what its been like:

I've done the market half of my dates, 2 out of 4.

Watching people's responses (all joyful! yaya!) show up in the blogosphere, on their facebook pages, and via my fanpage, its been really cool. This week you'll be seeing some more scanned negs from the black and white instants I shot on the 16th, but alas, my color ones (which had me emoting. LOUDLY. ) are truly one of a kind. The negs get funky color (that can be very cool sometimes) when the back is bleached off. So the prints are truly their own little art pieces.

One of the greatest things about the 16th was watching some plans come to fruition. A fellow photographer  was so taken with the idea of instants that she planned it into a project she has been doing (which is breathtaking), and I was able to link her with a painter. It was beautiful. You can check out her post about it. I'm flattered, to say the least. I ended my day creating images of her.

Here's another from that day:

T at a BBQ

this was the only picture i could snap of him. stains? oh yeah, those are from sharing bratwurst with E. I love this picture. So much. My american-man husband, doing the man thing at a BBQ. Can't describe it more than that.

instants

Fuji Instant. Measures 4x5". Straight outta camera. From the other day out with the ladies. Like what I'm doing at the market.  Jessica is gorgeous, talented and real. This image = worth every second to haul my camera down steps. The instant gratification is so tasty. Especially when the results are this divine. Slowing down and taking the time to really really look makes for  beautiful beautiful images. Holding this print was a highlight to my week, and also a rejuvenation for me about images I create.

pool honeys

she likes to lay out. definitely didn't teach her that. but lounging on her towel in the warm sun is one of her favorite things about the pool. she giggles like nobody's business when we put on her sunscreen. chlorine and sunscreen. ah ah. the smells of summer childhood.

words they mean nothing

Inside/a heart of summer soul/don't let them/take it away
Cause inside/something solid gold/don't let them/throw it away
Follow/your own path from here/so don't listen/to what they say
Cause here comes/something wonderful/so don't let them/throw it away

Words by The Doves

Lately For the last year I've been thinking a lot about being authentic not only in my art, but in my life. Being expressive, and having my expression be what I want, and what I seek to put out in the world, is linked eternally to how I am doing in my personal realm. There are a whole lot of factors in our personal lives, no? How we view ourselves as artists, and even just as people, has such an effect on the vibe we send out to others. How we're doing on our own goals of betterment, within our relationships, all of that affects our expression, not just in the arts, but I think in our communication as a whole.

With all of these percolating thoughts, I've been thinking about the vibes I put out there. Sometimes, like everyone else, my vibes are dichotomies. Isn't that just the rub?

So I've been simplifying my life, making my output of energy into the things that really matter (I know my poor husband might not agree, but I think I'm making strides in the simplification department! Learning to say "No" has been so calming.) I've realized that I know what I want my vibe to be. And it was somewhat surprising at first, but makes more sense every day.

This is my vibe. My single word. The description of me that I want to be most prevalent: SMART. I realized that I don't really care, in the long term, if people even know I photograph. Doesn't make sense, right? I know whether people care or not, I'll keep doing it. On saturday I photographed my sister, her husband and baby and I realized, I have literally been photographing her for 15 years. Even did the math to make sure I'm right about that. 15 freakin' years. And I know that in 15 more years, I still will be photographing her, finding truth in expression through her image and what I'm able to clearly express when I'm with her. Our mutual lineage from our self-educating, passionate and empowered mother, is a recipe for taking hold of our communities and influencing them for good. So glad I have a partner in this. (well, four partners. all of my sisters are legit and rad).

What I offer the world is usually not photography. Its a part, and I love it, and the thought I put into it definitely has my full attention and effort when I'm creating, but there are so many other things I do, and am involved in, and learn, that have an affect on my creative expression. And ultimately, the bulk of who I am, a self-educating, book-reading, wordsmith of a woman, has nothing to do with photography.

Realizing this has made creating easier and more enjoyable.

What's your one word?

beautiful beautiful beautiful, beautiful girl

at a party awhile ago, me and a dearie tried to get over stranger fears when photographing. Mine is somewhat beaten out of me because I have been known to ask strangers to come in and be subjects for my personal studies (the images are worth the few minutes of sounding like a moron).

this is my personal stranger of the evening. asked to photograph her. her response was beyond sweet. I love her face, so classic.

the test shot

This is Cecilia. She's my assistant this summer. I'm beyond pleased with her. On Saturday, at the market (next confirmed dates are 8/13 and 9/17. mark your calendar), she sat for the test when I switched film stocks. I kinda wanted an image of her anyway.... and didn't really need to test. don't tell. I love this image. I love the color stock of instant. I love how utterly unique it is. The negatives get beyond funky when you bleach off the back. They have their own appeal, of course, but for now, the positive is embedded in my heart.