I am so excited to be a part of Bloomingdale's  "Pre-Wedding"  Wedding Party that will be held at South Coast Plaza on April 3rd.  Come out and get some fabulous ideas and even meet Monique Lhuillier! Hope to see you there!

O.K photographers....so if you haven't checked out becker's [b] school blog, check it out! He has really been so helpful with his video clips filled with suggestions on everything from shooting... to taxes... to attitude...everything! It was fun to reminisce when I watched his slideshow from his [b] party from last year in Vegas. Every year at WPPI since I can remember he hosts a private party that blows the doors off any party i've been to there! Check out the slideshow! You rock, becker!!! See you in Vegas!!!

Last night I had my monthly PUG and had the incredible opportunity to have Robert Evans come and speak to our group about getting more time with the bride and groom before the ceremony and how to build a great relationship with them. He spoke about this same topic at Partner-Con in September which got rave revieiws. I had not yet heard him speak and it was great to have him in a smaller group setting & to hear how he evolved into the photographer that he is today! Thanks, Robert, for taking the time to speak at my PUG! You were awesome! Marie Bunke, Patrice Gaspard-Nelson, Joanne Distasso, and Michael Lin Giuseppe Guerra and Rodolfo Arpia Tobey Leier and Renee Guerra Michelle Johnson, Loretta, and Kimberly Saxelby Robert Evans and myself! Forgive my bad point and shoot camera!

Every year at this time I find myself organizing my thoughts into what I want to do for the new year and how I am going to make them happen...my goals. It's always mind boggling to me because there are so many things I want to accomplish both personally and professionally. I stared thismorning off by making a daily agenda for myself and listing my professional responsibilities that I need to accomplish each day. Since I run my studio and office out of my home, I am often multi-tasking all day long while my children are at school and by the time I have to pick them up, I feel like I have not accomplished ANYTHING!!! Goal #1: Office Hours: Sticking to them! So, as I try and organize my day, I have given myself set "office" hours that I must work each day, as if I am working for somebody else (my alter-ego??!!). I realize that this may not always work, however, I am dedicated to my clients and want to continue to provide the best customer service possible to them. Goal #2: Album Designs: Make new samples I love all of my albums that I show to prospective clients, however, I need to refresh them with a few of my amazing events that i have done this past year. I am really excited for this goal, because I LOVE to be creative, and as soon as I get started, I know I will be up late at night way beyond my office hours making killer designs! I have more goals to share with you(both personally and professionally) but I have to run off to a consultation. Check back later as I post more! Have a great Saturday!

Most of you may not yet know, but I had been chosen to be the PUG leader for Claremont a couple of months ago! It's such an honor to have this title and responsibilty and I hope that it can grow into a great group of photographers who are eager to learn, network and share ideas about the world of photography! We meet once a month at my home in Claremont, and it (so far) has been invaluable! This month, instead of having a typical meeting, Pictage decided to get together for a holiday party! Last night I headed out to LA to join the OC and LA PUGS for some holiday fun! It turned out be a great night! It's always fun to socialize with other photographers...our lives are all a little crazy! Our Claremont PUG party will be next Tuesday, December 18th at The Yardhouse in Rancho Cucamonga! Don't miss out on the fun...you even get to invite a guest! I stole this image (with permission!!!) from Jules Biachi's blog because I was a dork and forgot mine!!! Thanks, Jules for taking so many fun pictures! Lauren Hillary, me, and Jules Bianchi