Oscar Nod #2

Alice in Wonderland is a great story, for kids and for adults.  When Tim Burton got his hands on it, it became a phenomenal piece of art.  I shot this photo last summer doing a portrait sitting at the Detroit Zoo for a little girl.  When she showed up in her blue and white polka dot dress with her long blond curls the first thing I thought was Alice.  This image for me captured the idea of Alice entering Wonderland - a place that may seem unattainable to some (hence the chains) but that can also be easily entered by those who choose (as she easily pushes the chains aside).  The lushness of the plants through the chains also invoked that sense of richness and colour that Wonderland is so often captured by filmmakers.


What images invoke wonder for you?

Oscar Nod #1

I am a movie nut.  I love watching movies at home, in the theatre... I just love movies!  The past few years I have tried to view as many Oscar nominees as possible between the time they are nominated and the time the winners are announced.  This year I am working on my annual quest, but as I was watching Toy Story 3, I was inspired to shoot some photos in tribute to it.  I had so much fun with it, I've decided to try and shoot a tribute shot to each of the nominees I watch, so be on the lookout for my photo-interpretations of each film!  What has inspired some of your own works?

Hey Jude

My husband and I recently adopted two kittens... which means the subject of 98% of my photography this month has been... the kittens :o)  I will try to refrain from posting exclusively kitty shots for the next few weeks, but this one was just too precious not to share.  I usually have a tough time catching them with open eyes because of my flash, especially up close like this, and yet here we have a beautiful portrait of Jude showing off his awesome eyes.  We've had a blast watching them grow and they are now about halfway through their first round of vet trips and shots... at the moment they're driving me crazy running around and clawing up my hands, but they're still adorable ;o)

on a wire

There is a little grocery store at the end of our street.  Austin and I walk to it occasionally when we need to get something for dinner (they are a bit pricier than the local chains, so while we can't afford to shop there as much as we'd like we do still try to support their business).  On one of our walks this fall I decided on a whim to bring my camera along.  I was sure glad I did as I've often wanted to capture an image similar to this and wouldn't ya know when we walked out of the store there was a whole mess of birds hanging out on the wires.  Looking at the image now evokes feelings of comfort for me.  Some people might find it a lonely scene but I see the multitude of birds huddled together, finding comfort in each others' presence.  I love the drama of the multiple power lines underneath them as well.

Arctic Freeze

It snowed again in Detroit today.  A lot.  I'm actually really hoping that my husband ends up getting the day off, since he's only supposed to work a half day anyhow and I'm sure he'll spend it ALL on the road it he has to go in.  We shall see.  The weather tonight inspired me to share this photo I shot last year at the Detroit Zoo (which I love).  I was actually there to do a portrait shoot for a client and of course took advantage and shot quite a few for my own collection while I was at it :o)

Polar bears make me homesick.  Those of you who know me may be making Canadian jokes now, but I'm not kidding... I was born in Thompson, Manitoba, which is at the end of the treeline... a couple of hours north of me? Polar bears.  No joke.

The polar bears at the Detroit zoo aren't always easy to see, and usually less easy to photograph.  The good reason is because they've done a really good job creating a natural and LARGE habitat for them.  The downside of course, is that I rarely get an opportunity to get shots like this one.  I love the icy feel of this shot, and how the bear is looking off to the side, almost casually... like he sees something interesting but wants to play it cool.

Stay warm out there dear readers... hope you've enjoyed my tangent into my own history ;o)

where is the love?

Happy New Year, dear readers!  Since my last post, we've celebrated a wonderful Christmas season and rung in the new year (who ever thought 2011 could come so quickly?!) we've also adopted two adorable kittens to add to our family (making us a 3 cat home with a dog who comes to visit occasionally)

I am not one for new years' resolutions, however I do often spend the holiday season reflecting on life, on the past, on the future, and this year is no exception.  I have spent a lot of time considering just how much love is my life and being supremely grateful for that.  There have been many many many trials in my life the last couple of years, but love and support from friends and family have gotten me through, and I am so thankful that they have been there for me!

Today's photo reflects that warm fuzzy feeling love gives me, as I was in Traverse City this summer, and found this heart randomly painted on a bridge.  The sight of it not only made me smile, but made me instantly think about the intent someone may have in painting a heart on a bridge in the middle of the city.  It made me think of the times in our lives when we just need to be reminded that we are loved.  I hope this image brings a smile to your face as well today, and that you can be reminded that YOU ARE LOVED!! :o)  Happy Monday all!

winter wonderland

snow has hit Michigan.  The last few years my winters have been less than inspired and we have had far less snow than is usual, so my photography has suffered in the winter scape arena.  This year we have been blessed with some snow and sun at the same time (ideal winter shooting scenario!) and so yesterday I treated myself to a morning in the cold and snow to get some great winter shots.  This one struck me particularly as I was wandering through the wooded area in our apartment complex.  I loved how the leaves still held some colour, but were almost translucent as the sun shone through them.  The ice clinging to and around them really added some extra crispness to the feel of the image, so I was quite pleased with the results!

If you'd like to see more of my winter works, including some more from yesterday's walk, just check out this album.  Let us know what you think!