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DHS Senior Girls Tea 2013 | Allison Ragsdale Photography

Allison Ragsdale — Sat, 18 May 2013 17:41:14 +0000

I was asked to be the speaker for the DHS Senior Girl’s Tea 2013, which was held this past Monday, May 13, 2013. I wanted to share with you what I shared with all those beautiful girls. A HUGE thank you to my husband Matt, my sister, my mom, my grandmother, my intern, Lexi, a few moms of these senior girls (Renae Muller, Holly Wholcott, Sarah Wright), and my awesome friend, Joy, for all their help and advice! I couldn’t have done this without them! This is what I said:

Hi everyone; thank you so much for having me! I am so honored to be here! You all look beautiful!

I thought I’d start by being completely honest with you. When I first read the FB message, yes Kristin sent me a Facebook message, asking if I would be the speaker for Senior Tea, my initial reaction was “no way”. Not because I didn’t want to – because I did – I really did! But because public speaking is not by biggest strength – not by a long shot. Matt and I laughed for a few minutes, picturing me up here, trying to get through a speech. I considered bringing my camera (I’m a photographer, for those of you who don’t know), because I thought I’d feel safer if I held it up and spoke to you with it in front of my face. But I was so honored when I got this FB message from Kristin saying: “You are the perfect role model for the students, and I think they would LOVE hearing from you about how to be successful, smart, and beautiful all at the same time.” How could I say no to that? So, thank you for your patience with me while I try not to speak too fast and I try to remember to breath, so I don’t pass out up here.

As most of you know, I’m Allison Ragsdale. I own a photography studio here in Durango with my wonderful husband, Matt, and we keep very busy photographing weddings, babies, families, and the subject I am most passionate about and has over time become not only my niche in Durango but also my favorite creative pursuit: photographing senior portraits!

The inspiration I get from sessions with these lovely young ladies and gentlemen, such as the smiling faces of some of the girls in this room today, has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life! It is so exciting to now have the opportunity to share my story with you about how I ended up with such a super fun job.

I’ll tell you the story of my life up until today, with a few key pieces of advice I have for you, illustrated in this story. I’ve broken the short book of Allison into three chapters so get comfortable!

Chapter 1: I grew up in Bayfield and graduated high school in 2003, making this summer my 10-year reunion! How different I am from the girl I was when I graduated high school. (show my senior pic)

And the further I get from high school, the more appreciative I am of growing up in a small town. In high school, I couldn’t wait to move to the big city (actually I really wanted to move to Hawaii – I love

long walks on the beach ) I was one of those who knew exactly what I wanted to do with the rest of my life – I knew from my photography class my junior year in HS that I wanted to be a photographer. I actually had the honor of photographing my high school photography teacher’s daughter’s wedding this past summer! (show picture)

Chapter 2: so I headed up to Denver to earn my BA in Photography from the Art Institute of Colorado – which was an interesting place – I rode the elevator with a guy dressed as a skunk more than once and not on Halloween (being an art school, there were some interesting expressions of character). I got early acceptance and went straight through school – earning my degree in 3 years. My classes were year round and each four hours long; pretty intensive. But I believe in not taking shortcuts. If it’s not worth doing right, it’s not worth doing. I wanted to be the absolute best I could possibly be. My plans did change slightly, as originally I set out to be the next Ansel Adams, photographing landscapes with sheets of 4×5 black and white film. However, you have to get up really early so you can be ready to shoot at sunrise and you are completely at the mercy of nature. Then the switch to digital photography happened while I was in college and I took a portrait class – that’s all it took. I fell in love with photographing people.

Chapter 3: So, I started my full time photography portrait studio at 22 (with the awesome support and advice of my amazing husband, Matt, see pictures on our home page of this website) and 6 years into it, well, here I am, talking to you. Can I tell you a quick side story about Matt and I? Well, I had decided that I was ok not having a boyfriend, moving to a new place and starting college – and I think that’s how it always goes – that you find that someone when you stop looking. I applied for a job at Wolf Camera,, a camera store in Denver, so I could work in the industry and Matt was an assistant manager there. He had just made a five year plan before we met, that I wasn’t part of (and for those of you who know Matt, you understand), so we dated for 4 years, were engaged for 1 year, and this summer will have been married for 5 (show wedding picture)

It was terrifying, starting a business. There are so many unknowns. But it has also been such an incredible journey and I definitely couldn’t have done it without Matt’s support and motivation. I have done things I never dreamed of doing and have grown so much. The fact I’m up here talking to you, is a testament to who I’ve become. Being a business owner has been more hard work than I ever imagined but it has been more than worth it – it is so rewarding. Last year, I became a Certified Professional Photographer (one of less than 2000 nationwide). I had to pass a written exam and an image review, something many photographers never attempt, let alone pass on the first try Also, this past year our studio was one of 30 nationwide chosen to take 2 of our winning senior models to San Diego to model for a conference! I am one lucky lady; I get to do what I love for a living. I get to create art with my clients specifically for them and support my family doing it! And my dream doesn’t stop here – I can’t wait to see what the next 6 years have in store and where our business will be then!

The moral I want you to take from my story is: Dream the impossible. You don’t know the ceiling of your achievement.

I want to show you a short slideshow of some of my favorite portraits – I’m sure some of you are in this slideshow.

Honestly, I wouldn’t be where I am without the amazing advice, support, and mentorship I’ve received throughout my life. I’m really good at learning things the hard way. Instead of listening and learning, I feel the need to try it myself to learn what I’ve already been told. I wanted to share some of what I’ve been told and some of what I’ve learned through experience, with you in hopes that you won’t have to learn it the hard way.

Surround yourself with positive people who reflect the person you want to be. Choose friends who you are proud to know, people you admire, people who love and respect you.

Family has always been incredibly important to me and such a big part of who I am – and are those positive people I choose to surround myself with. I wanted to mention that the advice I have for you today is from the incredible women in my life, but there are a lot of awesome men in my life as well. For example, my dad, is my hero. And you can see from my life story that I think my husband is pretty cool. So, I have advice from my younger sister, my mother, and my grandmother, to share with this roomful of eager, beautiful women who are about to step into one of the most thrilling chapters of their lives.

My sister, Emily, (show picture)

is 3 years younger than me and I am so impressed with her. She moved to Denver right out of high school and at the beginning of a new relationship. 7 years later, at only 25 years old, she has her doctorate in psychology and has maintained that long distance relationship! She sent me this for you:

“Fight for what you love is my advice. Whatever it is, a career or relationship it doesn’t matter. I fought for almost seven years for a career and education in psychology as well as the best man I have ever known and every step was worth it in the end. Times will get rough and the easiest thing to do is quit but keep fighting.”

My mom, Johnie, (show picture)

and I have been so blessed to have always had a great relationship. She is one of my closest friends and my biggest fan. She wanted me to tell you all this:

“I want to encourage you today to be brave and don t be afraid to make choices. Some will end up being mistakes. But some will end up being successes. All of them will definitely become the fabric of the woman you will become. Also to encourage you, I want to remind you of three f words. 1. Family: you didn t get here without them and you won t get there without them either. Stay connected. 2. Friends: you get to chose who they are-choose wisely. Be a good one. 3. Faith: at some point in your life you will need to believe in something bigger than yourself. I call Him God. Perhaps you do, too. Oh yeah, I almost forgot: look both ways before crossing the street, wear your helmet and don t forget the sunscreen!!!”

My grandmother, Joanne (show picture)

is adorable and hilarious. She’s also probably my second biggest fan. It was so fun for me to be able to call her and ask for her advice for you. This is what she said:

“I am Allison’s grandmother and right there, I will tell you I am blessed. I have been down the road you are embarking upon and with all it’s ups and downs, it really is a wonderful journey. You’ve heard so many sayings already, like “hard work won’t kill you” and I say, guess what, it might save your life. You can do anything you set your mind too (another saying you’ve heard a lot) – and that is also true. So, believe in yourself. Love your family for they are the ones who will love and support you all your life. Live a life of gratitude. We are all blessed. Learn to forgive. And I ask you to pray for America and that is really important. Our America is so different than what I have lived through and we don’t know what’s going to happen in years to come.

I also have a few bits of advice from a few of your mothers, as that seemed more than fitting.

Faith Is…

When you come to the edge and are about to step off into the unknown,

Faith is knowing one of two things will happen:

There will be something solid to stand on, or you will be taught how to fly. -Anonymous

And here are 10 things you should know before moving out of your parent(s) home:

1. How to sew on a button

2. Iron a shirt

3. Write a thank-you note (and do it)

4. Sort and wash laundry

5. Parallel park

6. Make a grilled cheese sandwich

7. Balance a check book

8. Cover nail holes

9. Check the oil in your car

10. Make a nice dinner, probably sooner than later you will want to impress someone you like. Spaghetti is super easy!

And here are a few quotes you’ve heard, but remain true no matter how many times you’ve heard them:

“We make plans in life and God laughs”

“If no one is talking about you, you’re not doing anything, Bad or Good” OR “well-behaved women rarely make history!”

“What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger”

Enjoy this time of your life – these next years are the best – you can do anything!!

I also thought it would be cool to hear from someone who just graduated last year and has just finished her first year of college. Lexi Whalen (show picture),

who has been interning with us for about a year now, has this to say:

“Two things learned from my first year in college:

1. Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself, tell your roommates when they are being loud or messy. It will make your living situation much better in the end.

2. Find a passion, no matter how big or small. Your happiness will help you flourish.”

Such wisdom from these amazing women in my life!

I read A LOT – I love to read. I read mostly fiction, but every once in a while, Matt convinces me to read business books and often those books have awesome life advice, in addition to business advice. I think if you can run your business like you live your life, you can be successful. So, I suggest you all subscribe to and read Seth Godin’s blog. He is an Author, entrepreneur, public speaker (and in my opinion, a genius) His words of wisdom he stared with some graduating students of his, and something I want you to take to heart, were these:

“Go, make something happen”

One of my favorite quotes from another business book I’m reading right now and that I really want you to remember, is this:

“People who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the only ones who do.”

The last thing I have to say, is this:

“Life is like a camera, just focus on what’s important and capture the good times, develop from the negatives and if things don’t work out, just take another shot.” ~unknown

Thank you so much!

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Sarah’s Senior Model Session | Drama Themed Senior Pictures

Allison Ragsdale — Thu, 16 May 2013 16:33:20 +0000

Sarah has beautiful blue eyes, a gorgeous smile, and a personality to match. She was a blast to work with, as was her sister Emily (who modeled for us last year, for the Class of 2012). We did a morning model session, something that happens much less often than afternoon sessions (especially on a saturday), so I love the different looks and locations we got to use. Sarah is very involved in theater at DHS and so we wanted a drama themed senior pictures session, including a “stage mirror” and studio head shots. Hope you love!

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Mikayla’s Candy Store Senior Model Pictures

Allison Ragsdale — Sat, 11 May 2013 00:00:47 +0000

Mikayla is one of our Durango High School Class of 2014 Senior Models. She has such a bright, fun, sweet personality – which matched the candy store backdrop perfectly. We had a beautiful spring day for her session, which have been few and far between this year; (see Bella’s senior session for snow pictures and Haley’s senior model session for “muddy rain” pictures) – all the same week as Mikayla’s! Spring weather in Colorado is crazy. Hope you love!

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Durango Photography Portrait Studio in the Durango Herald

Allison Ragsdale — Thu, 09 May 2013 19:16:52 +0000

We were honored to contribute to this article in The Durango Herald on women entrepreneurs! Check it out on their site here. Or, read it here, as I’ve copied and pasted it all

Business shows its feminine side

Entrepreneurs have help, but obstacles remain to be overcome

By Jordyn Dahl Herald staff writer

Jill Badalati, above, the new owner of Silk Sparrow, has remodeled the front window areas to make better use of displays. A Durango group, Women’s Idea Exchange, meets about once a month to discuss business issues, and the group’s leader, Bethany Niccum, says support is out there for women looking to open a small business.

Jill Badalati has managed retail stores for more than 10 years, but, this year, she decided to venture into the world of entrepreneurship.

Badalati bought Silk Sparrow, a women’s boutique on Main Avenue, earlier this year and says her first three weeks of business have been smooth.

She decided to keep the name because of the store’s popularity, but she remodeled the store to make better use of the window displays and brought in new clothing lines.

Badalati is just one of Durango’s woman small-business owners, and if a recent study is any indication, the city will be seeing more as the economy emerges from the recession.

Small-business entrepreneurship increased 60 percent from 2010 to 2011 with about 29 million people starting or running a new business in 2011, according to a Global Entrepreneurship Monitor study. For every 10 men, there are eight women who start a business, the study said.

Other countries still outnumber the United States when it comes to female entrepreneurship, though, including Switzerland and Singapore. Women are more pessimistic about available entrepreneurial opportunities and have a greater fear of failure, the study said.

But locals say there never has been a better time for a woman to start a business in Durango.

“There’s such great support that women feel like they’re not alone,” said Bethany Niccum, co-owner of Thrive Chiropractic Studio. “There are so many opportunities. You don’t have to be scared anymore.”

Niccum runs the Women’s Idea Exchange, a group of professional women that meets once a month. Attendees network and ask for feedback on everything from how to run a Facebook page to what customers would like to see more of in a store.

“Every time we meet, you leave with a greater sense of hope that the work you are doing is good work and you are on the right path,” said Allison Ragsdale in an email to The Durango Herald.

Ragsdale started her photography business six years ago, and has been attending the Women’s Idea Exchange since it’s inception five years ago.

She now takes photos of everyday events such as get-togethers with friends and family rather than just weddings, graduations and other special events after getting feedback from the group.

However, despite better networking and support structures, starting a business remains a difficult proposition.

Women frequently lack the financial support to get their feet off the ground, said Enid Brodsky, a small-business adviser with the Small Business Development Center.

“Most don’t have the money to start a business or come in believing they will get a grant or loan,” she said. “No one is going to invest in something unless you have an excellent business plan and excellent research done to prove the business will work.”

It’s more than just a lack of loans holding women back, she said. Many are divorced or don’t have a partner in a position to support them.

It takes two to three years before a business will start making money, Brodsky said, so owners need to have money saved or have another financial support system to get them through the process.

jdahl@durangoherald.com

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Seniors Ignite Studio | Durango to San Diego

Allison Ragsdale — Wed, 08 May 2013 17:41:18 +0000

Allison Ragsdale Photography is the original (FIRST) Durango Seniors Ignite Portrait studio and we had TWO winners last year! You can see their images here from the original blog post. We also wanted to share a few of our favorites of some of the other awesome models we had the honor of photographing, while in San Diego. Hope you love!

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Animas High School Prom Portraits | Masquerade Ball

Allison Ragsdale — Fri, 03 May 2013 17:57:13 +0000

Click to view and order AHS Prom Portraits

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Briana’s Model Session | Spring in Durango, Colorado

Allison Ragsdale — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 21:01:30 +0000

Briana is stunning and gorgeous and so much fun to photograph. She wants to be a model, so her Allison Ragsdale Photography Class of 2014 Model Session was a blast! Hair Fusion did an incredible job with her beautiful blonde curls and her pretty green eyes. I loved all of her outfits too! I want to share every single one of her images, so check back for more. These are our most favorite – hope you love!

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Lamphouse Durango’s Photo Booth

Allison Ragsdale — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 16:38:25 +0000

When you book your wedding with Allison Ragsdale Photography you will receive a $100 discount with LampHouse Photo Booths. They are by far the best photo booth in Durango. The reason is that the equipment they use is as nice as the equipment we use in our studio. Professional Equipment gets you professional results. The pictures are amazing and we are proud to say we work with theses guys. See there website for details www.lamphousephotobooth.com

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Bella’s Prom Model Session Class of 2014

Allison Ragsdale — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 00:08:58 +0000

Bella’s model session was great. I knew it would be because I had worked with her older brother, Peter, for his senior pictures – and his was great too. It was also her prom trial session – two birds with one stone; as they say. Her prom dress was beautiful – loved the layers and the color. I actually loved all of her clothes. I thought her “business casual” yellow dress and white blazer were just adorable and looked perfect against the blue-green of the river. Thanks for being so much fun to work with and photograph Bella!

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Sheila’s Durango High School Senior Model Pictures

Allison Ragsdale — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 01:52:28 +0000

Sheila’s session was awesome. Her hair and make up turned out beautifully, per usual, thanks to Hair Fusion. It was a very windy day, which made working with the blue balloons I wanted to use, a bit of a challenge. Sheila was up to it though and I love what we got. Her gorgeous blue eyes were incredible to photograph and I loved her mom’s “vintage” cheerleading uniform she wore with our new red backdrop in the studio. Hope you love!

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