Wildflowers Photography » News

we are having a huge HOME DECOR SALE! (& a few prouty updates…)

Joy — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 21:12:25 +0000

we are have a great big sale! the sale will be in thousand oaks, california this coming sunday, may 6th from 12pm-5pm. in an effort of continuing our journey of simplification and looking towards the simple country life, we will be selling a good portion of the furniture & decor from our house as well as a ton of anthropologie decor, vintage clothes, props, vintage couches, big chairs, dining tables, dressers, old toys, cradles, bassinets, old signs, sheets, a hundred afghans & blankets, quilts, etc..! yah, we have a lot of awesome stuff. we are keeping our favorites and the practical stuff but trying to put a price tag on the rest. so, as for the prouty family, our game plan on life right now is to hopefully have our home sold by the end of the year, live in our (soon to be restored) 1950 Spartanette trailer on the beach somewhere local for six months or so and then figure out if perhaps we would like to if you would like to move to the austin, texas area and find us a little farmhouse on some land. we will ABSOLUTELY still be working and shooting weddings and portraits in california and texas (and anywhere else you can dream up) we just yearn for a slower pace to raise our family (and have more babies, who knows), have the flexibility to travel when we’d like, set down roots in a less expensive area and also be closer to the texas hill country and all those super amazing wildflowers. :)

so… as for the sale, to attend you must EMAIL for the address and to r.s.v.p. to our office manager, ali at hello@wildflowersphotos.com. and because i know there may be a few of you wondering, we won’t be doing any online listing or selling… we expect to sell pretty much everything on sunday but we may list a few things after, who knows. :)

so, if you are local, hope to see you on sunday for some lemonade, happy faces and treasure hunting!

these photos are a few peeks inside our home. we are not selling all of the things featured here but it gives you a good idea of the style of things we will have for sale!

it’s my birthday! want to win a free seat to our workshop??!!

Joy — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 05:03:47 +0000

post update: this contest is now closed! i was OVERWHELMED (seriously, brought it tears) by the amazing response this post received and i could not be more honored to be able to live life (even if it’s just here on the web) alongside all of you wonderful and kind women that entered to win. i wish i could just have a great big party and host you all… who knows, maybe someday. :)

so… now for the winner! we said a little prayer and then clicked the generate button for a random number between 1 and 445 (using random.org) and the lucky lady is…. COMMENT #30 JANAYE JOYNER! can’t wait to meet you, janaye! :) and for the rest of the ladies i would love to meet you all too, remember you can still register for this workshop and receive the 20% birthday discount until this friday, we have a few spots left. and no, i won’t do this offer again (we have had a few questions about doing this for future workshops). just a one time special. to register, email us directly at hello@wildflowersphotos.com. sending out lots and lots of love!!!!!! xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

—————————-

so, it’s my birthday and since it is so much better to give than to receive we are giving away a free seat to ‘a wildflowers workshop’ for our workshop next month in santa barbara, california, april 16th-18th at the fabulous milk & honey farm! all you have to do to win the seat is leave a comment on this post below (one comment only, please) and we will pick a lucky winner on wednesday, march 14th just after 5pm california time (winner will be picked by comment number, using random.org). AND, that’s not all… because we love any excuse to celebrate, we are also offering a 20% discount off of our normal workshop registration fee for this santa barbara workshop only from now until friday, march 16th. we do expect to fill up, though, before friday, especially with this generous discount, so the quicker you jump on this, the better. if you happen to register and then are picked as our free seat winner we are happy to refund your registration fee. also, for the ladies already registered for this workshop, do not fret, we love you, and we have worked up some very (i mean, VERY) fabulous yet-be-be-unveiled wildflowers signature presents for you worth much more than the 20% discount that you will receive at the workshop (we promise, you will not be disappointed).

things to know about our pro workshops before you comment to win: these workshops for women photographers that currently have a photography business (we take 20 women per workshop), we spend 2 1/2 days together talking everything related to business, we style & photograph two themed sessions, teach how to build storytelling and creativity into your photo sessions, discuss prop making, cover streamlining your workflow, marketing effectively, finding the heart of your passion for photography and making your business unique to YOU, balancing everything and how it relates specifically to us as women/wives/mamas/creatives/business people – aka being superwomen. ;) the cost is normally $1400 and covers instruction, meals during the workshop, our workshop book and a serious amount of bonding and fun (travel & lodging not included but we give lots of recommendations and have facebook groups set up for attendees to get to know each other and arrange sharing all that good stuff). if you are not familiar with our workshops please visit our workshop website here for all the important info before you inquire to register (also, our workshop website has not been updated with these new dates but all the info there otherwise is current).

to register and take advantage of the special discount or for more information please email us directly at hello@wildflowersphotos.com. please do not post any questions in the comment section below. the below comment section is for contest entries only!

good luck!!! and a happy day to you!

P.S. if this is your first time commenting on our blog, your comment will first need to be approved to be visible but i will approve them in order they are submitted. also, i am a firm believer that no matter where your comment ends up that the woman that is meant to win the seat will win it, no matter which number comment she is, so please do not fret. i will do my best to approve them all as quickly as possible (a girl’s just gotta sleep sometime)! thank you so much!

Want to see our home?! Our House Made Lovely home tour!

Joy — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 16:28:20 +0000

we would LOVE to give you a fun tour of the place we call home. we are SO HONORED to be sharing our house over on Life Made Lovely’s series Home Made Lovely! we have shared lots and lots of photos of our entire home and our little ones hanging out in their favorite spaces, so grab yourself a yummy drink, sit down and relax and hop on over to see us on life made lovely. hope you enjoy it!

here are two photos to start you out… first, just inside our front door and then one of my gracie girl and one of her chickens having a little play date in her room while i shot the photos for our home tour. she insisted that her little ladies took part as well… she was so darn happy! okay now go HERE! :)

we are going on a road trip! want a photo session?!

Joy — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 20:08:52 +0000

that’s right…. road trip, baby!!! :) our little family is headed out for an adventure in march and would love to photograph you along our journey! our trip is planned for march 5th – 31st and we plan to take off from here (thousand oaks), head up the california coast and follow that little map’s itinerary shown up there on left. we already have definite plans to hit a few spots along the central coast, then up to healdsburg, half moon bay, san francisco, sacramento, the a few stops in the redwoods, and then up to bend, oregon and back down! we are crossing our fingers for good weather but also plan to rent some lovely historic houses along the way to be able to do indoor shoots as to avoid cancelations if you book a shoot with us and we happen to have a downpour that day, etc. but i do love a challenge so if that’s the case, you may have you load up your rain boots for some extra fun if anyone is game. our goal for this road trip is just plain adventure and fun and we would be honored to photograph anyone that likes fun as well! session rates are our normal prices ($1500 flat for a portrait session that speaks to where you are in your “happy place”… includes our time, talent and planning, all your finished high resolution negatives on dvd for you to keep/print/archive/share as well as one 16″x20″ and two 11″x14″ wall portraits of your choosing). no travel fees. so, please contact us directly at hello@wildflowersphotos.com (serious session inquiries only, please) with the subject “ROAD TRIP” and we can figure out the best date and location for you. once we begin to get session bookings we will have a good idea as to our exact route and specific dates we will be in specific cities. we will only be taking a limited amount of sessions as we will have our little ones in tow. an adventure it shall be! hope to meet you along the way. :)

* a big thank you to candice and mark brooke – markbrookephotographers for the fun road trip images above of us and our trailer! xo

“a wildflowers workshop” new 2012 dates!!!

Joy — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 01:29:24 +0000

we have added new dates & locations for this year and are so very excited for all the fun to come! :) things to know about our pro workshops: these workshops for women photographers at any level of their craft (we take 20 women per workshop), we spend 2 1/2 days together talking everything related to business, we style & photograph two themed sessions, teach how to build storytelling and creativity into your photo sessions, discuss prop making, cover streamlining your workflow, marketing effectively, finding the heart of your passion for photography and making your business unique to YOU, balancing everything and how it relates specifically to us as women/wives/mamas/creatives/business people – aka being superwomen. ;) the cost is $1400 and covers instruction, meals during the workshop, our workshop book and a serious amount of bonding and fun (travel & lodging not included but we give lots of recommendations and have facebook groups set up for attendees to get to know each other and arrange sharing all that good stuff). if you are not familiar with our workshops please visit our workshop website here for all the important info before you inquire to register (also, our workshop website has not been updated with these new dates but all the info there otherwise is current). we may also be adding a workshop in the summer but we are still ironing out the details.

dates & locations of our upcoming workshops:

april 16th – 18th (mon, tues, weds): santa barbara, california at milk & honey farm! (registration is currently open)

may 22nd – 24th (tues, weds, thurs): round top, texas at rachel ashwell’s the prairie! (only two spots remaining)

october 9th – 11th (tues, weds, thurs): asheville, north carolina at the historic brigman house! (registration is currently open)

*if you would like to register for one of our workshops please email us directly at joy@wildflowersphotos.com. thank you SO much! :)

milk & honey farm in santa barbara…

rachel ashwell’s the prairie in round top, texas…the historic brigman house in asheville, north carolina…

“a wildflowers workshop” – REGISTRATION OPEN – round top, tx – may 2012!!!

Joy — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 05:57:48 +0000

we are so excited to announce that registration is now OPEN for the next “a wildflowers workshop”!!! the details: it will be may 22nd through 24th (tues.-thurs.), 2012 in round top, texas at the most dreamy location, rachel ashwell’s the prairie! it is heavenly… rolling wheat and corn fields, beautiful little historic cottages and barns that all have the old character but have been given a new vintage charm, old abandoned cars in the distance, a shabby chic greenhouse made of antique windows, a clothesline underneath an old windmill, old picnic tables with layers of peeled paint, wildflowers growing along each cottage and a stream not far away with donkeys, horses and cows grazing in the distance! and that’s just the outside… the inside, well it is just like a vintage dream come true really. rachel ashwell renovated the whole venue when she bought it and each place is complete with old plank painted floors, vintage and soft as a cloud linens, vintage wallpaper, aged furniture and chairs, tons of natural light and wooden rockers on each porch and rachel ashwell’s lovely shabby chic touches all around the property. i really just wanted to excuse to get to return after we stayed there last spring and fell in love and am so excited to be able to team up with the prairie to host our workshop! it is also so great because there are cottages available onsite available to be rented by the workshop attendees so we can all hang out under those amazing texas stars together and roast some s’mores after the sun goes down.

a limited amount of spots are available (20) and registration is open to female photographers only, first come first serve. for more information and to see if this workshop would be a good fit for you please check out our workshop website HERE and then email us directly at wildflowersphotography@yahoo.com with the title “round top workshop” to register!

i also have just posted the testimonials from the women who attended our last “a wildflowers workshop” in julian, ca this past summer. scroll down just below these photos for the testimonials! a HUGE thank you to my previous attendees for sharing their very kind words. :)

and to give you a little taste of the prairie, here are some of my photos of our stay as a family there last spring! prepare to swoon…

AND… here are the TESTIMONIALS from our incredibly kind attendees from our last workshop in julian, california!:

This workshop was life changing, amazing, and the very thing my heart and business needed. i went into the week feeling feeling empty, deprived, overly stressed, and out of balance with my professional and personal life. we have all been there, a lot still are. I knew that the week would be a great learning tool for my business but had no idea that i would come away so fulfilled. so many things- practical, emotional, and personal- snapped into focus as joy took us on a journey to learn who we were as women, artists, mothers, creators, creatives, and business owners. you could not make a better investment. And the friendships and technical information i came away with has made my journey so much clearer. And fun again! - Molly Dues www.mollyduesphotography.com

The workshop was an absolutely amazing time. Joy had planned everything perfectly. It was so amazing of her to tell her tips and tricks to us. Even now, when working with clients I see that there is a change in the way I do things. I have a new outlook on my photography - I was excited about my photography before coming to the workshop, but now I’m busting at the seams with excitement. She taught me invaluable information that I will surely use in the future of my photography and will help me not to make some missteps that I believe I was on the way of making. Any question asked to Joy and she was an open book, which I loved. Beyond that, I also met a bunch of really cool ladies, hung out in an inspiring farm all three days, and took some ridiculously amazing pictures that I get to add to my portfolio. It definitely changed me as a photographer and will positively influence my photography career into the future. - Anne Mantz www.thephotographyshoppe.com

I have to say that I wasn’t sure what to expect going into the workshop.  Honestly, I’ve attended a few workshops and most times I’ve been let down.  A Wildflowers Workshop was like a breath of fresh air, Joy is the real deal.  By that I mean, beyond her obvious talent and unbelievable creativity, she is well spoken, doesn’t hold back at all, and exudes warmth and sincerity.  I enjoyed learning about Joy’s creative process, how she manages her business, and of course seeing her in action.  I came away from the weekend feeling inspired and confident to make business changes that are good for me and me family. I actually felt physically and emotionally nurtured during the workshop.  It just felt like home.  - Lisa Trakis www.lisatrakis.com

What an amazing week it was!! I came away with lots more photography knowledge and a stomach full of pie!! Every detail of the workshop was so personal and thought through meticulously with such beautiful presentation. I learnt so much from Joy… technical knowledge, business tips, post processing workflow, a ton of creative ideas, and a confidence boost! I also learned lots from all the other attendees who shared many of the same experiences and frustrations with their photography businesses. And as I continue to practice, learn and grow from all that I gained from the workshop, I have an amazing network of people to support me along the way. I left with some awesome tricks up my sleeve and feeling so inspired with a new-found energy for photography! – Piper Chalke

The Wildflowers Workshop was one of the top ten experiences in my life. I’m so glad I was able to attend because the experience far surpassed what I imagined. The locations Joy chose were breathtaking, to see first-hand how she styles each individual shoot opened a floodgate of ideas in my mind. Then, if that weren’t enough, Joy let us read her like an open book. She gave us some cool tips and tricks for getting stunning sunlit imagery. Any questions we wanted to ask, she answered. I left the workshop full of inspiration, ideas, renewed passion, friendships and the tools to take my love of photography to a higher level! - Rachel Waters www.catchthesunphotos.com

At the workshop I encountered a person whom I admire just as much as her work. Joy was REAL and she gave from her heart. When friends ask me how the workshop was, I say it was a fantastic work in progress. I am still reflecting on and learning from the weekend. I learned how to dig deeper into the personal stories of my clients, how to incorporate more joy and fun into my photo sessions, and even how to trust myself. - Tara Swartzendruber  www.catscradlephotography.com

Joy is truly a one-of-a-kind woman. She bears her soul and lets herself get lost in yours, an attribute which is easily seen through her photography. I left the workshop more inspired by photography than I have ever felt. Joy has a way of navigating you to see the deep inspiration and fire that is within us, and how not to let that be flame be burnt out by all the not-so-fun aspects of industry: unyielding competition, business management, self-worth, etc. All in all, it was an exhilirating and empowering yet peaceful experience – reigniting my passion for photography and giving me the encouragement to get myself out there and grow my business to where I want it to be. - Erika Ashauer www.erikaashauerphoto.com

“Write down 3 things that inspire you”, I will never forget the moment Joy asked me this question. As I sat and thought over these things the tears immediately began to fall. The Wildflowers workshop was so much more than just a “photography” experience for me, it was a time for reflection, a time for fellowship, a time for soul-searching and most importantly it instilled in me that it was a time for change. Joy bore her soul to us, she shared her joys, her triumphs and her creativity. It was three days that I didn’t want to end…I walked away from the workshop with 25 new “sisters’ and the ability to be a better wife, mother, and photographer. I am now and will be forever grateful. - Julie Paisley www.juliepaisleyphotography.com

The Wildflower Workshop gave me a fresh new perspective on photography and made me go back to what inspires me. I went with the expectation to come out more technical and a better photographer, but what I left with was 25 new friends, a heart filled with joy more confidence. Joy is intentional about drawing each person out to find their own style. She is one of the most creative and inspiring people I have ever met. The way she connects with you and with her subjects will leave you in awe. Thank you Joy for the experience of a lifetime. Thank you for encouraging me to stay true to who I am as an artist. Thank you for giving us a safe place to share our struggles, and our joys. You are AMAZING in every way!  - Becky Lew www.beckylewphotography.com

Thankyou so much for such a wonderful workshop it was a truly special experience….every aspect of it for was food for the soul and exceeded all my expectations…every part of it was inspiring, nuturing and fun…What a fantastic group of ladies there were organising it and attending…It inspired me on every level and I now cannot wait to move on with my life professionally and personally….a rare, rare treat indeed! - Susie Allnutt

Joy is the real deal! I believe that her images strike cords with us because she is always going one step further and deeper into her client’s story. That is what she did with us. She had us go deeper than our basic photography goals and had us really look at what makes us genuinely happy. The workshop was over in 2 days, but the tools that I walked away with are going to stay with me through my career. I recommend Joy’s photography workshop to any photographer that wants to spice up their photos, to the moms that need help balancing their momly duties with their business and to the photographers that want to see how they can take their photography to the next level. - Stephanie Mason www.masonjarphotography.com

I had the absolute amazing opportunity of attending a Wildflowers Photography workshop. As a photographer who is pretty new to the business world of photography I often find myself intimidated by amount of talent out there. I love taking pictures; I love finding those moments to capture. I learned a LOT at the workshop, it was full of really helpful business building and photographing tips, but the main thing I walked away with was a new sense of confidence. Joy reminded me that amazing photography comes from the heart and the passion of the soul, not just knowing all the technical aspects of your camera and your software. The workshop was an amazing experience, I not only am taking away a wealth of information on my business but I also met other photographers on my same journey who were also such an inspiration. A BIG THANK YOU to Joy. - Monica Hines www.mohinesphotography.com

I first discovered Joy and within 24 hours I had signed up for her Julian, CA workshop. I immediately knew from viewing her work that she was true to herself, her art and her emotions. In my personal and professional growth, I was looking for emotional inspiration. I could tell from Joy’s work that she gives everything 2000%. When I arrived in Julian, I was in awe. The details and care she put into the workshop were amazing. I probably spent the entire second day crying – she tapped into a part of me that was essential for my growth in photography. Joy understands that you can’t be an exceptional photographer unless you emotionally connect with your subject. Joy is a true gem – she is down to earth, kind and creative. I would highly recommend her workshop to anyone looking for inspiration and tapping into why you fell in love with photography in the first place. - Zoe, Three Sisters Jewelry – www.lisaandzoe.com

I feel like I am back on the path of being who I want to be and being someone people love to be around.  Thank you for letting me have my life back! Thank you showing me through your example how to be a balanced, Godly, working woman because that is exactly what I needed. Being at the workshop was a breath of fresh air. I looked at myself and my business smack dab in it’s ugly face and realized that I had to make some changes. Since the workshop I have sat down and determined everything that I love to do.  Now I wake up every morning and vow that I will do what I love. Thank you for allowing me to attend the workshop and inspiring my journey to being a better photographer and a better person!  - Shewan Mason www.shewanelizabethfotographie.com

I just wanted to thank you for the amazing workshop you held. I walked away with so much wisdom, confidence & refreshment. The friendships created and atmosphere that was present in Julian existed because of YOU and because of that, I want to thank you so much for making the environment safe, warm, and educational. I had a great time and loved watching you in action during shoots and appreciate you sharing your business tips, experience and being so transparent to us all. - Diana Elizabeth Jung www.dianaelizabeth.com

I can’t say enough wonderful things about Joy’s workshop. It surpassed my expectations by far. Not only was she extremely knowledgeable and insightful, but she was so real. She gave us true insight as women trying to juggle all aspects of our life and truly inspired us to value what we do and not give up. She is amazingly talented and was an open book for us to learn from. They were two amazing days where we made friendships and connections with amazing women. Thank you thank you Joy for your work and for your inspiration. You truly helped me change the way I see myself and my work! - Tamy Erle

WOW! What a breath taking experience! I went to this workshop thinking this would help challenge my creativity as a photographer. However, that was not the case. Not only did Joy challenged us to take our photography to the next level; she also INSPIRED us with her creativity and big heart for photography and people! And that was more than one could ask for. Joy is an incredible woman, photographer, artist, mentor, and most importantly friend. I will never forget my experience in Julian, CA. I’ve left with so much and am ready to take my photography to the next level. - Mailinh Nguyen   www.polaroidstories.com

Our little Clementine has arrived!

Joy — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 01:17:15 +0000

we are excited to announce the birth of our baby girl! clementine lorene prouty was born on september 4th weighing 5 pounds, 14 ounces & 18 inches long. she arrived earlier than we had planned and because of some complications we ended up having to have a hospital birth instead of the homebirth we had hoped for. but it was still incredibly beautiful and very much bathed in the prayers of lots of folks that knew God has a grand plan in mind for our little clementine, one that we just weren’t aware of as we had made our plans. :) we are so very thankful that she was born perfect, just tiny, and we are absolutely in love with every itty bitty inch of her. i will be taking a short maternity leave to recover and enjoy our new family of five, but be sure to check back for plenty of photos of our little doll’s beginning as well as a a very special clementine themed newborn shoot that i dreamed up, soon to come. thank you for all of the incredibly kind words, warm thoughts and prayers for our baby girl. we feel so very blessed and are reminded at our precious and fragile life truly is. all our love from our family to yours. xoxo

We are having a huge VINTAGE decor & prop sale!!!

Joy — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 21:16:39 +0000

date: sunday, august 21st from 10am until 5pm location: private residence in thousand oaks, ca

to attend: you must email us (wildflowersphotography@yahoo.com) for the address of the private sale. thanks so much!!!

My interview on The Maternal Lens!

Joy — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 20:20:23 +0000

i am so incredibly honored to have an interview about my personal life and my work as well as some of my favorite images featured on the maternal lens!!! i am a huge fan of their blog (and have been for a very long time!) as it provides amazing inspiration and resources for photographer mamas. :) click here to see my feature!

Missing Jarren & sharing HOPE.

Joy — Thu, 26 May 2011 18:51:21 +0000

you may remember precious 4 year old jarren and his family from this shoot. sadly, jarren got his angel wings seven weeks after this session on november 1st at 2:32 am, taking his final breath in his daddy’s arms. today would have been jarren’s 5th birthday. not a day goes by that his face does not come to my mind but the pain his parents are experiencing is unimaginable to me. heather, jarren’s mom wrote just after his passing in her web journal,

“jarren fought his battle with the monster called cancer for 18 months. almost half his life. as much as it hurts, there is a sense of relief for him knowing that he will no longer know pain ever again. NO child should ever have to endure what he and so many other children have been and continue to go through. no. it’s not fair and I don’t know why. i may never. it’s not my job to ask ‘why?’ but you better believe i will when i get to heaven! i just know that we trust the Lord and KNOW that he has a plan.” another thing that heather wrote the following week continues to echo in my heart ever since, “as Christian parents, what is our ultimate goal for our children? to raise them to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior and for them to get to heaven. mission accomplished. God continues to give us strength.”

i am so very blessed to be able to now live life alongside the donatini family and they have forever changed the way i view my life, my children, my role as a photographer, the world and each and every passing, precious moment that we are given on this earth.

they established the bumblebee foundation in memory of jarren. the mission of the foundation is to share hope with pediatric cancer families. this is a little bit about the foundation (taken from their website):

“who we are: established in 2011, the bumblebee foundation is a non-profit 501c3 that was founded in memory of jarren donatini, who was diagnosed with hepatoblastoma (liver cancer) at the age of three. during his 18 month battle with cancer jarren touched the lives of many and showed others about the meaning of true love, faith, and courage.

what we do: the costs and emotional stress for families of pediatric cancer patients can be overwhelming. it is our goal to assist families with not only financial support for things like unpaid medical bills, time off from work, gas, etc. but also to support basic needs like meals, transportation and other services. additionally, we feel it is important to support the entire well-being of the family, by sharing hope, and seeking to provide comfort via spiritual needs and/or counseling.”

i hope you will join me in supporting this amazing family’s foundation financially and in prayer! you can visit the their website for more information. also, if you happen to live in the thousand oaks area, you can come support the bumblebee foundation by eating at wood ranch bbq in moorpark today from 11am-9:30pm (a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the foundation) all in honor of jarren’s birthday. click here for info and to download the flyer if you will be attending. we will be there, too!

below is a photo i took today(with a little drawing help on the paper from my gracie). on the day of my photo shoot with jarren we bonded over skittles. he was very shy at first but a belly full of skittles sure warmed him up and i was lucky enough to see the smiles his mama had told me all about. he fed me every color but the green ones, those were his favorite. every time i see a pack of skittles i always save him the green ones.