For A Moment Photography

High School Past and Present

 

We got the gang back together (this was in 2008)!  Paula is in front on left...  I'm in the back, big dorky smile.  

 

The great thing about my job is I get to work with a lot of different people and a lot of the time I get to work with friends.  For this session I got to take photos for a friend from high school!  Her son is graduating from high school.  I was really excited about taking his photos for him and for his mom.

Paula (my friend) and I grew up together in the same small town.  I actually don't ever remember a time I didn't know her, she's always been a friend.  We lost contact for several years but thanks to a few emails (before facebook) a group of high school girl friends and myself got back in touch with each other.  It was great to see everyone so many years later and be able to have the comfort we had with each other back in elementary school.  Then along with facebook we have maintained contact for the past several years and I've got to see so many great things going on in all of their lives.  

So when Paula contacted me about taking photos for her son I was really excited!  I knew how hard she had worked to raise him and be a good Mommy.  I really wanted them to be something she loved and something he liked as well...

So after having to schedule and reschedule a few times we finally got to do Reece's session.  Now with Reece's being a guy I had a feeling he was not going to be nearly as excited as his Mom and I were.  But he was a great sport and seemed to have fun being photographed.   Photographing guys is a little bit harder to do, there's just not as many posing options...  I knew I wanted to try some different stuff with his photos.  I love the way the photo with him in the hood turned out.  I'm really happy with them and can't wait to give them all to him and his Momma.  

 

Surprise Around the Corner

A big part of what I love about Mexico is you never know what is around the corner.  The colors, the people, the food and the dogs.  We walk a mile every morning to breakfast and we see so much of the culture along the way...  The butcher shop is see to spot by all the dogs patiently waiting for the bones he gives out.  The houses and store fronts are built with narrow openings (like a hallway) that open to these beautifully landscaped open air patios or gardens.  Many of the little convenient stores are just the entry of peoples homes.

I've left my camera home a lot more than I usually do this trip.  I figured out pretty quickly that my huge camera doesn't do this place justice.  Not only that- my back hurts carrying it around.  This village is truly a place that needs to be experienced to really get the favor of the place...  As our trip is coming to a close I hope to get that one photo that I love and really helps capture the life of Ajijic.  

 

 

 

 

Open Air Market

Jacaranda Tree.  I love these!

Open Market

 

 

On Wednesdays there is an open air market here in Ajijic, Meixco.  I love going to these markets whenever I travel to another country.  I never know what I'll find but it's always a beautiful display.  There wasn't anything too crazy at this market other than the hot dog on a stick spiral cut (I've never seen that before).  Oh and all around town and here at the market you'll see people making pork rinds.  They have these huge tubs of  hot oil and large pieces of pig fat and intestines.  It's pretty different...    

This is the first time going to one of these markets with Bugga (Presley).  Having her created a bit of a frantic rush, she had her eye on every toy and after she got one she wanted no part of the market.  Which I totally understand, she's been a great traveller hanging with adults this whole trip...

The first photo is of this home and jacaranda tree we walk past every morning for breakfast.  These trees are every where and they are huge.  I love these trees we had one at our house in Arizona, they don't flower as nicely as they do here.  They are everywhere here, it's such a beautiful tree.  I had to add a photo.     

 

 

Jonas Turns 5

Where does the time go?  My nephew is turning 5 next month.  He and Presley were born six weeks apart, they'll be in the same school next year...  Right before we left I took some photos of him for his birthday.  Being on vacation I've had sometime to edit photos (thank goodness- after all my computer issues).  Above is a little collage I put together for his birthday party (thank you cards or maybe invitations).  I haven't finished the card, but I just wanted to post the photos because he looks so stinkin' cute...

Being in Mexico I've thought a lot about my family.  I sometimes see the face of my grandfather in the men walking around the town.  I've thought about how nice it would of been to bring my grandmother here.  She spoke english but as she got older she spoke more spanish...  I think more than anything it's reminded me that I need to learn spanish...

 

Vacation. Paleo. It could be worse.

 

Ajijic, Mexico

Part of my breakfast, eggs and bacon coming up!

 

Where to start?  OK so you know my background on paleo by now and here I am on vacation with this crazy idea.  My off days are weekends and usually vacations get a little flexible with my eating.  Well after several great vacations this year and a few injuries (very minor) I'm not in the best shape of my life and it's making me crazy.  I figured getting my eating under control would help with at least part of the problem.

I decided before I went on this vacation I would go strict paleo for two weeks and obviously that means cutting out my Coca~Cola habit.  My first four days (at home) were pretty easy.  I'm four days into my vacation and it's well, complicated.  Not only do I not speak the language but I choose not to have (picking my words wisely) a lot of what is on a regular menu.  Breakfast is easy, it's snacks, lunch and dinner that I get frustrated.  

I'm not a big steak person and when I have it, I'm pretty picky about where I eat it.  I just realized salads are not a main dish in Mexico.  I thought that the soda would be a harder thing to give up.  I haven't had any headaches and I don't really crave them.  I notice I think about soda when I'm hungry but can't find a healthy snack between meals.  I automatically go to soda, quick, easy and will fill me up which is always why I drank soda.  I could drink a Coke and be good on the go for hours...

I usually pack healthy snacks like pistachios, dried fruit and protein shakes on trips.  But because we were coming to Mexico I decided not to bring nuts or fruit, I'm pretty sure it's a no no.  I think I will need to go to the groceria (that's spanish, right?) tomorrow and see what paleo snacks I can find.  Fresh fruit is easy to come by and it's great!  I just need to find something more filling other than meat.  

I have to say being Mexican (but Irish too) and not speaking the language isn't winning me any fast friends here!..  If I at least spoke the language (like I look like I should) then I could ask in a coherent manner for "special meals".  Most people look at me and start rattling off spanish, that's the part where I look like a deer in headlights. I already know what their next sentence is (in english) "You speak spanish, rrright?"  Me, "no, sir (it bums me out)".  Then they say, "Well you understand it, rrright?"  Me, "not really".  Them, puzzled look, "ohh".  Add that to my list:  Learn Spanish- ASAP...

To be continued...  

PS This place is amazing!  It's a quick flight from AZ.  The people are great, besides the fact they are noticeably disappointed in me (I'm just kidding- mostly).  The streets are beautiful and there is something do to/eat for every budget!  

Oh and the St. Patty's Day corned beef and cabbage was excellent!

 

 

  

Dear Photograph

Dear Photograph,

Oh sweet babies.  I remember this day like it was yeterday.  I wish I could just hold your chubby little hands in mine just one more time. 

 Love,

Momma

 

This project/book was brought to my attention by a post my friend (Hi Kathy!) made on Facebook.  So this book is an idea by Taylor Jones made possible by people around the globe.  All you have to do is get an old photo and take a photo at the spot with the photo.  Finally you finish the project by writing, Dear Photograph...

Here is the link to the project www.dearphotograph.com.  Enjoy. 

 

Change with a Deadline: KONY2012

Click on poster to go to kony website.

 

This video will take 30 minutes for you to watch.  I didn't think I had the time to watch it this morning.  A few minutes into it I was captivated.  I love the concept, lets make Kony famous and can't wait to see what 2012 will bring and I it looks like I have plans for April 20th.

For a long time I felt that I really haven't had a chance to make any sort of mark or difference in this world.  I am in awe of this group for figuring out a way to use 24hr news coverage of celerbities for something GOOD for once!  I like that there seems to be a clear plan and I can be apart of it.  I love it and I ordered my "starter kit".  Watch.  Share.  Change.

 

 

 

 

 

Good. Good. Life.

The background is a photo of my grandmothers home (when I was growing up).

I had been wanting to post a video I made of my grandmother but I didn't feel ready until now.  It's only been a few months since we lost her.  I still find myself thinking about her, wondering if she sees me and if she's with my grandfather.  But most importantly I remember how much she loved me- that I know...  It became clear to me at her services that she made everyone feel the same way I felt, loved.  I am so lucky I had her...

I've been having some on going computer problems, and today is the first day in weeks I've spent any real time on my computer.  I sat down and watch the slide show I made for her service.  It still makes me cry but most of all it reminds me that she's right where she needs to be...

I mixed the slide show with music she loved and than I added a few songs from, One Republic.  It was my hope that my cousins, siblings, all my family would hear the song on the radio and it brighten their day.  Because as much as I love Louie Armstrong I don't hear him on the radio much these days...

The slide show most likely won't envoke the same emotion for listeners as it does me.  But if I can recommend doing this to any and everyone for a loved one I would.  Making the video gave me something ot focus during those first few days.  It also helped me with the thought that all things happen as they should.  She had 83 beautiful years...  The last 2 minutes are my favorite of the 7 minute video.  

 

 

 

It Isn't Easy Being Green.

One of our more dramtc photos, I love it.  

My dog Lenny was rying to sit on her lap.  He lovvved her!

Looks sort of beachy- but it's AZ.

I am so loving this session!  Ugh, it's killing me that my computer screen is green and blurry.  Yes, I'm having computer issues and can't have it worked on until next Wednesday (after a few scheduled photo sessions).  For a day this week my computer screen was working fine, granted I had to sit and turn it on and off a few times to get it to work- but it did (and I put my battery in the refrigerator).  

Today I sat down to work on a few sessions and the screen went green on my and has been green all day.  You don't want too know how many times I've turned this thing on and off trying to get it to work again...  I'm really trying to look on the bight side, and now when it works I'm so excited to edit photos!..  I am pretty bummed because I just realized (now) I would have my computer during Presley's birthday skiing trip...

Ok, focus!...  Good news is, I have great clients being very understanding!  My computer will be fixed and they are doing a whole overhaul so it will be like new!..  I'm also thinking maybe I should take the time (while my computer is being repaired) to disconnect from all things technical.  It could be a fun!...

Anyway, so here are the photos I worked on so far from this session.  I've been thinking about photographing at this location for awhile I just never got around to doing it until now!  We had so many ideas for this session we just ran out of time!  I love what we got and I can't wait to edit more and work with Holly again!

 

 

 

Our Best Books

Like most families we read books every night before bed.  I have a few books that I love and thought I would blog about a few of them.  Plus my computer is freaking out (screen is green), so I haven't been able to edit any photos.  I thought at least taking photos might help me from losing my mind!

This book, Someday by Alison McGee has been one of my favorites since Presley was just an itty bitty baby.  I remember walking into the book store and seeing this book on display.  I picked it up and a few pages later I was crying (I do that a lot now).  Since then I have bought the book for several of my girlfriends who have baby girls.

This book is from a Mom to her daughter about all the things she'll do.  About her growing from being her baby to being her daughter and one becoming a mother herself.  And someday, "your hair will glow silver in the sun.  And when that day comes Love you will remember me"...  I don't know why I'm so attached to this book.  Hmm, I think it's because I want her to have all the life experiences it talks about.  And it reminds me that someday, my little Bug will have a life all her own...  

The illustrations are lovely too.  Since having Presley my drawing skills have been put to the test.  This books illustrations have helped me grasp the concept that pictures are just lines, simple lines.  With that being said, my lines don't look like these!..

So you'll see our little guy Lenny in the photos.  I was setting up the book and he jumped up on the ottoman and posed.  He's such a big part of our life now I guess it is a good idea to start photographing him...