Thursday 01.14.10 at 12:32pm
I’m a little behind on blogging, both with personal updates and professional. While I’m getting back into the full swing of things this week, it just seems trivial to give those updates right now. Instead, I’ll focus on what everyone in the world is thinking about: Haiti.
You all know I’m a big fan of the Boston Globe’s “The Big Picture”. They’ve put together a collection of some very moving photographs of this disaster. Photos that compel me to action. I wish I could use my 2 hands to help instead of just giving money but at least I can do that.
And in my own little life, I can give thanks for all the luck and blessings that have come my way. It’s easy to forget until something like this opens my eyes again, how very fortunate I’ve been.
Here are photos from the first day after the earthquake. Here are photos from 48 hours later.
To give:
- text “HAITI” to 90999 to donate $10 to American Red Cross relief for Haiti. It will ask you for confirmation, then will ask if you want to receive ongoing updates via text message.
- American Red Cross
- Yele
- World Vision
- Friends of the Children of Haiti
Any of my past, present or future clients who make a donation will receive a special thank you of an 8×10 mounted print of their choice.
Wednesday 12.16.09 at 12:35pm
If there’s one thing you do this week, as a feeling person, a thinking person, a citizen of the world, a lover of images, let it be this. Look at these pictures. Plan to stop what you’re doing and lose yourself because this is not a photo essay that’s quick to consume.
The Boston Globe has a section of their website called “The Big Picture” which consists of collections of photos centered around news events, cultural issues and other themes. This project is “2009 in Photos”.
I can’t even put to words all that it stirred up in me. Mostly humility, about my own work, my life’s struggles, my many blessings, health and safety.
There are 3 parts.
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Take them slowly. I would love to hear your thoughts.
Here’s one of my favorites:
Friday 12.11.09 at 2:12pm
I first met this lovely lady at the Babes & Babies event and we had such a good time that Mom decided we should do a full family session in time for the holidays. And what fun we had the 2nd time! Sofia is such an easy going girl and a delight to photograph. Her parents are equally easy going and warm people. Win-win!
Miss Sofia got to wear a gorgeous tutu and she rocked it out.
Thursday 12.10.09 at 1:10pm
I wasn’t going to do this one but then we got these adorable pajamas. How could I not?
I’ll let the photos speak for themselves.
Thursday 12.03.09 at 12:29pm
This little lady was such a sweetie. We picked a chilly morning for a 4 month old to go outside and Miss T quickly let us know that she wasn’t up for it. (Though in the process, I got some cute frowny photos. I’m so mean!) Once back at home, she was completely at ease. Who wouldn’t be with such gentle and tender parents? And 2 big, sweet doggies (not pictured) to protect her!
Monday 11.30.09 at 12:00pm
Quick sneak peek from a recent session!
Wednesday 11.25.09 at 9:48pm
During our session, you’ll probably see me take a few pictures of the palm of my hand outstretched in front of me. Why? I’m testing the light. It helps me determine what camera settings I want for the best exposure for skin tones. My light meter is going for an overall average of lights and darks (called 18% gray) but for my style, I find it’s a bit too dark for skin tones. I like skin to be more radiant and light. So I take a couple snaps of my hand and it tells me exactly where I need to set my ISO, shutter speed and aperture. (Though really, I’ve already preselected my ISO based on my knowledge of the brightness of a scene and aperture based on available light and creative effect, so it’s just the shutter speed I’m trying to nail down.) Sound like I’m speaking Greek? Well, stay tuned…in December I’ll be announcing the first ever “Mamatographer” workshop! You can learn all about how to take better pictures of your little one and how to use your camera for best result!
And until then. My hand.
Sunday 11.22.09 at 8:46pm
Just read this interesting article on salon.com called “Everybody Hates Mommy” by Lynn Harris. As I was reading it, I identified with, well, all of it. The parts about being “too much” of a mommy (feeling ridiculous for talking to a newborn baby in public, as if he understood my explanations about how now it’s time to cross the street or pay for the coffee). The parts about being seen as “not enough” of a mommy (because I was working and wouldn’t be able to make it to a playdate that would probably be in my child’s best interest, or because Sesame Street got turned on so mommy could return a few emails). And even the parts about the unmatched perceptions of motherhood and fatherhood, how the majority of parenting does still fall on women. I often get asked when I’m out working, “oh is your husband with Jack today?”. A fair question from the person I’m talking with, for sure. Except I know Luke has never once been asked while at work, “oh is your wife with Jack today?”. It’s just expected and assumed that a man works full-time. When a woman works, everyone asks who’s taking care of babe. This isn’t something that offends me. Just something I find interesting. A subtle communication that shows a lot about our expectations, surely something I’m guilty of too.
The thing I took away from this article was the sense of conflict all of us feel as mothers. We get it from the outside world to some degree but more than anything, we do it to ourselves. Constantly asking ourselves and measuring against other mamas: are we doing too much or too little? Are we working/doting/caretaking too much or too little? Is our child better for being in childcare and around other personalities or worse for not being with mommy and daddy? Is Sesame Street rotting their brains (oh, that evil television) or giving them a break from constant mommy interaction, a chance to play independently and relax?
What I wish I could do is just say to myself: it’s good enough.
Saturday 11.21.09 at 9:25pm
Passing time before my session in Danville. Not something you see much of in San Francisco so I soaked it up. And then I took its picture.
Friday 11.20.09 at 8:25pm
Clients and friends, be sure to get your Minted orders in before the end of the month so you can take advantage of free shipping!
by admin
show hide 1 comment
add a comment link to this post email a friend