didn't measure - i craft like i bake... without any real sense of how much stuff i'm using - i'm a fly by the seat of your pants kind of gal), but they were around 18 inches long

i then put a small dot of hot glue on the middle of one of the felt circles and attached one of the strips of muslin

then you just work your way around, twisting the muslin as you go along and continuing to dot the felt with small amounts of hot glue 

i did 3 'flowers' all together and used the 4th felt circle as backing for my barrette

i glued the flowers together in the arrangement that i thought looked the best (as you can see i used lace for one of my flowers, you can use any material you want! i also thought about using twine)

i flipped the flowers over and first glued the plastic top of the barrette to the back of the arrangement, then glued my 4th felt flower to the backs of the arrangement

voila! sorry for this crappy view - i didn't have anyone to take my picture! i could totally wear this to work/church/date night (also: it took me about 27 frames to get the focus even close to where i wanted it - legit, my arms were tired)

or you can dress it up with a french twist!!

i liked this so much i decided to make TWO of them :) and i'm GIVING AWAY the 2nd to one lucky blog comment-er!!  all you have to do is leave a comment on THIS POST and i will randomly select the winner on Sunday, March 18 at 8:00 p.m. (winner will be announced monday on the blog)

caitlin elizabeth photography | virginia photographer | misc.

sometimes i feel like the man in this car.  squished into something so small and confining, in a big 'ole world.

[this was taken in a square in the heart of rome - i stood here for AT LEAST 15 minutes waiting for people to get out of the way, praying that the little car wouldn't drive off and the moment wouldn't pass by un-captured.  too bad i almost got COMPLETELY lost in the process... i wouldn't have waited for me either]

sorry ya'll i've been sick this week so i haven't been able to post much. 

BEACH SHOOTS THIS WEEKEND THOUGH HOLLA 

get ready for some beautiful people to hit the blog next week

caitlin elizabeth photography travels | personal | venice

one of the many things i love about william and mary is the PHENOMENAL study abroad program.  not only do students have places all across the world to choose from, they can go for a year, a semester, or a summer program that lasts a few weeks. 

freshman year, if you asked me whether or not i was planning on studying abroad my answer would've been 'HECK TO THE DEFINITELY NOT NO' - i'm a home body.  i couldn't even fathom being away from my family for 2 months at a time, much less an entire semester!

but college has a funny way of changing you.

i heard about a 4-week study abroad program in florence, italy.  myself and one other william and mary student would live with an italian family, take classes, soak in florentine culture, and get to experience something that many other people only dreamed of.  this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that i wouldn't be able to forgive myself if i didn't take.

so i applied.

and i got in.

and my thought was: oh crap. how am i going to pay for this?

so i applied for a scholarship.

and got a job.

and my gracious and generous family helped and encouraged me all along the way.

and the next thing i knew i was on a 13 hour cross-Atlantic flight with my soon-to-be-roommate from boston to rome eating cheese and bread and blushing when the staff from Alitalia airlines spoke to me in a language i didn't understand, but was excited to learn.

the whole point of this is that william and mary made it possible for me to do something so not me. and in the process i found me.  while i was in italy i fell in love with photography. and ultimately it's why i'm doing what i'm doing today.   when i got back i couldn't put my camera down and i was hungry to learn as much as i could about photography and anything that had to do with a camera.  william and mary also instilled in me the belief that if i wanted it, all i had to do was work for it. and i could make the impossible happen. (hey, a little girl from no-where, va was in a foreign country ordering food from the market in a different language - anything is possible). [hark!] 

these are a few of the snapshots i took while i was visiting venice one weekend - don't judge too harshly ;) i still have a lot to learn, but i didn't know ANYTHING when i took these!!

~

i loved the way the steps in venice just lead to the water - there was something so beautiful and captivating about it that i took about 75 pictures of steps almost exactly like these:

art was everywhere, street vendors, people drawing and painting... it was inspiring

this is one of my good friends kate, she was in the same study abroad program and is one of the most beautiful individuals i've ever met.  so many of the people on this adventure changed my life in ways they couldn't image.  [i loved the way her silhouette matched up with the gondolier's]

the details were spectacular.  i took over 4,000 pictures in 4 weeks, and each time i got through them i think it wasn't enough to truly capture the experience.

this note was nailed to the wall outside of our hotel in venice.  i think we deciphered it enough to know it had something to do with laundry :)

i got more than a few funny looks from folks getting this shot - i was on the ground in the middle of a public square in a sundress trying not to flash the world... my co-w&m-ers thought this was completely normal by now (i was always lagging behind, taking pictures of everything, running to catch up when i realized the group had gotten away from me)

hope you enjoyed :) and this was just venice! i was only here for 2 days! rome, florence, cinque terra, and chianti haven't even been touched yet :)

caitlin elizabeth photography | personal | virginia photographer

an elderly gentleman led his wife of many decades out onto the dance floor.  it wasn't a slow tune, but it had that triple-step beat... hank williams provided the vocals for the perfect little swing.

and there they stayed. just the two of them. it seemed.

dancing like no one was watching.

a beautiful pair.

feet shuffling.  

spinning 'round.  

their arms making arches, then circles.  

pulling her close.

smiling at her.

lost. with one another.

 until the music subsided. 

they were happy. together.

what a simple, but powerful memory.

congratulations jamie and stephen!  i was a guest at their wedding this past weekend where i was blessed enough to witness their love for each other and this love that has lasted for generations.  i couldn't resist snagging this shot, as their arms framed the little flower girl - dancing to her own beat.  growing up around a love like that has to be good for your heart <3 

caitlin elizabeth photography | personal | virginia photographer

yesterday i turned 23.

one of my best friends called me all the way from the equator to wish me happy birthday.

i awoke at 6:46 to a 'happy birthday' serenade. 

i received an email that made me tear up with the out-pouring of love it contained.

my 13-year-old sister called me old.

my daddy told me he was proud of me.

and i spent the evening at bible study.

what a wonderfully simple, beautiful way to turn 23.

[these pictures are from our church's annual valentine's day supper - this year, featuring a photo booth and 'minute to win it' competition... these women keep me young, and remind me every day that i can be a dynamic individual, regardless of how old i am or will be]

grandmama - this woman is going to be 87 this year and she is lookin fabulous and still active.

my mama - the best mama in the world :)

my aunt betsy and mama - they remind me a lot of my sister and me... we're goofballs, we make each other angry, and we love each other unconditionally.

happy friday ya'll :) if you're looking for something to give YOUR mama for mother's day - check out the sweet mini sessions coming up!