A house project: From Fugly to Less Offensive (maybe) Tue. July 27, 2010 my life
One of the things that I am surprised people want to know more about is my house! I'll admit--I've waited a long time to really spend some time and thought decorating and choosing things. My goal for my home is to have a space that is fun, interesting, a little quirky, bright, and yet still homey. I think I've done that better in some rooms than in others.
I've done it well in all the rooms I've shown you here on this blog.
Now it's time for something a little different.
Confession: I've been holding out on you. For those of you who have been following along, you'e seen a bunch of rooms, but one that has been conspicuously missing from any public presence whatsoever is the dining room. Why? Because it's like, really really ugly.
It is also home to a dining room table set that's so horrid it can only be called unholy. Even the suckers that troll Craigslist for cheap old furniture didn't want it. I only have it because when I moved into the house before this, I paid ridiculously small sums of money for items that they certainly didn't want to drag to their new house either. Hence, I've now dragged it home with me.
I have my eye on a new dining room set that both Jeff and I LOVE, but since we don't love the price tag, it'll have to wait until we win the lottery or a really really big poker tournament. Hey, it could happen!
For now though, internet, you may feast your eyes on this:
(Please note that I have chosen not to color-correct this photo due to the fact that the nasty yellow lighting perfectly suits my feelings about the room, a la Charlotte Perkins Gilman. Give it up English majors!).
(also note that the room has already been painted in anticipation of this project).
I. HAVE. FINALLY. HAD. ENOUGH.
I'm about to unleash some spray paint on this mofo starting tomorrow at 09:00 hours. Jeff doesn't know I'm going to do this (and since he rarely reads my blog, he may or may not know until he gets home from his conference on Friday). But if you're reading right now Jeff, I love you! Don't worry, I won't wreck anything else.
Let's be honest though, can I really make it worse?
PROJECT REVITALIZE DINING ROOM BEGINS! Stay tuned with bated breath for updates.
(by the way, that's FOUR posts in two days. can you handle THIS?!)
Robert & Cecile's Engagement Tue. July 27, 2010 will you
When I found out that Cecile & Robert wanted me to shoot their engagement session in New York, I couldn't have been more excited! Traveling to shoot is (for me) one of greatest perks of my job (some others include staying in my PJ's till 10 or 11, getting to enjoy a beautiful Wednesday outside here and there, and doing something I love). But seriously, I have a passion for travel and for getting to shoot things in new and interesting backdrops.
New York can't be called a new backdrop for me since I was born there and visit frequently, but it is certainly interesting! It was even more interesting the day of this shoot because it was the day of the Gay Pride parade, which one can imagine made the area even more colorful! But we didn't start shooting down in the West Village where the parade went through, we started somewhere way better.
You see, Robert and Cecile possess the holy grail of New York City: An inherited rent controlled apartment. Yes, it is better than mecca.
But the best part of their apartment is the obvious love Cecile & Robert have for it, and for one another:
We headed up the street to a little lawn area that had a merry go round. A fun couple like this--of course we're getting on:
I love these photos not only because of their adorable expressions, but also because you can see how weird this merry go round is! Not that they are on a seahorse and a bear--seriously?!
Eventually we got off the machine and hung out on the lawn for a few minutes. Cecile and Robert say they love to spend time there:
I love the relaxed attitudes they have! These photos feel like they could be on any given day that they might spend at the park:
Soft photos make me happy:
And so do sharp ones!
A little dangerous, but worth it (this blog does not condone standing in busy streets with your eyes closed unless you are a trained professional)
This is one of my favorites. The expressions, the wind blowing hair into Cecile's face--everything! It's processed with Totally Rad Actions Bullet Tooth at about 20% and pool party at about 20%:
Carefree and fun:
I love hot dogs from hot dog stands! I also love hot dog stands:
In the heart of the West Village. Mimes are creepy, but it made for an unusual photo!
The traffic police also make for a cool photo--they were kind enough not to give us tickets for stopping and standing :)
It was nice of this plant to grow flowers matching Cecile's sweater!
Lots of cuteness happening here:
And here:
Something about this one, I love:
Reason #143385798 why my clients are rad--they can do this:
What trip to the West Village would be complete without stopping at the famous Magnolia Bakery?!
Cheers!
So much cuteness I can't stand it:
I can't wait to shoot C & R's wedding in Houston in September--Houston better watch out, it's about to get a whole lot hotter up in there (if that's possible!)
After about 7000 responses, I figure I now have a pretty good sampling of who is here and what you're looking for! Here's what I found out:
-Lots of you want to be or are photographers
-I have photographed some of you
-575 of you chose the answer "I won't be put into a box" as what best describes you
-At least 10 of you described yourself as a "stalker". I'm both flattered and adding a few more locks to the doors ;)
-Several of you hated your wedding photos (hopefully I didn't shoot them)
-One of you is an orthepaedic surgeon
-One of you is my mother
In any case, this blog is about to get hit in the face with some new style and function, and I hope that there will be something for everyone! Here's what I would love for you to do: Tell me ONE THING you'd like to see more of (or see here at all) in the future in the comments. One of you will receive a little somethin' something' from me.
John & Amy's Maternity Photos Mon. July 26, 2010 people
John and Amy made the trip down from LA the other day to have me shoot their maternity photos! Married for two years now, they were ready to start their family and couldn't be more excited for the little boy that will be theirs in September. Amy is an OB nurse, so she's had lots of first hand experience with many births, and can't wait for her turn to give life.
I have this theory that men always want their first baby to be a boy and women usually prefer a girl for their first. Maybe it's just a bit of familiarity with what you'll be getting, but I know that John & Amy feel very lucky to be having a boy. This little boy is going to grow up in a home filled with so much love:
John is quiet, but so tender and kind with Amy:
It must be amazing to see your wife change from the girl you've known into a mother:
And for Amy to watch sides of John come out that she didn't even know were there:
I can't imagine how this time must feel: A mix of excitement, love, maybe a little scared, nervous...so many emotions at the same time:
But mostly happy:
For sure, mostly happy:
Isn't it wild to look at Amy and know there's a whole PERSON in there? One with his own thoughts, feelings, and personality?
One who comes into the world with no expectations:
And whose every need you are responsible for fully:
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my life
