n1015814136_5744.jpg welcome to the brian crofts photo blog updated regularly with my current work, recent adventures, and an occasional deep thought ... hang out a while and enjoy.  subscribe to blog via email here.

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16
As far as baby steps go, Lauren is on her way ... she's getting very close to walking these days and it's fun to watch.  Her PR is about 15 steps and her goal is to double that by the end of the month ... very driven.  Taylor ... a natural, when she wants to be.  When motivated (or bribed), she'll deliver.  Rachel, a natural as well ... just have to make sure she doesn't know I'm taking her picture.  We shot these pics while exploring something a bit different ... a 100-year-old cotton mill.

01-18-10_Lauren 31.jpg
cottonmill_01.jpg

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7
01.05.10
Today is our baby Lauren's birthday.  We kept the celebration quite small, but made sure she felt special on her first birthday ... can't believe it's been a year.  She has been quite the joy in our family.  I took a handful of pics before she went to bed ... just us hanging out in the family room.

Lauren_01.jpg

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Sarah:

So adorable ... is this shot with a flash--or is that all from the light?

(01.11.10)
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15
It's been an interesting and rewarding ride over the past year, as I've invested a lot of time, energy, and hard work into my photography business (here's to many weekend hours).  I think my path (and I've just begun) has been different from the norm, but fun nonetheless.

I work for Intuit, the small business accounting & tax software company (you know, QuickBooks, Turbo Tax, etc.).  A little over a year ago, I worked on a product idea that originated from the question around how/ where small businesses go to learn, network, share best practices, etc.  A small team and I set out to better understand the ecosystem and test several hypotheses by talking and working with many small businesses over the course of several months.

As part of the project, I decided I could learn a lot about the process and a bit about myself by starting up a "business" of my own.  Over the past year I've been learning the art of photography and small business--equally challenging and important.  Education is everywhere these days, especially on the web.  I've read my fair share of blogs, technical books, how-to videos, and even 1:1 consulting from industry trendsetters.  All have paid off, but it takes time to be successful, and as I've previously mentioned, I'm just beginning.

So what do I mean by "coming full circle?"  A couple of months ago, I was asked by our marketing team to shoot some "commercial" images for an upcoming customer loyalty campaign.  I thought this was a great opportunity for several reasons:
  1. It would be my first commercial-like shoot (something beyond my default)
  2. I got to work with other creatives (always rewarding)
  3. I was shooting for and giving back to Intuit ... the place I started from, the original reason for venturing out and "starting a business" or coming full circle
All in all, a rewarding experience.  Here are a few shots from the session and a sample of the campaign:

intuit_01.jpg
lacerte DM.png
To see some additional images from the local shoot, click here.

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Trent:

Great pics. Reminds me of all the great people I worked with at Intuit.

(01.27.10)
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