Source: reluctantentertainer.com via Stephanie on Pinterest Also, I have not had a moment to update this blog, but will do so with some past images.
Just Thinking..
September 20, 2011
How Important Is a Photograph and the Photographer to You?
I guess by now, most of you have heard about the Facebook page dedicated to recovering the Photographers in the aftermath of the recent Alabama tornados. CNN did a feature on the lady who decided to start posting Images in hopes of getting them back to their original owners. She talked about how they just couldn’t get these memories back. And Whoooa I know exactly what she is talking about. I mean, how would I feel if my beloved Polaroid of my Grandmother where just not there for me to look at. I can always talk to my Daughter about her and tell stories, she gets a sense of who she was. But the Image, well she sees what I knew of her. Although this is not the most urgent need, I would say it could be just as important as about anything else people are doing to help. Perhaps getting back an Image of a loved one in the midst of so much tragedy could be the one token that makes a person just know that they are going to get through it.
Which leads me to the subject of the Photographer and the relevance of Images. The Digital Age has produced stunning Photographers and Pictures manipulated beyond ones imagination. We see so much visually that I start to wonder if we really “see” the Image. And I am as guilty as anyone of not printing off all that I have taken. I wonder some days if my Daughter will get those Images of her swinging under the tree in an old tire, because I am so glad I have the Picture my Dad took for me just like it with his old film Camera.
But the one thing I have done and am very satisfied with is who I have chosen to take my Daughter’s Images. I can count on one hand the people who have given me the gift of “seeing” her grow and change. I know each one of them and have nothing but deep gratitude for them. I think you should have that kind of connection to a Photographer, it makes the Images so much more sweet. I daresay choosing someone based on a price might in the end attach a very different outcome to what you are purchasing or feeling. Choose wisely.
I’ll start with her very first Images. Bringing a premature baby home brought a host of challenges that I don’t believe I was ever prepared for. The delicate immune system and doctors orders to not let others around the baby or take her out. And then there was just the sheer smallness of her, weighing so little and practically wearing doll clothes. My dearest college friend gave me something that will never be replaced. He came and spent hours taking Images of her tiny hands and feet. Her body so small was made even more lovely with his use of proper equipment and amazing natural light talent. I remember sitting in the floor with him as we placed her on a tiny bear rug and the window light came through. Her hands in a praying position. Those Pictures still feel me with such love. And I know that he has a talent that most people would strive to have, it’s just a natural thing for him. And I am grateful that he loaned us that time and talent, what a gift to give to a worried new Mommy.
Then I have my best Photographer girlfriend. Business wise, we have been through it and back, becoming even closer friends. My Daughter adores her, and she can get a smile quicker out of her than about anyone. If you come to my house and see my “bragging wall” there are Images of me and my Daughter together, and we look so good. That’s because Sarah is a huge talent and has just the best ability to make people look their best. Everyone stops and comments on her Images, about the color and composition. I consider them my “fancy” Pictures and it was so much fun having her do them. And we love her like family. I see all of us in her Images.
Next, the Family Photographer can not go unmentioned. Joe is completely dedicated to the Art of Photography. Graduated from Western’s prestigious Photojournalism Department and for years worked in acclaimed Newspapers. He just has it down. And I have to give credit to Joe for always teaching me. He never withheld his talent or knowledge, and the reflector for that matter. Because I certainly paid some dues carrying Joe’s Camera equipment, which I will still gladly do for him. But Joe gives back to the community helping children living in the Ronald McDonald House. On location and always there when I need a Family Portrait, Joe is who I call. I know his work will always be top notch.
Lastly, but certainly not least, there is my friend Tamara. I came to know her through Photography, but I know her as a person which has been one of the best things that happened to me along the way. I have seen how she works and I still feel amazed when I actually view it. How does she do that? Really? Talent comes in all kinds of forms in the World of Photography, but every once in a while the Photographer has something that cannot be digitally added on to negative. It’s what happens behind the Camera. Aside from her raw talent, the way in which she approaches people and situations cannot be replicated. I think Tamara could sit down with anyone, and they would feel at ease. You get that feeling she automatically knows you, and it wouldn’t matter who you were, because she would still get out the person’s intrinsic value. It comes across of course in the Images. She teaches me something each time I have watched her Photograph a person. Like how my Daughter will pull out the funniest outfits and awkward clothing for Pictures with Tamara, because for a six-year old, that’s style. I adore those Images. They are all the things I cannot take for myself. So without further ado…here are some she did, and it’s so cool to see them up among her body of work!
Tamara Reynolds
look under signature:
P.S. You have to know what my kid looks like : 0 )
P.P.S
Sarah’s website: www.sarahhavard.com
Joe :
www.joecarwilephoto.com
Fathers Day Promotion
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Sandstorms and the Milky Way
April 23, 2011Sandstorms and the Milky Way.
This time of year, I find myself thinking and feeling harder about my life, than any other time, even more so than New Year’s. In some ways I am more reflective when spring comes around, than say on New Year’s.
The flowers and green grass, bringing a new blanket to the earth as a powerful reminder that life has it’s seasons, which for me brings about a more thoughtful time and maybe I am not the only one.
What season am I in now? I would have to quickly say the mothering and nurturing season as we had a new baby this past year. Everything is new again, and as a family we get to evolve and see life thru his fresh little eyes, mixed with the usual lack of sleep and a runny nose, our little son is such a joy to us. Maybe this is the year of all things new for me. I want to meet more people and learn more about how other people are living and taking this journey.
I also want to nurture the relationships that I have because we cannot take people for granted. It is not a practice I want to start or a kind of luxury to indulge in. As I am reminded of a few years ago, as a childhood friend was lost one day suddenly and left a precious family behind, instantly, all those times, he said to me on the soccer field, “You can do it Danny,” came back. I realized we have those people in our lives that have been or are encouragers. I lost an encourager. I wish I could talk to him again. I wish he could watch his children on the soccer field.
So, here comes Easter, hopping down the bunny trail. I am lovingly gathering tokens to place in a basket for my two babies. But what do I want them to learn? I want them to know that they are loved beyond measure and I want them to have a solid faith and spirit. Children seem to come intact with those naturally. I want them to know that there is nothing they can do that I won’t love them for. And that if you are in a position to, you have to help others. Today we forgot to send our daughter her money for ice cream at school. This is a unique treat, and so she sat without it. What a sad face, as she told me, “Mom I had to watch everyone else eat while I didn’t have any ice cream.” In one part, the mom in me just wishes she didn’t feel bad, but on the other hand I can see how something as simple as this gives her more empathy for others. It opened a door to talk about how it feels to be without. We have a plan now to bring extra money each time, her goal is to make sure that at least one other person gets ice cream.
I am pretty simple in my faith. I just simply believe, I always have and I don’t complicate it. Since I was a child that was a part of who I am. I feel that even when the road doesn’t seem clear, or make sense that it will lead to a greater good. I have to accept this is not always “my” greater good. I found a really amazing time lapse recently by a photographer who worked on it in Spain and it just speaks volumes. Life comes and goes in frames. A gorgeous video filmed at the mountain of El Teide.
There is one part in it where the photographer wrote on his site, “So if you ever wondered how the Milky Way would look through a Sahara sandstorm, look at 00:32.” Once you see the video, the absolute beauty of it will just make your jaw drop. But the part where the photographer talks about seeing the Milky Way thru a sandstom, wow…it got me. Life can look so much like a messy sandstorm, but no matter how much is going on around and blowing, the stars are constant. Honestly, I wish I had something more profound to say this Easter, but I think everything I could say would pale in comparison. So take it all in it is crazy beautiful:
A new blessing
March 26, 2011
All Hearts Day
February 14, 2011May your heart never be broken. Hug a tree, smell a flower, call a friend, and just enjoy being alive.
Here comes the sun…
February 13, 2011I don’t know if it is just wishful thinking, but I believe we are heading for sunny days!
“Love is a beautiful song”
January 18, 2011Love is a beautiful song
La-lah, la-la-lah, la-lah
Love is a beautiful song
La-lah, la-la-lah, la-lah
Love is a new way of living
A new way of starting each day
Millions of people all over the world
Know that love is a beautiful so-ong
It’s so good to see you now
Looking as lovely as ever
It’s so good to be alive
Knowing that we are together
-dave mills-
This song lyric came to mind recently as I photographed this sweet family of three. Mom and dad are accomplished music teachers and it occured to me that their home must be filled with music. I longed for this growing up, the ability to play an instrument. I think that a home filled with music has to be filled with a certain kind of magical love. I imagine their precious little daughter, growing up in a warm cozy home with music notes invisibly dancing thru the air and around her darling head. It is a constant gift they give her every day. I came home and thought about all the many ways I need to incorporate music into my children’s daily routine, with songs and CDs. I think it is so important, even if you don’t sing well or play an instrument, to at least begin the seeds of music young, despite any out of tune notes.
Another rather funny thing I noticed is both mom and dad had a tiny “celebrity” look alike about them. I kept thinking, where have I seen this couple before? And I got home and googled it. Yes, one too many nights watching Disney, and here you have these two: Dad is of course ZAC EFRON and Mom is ANNE HATHAWAY. I love it!
The Wedding Dress
January 10, 2011
The Wedding Dress…
She begins by telling us that her grandmothers Wedding picture inspired her to become a photographer. It was how she , “knew”, her grandmother when she was younger. And how photography is the way we are going to know the people in our past, and how they will know us. She talks about the importance of photography and with an elegant slideshow of imagery that takes one’s breath away, a room full of brides to be, learn what makes Elizabeth Messina so spectacular in the world of Wedding Photography. Her humble and soft manner of speaking, would never lead you to know that she photographs some of America’s most famous people, or that her images routinely grace the cover of major Bridal Magazines.
I am so grateful for the opportunity I had today, to have an up close and personal conversation with Elizabeth. I can’t express how wonderful it was to hear her speak and spend a moment getting to know the person behind the blog, www.kissthegroom.com which I dearly love to visit. It’s like eating a delicious piece of cake, every time you visit her blog, you know it’s going to be fantastic. Her gorgeous photography has a quality of light that resonates from the film images she shoots. Yes, she shoots film.
And she had some really truthful things to say to the brides in the room. She talked about how, in all honesty, everything tangible would fade, your cake and the flowers. The most important thing in which you should spend money on is the Wedding Photographer. Actually all three of the Wedding Professionals concurred that if you had to place more money in one area, that photography would be it. I will of course always agree that the photography should be top priority next to the dress and venue. Another aspect was to make sure you were looking at all the photographers work, and not just small samples. If you just love one image, Elizabeth said, but are uncertain about the rest, find a photographer that best fits you and your budget. And then make sure you communicate really well, what you are looking for on your wedding day.
It was also a real treat to listen to two other Wedding Speakers. Tara Guerard from www.taraguerardsoiree.com, a Charleston, S.C. and New York Wedding Planner. And Janie Medley who is known for her lovely blog www.thebridescafe.com and floral designs. Both of these ladies were full of amazing tips for brides on their wedding day. Each had presentations that featured lavishly designed flower arrangements and venues styled to perfection. However elegant the visual examples were, they made sure to express how many brides made personal touches and DIY elements the corner stones of a unique wedding. I wish every bride getting married soon, could have experienced these phenomenal ladies share their expertise.
What a Blessed day, and I am so glad to have had the chance…
Happy Holiday’s
December 24, 2010We have been very busy around here and for a good, “little” reason. A new addition to our family! So, we have certainly been behind on Blog Posts and things.
That being said, I hope you all have a wonderful Holiday Season, and I am thankful for all the clients that have come my way, clients that have become great friends.
Here is my daughter’s Christmas list, it is so cute and at the same time, her little handwriting breaks my heart. Oh, the sweet thoughts of a child. I wish I could put that horse in our back yard! 