Just wanted to give you a quick update. I know a while back I had said that I was changing the name of my business. This is STILL true. As many of you have noticed, the name of my instagram page has changed as well as my website.

Originally I had decided to change the name of my business because I am not the only photographer under this business anymore. When I had started, it was just me. Now, Brenden is part of the team, and he just really doesn't look like a Samantha!

There has just been a couple bumps in the road changing my Facebook page. I am hesitant, but may have to start a new facebook page in order to make this change occur. As for now, the business is and has been Eventide Images, but if you need to find me on facebook, for now, it is still Samantha Violet Photography. Thanks for your patience while we get it all squared away! 

Korinne-Owner of EverWild Photography and myself are doing something we have been dreaming up for a while now! We want to give away a wedding...and not just give away a wedding... give away wedding photography with the two of us, both collaborating, as your head photographer! Two photographers, two styles, one wedding. 

Is it strange that two photographers who own separate businesses would want to work on one wedding together? Maybe... But, not for us. We have collaborated together MANY times in the short year we have been friends. Whether it be our recent styled photoshoot this winter, taking each other's family pictures or being each other's second shooter for weddings. We give and take, we collab off each other frequently and flow well together. We want to show you that two is always better than one... but let's get back to you!

What will you win if chosen?

-Both Sam from Samantha Violet and Korinne from EverWild shooting as your wedding photographer for a full 8 hour day

-Online galleries from each photographer in each of their own editing styles to share with friends and family

-Copyright releases from each photographer

Now, here's the fine print:

-Submissions will be accepted for the giveaway through July 31st

-Winner will be chosen by committee based upon (but not solely upon) style, uniqueness, individuality

-If winner unable to to accept, runner up will receive the package

-Availability subject to both photographer's schedules

-Contract must be signed within one week of winning

-Winner must pay travel expenses if deemed necessary (Quote will be sent with contract)

-Couples already booked with EverWild Photography and Samantha Violet, or another photographer are not eligible

Submissions can be sent to the webpage provided below:

http://www.everwildphotography.com/giveawayform

Also, don't forget to like us on-

Facebook: Samantha Violet Photo / EverWild Photography

Instagram: @SVioletPhoto / @EverWildPhotography

We Cannot wait to work with you...good luck!

XOXO,

Sam

I had done Emily's sister, Rachel's engagement pictures back in the winter. She actually was my first engagement session! I had such a good time with her and her husband for their pictures. I still giggle to myself thinking of our poor excuse of a fire, or lack there of for the pictures. Although I took Rachel's pictures first, I knew Emily much longer. Emily and I had begun our nursing journey together. We were in the same classes for over a year. During that time I was still only dating my husband... I remembered asking her one day if she happened to be related to my then boyfriend because they shared the same last name. At that time, she didn't believe they were. It wasn't until fast forward a few years and the beauty of Facebook made us realize they indeed WERE related. There was a special point in Rachel and Brady's engagement pictures that made me feel there is a reason we were brought together. I also felt that strongly in Emily and Ericks. We may be very, very distant relatives, but family none the less. I have a soft spot for these girls and the whole large family I married into. I am lucky life made me stumble in their direction...and can only wait to enjoy watching both their love stories unfold in this small, small world.  Anyone who hangs around OSF often will realize these first few were taken in the serenity garden. My favorite place to get away at work. 

We are going on three years from when I first got my camera, not much time at all. My husband became ill and I am assuming the majority of the people reading this, will already know that bit of info. My first thought when this all occurred was, "I want to remember all of this". I didn't really have a camera at that point, besides my poor excuse of a camera on my blackberry. (I can't believe I still had a blackberry three years ago, they seem so ancient). Fast forward a few months and my parents bought my husband Brenden and I a Nikon DSLR... kit lenses and all. I was thrilled, and we were taking pictures of everything. Just a few months later, almost like it was meant to be, Daniele of Daniele Carol Photography had a one day course on learning your camera. It took me a while, but I took a million pictures to figure that dang thing out, I was determined and I was hooked. That was the start of it all.

I have always chose artistic expression in life.. whether it be singing, dancing, acting, crafting, etc., A creative outlet is my forte. This is no different. I loved my straight out of camera shots, but I was driven to learn more and do more with my camera... I still am. I have been fortunate to have my super adorable niece and nephews to test all the new stuff I learn on. Overnight, people starting noticing the pictures I take of those three and asking me to take pictures for them. I honestly couldn't believe they wanted me to take pictures, I am my own worst critic. The more people have inquired, the more I feel a little more confident in myself. This has been a wonderful change of pace from my day job as a nurse, which can become somewhat depressing... Pictures are always to celebrate the joys in life, and I absolutely love that. I have been extremely insistent in keeping my photography a hobby. After all, I don't know everything, or own all the great equipment that deems worthy of a business. My other fear has been that turning my hobby into a business, might take away the fun in it. The more people are asking, the harder it is to keep a grasp on that hobby and not question the business aspect... I am still on my journey to find my happy medium in that. 

Now, I named my photography and put together this account.. why, if I want to keep it a hobby? Well, there are a few reasons. Reason one: In a Facebook world where everyone is selling something these days I started questioning if people were getting annoyed with MY posts. SO many pictures! Well, I figured with a Facebook page, at least you only have to look at my pictures if you like them and want to. Reason two: I have started taking pictures of people who are not my niece and nephews, and delivering CDs of the pictures tends to become a little daunting of a task. Reason three, the name: This kind of goes hand in hand with starting a Facebook and Zenfolio account, you kind of need a name for them. I also have wanted to have a name behind them for a while, maybe it's a pride thing...they are my babies.

So why Samantha Violet? Because, confession time, Violet is not my middle name. I know most people name their photography after themselves... but I didn't really want to. I think it's that lack of confidence thing festering down inside. I knew from the moment I had thought about naming my photography, I wanted Violet in the name. Violet is the name of my Great-Grandmother. A woman whom I knew for a very small portion of my life, but have heard so many wonderful stories of. There is one thing from my childhood that has always stuck-at her funeral there was this small rock, near a plant, that said "Do small things with great love" -Mother Theresa. I have tried to carry that with me my entire life. In my mind, I feel that is the pure definition of my photography. I am just a hobby photographer, that is extremely passionate about what I am doing. I also love the joy pictures bring to people. I went through so many different names including Violet... but, you would be surprised how many people like Violet for their photography name! I finally decided my name was most appropriate (after months of denying it). Honestly, after I chose that, it just really seemed like it was always meant to be, it just seemed natural. 

I am happy, excited and would be lying if I didn't say I was nervous, for this new endeavor. I think this is verging on the side of novel instead of blog, but I am grateful for everyone who took the time to check out my Zenfolio, and read the journey that got me to this point. Enjoy your day, capture the memories and do some small things with great love.