iPhone Photo Of The Week {Washington DC ::: Roosevelt Island}

For as many times as I've been to, and wandered around Roosevelt Island this was the first time the carvings in the trees really caught my eye.

Funny how we see things - how they strike us differently at different times in our lives.

For some reason the idea of the permanence of these carvings struck a chord with me. Maybe it's the romantic budding in me again, maybe it's the optimist starting to show her colors...

I'd like to believe that one day one of these many couples will come back to Roosevelt Island after 40 years of a life built together and possibly still see their names carved here as a reminder of the beginning of their journey.

Forever #2

Image created using iphone's camera app - edited in Lightroom
February 2012
Roosevelt Island Washington, DC


Now I know this is not good for the trees, and thankfully not all the trees on the island are this way, but there are two that seem to be the calling card of those in love, and I was moved. 

iPhone Photo Of The Week {Ithaca, NY :: study in everyday objects}

A very happy Valentine's day to all!

For this iPhone image of the week I am choosing an instagram photo. I created this image a few weeks back while eating breakfast and pondering a question posed to me in a photography book I've been reading.

The question being asked was geared toward how we see (ordinary) everyday objects. Do we just look past them because they have become so much a part of a daily routine, do they even register as beautiful or intriguing?
If not, what happens when you take the time to stop and really look?

This particular book has been talking about breaking down ordinary objects to their basic elements of color and shape, and seeing if you can't turn off your minds judgement of the object and allow yourself to only see it in those basic forms.

I will admit this exercise was hard for me, I have never been one who's good at finding the creative in the "ordinary" (though I always wished I was), I need to be moved, jolted, or have my curiosity tweaked before I really see. This was, and will continue to be a great exercise in the practice of turning down the volume on that part of my brain which has to sort, categorize and put in place all things visual.

As Dorothea Lang so eloquently put it, " The camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see with out a camera."

 At the breakfast table

Image created using Instagram
February 2012
Ithaca, New York

Exploring Holga Style {Great Falls VA & Ithaca NY}

Once again to much time has passed since I posted holga images. I've been doing a fair amount of traveling around the north east (mostly Ithaca NY) which is always good for inspiration, but also decided to do a little bit of shooting locally, enter... Great Falls VA.

I was surprised at my own images this time. Who knew Great Falls would be a wonderful holga play land. I've since turned some of this recent holga work into encaustic wax pieces as well.

I'd love to hear what you think...

Great Falls, VA

Ithaca, NY

This image is of the encaustic I did of the image from Great Falls.
If you haven't seen my new Etsy store where I am featuring and selling my most recent work, you can visit that site by clicking here!

iPhone Photo Of The Week {Ithaca, NY :: Falling Barn}

My iPhone photo of the week idea is finally coming to fruition. I've been doing a lot of travel lately and while I have been shooting digital and holga, I've found that I pull out my iPhone more often than not.

My intention is, starting from this week I will post a new iPhone image every Tuesday and explain what it is that drew me to the image and why I created it the way I did.

I always love feedback, so let me know what you think!

• Ithaca New York
• Falling Barn
• February 3, 2012

I saw this barn on the way to downtown Ithaca. The lean of the building was extreme; it stood out like a sore thumb amidst a sea of broken corn stalks. The image I wanted to create was one of the open, mowed down corn field with the barn way off in the distance. What I ended up creating (and liked better) was this image of the barn through all the dormant winter brush. It seemed like a still from a Tim Burton movie to me. And while the lean of the barn is noticeable, I feel like there is some mystery left in wondering if the barn is actually leaning or if it's a matter of perspective.
I am drawn to the dilapidated, the crumbling, the disheveled, the broken down-ness of many structures. I want to know the history of the people who used this place and why it's been left, leaning as it is now towards total decay. There is always a story, and this is my little part.

Ashley & Josh {Washington Club - DC}

Ashley and Josh had a gorgeous wedding at the Washington Club in DC this past fall.

Rebecca Jo Dick of Blue Canary Events did a splendid job making the day easy, delightful and full of fun for bride, groom and the whole wedding party, guests, and family.

 

Here are some of my favorites from Ashley and Josh's wedding at The Washington Club!

 

 

 

And a big thank you to all the vendors who made Ashley and Josh's wedding so splendid.
Flowers - Petals Edge
Catering - Main Event
Music - James Smoot Reception and Jimi Smooth and the Hittme Band Reception
Ceremony and Cocktail Music - Dehrric Richburg
Hair and Makeup - Stacy Parault

A special thank you to my second shooter Aileen Reilly who made some gorgeous film images. Thank you for your talent Aileen!