Single Photo Friday:: Sock Monkey

Happy Holidays everyone!



Well, the holidays are in full swing and I know that not because I have a calendar in front of me but because the sock monkey has made its way out of a box and onto our tree. I'm giddy.

And note the blue lights in the background - a throwback to the Christmases of my youth. Big blue bulbs that overheated and matched the blue/green shag carpet of our home. I'm happy to see they have made a comeback, only now they are a little safer, less chipped, and seem to go nicely with the wood floors and orange walls. Oh, and of course they look great next to the Sock Monkey!

What kinds of things do you do that help you get into the spirit of the holidays?

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What's in Your {Creative Endeavor} Blender?

What's in your blender?

People are always dispensing opinions and advice on how to get ahead, how to stand out, how to make your business successful, how to make yourself appear awesome in the eyes of others. I am active on social media, read plenty of blogs, and attend seminars all in the name of building and promoting my business and my brand. I am learning plenty about marketing myself, not to mention the art of developing a strong filter. There is a lot of junk out there, and yet lots of useful info that when put to use actually works.

Today I read a blog post that resulted in me rolling my eyes and wishing for those 10 minutes back. Then I read another post that made me jot down notes and filled my head with ideas that I can and will put to use in my life & business. So, it's a matter of finding what works for you.

One piece of advice I have heard over and over is: Position yourself as an expert in your field. This is how you will get noticed.

I totally get it. BUT I'm not buying it. People want me to, but I just can't. I do plenty of things well, but that doesn't make me an expert. I take good photos, I know my way around the gluten-free lifestyle, I can even sell you something you may not need. Maybe I'm an expert at getting things done in my pj's, though that's debatable.

The problem with the word expert is it seems so weighted. When you read something by someone who claims to be an expert, and you question their message or technique the trust is lost. So, where is the value in that? Still, I believe in leaving some things to the pros, (think electricians, roofers, hairstylists, photogs...) but I do not see the need to go around saying I am an expert Photographer Thinker Doer person. I know my stuff, yet I learn new things every day. And will continue to do so. Shouldn't that be good enough?

I guess some days it is, some days it isn't.

I think maybe some of these "experts" are taking themselves too seriously. That turns me off.

However, I will say I know my way around a blender and can make a delicious smoothie. I am often surprised when I realize the rest of the world is not enjoying a smoothie on a regular basis. What's not to like about a meal you can drink?

People ask me to share my smoothie secrets, wanting to know HOW to make the smoothie. Which to me is something I don't question, I just do. So, I am here to share with you, oh dear blog world filled with so much white noise and static, the joys of making a damn good smoothie. Enjoy my advice, put it to good use, but don't call me an expert. Maybe I'm really just an idea sharer.

A handful of years ago I got a basic recipe from Stacy that went something like this:

1 Banana
6 Frozen Strawberries
OJ (1 cup? half cup? I don't know...)
Soy milk (roughly same amount as OJ, but it's really your choice)
1 Serving of protein powder of your choice


This is just a starting point. I have moved in a few directions and experimented with many different products over the years. For me, the banana is crucial because it does something to the consistency, but I don't sweat it when it's smoothie time and we are out of bananas. My general choices now involve almond milk rather than soy, and raspberries rather than strawberries. And my protein powder is now something that is gluten-free. However, smoothies can be made with almost anything, the blender can handle it and your body will thank you. Here's a handy list of other ingredients I have used/love using/ encourage using (though not all at once):

Protein powder - your choice, and there are hundreds to choose from. I stay away from the chocolate ones, but that's just me. Watch out for too much sugar, not enough protein.
Milk - dairy, soy, goat, coconut, almond... your choice!
Juice - OJ is easiest, and perhaps cheapest. I love tropical flavors. If you have an actual juicer this will be the healthiest choice.

Blueberries
Strawberries
Mixed Berries
Raspberries
Mango
Peach
Kiwi
Frozen fruit makes the smoothie thicker, but fresh fruit is always great. Since I live in Maine fresh fruit is pretty expensive and not always available, soooo....
Ice will make things thicker if you are low on frozen fruit or using something fresh and therefore softer.

Tofu
Yogurt
Peanut butter
Almond butter
Honey
Spinach
Kale
Romaine Lettuce
MINT
Coconut/ Coconut oil
Avacado (will make it super smooth & creamy!)




Your cupboards and fridge can dictate what goes into your smoothie. I have my favorite things (banana, tropical juice of some sort, unflavored almond milk, raspberry & mango, half serving of protein powder, and sometimes almond or peanut butter) But I love to mix it up. Mint from your yard makes an amazing addition - and is my preferred ingredient throughout the summer. Coconut oil (which is actually a solid) is very tasty and has lots of health benefits, but should be put into blender and mixed BEFORE any frozen products. Otherwise it becomes one big clump which does not go down that easily. Plus, you can rub it on your hands and moisturize your skin while the blender is going. I love throwing greens into my blender as well. It's a great way to get rid of stuff that may be getting beyond the point of eating, but in blender and chopped up it doesn't go to waste AND you get the benefits of eating your greens.

One of the things to remember is to do what works best for you. Listen to some basic rules (if you want), but then change it up so it suits you, your tastes, your lifestyle. Be creative, experiment, make mistakes. Learn from it all. Make more the next day.

A mirror for life, business, & creative endeavors perhaps?


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Single Photo Friday: Open

My neighborhood is looking festive. Shot on Nikon D3 ISO 6400.

I got a new camera! Well, new to me. It came my way when I wasn't in the market for anything (though visions of camera gear dance in my head on a regular basis). What once belonged to the fabulous photographer and storyteller, Jim Daniels (whom I worked for over 10 years ago and whose work I admire greatly), is now sitting here in my office with me. Check out his site, and get ready to be moved.

Jim passed away earlier this year after battling cancer. His absence is felt throughout the photo community, but especially in the homes of his family members, and throughout parts of the world where he has made an impact with both his photos and general being.

Using a piece of Jim's camera gear carries a decent amount of weight for me. I walked in the cool air last night, cranked the ISO up to 3200, 6400, and even 10,000(!!) and took a few shots of my little neighborhood. It felt amazing! I have been trying to justify the buying of this camera when I am worried about other things I need more, when Christmas is right around the corner, when I'm in the middle of upgrades to our new home, when I already have 2 digital bodies that work fine.

But sometimes FINE isn't good enough. Earlier that day I packed up my first digital camera (the Fuji S5 Pro) and shipped it off to KEH. I felt more relief than anything else. That camera and I were never an ideal fit. It simply couldn't keep up with me.

But Jim's camera (which I think is what it will always be called) is fast and shoots in low light and fits nicely in my hand and by my eye. It can keep up with me AND push me to the next level.

When I got home I stood in front of my house and just stared at it. There were a few festive lights in the windows and I found myself needing to pause and take in the moment. I just used Jim's camera, photographed in the dark, felt alive and grateful and inspired. I stared at the warm glow coming from parts of my house and felt a wave of emotion that let me know I made the right decision - both in moving to this home and in buying Jim's camera.

Being open can really pay off at times.



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Single Photo Friday:: Thankful Tree

On this Friday after Thanksgiving I thought I would share with you what has become a new tradition in my family. More specifically, my brother's family. They bring construction paper cut into the shape of leaves to the big feast and we write our names on one side, and what we are thankful for on the other. Then my nephew (Monkeypants) and his mom (the Wild Weedin' Woman) find a branch in their yard and make a display in the house with everyone's thankful leaves on them. It's called the Thankful Tree.

They keep them from year to year, which partly tracks where my nephew is developmentally, but also where we all are/were as a family. Here is a photo from the first year we did this together.

The Thankful Tree, in its first year.

2007, and the leaf in the middle says 'Everyone is healthy' - which carried a lot of weight in my family at that time. My father died of cancer in early 2005, my brother was diagnosed with thyroid cancer just over a year later, my mother had a patch of skin cancer removed from her face not long after that. So, having everyone healthy was a big deal.

I can look at this photo and still feel the heaviness that followed me around during that time. The way Thanksgiving would sneak up on me and deliver a big plate of emotional overload. But this year things finally seemed lighter, easier. So, I'm thankful for that.

My nephew has been thankful for some other things besides the health of the adults around him, including (but not limited to):
Wind
Llamas
Gazelles
Energy
Mommy, Daddy, Jakey, Jamma, Goat, and Juju (this would be his family)

and - one of my favorites - his hairstyle.

What's on your list of things to be thankful for?

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Single Photo Friday:: Graveyard Walk

Many years ago, while attending Ithaca College as a photo major, I learned about a style of shooting known as 'shooting from the hip.' It is safe to say that this was a turning point for me in falling more in love with photography, and learning about my own personal style.

I can clearly remember doing the assignment with one of my classmates. While I got more and more excited, she got more and more frustrated. I had walked into my comfort zone, she was very far from hers. I would say it was a pivotal moment for both of us in that sense. She turned more and more to the lighting studio after that, while I kept my camera at my hip and took to the streets.

Shooting from the hip can literally happen with your camera around your neck, dangling at your hip and very far from your eye. Push the shutter without looking through the lens, develop your black & white film, and find 36 surprises. Or, so it would go back in 1990whatever. The element of surprise was part of what I loved about it.

The other side is how much it teaches you about your equipment. You start to see things in terms of whatever lens you are using, which is crucial for a photographer anyway. It almost seems to speed up your ability to learn about and make that piece of equipment work for you. Almost 20 years later and I'm still using the technique, though it varies and is often not dangling at my hip (except when it is). Lately, my camera strap gets wrapped around my wrist (just in case..) and that camera is put on the ground or into a bush or on some hard surface that has caught my eye. Pavement, rock and brick walls, rusted fences, piles of leaves... there are just so many places to try out!

So, the other day there was frost on the ground and an electrician in my house. When he shut the power down my camera and I went for a walk. I have often shot with a wide lens when shooting from or around the hip, but this time I put on the 85mm and walked through the graveyard. Yes, my camera went on the ground, into the frosted leaves, next to someone's grave, to get that shot you see here. It is my favorite from that day's photo excursion. And yet another reminder of why I love my 85 so much!


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Single Photo Friday:: Cup of Coffee

It's not quite 5pm on Friday of Halloween weekend. I am sitting at my kitchen table pondering a late afternoon cup of joe. I can hear cars go by outside my window, and hear the distinct noise of tires going through water. It must have rained earlier and I somehow didn't look up long enough to notice.

I can hear the washer going in the basement, and U2 is playing softly. Soon I will hear the click of the front door opening as the Weekend Warrior makes his way into the house. These are the sounds of home. Tomorrow the sounds might be different when the electrician arrives and starts to bring our home into this century. And once that happens I will be able to move my computer into my office and off the kitchen table. Hard drives and all sorts of fun extras will get set up again and things will move forward and work will resume. I am so looking forward to that!

But for now, I think I will grab that cup of coffee. Here at my kitchen table by the window that lets me watch the sky shift colors as the sun sets.


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Single Photo Friday:: Dancing Shoes

I can't believe it's been 3 weeks since I have posted to the blogaroo. But I'm here, on a Friday evening trying to get back into the swing of things.

A week ago today we moved, in the middle of a rain storm. Today I am finally feeling like I can catch my breath. My office is set up in pieces while we work on getting our electrical upgraded, and part of my life is still in boxes. I have spent much of the last two weeks in grubby clothes with my arms in and out of boxes. I am feeling pretty unglamorous at this point.

And yet, this is the photo I want to share on this Single Photo Friday in blogland. A moment from one of this season's weddings, taken right before the bride headed out the door to her wedding ceremony. I love how those feet in those shoes look ready to dance!

And now, I will put my slippers on, get some hot soup off the stove, and sit back with a good book. A perfect way to end a long week.

Happy Friday, everyone!

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Single Photo Friday:: Gaga

Lady Gaga speaks in Portland, Maine against 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'.

Lady Gaga came to Portland recently and I photographed the event for the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network.

It was all very last minute and a little chaotic (celebs don't make their way to Maine everyday), but such an amazing moment to be part of. I forced my way through the crowd so I could shoot from the front rather than on the press platform that was roughly half a mile away (dramatic exaggeration). By getting up close I found myself surrounded by lots of local college students who were seriously gaga for Gaga. I think being in the thick of their energy and excitement made the whole event an even more powerful experience for me. I loved watching them all go nuts both for her and all the speakers who came out to tell their stories. I watched people's eyes fill with tears one minute, erupt into screams and applause the next. Had I stayed back on the dreaded platform I would have left having felt maybe half the emotion.

And truth be told, I don't care what Lady Gaga wears at a big Hollywood events. The fact the she makes some pretty great music and is standing up for something she believes in are the only reasons I need to like her. And it's always cool to photograph people I like.

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Two photos

... that can sum up my weekend:

During some hang time with the neph I took this one.

While having a delicious dinner with friends I took this.

Both events were fun and filled with laughter. Laughing with a 7 year old and cooking up crazy ideas can be as fun as laughing with creative friends gathered in a kitchen together. A reminder of the importance to spend time with the people who make you smile.

Could you pick two photos that tell a story about you? Two photos that describe your weekend or your mood or maybe where your life is headed? I love a photo's story-telling ability, and how the same image will say different things to different people. I'd love to hear what these two photos say to you. Could be a good starting point for a short story...


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Single Photo Friday:: Weather Shift

Matt heads to his wedding ceremony on a rainy day.

I hear there is a hurricane headed our way, and his name is Earl. I don't actually pay too much attention to the weather report so I am not really sure what we are in for. I'm going to confess that I am sitting here hoping for rain and a pretty strong shift in air temperature. This girl is ready for fall weather!

Perhaps the perfect end to a very sunny summer is some much needed rain. I can't remember a better summer, weather-wise, than the one we have had this year. Maybe that's not the case for everyone, but here in Maine things have been sunny and hot. And it's been great, of course. But as a lover of cooler air, and one who doesn't dread winter the way many do, I am beyond happy to see Fall arrive. This is, without a doubt, my most favorite time of year. How about you? Are you as happy to see Fall arrive as I am?

Those of you in Earl's path - stay as dry as possible this Labor Day weekend. Hope everyone enjoys this final weekend of a very excellent summer!

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A 3 Month Challenge

On set with Gitgo Prodcutions upcoming short "2020"

I am taking on a challenge. Part social experiment, part medical necessity. As of yesterday, I am unable to drive for 3 months.

Would you be able to do that? This is something that may be much easier for some than others. If I lived in New York City then not driving for 3 months would not phase me in the least. But I live in Maine, and not near any public transportation lines and not walking distance to any grocery stores or conveniences (though there is a farm stand about half a mile away). But I do live in an area where I can bike as needed, I have family members close by, no kids to cart around, and friends who have said they will help if I need it. I am self-employed and work from home.

Except when I don't.

Crew reflection in the side of a 1969 El Camino.

Crew setting up the next shot.

I do believe that will be my biggest challenge during the next 3 months. When the phone rings for work saying "I can't drive for 3 months" is not likely to be an answer that works in my favor. Though I do believe in an honest approach to how I live my life and run my business, and so sharing this info with people is what I plan to do. Sure, my mom might have to drive me to a photo shoot, and I may have to sit around and wait for a ride home. But this is a temporary situation. The end reward will be no longer taking medicine that I have been on since I was 11. I can stand a little humbling to get that to happen.




This is going to be an exercise in resourcefulness. I am going to have to swallow my pride and ask for help. Then I'll have to plan accordingly and be flexible. And be creative in finding solutions. I'm betting this will help me really think about how I do things and will therefore make me a better problem solver. And isn't that the kind of photographer you would want to hire?

So, if all goes well I will no longer be medicated for epilepsy 3 months from now(!!!). I will have saved some money, lessened my carbon footprint, and learned a thing or two about myself. Plus, I will be free of a medicine I have been taking for far too long. And that will be an unbelievable freedom for me. Of course, in order to get there I have to have a freedom taken away. The state will not allow me to drive while I go through this process.

I tell you this not to scare you away from hiring me, but instead to share this piece of my life with you, and invite you to share any stories or helpful tips if you have them. For the next 3 months I am the photographer who can't drive herself ANYWHERE (and might drive those around her a little crazy). But I know without a doubt this will not stop me from doing what I love.

I love being on set!

Director Kate Kaminski chatting with Kate Davis between takes.

Almost ready.

The actors in action.

More tests. A lot goes into film-making, in case you didn't already know that.

More fabulous actors during their scene.

Honk if you see me walking down the road lugging my camera gear on my back. Or stop and chat with me. Or cheer me on. Maybe offer me some water. I will gladly share my tales with those who wish to know. And if I know you I may even accept the offer of a ride when needed.

Me on set with my trusted Sound Blimp protecting my camera from the damp weather.

All photos above were taken on set with Gitgo Productions and their upcoming short film 2020, which will premiere in October 2010 in Portland, Maine.


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Single Photo Friday:: Outtakes

The other day I was photographing Brent, a talented local actor. I took this frame in between figuring out our next moment. I know he will not use this as his headshot, but there is something about it that I feel captures something so very Brent.

The funny thing about taking photos of people is there are always some nerves involved - for both the subject and the photographer. Even an actor, who is used to the spotlight to a certain degree, may not always feel relaxed when a camera is lifted and directed towards them. And as the photographer, I want to get images that speak to who someone is, so I put a certain amount of pressure on myself. I want funny and silly and serious and unsure and happy and anything else that I can get in our time together. I often fall in love with images I know people may not use, possibly because I love the moment. That may not be their favorite moment. Or, in this case, may not be their marketable moment.

If the goal is to get work for an actor, or to illustrate an editorial story, or to give a family a moment of their life to look back on, I look for the obvious and wait for the hidden gems. They will reveal themselves to you if you are patient!



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Photo Excursion

Recently my nephew Max and I went on a little photo excursion together. It was loads o' fun exploring and watching him take photos. I thought I would share some of my photos from that day...

A photographer in the making, perhaps?

I love the way he looks at me when he's wondering what I'm doing.

I dig photos of swings, with or without people.

Swinging and chatting about life.

Spying through the rings.

A playground made from recycled materials? Cool!

I just love these rings. Again, he's wondering what I'm doing.

Photos taken 'Max style.'

So much concentration!

We can learn a lot from kids. Like how important it is to shoot from all different angles.

A photo he took of me, complete with head cut off. I've taught him so well.

Let's go back and hula hoop! Or something like that.

Our reflections on the hood of our car. This shot just makes me laugh.

It's great to find inspiration in as many places as possible, including your own backyard. Or hanging out with a 7 year old who looks at things totally different than you might. Try it out and let me know how it goes!

Here we are! Oh, I didn't take this photo :)

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Single Photo Friday:: Seagull Attack!

Lookout for seagulls!

Ahh, just gorges. Haha, I mean Fort Gorges, so proudly displayed in Portland's Caso Bay.

 

It's 9pm on Friday evening and I am just now sitting down long enough to remember that 1) today is indeed Friday and 2) I have yet to post to the blog.

I took this shot today while aboard The Lucky Catch - a lobster boat that takes people on tours of Casco Bay and shows them how to catch lobster. My cousin's daughter (therefore, my 2nd cousin) was visiting Maine for the first time, and so we did a touristy thing that ended up being possibly more fun for us locals than those from away. As they got bait ready the seagulls literally swarmed us. I chose to turn my attention and my camera to the flock rather than the action happening on the boat.

I think that was the most fun I've ever had photographing seagulls.


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Single Photo Friday:: Lazy Sunday

I woke up this morning realizing it was Sunday (and the 4th of July!) and had no memory of posting to the blog on Friday. An easy thing to do during a busy week, both personally and professionally. So, this week's Single Photo Friday is arriving on a Sunday! And it comes with a little of that 'lazy Sunday' feel, coupled with a dose of light I'm kind of in love with.

Flag in my yard.

Happy Birthday, America! Hope everyone is finding a fun way to celebrate today.



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Celebrating Dads

Today would have been my dad's 70th birthday. So, Happy Birthday, Dad! I miss you tons, and especially on this day.

I also spend Father's Day missing him. If you are visiting my blog for the first time you may not know that my dad passed away a little over 5 years ago from Mantle Cell Lymphoma (a rare, currently incurable cancer). So, June is often a month that challenges me, on a personal level.

However, while there may be moments of missing or feeling kind of sad, there are also great moments of remembering. Hearing or seeing certain things that remind me of him, that often trigger smiles or even laughter. I try to celebrate him in little ways on both these days. So, on this birthday the Weekend Warrior and I will be going to see 3 houses as we have put our adorable and well-loved house on the market. We are looking for a place to help grow my business, and that feels exciting.

I spent Father's Day photographing a family, which felt like the perfect thing to do. The more time passes, the more I am in tune to how important these moments are for a family unit. As a family we all share many amazing and fun memories, but rarely do we get photos to document that. Kids grow fast, time speeds by. Recording these moments is not easy, especially while trying to also be a parent. Luckily, that's where photographers can step in! Telling a piece of the story that is your family, capturing moments you would not be able to get on your own.

So, hanging out with the Aiello family on Father's Day was, for  me, a great way to spend a day that often challenges me. They were willing to go to a place that wouldn't necessarily strike people as the ideal place for photos, and I loved that. They wanted photos done somewhere that meant something to them (more applause!), somewhere they like spending time together.

So, we headed down a trail that opens up to the marsh and hung out together. I thought I would share a few of my favorites with you. Father's Day served up some great light that day and a gorgeous sky, so that was an extra gift.

I love the color of these rocks against the sky.

Brothers throwing rocks into the marsh. 

The goofy brother.

The serious brother.

The parents.

 

The tickle war!

Did I mention I also photographed their wedding back in the early days of my career? Yes, so it's great to work with the same couple 10 years later. Ten years is a long time - how things have changed! Thanks for sharing Father's Day with me Kate, Justin, Mason, and Max!

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Single Photo Friday:: Dads

In honor of Father's Day....

This week's Single Photo Friday is dedicated to all the great dads out there! Happy Father's Day, everyone :)


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Single Photo Friday:: Sparkle

Hello Friday of Memorial Day Weekend! Today's image is one I took recently of a friend for my ongoing 'photos of real women' project. This image captures a piece of Tricia that was amplified that day as she was newly self-employed and ready for whatever adventure was next.

I hope down the road when she looks at this photo she'll remember how she felt those first few weeks of embarking on this next chapter of her life. The sparkle of things to come in her eyes, perhaps.

If you are up for being part of my Real Women Photo Project, please let me know! I would love to hear from you.

Have a safe, fun, and happy Memorial Day weekend!


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