Morning Lori Diner & Bakery

3.31.10

I am so passionate about a lot of things but food is definitely something I am so passionate about it's scary. I am seriously amazed that I don't weigh 400 pounds by now. I love to eat, describe, look, and especially talk about food. Now you mix all these things with my passion for photography....and I'm overwhelmed!

Morning Lori is a beautiful diner that is all about their "from scratch" home style cooking. I have had the privilege of eating there several times and every time I'm amazed. I love the atmosphere, the service, and especially the food. If you are in the mood for some good home cooking, I suggest checking out Morning Lori's located in Stanton.

A word of caution....some of these photos are mouth watering delicious....it was the hardest photo shoot I have done to date. I had to dig deep into my will power not to sample the dishes while taking pictures. I think I need an award or something...

Here is Morning Lori's address and location:

101 Main Street
Stanton, MI 48888
Phone:989-831-4808

Mon - Wed:
6:00 am - 3:00 pm

Thurs - Sat:
6:00 am - 8:00 pm

Sun:
7:00 am - 3:00 pm

And because every business woman needs a good picture of herself...

Women's Expo

3.30.10

I would like to say that everything was smooth sailing and there were no hiccups....but that would be in a perfect world--a world far from where I live. This was my very first expo EVER and I had absolutely no idea what to expect. I came overly prepared as usual and took advantage of setting up the night before. Thanks goodness I did because my walls were not very cooperative. I owe my entire appearance to a gentleman named Ben. Without him and his trusty metal work, who knows what my display would have looked like.

The day was long but it flew by pretty fast. I was impressed how many women were there and how many clients stopped by! It was so neat to see the look on their face when they noticed their picture hanging. I met a lot of wonderful women and nothing makes me more happy than a new face seeing my work for the first time and and booking me right on the spot!

So here's a glimpse into what my day was like. I manged to snap a few pictures while everyone was finalizing their setup and before the crowd came in.

Enjoy!

~Leilani

Makeover Escape: The Goods

3.29.10

Well it has been an unreal experience. To think back at the end of January when Lisa called me wanting to collaborate, it still makes me smile. I wanted so bad to be a part of this event and when the day actually arrived, I couldn't believe that everything was so smooth. The turnout was phenomenal and there is even talk of having this be an annual or semi-annual event!

The day was long, but I really wouldn't trade it for anything. You would not believe the boost of confidence some of these women experienced after their session was complete. It made me feel so proud to be a part of this event.

I saw some familiar faces of some previous clients, faces I haven't seen since high school, and some new faces that I might have startled them with a taste of my "over-the-top" personality. I can't help it sometimes!! I get really excited when I get behind the camera.

So here's a look of some of these women. I am also creating an album on my Facebook page so feel free to tag your pic. If you would like your pic added to the album, shoot me an email.

I really would love to give a special shout out to my girls: Lisa Case (the brains of the event), Denise (the Mary Kay Specialist) Hillary (one awesome chick), and Michelle (hair style guru)!! You ladies rocked and I can't wait to work with you again!!

The Best Kind of Mess

3.26.10

Ahhh……finally I have gotten caught up with my prints for the studio!! I am so caught up I have even ordered my studio prints that haven’t even made it to the blog! I normally don’t like a messy workspace, but when I am surrounded by wonderful pictures of my lovely clients, it really does make me happy.

This is my dining room table. It is packed full of 40+ pictures that I am bringing to the Women’s Expo this Saturday. I’m so excited to show everyone and mingle with some new faces. Watch out…I’m a little social butterfly.

I’ve got some business cards, flyers, pictures, candy, and some other odds and ends that will be really neat to see! If any of you plan on attending, I hope you stop and say hi.

Oh, one thing I know for sure is if you book ANY session on Saturday for any date this year, be prepared to receive DOUBLE print credit! Yep….that’s crazy I know, but sometimes I love to live on the edge.

See you guys on Saturday!

Saturday, March 27
9:00 am to 2:00 pm
$1.00 admission
Curtis Community Building
209 Sheldon Street
Edmore, MI 48829-8383

Springing with Excitement!

3.17.10

I felt like I have jumped ship and still struggling to swim. I don't know if it is because of the change of weather but I've got some heavy weight on my shoulders that I'm struggling to deal with at the moment. Unfortunately, when this happens, my poor beloved blog suffers and when I don't post during the week, I feel really guilty.

But on the brighter side, I'm getting back into the swing of things and I figured a good little picture about new life, new color, and new hope would do some good.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

~Leilani

Come Visit Me! {Women's Expo}

3.12.10

It's kind of last minute....but I work well under pressure. I know I may sound like a broken record but I love Edmore. I know there are some people out there who are thinking, "Edmore, are your crazy?" Crazy...yes but really Edmore's Chamber of Commerce jumps through hoops for their members. I love being a part of the community and by being involved allows me to meet new and wonderful people.

I will be attending the 5th Annual Women's Expo. There will be drawings for some free stuff and a chance to see all us local business women doing what we do best. So if you are in the area and want to come and join the fun, make sure to stop and say hi!

Here's the skinny:

Saturday, March 27
9:00 am to 2:00 pm
$1.00 admission
Curtis Community Building
209 Sheldon Street
Edmore, MI 48829-8383


See you guys there!

Testing MY Waters...

3.11.10

YES!! I did it. I caved in. I really thought about my future as a photographer and even though it was a very hard decision....I purchased it. If you're feeling a little lost about what I'm talking about, I purchased my dream lens--no--THE lens. Check out this blog post to see what I'm talking about.

You see, it really wasn't a case of wants vs. needs. It was more about the simple fact of loving what I do and growing as a photographer. Seems how I am growing, I decided to invest in myself and my business and just go for it!! This year is going to be a really good year...I just know it, I can feel it in the air...oh and maybe because the Magic 8 ball says so. (I'm a sucker for the Magic 8 ball and fortune cookies!!)

So here are a few test shots with THE lens...this is just the first of many. As soon as the weather gets nice, I'm going to be rockin' this lens like it's no one's business. Watch out world.....I'm coming!!

~Leilani

Lucas' 1 Year Session!!

3.10.10

I'm not lying when I say this. Belive me...you can ask any of my clients who have a child under 1 year. I have been dying to use my special high chair for this occasion. Oh--it's not just any high chair----nooooo...it's a special high chair that was purchased from an antique store!! This high chair is so old school it doesn't have all the special safety features that today's high chairs have to offer. Nope, we went back in the day where there was nothing but tough love!!

Lucas is one of those kids you would love to have in any studio. He was so cool and just sat there ready for his photo session. There are more than the usual five images posted, but wait until you see all of his facial expressions. We played with balloons, hats, blocks, horses, but most of all....CUPCAKES!!

This is was such an incredible session. I was so nervous. I have been dreaming of this session for almost a year now. If you think Lucas looks familiar, it's because I had him and his brother Garrett at the studio just before Christmas. Here is their session...a little brotherly love.

Thanks so much Jennifer for bringing Lucas in. He was such a joy!

~Leilani

I just love these two....can't you just see his excitement?

This is another of my favs.

To Inspire or Not To Inspire: {Amy Wenzel Workshop}

Alright folks...here it is. A heartfelt-emotional blog that all ties to inspiration. I am applying to win a free seat to an incredible workshop hosted by Amy Wenzel courtesy of i heart faces.

in•spire
Pronunciation: \in-ˈspī(-ə)r\
To fill or affect with a specified feeling, thought. To influence, move, or guide by divine or supernatural inspiration

Inspiring others is not an easy thing to do. I’m not sure if I have inspired others, but I can vouch for other people out there who have inspired me and believe me…it is in some of the most usual places. So basically….the question is

Do I inspire people?

The only thing I am able to do is live my life by being myself. If what I do on a daily basis allows others to become inspired, motivated, filled with laughter and love, then I must be doing my part. I have been down that road before. You know that road where you feel you have taken the wrong turn.

I have been lost many times in life but found my way
I have lived in shelters but now own my own home
I have been kicked out of college but graduated top of my class (Go Northwood!!)
I have had dreams but never thought any of them would come true…until now.

I live my life very spontaneously planned--yes that’s right, it’s not a typo. I also love to gamble and take chances. I have learned the hard way that the only constant in life is change and it is better to embrace it than fight it.

If a 28-year old woman can live her dream of becoming a photographer, opening a studio, and having fabulous clients all while only taking ONE photography class in school, anyone can live their dream as long as there is hard work, dedication, and the will to succeed. You have to want it bad enough to make it happen....April will be my first year in business and I am so glad I took a chance on myself.

Believe me, if I can do it….anyone can do it. And if I get this wonderful opportunity to attend Amy Wenzel’s workshop…I will use its powers for good and continue to offer my clients the very best I am capable of. That's a promise :)

~Leilani

Promo Video {Makeover Escape}

3.8.10

Here it is folks....after much thought and consideration, all of us ladies decided to get together and have a fun interactive day at the salon. I'm telling you, it's going to be one incredible day filled with not only beauty tips and tricks, but also FREE GOODIES!!!

I love free stuff...so check out the video and call for your appointment if you haven't done so. 989.831.5668

Dozer + Lilly {sitting in a tree...}

3.3.10

It's all about the love! I love Dozer, Dozer loves me, but now I think there may be another woman in his life besides his mamma :(

I had the wonderful opportunity to meet another Old English Bulldog. Her name is Lilly. Look at how cute they are together!! I think they make such an adorable couple, but to be honest, I'm not ready to let my baby boy go....so for today, we will consider this a play date. Hmmmm....one could only imagine what their puppies would look like....

While we were waiting for the owners of Lilly to arrive, I handed the camera over to Todd so he could get some images of me and my baby. Okay, okay...I have to admit, the shoot was pretty fun but I still struggle with being on the other side of the camera.

Look at Dozer.....he's such a gentleman and how ladylike Lilly is.

Highlights vs. Lowlights

3.3.10

So it is no secret that the weather has been absolutely beautiful. The sun has been shining and the weather has been warming up. Things are looking good. Yesterday at work, I was getting ready to eat my lunch when I notice a love note that Todd snuck in my lunch bag. I was so surprised and filled with love--it was the highlight of my day.

Fast forward a half an hour later--or better referred to as the lowlight of my day. The sun was shining bright and it had to be about 40 degrees out so I figured it was a perfect day to wash my car. After I pull out of the car wash I decided to vacuum all of the little dust bunnies that I have been collecting. Everyone else must of had the same idea because the car wash line was out to the street and all the vacuum slots were filled except one!

So as I'm vacuuming out my vehicle, the noise is pretty loud and as I shut the door to vacuum the other side, I must have bumped the lock button. There I was stranded. No cell phone, no purse, no keys, just a lint roller and a dust cloth in my hands. People are still vacuuming away and the car wash line isn't getting any shorter. I felt like an idiot...I mean how many people lock themselves out of their own vehicle at a car wash??

I turn to the guy next to me and asked to borrow his cell phone. I called work and had them send out a locksmith. So a simple $9 car wash turned into a $45 dollar bill at the end of the day!! Talk about the most expensive car wash of my life.

The moral of the story is...after receiving a love letter then head to the car wash...remember to take your keys out of the ignition!

Have a great Wednesday!!

~Leilani

A blog post isn't a blog post without a picture...so here's a beautiful flower in my front yard from last year. I'm anxiously waiting to meet it again! Enjoy.

Riley's Portrait Session

3.2.10

Everyone, meet the beautiful Riley. She came into the studio a little nervous but after settling in and busting out some blocks, she became playful and started getting used to the camera. Riley has such beautiful eyes and my absolute favorite images are the black and white ones. I really don't know what the power is over a black and white image, but it really is dramatic. I love it!!

Happy Tuesday :)

~Leilani

Tyler Family Session

3.1.10

I have to start off by saying that this family is awesome!! I had such a fun time photographing this family. They work really well together playing off each other and using all the props. One thing that amazed me was this family came together from different directions and met in Edmore for this session. Lake Odessa, Lakeview, and the state of Indiana were the distances traveled!

Jill has been featured on the blog before. I was the lucky photographer who captured her senior session. To see her blog session, click here.

I really want to thank you guys again for coming into the studio. My stomach still hurts from laughing so much!

~Leilani