...ilLaurastrations: Purely for the fun of it...

Photographer. I guess I can officially call myself that, by now, right? I remember the days long ago, when my husband had to "push" me into making my "hobby" something more. "I REALLY think it could be something you'd enjoy," he coerced. Our marriage has a lot of those instances... I'm nervous in starting something new. He gives me that loving, little nudge.

"But, Honey, I don't even have a nice camera."

So... he bought me a nice camera.

"But, Honey, WHO would want me to take their pictures?"

"Oh, I don't know... the people who've already asked you even though you've made no formality of doing it professionally."

"But, Honey, WHERE would I even begin? Photographers have websites and printing labs..."

So... he looked into how I could build my own website. And he researched online printing labs.

Before I knew it, there I was... working on starting my own, little business. I had built my own website (yes, for those who still think Jason did it... he didn't. It was all me. :). I had created a price list. I had reviewed and tested several printing labs to find one that met my standards. I created business cards. I had even made a Facebook page!

And my sweet husband encouraged me all the way. He filled in the gaps when I needed help (he's so much better at technology than I'd ever begin to be), and he even came up with the clever name... ilLaurastrations. :) I liked it.

Since then, little by little, I've had so many opportunities to learn and grow in what I originally called an interest... or a hobby. I've taken a couple of classes, but there's no better way to learn than just getting out there and doing it.

That was two years ago now. Business isn't necessarily "booming," but it's enough to provide a little extra cash in the piggy bank, and certainly enough to keep me busy on occasion.

And I'm still having FUN with it. I love that there's no limit to learning and growing. There's always something new to play with. And my husband continues to spoil me with a new lens or piece of equipment every time I so much as mention it. :)

No, it may not pay the bills (though it has been known to fill in some gaps now and again!), BUT it is certainly a wonderful outlet for me. For example...

Some dear friends of ours asked me if I could take a few headshots of her daughter. Just some fun among girls. Are you kidding? OF COURSE! We had a GREAT time. So... all of that to say... ENJOY my little photoshoot of our model in the making! :) She's a beautiful, young lady... inside AND out! :)