If you’re so new to photography you’ve yet to shoot manual, are questioning whether you have it in you to start a business and/or have never heard of Twitter, let alone have an account, then the content of David duChemin’s “VisionMongers” may just be revelationary to you.

If, on the other hand, you’ve been doing this for a while, check your social media accounts in your sleep and are pretty comfortable and/or confident in your photographic skills, well….not so much.

For me, the biggest factor in not giving “VisionMongers” a stronger review is that so much of its content is like reading a Cliffs Notes version of many other photo-related books and magazines out there (plenty of which I’ve already read). Had I read this in 2007 (even early 2008), I think I would have latched on to so much more content than I did this time around, as it would have been all new to me. While that can’t be said now, I will acknowledge that all the material duChemin treads in “VisionMongers” is still great stuff for any photographer to review—whether they’ve been shooting for 3 months or 30 years. And because every person looks at the areas of our industry differently—from pricing and style to branding and technique—I believe you can always learn a thing or two from someone’s new insights on the topics.

Here are some snippets of the seven pages of notes I took on this title (and given that number, well, clearly, I found plenty from this veteran photographer that I wanted to remember — even if much of it reads like an inspirational quote book for the photographer in need of a motivational boost.)

Words to live by — all of these:

“If you don’t feel like photography is something you are called to do—by God, your gifts, your talents, a small nagging voice inside, or just overwhelming passion for it—then it’s probably not the right choice for you.”

“In an age where high levels of competence at your craft are assumed, the thing that differentiates us is vision: the way in which you wield your craft to tell the stories you see with your eye and your heart.”

“It’s your calling, after all. You should love it. But you still have to put in the hours and log the time. These dreams aren’t going to chase themselves.”

“Your passion for what you shoot—and who you shoot for—will place you head and shoulders above the mediocrity that’s so prevalent in our industry.”

“We shoot best that which we love best” (and for me, that’s weddings!)

On maintaining a consistent brand: “Consistency builds familiarity and confidence. It is a repetition of design conventions like fonts, colors and styles that make you more memorable in the market.”

And my favorite:
“This is your journey. Do it slow, do it fast, do it however you choose, but do it your way. Any other path will suck the joy from the endeavor.”

January’s Book: Linchpin by Seth Godin

February’s Book: The Courage to Create by Rollo May

March’s Book: Creating Customer Evangelists by Ben McConnell and Jackie Huba

April’s Book: Today We are Rich by Tim Sanders

May’s Book: The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

June’s Book: Fine Art Wedding Photography by Jose Villa

See more of Gail’s work at www.gailwernerphoto.com. Become a fan of Gail’s work on Facebook. Follow Gail on Twitter.

1) Beginners: Okay you guys, this movie? It’s such a must-see. Because honest to God, as much as I love Daisy, in the first five minutes of this film, I fell in love with this dog, Arthur. I love movies that are equal parts quirk and stellar storytelling. Throw the amazing acting talent of (a VERY cute) Ewan McGregor and Christopher Plummer in there and you have that kind of artsy flick that everybody who sees it has to talk about (kind of like I’m doing here!)

2) The Year We Left Home and Cutting for Stone: Lots of traveling in July meant I had a lot of time to read. These two novels were both VERY different, but I’m better off for having picked them up. Jean Thompson’s “The Year We Left Home” was one of those books that felt so true — a family saga that covers 30 years in the lives of the Erickson family— that, as I got lost in the stories of these characters, I felt like, I KNOW THESE PEOPLE! “Cutting for Stone” was a novel that took me outside of my literary comfort zone (to a medical hospital and the lives of two twins growing up in a war-torn Ethiopia) but I have so much admiration for the author—a surgeon himself—that I found the story to be incredibly inspiring. A bit of a slog at parts, but with an ending that totally packed a punch and left me in tears (which, for me, is always the hallmark of a good book–I guess I’m just drawn to emotional storylines!)

3) Cults: Now that I finally have an iPod again (YEAH!!!!!!!!) I can listen to my own tunes in the car. The new Cults album was one I hadn’t had time to really review because I got my hands on it right about the time I had my first iPod stolen. Now that it’s back, it’s been in heavy rotation because it’s that perfect blend of breezy, indie ’60s rock that is an awesome soundtrack for summer. Pretty sure I have “You Know What I Mean” memorized by this point!

4) Popsicles: With this INSANE heat wave pretty much everyone i know has been under (Indiana is on track to have both the driest and (fourth) hottest July in history), I’ve been obsessed with these cool treats. Nick and I’s favorite at the moment are those Minute Maid juice bars. You know the ones? I couldn’t find a photo of ‘em online to post here, but maybe that’s because my husband and I ate them all! haha

5) Maxi Dresses: This is the first year I’ve ever bought a maxi dress and it was a super cheap version at H&M for $17. Then I wore it once, looked in the mirror, and asked it, “WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN ALL MY LIFE?” Seriously, those women in the ’70s? They knew what they were doing donning these suppppeerrr comfy dresses all the time. I loved my first maxi dress so much that I splurged on a GORGEOUS maxi dress I found at a boutique shop in Asheville. I fell for it and it fell for me (and the store owner walked by and told me, “You must buy that dress!” and really, why do you need another reason? :) )

See more of Gail’s work at www.gailwernerphoto.com. Become a fan of Gail’s work on Facebook. Follow Gail on Twitter.

What to say about Asheville? I always love when a city lives up to my expectations and this Southern jewel was no different — from the hazy blue views of the Smoky Mountains to a revitalized downtown with its (local!) shops, art galleries and outdoor eateries, there was much for us to see and do during our four days there (for a refresher, here’s where I wrote about the catalyst for this trip). Since pictures always tell the story of one’s travels better than words ever could, let’s begin with a whirlwind recap, shall we? :)

FOOD

As we checked in for our stay, the sweet gal who was our concierge welcomed us to Asheville, adding “You know this is a town known for its food, right?” Did we ever! I told my mom I planned to stuff myself on this vacation and I might have packed on a pound or two as a result. ALL worth it to indulge in culinary creations like these!

Our first night we ate at a yummy Mediterranean restaurant, Rezaz. My mom had a delicious fish entree (grouper with sweet potatos and avocado and corn relish) and I had African lamb with a yogurt mint sauce served over polenta) I’m already drooling again over this meal!

Touring the Biltmore can bring on a voracious appetite! My mom and I had lunch together in Antler Hill Village and went nuts for this pizza topped with BBQ pulled pork, pineapple and mozzarella cheese. My friends, Nate and Amanda, told us we had to eat at The Laughing Seed Cafe, a vegetarian restaurant in downtown Asheville. I LOVE eating some place where you feel like the food could have been grown in a garden right behind the restaurant. Everything we ate for lunch — from the artichoke dip appetizer to the giant signature salad with ginger dressing  — was so fresh and SO good! A cafe latte and tiramisu pick-me-up at Old Europe downtown. I’m getting a sugar high just looking again at the delectable sweets to be found at a place like this! Speaking of treats, there is a booming business downtown called The Chocolate Fetish. Mom and I stopped in there to get high off the scent of chocolate and to agonize over select a few treats to bring back with us to share over wine back at the B&B.

OUR BED AND BREAKFAST

It’s always hard to pick a place to stay based on what you see and read on the Internet, so I had high hopes for the Cedar Crest Inn. And I must admit, it did NOT disappoint! As we pulled up the steep drive, we oohed and aawed at how beautiful this place was. The staff was incredibly friendly, the inn was centrally located between downtown and Biltmore Village and the rooms were sparkling clean. If you’re ever headed Asheville’s way, I highly recommend staying here for a night or two!

Ahhhhhh…..the second floor veranda. Mom and I spent a lot of time out here, reading books, chatting, enjoying the complimentary wine, iced tea and cookies. I wish every day could start with breakfast at one of those tables! THE BILTMORE

When they say this is America’s largest home, they are NOT kidding! When it comes to visiting historical landmarks like this, I turn into the biggest nerd. Like, I get the audio guide and everything. I couldn’t believe the size of this place—over 200 rooms and 40 bathrooms (opened at a time, 1895, when no one had an indoor bathroom!) Turn-of-the-century history is particularly fascinating to me so I really enjoyed this trip and learning more about the Vanderbilt family. Visitors couldn’t take photos inside, but I did snap a few of what we saw outside, including the jaw-dropping view of the front of the mansion.

The view out the back of the property. The lands surrounding the Biltmore were designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (the founder of landscape architecture who also designed Central Park). I think we were told Olmsted and his crew planted more than 1 million trees on the Biltmore property. Olmsted had a vision for this place and it’s visitors like us who are reaping the benefits of it. GORGEOUS! The gardens at the Biltmore are spectacular. My mom has the ultimate green thumb, so I think she was in heaven. (And Ellen, if you read this and see that print on the left and want a copy, let me know. When I took it, I thought of you and your love of all things Monet ;) )  Geraniums in a suitcase (at right)? HOW CLEVER!!

ANTIQUING

We also spent a portion of an afternoon at a few of Asheville’s antique shops. This is a town that LOVES its antiques and you could pretty much throw a dart on the map and hit a shop specializing in the trinkets and furniture of the past. Good thing we didn’t have room for anything in the Subaru (except an old globe I bought) or I would have been in trouble!

Inside the Antique Tobacco Barn — this place was 70,000 square feet FILLED with antiques!

SHOPPING

The only downtown shop I could find that was a chain was a lone Urban Outfitters. And, as you can see from the graffitti, the locals don’t want you to shop there! The posters on the left were EVERYWHERE downtown. Ashevillians take their shopping local seriously!

The Grove Arcade was one of the historic buildings downtown that’s been renovated to house apartments and more local shops. My mom found some neat prints in one of them!

A friend of mine who’s a fellow book lover had told me years ago that if I ever went to Asheville, I HAD to stop at Malaprop’s. By far, one of the best locally owned bookstores I’ve ever been in. We spent an hour just browsing books and all the fun gifts you can find only in a place like this. I both a) wished it was a shop in my town and b) that I could work there (or at least write book reviews for them!) A MUST visit if you make it to this town!

MOM AND I

We made it a point to take some photos of the two of us enjoying one another’s company back at the B&B. I am SO glad we took the time to do this. Sometimes I think we remember trips and moments in our lives not by what actually happened, but by what we’ve captured behind the lens. These photos will be forever how I remember this special trip with my mom. Who, if you might notice, is an exceptionally beautiful woman.

Mom, you look beautiful here and this photo of you is a new favorite of mine. So proud to be your daughter.

Much love, G

See more of Gail’s work at www.gailwernerphoto.com. Become a fan of Gail’s work on Facebook. Follow Gail on Twitter.

1) When you are on a plane and the kid behind you is kicking your seat, what do you do?

Put up with it. I don’t have it in me to be confrontational, so I endure awkward social situations like this by keeping my mouth shut. I figure it’s just God’s way of testing my patience. And, in this hypothetical scenario, I’ll hope that the plane ride is a short one!

2) What food that you KNOW is bad for you and you shouldn’t have, but you love/eat it anyway?

Pizza. Pop-Tarts. Sour Patch Kids. (but not, you know, all together at the same time :) )

3) What is your favorite book of all time?

The Book Thief. I want to write the author (Markus Zusak) a letter and ask him for a commission, because I figure that, between the number of times I’ve recommended it or bought it for someone, he might have an Airstream sitting in his driveway thanks to me! But, as you know, I’m a HUGE book nerd. And this book earns the No. 1 spot in my heart. It’s a tear-jerker, but possibly the most beautiful story I’ve ever read. Before I stumbled upon it five years ago, I would have told you To Kill a Mockingbird. Still a lifelong favorite of mine.

4) If I came to visit you in your town, where would we eat?

Oh friends, I live in the Midwest which is notorious for being the Land of Chain Restaurants. But I love to treat people to local eats and so there is a yummy Japanese place in town (Fusion), an awesome Indian restaurant (Sitara) and the best Thai I’ve ever had (Thai Smile), so it’d probably be one of those!

5) You have 500 dollars and 40 minutes to spend it at any store you want. Where do you go?

TARGET. I would say a book store but I’d probably hyperventilate. I have to take my time when it comes to perusing books! Then again, if I was being smart about it, I’d go to Design Within Reach and pick me up one of these, mid-century furniture nut that I am.

6) What blog do you read every day/the most often?

Since I just can’t quit my life-long love of Hollywood gossip, I’ll check in with my favorite celeb site, LaineyGossip. (Annddddd I think I just heard my IQ go kathunk on the floor).

7) What’s the longest you’ve ever been stuck at an airport?

Hmmmm…a few hours maybe? But the worst would have to be the 6 hours Nick and I were at the Indianapolis airport when we realized we weren’t going to make our international flight out of NYC because of plane problems. That FELT like 24 hours because it was such a hellish experience to have to go through. I’ve done a mental block on that day so bringing it up here just makes me shudder.

8) What’s your daily makeup/face/cleansing routine?

I’m SUCH a simple girl in this department. Probably too simple. It’s just whatever I have in the shower in the morning, then bronzer/blush and some Oil of Olay serum, then at night, I like to use a face wash and night cream (usually Oil of Olay for both).

9) Where is your farthest away friend?

One of my photo besties, Tina, in Philly is pretty far and I have a few girlfriends in SoCal who I love (and CANNOT WAIT TO SEE in a few weeks). The farthest would have to be my friend Emma, who lives in London. Nick and I got to meet her when we were there last summer. If you’re reading this Emma, cheers!

10) Where is your favorite place to go hiking (or to enjoy nature)?

Where my husband grew up — Brown County, Indiana. So many great memories of hiking with him there. It’s a magical place, can’t you tell?

Ten on Tuesday Topics from Roots and Rings

See more of Gail’s work at www.gailwernerphoto.com. Become a fan of Gail’s work on Facebook. Follow Gail on Twitter.

Is being friends with people who do!

The Midwest may be short on an ocean, but northern Indiana is lake country and I spent plenty summers of my youth celebrating weekends on the lake at either my grandmother’s campground or at the lake houses of high school classmates. It’s a blessing that, while we no longer live in the Fort Wayne area, we have friends who allow us to continue that streak!

On Sunday, Nick and I (along with Betsy and her cute family—hubby, John, son, Miles, and baby girl, Jocelyn) were the guests of Maya and Pat, who a) have darling sons, Zane and Jude and b) have family that owns a charming cottage on lake-front property outside of Warsaw.

There is nothing that says summer like the breeze coming off the water as you tool around with friends on a pontoon. It’s so relaxing and the fact I got to do it with my hubby and two sets of friends I don’t get to see NEARLY enough (not to mention love on their ADORABLE kiddos, all four of the munchkins!) was most definitely a highlight of the summer.

Maya and Pat, Nick and I thank you SO much! Hope we can make this an annual outing ’cause these kinds of weekends are the kind that make the best out of life :)

Out of office: July 21-24

Speaking of get-togethers, I will be taking a small break for the rest of the week from the photo biz to join Nick in getting together with his extended family for a “staycation” (it’s probably not cool to use that word anymore, right? Too 2008?) at his parents’ property in Brown County. I’ll return to email and editing on Monday! Until then — STAY COOL. I know we’ll be doing our best to!

See more of Gail’s work at www.gailwernerphoto.com. Become a fan of Gail’s work on Facebook. Follow Gail on Twitter.