Sometimes life moves so fast. I look back and wonder where in the world did that time go? Days turn into weeks and months into years. But sometimes... sometimes... we stop time for one small millisecond and revel in the beauty that is in front of us. Things slow down and one small glance can last forever.
I feel that way about my photography and my kids. Times are changing right in front of me, but I love how these photos help me pause and appreciate what I love about now.
I grew up with four sisters and one brother. I fell smack dab in the middle of that crew. Girls on one side of me, girls on the other. My brother, the oldest, wisely minded his own business. I, therefore, grew up assuming I'd have all sons one day. And quite frankly, I was OK with that. I'm quite openly a tomboy at heart and most "girly" things repulse me quite a bit. I was completely happy with the thought of never having to deal with pink dresses or drama queens. When my first born was a boy, I was not surprised one bit. That's just the way it was going to be. But then my second was a girl and I didn't know what to do with myself. Frankly, I'm still a bit lost. Fortunately she loves Legos and cars and is only moderately interested in princesses and pink. But still, she's definitely all girl.
And I love it.
I never knew how much I wanted a girl until she came along. She is the complete opposite of her big brother - in absolutely every sense of the word. And though I love him with all my heart, I couldn't love her more if I tried. Yes she's a screamer. Yes she's emotional. Sometimes I think it's that time of the month for her. But she's mine and she's perfect.
Inspired by Becky Earl's blog of her daughter, I decided to take a similar approach to this shoot. I sat back and watched her be her. And I love what happened as a result. Enjoy, and be inspired!
Techie info:
Cameras: Contax 645, Canon Rebel
Film: Kodak B&W400CN (35mm), Kodak Portra 160 (medium format)
Lab: NCPS
Metering: Hand held meter, bulb out, 45 degree angle to the ground facing me
My beautiful friend Emma (you might recognize her from HERE), was awesome and asked me to take her maternity photos. Fortunately she's used to being my guinea pig (refer to first link) and put all her trust in my never-before-taken-a-maternity-picture hands. :) LUCKY GIRL!
Although there's definitely a learning curve on the whole maternity process, I think these turned out pretty rad. Helps that Emma's gorgeous, don't you think?
Enjoy!
"Blackbird singing in the dead of night. Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, you were only waiting for this moment to arise." Paul McCartney
Last week I got to take pictures of my beautiful friend, Ashley. And let me tell you, she's more than just a pretty face. She's a bit like a phoenix in my mind. She has faced trials in her life that I shudder to even think about and has resurfaced more brilliant than ever. I hope my camera and I were able to capture at least part of her inner strength and beauty combined with her obvious outer strength and beauty.
When I was sixteen, I made a list of everything I wanted to do in my life. I'm proud to say, at almost 30 (I might as well accept the inevitable already), I've completed most of that list! Maybe I didn't realize how long life really was. Or maybe I was being unambitious. Or maybe I'm just awesome. :) Let's hope for the latter.
One of the items on the list was to travel the world. So far I've been to some crazy places like rural Ghana and Brazil along with super modern Dubai and Paris somewhere in the middle. I've visited almost every major national park in the U.S. and 48 of the 50 states. But there's one city/state I'd never visited: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA!! This city, so well-known for its culture and food, had missed my radar. And oh the food... (I was too busy eating to take a picture.) If you've never visited this beautiful city, you need to go. Seriously. Just try the jambalaya and gumbo and tell me you haven't been missing something in your life!
Despite the fact I never thought it would happen, it actually did.
My little sister grew up.
And even though I still (and always will) see her as my little sister, she can definitely pull off the beautiful, grown woman with the best of them! Here she is being all kinds of beautiful the day before her wedding in (very cold) northern Utah. She's so beautiful - inside and out - and I am lucky I got to take these pictures to help her remember one of the most special moments of her life.
Congratulations, Courtney!
I'm totally that girl in the hospital, when asked if she wanted photos of her newborn baby said, "Really? He kind of just looks like every other squished newborn. No thanks." Seriously! My first baby! ha.
But there is definitely something special about the bond between a mother and her baby. There is also something special about the smallness of a baby in those first few weeks of life. I can appreciate that better now that my kids are getting huge. When I went to this shoot I knew I wanted to focus on the bond between this precious newborn and his beautiful mother as well as his unique tiny features. Now if only I could go back in time and get some pictures like this of my kids... ha! Oh well! Enjoy!
Man, I have a cool job! I seriously love what I do. I feel like when I get behind the camera and photograph someone, the only thing that transmits through the lens is absolute beauty. Every single person I photograph has this effect on me. I consider myself very lucky.
Here is a girl who is a fellow film photographer (so cool!). She's starting up her own business (check out her work!) and wanted to really feel what it's like in front of the camera. Talk about a brave girl! (how many pictures have you seen of yours truly?...uh hem...) I'm the lucky one who got to photograph her beauty - both inside and out. She's a person with a great personality who you can't help but hug after you meet her.
My friend, Alfreda!
There's something magical about black and white film.
I believe it holds the power to tell a story so compelling you can't help but listen with your soul.
No distractions -- just lines, texture and pure emotion. Here is my favorite subject showing her soul.
*Techy info: 35mm camera/film, Kodak b&w 400CN, developed and scanned at NCPS.
