what's ahead of us

Being a single women in your mid-twenties can sometimes be a lonely task.  Which makes it extra-good when you are able to spend quality time with other single ladies.  It is refreshing to hear that not everyone has it all together, and not everyone has their paths ahead of them planned out.

I like to think that we have a lot of good to look forward to.

Expectant

I think that I went to 3 baby showers this month...that's crazy.  The last one was for my friend Jordan and was held in a beautiful Shotgun style house in the Shelby Park Neighborhood.  When I saw Jordan standing in front of this Art Nouveau, rod-iron door, I was reminded of a photograph Michael Winters took of his pregnant wife Mickie.  Mickie was silhouetted in a bright doorway.  I thought I would give the idea a try.

There is just something so beautiful and radiant about a pregnant form.  The curves, the tension of the body seem to be mirrored in the the background design of the photograph. 

portraits: week 3

Before I take a portrait, I like to sit and think about how I view the person to be photographed.  I like to to try and capture my perspective of that person of film.  I thought about who Audra was to me, for a while.  She is a complex little creature...the kind of complex that is beautiful.  Like an old Hollywood movie star - she has many layers - she has a little bit of mystery in her eyes.  So this is what I tried to capture...her classic beauty.

Audra's expression in this last photo, reminds me of the Andrew Wyeth's painting, "Christina's World."  In the painting, we cannot see the girl's face, but I like to think that this is what she would look like.

cinderella needs a coach

Ever since I was a little girl, the coming of Fall has always meant a trip out to Jackson's Orchard.  I have been on countless field trips where I was able to pick apples, eat a caramel apple, and drink apple cider.  To enter the orchard, you drive up a large hill, wooded and cool.  You pull out at the top amidst rows of peach and apple trees in the bright sunshine.  Past the rows, you see a modest family home sitting near a large, blue pond.  You pull in and park.  Farther back is the large red barn that houses the orchard store, greenhouse, and a few farm cats.  Pumpkins surround the barn, and red wagons wait to be pulled.  Hot apple pies, cider slushies, and fresh peach ice cream call your name.  But first, and most important, you must find it - the best pumpkin, the one who will carve well, the one who is magic.

waiting for lucy

Babies are everywhere.  It seems like everyone just had a baby, is pregnant, or talking about having a baby.  I was anticipating this time of my life to be just as depressing as when everyone was getting married and I wasn't...but surprisingly I feel wonderful about all the babies.  I really like them.  They are fun to hold.  They smell really neat.  Sometimes they smile at you.  All around, I think they are a good idea.  I am very excited about meeting Lucy - one of my best friends soon-to-be-born little girl.  Marissa, the soon-to-be-mommy, is super-crafty and has decorated Lucy's room in a very fun way.

Well, Lucy won't be able to actually see this stuff really until a few months after she is born (bc. her eyes don't quite work that far)...but when she is able to get a good look around, I think she will be very excited by all the wonderful colors.

milli hearts africa

I have so much respect for my friends that have made decisions to serve others in different countries.  I am also a little jealous of their gumption.  Milli is one of these such friends, whose strength and faith are outstanding.  She honored me by asking for my services to shoot her "support card" photograph.  These were shot behind the Goss Ave. Antique Mall, representing Milli's love for Germantown despite her aspirations across the sea.

I am having a hard time deciding which I like better.
What do you think, color or b/k?

Milli will be working as a nurse in Africa for about a year's time.  To leave the culture you know, immerse yourself in another world, and give your life basically for a people you have never met....that is love.

portraits: week 2

Elizabeth Smith (aka EB) is one of the most beautiful people I have ever met.  Her energy is contagious and her creativity, inspiring.  Her facial expressions say it all.  There is only one thing I wish I could capture in a photograph - her most awesome dance moves. 

Here are some images that represent EB's style

Some alternative takes