Light Bulb Moment

You know what I realize? I don't like blogging. loL! Everyone says you need to have a blog to keep your audience engaged with your work and yes, I do believe that that is true. I read so many blogs because they keep me engaged with their updated content; but I don't like to blog! So does that mean I need to change who I am to engage my "target market?" Some people might say, YES! Others may say no. I say follow me on Instagram! loL :p @ninagracee

Mixtape Monday

 

Yep, it's time to wake up again. The start of a brand new week. Enjoy...

♫ Listen here...

1. Arrival of the birds - The Cinematic Orchestra

2. Moments in love - Art of Noise

3. Dreams - Fleetwood Mac

4. Like the sea - Alicia Keys 

5. Love - Destiny's Child

6.  5iliconeater - Calvin Harris

7. I need love - Robin Thicke

8. No. 1 - Michel Legrand

Wanderlust // Travel Guide // Montreal

When I was planning my trip to Montreal I had to figure out where we would stay. It's important to me that whenever on vacation I stay in a place that is located in a good neighborhood, budget friendly, and situated within walking distance to cafes/restaurants and/or shopping. I am a huge fan of Hilton's Embassy Suites because they are always fairly priced and usually located in popular safe areas within a city. In addition to that they offer hot buffet cooked to order breakfast with the purchase of your room and they have a great happy hour (who doesn't love good drinks!)

To the Embassy Suites we went...

 We literally walked everywhere from this place. There was a Starbucks at the end of the block, The Notre Dame cathedral right around the corner, a fifteen minute walk from the popular "Old Montreal" in one direction and a ten to fifteen minute walk to all the shopping I could handle in the other direction! Plus the hot breakfast and complimentary drinks! Loved it! 

REWIND // 2006

It was the summer of 2006 when we took our first family vaca to the Florida Keys (Key West). The beaches were beautiful, the sand felt like plush carpet under my feet - and I wanted to go parasailing so badly! I was sixteen and not really too much of a daredevil. No one wanted to join me on my venture so on the ground I stayed. I think it was during this particular trip when I realized tourist areas weren't really my thing. As much as I enjoyed the beach and Duval street - it was just a tourist trap as far as I was concerned.

We'd been recommended to go to a particular restaurant down there called, Blue Heaven. Here we go to another local attraction. We sit down, open our menus and realize nothing on the menu suits us (nothing against the food there, I'm sure it is quite delicious), nothing about that place suited our personalities. It just was another attraction. My dad made the decision to leave and find some place else to eat. Yes! No more walking along the path with trails of bright lights reading "tourists enter here!" We ended up finding some trailer of a diner with a porch decked in rocking chairs that served your food through a window. Not very classy, but very much SoFlo (South Florida). A locally owned diner serving fish, chicken, shrimp, and other food I don't recall.

One thing about my parents that I will always admire is their sincerity in getting to know people, getting to know people for no other reason other than having a genuine interest in others. Having a conversation with another human being because it's a part of humanity. Not feeling so above or beneath a persons [self proclaimed] status to just talk. It was during this trip, during this lunch hour at the diner, when I became aware of this fact about my parents; it became the highlight of my trip. They talked with the server (who was also one of the owners) for at least an hour. We sat on that porch for what seemed like hours eating and talking to the server and later the cook (the place was very small and not very busy so they had the time). I'm sure in reality we were only there for an hour or two but it doesn't matter. The fact that we gained an experience - a true experience of what it is like to be one of the locals. Something we couldn't have ever experienced at Blue Heaven or any other tourist attraction. It opened my eyes and helped me to appreciate life and culture in an entirely different way. This was the beginning of my new outlook on travel. And so it begins...

Wanderlust // iDream iTravel Giveaway!

What does travel mean to you? For me it means education. Expanding my horizons and being exposed to different cultures, ideas, and environments! As a photographer I am a very visual person and literally being able to see people, places, and things that I don't normally see is fascinating and a wonderful learning experience!

'iDream iTravel' created a short video asking individuals around the most popular cities in Europe that same question, "what does travel mean to you?" iDream iTravel in conjunction with hotel.info are sponsoring an amazing competition which will give the winner 10 nights in the top European cities and €2013 to spend (a little over $2,700!!!).

 

Watch the video and ENTER HERE

idream itravel - sponsored by hotel.de / hotel.info

Mixtape Monday

Happy Monday! I hope everyone has a wonderful week...The start to this week was very sultry neo-soul.

♫ Listen here...

1. Lesson Learned - Alicia Keys [feat. John Mayer]
2. Playing Possum - Maxwell
3. Awooga - Calvin Harris
4. Unthinkable - Alicia Keys
5. You - Raheem DeVaughn
6. Whenever, Wherever, Whatever - Maxwell
7. Halfcrazy - Musiq Soulchild
8. My All - Mariah Carey

Portraits // Lisa Gilmore Design

Portraits are my favorite! Especially when I get to work with fun and talented individuals. Sessions are so much better when I work with people like this young lady here...Meet Lisa. She is the fabulous owner of the amazing interior design company Lisa Gilmore Design!

Darling Magazine

Hello lovelies! I hope you all are well. I stumbled upon this blog/magazine a few months ago and felt so drawn to the messages conveyed throughout their mission. Take a look...

 

I've never really considered myself a feminist, but I do love women empowerment and this mission statement put me in a mood of hope and encouragement. As you know, I'm very much a visual person so rather than going on and on about how great the magazine is I'll just tell you to head over to the Darling Magazine site to check it out for yourself!

Wanderlust // Montreal, Quebec

There's just something about being immersed in a new culture that makes me feel...I don't know...whole. Loving to travel and having an appreciation for culture really helps to makes me who I am - I'm not sure that I could truly function properly without being exposed to new locations and people.

My cousin and I have wanted to try snow boarding for the longest now (101 in 1001) and finally decided to do it. We took a weekend trip to Montreal (Canada) (101 in 1001) - a beautiful, old, very rich in French culture city! Snow, cobble stone streets, intricate architecture, and extremely delicious crepes and pastries - magnifique!

Mixtape Monday

It's not even Monday, but wth, It's my first one. Only eight tracks this time. You'll find my taste is pretty eclectic - I'll mix in a little bit of everything...from classical French symphonies to rap.

♫ Listen here...

1. Suit & Tie - Justin Timberlake
2. The Orchard - Ra Ra Riot
3. I Wonder - Kanye West
4. The Thrill - Miguel
5. School - Calvin Harris (favorite)
6. Numb - Rihanna
7. Don't Look Back - Miguel
8. Makeda - Les Nubians

Portrait Shoot :: Marissa

I am so privileged to be able to work with such amazing people! Marissa and I went to school together years ago and hadn't seen or talked to each other in probably 8 or 9 years, but it felt like two old friends catching up after just a few months of not seeing each other. Crazy right? loL

Destination: London

Is anyone watching the Olympics? I'm excited to watch the track & field and swimming competitions! I left London about 3 or 4 days before the games started, but that didn't stop me from having the most amazing experience!

The Tower Bridge - London, England

The Weather is quite "Lovely"

I have so much to write and talk about, yet so little free time to type. My stay in Ireland is over and now I've moved on to Great Britain's, London! Mom and I flew in from Dublin and are staying with a fav. cousin of ours, Sony, while we're here :). We just got in this afternoon so we will start our journey of exploring the city tomorrow (after we have crumpets and tea of course). I can't wait! Don't be surprised if I come home with a wanna-be British accent loL

xoxo

Portraits in Practice

The other week I had the pleasure of working with a dear friend of mine, Lachelle James, who is leaving for New York City in a few days for an amazing internship with a top fashion designer! I wanted to hang out with her and have her style a "just for fun" photo shoot before she left. We had a lot of fun and enjoyed catching up before she departs! I wish her the best during her internship, I can't wait to visit!!! :-D

Destination: Ireland

I'm havin' great craic (Irish term for "fun") out here in Ireland! Lots of touring, laughing, talking, and picture taking. Tomorrow we attend the 1st of the three day convention, "Safeguard Your Heart" and I couldn't be happier. The weather here has been sunny for the past few days, I can't believe it. It is so beautiful here. Cool, calm, peaceful, and so green, I could definitely picture myself living here. Everyone I've met thus far is extremely peaceful and nice and the scenery here is breath taking!

Destination: Ireland

The countdown starts now! Just three more days until I'm jet setting off to the land of green (which is just my first stop). I can't wait to make great new memories! 

C.R.U.S.H.

Alright, so what do I find attractive? Physically speaking...a great upper body! A dude that has muscles and clearly works out, but isn't so big and muscular that that is all you see - a big chest and huge arms. Most of the guys I've liked and dated have been slim, but actively work out so in my opinion they have nice "medium sized" muscular arms, a strong upper body and of course a nice pack ;-) (abs).

I like guys and don't discriminate, but the last time I found a white guy attractive physically AND liked their conversation...? I think I was 11 or 12. So I was a little shocked when he walked through the door and immediately, I wanted to know who he was. A 6'2, dirty blonde, bluish/hazel eyed, slim, yet muscular white guy. Thinking to myself, "hmmm he's cute." His roomate and my friend introduces everyone in the room one by one. He says "Hello. Nice to meet you all." WHAT?! Woah, woah! Wait a minute. WAIT. A. MINUTE. You're British?!...I'm smitten. loL!

I've been told I'm a flirt and a heart breaker (I don't think that's the case, but if you happen to be the one who's heart I broke let me just say I sincerely apologize and it was completely unintentional). I have no intentions to do anything with this guy, but for real he's a cutie! I strike up conversation immediately because, I'm going to London in the next few weeks and it's common ground convo. DUH! I ask, he answers. He asks, I answer. I could listen to him all day.

We all head out to eat dinner. Our initial group of 8 quickly turns into 4 after some decide to go somewhere else for dinner. Oh well. It is he, two friends, and myself. We go somewhere good a cheap lol. Unfortunately (but not so unfortunate) we have to wait for about 30 - 45 min. before we're seated. We're all practically starving! But this does give everyone time to get to know each other a little better. "How old are you guys?" we all answer 22. "Ahh man, you guys are making me feel young." "Well, how old are you," I ask. "How old do you think I am?" We all guess, between 20 and 24. "18."

Haha! Come on, stop it. Seriously? "You look like you're at least 22." I guess it's because of his height. Could also be the first impression he set. He seems quite mature. The pure fact of knowing he is 4 years younger than I am would usually immediately put my wanting to explore things to an abrupt halt! Why didn't it happen this time? Let me just clarify, I have no intention of exploring anything with anyone right now. But I found myself continuing to "slightly" look for him this weekend while we were at the conference. Weird.

I'm assuming this is what you would call a crush? loL. I am too old to be talking about crushes I think. But like I said, he's a cutie, has a lovely voice and yes has that upper body that I find attractive. Oh well, the conference is over and I enjoyed the weekend. Maybe our paths will cross again sometime, but if not, it was very nice meeting him.

xoxo,
Nina

BRAND NEW PROMO VIDEO!

I am so freakin' excited to show this off! The amazing Javier Fick was my videographer and a joy to work with! I've been a fan of his work ever since I'd met him, well over a year ago now, so it was a dream to finally get together to shoot this video with him!

Nina Grace Photography - Senior Portrait Session from Javier Fick on Vimeo.

Long Time No See...

Geez! It's been soooooooooooooooooooooooooooo long since I've last posted. I'm sorry ya'll, but a LOT has happened (good and bad) and I just couldn't bring myself to talk about anything to anyone. I'd rather not dwell on the negative part of the past, so I won't! I just want you guys to look forward to a lot of new posts and good times coming soon!

xoxo
Nina!

What do you do when you feel like you're loosing the one you love?

Omgosh, my heart felt the biggest drop in the history of my life this past weekend. I thought I lost my best friend. The most wonderful person that I can stand to be around all the time, I thought they'd gone from me. It was the most terrible feeling. I couldn't sleep, I didn't eat, and I had a very sad and unnerving day.

What do you do when you feel like you're loosing the one you love? What can you do, anything? Do you fight or do you let it go? Do you support their decision to make them happy even if it hurts you in the process? Should you even care? Maybe you tell yourself you are taking things waayyy out of proportion and things are not really as they seem. Maybe you put on a smile thinking, "if I just act this way things may turn around for the better." Or maybe, you have a serious, deep, heartfelt, loving conversation with that person you love - bearing all of your feelings and making yourself so completely vulnerable in front of that person -   and figure out why things are headed in the direction they are.

Possibly you'll hear and learn that it isn't you. Possibly you'll understand that they are trying to grow up in world that is filled with so much pressure, stress, and anxiety and they just want to protect you from the difficulties and hardships they are facing. Maybe you will understand that you are not loosing the one you love, but growing in your friendship. Growing in trust and love. No one tells you about the ins and outs of a friend ship, the nitty gritty, dirty and slimy part. They tell you, "it's hard!" or "don't do it, you might get hurt!" (or for those who have gotten burned, they say, "you WILL get hurt!") but they don't tell you why you it's hard or why you may or may not get hurt in the process of growing in a relationship. I can't tell you either. It's an ever evolving story for me. I'm always learning and growing. I hope to continue to grow and learn with the one I love.

                             The path that leads to a place that you will just have to see for yourself