Beauty of Blogging - Oklahoma photographer

So there I am sitting looking at my summer copy of Artful Blogging. Love that magazine, but haven't had a chance to really read much of this particular issue. I stumbled onto the Simply Hue section and thought, hey, that really sounds familiar, saw Vicki D's name and knew I had a connection somehow. Terrible how we get caught up in life and little things get buried in the abyss of our over-creative minds.
I had already put my computer into sleep mode and was about to head there myself when I saw the article. So I came back to my desk.
Sure enough, went to Simply Hue, then went to my etsy to find the original post/reply that started it all. Mine is the one at the bottom and what I sent Vicki. Her reply is after, so it's on top.

Hi Toni,

Thanks for your message. :) Your photography is beautiful! Would you mind if I posted a few of your photos next Friday?

~ Vicki
www.matissecolor.blogspot.com
12 June 2009 12:12am EDT

by photogypsy320 profile shop

I found you through your blog. I think it's yours. So far it looks quite lovely and interesting!
I hope to spend some time on it in the morning before I head off to work.
Toni
http://www.photographybytoni.blogspot.com
http://www.tonihopperphotography.com

Now about that! Someone who took the time to promote ME, my photos a year ago, finally has been published. Congratulations! That's so wonderful and I've made a point to be more dedicated not only to my blog, but to the blog of Simply Hue, plus other blogs. I'm kind of hit and miss mostly and I feel a bit guilty.
Be sure to go visit Simply Hue, visit the link to see what Vicki chose to feature on her blog a year again. Do enjoy!
http://matissecolor.blogspot.com/search?q=Toni+Hopper+Photography
Oh, and come back here to post a comment to share which of my photos over there delighted you!

Sunflowers and Exhibits, western style - Oklahoma photographer

I know, 'bad blogger'...but here's a bit of sunshine to brighten your day, or night, whatever the case might be from your desk. I promise to be back regularly but lately have been busy and also enjoying checking out lots of creative blogs and am inspired by it all.

So, this print like all the others in my new gallery at FAA can be bought as a greeting card.
Soon I will post a blog entry about my first upcoming solo exhibit. I'm so excited and if you happen to be in Duncan after the week of Sept. 13, be sure to stop by the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center to see it.

Looking for Wall Art?

Whether you want bold, dramatic, impact screech to a stop large wall gallery art,


Or something with a more softer approach, maybe to just frame for your desk or send as a greeting card, you might find that perfect piece of fine art photography in my new online gallery.

Now what I love about my new gallery is that it really puts the work I love right out there for collectors. You get to choose if you want a print, framed print, canvas gallery, one card or 10 card pack. It also gives you a small description including the dominant colors so you don't have to worry if it will fit in your decor. How lovely is that! If you ever buy a piece of my fine art photography, please come here and post. I'd love to know!

I Heart Faces and Shutter Sisters love!

I'm so excited right now. I just discovered that one of my flickr photos submitted to the Shutter Sisters One Word Project/I Heart Faces made it onto Shutter Sister's blog! It's one of those "ahhh moments" for me. I've long been a follower of Shutter Sister's and have also been following I Heart Faces in the past few months. To find a photo of my nephew and his son that I recently shot on there made me smile - again. That photo is probably one of my very most favorite all time shots. I think it just got bumped up another notch!
Here's the link: http://shuttersisters.com/onewordproject/2010/8/5/faces-by-t-stars.html

Updating, Editing, Preparing for a Show

I've been busy updating my shopping cart site over at smugmug. I realized there were just too many old images lingering there so I closed those off to the public and just left a few from this past year. I didn't add anything new, but I did do some price changing and deleted a few sizes. Now it should be more customer friendly, in navigation and pricing.
If someone wants something in a particular size, just ask me and I'll reset that image to reflect the request. Remember, many links are available here on the blog if you look down and to the right.

I'm also going to soon be going back to a smaller blog photo and incorporate more writing. While I know so many online tend to gravitate toward the larger images on their blogs, I'm wanting to not look like everyone else online either. Plus it's just another three steps in adding those large images.
I figure if someone really enjoys my work, they will buy a print and won't need to see the large format online.
On a side note to this entry: The image is of a piano that is at the Sprague House B&B in Crescent City, Florida. My mother was a musician and had her own studio. We grew up with numerous instruments, her love was the piano and the violin. Sadly, I never photographed those items, but I do have her mandolin and an old guitar. I'd been longing to photograph a piano, and this was it.
As for SmugMug, I've been a member there for years, Pro member. I love having SmugMug as I do my Website, but I'm seriously considering letting both go when they come up for renewal again. That's a few months down the road, so no hurry on that decision.
I'm actually thinking of getting a new website, but again, no hurry on the decision. Meanwhile, I'm busy getting images ready for my first solo exhibit which will be at The Chisholm Trail Heritage Center in September. So excited for that. It will be on display during the annual Western Spirit Celebration also and my prints and canvas work will be available for sale inside. You will also be able to just browse the show whenever the museum is open and I believe there isn't a charge unless you want to tour the entire place. They usually have free days during the annual celebration.
If you've been a long follower of my blog, you'll know about my book Riding The Chisholm Trail. This show will feature images from that book, which will be perfect as Christmas gifts for that special cowboy or cowgirl in your life.
Looking forward to hearing from you!