I take my own photos

While sitting at a bar going through the outfit photos I just shot, I suddenly heard a voice from right behind my left shoulder, "What are you shooting?!" (Imagine a really high voice inflection at the end). My not-so-eager response, "Myself." Kind of awkward, I know. I always get asked what I'm taking photos of, what my blog is about, but mostly WHO takes my photos.

I do. Me. It's always been me. (except for a few occasions) And here's why: I have always been able to rely on myself, I have always been able to fit it into my schedule, and I'm kind of difficult to work with. I am a very particular person, I know what kind of shots I like to see and I like to think that I know my best angles. So, It's just easier if I do it myself.

This always seems to be an odd sight for passers-by. It's almost a given I will get stopped and asked what I'm doing. And trust me, after 4 years of doing this form of ultimate selfie, I've got it down to a science. Need a little guidance in taking your own photos for your blog? I'd love to help! So without further adieu,  here are my secrets to taking my own photos!

1. Equipment:
When I take my blog photos my essentials are simple: A camera, a tripod and a remote. The camera that I use is the Cannon Rebel t3i. This was the first camera that I bought and I am still 100% in love with it! It has a screen that flips out and folds around so I can look at myself in live view.

The remote I use is THIS one.

Good shot, yeah?

And the tripod is just one that I picked up from Best Buy. Nothing fancy, but it does the job.

2. Next, The location.
I do have my favorite spots and I also have my spots of convenience. Normally I have about 30 minutes before I have to run out and do something or go to work, so I have minimal time to bust out outfit photos. I'm lucky I live in an awesome neighborhood with lots of great spots within walking distance. Depending on the time of day I go different places. If it's around noon, or whenever the sun is high in the sky, I normally try to choose shaded areas (Bridges, sides of buildings, etc…).



If I have a the night off and I am able to shoot at sunset I love to find new places to shoot and catch that beautiful light!




3. Getting the shot:
I set my lens on auto focus and put the remote function on the camera. I set up the tripod so it is just slightly taller than me and pointing at a slight downward angle. I feel like this simulates an actual photographer.

4. Shots I take:

My go to shots are usually some combination of the following:

• Close up smiling
• Full length of outfit
• Outfit details
• Hilarious outtake
• Shoe Shot
• Serious look off into the distance
• Walking and looking to the side
• Dancing or doing something dumb. 

Am I right?

5. Confidence.
This is the most important part, and let me tell you in the beginning I had very little of this in my wheelhouse.

The photos that I took were in secluded places with terrible lighting where I would hope I wouldn't run into anyone. Now, the places that I love to shoot at are normally highly populated with people, and I'm just fine with that.

For me, knowing that I'm doing something that is interesting to others makes it all worth while. I love doing things that push my limits and it may make me feel slightly uncomfortable but that's what helps us grow, right? Doing things outside our comfort level. It's silly, I know, but trust me it is so much fun!

So if you are wanting to try taking your own photos please let me know if there are things that have gone unanswered in this post! I would love to help you succeed in this!

And trust me, we all start somewhere so don't worry if your photos aren't perfect at first! It took me about 2 years to really nail it!
I went from THIS

To THIS:

I hope this was helpful in some way!

Happy shooting, Friends!

July Favorites

Hey All! I Vlogged! Here are my July Favorites! There are links to most things below the video!



First Aid Beauty-
    Cleanser-
    Ultra Repair Cream-
Primer- The Porefessional-
Concealer- Covergirl Depuffer-
NYX- Born to Glow-
Tarte- Amazonian Clay 12-hr blush Captivating-
LUSH-
    Bubblegum scrub-
    Lip Service- 
NYX- Butter Gloss-
Self Tanner- Fake Bake-
Hair Growth- Lee Stafford-
Sea Salt Spray- Not Your Mothers- 
Nail Polish-
    Debrah Lipman- Blue Orchid
    Essie- Cute as a button
    Sally Hanson- Sand Storm
Elizabeth and James- Nirvana Black-
Sports Bra- Athleta- Hullabalu
Workout tights- Old Navy- 
Swimsuit- Victoria Secret
Necklace- Shop Riffraff
Kimonos- Forever 21
Water Bottle- BKR-

Dreams

I feel like it's about that time for me to do some reflecting. I've been very hot and cold when it comes to blogging. I get a wild hair one day, and drop it like a bad habit the next. The thing of it is I really want to be blogging. I really want to be sharing and writing and photographing and babbling…

It's just not happening.

Real talk: I don't even remember my dreams. Ever. But lately I've been having these really vivid dreams about being kidnapped. Sometimes I will even awake in a panic. I talked to a good friend about these dreams and she asked me this, "Do you feel like something has been taken away from you lately? Something in your life if missing?"

Boom. Nailed it.

I guess I didn't really recognize what a big part blogging held in my life. I've been neglecting that creative side. And it's just bubbling up and basically about ready to burst. Thank goodness for the encouragement of good friends, the entertainment they provide and just the fuel I need to set my blogging spirit on fire again!

Okay so here's the thing I'm going to answer. The question you're not asking because you're too nice, I get it.
My boyfriend FULLY supports my blogging. No, he hasn't locked up my computer and demanded all of my time, honest. I've just wanted to spend all of my time with that boy. We work out together, we cook together. It's, like, the best. I know I know… fully blown mushy relationship stuff. But you have you ever heard me talk about anyone like this? It's like that Simon and Garfunkel song is playing over and over again and we are doing the dance scene from 500 Days of Summer.

I know I know.  I'll stop.

I just wanted to clear a few things up, that's all!


Dress- c/o Ark&co via WWDMAGIC, Necklace- Handmade by Lauren Harkness, Shoes- Sam Edelman, Sunnies- Betsey Johnson, Ring- Kate Spade






Happy Friday, Friends!

Hello, Goodbye

Good morning good friends!

Today I'm checking in with you to say hello! Last week I shot 3, count em! THREE outfits for blog posts. This week.. well, I'm working on getting them up on the inter webs. Until then… here is a sneak peak of an outfit post featuring one of my most favorite summer hair styles. 

Today I'm off to Seattle for some much needed girls time with my mom! We haven't taken a trip together in a long time so I am excited for some quality time with that lovely woman!

Happy Thursday, Friends!

Check out my trip on instagram @SabrinaSaysBlog

Fringe

Shorts- Forever 21, Tank- Nordstrom BP, Shoes- Dolce Vita, Cardigan and Purse- Shop Riffraff 

(Get 10% off your order with the code "SABRINASAYS")

I was born on the 21st of October, which means my half birthday is coming up, but that also means I am a Libra. Now, I've never been one to live my life by a horoscope but I do have fond memories of reading them with my Nana. We were always so lucky if we got a 4 star day. 

If you know anything about Libras you know they are all about balance. And if you know anything about me you know I am not.  I have always had a hard time prioritizing. I tend to focus my energy all on one thing and then I end up with about 19 loads of laundry to do on my only day off. So, at the moment, this is my struggle. Although it's not necessarily a bad thing, I always want to be improving.  Ya know? Little changes here and there. 

I'm not going to make any promises that I can't keep, like never having dishes in my sink. I am human. And I do eat food. But I'm going to more conscious of how I leave the spaces around me. I just need a little time to start this whole, clean up. If I'm lucky, I get 2 days off in a row and if I'm really lucky one of those days lines up with that man of mine. So, you see what I'm saying… priorities. 

Anyway, I could ramble on forever about my lack of motivation to clean house, but I will leave you with this nice summer outfit post, instead. Enjoy!

Happy Friday, Friends! What do you have planned for the weekend? 

Weekend Rundown

This was a very rare weekend for me. I had 3 days off and barely any plans. Really the only thing on my list was to attend the Farm Chicks Antique show with my mom and friend Brooke, but other than that…

Nothin. 

Oh and I don't know if you can tell, but I've totally been working out. 

I really didn't even take that many pictures… weird, right? Who am I?

I am currently reading #GIRLBOSS. I would highly recommend this to any blogger, business owner, or if you just need a little inspiration! Sophia's rags to riches story is not your typical "Work-hard-and-it-will-pay-off" story. As I read I felt like she was talking to me. Just chatting with a girlfriend. A wildly successful girl friend who is cool as shit. 

Seriously. It's a great read. 

I know it's Tuesday afternoon and I'm just posting this, but… it's better than nothing, right? 

Oh… I also binge watched Orange Is the New Black. 

Anyone else?

Happy Tuesday, Friends!  What did you do this weekend?

Happenings

Now that we are reacquainted, I think it's only fair I told you what I was up to this past month! I could go on and on with about a million word blog entry but instead I'll keep it sweet. Here are some of my favorite photos and words to go along with from my month blog-cation.

Earlier this month I assisted in styling a photoshoot for a local publication. I got to work with an amazing team and got to finally meet Crystal Madsen! Thank you Lindsey (Glam Vintage Rentals) for the amazing opportunity! I will be sure to share the photos with you when they go into publication!!

I've been eating strawberries the size of my hand. 

And eating burritos the size of a baby. 

Burrito picnics are the best. 

Making some new beautiful friends. 

Finding the most perfect pajamas

Wearing heels and jean shorts. That's a thing, right?

Spending time with this gem. Damn I miss you. NYC give me my Laura back!

Enjoying tasty beverages. That all came to an end May 31st. June is a dry month for me! Let's see how this goes…

Spending time with my best friends. Carl and Cash. 

and finally…..

Happy Friday, Friends! 

What are your plans this weekend? I have it off! I'm going to be spending as much time outside as I can. Oh! And I'm going to Farm Chicks on Saturday! Heard of it? SO excited!

Return

It's been just over a month since I have opened this little blog of mine, and I'm finally ready to get back at it! You see, for the past few years this blog has featured stories of love, heartbreak, family, my journey with The Bachelor…. And you have been right there with me for all of it. Although I have still been lightly active on instagram, I have been focusing more on my real life relationships (one in particular, really) than social media. 

It just seemed like the natural thing to do. 

There was not much thought behind quitting blogging for a month, it was just sort of the end product of starting to date someone seriously. Not blogging this past month gave me the opportunity to have some of the most amazing experiences with my (now) boyfriend. Before we started to date I was pretty attached to my phone and computer. Always checking, always updating, always something…. this past month has been a welcomed change. 

Now, this is the difficult part. Now that I am reintroducing myself into the blogging game, how do I find a balance? I guess that's just something that will work out over time because, let's be real, my blog is a major priority. This is something that I love. Something that brings me joy and one thing that I can say that I'm actually good at! So let's get to know each other again, yes?

Hello Friends! My name is Sabrina. Whether this is your first, third or thousandth time to this blog, I sure hope it's not your last! A little about me: I'm short, I live to travel and explore, my nails are usually painted but I'm not afraid to get dirty and my favorite food group is pie. Or french fries. Or waffles. Nice to meet you!

I like to describe my blog as a personal life and style blog. Although I keep those words separate, I work style into every aspect of my life. My style may not be the same as yours or other fashion bloggers, but I hope you can take a little something away from it! If you'd like to get acquainted with me and my blog you can read some of these posts HERE and HERE. 

This "draw my life" video was one of my favorites to make.

Click the links! Stay a while! Sabrina Says is back. I'm going to ease into it so I don't overload you with this past month's happenings, but trust I have stories a-plenty!

Thank you for sticking around and checking in from time to time. I promise updates are coming!

Have the best day ever, Friends!

Heart and Soul

Have you ever been terrified of being happy? I know this is a weird question to ask. Currently, it's way too early in the morning and there are tears filling my eyes as I write this. Why? It's not of sadness. Fear isn't the right word… I can't pin the emotion. I'm at this place right now where I am balancing playing it cool and putting my heart right there in the open. This balancing act is not my strong suit.  So I turn to music.

Tonight, I tried something I've never done before. I listened and I wrote. I wrote exactly what I heard (I had to pause and replay a few times…damn you slow fingers!!) And then I read what I wrote.

Although I know I connect with music and lyrics in a specific way, this process made this song by Mumford and Sons all the more meaningful.

So please read. Savor. And feel, if you wish. I'm feeling highly emotional right now… so if you care to join...
Let's do this:

Listen HERE


And after the storm,
I run and run as the rains come.
and I look up, I look up.
on my knees and out of luck,
I look up.

Night has always pushed up day.
You must know life to see decay,
But I won't rot, I won't rot.
Not this mind and not this heart,
I won't rot.

And I took you by the hand
And we stood tall,
And  remembered our own land,
what we lived for.
And there will come a time you'll see, with no more tears
and love will not break your heart, but dismiss your fears.
Get over your hill and see what you find there.
With grace in your heart and flowers in your hair.

Full outfit post tomorrow. 

Love Love. 

The last time

Bangles- Alex and Ani (similar HERE and HERE), Dress- ASTR (Nordstrom) Shoes- Sam Edelman (Similar and HERE)

The last time I wore this outfit I was in a different place. A different place in all meanings of the phrase.  

Last time: I was attending a polo event. 

This time: brunch with my family. 

Although they may not seem to be complete extremes, I assure you they are. 

At this moment in time I can honestly say I'm a completely different person. 

Last time: I was still getting over a crazy broken heart. I was occupying my time with new friends and fun events. I was traveling a lot and trying to keep myself distracted in order to just sort of erase the world of hurt I was feeling. 

That always works, right? Just burry the feelings and they will go away. Right. 

So despite the free spirit vibe I was trying to exude, my spirit was anything but free.

Holding tightly to something that most definitely wasn't mine anymore left me with this feeling that I wan't equipped to deal with. 

In all honestly the only thing that really got me through it was waiting it out. 

You know that saying "Time heals all…" Yeah, it's kind of true. 

Not that I was just sitting around idle waiting for my mess of a heart to repair itself, but more than anything it took time for me to actually feel comfortable to share that part of me again.

And if we're being really honest here, the last time I wore this dress I got up on stage and tried to be an auctioneer. Although I thought I was most fabulous, others did not. 

So I figured the second time around couldn't possibly be worse than that. 

So here's to second chances! (plus I love this dress.)

Happy Wednesday, Friends!

Currently I am working the longest hours possible so if my social media isn't that exciting… well, such is my life at this point. 

I hope you enjoyed the Vegas recap! Make sure you read it HERE!

Have a beautiful day, Friends and thanks for reading! It means more than you know.