For A Moment Photography

Baseball, Bows and Bubble Gum

 

rally cap

gum?

   
 

 

 
 

Today was one of the funnest days for us as a family (in my opinion).  A friend invited us to a charity baseball game this afternoon.  We had seats but decided to sit in the grass (we all have kids).  This was Presley's first baseball game.  Being a family of Red Sox fans I would of loved for her to see them, but this maybe the way she sees games for awhile it was just too much fun.

She had the best time, rolling down the hill in the outfield, playing with the kids, blowing bubbles and chewing her first bubble gum (and didn't' swallow it).  She didn't pay to much attention to the game but when she did, it was a bonus.  She ran down close to the fence and took her hat off in excitement, not really sure why but I love it!  We had so much fun and I think we will save a Fenway game for a day when she is old enough to appreciate it and sit thru a full game. 

www.foramomentphotography.com

    

What did Your Stuffed Animal do Today?

Today I had this silly idea to take Presley's beloved dog, Krypto to her Dad's work and take photos of him working with Daddy.  So I went to his office and in less then 10 minutes took these photos, with my iphone.  It was an unexpected visit to Mark's work but he as well as his team members were good sports about it. 

Once Presley was home from "college" I asked her if she wanted to see what Krypto did today.  I hadn't done anything with the photos, they were just on my iphone (this collage is just for my blog).  She was more excited then I expected.  Often while playing with him (me holding and talking as Krypto) she seems to forget he's not a real dog, this seem to have the same effect.  I was so pleased that something so easy and silly was so fun for her.  I have a feeling Krypto will be doing a couple more photo sessions in the future...

Oh, I should explain why his name is Krypto.  The stuffed animal is a gift from my parents, it's a dog from 101 Dalmatians (a movie she hasn't seen).  However, Presley loves the unknown cartoon, Krypto the Superdog.  Krypto is Superman's dog who has super powers.  So when she got this dog she immediately called it Krypto.  It's quite confusing to a lot of people (he goes everywhere with us) not many people know of him...  

www.foramomentphotography.com

Back in the Saddle

my old bike- never ridden

my new ride- rode around my kitchen tonight. :)

My Teddy Bear (my daughter) and I have been sick in bed the past few days.  This afternoon I started to feel better but she still has a terrible cough.  I started to go a little stir crazy having been stuck in the house for a few days, first the crazy rain (which we never have) kept us in doors for at least 3 or 4 days.  Then this cold kept us in all weekend. 

I ended up posting a mountain bike for sale on Craigslist, something that I have been meaning to do for some time now...  Earlier this year we bought it at a golf outing thinking (having not seen the bike) it would be a beach cruiser.  When we got the box after the silent auction, we realized it was a mountain bike.  Living here in Tempe a bike is a pretty common form of transportation.  I was hoping for a cruiser to put Presley on and still fit a basket for groceries (or her puppies).  

With Craigslist, I never know what to expect.  The fact that it was a Jameson Irish Whiskey Bike made it a hit on Craigslist.  I was able to get rid of it in less then 24 hours.  I almost felt bad because another guy really wanted the bike, he said his Dad use to drink Jameson...

In the mean time I found a beach cruiser for sale on Craigslist.  The guy [email protected]!Y (Wally- that's how he signed his text messages) who had the bike for sale told me to come get it.  Well he must of promised it to a couple of us.  Because he made reference to me calling saying I was 20 minutes away (I never made that call) and saying that I was coming after work (?).   I have to think me getting the bike was good charma coming my way.  All I know for sure is, I now have a beach cruiser named Wally! 

I hope to get Presley a helmet this week, if she starts feeling better.  She already asked for a pink one! 

www.foramomentphotography.com

Inspired

Love her photo!  Go Cindy.

Meghan McCain

Ashlee & Pete

Kim

 

Dr. Chopra

 

Dr. Drew

I've been nursing a cold and sort of in a cloud while floating around the internet.   I ended up on the noh8campaign website, being a photographer I loved the artist aspect of the photos to begin with.  This is also a campaign I support.  After looking at a host of photos I was hoping to find an open photo session in my city.  There doesn't seem to be a session planned in Arizona as of yet.  

While checking out the campaign's Facebook page for current events I ran across fan photos (taken themselves).  I decided I would do the photos myself!  I think it would be a super fun (that's what I'm about) photo session.  I have decided to open this session up to my friends and fans.  I would love to take the photos around Valentines day (spread the love) I'm thinking Saturday Feb. 13th or the first weekend in Feb (6th or 7th) so that I can have the photos done by Valentines day...

This date decision we depend on the response I get and studio availability.  If you are interested send me an email ([email protected]) and I will get you on the list.  The session will be quick and limited to the NOH8 photo.  Feel free to invite friends (as long as they are fans of my facebook page).  I will not charge for the photo I only ask that you make a donation the day of the photo session.  Once my studio fees are covered I will donate the rest to the campaign and submit our photos!

UPDATE 03.12.10:

After first being given the go ahead to do this photo session I received an email from the NO H8 campaign asking me not to move forward.  As it turns out some photographers where presenting themselves as affiliated with the campaign, charging for photos and making a profit.  I was very bummed out by the news.  A friend had made a few other suggestions on similar photos.  But I wanted this photo...  The other factor was I didn't want to do this work and not having anything to do with the photos.  NOH8 had also stop accepting submissions.

So for now the idea is on hold.  

Trip Cut Short

The drive up north.

Earlier this week Presley and I took are ride up to the north country (Payson, AZ).  All the weather forecasts said to expect some snow over night.  I thought we would take a quick run before the weekend madness, see some snow do some sledding (take photos of course) and then head home.  

The ride up there was traffic free and no weather problems.  The next morning we woke up to pouring rain and no snow.  I made the decision to come back to the valley before we got stuck there for too long.  I was a bit nervous driving home in this weather but it was as good as it was going to get...  The roads were once again empty and the rain was not too much of a concern.  Since leaving the roads have been closed due to mud slides...

We hope to return next week or this weekend, weather permitting.  Presley is excited to sled and eat snow!  I'm really excited to take some winter weather photos, we'll see how it works out.

Searching

 

   

I have sadly intentionally avoided the topic of Haiti.  The news of this current disaster bought on total despair for me.  I didn't know how to talk about it without feeling totally helpless or self absorbed.  At times feel helpless and totally disconnected as I watch in horror on the treadmill (listening to my ipod).  The part that makes me feel self absorbed, do I mention it once then OK, "I did my part" next topic?  The truth is days, weeks and months from now when we all have forgotten about the people there, their misery will continue.  I just can really balance those thoughts, I'm just a Mom in Arizona...

I always try to focus on the positive with everything in my life or find reason...  Some events are easier then others, this one I'm still trying to wrap my mind around.  I hope that this situation will bring out the best in the people there.  I know for me it's reminded me what real pain is and how fragile life is (so cliché but true).  I remind myself that closing my eyes to it isn't going to make it go away.  I just want the victims and their families to know that so many people hurt for them.

As we search for meaning I know many Haitian people are searching for love ones, food, water and hope.  I have a belief that we will make a connection thru it all...  I made a donation to the redcross and plan to again in the upcoming months...   

www.foramomentphotography.com

 

The Long Way Home

Me trying to get her to sit of a photo with me.

 

 

Presley and I have been doing longer walks/runs on Mill Ave these days.  On this particular day I decided I would let her take her baby stroller and push her babies (puppies).  She loved it, she was very proud of herself and stopped to talk to people about her babies and to take photos (with my flash remote for a camera).

I allowed her to walk her stroller all the way home on this day.  It took us about 45 minutes (it normally takes 5 minutes).  I didn't really mind we stopped to change the babies twice and Presley let me snap photos of her if I agreed to help change the diapers.  Taking that much time to pass a street we've walked so much allowed for me to see it differently.  I never imagined tree stumps as changing tables and I never saw anyone so excited about a blue bench and blue trash can before this day. 

www.foramomentphotography.com

  

A Little Web Design on the Side

Here is the first page of the site I created for Historic Downtown Ticonderoga, NY.  I got involved with the not for profit organization (Ticonderoga Montcalm Street Partnership) while on holiday last summer.  This town is a place that I love and I want to give back to the community that I care so much about.  I had originally planned on just donating my time and photography but when I heard they were in need of a web designer I volunteered.

The site has come along way from the original design, prior to this the site did not have photos so obviously had a lot of text.  I myself prefer photos and layers of design.  There is still a lot more we hope to do, I have at least 5 more pages in the works.  We plan to add more information, interactive maps and links in the coming months.

I've learned a lot in this process and of course still have much more to learn as I continue this project.  I'm thankful I was given a chance to help and look forward to do more with this organization and the community if Ticonderoga.  Check out the site and take a trip to Ticonderoga, it's a place no to be missed!

www.foramomentphotography.com

If you love sandwiches

 

Today we had unconfirmed plans to visit Presley's cousins once that didn't work out we had a completely open day.  That does not happen very often I decided we should visit a favorite lunch spot and blog about it.  So that's how we ended up at Duck and Decanter.  I don't quite know how to describe it, I simple but charming lunch spot.  It reminds me of a European deli/cafe.  There is also a beer and wine spot there, but I have yet to enter.  It's quite small, it has a feel of being in someones personal wine cellar...

I ordered Presley and I two sandwiches (Genoa and Smoked Forest) both on the signature sandwich list.  They were too good!  The Smoked Forest was so good, it's a hot sandwich.  It was a bit heavy of a favor but if you love cheese you will be in heaven with this!  The Genoa is a spinach, garlic cream cheese, and Genoa salami (I lived on this stuff when I visited Genoa (a gained 10 lbs.)).  It's just perfect and I could love off of this for months!   

While at lunch I snapped a few photos, they aren't really that great.  I don't usually get embarrassed snapping photos of mostly random things but every now and then I do.  Today was one of those days, so I snapped a few quick ones and tucked it away.  I guess I sometimes feel like paparazzi or a weirdo...  

Anyway, it is a great place and it's super busy so call in your order ahead if you don't have time to sit and enjoy the place...  

www.foramomentphotography.com

 

Do Princesses Wear Hiking Boots?

 

  
 

 

 

This afternoon we took our regular walk down Mill Ave.  We had already walked for 30 minutes or so when Presley asked to go to the park.  I figured why not, we'll take a quick detour there then head home in time for dinner.  Well, we were walking by "A Mountain" a.k.a Big Mountain she asked if we could climb it, why not!

We parked our stroller at the base of the mountain and started walking.  I figured we would go half way and turn around.  However Presley wanted to climb all the way because "she's a good climber".  It was a busy night on the mountain and we stopped quite frequently so I wasn't too tired heading up.  Once we got to the top we hung out for a while, Presley had been pointing out cactus and other plants she wanted me to photograph, this continued there...  I decided it was time to head down once she started to collect broken glass.  This made her cry, try explaining the difference between sea glass and broken glass to a 2 year old.

The climb down was a bit hard (on my knees), I carried her most of the way down...  I'm glad we did it most people we talked to had no idea they were going to meet a Princess on A Mountain today.   

www.foramomentphotography.com