Me and Now You Workshop

I've been seeing so many inspiring self portraits that I feel the need to document my own journey here. I recently took a 6 week self-portrait course guided by Kristin Zecchinelli & Meredith Winn. Their NOW YOU workshop was incredible. They provided an online community where photos and stories could be comfortably shared. Boundaries were pushed and new ways of seeing ourselves emerged.
Me as an Object
It's not easy to take a self portrait. You're always going to pick at this or that. What I found that helped me get through this process was to use my self as an object, not so much as me the person, but as an item in a photo. This seemed to help.
Quiet and Alone
During this process I found that I really appreciated the quiet moments I took to complete my assignments. Finding a spot, finding the perfect light and the sound of "click" was a nice retreat.
Moments and Me, NOW, are important.
Lastly I learned how important it is to get the moments NOW. Now is now. I am me right now and this is me. If I wait too long to find the me that I think is THE me then I'm missing the me now (I realize that is a crazy sentence).

There is lots more to say about what I learned from this experience but I'll leave it at the above for now.

Thank you to Meredith, Kristin and ALL of the other ladies in the class who put themselves out there, who shared their stories and who shared their many different perspectives of what a self portrait can be.

NOW YOU
http://nowyouworkshops.wordpress.com/

fourth snippets

Here's the view from here... (via iphone)













Happy Fourth of July.

weekending

spent eyeing pretty patterned dresses and taking a break among the flowers.

letters, numbers, colors

a view of my weekend. (instagram style)

Oh My Color

happy yellow

It's the first day of spring and today I'm celebrating yellow.

my 365 project

At the beginning of 2011 I decided I wanted to take the 365, photo a day, challenge. I felt it was time. I thought it would help me to get to know my camera better (we're pretty chummy now). I was also curious to see what my life might look like over the course of a year.
So here's my view, while these may not be the most "amazing" photos these are the snippets of my life and therefore are pretty amazing to me.
It's over 7 minutes, so grab your favorite beverage and get cozy.


Or view my 365 project video on Vimeo.


I've been trying to put into words what I have learned from this project, but I'm not getting them right or I've written too too much. So maybe I'll leave it with an oh so well organized bulleted list of my thoughts:

• I have learned to LOVE light. Oh how I love the light.
• I have learned humility because there are some duds that I HAD to post.
• I took some awesome photos, ones I love and want to frame.
• I learned to use my camera (after a few of those duds you're kinda forced to learn)
• I am leaving with confidence (I'm no longer intimidated by shooting indoors or dark situations)
• My photography has improved (It's a daily practice, you've got to improve right?).
• I spent LOTS of time on the computer (It was a constant need to play and play and play to get it "just" right - I need to work on that)
• There were times that I wanted to pause - Not quit but pause, just for one day, just one little day. That didn't happen and I'm glad I plowed through it. I kept thinking "this is just one of those sucky days (weeks) that goes with life. That awesome photo is right around the bend, it's gotta be." And it was.
• I finally gave into what it was. Don't fight the 365, don't try to control it or make it something that it is not. The photo is there. Right there, don't you see it? 

My marathon is now over. I'm tired of it. I'm so proud of it!! I might even do it again. But not without a pause. I need that pause to recharge and get back into shape. Until then...

(ps - much appreciation goes to my husband and son who put up with the camera, the fourth member of the family, who came with us everywhere. Thank you both, you are my everyday muses.)

Gratitude Gifts

This holiday season I had the opportunity to be a part of a "Gratitude Gift" exchange.
There were over 40 participants. Names were drawn in secret. My box came today.

The common thread between all of the participants is that we all love photography. My package was perfect!
First there was a camera keychain that flashes and clicks when pressed. Sweet!

Then there were the fingerless gloves! Perfect for taking photos on cold beaches.

Notice the shell buttons. I pity the fool who messes with my gloves!
I REALLY love my gratitude gifts. Thank you Lisa, my gratitude shutter sister -xo!

Savoring Fall

 Taking it all in before it is gone...

11.11.11 | 11:11 am/pm

I believe in magic.
On 11.11.11 I made wishes at exactly 11:11am and 11:11pm.
Why not put it out to the universe? Who knows what might happen.