#fixedfocusframes | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

fixedfocuscharlie-blog · 5 years

Photo

When I met this family, I thought they were just a group of students who were really familiar with one another. At first glance, they didn't seem to belong together, but as I spent more time with them, I realized they were definitely a unit: they had an easy way with one another, stayed close together and included everyone in the events of the day. Though I (and others) didn't initially understand their dynamic, that didn't stop them from being who they were to each other as well as to anyone else who may have questioned them. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Thinking back to that day, I realize the importance of having a tribe. There is something empowering about being able to lean on those you know have your back just as you have theirs-no matter what others think. Not everyone falls into this category, and it's necessary to know who is who. Sometimes, your tribe doesn't include certain friends or family members, and that's ok. Keeping your circle filled with people who will listen, laugh, and cry with you, encourage and inspire you, hold you accountable, and support and love you is vital to your peace, health, and growth-no matter what area of your life you're focusing on. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ When was the last time you took stock of who you've let into your tribe? How do you feel about your circle? Is it time for a bit of "spring cleaning?" #instaphoto #photooftheday #photography #videography #dallasphotographer #dallasphotography #innercircle #fortworthphotography #dfwphotographer #dfwphotography #dallasvideographer #dallasvideo #tribe #dfwvideographer #eventphotography #eventphotographer #eventvideography #eventvideographer #lifestylephotography #lifestylephotographer #lifestylevideography #lifestylevideographer #travelingphotographer #travelingvideographer #ffp #fixedfocusproductions #fixedfocusframes #ffpphotos #ffpvideos #changeyournarrative https://www.instagram.com/p/BvUhGeFhc3s/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=kpqojbj3eadv

1 note · View note

fixedfocuscharlie-blog · 5 years

Photo

Perception - the ability to see or become aware of something through the senses. What do you see within yourself? What do others see within you? Rarely will those answers reflect one another. And that's ok. The most important answer is to this: Which of those perceptions do you identify with? Had a great shoot with an amazing client recently. Rosie and I drove around town, hitting different spots until we got the looks we were going for. She wanted others to see what she'd worked hard to become, and we kept at it until we were satisfied. Sometimes, that makes all the difference between what you see and what others see. Work your vision. "As you build it, they will come" along. #instaphoto #photooftheday #photography #videography #dallasphotographer #dallasphotography #headshot #grateful #dfwphotographer #dfwphotography #perception #clientappreciation #vision #story #eventphotography #eventphotographer #eventvideography #eventvideographer #lifestylephotography #lifestylephotographer #lifestylevideography #lifestylevideographer #travelingphotographer #fieldofdreams #ffp #fixedfocusproductions #fixedfocusframes #ffpphotos #ffpvideos #changeyournarrative https://www.instagram.com/p/B24aI1ApVQW/?igshid=wx5mlphzxdi7

0 notes

fixedfocuscharlie-blog · 5 years

Photo

I am so grateful that I get to work with people who not only have incredible stories, but they also have the courage to share them with others. I really enjoyed shooting with yet another client who is endeavoring to do just that, and I'm looking forward to seeing how she impacts everyone who will hear it! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #instaphoto #photooftheday #photography #videography #dallasphotographer #dallasphotography #headshot #grateful #dfwphotographer #dfwphotography #author #clientappreciation #courage #story #eventphotography #eventphotographer #eventvideography #eventvideographer #lifestylephotography #lifestylephotographer #lifestylevideography #lifestylevideographer #travelingphotographer #travelingvideographer #ffp #fixedfocusproductions #fixedfocusframes #ffpphotos #ffpvideos #changeyournarrative (at Austin, Texas) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx3TV5bprvU/?igshid=239hha4wgzq9

0 notes

fixedfocuscharlie-blog · 5 years

Photo

Some years back, someone I often argued with told me that "Some people are in your life for a reason, others are in your life for a season, and still others are for a lifetime." I didn't want to categorize people in that way, so I disagreed with him. As usual. I'm standing by myself in this photo-a one man crew prepping for a video shoot. But I'm not really alone. There IS a difference. I've met people who I thought were meant to be in my life as much as I was meant to be in theirs. Boy was I wrong. I believe we all have circles of relationships: inner, outer, and other. Some people move from one circle to another as seasons and circumstances change, but the circles are there. I've learned that only those who are truly strong enough to handle walking alongside me should be given access to my innermost circle. This is not a role that can be entrusted to anyone. It's a privilege to be shared mutually only with those who regard it as such. In this image, I'm standing by myself, firmly planted on my own two feet-and part of the reason I'm able to do so is the people who love and support and believe in me-the ones who know real strength and are able and equipped to stand alongside me. No matter what. Surround yourself with those who are worth sharing strength with. #instaphoto #photooftheday #photography #videography #dallasphotographer #dallasphotography #truth #standfirm #dfwphotographer #dfwphotography #dallasvideographer #strength #fortworthvideographer #dfwvideographer #eventphotography #eventphotographer #eventvideography #eventvideographer #lifestylephotography #lifestylephotographer #lifestylevideography #lifestylevideographer #relationships #circles #ffp #fixedfocusproductions #fixedfocusframes #ffpphotos #ffpvideos #changeyournarrative https://www.instagram.com/p/BxvDosxJqG1/?igshid=1fwiiu0rx3tjo

0 notes

fixedfocuscharlie-blog · 5 years

Photo

I was really proud to work with these amazing clients on a project about women who decided to respond to some of the most difficult circumstances they've faced in their lives with faith. It was one of the most candid, emotional, and inspirational shoots I've ever had the honor to be a part of, and I'm better as a result of it. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Taking the time to discover your purpose can make all the difference in moving you from doing what you must into loving what you do. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Check out the book series that preceded this video project: ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ https://www.amazon.com/Yes-God-Pamela-Benson-Owens/dp/1091802467/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1W6V6TWCO4I97&keywords=yes+god+volume+1&qid=1557920365&s=gateway&sprefix=yes+god%2Caps%2C183&sr=8-1 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #instaphoto #photooftheday #photography #videography #dallasphotographer #dallasphotography #purpose #faith #dfwphotographer #dfwphotography #dallasvideographer #passion #inspiration #dfwvideographer #eventphotography #eventphotographer #eventvideography #eventvideographer #lifestylephotography #lifestylephotographer #lifestylevideography #lifestylevideographer #travelingphotographer #travelingvideographer #yesgod #fixedfocusproductions #fixedfocusframes #ffpphotos #ffpvideos #changeyournarrative https://www.instagram.com/p/Bxe34cMpd-G/?igshid=1pfnunvp2i6i7

0 notes

fixedfocuscharlie-blog · 5 years

Photo

I was really proud to work with these amazing clients on a project about women who decided to respond to some of the most difficult circumstances they've faced in their lives with faith. It was one of the most candid, emotional, and inspirational shoots I've ever had the honor to be a part of, and I'm better as a result of it. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Taking the time to discover your purpose can make all the difference in taking you from doing what you must to loving what you do. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Check out the book series that preceded this video project: ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ https://www.amazon.com/Yes-God-Pamela-Benson-Owens/dp/1091802467/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1W6V6TWCO4I97&keywords=yes+god+volume+1&qid=1557920365&s=gateway&sprefix=yes+god%2Caps%2C183&sr=8-1 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #instaphoto #photooftheday #photography #videography #dallasphotographer #dallasphotography #purpose #faith #dfwphotographer #dfwphotography #dallasvideographer #passion #inspiration #dfwvideographer #eventphotography #eventphotographer #eventvideography #eventvideographer #lifestylephotography #lifestylephotographer #lifestylevideography #lifestylevideographer #travelingphotographer #travelingvideographer #yesgod #fixedfocusproductions #fixedfocusframes #ffpphotos #ffpvideos #changeyournarrative https://www.instagram.com/p/Bxe34cMpd-G/?igshid=4y3j9ve84kje

0 notes

fixedfocuscharlie-blog · 5 years

Photo

BTS of the shoot of my last post (with a cameo by Random Mail Truck). When I say it was cold, I mean it was cold! But we worked it out. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I love it when a shoot comes together! Looking forward to working a lot more this year! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ (I've got a Spring Forward Photography Special going for the month of April. Check the link in my bio for a great deal!) ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #instaphoto #photooftheday #photography #videography #dallasphotographer #dallasphotography #fortworthphotographer #fortworthphotography #dfwphotographer #dfwphotography #dallasvideographer #dallasvideo #fortworthvideographer #dfwvideographer #eventphotography #eventphotographer #eventvideography #eventvideographer #lifestylephotography #lifestylephotographer #lifestylevideography #lifestylevideographer #travelingphotographer #travelingvideographer #ffp #fixedfocusproductions #fixedfocusframes #ffpphotos #ffpvideos #changeyournarrative https://www.instagram.com/p/BvR22x9B-5D/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=visi9247pwcf

0 notes

fixedfocuscharlie-blog · 5 years

Photo

I did not want to take this photo. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Not at first, anyway. We were outside on a deceptively sunny winter day near a body of water that gave the wind a wonderfully icy touch that cut through what we were wearing like a hot knife through butter. I had gloves on, but my fingers were so numb I couldn't feel the camera I was holding. I was shadowboxing between poses and looks just to try and stay warm, haha. But my subject here was a trooper. She kept a bright smile on her face and joked even though she had to change clothes in the backseat of a car and had to patiently pose in sub 50°temps. Her "I'm game!" attitude encouraged me to keep shooting until we got the looks we wanted. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I'm glad we soldiered on, because everything turned out great! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Though conditions may not be ideal, keep fighting! You'll be rewarded in the end. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #instaphoto #photooftheday #photography #videography #dallasphotographer #dallasphotography #fortworthphotographer #windyweather #dfwphotographer #dfwphotography #dallasvideographer #dallasvideo #fortworthvideographer #dfwvideographer #eventphotography #eventphotographer #eventvideography #eventvideographer #lifestylephotography #lifestylephotographer #lifestylevideography #lifestylevideographer #travelingphotographer #travelingvideographer #ffp #fixedfocusproductions #fixedfocusframes #ffpphotos #ffpvideos #changeyournarrative (at McKinney, Texas) https://www.instagram.com/p/BvPj7wshdDD/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=17uu9jfllp6sn

0 notes

fixedfocuscharlie-blog · 5 years

Photo

I shot a fascinating couple on a beach in Florida not that long ago. They were both from Italy, both chefs, and both worked at Disneyworld. Shooting with them was fun, but hearing how they were living out a shared dream that had brought them from another part of the world was special. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ There is something magical and beautiful that happens when two people love one another beyond circumstance and sacrifice and move as one. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I was blessed to capture a bit of it in my brief time with them. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ [If you're interested in shooting with your special someone-whether romantic or family-I've got a special going for the rest of this month. Click the link in my bio to learn more!] ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #instaphoto #photooftheday #photography #videography #dallasphotographer #dallasphotography #valentine #valentinesday #dfwphotographer #dfwphotography #dallasvideographer #dallasvideo #liveyourdream #dfwvideographer #couplesphotography #couplesphotographer #familyphotographer #familyphotography #lifestylephotography #lifestylephotographer #lifestylevideography #lifestylevideographer #travelingphotographer #travelingvideographer #ffp #fixedfocusproductions #fixedfocusframes #ffpphotos #ffpvideos #changeyournarrative (at St. Pete Beach, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bty2CyChQ-a/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=r01qq9zumnud

0 notes

fixedfocuscharlie-blog · 5 years

Photo

Moved a lot during my childhood. I became comfortable bouncing around from place to place. But man was I a fish out of water at first-weird kid with big eyes like Kermit the frog, slope haircut, gap in my teeth, Girbaud shorts, and British Knights sneakers who rode a skateboard and listened to Soundgarden.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Needless to say, I struggled to fit in. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I wanted people to like me, so I started acting and dressing like whoever I was around. Became a chameleon. With each move we made, I assimilated to my surroundings. Over time, I lost myself. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Eventually, I realized the people I thought were my friends really weren't, because they didn't know the real me. But neither did I. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Spent a lot of time and energy struggling to rediscover who I was. But that wasn't nearly as difficult as learning to love who I saw emerging in the mirror. I'm well into my thirties, and it's an ongoing thing.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Prepping for a shoot here. It's become so apparent to me how important preparation is. Those years I spent losing and then finding myself again prepared me to be the person I am today and go into the world and affect change. Knowing what I do now, I'm actually grateful for it.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Whatever storm you've come out of, are in, or may go through-I hope you'll see the greater purpose of it: ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Shaping you into the greatest version of yourself you can be.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #instaphoto #photooftheday #photography #videography #dallasphotographer #dallasphotography #shaping #bestversion #dfwphotographer #dfwphotography #dallasvideographer #preparation #loveyourself #dfwvideographer #eventphotography #eventphotographer #eventvideography #eventvideographer #lifestylephotography #lifestylephotographer #lifestylevideography #lifestylevideographer #travelingphotographer #travelingvideographer #ffp #fixedfocusproductions #fixedfocusframes #ffpphotos #ffpvideos #changeyournarrative (at San Antonio, Texas) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bsn0VQSh8mn/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=p5zavfisv56x

0 notes

fixedfocuscharlie-blog · 5 years

Photo

One thing I love about videography is it affords me the opportunity to hear so many amazing stories. I get to be both subjective observer and objective reporter; helping people share their truths and nudging them to bare their souls. Storytelling is one of the oldest and most powerful ways to inform, inspire, and relate to others. It's been a dream of mine to do this, and I'm so grateful that I'm blessed to be able to pursue it. Here, I'm shooting with a force of a woman who's made it her mission to empower women wherever she goes. Her story plays like a movie, and it's an honor to be able to play my part in it. [Thanks @violencestopshere ] #instaphoto #photooftheday #photography #videography #dallasphotographer #dallasphotography #fortworthphotographer #fortworthphotography #dfwphotographer #dfwphotography #dallasvideographer #dallasvideo #fortworthvideographer #dfwvideographer #eventphotography #eventphotographer #eventvideography #eventvideographer #speaker #publicspeaking #yoga #yogi #lifestylephotography #lifestylephotographer #lifestylevideography #ffp #ffpvideos #fixedfocusframes #fixedfocusproductions #changeyournarrative (at Yoga Pod College Station) https://www.instagram.com/p/BsjnYI2hX-3/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1alolr2kuqjag

0 notes

fixedfocuscharlie-blog · 5 years

Photo

I used to cringe a little inside when I'd hear people say, "It's never too late to [insert really difficult endeavor here]." Seemed like just another quotable many of us say without having ever lived. Cynical, I know. But then I met this woman. After over 30 years of marriage, successfully raising two children, and retiring from her career, tragedy struck. The rug was yanked from beneath her feet. She found herself devastated and alone. But instead of seeing it as an ending, she saw an opportunity. After some soul searching, she revived a dream that had long been dormant within her heart. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ At 67 years of age, she launched her own business and is sharing her incredible story with people. It's amazing to see and hear her tell it; she's vibrant, funny, and just as fiery as that mane of hair she has. Corny as it may sound, she inspired me during our shoot. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ It's a new year and we're all here-just as much a part of the present as we are a part of living history. This is when people talk the most about what we can or are going to accomplish, change, or be. Let me throw my hat in right quick: ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ It's never too late to start over. 😉 #headshot #inspiration #inspiringwoman #business #businesswoman #nevertoolate #instaphoto #photooftheday #photography #videography #dallasphotographer #dallasphotography #dfwphotographer #dfwphotography #dfwvideographer #eventphotography #eventphotographer #eventvideographer #lifestylephotography #lifestylephotographer #lifestylevideography #lifestylevideographer #travelingphotographer #travelingvideographer #ffp #fixedfocusproductions #fixedfocusframes #ffpphotos #ffpvideos #changeyournarrative (at Dallas, Texas) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bsist0eBecN/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1qd262yf6kmz8

0 notes

fixedfocuscharlie-blog · 5 years

Photo

Doing some "lifestyle shooting" on a cool summer evening. I think there's something beautiful about seeing things as they naturally appear. So much of what we see (and what we show others) is manufactured to look a certain way. And that's cool. But in the hustle to dress up whatever we don't think others should see, we can lose out on experiencing real connection with someone who wants to come out from behind his or her shell. Whether in business, education, relationships, or even personal development, we won't find much success without that connection. Life has forced me to come from behind a lot of the masks I used to wear. I can't truly express how free it feels. You've got to experience it for yourself. Move from behind the veil. It's not so bad out there. #instaphoto #photooftheday #photography #videography #streetshot #streetshooter #ig_street #streetgrammer #streetlife #streetlight #urbanphotography #lifestylephotographer #lifestylephotography #lifestylevideographer #lifestylevideography #eventphotography #eventphotographer #eventvideography #eventvideographer #travelingphotographer #travelingvideographer #ffp #fixedfocusproductions #fixedfocusframes #ffpphotos #ffpvideos #changeyournarrative (at Ocean Beach Pier) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bsf_P3qhm68/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=11oicphb2kxbz

0 notes

fixedfocuscharlie-blog · 5 years

Photo

Was fortunate enough to shoot the cutest little family here. Love capturing moments like this! But I nearly missed the shot because I was so busy looking for "something." I'm glad I paused long enough to see what was right in front of me! Have you ever done that? I can't be the only person who's walked around with my keys in my pocket while looking...for my keys. I'd like to think that, anyway. How do we miss what's right in front of us? Call me crazy, but I think it's because we want the perfect moment. That killer shot. That IDEAL thing. Funny thing is, I didn't even know what I was looking for here. Not specifically. But when I saw this, I knew I had something better. In all things, try and slow down. Take the time to recognize the gifts that are right in front of you...or you could take the things for granted that actually make the most difference to you. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ What you're wanting and what you need rarely match. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Whichever is more important to you will tell you a lot about your perspective. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ...Now, where's my phone?😜 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #instaphoto #photooftheday #photography #videography #dallasphotographer #dallasphotography #fortworthphotographer #fortworthphotography #dfwphotographer #dfwphotography #dallasvideographer #dfwvideographer #familyphotography #familyphotographer #eventphotography #eventphotographer #eventvideography #eventvideographer #lifestylephotography #lifestylephotographer #lifestylevideography #lifestylevideographer #travelingphotographer #travelingvideographer #ffp #fixedfocusproductions #fixedfocusframes #ffpphotos #ffpvideos #changeyournarrative https://www.instagram.com/p/BsePuWmhpjt/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=bpwz6cqv2lq1

0 notes

fixedfocuscharlie-blog · 5 years

Photo

I met this young woman in a coffee shop on a scalding day in south Florida. I'd just blown a tire on the rental I was driving, so my mood was about as unpleasant as the heat. But when she walked in with her associates and I spoke with them, I found myself smiling. They all were full of life and joy and hope-and you could see it on their faces. During the shoot, her positivity lit up the room. Her smile was infectious. It was like she knew something that no one else did. I forgot about my rough morning. Afterward, I sipped my iced mocha and thought about what a great day I was having. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ The experience reminded me that what and who we are is a choice we make each moment of every day. And that choice affects those around us. We pen our own stories for the world to read. We determine our narratives. No person and no circumstance should ever speak louder than what is within you. If that has happened, it's time to #changeyournarrative⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Who is writing your story? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #instaphoto #photooftheday #photography #videography #dallasphotographer #dallasphotography #fortworthphotographer #fortworthphotography #dfwphotographer #dfwphotography #dallasvideographer #dallasvideo #fortworthvideographer #dfwvideographer #eventphotography #eventphotographer #eventvideography #eventvideographer #lifestylephotography #lifestylephotographer #lifestylevideography #lifestylevideographer #travelingphotographer #travelingvideographer #ffp #fixedfocusproductions #fixedfocusframes #ffpphotos #ffpvideos (at Tampa, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/BsdpyPmhbuV/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=17j823jpnolnz

0 notes

fixedfocuscharlie-blog · 5 years

Photo

I shot a fascinating couple on a beach in Florida not that long ago. They were both from Italy, both chefs, and both worked at Disneyworld. Shooting with them was fun, but hearing how they were living out a shared dream that had brought them from another part of the world was special. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ There is something magical and beautiful that happens when two people love one another beyond circumstance and sacrifice and move as one. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I was blessed to capture a bit of it in my brief time with them. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ [If you're interested in shooting with your special someone-whether romantic or family-I've got a special going for the rest of this month. Click the link in my bio to learn more!] ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #instaphoto #photooftheday #photography #videography #dallasphotographer #dallasphotography #fortworthphotographer #fortworthphotography #dfwphotographer #dfwphotography #dallasvideographer #dallasvideo #fortworthvideographer #dfwvideographer #couplesphotography #couplephotographer #familyphotographer #familyphotography #lifestylephotography #lifestylephotographer #lifestylevideography #lifestylevideographer #travelingphotographer #travelingvideographer #ffp #fixedfocusproductions #fixedfocusframes #ffpphotos #ffpvideos #changeyournarrative (at Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bty2CyChQ-a/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=g3hxfc4wq2ew

0 notes