Safety in Numbers

Do you have a hobby? Do you have a group of people you pursue that hobby with? i am a big fan of my camera club, CLIQUE, because we are all lovers of photography. And when we shoot together, we have a great time. We laugh a lot. And we always top every gathering with a meal. Actually, i think we’re more of an eating club that takes photos than a real photography group.

We met at 7am today. It was cold, and the world was frosty. It was well worth it. Photography is my therapy. i find balance behind the glass. And i find peace sitting at my computer selecting images to work on. Regardless of what i am shooting, i try to find elements of design that excite me, even if i cannot relate to the general location. Today was a mix of both. As a friend said, “There was a lot of junk, you must have been happy.” Am i that obvious?

 

Glam-O-Rama

Today i had the extreme pleasure of volunteering out on the John Ganton’s Countryside campus. The activities directors for the campus hosted a Glam-O-Rama for residents to come get prettied up with Mary Kay Cosmetics, boas, hats, earrings and more. Such a fun dress-up didn’t go undocumented. i spent the day capturing the glammed up residents. i had many laughs as i got to know the residents and hear some of their stories. i enjoyed lunching with my first interviewee for my service project “Everyone Has a Story.” She came down and wanted a natural photo, which i was happy to oblige.

There was a great crew of staff shuffling residents in, dolling them up with hair, make up and accessories. i admired the interactions between staff and residents. There were several inside jokes and moments of pure joy from the residents and the staff alike… and me. i feel so lucky to have tapped into Countryside and share in the love of that community. i look forward to more interactions and experiences!

A former Miss Ypsilanti.

My friend brought a photo to show me herself in her twenties.

Helping with accessories.

All glammed up.

Sue, Diana, Tracy, Patti & Megan- the loving staff that put together glam-o-rama!
(Martha not photographed- because she had yet another activity to facilitate!)

Four Kids in Boston

Many times, i arrive at a client’s home without knowing the lay of the land, and make photos happen by choosing a room with ample lighting or finding a corner in the yard. i don’t always know ahead of time what my lighting or backdrop will be. It was not until recently that i recognized this as an interesting challenge at every shoot. It’s always been the way i operate, so i’ve always just flowed with it.

My cousin asked if i would photograph her family before a wedding- when everyone would be dolled up. Great idea! We were at a hotel outside of Boston and had limited mobility, time and sense of location. But, we made it work. The kids looked so dapper and adorable. i enjoyed the far-away portrait challenge. Have camera, will travel.

This Used to be a Playground

On my previous blog, i had written about my first abandoned building exploration. It was a dream come true to venture into the ACME Building here in Jackson (after signing away any liability for injury or death for entering such a dilapidated building). i have had a few opportunities similar to this in the past few years. This morning i went in pursuit of the urban abandonment photo opp. in Detroit. i walked through a former school. Opened in 1910 as the St. Francis Home for Orphant Boys, this magnificent building was more recently used as a target school. It suffered a fire in 2011 and quickly deteriorated when the roof was not repaired.

i am fascinated with the “ghosts” left behind when a building is abandoned. All the books, desks, supplies and instruments left behind broke my heart. i cannot figure out why some of these materials were not salvaged. Perhaps the building was marked contaminated, and the administration was not encouraged to remove items from the school- but surely computers, T.V.s, pianos from two stories below the fire would have been okay? Perhaps it is my naivete, but as much as i enjoyed looking through the ruins of a school, i wish there was a better outcome for the items left behind.

As a photographer who loves to capture that which most people disregard, i was satisfied with what this morning’s adventure had to offer.

Playing Favorites

When i was younger, i could not choose a favorite color. Looking at many of the colors made me happy. As an adult, i thought i had to give my kids a straight answer, so i’ve gone with purple. But really, i do love green also. And turquoise is not to be dismissed. And even though some people say black doesn’t count, i do love black. And gray. My answer is likewise as inconsistent and impossible to narrow down when asked what my favorite subject to photograph is.

This morning i woke up early to head out to Detroit to photograph an abandoned building. (blog to follow) i could say that that is my favorite subject. At least it was from 7-10 am. At 2:00 pm i was back in Jackson to enjoy this little girl’s first birthday party! At 2:00, i assure you, little kids were my favorite subject to photograph. i truly enjoy photographing people in different stages of life. (And i also dig photographing things in various stages of decay.) Ultimately, i know, i feel happy wherever i am, especially with a camera in hand. Happy Birthday, Little Wonder.

Everyone Has a Story…3

Today i met my third interviewee for my Countryside service project. He was open to answering my questions and telling how he survived the pegged pants craze and how he has learned how to use a computer to keep in touch with friends as far away as Seattle. He enjoyed the years his children were growing up and he coached and umped their little league and softball teams. An avid golfer, he found Jackson to be a great place to live. (Which was exactly my husband’s rationale when we moved here… but i don’t play golf.) Though at first he shied away from offering up advice, he did suggest that we should all go about our lives as honestly as possible. i whole heartedly agree.

 

Let ‘Em Play

i often say that the 18-month-old shoot is the most difficult. These little guys don’t quite follow directions and they are mobile. This morning’s shoot was a combination of chasing this little man around, and watching cars and trucks go by. Mom packed a bag of toys, and he was content to play with them so i could photograph him.

The style of photography that i fall into allows for flexibility in protocol. Sure, i’ll try to get {the subject’s} attention- but when all else fails- let ‘em play!

Summer Day in March

Today i got to enjoy the fabulous weather while hanging out with this guy. i just photographed him and his brother a couple of weeks ago, but Mom wanted more photos with just him for his upcoming birthday. i am so glad she scheduled for this week! The weather could not have been more ideal, allowing us to shed extra layers and have fun in the sun! Yes, in Jackson, Michigan… in March.

Six Months and Counting

When measuring time passing against the growth of a child, we typically respond with “WOW! How quickly time is flying!” Which was exactly how i felt checking in on this cutie. He is just as adorable as when i first met him, but now he sits up so nicely and smiles so generously. He looks to his Mama for comfort and his Dad for good cheer. As an adult, unless you notice my newest gray hairs, i’m sure you don’t notice time passing so obviously. But it does make me wonder… What skills have i mastered in the past six months?

Little Boys

Little boys who are spirited and have their own agenda are my specialty. That perfectly describes two of my housemates. i enjoy watching boys at play, and waiting for the right moment to snap a photo. The photos might not end up entirely traditional, but they show a perspective of what was important to the child at the moment.

Saturday i got to hang out with a couple of brothers. One was on the brink of three and the other an adorable six months. The session was a challenge in that neither wanted to sit and pose- but i enjoyed them just the same. i got to watch and wait… and play trucks with a truck that had no tires. (i think i got the raw end of that deal) Mom worked hard to get the six-month-old to cooperate- which he did- and his adorable outfits helped make the session a success!