B&W
There is something quite magical about photographing artists in their element, doing what they love. Documenting their process, seeing their tools, getting a glimpse into the creative forces that drive them - is it mesmerizing and inspiring all at once. My experience with Bailey - a mosaic artist who works at her in-home studio - was no exception. Here are a few of my favorite images from my visit with this talented woman.
“I dream it, I work hard, I grind ‘til I own it”
From pageant queen to a QUEEN who slays at all she puts her mind to. Meet Lizz - a mama, a model, and a gorgeous human inside and out.
Photography/Art Direction: Rita Farmer
Model: Elizabeth Gullickson
Makeup Artist: Jen Des Lauriers
Second Shooter/Assistant Director: David Maxwell
Stylist: Lydia Mae
Location: NECO Studios
“All you need is your own imagination
So use it that’s what it’s for
Go inside, for your finest inspiration
Your dreams will open the door”
As a photographer, there is nothing more thrilling than meeting a muse. When that muse is smart and kind - and confident about her own unique size and shape - telling her story is pure privilege.
This is a story of finding beauty in all body types. Of breaking free from being typecast and channelling your inner Vogue model. Of exhibiting fierceness and girl power. This is Bria's story.
Photography/Art Direction: Rita Farmer
Model: Bria Grayer
Makeup Artist: Jen Des Lauriers
Second Shooter/Assistant Director: David Maxwell
Wardrobe (when noted): Parc Boutique
Location: NECO Studios
Ali Golden Silk T- Shirt from Parc Boutique.
Achro Slip Dress from Parc Boutique.
Toit Volant Nicole Top from Parc Boutique
The team that worked on this shoot was amazing. To check out David's images and fantastic edits see here.
“Never doubt that a [downright massive] group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
On January 20th, 2017, Donald J. Trump took the oath of office to become the 45th President of the United States of America. Even now those words are hard to type and until last night, they would have stirred up deep emotions of anger and sadness and resentment within me. But today, well today is different. On this, Mr. Trump’s first full day in office, I was among millions of people nationwide (and even across the world) who responded to this threat to our democracy by taking to the streets and marching. It was inspiring. It was uplifting. Collectively, as a society that has been in mourning, it was a much needed rally cry.
The Womens March Minnesota was held simultaneously with marches across the country today, most notably the HUGE Womens March on Washington. The turnout was 5 times what was expected with nearly 100,000 people in attendance in our capital city of St. Paul, MN. Minnesotans from across the state were clearly looking for that community, that kinship, and that platform to have their voice heard after a dismal past few months and they flocked to this event in droves which provided all of the above. Despite the huge numbers, people found familiar faces among the crowds. Others exchanged knowing and sympathetic smiles with strangers. And everyone seemed to benefit from the catharsis of being able to send the collective message that racism, sexism, homophobia, hatred, intolerance, and environmental degradation will not be tolerated.
We - women, people of color, members of the LGBTQ community, immigrants, refugees, people with disabilities, survivors of sexual assault, people of all religious faiths - are not going anywhere and our voices will not be silenced.
My first-ever wedding as the primary photographer took place on a rainy, foggy day on Lake Superior. And it couldn't have been more beautiful.
Huge congrats to Asta and Arlen on their nuptials. And a huge THANK YOU to them for their willingness to put up with a little rain for the sake of some amazing images. It was such an honor to capture this special day.
( c l i c k t o e n l a r g e )
U2's The Joshua Tree album was released in 1987. I was 7 years old and I have been in love with it ever since. Early on, I also became obsessed with Joshua Tree National Park, thinking that visiting the place that inspired the name of my favorite album would somehow bring me closer to the music and band I so dearly worshipped.
I finally made it 28 years later, and the park was truly magical. And of course the album provided the perfect soundtrack to the adventure. Inspired by this connection, I created a photo series pairing my favorite shots from the trip (not just of JTNP, but the greater Coachella Valley as well) with songs from the album as titles.
Track 1. Where the Streets Have No Name
Track 2. I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For
Track 3. With or Without You
Track 4. Bullet the Blue Sky
Track 5. Running to Stand Still
Track 6. Red Hill Mining Town
Track 7. In God's Country
Track 8. Trip Through Your Wires
Track 9. One Tree Hill
Track 10. Exit
Like a chain letter or a game of tag, a Black & White five-shot challenge has recently been making its way across Instagram land. I was tagged by a friend to participate and my first thought was, "fuck. I never do BW" and then, "I wonder if he'll notice if I just ignore this." I've always really admired black and white photographs though, so just for the heck of it, I dug into my archives and found a few shots that looked remarkably good in black and white. Better, even. And I soon realized my tendency - that I'm always kicking myself for - of chasing harsh light, lent itself really well to a monochromatic edit. So I accepted the challenge and actually ended up posting six shots, the latter two of which I intentionally shot with a BW edit in mind. It proved to be an incredibly valuable exercise and way to challenge myself.
