Personal | Lane Baldwin Photography

Thoughts: Finding Our Stride04.06.12

Dear Nathan,

I think we’ve done it. Finally found our stride, that is. We got married, moved, you started a new job, I started working from home, I started booking weddings, we moved again, we went out of the country. All in seven months. And I think it’s starting to feel normal. We’re starting to feel normal.

Remember how before we got married we had no idea what to expect? No one says that marriage will be one of the biggest life changes you’ll ever experience. I guess that’s because it’s common sense. But even if you try to prepare for marriage the best way you know how, you’re really just caught up in the flurry of the wedding and the honeymoon and the hundreds of details and then you’re there. You’re married. You don’t realize what it will be like until its upon you and you’re living with a boy and sharing TV shows and cooking meals together. As weird as those things were in the beginning, those are some of my favorite things now.

Remember how I was worried about losing my sense of independence? I know it’s selfish to think that way, but as much as I was looking forward to being married, I was also unsure of how it would change me—and us—even though I know how you are and know that you would never let me give up my sense of self. And guess what? You’ve held steady just like you always do. You’ve always been more patient and rational than I am. And now I can’t imagine going back to that old life; it’s too good here.

It’s been a whirlwind, but I’m so thankful for that whirlwind. I’m so thankful to be married to you. Here’s to the next seven months.

Love,
Lane

(Photo credit: Amanda Donaho Photography)

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Thoughts: Living Wholly01.11.12

A few months ago, I subscribed to a magazine called “Whole Living” because, well, it wasn’t expensive and I thought I might learn a thing or two about being healthier in a natural sort of way. Turns out that most of the recipes are way too fancy (shiitake mushrooms and brown rice en papillote … I couldn’t even begin to guess what that last part means) or a little too “natural” (roasted beets with edamame and arugula … I like cookies) for me.

There is, however, a great section in the back called “10 Thoughts on Whole Living” that I think makes the subscription worth it. Each issue, the editors present you with 10 one-sentence, thought-provoking ideas. I literally sit staring at that page for an awkwardly long amount of time while I think through each one. Here’s one of my favorite’s from the January/February 2012 issue:

“The new year isn’t a do-over; it’s an opportunity to take your next big step.”

What an awesome reminder. You know that I love lists, which means that I like clean slates and tying stuff up in a neat and tidy way. If I’m going to eat healthier, I’m going to start on Sunday. And if I’m going to suddenly be the type of person who always keeps her Inbox cleaned out, I’m going to start on Jan. 1. But … that’s just not always realistic. I know this, yet I struggle with this control issue every day.

So, this year, I decided I wasn’t going to make resolutions (does anyone actually keep their resolution for the entire year?? Seriously, if you do, I want to meet you!), I was going to make goals. I wasn’t going to magically start over on Jan. 1 and suddenly become the person I’ve always wanted to be, I was going to place hurdles in front of myself so that I could slowly and realistically move forward.

This type of moving forward has never been so apparent to me as it is in my new photography world. I’m fairly new to this gig and I want everything to be done NOW. But … that’s just not realistic. I can’t update my website, write a blog post, order business cards and become better at Photoshop in one day because, well, I have another job! And I have to work within my means. But I will get there, and I so, so, so appreciate my 2012 couples for placing their faith in me and cheering me on. I had absolutely NO expectations when I started down this path, but just 2.5 months after telling the whole World Wide Web that I was a photographer and hoping for the best, you all proved to me that I can do this, even if I have to take it one hurdle at a time. Thank you.

This year, I hope you too find a balance between work, family and “you” time. Whether you’re flying by in the fast lane or hopping hurdles with me in the slow lane, I hope 2012 is one of your best.

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Home at Last12.28.11

Pssst …

Hey, guess what?

That key up there …

… goes to this house here. And the key is on MY key chain! Nathan and I officially own a darling 1940s colonial. I love it.
And, I can’t stop smiling.

Once we got our keys we had our first dinner in the house, complete with champagne. Being the super fancy people we are, we chose to eat Wendy’s and drink a $7 bottle of champagne. Hey, we have a mortgage now!

But seriously, we’re both so, so thankful that we are able to call this house ours. Although we saved and saved and saved for our “one-day house,” now that it’s here we can hardly believe the key is in our hand. As we sat on the floor and made our way through salty fries and sweet champagne, we talked about plans for the house—what would go where, the best paint color for in there—and my heart was so full. Sometimes there are no words to describe how incredibly thankful I am for the life I live every day; it just feels right. And I know what an unbelievable blessing that is.

I’m so excited to share our house with you, faithful readers. Stay tuned for before-and-after pictures as we slowly make this place cute and cozy!

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Merry Christmas!12.25.11

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First Snow.12.17.11

“When I no longer thrill to the first snow of the season, I’ll know I’m growing old.”

—Lady Bird Johnson

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Our First Christmas Tree + Dark Chocolate Pistachio Bark12.11.11

Ahhhh, the smell of pine is in the air, which means that our first Christmas tree has made it’s arrival! It’s a bit quirky with too few lights and a lopsided lean, but it definitely makes our first Christmas as a married couple extra cozy and festive.

And, just because I know you might be looking for a new holiday recipe, here’s a super easy yet fantastic one: dark chocolate pistachio bark. Nathan and I brought it to a Christmas party last night and ate all the leftovers today. So good! (P.S. Thanks to Nathan for taking these pictures of me “cooking.” He’s already ready for his second shooting role next year. )

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The In-Between House.12.07.11

Our wedding countdown was at T-7 days as we drove away from Cincinnati up 71 N towards Cleveland. It was a beautiful, blue-sky day, and driving to an unfamiliar place made it hard to believe that in a week we’d be married. It felt more like we were on vacation.

It’s really kind of crazy how everything fell into place. It still seems like one of those pinch-yourself situations. Nathan got the job and we found a place to live just days before tying the knot and jetting off to Hawaii for our honeymoon.

On that day we headed north on 71, we had planned a whirlwind afternoon of looking at temporary living arrangements with a friend of my boss’ (shout out to Greg Erlanger and the EZ Sales Team at Keller Williams!). Our goal was purely to find a place to live for a couple months while we looked at houses, and after picking a cute duplex mainly by a game of eenie, meenie, miney, mo, we felt at ease that we had a roof over our heads for the next six months.

I didn’t think about the fact, however, that this would be our very first place together. That even if it was just another bump on the road to owning our first house (because isn’t that what comes after marriage … a house?), it was a BIG bump and one that I shouldn’t take for granted. I tend to get caught up in the milestones and sometimes forget to stop and appreciate life in the in between.

So, here is our in-between house. I know this won’t mean much to a lot of you, but like Katelyn James says, this blog is a scrapbook of my life as much as it is part of my business. So, please bear with me and our very bare duplex. I know it doesn’t look like much, but it means a lot to us.

Now that we’re on our way to owning our very first house (yes, I got my milestone), I know this duplex will always hold a special place in our hearts. I hope that when we drive past it in five, 10, even 50 years, we become awash with all the good emotions that come with a first place.

Haha, we got this canvas made of one of our favorite wedding pictures, and even though we’re starting to pack again, I insisted Nathan hang it even though it looks ridiculous on that wall all by itself.

Please notice what we eat for dinner when Nathan is in charge.

The master bedroom.

The guest bedroom that serves as Nathan’s makeshift man cave … doesn’t it look like it? Haha! (P.S. What do you do with your childhood stuffed animals when you get married?)

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Recharging the Batteries + FBOFW11.28.11

Generally, I’m a huge multitasker. I watch TV while working on my laptop and eating and folding laundry all at the same time. But every so often, I crave doing nothing. You know what I’m talking about. The lounge around, watch TV, curl up with a book, eat whatever whenever doing NOTHING.

These last four days were a perfect time to recharge my batteries. After a couple months of living in a new place and getting into a new routine, it was definitely time for some relaxation, and I was in need of some quality time with my college friends, or FBOFW as we refer to ourselves (The short story: Miami students are known for naming their off-campus houses and we named ours For Better or For Worse. Hence, FBOFW).

Photobooth photo credit goes to SPROUTsquared Photography.

Leah, Susan, Lindsey and Nicole. These girls are the loves of my life. I can’t imagine going through college–or life, really–without them. Even though we live literally all around the world now (Lindsey’s our international girl), when we get together we pick up like we just saw each other yesterday.

I won’t go into all the weird jokes, embarrassing stories or hilarious memories we share, but I WILL share a couple pictures that probably sum up our love for each other.

Oh yes, we have pictures in an “Autumna” photo booth. Many actually. We’re so weird.
(P.S. That’s Susan on a stick up there. Can’t leave anyone out!)

Oh, the jumping picture. We’re so good at it.

We missed you, Leah!

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Happy Thanksgiving!11.24.11

“When life is sweet, say thank you and celebrate.”
—Shauna Niequist, Bittersweet

Nathan and I are spending our first holiday together in Indiana at the Baldwin house. Even though I miss my family, I’m counting my blessings this Thanksgiving:

God and our new church
My husband
Family, near and far
Friends, old and new
Our new city
Two jobs that I love
The new house!
Good books
Warm pets (I’m typing this post with one hand because I have a cat on my laptop)
The opportunity to travel
Pumpkin chocolate chip bread
…and YOU! I’m definitely thankful for you.

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Dear Amanda.11.22.11

Dear Amanda,

THANK YOU. Thank you for everything. You have no idea how much you’ve touched my life and how eternally grateful I’ll be for all you’ve taught me.

Back in 2009, I was this photographer wannabe who had no idea how to make my camera do the things I admired in other photographers’ photos, including yours. I watched (really creeped ) from the sidelines until you posted that blog about needing an intern. I knew it had to be me.

After the oh-so-awful first impression I made by showing up LATE to that first wedding, I was sure you would never choose me. But you did. Somehow you saw past that mistake. For some reason, you gave me another chance. I say that’s God’s work right there!

And don’t worry. I soaked it all in. I didn’t take it for granted. I hope you know that I look up to you and aim to be like you as a business owner, photographer, and woman in general. Whether you want to be or not, you’re my mentor!

For every wedding you let me second shoot, for every lesson you taught, for every joke you shared, I will truly be indebted.

I miss you but know that this friendship will continue (mostly because I’ll be calling you for advice every other day ). Thank you for everything, Amanda!

Love,
Lane

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