It's All About Laughter

Last week I got my usual email from clickin moms, you have heard me talk about them before. I did an online workshop with them back in September. Such a wonderful site. If you are a mommy photographer looking for a great place to connect with other photographers and learn a ton, this is the place. Check it out. The email was about submitting an image for the possibility of it being chosen for there new book coming out.

Lately, I have been in a slump. Let me explain. I have been very focused on getting lots of the business side of things done. With the bitter cold outside, it really was the perfect time. Business cards, cd's, website, price sheets, etc. It's a good thing. I am so excited that I got a lot taken care of. Feels amazing actually. When my business cards came in the mail, I literally jumped over my office gate (there is a gate for the munchkins, my office doesn't have a door. I realized that sounded a little weird without an explanation) with them and danced to a ditty in my head. It just made me feel official! But, with that said, focusing on only the business aspect can really drive your enthusiasm down. It's easy to forget why your doing it in the first place. I wasn't giving myself the reminder I needed, to keep my elation over picking font types exciting.

I love photography. The business side of things is okay, but my passion is for photography. I picked up my camera for the first time in three weeks and I couldn't believe it had been that long. I did the set with El Bell and I felt that spark again. I started to get excited about the goals I have. Of course. Duh. Without the passion being exercised, the other tasks are not all that thrilling. So glad I got that all figured out.

I have made a commitment to myself to pick up my camera at least weekly, if not daily. One thing that has helped me, is to get involved with submitting some pictures. Along with the clickin moms submissions, I will be doing the weekly photo challenge through The Pioneer Woman (love her). There are so many opportunities for me to submit pictures that I should have no problem keeping Mark (my camera, in case you forgot his name) close by my side.

Here is the clickin moms, submission info:

CMbook vol 2 : Laughter

Get Published! CM will select the best of the best and compile them into volume 2 of our collaborative series.

This book will be all about laughter - images of laughter and images that make us laugh. Whatever laughter means to you!

We are looking for images with extraordinary creativity, vision, and emotion. Both clean and creative processing are welcome as long as the photographer demonstrates exceptional technical ability.

In addition to the honor and prestige that comes with having one of your images published, we are proud to offer the following:

-If one or more of your images are chosen you will receive (1) free book.
-If your image is chosen for the book cover you will receive a $500 cash prize (via Paypal).
-If your image is chosen for the back cover you will receive a $200 cash prize (via Paypal).

I have been trying to capture "some laughter" all week. I need your help, tell me which one(s) you like best. Which one should I submit?

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So, which one do you think? I would love your vote!

These next ones are just for fun. They are not in the running, but I had to post them.

I so wish this was in focus. Because to me. It's awesome!

I just love El's sweet face in this one!

An oldie, but I had to include it. This is what you would call a forced laugh. Love them!

This cracks (hehe) me up every time I see it!