Bits and Pieces

During the summer semester, I had the opportunity to take ACC's Expressive Photography class.  The class was about as "fine art" as you could get in a commercial photography department.  It definitely was a growing experience that concluded in a really fun and challenging portfolio project.

The assignment was to come up with a theme or idea that could be sustained over 8 to 10 photographs.  We also had to write artist and project statements, which was definitely the hardest part of the whole class.

My portfolio was on display during the Fall Student Print Show and I'm excited to say it won an Honorable Mention certificate!

So without further ado, "Bits and Pieces."

Artist Statement

I use photography to connect with people.  I have enjoyed drawing since I was a child, but it has always been very personal to me.  I didn't - and still don't - share my drawing with many people.  Photography gives me the means to capture the way I observe life and share that perspective with others.  It is like instantaneous drawing and as with drawing, I enjoy people as a subject.  Through photography, I have access to a wider range of subjects.  While I'm still involved in creating the image, the photographic process gives me some distance.  Drawing is personal, photography is public.

Project Statement

Ever since I picked up a camera, I've loved macro photography.  I found fascination in the smallest details.  I wanted to explore textures and form in utilitarian objects.  While exploring, I found beauty in unexpected places.  I photographed functional items, rather than those with aesthetic value.  All of the objects I photographed were tools, either from the garage, or office.

Shadow + Koinonia

Shadow is a good-looking dog!  Her fur is seriously blue black and those eyes!  My sister runs the dog boarding and training business Koinonia Dogs and Shadow is our current houseguest.

A little crazy when she first arrived, Shadow has mellowed out considerably during her week's stay and was an excellent (read "still") model.  If you're in the market for training or boarding, check out Koinonia!

First Position

Looking through my files, I found some never-before-seen-on-the-blog images.  This was probably one of my favorite shoots I've ever done, and a lot of that is due to Wendy. She was the best model: patient, accommodating, and a perfectionist.  

As I was sorting through which to put on the blog, I was torn between color or black & white images.  I love the color because Wendy looks so luminous and glowing - the beauty of the light really shines.  But I do love a good black & white image.  To me, the black & white eliminates distractions and causes you to focus on the shapes, lines, and forms in the image.  It really simplifies.  I'd love to hear what you think, so let me know your favorite in the comment section!

Wedding: Ashley + Zach

This wedding was a joy to photograph.  Several different people said that the groom was one of the sweetest and most thoughtful people they knew.  The toasts were awesome!  It's going to take a lot for any future toast to trump the maid of honor's - it was hilarious and touching.

This wedding was a family affair, and more so than usual.  Zach's dad performed the ceremony and his two brothers were his groomsmen.  The same folks also ran music for the evening, which was fantastic and fun!

The light was also gorgeous, especially at sunset.  Definitely a favorite wedding of mine!

Newborn Photography: Baby J

I had the privilege to take this little one's photos last week.  The family was so sweet and gracious.  I was such a pleasure to squeeze in a couple of shots of his adorable and loving older siblings.  Thanks, G Family!!

Eternal Questions

This challenging assignment came from this summer's Expressive class.  Our task was to ask eternal questions with our photography.  Questions such as:

• Why are we here?
• Where did we come from?
• Where are we going?
• What is my purpose?

You know, the usual.  At first, I was really uncertain what to ask, much less how to ask it.  I talked it over with a couple of friends, one of whom suggested exploring themes in the book of Ecclesiastes.  I read through it and listed what I saw that might work for the assignment.  Here's the result!

Mammon

Good and Evil

Change and Loss

Life

Knowledge