Heather McKay Bowes

water turns to snow...

2010-11-05T09:01:00.000-07:00

so as I wait for the snow to fall I find some summer film to {love}.

old school film and plastic camera

vaseline...

2010-11-03T13:43:00.000-07:00

vaseline smeared on a very sharp lens...

because sometimes

the lines are

blurred

Not quite what I was looking for, will be experimenting more with this and some pantyhose.

back east in October...

2010-11-02T20:19:00.000-07:00

Oh how I adore this family!

Portraits in the Snow

2010-11-01T10:19:00.000-07:00

Portraits of

Skiers, Boarders, Families, Children, Pets, Lovers, You.

only requirement:

LOVE the White Stuff

Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!

Starting today I am beginning a fantastic offer on something a little different. No more beach shoots for me, no more marinas and docks, no more hiding under the big shade tree to get out of the

blazing hot sun.

I am ready to play in the SNOW!

{and hoping you are too!}

so, to entice you to pull out your winter's wardrobe {or go without brrr..} and have a frolicking good time in the

GREATEST SNOW ON EARTH

while I make you some beautiful portraits...

From today until the first chairlift opens in Park City

(PMCR, The Canyons, Deer Valley)

I am offering a free photo shoot when you purchase a voucher for $125.

The vouchers are good for custom print enlargements from your photo shoot.

You will have a 7 day online gallery to share and purchase additional prints.

You don't have to be a skier, or board. We can simply shoot in your backyard - let's at least build a snowman!

These vouchers will be good until the last chair lift closes in 2011.

BUY THEM AS GIFTS!

With purchase you will be sent a nice card with details, pretty so that you won't even have to wrap it up!

If you are having family or friends visiting this winter how nice to let them leave with a beautiful portrait to remember their holiday.

Gift one to your spouse, your shredding teenager (who would love to have a sweet shot of them tearing it up on the slopes), your employee, your best friend, teacher, a nanny or housekeeper who may not have ever had a professional family portrait made.

or gift one to yourself.

I will ski at PCMR, that is where I have my pass. If you would like your photo shoot at DV or the Canyons or another mountain I will need to have you cover my pass expense.

If we are hiking (with skis/boards) or just on foot- I might need to charge additional fee depending on time. same if we are heading out of PC area.

Vouchers expire with last day of resorts open to public.

for more information call

443.254.5729

or email

office@heathermckaybowes.com

early light...

2010-10-29T21:00:00.000-07:00

first snow...

2010-10-25T22:25:00.000-07:00

october 25, 2010

the younger sister...

2010-10-25T21:01:00.000-07:00

beautiful momma and daughter...

2010-10-25T12:49:00.000-07:00

It's when you photograph families and children year after year that you realize how quickly time goes by and babies grow up to be toddlers and big kids, and how their little quirks and giggles change too. The other week I was photographing a family for the 5th year in a row and they brought up the fact that they hope I will be photographing their children's weddings! Crazy, but possible.

This beautiful momma and daughter have been photographed for almost four years. As I looked back into blog posts to find a maternity image of this amazing woman I was quite taken back by how many children and families I have documented memories for. Creating photographs making time stand still for just a moment.

LOVE.

some randomness from a photo shoot: October in Maryland

and I went digging through old files to find this

t; n

sharing as I work...

2010-10-22T20:57:00.000-07:00

these are the ones which keep me shooting.

Just started going through this session from my trip back east.

I like to edit backwards, from the end to the beginning. This was just before we all expired.

"subtle glimpses of magic"...

2010-10-21T08:01:00.000-07:00

Mickey Smith: photographer

amazing.

his words, each one.

his vision, brilliant.

{do yourself a favor}

listen and watch.

dark side of the lens

taking pictures...

2010-10-16T07:20:00.000-07:00

"And that desire--the strong desire to take pictures--is important.

It borders on a need, based on a habit: the habit of seeing.

Whether working or not, photographers are looking, seeing,

and thinking about what they see, a habit that is both a pleasure and a problem,

for we seldom capture in a single photograph

the full expression of what we see and feel.

It is the hope that we might express ourselves fully

--and the evidence that other photographers have done so--

that keep us taking pictures." ~sam abell

2010-10-13T20:18:00.000-07:00

a little longer...

2010-10-13T14:01:00.000-07:00

she has been asking for a haircut. "really short, like up to here" pointing to the nape of her neck.

she explained this to the hairdresser. I quietly shook my head no and whispered "not above the shoulder."

it was good i did. after the first two locks of hair fell to the ground the hairdresser showed Maggie in the mirror and asked if that was good. Maggie said in a little little voice-

"no, a little longer please"

this is what it was just the day before.

today she asked me to make one long braid.

I managed a short french braid and lots of clips.

chaperone...

2010-10-05T19:20:00.000-07:00

"any adult present in order to maintain order or propriety at an activity of young people, ..."

but mostly present to tactfully answer all the questions about the largeness of the farm animals boy parts

why can't they just face the bulls the other way?

2nd grade field trip to Utah State Fair

Lizzie...

2010-10-04T19:13:00.000-07:00

Holga 400TX

I dream a lot. I do more painting when I'm not painting. It's in the subconscious.

Andrew Wyeth

sunlight laces...

2010-09-27T19:53:00.000-07:00

A Blessing For The Woods

Before I leave, almost without noticing,
before I cross the road and head toward
what I have intentionally postponed—

Let me stop to say a blessing for these woods:
for crows barking and squirrels scampering,
for trees and fungus and multi-colored leaves

for the way sunlight laces with shadows
through each branch and leaf of tree,
for these paths that take me in,
for these paths that lead me out.

Michael S Glaser

another hike: Sundance

Odd as the last couple of weeks I have struggled with this uneasy feeling of a desperate need to photograph the fall colors as they exploded here in Park City. I didn't really feel it as a longing, but rather a nagging "must do". A must to photograph this completely incredible scene unfolding right before my eyes. But, honestly, for me, making photographs of landscapes is well, sort of a waste of time. I see, I gasp, I love...then i photograph it and am nothing but disappointed. It's nothing like i "saw", like I remembered, like I want to share.

But, I do it. I do it because it forces me to see in ways I might not have seen it before. It forces me to compose and study and understand. It causes me to see this world, this world for an instant absent of people and ideas and wants and needs. It helps me see this world as it is. And most importantly it helps me see how I should gently be a part of it, and teach my children to respect it and love it and honer it for all it has to offer.

Autumn, Time for renewal, for change, for getting rid of the burden's which you have with time accepted. This time is for preparing oneself for the challenge, the often unpleasantly accurate and stark truth of winter. Go forward with courage and belief in yourself and all that you wish to become.

XO.

feels good...

2010-09-23T21:39:00.000-07:00

"because it just feeeeeels sooo good" she said as she sat on that skateboard, zooming past me, long wavy hair flying in the breeze, bare feet stuck up in the air, shirt left on the ground in a crumpled pile at the very top of the hill...

I had hollered out to this fantastic gleeful 4 year old girl as she flew past me squealing in delight..."hey you! where did your shirt go?!"

She hollered right back at me... " I took it OFF cause IT FEELS SO GOOD!" and zoomed right past giggling and smiling just like i wish I remembered.

Do you remember that?

That feeling? That amazing feeling like nothing could ever pull you down from on top of the world?

I think I do. I think I come close here and there.

Like maybe the other day after a what seemed like a never ending dust sucking, body burning, almost blurry 45 minute climb to the top of a mountain. I reached the top, vowing NEVER to do it again. Took some water, admired the view, and then turned back around.

I let my wheels go, I kept off my brakes, I felt the wind and the air and the sky right through me. It was like I could do anything, anything. Like I was whole and complete and strong like the earth and ground and rocks and trees.

It felt so good.

And then I returned home and cleaned myself up. And had a chocolate milk, and emptied the dish washer and folded the clothes and mopped the floor.

I sat down at my computer to think again how I could earn some clients in this new town, this new place. I googled {child and family} photographer in Park City. I saw lots of web pages, lots of great work, lots of mediocre work. I saw prices that made me a little sick...like how could ever afford to "work" charging that?

I booked 2 more clients for my trip back to Maryland...those wonderful word of mouth clients who know me or have heard of me or have seen my work and choose me.

I made 2 dentist appts, I got my kids medical records transferred, I confirmed the meetings for the next week...PTA and went to the art room at school to understand how to go about leading this committee.
Then responded about the community service event at my daughters preschool.

I thought about mixing some chemicals for those 9 rolls of personal film eager to be developed.

I returned a few more emails.

I washed and vacuumed the car.

I put away barbie dolls.

And then I tried to remember that feeling. I tried to remember, I tried hard.
But there was nothing I was proud of, nothing right then, nothing I could share. Nothing really accomplished.

I picked up kids from school. They laughed, I laughed. Then they fought. and she cried.
and I wanted to cry.

But I didn't.

We ate, and made cookies, and did homework, and baths took.
Stories and snuggles and kisses goodnight.
and more laundry, and dishes, and lunches packed.

And I tried to remember. I tried hard.

and I realized that I think this might just be the root of my obsession. My annoying need to capture childhood on film, in moments, undeniably never lasting.

images that say and show it and mean it just as she did.

"because it just feels so good."

I wish I had a photograph made of that moment. Something visual to share. It was just like a jolt to my senses, something I think I might have been slowly and unknowingly letting go. Thank you brave and beautiful shirtless 4 year old. May you remember that feeling forever.

XO

Annapolis in October

2010-09-20T13:10:00.000-07:00

{UPDATE}
I have one sitting for Saturday which opened up
@2:30
call me if you would like to reserve it!

Fall Sessions in Annapolis

October 8,9,10

there are a few sittings still available on Saturday, different options including mini holiday card sitting as well as the full documentary family sessions.

Please call or email for pricing and times available

443.254.5729

office@heathermckaybowes.com

glimpse...

2010-09-20T12:20:00.000-07:00

Glimpse:

to SHINE or APPEAR faintly

just a tree...

2010-09-19T19:58:00.000-07:00

"No shade tree?

Blame not the sun,
but yourself.

Chinese Proverb

ruffle...

2010-09-18T15:28:00.001-07:00

2010-09-12T09:30:00.000-07:00

I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in. ~John Muir

into and above...

2010-09-08T19:24:00.000-07:00

"May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. May your rivers flow without end, meandering through pastoral valleys tinkling with bells, past temples and castles and poets towers into a dark primeval forest where tigers belch and monkeys howl, through miasmal and mysterious swamps and down into a desert of red rock, blue mesas, domes and pinnacles and grottos of endless stone, and down again into a deep vast ancient unknown chasm where bars of sunlight blaze on profiled cliffs, where deer walk across the white sand beaches, where storms come and go as lightning clangs upon the high crags, where something strange and more beautiful and more full of wonder than your deepest dreams waits for you -- beyond that next turning of the canyon walls."

Edward Abbey

holga

an idea...

2010-09-02T09:57:00.000-07:00

she had her first soccer "real" soccer game

that foot scored 2 goals

she realized she had nothing to fear

on the field

and she let go of momma's hand

and ran and played

"like a big girl"

"like her big brother"

and then when it was over

and returned home

she found a piece of bark

which when pressed hard against the concrete

would leave a mark

and traced that foot

that leg

which seemed stronger and different than before

Rolleicord- HP5

"Drawing is putting a line around an idea."

Henri Matisse

Sundance...

2010-08-31T10:48:00.000-07:00

This place in the mountains, amid nature's casualness toward death and birth, is the perfect host for the inspiration of ideas: harsh at times, life threatening in its winters of destruction, but tender in attention to the details of every petal of every wildflower resurrected in the spring. Nature and creativity obey the same laws,

to the same end: life.

- Robert Redford

Holga-HP5/ microphen

XO.

2010-08-29T20:55:00.000-07:00

river's verge...

2010-08-24T20:04:00.000-07:00

Here, on the river's verge, I could be busy for months without changing my place, simply leaning a little more to right or left. paul cezanne

holga: sundance Utah

boy...

2010-08-24T15:15:00.000-07:00

There comes a time in every rightly constructed boy's life that he has a raging desire to go somewhere and dig for hidden treasure. Mark Twain

holga

mountain top polaroid...

2010-08-20T12:40:00.000-07:00

double exposure

practice seeing...

2010-08-19T20:31:00.000-07:00

‎

"My desire for knowledge is intermittent;

but my desire to commune with the spirit of the universe, to be intoxicated with the fumes, call it, of that divine nectar, to bear my head through atmospheres and over heights unknown to my feet, is perennial and constant." Henry David Thoreau

My photographs are made by feeling and sound and love and emotion. I see it blurred and confused, I see it clear and strong.

I make it as it is, sometimes to make it last forever, sometimes to help me see it better.

So often I have people asking what camera, what lens, what speed, light.... Learn the basics and then FORGET it. Stop trying to be someone else, stop trying to keep up with the latest gear and editing tricks. See it, feel it, hear it.

become intoxicated by what surrounds you

connect with what you see

and when and if it all comes together-

make a photograph.

practice seeing

be bold...

2010-08-16T21:59:00.000-07:00

Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.

Begin it now.

Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

peter hayes...

2010-08-15T18:19:00.000-07:00

random.

Love this Band.

love the on stage and off.

off-as kind and humble as one could be

and on-

hmmm. ;-).

Have a look and listen.

Recorded by George Vale-toronto

nice.

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club.

along the way...

2010-08-03T22:33:00.000-07:00

color film

Bessa

out the window

along the way

sometimes the light leaks in...

2010-08-02T08:23:00.000-07:00

Ring the bells that still can ring

Forget your perfect offering.

There is a crack in everything,

That's how the light gets in.

~Leonard Cohen

buying some more electrical tape today :-)

a reminder

2010-07-27T20:50:00.000-07:00

to myself that they do sometimes get along...

yes, they do.

probably HP5- {too tired to check}

rangefinder {bessa) with 50mm

after the storm...

2010-07-22T06:46:00.000-07:00

the sun breaks through

and the grasses are happy

holga sweetness

2010-07-19T10:42:00.000-07:00

found from last year...

{finding lots of little treasures as I unpack boxes from the move... now if I could only find my passport and ss card to get my new drivers license} grrrr.

so needed a little break from printing out online forms and being stuck on hold on the tele.

before the move...

2010-07-13T18:07:00.000-07:00

great buddies, missing teeth and my Hp5, ancient Nikon F5 and a bargain $65 lens...

these above photos were taken about a week before we moved. celebrating with a little pool fun, ice cream cake, lots of giggles followed by a downpour of much needed rain. both our family and another were just days away from leaving the community. a place filled with unforgettable memories, wonderful people and enough good times to fill a lifetime. we will most certainly be holding these friends and memories close to heart and plan many many gatherings as time moves on.

and this was a single image left on the roll from the neighborhood Strawberry Festival and bike parade!

kitten cuddly love...

2010-07-06T16:16:00.000-07:00

brothers...

2010-07-06T06:16:00.000-07:00

or maybe I should say {{trouble}}
Loved meeting these boys and their mom!

have a wonderful...

2010-07-03T15:23:00.000-07:00

Fourth of July!

i don't have a photo to post with a fourth of July theme...

I will in about a week :-)

but then the fun and celebration and pride might have faded from the hearts and minds of all who benefit.

Maybe we all can try and carry this glory just a little longer.

Have a Glorious Day

Many many thanks to all those who serve,

have served, training to serve and everyone who supported them along the way.

O! say can you see by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming,
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there;
O! say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines in the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner, O! long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion,
A home and a country should leave us no more!
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

O! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

moon shine...

2010-07-01T19:08:00.000-07:00

Dirk

have a listen here

mama and son...

2010-07-01T12:36:00.000-07:00

doggies...

2010-06-30T19:01:00.000-07:00

momma and son...

2010-06-29T18:50:00.000-07:00

moth

2010-06-29T17:54:00.000-07:00

in Boothbay Harbor Maine...

2010-06-08T07:33:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to share that I will have some limited session availability in Maine this July. If you or someone you know is in the Boothbay Harbor or surrounding area and would like to book a family or childhood session please call or email. {443.254.5729}

Nothing quite as beautiful as the Maine coast in July, I just love shooting there.

Available dates:

July 2nd through the 7th.

July 11th in the early evening, 12, 13th.

Hope to see you!

ballerina...

2010-06-07T07:23:00.000-07:00

This is my 4 year old. She is warming up for her first recital ;-). She takes things like this very seriously. Who knows, she might just follow in the footsteps of her Oma, who once graced Radio City Music Hall as a eye high leg kicking Rockette.

Obviously that talent skipped a generation.

a reshoot...

2010-06-03T18:19:00.000-07:00

it rarely happens but I do have a reshoot tomorrow early morning...

this little boy has a baby sister who just wasn't up for being photographed the day we planned on. Not yet... but tomorrow I aim to find her charm.

He surely makes me giggle!

Looking forward to sharing what I make.

get your Snapper Rock on....

2010-06-02T06:11:00.000-07:00

It's time!

Time for the annual Snapper Rock catalog shoots, it means summer is almost here and it is time to get outside and enjoy the water while keeping your little ones happy and healthy.

SNAPPER ROCK

Designed in New Zealand, with the help of a sailing design team, the popularity of Snapper Rock’s kid-centric water wear, now extends from the Southern Ocean to the US shores. Snapper Rock includes a sun protection range of UPF 50+ rash tops, one piece sun suits, water shorts, boardies and hats. Our heat retention range is made of ultra lightweight titanium neoprene.

We use the latest fabric technologies and design innovations to bring you gear that not only looks hot, but protects children on and off the water. Which means a lot more water time for kids, and a lot less worry time for parents.

another year...

2010-06-01T11:00:00.000-07:00

I love photographing this family, they have asked me for a number of years now. This spring they actually (gasp) considered not hiring me (anyone :-).) for an annual shoot. Like many other families custom photography gets costly, an investment which could perhaps be used elsewhere. It wouldn't be missed, right? Well, that is entirely up to you.

For me though, I am so thrilled it happened. And after 2 reschedules due to weather, we took a chance on yet another Friday eve with possible thunderstorms. Here are some of the 35 or so photographs from that evening.

Thank you to all the families who routinely make the commitment and take a chance on myself, my cameras and my vision.

XO.

2010-05-22T19:05:00.000-07:00

I photographed this girl and her family about a week ago.
Tonight I took a moment to look for this one photograph.

Tomorrow I will look through the rest.

curl...

2010-05-18T16:26:00.000-07:00

Band of Horses...

2010-05-18T08:32:00.000-07:00

a recording and an interview

can't say enough about what an amazing group of musicians these guys are

you should listen for yourself

BAND OF HORSES

sisters...

2010-05-14T06:21:00.000-07:00

girls and a VW bus...

2010-05-11T08:52:00.000-07:00

camping this mothers day weekend

This could be a photo these girls will find many years from now

while digging through a shoebox,

trying to make out the names and date scribbled on the back.

You have some like that I am sure.

{What I hope is that}

These girls will each have a copy

framed on their wall.

They will find themselves

laughing together about it many years from now

on a lovely evening

while sipping margaritas

and watching their own children

giggle and play

Polaroid ProPack Camera (nothing pro about it :-).)

and you have to listen to this Tree Hugger to complete the photo

clutter makes me nervous...

2010-05-06T09:33:00.000-07:00

I came across this the other day while flipping through an old SURFING magazine. Something I love to do to find inspiration and new views of art and life and photography. I am not one to spend much time in my pro photo magazines those specifically related to technique, jazzy new equipment and the latest trends. They tend to snore me.

it was this quote which caught me enough to tear the page out before the rest made it's way into the yellow bin.

"I've never been much of a collector. Just about all of my childhood memorabilia has been lost along the way. Trophies and other symbols of achievement are proudly displayed in some landfill. Even most of my kids' artwork - presented to me daily - eventually sneaks its way into the recycle bin. (shhh, please don't tell my girls). It's not that I don't appreciate these things; it's just that clutter makes me nervous and I try to avoid living in the past."
-Evan Slater

{it's just that clutter makes me nervous-
that's it, exactly}

thank you Evan, for being honest. You make sense to me.

and so, soon to follow are a few lovely photo/camera items I will be putting up for sale. I am moving, and packing and well...these things do no good just sitting on the shelf or packed in a box.
but don't think you're getting your hands on my Jack and Meg lomo gear or my Polaroids and rangefinder... :-).

Happy May Day...

2010-04-30T19:20:00.000-07:00

"The world's favorite season is the spring.

All things seem possible in May."

- Edwin Way Teale

Fail.

2010-04-29T07:38:00.000-07:00

"I think that basically all of my photographs are failures... I'm not saying that as a self negation or anything like that, I just don't judge it upon it upon how "good" it was, but rather upon how I'd fail upon what I was trying to say..." W.Eugene Smith

I find more often than not that I have "missed" it. That moment, in an instant it has come and then poof it is gone. Whether it was a drifting mind, a tired eye or a stutter of the feet to move closer in or further back...I missed.

I hope that this feeling doesn't ever leave me, then I might just stop working and trying.

Pushing on to really, to finally have my photographs be

just "what I am trying to say".

There is a boy here, who ducked. I missed that. I lost him. Instead I saw the littlest girl turn to the wind, the mother lay her head and in the father eye's a sense of "this is my life, and it is good"

I could have turned my camera vertically, I could have stepped back, I could have let it pass and hoped it would come again.

but I pressed, and I missed it

or maybe I got it.

PS.(don't you worry J.B- you will love your portraits of 6 ;-).)

such as this one.
{your family is beautiful, in so many ways. thank you for choosing me to photograph all of them}

2010-04-28T15:31:00.000-07:00

creative workshops...

2010-04-26T08:57:00.000-07:00

the website and workshop forum needs some time to breath as I put the finishing lovelies together for the June 1st online workshop.

I am sure there are questions so please don't hesitate to call or email.

WORKSHOP WEBSITE

happy day
XO

broken...

2010-04-21T12:27:00.000-07:00

broken.

spring...

2010-04-11T18:26:00.000-07:00

dogwoods blooming on a lovely spring morning...reminds me of the soft sweet love of my Grandma, like I could snuggle in her arms again as if I were a child

{i know, i know...how nice this would be if it were in color...}

Florence and the Machine...

2010-04-11T18:25:00.000-07:00

Florence and the Machine

Tuesday, sometime after lunch. Annapolis, Maryland.

minus the glitz and glam

{fabulous}

just as I expected

listen here

You've Got the Love

Kiss With a Fist

pink cast...

2010-04-11T05:32:00.000-07:00

this is a instant photo, taken after the cast hardened and the lollipop dried the tears

happy first birthday...

2010-04-09T05:40:00.000-07:00

he calls her Vicky...

2010-04-08T08:12:00.000-07:00

Winged Victory

where violent motion and sudden stillness meet

she is a

graceful balance

this is a quick peek at the work of Zachary Oxman whom I have had the pleasure to meet and photograph. We have been creating working portraits and documenting the intense process of a number of his incredible works of art.

What a joy to see another artist of a very different medium at work

but to still see the similarities in how we desire to share our stories through our art.

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club...

2010-04-08T07:37:00.000-07:00

Black Rebel Motercycle Club

on a slow monday at noon

Peter Hayes, Robert Levon Been and Leah Shapiro (of The Ravonettes) on drums.

Beat the Devil's Tattoo was released on March 8 2010, it is their 6th studio album

have a look and a listen

here

Vampire Weekend...

2010-04-06T06:57:00.000-07:00

Vampire Weekend

so, my 7 year old son has loved this band ever since he heard this song

A PUNK

I was determined to get tix to the would be sold out show and got on the pre sale list. It was at DAR constitution hall in DC, figured a nice introduction for him into the big music show scene. Unfortunately pre sale only allows one to buy 2 tix so it would be just Jack and I. Knowing I would get orchestra (floor) seats I didn't pay much attention to where we would be sitting until I went to print out tix and directions a day before.

Front Row! Center Isle!

We were as close as you could get, about 3 feet from the stage. My son had a fantastic time, knowing the words and singing along to pretty much every song. It was so great to see him finally see how fun these guys have performing live, giving him something more visual to go along with hearing it. After the show, a very tired boy said, "WOW mommy, that was way better than I thought it would be." We bought matching t-shirts for he and dad, and Jack said as we were driving home "please wake me up when we get home so I can give daddy his shirt, maybe then he won't be sad that he missed such a great show" :-).

(and, happily I didn't persue a photo pass as it seems as though I got the better view. they get pushed way off to the side and at least 25 feet back. I enjoyed getting some shots from where we sat for Jack.)

and during the encore the guys behind us asked if they could take a photo of Jack and I, the cheetah face was from the Easter Egg Hunt earlier that day :-).

beautiful knits...

2010-04-02T19:36:00.000-07:00

I don't want to get ahead of my friend and her line of hand knits but it is hard to keep quiet.

quirky, vintage inspired, bohemian-chic

{a humble luxury}

is how I would describe her creations

I promise to let you know when her Etsy Shop is open

and thank you Gretchen for modeling...you are beautiful, and patient :-)

eggs and paint and...

2010-03-29T18:05:00.000-07:00

They wanted to paint eggs again. I wanted them to paint hollow eggs we can keep to decorate with. I just can not eat another egg salad sandwich. Tomorrow we will have an omelette. Unless of course I am sick from salmonella by sucking in instead of blowing. There must be an easier way to remove the slimy raw egg from a tiny little hole...

at play...

2010-03-25T12:53:00.001-07:00

itty bitty baby...

2010-03-23T14:41:00.000-07:00

L.O.V.E.

depth of field...

2010-03-20T13:10:00.000-07:00

Apeture...F stop...

this is for those last few creatives I have worked with in the last few weeks on taking control of their cameras. Remember your camera is nothing more than a box which lets light in to make a picture. It is up to you to choose what you do with it. So, as for shallow depth of field and controlling what you want to emphasize, here is a rather overdone example as promised. :-). Same settings on both images.

Happy shooting.

Spring Sessions...

2010-03-20T10:22:00.000-07:00

Happy Spring Equinox!

Through June you have a few options for on location sessions.

$150 - 45 min session and 9 month online gallery and print purchasing.

$500 - session with all (about 30) 4x6 boxed collection artist proofs and one 11x14 print. Also includes 9 month online gallery and print purchasing.

All shooting done on location not in studio, travel fees apply outside Annapolis MD area.

these sessions are good for all people and pet photography

she's so cool...

2010-03-19T16:24:00.000-07:00

that Terri Fischer girl...

if you haven't enjoyed her {and her head popped off} blog, I think you should.

a mother, photographer, artist and friend...

check her out

here is a recent watercolor of hers.

(and she even has dreads :-).

LOVE this!

and hoping it goes on her Etsy site.

MUSE live in Baltimore...

2010-03-04T09:12:00.000-08:00

I LOVE MUSE.

I had listened occasionally on and off for a few years and then saw them open for U2. Blown away. Amazing the talent this band has. Matthew Bellamy's voice and guitar and piano...and Christopher and Dominic on bass and drums. Not much I can say except if you need or want or have to be reminded what it is to be alive...go see this band, live. Do it. (get tix on the floor, jump around, feel the sound and the music and the floor shake beneath you).

Although I was not able to secure myself a photo pass for this show I did not walk away without a few images from my pocket p&s.

oh and yes, I do plan on seeing this band someday in Europe ;-).

me in color but without...

2010-03-01T18:23:00.000-08:00

a few frames left on this experimental roll. Fuji color film souped in BW chems.

I like my ring. Which my husband proposed to me with wow...maybe 9 years ago. and since I am having issues with my last few years of accumulated wrinkles and age I don't mind that I was poor at judging where I needed to be as the shutter opened...and then closed. they call them worry lines...on the forehead. Different then laugh lines around my smile. If you don't know about them, have some children...then you will know.

Cory Chisel: portrait of a musician...

2010-03-01T09:00:00.000-08:00

Cory Chisel and the Wandering Sons.

equip: Nikon F100- 70-200 2.8 Nikkor
film: Neopan 1600 / D76

Johnny Cash...

2010-02-26T07:24:00.000-08:00

Remembering the Man in Black on his birthday.

"I wear the black for the poor and the beaten down, livin' in the hopeless, hungry side of town, I wear it for the prisoner who has long paid for his crime, but is there because he's a victim of the times." J. Cash

You will forever live on as an inspiration to all of America. A true legend.

Live at S.Quentin

citizen cope...

2010-02-25T13:39:00.000-08:00

Ilford Delta 3200 souped in Microphen
Nikon F5 70-200 2.8 Nikkor
30 s, f2.8

winter extended...

2010-02-23T09:18:00.000-08:00

revisiting the Ukraine...

2010-02-23T08:15:00.000-08:00

in film scans today but hopefully by plane sometime again soon.

Still about 4 rolls of film left to look through, seemed as though I needed some time to come back to this and now is a good time. The scanning takes patience. Since the expense of the trip kept me from doing anything more than developing upon my return I tucked them away to do one by one on my own. I remember each one of these children as if I met them yesterday.
these are with a rangefnder and 50mm.

If anyone would like to learn more about adoption and these children please visit Frontier Horizon website here, ask for Vinny :-).

hippity hop...

2010-02-21T15:18:00.000-08:00

i was interviewed...

2010-02-18T11:24:00.000-08:00

last week by Scott Sheppard of Inside Analog Radio.

Inside Analog Photo presents a variety of radio and tv programs geared towards traditional photographic processes for enthusiasts and professionals. Inside Analog Photo content includes the latest news, in-depth interviews, product reviews, event coverage, and tips featuring special guests representing the industry’s best traditional photography experts. Hear it and see it with Inside Analog Photo, the only traditional photographic radio and tv program available today.

You may listen right here

INTERVIEW

or get directed to iTunes and download to podcast

here.

Thank you for listening and always feel free contact me with any

questions or further discussion.

Thank you Scott for representing and inspiring so many about the wonderful art of

traditional film photography.

NYC, Aspen and Sun Valley...

2010-02-17T10:10:00.000-08:00

are the 3 destinations planned as of now for this year. NYC in May (2 sessions available), Aspen in July (one session available) and Sun Valley in August (2 sessions available). Another stop (more for family but always love shooting there) is Boothbay Harbor Maine in late June.

Fall will be for a return to Annapolis/DC (october) and another trip back to NYC (september).

(and if you don't know I will be living and shooting in Park City UT as of July 1st)

if you would like to request a different location please contact me as soon as possible, also think about sharing with friends and family as the travel fee decreases with each additional client booked.

I am looking forward to lovely new faces and locations as much as I look forward to revisiting the beautiful past.

morning photo mentoring...

2010-02-15T05:43:00.000-08:00

I have an opening for a one-on-one photo class or group workshop for the morning of Tuesday February 23rd due to a schedule change. Prefer local, Annapolis but phone consult is an option...just not as fun. :-).
call or email for info.
Happy Day!

seven

2010-02-13T05:39:00.000-08:00

“Throughout the centuries there were men who took first steps, down new roads, armed with nothing but their own vision.”

-ayn rand

"today is my REAL birthday and I am SEVEN" he says.

Today I am made aware of how I have been struggling to photograph him. He is entering that age of goofy smiles, goofy in the way you get when you think your supposed to smile. Not goofy as in "I don't care how I look or how YOU want me to look..."

Jack, we LOVE you and wish you a life filled with love, friendship and the continued spirit of eagerness and adventure.

You have given us more joy than we could have ever imagined.

on perfection...

2010-02-08T18:42:00.000-08:00

You see, when weaving a blanket, an Indian woman leaves a flaw in the weaving of that blanket to let the soul out. ~Martha Graham

my 365 self portrait instant for the day. Yes, this is Annapolis Maryland after 2 1/2 feet of snow with another storm coming tomorrow with another 20 inches. Crazy!

Here I ended up face first in the snow while trying to scramble to the top before the shutter clicked, the only one exposure I allow.
Would have been funny to have caught myself a second later with only boots in the air.

Most often the self portrait project deserves a "do over" but I am allowing only one a day so they leave me chuckling. I am enjoying no need for "do over's", it is nice to learn to let go and move on. By forcing myself to let go of perfection I am finding all sorts of new inspiration.

from two to four...

2010-02-07T18:57:00.000-08:00

how she has grown.

Brendan Benson at Sundance...

2010-02-03T09:22:00.000-08:00

as a big fan of the Raconteurs I have enjoyed following the work of Brendan Benson as he moves out on his own. Recently photographed him here in annapolis,

and here he is at Sundance: Park City last week. Have a listen.
Brendan Benson @ Park City Sundance festival.

back home, back to work...

2010-02-01T20:04:00.000-08:00

I have to admit, it was rather difficult to get myself to turn on my Mac. After 8 days away having a wonderful time with my favorite 3 people in the world I had to show some love to my dear Mac (I am sorry but I didn't miss you one teeny, tiny, eincy wincy bit).

First thing to do was to address my inbox, (i seem to have had a weekend of mail being bounced back to senders so if you have emailed about February sessions please call or resend). Next I uploaded the snapshots from the P&S so that I will actually print out an album of our trip. (I am better at photographing than I am at printing :-)). And then to share those images with Oma and Papa as I promised (although right now I think they are sailing somewhere off a far distant coast).

So, now that the three duffles of laundry are done and put away, the grocery shopping has been completed and mail sorted through I can wake tomorrow to start my work week. Quite looking forward to it, especially souping those rolls of film waiting for a little love XXOO.

here are a few of those digi P&S snapshots to share a bit.

Visit this weekend for some up close and personal photographs of singer Citizen Cope

going to visit...

2010-01-23T12:25:00.000-08:00

what will soon be our new hometown. Leaving tomorrow, thankful for Southwest nonstops from BWI to SLC. We are all stoked for some ski time, visiting family, exploring, a few pints and a Bison burger at No Name Saloon, a little Sundance Film Festival action and then a short stop through Denver for a wedding on the way home. Here is a little revisit to some snapshots of last years Park City trip, seems like yesterday!
I will have my mobile and checking regularly so if you want to be sure you secure your February mini session, call or email! 3 spots left. Also booking documentary sessions on location for those who want something out of the ordinary.
Be well and have a great week.
XOXO.

oh and that family shot, funny enough a very nice woman saw me taking the one of my husband and daughter, (my son off grumbling about not getting an ice cream :-).) She asked to take one of all of us so I gratefully handed her my camera. My old Nikon F series (film camera which was handed down to me by my father). She was thrilled to see someone shooting film, and coincidence enough she handed me her card showing me how she was with Kodak: at Sundance Film festival for a convention to promote the use of film. Funny how life is.

a gift...

2010-01-20T09:46:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday sweet Maggie!

a Birthday with cupcake planning, balloon buying, hair bow tying, pink ruffle and purple sparkle wearing leading up to a fantastic birthday girl photo shoot with happy color film and 645 camera ... but Maggie had different plans. This little girl who wakes every morning, dressed and prepped and purse packed for a day of adventure before I get me coffee mug half emptied, but today she threw me a surprise. Today she wanted to stay home, in her pink pajamas and play with her toys.

I have been given a gift. A gift of the most beautiful soul, the most loving little person, the most selfless and compassionate little one filled with enough laughter and joy to make the whole world right. She came to make me see that all is good and all is right.

About 5 yrs ago we lost our baby boy Ian before he was ready to come into this world, only 21 weeks of life within me, he left leaving me feeling as if I and my husband and Jack was ripped of all possibility, all fairness. I was left feeling guilty for not being strong enough, good enough, motherly enough to allow him to grow to be the boy, the brother, the man he was supposed to be.

But time passed, tears dried, Jack a boy of joy and love and laughter had me smiling everyday and seeing what I had rather than what I had not.

And then a gift, and then there was Maggie.
She is a true little angel as without the loss of one I would have never known her. I know she will take this world and lift it up and make it more wonderful than all the loveliest things. She will continue to wake every morning with an open heart and the desire to make everyone around her as sweet as she is.

I LOVE YOU MAGGIE!

and I wish for you:

a life blessed with love,

a heart filled with compassion,

a vision influenced by beauty and grace,

and the strength and courage to embrace it all. each and everyday.

XOXO

still working...

2010-01-18T18:47:00.000-08:00

on this album and found another gem. Last edit and it heads to the printers in the morning. I am designing this one with a beautiful custom metal cover with leather spine. Will try and remember to photograph it before it gets delivered to this family.

fog rising...

2010-01-18T16:56:00.000-08:00

found it...

2010-01-16T15:43:00.000-08:00

a love for the Artistic Z SX-70 polaroid film. Some may agree, many may not. But this makes the 8 images for $24.oo worth it to me.

she stayed still until I said b.r.e.a.t.h.e.

LOVE.

window light (could have been more but my subject insisted on the location).
stillness.
almost 4.

warmer days...

2010-01-11T08:34:00.000-08:00

as I sit designing albums wrapped in my coziest sweater and fuzzy slippers drinking mugs of hot tea I get to revisit warmer days. January is slow when it comes to family shoots but busy with designing albums filled with memories and love and happiness. This one made me smile; a day at a farm filled with sunflowers, sunshine and a beautiful family.

365 days of instant and polaroid...

2010-01-10T15:39:00.000-08:00

the self portrait: three hundred and sixty five days of them.

My 365 project is a little different.

First it is not blogged. It is my personal journey and documentation of my life with the ones I love.

Second it is not manipulated, fussed over or time spent choosing the best photo to "represent". That is why I have chosen instant and polaroid. It is already an investment I have made. The film is stored for these 365 days, no more and no less.

It has already been more than I imagined and no doubt will lead me in directions not foreseen.

So today, as I scanned the last 4 days I wanted to share one. This was a fun little trip late today as the sun went low, into the woods off a much travelled road. The sense of wonder in children always amazes me. They could have been a hundred miles from things familiar, it was an hour spent in the unknown.

We finished up with a trip to our favorite coffee shop for a warm chocolate milk and whipped cream.

Spoon and Leica at the Sonar...

2010-01-08T09:01:00.000-08:00

this is an image post, thinking it should be followed by my thoughts on different cameras and how every photographer shares the love for certain types. There are so many different ones, and each type not only fits our personality and shooting style but also fits the situation. I felt the need to revisit (or visit for the first time) some negs shot at a

Spoon

show (w/ The White Rabbits and The Walkmen) where I shot with both my D3 and my Leica M7...both which I have since sold and replaced. The D3 I haven't missed for a second, but the Leica...yeah, that move deserves a good kick in the arse.

one of my favorite shows yet. And the Sonar...loved shooting there.