Cheb, Czech Republic

I know it's been a week since I've gotten back from Cheb, but I am still completely wiped out. This weekend is going to be a good time of R&R, and more celebrating of all that we're thankful for. :)

It was possibly one of the most challenging weeks I've had in my life, but has taught me a lot about myself, my faith, and who God is. Here's a slideshow and favorites showing small bits of our ministry and what we did during the week. I was very blessed to be part of the Cheb outreach team.

Snow Day Adventure!

Yesterday, I got back from one INTENSE week of outreach in Cheb, Czech Republic. I don't even know how to describe it other than with the word "intense." A lot of it I am still processing, so maybe I will write about it in later entries.

I am back in Germany now, and it's snowing!!!! I wanted to spend the weekend just resting and processing, but I couldn't help go out and take pictures and have fun in the snow. Being from Atlanta, I don't really get to have that much fun in the snow. haha I must say, though, the novelty is kinda running out... QUICK. After making snow angels and running around in the snow with sneakers, I have been soaking wet and freezing cold and on the verge of getting frostbite. lol It was a lot of fun, though, but I get the feeling that I will be staying indoors for the next month or so.

Favorite of the day!


Walking through a blizzard


The view at the tower, but not quite on top of it because the door was locked.


The trees look so interesting


Making snow angels! It was freezing cold afterwards, but totally worth it. Thanks Tammy for taking this picture. :)


If you want to see more, just facebook me. :) Icon is on the right.

Behind the Scenes: How I Became a Wedding Photographer

I'm finally updating my biography portion of my website. It's still a rough draft and may undergo a lot of changes later, but it's going to go up! lol I've been good with updating my blog, but so bad with my portfolio, I figure I needed to start somewhere.

www.estherjulee.com

I wanted to post a few pictures of myself along with the bio, but I realize I don't have my portable hard drive with all my past pictures on it, so here is just a new one of me. :) I'm not a huge fan of Mickey D's, but if you're deprived of American food for a while, you really start craving the craziest things. I was really excited to get my American food in Prague!!



I fell in LOVE with photography in high school. It was then that I got some money together and bought myself a film SLR, and I began taking pictures of anything and everything. I was completely fascinated with it. At that time, I never imagined I would become a wedding photographer. Like any kid who wanted to make her parents proud, I went off to college and pressed on thinking I was one day going to be a doctor. Boy, was I wrong.

After getting my bachelors in Chemistry and working in a research lab, I realized I could never have a profession I didn't enjoy. If I'm going to spend a good chunk of my life working, I needed to enjoy it!

I did freelance for a while for whenever someone asked me to do a portrait session or a wedding. When it came down to actually starting my own business, that was another story and was something I had no idea about. It was intimidating stepping into the unknown and completely overwhelming knowing that I had to take on a lot of other business responsibilities I had never expected. In hindsight, even though there were both highs and lows, I do not regret it one bit.

I love photography. Although, I love doing portraiture in general, there is something about relationships that I can't describe and that I absolutely love capturing. I love being a photographer and feel very blessed to live out my dream. God has been so good to me and has been showing me each new day how He wants me to use my gifts in His plans. It has been an crazy but amazing journey, to say the least, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Thank you for reading.

Love,
Esther

Helen

This is Helen. She wouldn't believe me, but she photographs beautifully when she's not always making ridiculous faces at me. I had snap these shots with a quickness. lol Yeah. I would probably say to describe Helen in a nutshell... one word... ridiculous. She always has these random things to say, laughs all the time at the most random things, and her laughter is contagious. That's what we love about her. On the other hand, she can have her more serious moments and I also somehow feel a great comfort in sharing some of my skeletons with her. The psychologist in her gets to analyze me. haha



She is always saying God has a sense of humor because He made her the way she is. I find that a beautiful thing. I'm sure God does, too. :)

Julia

This is Julia (Pronounced Yoo-la). She is from Hessen, Germany.





She is my wonderful German tutor. :) So far, I have learned basic expressions and colors. Still struggling with the u and o's with the double dots. lol :) But we will get there.