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jwilson13
PeaAddict
PeaNut 339,883
October 2007
Posts: 1,803
Layouts: 1
Loc: sunny ohio
 |  Posted: 2/24/2011 9:36:32 AM
First, a big-shout-out to my lovely peal pal, Lori, for choosing me. Her interview was fabulous, and I am meekly following behind...
1. Who are you? Please include self portrait and any links to other sites featuring you, like your blog, website, etc. Pimp yourself out!!
My full name is Jodi Faye Wilson (who names their child Faye??), and I am not yet 50 though perilously close. I am an avid runner, gardener, baker and believe with all my heart that if everyone listened to Radiohead at least once a day, the world would be a better place. I am a senior portrait photographer with over 4 years in the business. I limit myself to 30 seniors a year so that each one gets highly personalized attention, and I get to keep my sanity. I shoot on location, but I have a small gallery located on our little town's main street. This photo was taken by my former gallery partner, Kirsten Alana, close to 2 years ago. Ok. I have issues in front of the camera.
I have been married to the most supportive, intelligent and handsome stud for over 22 years. His name is Brian. (who names their child Brian Wilson?? And yes, he gets Beach Boy jokes all the time. He bought me the Nikkor 70-200 for Christmas. I told you he was wonderful.) We have two children together. DNA testing would be a waste as they both look exactly like him. The oldest, Sam, is 18 and studying exercise science (don't get me started) at the University of Akron. The youngest, Jake, is 16 and a sophomore at our public high school where he excels at lacrosse and impersonating his teachers. It's quite scary. We have a mutt named Viking after our school mascot. He was dumped from a moving car in the field next to our house. (What is wrong with people?) He has been with us for 7 years and loves milk bones and taking long walks in the rain.
Here is my website info:
my website
my blog
2. What inspired you to get into photography? And when?
I am the cliche: my kids.
3. What is your education? Degree? Self-taught? Workshops?
My formal education is a BA in political science from Hiram College and a Juris Doctor from the University of Akron. (Spare me the lawyer jokes, please.) I also have culinary and pastry certificates from the Western Reserve School of Cooking. I am completely self-taught when it comes to photography though I have attended a couple of workshops. (Brianna Graham and JVS) I would be remiss if I did not mention how much I have learned from this board and the incredibly talented and giving peas.
4. What kind of photographer would you describe yourself as?
Senior portraiture all the way, baby. If people catch me at a weak moment, I will say yes to the occasional family portrait session.
5. What kind of equipment do you use? Not every piece you own, but your favorites or use most often.
99.9% of my sessions are with the 85/1.4 on the front of my d700. This year I am going to see what the 70-200 brings to the table.
I also could not live without my Pro Select ordering software. I do all ordering in-person at my gallery and clients are blown away by it. From album design to high-res production, it is a tog's dream.
6. What did/do you struggle with the most?
Self-confidence. I am convinced that I completely and totally suck. Yet somehow, people receive joy from what I do. I never, ever stop trying to push myself to get better, better, better. When I hear the parents of my seniors say, "This is SO my child!! You captured him/her perfectly!", it's what keeps me going. Even though I suck.
7. What was your biggest "A-ha" moment? Can be something technical/camera-related, something personal as it relates to photography, or something you learned about yourself as a photographer.
Just be yourself. Look, I'm no Annie Leibovitz or Mark Seliger. I'll never be. But I have fun shooting seniors and can deliver quality images that will be cherished by their families for years to come. And you know what? I am totally ok with that.
8. Biggest lesson learned? Can be either about photography, the business, yourself, etc.
1: Learning to say no!! I have a tendency to be a people pleaser - not good for running a business. Set your prices and stick to them. Hate weddings? Don't shoot them!! Find your niche and go with it. Do not let clients dictate who you are. Once you start saying no, people will respect who you are as a photographer and business person. If they don't, you don't want them as clients.
2: Give back. Share, encourage and support not only other togs but the people in your community. I am not saying give away the store, but find a charity that you love or do headshots for someone starting a new business. It not only makes you a better photographer, it makes you a better person.
9. What's your greatest triumph or achievement? Could be just opening your own business, to awards, to a compliment.
When I was just getting started, I entered a competition sponsored by simply canvas (who is THE best canvas company, btw). It was limited to 30 togs who submitted 2 photos for critique and ultimately a first place prize. I entered only for the critique but wound up taking first place!! My husband suggested I start charging more at that point!! Here is the image that won. It is known by my seniors as the bob fudge shot:
10. What is one of the most important mistakes you made that served as a basis for your progression?
Shooting the same shot over and over. I wasn't pushing myself to get better at posing or having a lot of movement in my photos. I really tried to overcome that last year. Although I still love a great headshot with the eyes drawing you in, I tried to mix things up a bit. This year my goal is to shoot a triptych at every session. Gulp!
11. What is it about photography that makes your heart sing and your mind race with possibilities?
Great light and a relaxed subject. I also find joy in crappy light and a nervous subject - it just pushes me to do better.
12. Which do you like better - taking the photo or processing it? Why?
Processing. As I shoot, I am constantly thinking of how the images will be approached in post. While getting it right in camera is an absolute must, I believe that the processing is what comprises a large part of your style. I shoot in RAW and flatten everything out in ACR. Then the fun begins...
13. What inspires you? Could be anything - other photographers, nature, art, music, people, etc.
Light and color. Both will determine the mood of a shot.
14. What is something about you that we don't know? Could be something serious or silly- your choice.
I was a criminal prosecutor for 6 years having tried everything from red light violations to aggravated murder.
I have an insane fear of heights.
I hate talking about myself.
I have an unhealthy obsession with converse tennis shoes.
I have never had a speeding ticket.
I don't believe in jinxes.
15. Can you share with us your loved ones? Especially if they have been featured in your work?
Like the shoemaker's children who go barefoot, my family is completely neglected in photos. I know, I know. My total bad!! I really had to dig through my hard drive to find these. Please don't hate on me!
my rock and keeper of my heart:
my firstborn and future whatever-you-do-with-an-exercise-science-major:
my second born and future comedian:
my running partner and reason for needing to change the bag in my vacuum cleaner every two weeks:
16. Can you share your top tip/technique with us?
Shoot loose. It makes your life so much easier when it comes to album design and being able to give Grandma a portrait crop because that's how she has all 14 of her grandchildren displayed on the mantel and Aunt Susie a landscape crop because she bought a really cool frame at Crate and Barrel.
17. Who are you picking next and why?
Katie/redwheelbarrow!! I love her fresh, clean images, and her energy is contagious. Though I don't know her at all, she just seems like a totally positive person to which I totally relate! And I have a soft spot for lawyers! 
18. Please share some of your favorite works with us!!
random pics from the class of 2011:
thank you so much for taking the time to read this, and in the spirit of giving back, i will be happy to answer any questions that you have!! |
jodi
i feel like i'm taking crazy pills!
nikon chic
d700
d 90
70-200/2.8
85/1.4
50/1.8
24/2.8
sb 900
cs5
lots of film stuff that i keep meaning to master
my website
my blog
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Molly C
PhotograPea Enabler
PeaNut 49,752
September 2002
Posts: 15,942
Layouts: 85
Loc: Virginia, where my heart has always been
 | Posted: 2/24/2011 9:44:07 AM
You are so funny!!!! Thanks so much for opening up here, I know you, but I don't "know" you, and now I feel I do! Yay!!!!   |
Molly
Nikon D700
Nikon lenses & flash, AB400 and softbox | |
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paintedmoon
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 150,843
June 2004
Posts: 7,808
Layouts: 213
Loc: Texas
 | Posted: 2/24/2011 9:58:16 AM
I like you. I really, really like you! Seriously, I found myself nodding my head over and over as I read what your wrote. You have such a grounded approach to this that I love...practicality, yes, but also a fun spirit and a desire to push yourself and mix things up. Brilliant.
Processing. As I shoot, I am constantly thinking of how the images will be approached in post. While getting it right in camera is an absolute must, I believe that the processing is what comprises a large part of your style. I shoot in RAW and flatten everything out in ACR. Then the fun begins...
Are you my clone? Long-lost twin sister?
Love the Bob Fudge, shot, as well as all your others, too. I appreciate all your input on this board in the past, and it's great to see your face, since usually all we see is your hand in front of your face, LOL.
Thanks for a great interview!
Anne | |
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Dewey06
Drink lots...PEA pale!
PeaNut 276,190
September 2006
Posts: 22,612
Layouts: 717
Loc: Colorado
 | Posted: 2/24/2011 10:03:33 AM
Oh, I am in love with the through the net image--that is awesome!
You are so lovely and have quite the way with words even if you don't realize. I could sit down for a cup of coffee with you and feel like taking notes 
2: Give back. Share, encourage and support not only other togs but the people in your community. I am not saying give away the store, but find a charity that you love or do headshots for someone starting a new business. It not only makes you a better photographer, it makes you a better person.
This is brilliant, and sooooo true! Thank you for writing it out for us to read and ponder. |
Heather-Feather!
Canon5DMkII
24-70 2.8L
100 2.8L IS macro
135 2.0L
85 1.2L II
Fisheye 15mm
Tamron 70-200 2.8
Lensbaby Composer
CS4 on a calibrated Mac
My blog
Photography website
Woolywishes Etsy shop
[error_in_url=http://www.facebook.com/pages/Woolywishes/193307734022795[/url] | |
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LoriLeigh
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 97,944
July 2003
Posts: 5,544
Layouts: 251
Loc: Parkersburg, WV
 | Posted: 2/24/2011 10:10:25 AM
This was great Jodi!!!
FTR, I read your blog everyday, and if you had asked me what your husband's name was, all I could have come up with is "My ridiculously good-looking husband" -LOL
I also would not have recognized your younger son in that picture! I feel like I've seen pictures of him before, but now I'm not sure...
Loved reading your interview and love you to pieces!  |
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pattyl
BucketHead
PeaNut 191,842
February 2005
Posts: 537
Layouts: 0
Loc: Jersey Shore
| Posted: 2/24/2011 10:10:48 AM
Oh, this was so fun. I read your blog Always (pierogi casserole?) because I love your photos, your fun writing and your whole attitude towards things. So it was alot of fun to read about you, because I didn't realize jwilson was you! Thanks for the uplifting and the inspiration. | |
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shantel7
To pea or not to pea that is the question.
PeaNut 355,331
January 2008
Posts: 11,547
Layouts: 89
Loc: utah
| Posted: 2/24/2011 10:31:41 AM
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Shantel
Nikon D90
Nikon D50
50 mm 1.8
Nikon fisheye 10.5
Nikon 85 mm/1.8
Tamron 17-50 mm/2.8
18-55 mm
70-300 mm
SB800
My blog: Whatever
My Etsy: My Etsy | |
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redpoppysarah
PeaNut
PeaNut 415,373
March 2009
Posts: 274
Layouts: 0
Loc: hoosier land
 | Posted: 2/24/2011 1:54:16 PM
loved your interview | |
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Lola_uk
PeaAddict
PeaNut 478,376
August 2010
Posts: 1,068
Layouts: 1
Loc: London, England
 | Posted: 2/24/2011 2:01:06 PM
LOVED your interview!! Thankyou so much for sharing |
Flickr
Canon 5D - Classic
Canon Xti
50mm 1.8
50mm 1.4
85mm 1.8
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scrappinnurseanita
BucketHead
PeaNut 272,710
August 2006
Posts: 633
Layouts: 2
Loc: michigan, usa
| Posted: 2/24/2011 2:09:16 PM
Loved the interview and your blog....so fun! |
Anita
Canon50d, Canon 50mm f1.4, Sigma 18-125mm 3.8-5.6, Sigma 70-200 | |
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bendedroad
Nicki
PeaNut 405,632
January 2009
Posts: 6,714
Layouts: 111
Loc: West Virginia
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jwilson13
PeaAddict
PeaNut 339,883
October 2007
Posts: 1,803
Layouts: 1
Loc: sunny ohio
| Posted: 2/24/2011 2:25:13 PM
thank you, ladies!! if i could reach through my computer, i would give each one of you a hug!! london might be a bit difficult...
and patty!!! i could NOT figure out who you were!! pierogi casserole recipe coming soon! i promise. |
jodi
i feel like i'm taking crazy pills!
nikon chic
d700
d 90
70-200/2.8
85/1.4
50/1.8
24/2.8
sb 900
cs5
lots of film stuff that i keep meaning to master
my website
my blog
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missouri girl
PeaAddict
PeaNut 217,889
August 2005
Posts: 1,865
Layouts: 39
 | Posted: 2/24/2011 2:53:31 PM
Oh my goodness Jodi, your work is fabulous! Your blog made me seriously hungry. Thanks so much for sharing a little bit about yourself. |
Take time to enjoy life.
jane
Canon 30D
Canon 28 - 135
Canon 50 1.4
CS5, PSE5 | |
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clindroos
BucketHead
PeaNut 406,249
January 2009
Posts: 958
Layouts: 0
Loc: B.C., Canada
| Posted: 2/24/2011 3:00:59 PM
What a great read! You are so funny! Really enjoyed getting to know a little more about you. You have a gorgeous family. |
~~ Corrie ~~
Nikon D700 | Nikon D90 | 50mm 1.8 |35mm 1.8 |85mm 1.8
LR3 & CS5
Calibrated
Facebook
My Blog | |
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mmlowe
BucketHead
PeaNut 143,976
April 2004
Posts: 836
Layouts: 19
Loc: Texas
| Posted: 2/24/2011 3:22:38 PM
Awesome Interview!! Love, Love, Love your writing style and your images are just beyond beautiful! |
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Molly C
PhotograPea Enabler
PeaNut 49,752
September 2002
Posts: 15,942
Layouts: 85
Loc: Virginia, where my heart has always been
| Posted: 2/24/2011 3:30:10 PM
I've never read your blog before, I added it to my Google Reader. LOVE that you make Pain au Chocolat. Would love to try, but know it would not help my efforts to lose weight, which is magnified by my hatred of exercise, lol. |
Molly
Nikon D700
Nikon lenses & flash, AB400 and softbox | |
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lbfritts
Can you hear me now???
PeaNut 26,273
December 2001
Posts: 7,806
Layouts: 180
Loc: North Carolina
 | Posted: 2/24/2011 4:03:09 PM
Love the interview, love the images, love the obsession with converse tennis shoes.
You are (in the word of my DD) ONE COOL BEAN!
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_Kristi_
PeaAddict
PeaNut 307,675
April 2007
Posts: 1,047
Layouts: 5
Loc: California
| Posted: 2/24/2011 4:07:06 PM
Great interview, great photos...loved it all! Thanks for sharing | |
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AlwaysSunny
BucketHead
PeaNut 367,714
March 2008
Posts: 580
Layouts: 8
Loc: SoCal
| Posted: 2/24/2011 4:20:46 PM
Great interview! Thanks so much for sharing. You're seniors are beautiful, I love the first one in the field of flowers. Gorgeous! |
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jwilson13
PeaAddict
PeaNut 339,883
October 2007
Posts: 1,803
Layouts: 1
Loc: sunny ohio
| Posted: 2/24/2011 4:58:25 PM
i am in full blush mode!!
shelley-i refer all my cold calls for family portraits to a photographer in the area with whom i have a referral relationship. this is a great way to give back to another tog and continue to do what you love. i will shoot a family if i have shot the senior as a have a raport with them. the raport is essential!! if you only want to shoot children, make your presence on the web as a children's portrait photgrapher. yes, take the occasional family to pay the rent, but build that children's base. you and your clients will be so much happier. i hope this helped and let me know if you have other questions!!!
molly - woo hoo!! i hope you stop by the blog often! and i do feature healthy recipes from time to time!! i have an edemame-wheat berry salad on there that is to die for. it's great in the summer with a glass of iced tea or a crisp sauvignon. but every once in a while nothing will do but a french pastry i know you could tackle that recipe!! |
jodi
i feel like i'm taking crazy pills!
nikon chic
d700
d 90
70-200/2.8
85/1.4
50/1.8
24/2.8
sb 900
cs5
lots of film stuff that i keep meaning to master
my website
my blog
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jwilson13
PeaAddict
PeaNut 339,883
October 2007
Posts: 1,803
Layouts: 1
Loc: sunny ohio
| Posted: 2/24/2011 5:04:52 PM
oh! leanne!! you love converse, too? did you and your dd you know that you can design your own??? sooo dangerous...
design your own chucks
enter at your own risk...
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jodi
i feel like i'm taking crazy pills!
nikon chic
d700
d 90
70-200/2.8
85/1.4
50/1.8
24/2.8
sb 900
cs5
lots of film stuff that i keep meaning to master
my website
my blog
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Bamamom
AncestralPea
PeaNut 297,192
February 2007
Posts: 4,759
Layouts: 0
Loc: Upstate Alabama
| Posted: 2/24/2011 5:41:56 PM
FANTASTIC interview Jodie. Now I feel I know the woman behind the hand quite a bit better!!! And I really LIKE HER!!!!! You are a great photographer of Teens, and love your witty personality!!! Thanks for removing the hand and let us getting a little closer to 'real' jwilson13!!!
Hugs,
PS - I also meant to say, you have had a fascinating career and education in a diverse number of things - so interesting!!! Prosecutor to baker and beyond!!! |
*Nancy*
~ "In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous." Aristotle ~
POTD Blog
my stuff: ~ Nikon D700, Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D, Nikkor Micro - 105mm f/2.8, Nikkor 85mm F1.4,Nikkor 14-24mm f2.8, and Nikkor 70-200mm f2/8.SB 800, CS5 and Lightroom! | |
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RedWheelbarrow
PeaAddict
PeaNut 398,361
November 2008
Posts: 1,520
Layouts: 27
Loc: Chicago
| Posted: 2/24/2011 8:57:55 PM
Great interview, Jodie! You are awesome! LOVE LOVE the b/w shot in (is it?) the dance studio! Also, since you mentioned your red light violation cases, the most random thing I ever prosecuted was for catching and keeping an undersized red snapper. Crime just doesn't pay.
Katie/redwheelbarrow!! I love her fresh, clean images, and her energy is contagious.
After seeing more of your work, Jodie, I feel totally honored to be picked by you! Thank you! Can't wait to put my interview together after we get back from disney! |
Katie
MY BAG O' TRICKS:
Nikon D7000
Nikon D40
50 mm f/1.8
Tamron 28-75 f/2.8
18-55 mm kit lens
My Blog
My Website
My facebook page
"So much depends on a red wheelbarrow, glazed with rainwater, beside the white chickens." | |
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momaziggy
AncestralPea
PeaNut 366,039
March 2008
Posts: 4,324
Layouts: 1
Loc: So Cal
| Posted: 2/24/2011 11:02:09 PM
I cannot tell you how much I loved your interview! I love the way you write and you are very fun. And your work...OMG I LOVE! Thanks for sharing your wise & funny wisdom, your wonderful family and your gorgeous work! And I'm so glad you picked Katie too...love her! |
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craftyluv
Prayers: You need 'em? I've got 'em <3
PeaNut 365,669
March 2008
Posts: 12,737
Layouts: 81
Loc: St. Louis, MO
| Posted: 2/25/2011 8:41:10 AM
Awesome, awesome interview! I so enjoyed reading this with my cuppa joe. In fact, I may pour another and read it again.
Also, goodness gracious, woman! You need to get behind the camera more often...you're goregeous!
I love the fact you know who you are as a photographer and stick to it. Did you always know you were a senior portrait photographer? Or when you first started, did you shoot everything and then find your niche?
You are an amazing photographer, witty, generous and you bake French pastries? What's not to love?
Thanks so much for sharing yourself, your "ridiculously good-looking husband", and your equally as handsome boys with us. Off to check out your blog.
p.s. I have a friend named Brian Wilson. You're right...who does that?
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Blessings, Rebecca
My gear:
Nikon D700-a dream come true
50mm 1.8
70-200mm (old AF film lens)
Nikon D40-
18-55mm
55-200mm VR
Promaster 7400EDF flash
Close up macro filter set
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jwilson13
PeaAddict
PeaNut 339,883
October 2007
Posts: 1,803
Layouts: 1
Loc: sunny ohio
| Posted: 2/25/2011 8:54:10 AM
thank you a million times over!!! i am so thrilled that you are having some fun with my interview!!
katie-an undersized red snapper!! ha ha!! a fishstick violation!! isn't the law fun? i do miss it sometimes. cannot wait to read your interview!!
rebecca-thank you so much for the compliment i love being friends with you on fb and getting updates on your running progress!! you go, girl!! and yes, i tried a little of eveythign at first: families, children, and second shot a couple of weddings. i just seem to click best with seniors. i think i will be perpetually 18 at heart |
jodi
i feel like i'm taking crazy pills!
nikon chic
d700
d 90
70-200/2.8
85/1.4
50/1.8
24/2.8
sb 900
cs5
lots of film stuff that i keep meaning to master
my website
my blog
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craftyluv
Prayers: You need 'em? I've got 'em <3
PeaNut 365,669
March 2008
Posts: 12,737
Layouts: 81
Loc: St. Louis, MO
| Posted: 2/25/2011 9:08:28 AM
Oh, seesh...just noticed I said you should get behind the camera more...I meant in front. I think you knew what I meant. Maybe I really should have another cup of coffee. |
Blessings, Rebecca
My gear:
Nikon D700-a dream come true
50mm 1.8
70-200mm (old AF film lens)
Nikon D40-
18-55mm
55-200mm VR
Promaster 7400EDF flash
Close up macro filter set
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social work momma
And now, for your moment of Zen...
PeaNut 39,592
June 2002
Posts: 6,889
Layouts: 155
Loc: NY
| Posted: 2/25/2011 8:26:22 PM
Jodi! I loved reading your interview. You have been a grounded and witty, wise and balanced voice for a long time. I liked seeing your family and your work. And now am off to read your blog... |
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just*tracie
Thinking Hap-Pea Thoughts
PeaNut 63,394
January 2003
Posts: 8,891
Layouts: 92
Loc: Pacific Northwest
| Posted: 2/26/2011 9:49:34 AM
Jodi, I have always just loved you here on the board, and now even more! Your family is gorgeous and so are you. Love your work, thanks for sharing yourself with us
Off to check out your blog! |
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ptphotog
PeaAddict
PeaNut 395,199
October 2008
Posts: 1,996
Layouts: 7
Loc: Wichita, KS
| Posted: 2/26/2011 10:04:54 AM
After reading this, I think you are my new favorite person!! lol!! I don't think I have ever seen someone's personality shine through words like yours does! I loved reading your interview!!! You are just a natural at writing!!! I had no idea that you are an attorney! I definitely need to go check out your blog!!! Thanks for sharing yourself and your family with us!!! |
Danielle
Nikon D3S ~ Nikon D700 ~ Nikon D300 ~ Nikon D70s
Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 ~ Nikon 24-70 f2.8 ~ Nikon 105mm F/2.8 micro ~ Nikon 50 mm f1.4 ~ Nikon 85mm 1.8 ~ Nikon 24mm 2.8 ~ Nikon 18-200mm VR ~ Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 ~ SB600 ~ SB900 ~ LR3 ~ CS5 | |
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jwilson13
PeaAddict
PeaNut 339,883
October 2007
Posts: 1,803
Layouts: 1
Loc: sunny ohio
| Posted: 2/26/2011 2:09:52 PM
sara, tracie and danielle - i thank you so much for your kind and beautiful comments. i hope i can continue to be a part of such a lovely community for a long time! off to deflate my head... |
jodi
i feel like i'm taking crazy pills!
nikon chic
d700
d 90
70-200/2.8
85/1.4
50/1.8
24/2.8
sb 900
cs5
lots of film stuff that i keep meaning to master
my website
my blog
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