Hi, I'm Briana Gardell, and I will be one of your Guest Fan Judges this week. It's a flattering thought, and you can imagine my surprise when I got the invitation! Floored is an accurate description.

photo compliments of Brooke Gorman (Dinkypopsnomore)

Angie and Amy asked us to fill out a little questionnaire, so here goes!

Name: Briana Gardell (aka Briana @ Wake Up, Juliet)

Websites:

• www.wakeupjuliet.com (you're on it now!)


• Twitter/wakeupjuliet


• Wake Up, Juliet Facebook FanPage

About Me:

I'm twenty four years old, a wife of 2 1/2 years and mom to the two cutest cats in the world (no really, our vet said so). Outside of photography, I love singing, writing, acting, dance, crafty things and planning parties. My family is everything to me, in particular, my husband, who is a saint for putting up with my multiple passions, particularly my photography (look here and here for proof he should be canonized).

My Photography Journey and I Heart Faces:

My journey isn't that long compared to many, but it's been meaningful. Like, change my life meaningful. I bought my first DSLR in 2008 as a Christmas gift to myself (it was supposed to be a gift to ourselves, but who are we kidding?). I just wanted to take better pictures for my blog. I was inspired by The Pioneer Woman, who made all the high tech photo mumbo jumbo make sense. Once I had the camera I was hooked. But what really launched me was I Heart Faces. Now that I think of it I can't remember how I found them, but the important thing is that I did. I began entering the challenges and managed an honorable mention in my 3rd week! When they offered the Dallas Workshop, there was no way I couldn't go. I loved photography so much that I was kicking around the idea of starting a side business. Now, a few months later, I'm in the throes of getting that business off the ground.

I Heart Faces has taught me, encouraged me, humbled me, and introduced me to some amazing, talented people. It's challenged me to do better, be more creative, to nail that shot, to take chances. Thank you Angie and Amy for bringing us all together!

Photographer Who Inspires me the Most:

Oh dear, is it really possible to choose one? I follow so many who are amazing (Becker, Jessica Claire, Jose Villa, Chriselda), but there are two that truly inspire me. 1) Rebekah Westover - I adore her style. It's fresh, clean, pure, and she seems to nail every.single.shot. 2) Jasmine Star - She shoots amazing pictures, yes, but what inspires me about her is her attitude and personality. She loves her job, her husband, her clients and she shows it in every blog post.

Editing program:

I use Photoshop 7...nope, not Elements 7, just plain old Photoshop 7. It's great, it works, and I don't have the money to upgrade right now lol. Sadly that means most actions aren't compatible with my version, but that's probably for the best right now. I like to keep my editing pretty simple, and if I avoid actions altogether I consider it a good shot.

What's in my Bag:

• Nikon D40 with 2 kit zooms


• Nikon 50mm f/1.4 AF-S (my newest baby, on my camera 99.9% of the time these days)

My Hilarious Outtakes:

1) Malcolm telling me he's had enough.

2) My darling husband at his MOST charming.

3) Little one telling  mom what she thinks of the finger stuck in her mouth trying to show everyone her first tooth.

4) Wary looks exchanged between my husband (Santa) and his cousin's daughter.

5) Sadly, I have a million of these. Back off ladies...he's allll mine.

Ok, maybe he shouldn't be canonized...