One of my favorite sites right now is Basecamp.

I love it because I can be super strategic in plotting out how to maximize my business(es) but also invite other partner companies I work with to get inside my planning and collaborate with me! This is so powerful! And the fact that it’s web based (online) makes it accessible from anywhere.

What does it do? Good question.

It allows me to create different projects with to do lists attached. Then I can add dates on calendars (called milestones) and link my tasks to the dates which automatically syncs with my iCal. But, none of that is new. The power comes when I invite others to play with me!

We can brainstorm together (on things called whiteboards), chat it up in custom chat rooms that I invite exactly who I want in to what conversation … I can have one for virtual assistants, one for vendors, one for partners … even one for Fast Trackers (stay tuned!). I can also upload documents and files for me and others to work on. I can even track how long it takes for people I work with (including me) to get stuff done. It’s awesome.

The absolute best part though is now I can keep my comprehensive point-by-point workflow (which I’ll be giving free to my Fast Track Founders) constantly updated to make sure me and my friends never miss a detail, resulting in a total airtight program. It’s the complete organizational system for getting things done right the first time.

If you’re thinking about trying it, I’d recommend playing with the free version … or better yet sign up for the basic plan and type in the the code (”FREEUP”) and you get it for like $2 for the first month which is amazing and you can cancel anytime. It’s a sweet company too … they get it (i.e., how to give customers what they want without the hassles … I wish more companies would figure that out).

Try it and tell me what you think!

Keep it simple.
-Dane

When my friend Jen and her family asked me to shoot her wedding, I was so excited and a little nervous. She and her fiancée Aaron have been through so much in the last few years and I wanted to make sure I did a great job.

I’m convinced that it’s the engagement session that sets the stage for a great wedding day. If this session was any indication, we’re going to have a blast in May!

Jen and Aaron are genuine people who seem to want more than anything to have their day reflect who they actually are. There’s no interest in pretending. Because of this fact, my goal in shooting them was just to put them in settings where they could be themselves and see what came out. It was awesome to see their personalities emerge as the session went along.

Stealing a page from my friend Jessica when she shot our family, I couldn’t resist this set-up.

But, it was the nuanced moments that I just loved. Getting in close to see their affection in every expression.

Can’t you just see them growing old together?

The bling …

The beach …

At one point I asked them to take a risk and get a little animated. When they started running I didn’t know what was coming. Check out their kung fu!

Milkshakes to end the day and connect about their wedding …

It’s going to be amazing.

Keep it simple.
-Dane

Yesterday I mentioned that I got inspired by Me Ra’s Refuse to Say Cheese DVD and had a fun play date with my two youngest girls … Analise and Alaree.

It started with a familiar sight that won’t be like this forever. Little eyes peeking up over the bed. Alaree wanted to have some fun.

Lisi was ready to go …

… and it lit up her little sister!

We started by with a little dance party in the bedroom …

Then we took the party downstairs …

We got a chance blow bubbles …

… and draw …

… and go bonk …

… and discover new body parts …

… and play ball …

… and paint …

It’s messy business …

And worth every minute of it. I love my girls! Thanks Me Ra!!

Keep it simple.
-Dane

PS … I shot one of my all time favorite engagement shoots this afternoon that I’ll be sure to post about next week! I can’t wait to share with you guys.

This morning I had a chance to hang out with my two youngest girls for a few hours and while they were watching Curious George, I watched Me Ra Koh’s Refuse to Say Cheese.

I have to tell you guys (and Me Ra doesn’t know I’m doing this) that this is just an amazing resource … especially for parents wanting to shoot better images of their kids. It’s so much more than that!

Me Ra is so gifted at telling story through multiple mediums and the way she explains empowers the viewer. It’s amazing that despite shooting weddings all the time, I wasn’t nearly as intentional with my own kids. It totally inspired me!

I’ll put up some more pictures from our play date tomorrow but for now, go get Me Ra’s DVD. I promise you’ll want to thank me for it. Don’t do that though … thank Me Ra! It is just amazing.

Keep it simple.
-Dane