Gail Werner is a central Indiana wedding and portrait photographer.
Here’s where she tells you she likes the feel of the ocean and the
taste of champagne. Oh wait …
Truth is, she does love the ocean (when she can make it to a
coast!), but what she loves more is documenting the lives of her
clients — big days, little moments, they all carry meaning and deserve
to be captured.
This blog is where Gail shares her current client work and don’t be
surprised to find plenty of personal antecedotes on here as well.
Because when it comes to her life, Gail’s pretty much an open book. And
speaking of books, well, she loves those too. And her husband. And her
dog. So stick around and find out what else she likes or head over to www.gailwernerphoto.com to take a peek at her portfolio. Want to get a hold of her? E-mail Gail at gail@gailwernerphoto.com.
And just for the record, Gail also likes pina coladas but draws the line at getting caught in the rain.
Gail Werner is available for travel to any location.
(All images of Gail Werner taken by Betsy King Photography)
About two months ago, an associate of mine reached out, asking if I’d be willing to help find brides who would be a good fit for an article about weddings. The piece would be featured as part of an upcoming bridal guide in my city’s magazine. I was more than happy to help out and offered up a few of my brides from my 2011 season, with photos of their weddings included for the piece. Fast forward a few weeks later to the designer asking if she could use one of the images for the cover. Well…OF COURSE SHE COULD
I’m thrilled to share with you guys this beautiful cover shot, one of many images I adore from Jennifer and Chris’s gorgeous September 2011 wedding. I think the best part of this whole experience was letting Jennifer know she had become a serendipitous cover girl (and seeing all the love her friends gave her on Facebook).
Jennifer, you are BEAUTIFUL and to the editors, writers and designer at M Magazine (hey Betsy! ) I say thanks for making this photographer’s January a little brighter.
On the one hand, I want to join everyone who likes to bitch and moan about winter. “I’m so sick of this snow” and “When is it going to get warm again?” are as much a common refrain in the Werner house as any other Midwestern home this time of year.
On the other hand, I need winter. Like a bear looking to hibernate, winter marks the season when I yearn to retreat. From behind a desk and calendar of social obligations, I head for the confines of a warm bed, down comforter and cup of peppermint tea. Not to mention long, unapologetic stretches of movie-watching, catching up on brilliant television and napping on the couch.
Come wintertime, I don’t feel guilty about laying around the house, reading a book all day. There is no yard work to be done. No clients to smile in front of my camera. No brilliant sunshine beckoning me to get out and get active.
But like a lot of you, I struggle with this season, too. For every day of gratitude at the rest it affords comes an hour of surrendering to its doldrums. To that place where I crave the very activities that preceded it. And this, as so many of you creatives know, is the hard balance of this season. Where we have to find the beauty in the break without losing that creative spark that ignites the other 10 months of our year.
January’s days are waning now. Until they’re gone, I’ll soak up what remains of their guilt-free allowances. The light may be drab and the temperatures chill, but I know this season soon will end and, with it, my body’s desires to do nothing. Come February, I’ll be ready to think spring again. How ’bout you?
January 24, 2012 - 6:04 pmAnda - Oh Gail, this is so beautifully written.
January 24, 2012 - 6:05 pmSusan Rezak - Awww I'm doing a Project 12 Self Portraits this year too!
January 24, 2012 - 6:13 pmDenise DeCarbo - Gail - you are an amazingly gifted writer!! WOW!! Everytime I read your posts, I am drawn in to the words, the feeling, the emotion and the true passion of what you talk about! The next best selling novel is in your future!!
January 24, 2012 - 6:23 pmKeaton - So perfect! Picture describes you completely! :)
January 24, 2012 - 7:45 pmmichelle s. - You summed up this introvert-Northern Dweller's feelings about winter perfectly.
Love the SP. :)
January 24, 2012 - 8:09 pmTina - Agreed, the winter is a MUCH needed break for me too. Now that I'm a photographer I find myself looking forward to the winters more and more:)
January 24, 2012 - 9:17 pmAly - So happy to see that mug is being put to good use still. ;)
January 24, 2012 - 10:54 pmTina - Great picture! It's kinda chilly here in Bangalore too... Nothing compared to your temperatures I'm sure, but I totally get the feeling of wanting to hibernate. This picture especially makes me want to curl back into bed!
January 24, 2012 - 11:21 pmMichele - As always, I love your self-portrait. I wanted to thank you for being such a great inspiration. About 6 months ago i decided to embark on my own self-portrait project after watching you do yours for a long time. I feel I have gained a lot so far on my journey, and I never would have started without being inspired by you. So, a heartfelt thank you for making a difference.
January 25, 2012 - 9:55 amDyanna Joy - You are a beautiful writer, Gail. I also love the cuddly photo. So adorable :)
January 25, 2012 - 9:59 amCait - I love this self-portrait! I'd love to be all snuggled up like that right now!! A little winter never hurt anyone!!
January 25, 2012 - 11:19 amSusan Evans - Yes! Love hibernating. Although Indiana winters are too long for my liking, I still need the change of seasons, so I would not do well in a place where it's warm all the time. This winter has become a time of learning for me...workshop, reading, on-line photog info - there is so much out there. Whew! It's also a great challenge to make the most of what little natural light is out there. Think I'm gonna start doing a monthly self-portrait blog too - hope you don't mind me copying the idea. Your writing is beautiful, btw...hope you have a laptop on your lap while you're sitting under that blanket, and you're starting your novel.
January 25, 2012 - 12:22 pmJulie Villarreal - You are a gifted writer Gail! Your words are hearfelt and inspiring. And.... I too long for a cold, rainy day in Southern California so I won't feel guilty staying in my bed under the covers, watching reality tv shows recorded on my DVR....but we don't get too many of those!
January 25, 2012 - 12:23 pmAlicia - This is an adorable picture. Yes, I just used the word adorable to describe a grown woman, but that's the word that first came to mind. I love the comforter pulled up around your shoulders, and the coffee cup, the glasses, you look so warm and bundled, it makes me feel warm. Great job!
January 27, 2012 - 1:16 pmNoa - I love the hibernation of winter.... Its healing. Love your self portrait :)
The other day, I spotted a Tweet perfect for my frame of mind: “If you don’t have time to write down your goals, where are you going to find the time to accomplish them?”
I’m a big believer in goal setting. In the knowledge (and I think there’s scientific proof to this) that when you put down in words what you want to accomplish, you’re halfway to making it happen. Here are a few areas of my life I want to keep the focus on in 2012. To all of you writing your own 2012 goals, I wish you the best of luck!
REVAMP MY WEB PRESENCE: I’ve had a hard time with this because I love the look of my existing presence so much. But I recognize how important it is to grow and I have some unique ideas in mind for how I want to stretch myself creatively online. I’m enlisting the help of a dear designer friend in making this happen … now I just need to get serious and get to work!
WRITE MORE: This is a BIG one for me. I tend to put off writing in a way that pushes me because it scares me. The fear that I’m not good enough. The fear of rejection. The fear of thinking I don’t have anything worth contributing as a work of fiction to all those works of fiction already being read out there. But writing is one of my creative outlets and I want to push myself to do more of it in 2012—in reflective blog entries, in journal writing but also fiction. And (gulp) I may even share a few stories with you…it’s likely they’ll remain (as Anne Lamott loves to call ‘em) “shitty first drafts”, but I want to be brave in putting a few out there!
BE MORE OPEN—AND GET MORE SERIOUS—ABOUT MY FAITH: 2011 was the year I found my faith again. I’m a Christian, but for far too long I’d let my knowledge and understanding of my religion go lax. In 2011, I hunkered down and started reading my BIble in a way that felt like the best kind of homework. In 2012, I want to keep it up, continue exploring and understanding what it is I believe in. Furthermore, this is the year I want Nick and I to find a church family we can belong to (we’ve bounced around for too many years!)
FOCUS ON MY FAMILY: I got so busy in 2011, I wasn’t the best wife/sister/daughter/daughter-in-law I could be. I want to take strides to amend that—from more visits with family, to more phone calls and emails to a few scheduled family photo sessions for those near and dear to me.
DECLUTTER—IN HOUSE, MIND AND SPIRIT: Last winter, I did a huge purge of stuff in our house we never wore or used or needed anymore. It felt SO GOOD. I intend to keep that up in all aspects—from the home, to the office, to my presences online. Simple and streamlined lets me focus on what I want to focus on, and not be distracted by clutter!
OWNING WHO I AM: Late last year, I wrote a guest post for Jasmine about striking a balance as someone working a full-time job and maintaining a photography career. To be honest, as I was writing it, I never once thought about the response to that entry. When it was published, I was overwhelmed by the number of photographers who reached out in comments and personal emails to me, thanking me for being a voice to them—someone to commiserate with in a position so little talked about. The experience taught me so much, but namely that I want to be a strong voice and pillar of support for other dual-career photographers. I want to embrace what it’s taught me, namely that IT’S OK TO RUN A BUSINESS YOUR OWN UNIQUE WAY. And that is what I intend to keep doing in 2012, friends!
January 20, 2012 - 11:41 amJenna - I love everything you said Gail! You are inspiring. :-)
January 20, 2012 - 12:18 pmkristin brown - so many of my goals are similar to yours. and i'm so excited to see more writing from you! i really think that what we are most scared to put out into the world is usually what we most need to. so good for you for being brave and doing it! (also: i adore anne lamott!)
January 20, 2012 - 12:21 pmTina - Just for the record, I think you're amazing! Thanks for sharing! And C.S. Lewis is a good companion for growing stronger in the faith! He's one of my faves!
January 20, 2012 - 12:22 pmmichelle s. - I actually decided that one of my goals is to read all the C.S. Lewis books I own but have never read. ;)
Love your list!~
January 20, 2012 - 1:49 pmAlly - Those sound like workable goals, Gail. And I'd love to read some of your writing :)
January 20, 2012 - 3:06 pmKeaton - Really great goals, Gail! LOVE Mere Christianity, definitely an awesome read. :) Good luck this year!!
January 20, 2012 - 3:26 pmErin - gosh, this is good encouragement to write down my list for 2012, too. i have it in my head, but must put it to paper.
January 20, 2012 - 5:45 pmSusan - Great goals Gail! (hey that could be a tongue twister if you said it several times fast) I started writing mine down this week also. Love that you're searching for a deeper faith! Once you find that church home, you should seriously consider forming or joining a small group bible study. My small group friends are just SO amazing - I love them so much! It's a great way to study and come to a better understanding of the bible. And YES to the dual career!
January 20, 2012 - 8:12 pmMaya Laurent - Brilliant Gail. Can't wait to see what is in store for you in 2012.
January 20, 2012 - 9:45 pmJoy Barker - I love reading people's goals!! And that quote in the beginning is AWESOME! Awesome 2012 goals :) I share the same thoughts on the family and owning who you are... all very important things.
January 20, 2012 - 11:15 pmMeredith Sledge - Mere Christianity = YES. C.S. Lewis = YES.
January 21, 2012 - 1:34 pmTira J - Wonderful post Gail! 2012 is going to be an amazing year!!!! xoxo
January 22, 2012 - 9:26 pmJasmine* - Love you, boo.
January 23, 2012 - 2:07 amAmy - Great post - thanks Gail! I totally agree with you about making goals - it's the best way to stay focused. I loved the guest post you did on Jasmine's blog, please do keep writing about aspects of your business, it was so good to hear you talk about having a dual career and making it work.
January 23, 2012 - 9:30 pmjesszwo - These are great. The "owning who I am" is a HUGE one for me this year too. P.S. Just read your guest post, and DANG, loved it!! And I love you. That's all.
January 23, 2012 - 9:54 pmJulie - Thank you Gail, for your honesty and for all you share with others. I loved your post on Jasmine's blog and it gave me hope that I too can have both a full time job and succeed at photography! I also like your goals. I need to make some as well or else how can I accomplish them? Best of luck on yours. I hope you and your husband find a good church too!
January 25, 2012 - 8:21 amAllison - Perfectly written! You've got a great set of goals and you challenge me to dig deeper to figure out what I want my year to look like :)
January 25, 2012 - 8:45 pmCourtney Howell - Thanks Gail! I shouldn't be scared to write down my goals....
January 26, 2012 - 3:31 pmWhere to begin » Erin Eagleman - [...] albeit slight, but an idea nonetheless. And my focus, well thanks to inspiration from my friend Gail, I’ll save that for another [...]
I thought I’d stir things up a bit with my 2011 in photos review and share a few of my most meaningful personal posts from the past year (and my apologies if you’re all, “Isn’t she celebrating 2011 a wee bit late?” … the truth is, yes, yes I am. And I’m blaming Mr. Bronchitis for this post’s overdueness. As for my ability to make up words? Well, I take all the blame for that one )
Hope you enjoy this look back with me!
January: Making Nick’s birthday U2-rific — I surprised Nick with tickets to a U2 concert last summer for his big 3-0. It was SO much fun. (both the surprise and the concert…the concert was, whoa…one of the best I’ve ever attended. I mean, it’s Bono … how could it not be?)
May: I took a LOT of engagement photos but in between all those sessions, I was proud of myself for getting back on my road bike with Nick (after a nasty tumble two years ago that’d kept me away in fear!)
August: Some women I adore opened their homes—and their hearts—to me as I ventured out to California for a week. It’s a state I love. That I would live in if I didn’t have such a good thing going for me here in Indiana. And this trip was one of my favorite memories of 2011.
September: This month wasn’t so much about “me” as my clients. Whew…three weddings and a family session. Kept me on my toes.
October: One of my favorite months of the year. Nick and I celebrated five years of marriage (how quickly those years have flown) and I went out of my way to squeeze in time both with my love but also to celebrate a season that is so dear to my heart.
January 17, 2012 - 7:40 pmIt's me, BETSY! - What an AMAZINGLY awesome year!
January 18, 2012 - 12:25 amTina - Isn't the power of retrospection awesome!? Really enjoyed that. Thanks for sharing! :D
January 18, 2012 - 7:39 amMary Marantz - I LOVE this!! What an incredible year for such an incredible person!
M:)
January 18, 2012 - 9:56 amErin - Loved watching your year in review! What a great year!
January 18, 2012 - 12:38 pmAmber Fox - Reading this and looking at your fabulous pics reminds me of how much I love you! You are such a rad person Gail! Thanks for being so wonderful and always inspiring me.
January 18, 2012 - 1:17 pmJill - Loved, loved, loved your year in review. Definitely looks like 2011 was a good one! Happy 2012!!
January 19, 2012 - 8:07 amKatie - What a beautiful year! I'm still envious of your fabulous travels - hoping to make that happen in my 2012! :)
January 19, 2012 - 11:38 amAlly - Neat slideshow, girlfriend. You are adorbs. Really. What a full year! Who knows what 2012 will bring?
January 19, 2012 - 7:09 pmDiana - Wow. What an exciting year! I think that the Mendocino trip would have been my fave memory too! I've wanted to live there for years ever since I read a series of romance novels set in a place inspired by Mendocino. Gosh, it's been what, 9 years since then! Yikes!
How cool that you got to be on the Today show! I'm going to click on all the links now just to read all the posts. :) I think your year in review is the best I've read yet!
January 20, 2012 - 11:23 amKat Harris - I like your 2011: especially August, October, and December:)
January 21, 2012 - 1:40 pmTira J - I'm catching up on My Gail! Loved the slideshow and all the great adventures your life took you on. So glad that one of them was for you to come here so I could finally meet you in person. So glad we are friends! You are....as Amber says...."RAD"! Love you!
January 21, 2012 - 4:48 pmAmanda - I just want to reach right through my screen and give you a big ol' hug! What a great year you had. Cheers to 2012 friend!
January 23, 2012 - 9:28 pmjesszwo - Yay!! Loved your year. You are so flipping gorgeous, lady. :)
If you know me well enough (or, really, barely at all – haha), you know my great affinity for good books and good music. For the past four years (which, that is hard to believe!), I’ve put together a year-end list of my favorite albums. Because they’re fun to look back on, here’s my picks from 2008, 2009 and 2010. And follow ‘em back long enough and you’ll see a few of the same artists make reappearances…what can I say, I’m loyal to the bands I love.
Which, speaking of, 2011? BANNER YEAR for amazing music. So much good stuff it felt nearly impossible to narrow it down but below are my Top 10 Faves. In the end, these made the cut because truly, I felt each album—start to finish—was pretty amazing. And in a day and age where the single rules, it feels good to play a record straight through, the way an artist intends it to be heard. So happy listening — can’t wait to hear what’s in store for this year! And let me know some of your fave music in the comments!
10) Death Cab for Cutie—”Codes and Keys”: Going back through my list of 2011 music, this one almost slipped by me but I can’t forget how many times I listened to this album all the way through last year. One of my favorite memories of the tunes on this latest collection from Mr. Gibbard and crew was a sunny fall afternoon, Nick and I driving back roads for a hike with this song blaring. Of course I was doing that “hand-wave-in-the-wind” while singing along, windows down. You HAVE to do that. Perfect road trip track, this one:
9) Beirut — “The Riptide”: This album is synonymous with my August 2011 trip to California. I’d just gotten it when I left for the airport, so I’m guessing I listened to it half-dozen times over the course of that week, never once tiring of it. Zach Condon’s voice is just so unique. Throw in the sound that Beirut has made their own — with those horns and that accordion — and well, any new material of theirs is A-OK in my book:
Black Keys’ — “Nova Baby”: Oh these boys! The whole album, start to finish, is amazing in that gritty mash-up that’s become their trademark sound. I’m seeing them in March and I’ll buy myself a black leather jacket before I do so I can look cool while I sing along to this favorite track:
7) Adele — “21″: When I first listened to this album all the way through last winter, I wanted to wrap myself up in Adele’s voice. Like it was a physical thing I could somehow cloak myself in. Come July, when you couldn’t escape “Rollin’ in the Deep” on the airwaves, I’d wished to never hear it again. But putting it away for a while and rediscovering it toward year’s end, I’m reminded again of just how brilliant Adele is. Or maybe what did it was this video (which inspired this HILARIOUS Emma Stone SNL skit). Crimney, she’s amazing:
6) Florence and the Machine—”Ceremonials”: This wasn’t as strong as “Lungs” (her debut album), but man alive, few can put an album out like Florence can, am I right? I listened to this album a lot this fall with all the driving I did for shoots and each time it grew on me. It also had my favorite song of the year on it, too. Yep, if I had to pick one song to have been stuck on a deserted island with in 2011, you best believe this was it:
5) The Civil Wars—”Barton Hollow”: If you didn’t hear of Joy Williams and John Paul White in 2011, you must have been living under a rock. I kid, I kid, but truth be told, if you haven’t already, you owe it to yourself to purchase this album. These two can harmonize like nobody’s business. One listen and it’s no wonder why they became one of the biggest “It” bands of the year. And this video? STILL gives me goosebumps:
4) The Head and the Heart: “The Head and the Heart”: Each year it seems like there’s one band that goes from obscurity to mega-fandom seemingly overnight. Last year, I’d say it was Mumford & Sons. This year, my vote goes for this Seattle crew. One of those albums that, upon listening to it first way through, I immediately went back and started all over. Clearly they’ve been put on this Earth to sing together like this (that harmony 2:00 in? Brillz.):
3) Ryan Adams: “Ashes and Fire”: There will always always always be a soft spot in my heart for this prolific crooner and one of my favorite songwriters. His music was the soundtrack of my college years and this new album of his (his first in some time) put me right back into that sweet spot in my life (when I first met Nick and was living cozy with my best friend in our tiny dorm). My favorite track on the album is the title track. Sometimes I’d find myself just randomly singing a lyric from it (that has henceforth become one of my favorite lyrics ever), “Her eyes were indigo and the cats was all calico.” It just, it comes at the perfect spot in the song and..will you purdy please listen? (it’s at 2:30):
2) Coldplay—”Mylo Xyloto”: There are so many people I know who are quick to sh*t on Coldplay. How they’ve become too popular, how they’ve sold out, blah blah blah. Haters can hate ’cause for me? They are the one band for which I own every album. Know every song. And have a major crush on the lead singer. No exaggeration, I probably listened to Mylo Xyloto straight through no fewer than 20 times this year (and the album came out in October!) If you’ve ever seen them live, you know the passion they bring to the stage. Oh, and no matter how many times I’ve heard this song, I can’t keep my foot from tapping along to it. Hope to see them again in 2012!!!:
1) Bon Iver— “Bon Iver”: Because this was the album that, every time I listened to it, I loved more. Because it played softly on the laptop too many nights to remember as I cooked dozens of meals for my husband. Because Justin Vernon put me in a trance as we watched him perform live last summer. Because any way you look at it, Bon Iver’s sounds pervaded so many memories of my 2011 there was no way it couldn’t be my favorite album of the year. This track was not only my favorite off it, but, in my opinion, Justin’s best effort yet:
And because I couldn’t end without a few runner-ups, here were the handful of other bands that put out new music so good it gave my Top 10 a run for its money. If you’re looking to use up some holiday iTune cards, any of the tunes from this post would be well spent!
January 11, 2012 - 10:19 pmClary - Yes, yes and yes to your 2011 list. Some great music this year. Foster the People-"Torches" is my number 1:)
January 11, 2012 - 10:32 pmMorgan Trinker - If I had to be stuck on a deserted island with one song, it would definitely be "Shake it Out." Thanks for some new music suggestions, too! :)
January 12, 2012 - 8:32 amDiana - Oooh! Awesome list. Some I love (Adele, Bon Iver, Florence + The Machine) and others I've only heard of but never really listened to. Thanks for the list! I know what I'll be doing all day today! Yay for Spotify! Lol.
January 12, 2012 - 9:32 amSusan Evans - Great choices, Gail. I wore out Adele too. Needtobreathe's "The Reckoning" is good, and the song I'm currently hooked on is Switchfoot's "Vice Verses".
January 12, 2012 - 9:34 amCheryl - I guess I do live under a rock because I just heard of The Civil Wars last week :) I do really like them so far though. And I just put together the songs I hear in retail stores with the voice of this person Adele I keep hearing about in passing or seeing on magazines in the checkout line. Her voice is definitely wonderfully unique. AND I always say that the reason I'm not a music connoisseur is because my parents are deaf, but really I'm sure its just that I'm naturally inclined to enjoy other things just a little bit more than music.
January 12, 2012 - 9:40 amKelsey Bigelow - Girl, we are so the same it's not even funny. I LOVED Bon Iver, Florence and the Machine and Death Cab for Cutie. The Head and the Heart are definitely my number one this year- saw them in concert and they are amazing live. See this video of their encore http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeQzlzb3HlI as my evidence.
January 12, 2012 - 10:20 amAnda - ah, i love your taste in music. a great list here.
January 12, 2012 - 10:27 amBrandon - LOVE the Bon Iver album! If you haven't heard it yet, check out Daniel and the Lion's version of Holocene: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bfkAxUiCOA. It's hauntingly beautiful. :) They're another talented Wisconsin group.
January 12, 2012 - 2:57 pmAmber Fox - Awesome list. Gail, you keep me cool. Now I need a $100 itunes card, so I can buy all these albums. Ha!
January 12, 2012 - 7:18 pmAdrienne Gunde - I love that you put these posts together and that so many of my faves are on here.. excited to find some new tunes from this too! :)
January 16, 2012 - 12:23 pmIt's me, BETSY! - As always, thanks for keeping me up to date on music. That SNL skit is HILARIOUS!!! Thanks for posting that one.
There are certain books for which you take notes as you read along. 7 Habits is one of them. In my case, a COPIOUS amount of notes (12 pages worth, I think?) There were just that many nuggets of knowledge I wanted not just to gloss over but hold on to for the months and years—lifetime, really—to come.
In a nutshell, Stephen Covey boils down the 7 basic principles he views as the principle-centered, character-based building blocks of a productive life. Here’s a run-down of the habits and some of the gems I put down in my beloved Moleskin—a peek at why you need to pick up this book with your best New Year’s intentions for 2012.
Habit 1: Be Proactive
• Proactive people focus their efforts on their Circle of Influence. Reactive people tend to focus their energies on their Circle of Concern.
• The Circle of Concern is filled with “haves” (If I had more obedient kids…If I had a degree…If I could just have more time to myself) and the Circle of Influence is filled with “be”s (I can be more patient…I can be wise..I can be loving). It’s the CHARACTER FOCUS.
• Any time we think the problem is “out there,” that thought is the problem. WE EMPOWER WHAT’S OUT THERE TO CONTROL US.
Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind
• Think about what you want the end of your life to look like—what you want people to say about you—and use that as the criteria upon which you examine all else in your life.
• We are either the 2nd creation of our own proactive design or the 2nd creation of other people’s agendas, or circumstances, or past habits.
Habit 3: Put 1st Things 1st
• Effective people aren’t problem-minded; they are opportunity-minded…work on feeding opportunities and starving problems.
• You have to decide what your highest priorities are and have the courage to say “no” to other things. And the way you do it is by having a bigger “yes” burning inside. You are always saying “no” to something.
• Work on building the emotional bank account with people (understand the individual, attend to the little things, keep commitments, clarify expectations)
Habit 4: Think Win/Win
• Aim to see life as a cooperative, not competitive arena, one in which your frame of mind is constantly seeking the mutual benefit in all human interactions.
Habit 5: Seek to Understand, Then Be Understood
• Don’t project your own “home movies” onto someone else’s behavior. Seek to listen to others empathetically.
• Next to physical survival, the greatest need is psychological—to be understood, affirmed, validated, appreciated.
Habit 6: Synergize
• When working with others (spouse, employee, friend) synergize and reach solutions that both can feel good about. Honor one another’s differences and what each of you can bring to the table.
***I LOVE THIS THOUGHT***
• The more authentic you become, the more genuine in your expression, particularly regarding personal experiences—even self-doubts—the more people can relate to your expression and the safer it makes them feel to express themselves. That expression in turn feeds back on the other’s spirit, and genuine creative empathy takes place, producing new insights and learnings and a sense of excitement and adventure that keeps the process going.
Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw
• Routinely review your four dimensions: physical (exercise, nutrition, stress mgt.), mental (reading, writing, planning), social/emotional (service, empathy, synergy, friendships) and spiritual (study, meditation)
• Covey’s Daily Private Victory: Spend 1 hour a day in some combination of physical/spiritual/mental dimensions in a way to keep yourself centered
• What do we reflect to others about themselves? How much does that reflection influence their lives?
• The things you do in 1 dimension have a positive impact on other dimensions because they are inter-related. Physical health affects mental health; spiritual health affects social/emotional health. Improving in 1 dimension increases your ability in other dimensions.
And finally, a quote from George Bernard Shaw that Covey shares and that I love more than just about anything else I’ve read this year:
“This is the true joy in life—that being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one. That being a force of nature, instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy. I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die. For the harder I work the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no brief candle to me. It’s a sort of splendid torch which I’ve got to hold up for the moment and I want to make it burn as brightly as possibly before handing it on to future generations.”
And that, friends, is a wrap on reading 12 business/betterment/photography books for 2011. Whew! Here’s a peek at the other 11 books I dove in to for this purpose this past year:
January 10, 2012 - 12:35 amnaomi chokr - hi gail!! I LOVE your reading list this year. Can i tag a long? I'm not a reader but I'm a BIG self help book reader. Thank you for putting this list together. I will start with your Jan book then catch up to your Dec book. This is really right up my alley.
Another book that i LOVED that i dont see on your list is the Art of Non Conformity. I had the pleasure of meeting the author when he visited Tampa and it just really inspired me to go after my dream. Maybe you might like it too.
I will stay in touch!!
Naomi
January 10, 2012 - 1:06 pmDiana - Wow! Awesome review. I agree with Naomi. Thank you for putting this list up. I'm definitely going to try and dig into them this year.
January 11, 2012 - 4:39 amTina - We highlighted this book (the teenage version) at our conference for teenage girls (see SISTERS International) in 2011 so I was lucky to have gotten some of pearls of wisdom from it too! Heard lots of good things about it!
I can’t believe it’s been nearly a week since I lasted check in on the blog! Sorry to have gone silent friends, but these past few days have been r-o-u-g-h. I managed to land both bronchitis and a sinus infection in this nasty bit of sickness going ’round and it knocked me flat. I don’t get sick often (thank you God!) which means I can vividly remember the handful of times I’ve been super sick. This one time, in eighth grade, I had strep throat and can remember (literally) crawling to the refrigerator from the couch, croaking, “Waattterrrr….” (I’m sure my dad thought I was being a drama queen.) This other time I got horribly sick was a few years ago, during the Winter Olympics. Which meant I had intermittent “couch dreams” that involved members of the U.S. ski team. An experience that also taught me I will never ever try TheraFlu again. Blech.
This time around—for the first time in years—I was “I want my mom” sick. I called her Friday and joked how I wished she lived closer so she could come envelop me in a hug because I really needed one. Thankfully I have a wonderful hubby who took care of me (from a distance) – and this during his BIRTHDAY week no less! He cooked up a batch of our favorite homemade chicken noodle soup for me and I treated those leftovers like nectar from the gods.
I’m finally feeling on the other side of this thing and looking forward to catching up with some new (errr…held over!) 2011 content — so I’ll have December’s book review, my fave music of 2011 and a look back at the year in personal photos coming up. Just as soon as I, you know, stop coughing up a lung over here…..Thanks for being patient with me if you’re waiting on an email or phone call. I’m getting to it!
January 8, 2012 - 3:19 pmAnne - At least you got to read a lot of good books!
January 8, 2012 - 4:15 pmErin - Sorry to hear you are sick... and I hope you feel 100% soon!
January 8, 2012 - 4:20 pmAlyssa Schroeder - Oh no.. I've had bronchitis too many times. Hope you're better soon.
January 8, 2012 - 5:50 pmTira J - Yuck. Sorry you got it so bad and I am glad you are on the mend. Amazing what that Z-pack can do.
January 8, 2012 - 7:30 pmIt's me, BETSY! - Being sick is the worst!!! So sorry hon, hope this means the rest of the winter will be healthy for you!!!
January 8, 2012 - 9:22 pmJenna - Awww, hope you get to feeling better soon! I may just have to fix myself some of that soup-- it looks GOOOOD!
January 9, 2012 - 7:26 amSusan Evans - Awwww. So sorry to hear that. I wondered where you were! Hope you're feeling chipper very soon!
January 9, 2012 - 8:31 amDiana - Oh no, I'm sorry to hear that you were under the weather. :( Hope you feel better soon!
January 9, 2012 - 10:57 amMarta VonGrey - Oh no! I'm sorry you have been so sick but glad you have such a sweet hubby to take care of you. I hope you are feeling good soon. :)
January 9, 2012 - 8:36 pmAmanda - Ugh -- so sorry! Feel better!
January 10, 2012 - 10:49 amMark Hayes - Hope you get to feeling better soon. Got a bug right after new years that went into a sinus infection, then the infection spread to my eyes. Onthe bright side with such a rough start the rest of 2012 has to go up.
January 11, 2012 - 11:35 amMaya Laurent - Hope you stay on the mend! This winter so far has not been kind to you!!! That needs to change.
I hope every photographer takes the time to compile a best-of-the-year collection of images. In doing so, you take the 20 minutes you never give yourself any other time of year to really look at all you’ve accomplished. Here I sit, having pulled together some of my favorite captures of 2011, and all I can think is, “YOU took all of these. YOU made these memories come alive.” It’s easy to get down about one’s talent, to think you’re never good enough or that someone’s work or that next blog entry you spot on Facebook is always better than your own. Lord knows I do it all the time. But it’s this post, every year, that makes me look at the sum of all the “parts”. And then I realize, if I just keep my head down, do the work, and focus on my clients (not my perceived shortcomings), then as an artist, I, too, can truly do something great.
Take a few minutes this season to hit that sweet spot of remaining humble yet grateful and full of wonder at what you’ve done this year. You—and me—have come a long way in 2011. It’s when we take a breather like this that such a realization comes full circle.
And without further ado, a resharing of some of my favorite images of 2011, in no particular order:Thank you to ALL my clients in 2011 who made this year such an incredible one! I appreciate your trust and faith in my work more than you could ever know!
January 2, 2012 - 11:50 amAshley - Gail - you have completely out done yourself this year. Your work has grown and continues to blow my mind, thank you for sharing yourself and your work with all of us in the world. Continue to do amazing things in 2012 and I can't wait to see them! These images are absolutely incredible - just like you!
January 2, 2012 - 11:55 amMorgan Trinker - Absolutely stunning, gorgeous work, Gail! It's amazing to see it all together. Looks like 2011 was pretty dang good to you.... 2012 has got a lot to live up to! :)
January 2, 2012 - 12:37 pmMary Marantz - this post right here is why I adore you! Love!
M:)
January 2, 2012 - 1:03 pmKaren - So beautiful, Gail! You have had such an amazing year!! You definitely have reason to be proud of yourself. :) Hope to see you around soon.
January 2, 2012 - 6:04 pmErin - Fabulous photos! You have a lot to be proud of!
January 2, 2012 - 6:50 pmBec - Fantastic post! It's very easy to compare yourself to others, and I think it's human nature, how else are we supposed to know how well/horribly we are doing!? HA.
You have a way with writing Gail, and it's very true that with a post like this, it's great to see how far you've come and how amazing your clients are. Very best wishes for 2012, I'm sure it will be nothing short of incredible.
January 2, 2012 - 7:33 pmMeredith Sledge - This is the first time I've visited your blog and I'm blown away. These photos are INCREDIBLE. Wow. Wow. Wow. Loveeeee your photography.
January 2, 2012 - 9:41 pmMary Saou - Beautiful, Gail! You inspired me to do a review of my own-- thank you!
January 3, 2012 - 8:26 amjesszwo - Absolutely beautiful year, my friend!!!
January 3, 2012 - 8:27 amSusan Evans - Beautiful work, Gail - you should be very proud. And your lucky clients - I bet these photos were one of the highlights of their year.
January 3, 2012 - 9:59 amAunt Mary - Every photo is fantastic! We are all so proud of you! Wish I had just a smidgen of your talent darlin. You have your mother's artistic eye and talent for sure. I love following your work and the photo's of your trips are just amazing. They make my bucket list grow larger and larger.
January 3, 2012 - 1:10 pmTira J - Completely gorgeous work Gail! Love!
January 3, 2012 - 3:10 pmTracy - Wonderfully beautiful year :)
January 4, 2012 - 12:29 amMegan Siana - Great recap of your work! Love them!
January 4, 2012 - 3:22 pmAlly - Such a great job last year, lady! I can't even begin to pick a favorite! You accomplished so much!
January 4, 2012 - 6:17 pmAmber Fox - GORGEOUS my friend! Every picture made me go wow. Seriously great work Gail! Strong compositions, fun moments (very Cartier Bresson inspired) and great use of color and light. You had a good 2011! Now lets bring on 2012!!!
January 5, 2012 - 7:56 pmMona Alicia - I absolutely love the 3-angle shot of the woman in the mirror. It's awesome! It reminds me of Norman Rockwell's "Self Portrait". Well done!
January 7, 2012 - 11:56 amTina Nandi - Wow Gail, these are so beautiful. Can't decide which ones are my favourites!
January 9, 2012 - 6:48 pmApril - Such beautiful work, Gail. I'm completely honored & so lucky to call myself a client!
January 10, 2012 - 10:28 pmErin - you've been busy, girl! beautiful work!!
January 2, 2012 - 9:40 pmFaves from 2011 » Daylight Photography - [...] knowledge! I’d like to run through a few favorites from this past year– as my friend Gail says, it’s so good to look back on a year’s work and appreciate all the effort that [...]
Thinking back to unwrapping Christmas gifts with Nick this year makes me laugh all over again. You see, this year, I didn’t really want anything. I was horrible about giving my husband hints on what to get me, but, about three weeks ago, he told me he had a few gifts in mind and smiled mischievously. “You’re going to LOVE ‘em, I know you will!”
Fast forward to opening our gifts Christmas Eve and, as I pulled off the paper on an art print he’d bought me, I looked up to this face of, “Well, don’t you LOVE it?” I smiled hesitantly and said, “Oh, this is sweet…where did you find it?” And then he looked at me and said, “But you put it on your Pinterest account!”
Oh friends…do you know how much of a jerk I felt in that moment? Ladies, here’s a lesson for you: If you pin things, you may get them! So, you know, maybe don’t become a Pinterest nut to the extreme, one who FORGETS THE STUFF SHE’S PINNED.
The next present? A sweater I remembered pinning, so I was giddy with glee. My last gift? A navy blue, fur-trimmed pea coat. I looked at him and said, “Oh gosh…don’t tell me….Did I pin this too?” And then I started laughing. You see, when you “repin” something on Pinterest—something someone originally posts with an “I WANT” comment—why WOULDN’T your husband think that YOU were the one asking for said coat?
I took 10 minutes to fully explain to my husband the way the female brain interacts with Pinterest. Then I apologized for how little sense that interaction makes (He was all, ‘Wait, you ‘repin’ stuff? I…I don’t get it.‘). Between the great Pinterest debacle and the LL Bean boots I bought him having their shoelaces sewn INSIDE THE BOOT, we looked at one another over a pile of wrapping paper and joked about how’d we really nailed it this Christmas, hadn’t we?
Be that as it may, I love everything Nick got me, even if I didn’t remember loving it in the first place! As we took a Christmas Eve walk (me bundled up in my cozy new coat), I told Nick I wanted to take my self-portrait as a way to remember that night. ‘Cause even with the goof-ups, the real present in all of it was hearing him laugh at my side.
Well, here we are, guys — a wrap on my 2011 self-portrait series. What an amazing year it’s been, filled with a few lows but so many incredible highs.
Last year, I was blown away by the number of photographer friends of mine who decided to start their own 2011 self-portrait series after being inspired by my 2010 self-portrait series. If you want to join again or, if you’re thinking of starting a series of your own for the first time in 2011, let me know in the comments with a link to your first post! While you might feel narcissistic for putting yourself in front of the camera, it’s SUCH a great way to reflect back on your year and relive months that all too often, pass us by far too quickly. I wouldn’t trade these 24 photos and the precious words I’ve written over the past 2 years for anything! Can’t wait to see what’s to come in 2012!!
December 30, 2011 - 3:50 pmChristen Barnes - Love this idea! I'll definitely link back when I start in January. May also have to steal your ten on Tuesday idea. :)
December 30, 2011 - 3:50 pmmichelle s. - Love them all. And the titles, too. Such a wonderful story.
December 30, 2011 - 4:03 pmmy. - I love it, Gail! If I can overcome the feeling of narcissism, I might give it a go with the self-portrait project. We'll see. You're right, this is such a great way to remember these special, laughable moments. Happy New Year! -- Michelle
December 30, 2011 - 4:12 pmTina - I'm so glad I did the self portrait series this year, I'll have to post my re-cap soon! How sweet of your hubs to buy you stuff you pinned - props to him for even knowing about Pinterest! I tried explaining the concept to Jay once and I could just see his eyes glassing over the more in depth I got...:)
December 30, 2011 - 4:20 pmMeridith - In 2012 I am going to try to get a photo every month of my husband and myself together since we have so few of those- thanks for the inspiration!
December 30, 2011 - 4:29 pmAundrea Shafer - My husband did the exact same thing for Xmas, went on my Pinterest and Etsy and found ideas. He actually bought all the stuff I was completely in love with which was awesome.
December 30, 2011 - 4:36 pmJasmine* - I love this post so much my heart exploded.
December 30, 2011 - 4:36 pmBarbara - I actually started self-portrait project but kinda quitted after 3 months (shame on me)... seeing your series, I promise to start again and have my own 2012. self-portrait series :)
December 30, 2011 - 4:40 pmAmanda - Remember or not, how SWEET is he to sneak around and try to find you something you'd really love. Oh, and yay on another year of self-portraits. I'm sad to say I gave up mid-year. Life just got the best of me... but I do love the ones I took! Happy 2012 friend.
December 30, 2011 - 5:58 pmChristina - After seeing the two years worth of self portraits you've done + the fact I finally have a working remote & decent tripod, I think I'm gonna give it another go ... I failed a couple years ago at doing a self portrait a month as part of my 101 in 1001!
December 30, 2011 - 6:12 pmMelissa - Not too many girls can say their hubby actually pays attention. You are a lucky girl! How sweet of him to get you things you "liked". Hysterical that you had to explain how our brains work on pinterest!
December 30, 2011 - 9:15 pmJoanne - I might try it in 2012, even though I don't really love pictures of myself. But I think it's such a cool idea. If I do it, I will let you know!
December 31, 2011 - 2:00 aminna - LOve, Love, Looooove this post - just love everything about it :)
December 31, 2011 - 10:36 amCourtney Howell - Maybe it's because I am at that "emotional" time of the month, but I teared up a little at this story! It just reminds me of the beauty of marriage and love. And how men get so excited about gifts we don't expect :) It reminds me of how complicated we make our marriages and sometimes all you should do is laugh together. And talk walks together, and just enjoy time together. I don't know how you do it Gail, but your writing always makes me think deeply....and I love that.
December 31, 2011 - 2:12 pmMaya Laurent - Now that is funny! Good try Nick...brilliant idea to look at the Pinterest stuff! :)
December 31, 2011 - 7:56 pmCait - I love your self portraits - so much fun! (The book one is my favorite!) Your husband is too sweet to check out your pins and be clever all on his own!!
January 1, 2012 - 1:03 pmJess Cudzilo - This post totally cracked me up!
January 1, 2012 - 8:18 pmIt's me, BETSY! - Your self portraits are AWESOME!!!! You should make a book for your future child! They are stunning! Thanks for the inspiration.
I'm impressed at Nick. Wow to him!!!
January 3, 2012 - 10:58 amLisa Scherer - Hi Gail,
I wanted to start this monthly "self portrait" this year. It is my last year of my 30's (wahhhhha)and I thought it would be great time to start this. Do you mind me asking, what lens did you primarily use for your portraits? And did you use a tri-pad for all of them or did your darling hubby snap them? Just wanted to get your opinion because yours always look phenom :)
January 3, 2012 - 1:13 pmTira J - I think I will do this, only when I get rid of my New Years Cold! Who wants to see my dried out, red nose? Love ya!
January 3, 2012 - 6:57 pmMary Marantz - Y'know....I think I'm going to try it! And I'm totally going to give you credit for it! :)
January 4, 2012 - 8:23 amGail Werner - Hi Lisa,
Yes, it's a great time to do it for sure! All of the images were shot with either my 50mm lens (1.4 or 1.2) or my 35mm (which gave me some more space for tighter shots) ...and most of them I either used the tripod or whatever I could turn into a tripod (a stack of books). The ones Nick took were the shots of me for May/Nov/Dec ... the rest were all me! :)
January 4, 2012 - 3:19 pmAlly - I think my cuteness/gorgeousness meter just spun out of control and broke from seeing all those photos together. And I love the Pinterest gifting story. Too funny!
January 4, 2012 - 7:55 pmMeredith Sledge - These are SO cute! Love them!
January 5, 2012 - 8:02 pmMona Alicia - I absolutely love every one of these images! This is a wonderful idea. I already have kids and have been taking monthly portraits of them for 4 years now. After seeing your series you have inspired me to do the same thing for myself. I don't think you're being narcissistic. I would love it if my mama had done this years ago (she's 74 now). Thank you for the inspiration!
January 11, 2012 - 1:24 pmCassandra - Thank you for making me laugh out loud in the silence of my office! I better go check my pinterest account! I re-pin and rarely change the comments.
January 13, 2012 - 10:50 pmMona Alicia - Okay, I did it! I started my self-portrait series thanks to you!
http://www.monaalicia.com/2012/01/13/january-self-portrait/
January 19, 2012 - 3:12 pmChristen Barnes - Again, love this idea. Here's my first one. http://christenbarnesphotography.myfotojournal.com/2012/jan/19/january-self-portrait/
January 11, 2012 - 3:39 pmJanuary Self Portrait: A Start To A New Year » Deborah Zoe - [...] I have to be honest and say that this idea wasn’t entirely my own. I grabbed this idea from Gail Werner, another photographer! Every month she’s taken an image of herself as a of way of documenting [...]
January 13, 2012 - 10:49 pmJanuary self-portrait » Mona Alicia - [...] read this blog post by Gail Werner about a self-portrait series she’s been doing for two years now and I was so inspired. [...]
1) Body Shop Satsuma Shower Gel: I first started using this stuff years ago, when one of my best friends fell for the scent and promptly introduced me to it. I rediscovered it holiday shopping this season at Sephora and every morning in the shower, fall in love all over again with its citrus-y smell. Great way to wake up in the morning!
2) Pistachios: I know, I know…why am I putting nuts on my lovin’ list? Because these are my FAVORITE kind. And for some reason (I don’t know, are pistachios somehow seasonal?) they tend to resurface by the gross ton every holiday season. Whatever the reason, they’re one of my No. 1 snacks for December (along with my beloved pomegranates).
3) Black Keys’ El Camino: On any given day, you’d be more likely to hear Bon Iver playing from my laptop’s speakers, but there is something about these boys that just makes me want to put on a leather jacket (that I don’t own), head to some dive bar (that I never go to), grab a bottle of brew and hope they show up live to rock out in the flesh. Would love to see them in concert in 2012 and have had their latest, El Camino, playing non-stop this month. The video for “Lonely Boy” makes me want to dance just as much as this guy (or blare it on my Shuffle while I run) but my fave track off the album is Nova Baby. SO GOOD.
4) The Lover’s Dictionary by David Levithan: I’ve been telling everybody I know to read this book (by the genius who’s also behind the great Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist). A collection of short entries about love and the ups and downs of a relationship. I pulled a few of my favorites and included ‘em on my review over on Good Reads. Great book to grab on to if you’re still trying to get something read in 2011!
5) Cuisinart Greenware: Nick and I were in such need of new pots and pans, as our college-era mish-mashed collection had run its course. I bookmarked this set of pans ages ago (after first seeing them on Young House Love) and my in-laws gifted me the set this year for Christmas. You know you’re getting old when a new set of kitchenware gets you THIS excited. Now who wants some eggs?
6 ) PBS Masterpiece’s “Downton Abbey”: I’ve had friends and people I follow online praise this show for months now and during my leisurely month of December, I was able to get caught up with the first season on Netflix Instant. And OH MY STARS I AM NOW OBSESSED. From the clothes to the posh British accents to the overall look and feel of the Edwardian era this is one period piece that’s to die for. The second season starts up in January on PBS and I am giddy to find out the plotlines next in store for these new favorite characters of mine. Do yourself a favor and check it out — some seriously good TV, right there!
December 29, 2011 - 8:02 amSusan Evans - LOVE pistachios. Once I get started, I eat so many of them my fingers hurt from breaking them open!
December 30, 2011 - 12:19 pmnicole - just ordered that book! i'm excited to read it! :)
December 30, 2011 - 6:35 pmAli - LOVE the Satsuma too! The Body Butter is the best. And thanks to you I am in love with my Camelbak water bottle. I don't know what I did without it.
December 31, 2011 - 11:21 amJess-ThatJessGal - I totally LOVE Downton Abbey as well. Happy New Year!
December 31, 2011 - 11:52 amClary - Gah!! Downtown Abbey is my go to editing series and I've never been more in love with a kitchen then the one in Abbey. Can not wait until January 8th.
December 31, 2011 - 2:50 pmdulcet whimsy - Omg. I love lists! :) I've heard so many good things about downton abbey. I'll need to check out Netflix.am bookmarking this post so I can check everything out.
January 4, 2012 - 3:12 pmAlly - You better believe I have The Lover's Dictionary in my library queue, and I'm going to have to check out Downtown Abbey -- it sounds great. Also? I too get ridiculously excited over decidedly unexciting kitchen-y grown-up gifts now. What is up with that?!
See more of Gail’s work at www.gailwernerphoto.com. Become a fan of Gail’s work on Facebook. Follow Gail on Twitter.
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Black Keys’ — “Nova Baby”:
by Gail Werner
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