The Reluctant Self-Portrait

One of the biggest challenge for any photographer is to be in front of the camera.  We much prefer being behind the lens looking at the world through our viewfinder.  So this week I was pushed out of my comfort zone when one of the final assignments for my Lifestyle photography class was to take a self-portrait.  I decided it would be best to do this when my toddler was napping (to avoid further distraction from an already grueling event) and to just take my time.  

I proceeded to remove all the unnecessary pillows from the sofa, set up my tripod and camera settings, focus first on an object where (hopefully) my head would be, press the timer, do the "Fonzarelli" hop onto the couch and try my best to look casual.

Below is the result of my effort.  Of course there was no shortage of outtakes but a simple lesson was learned in this process.  Though reluctant at first to do this assignment, I realized it's good to experience the other side of things - to look INTO the lens instead of the viewfinder - despite it feeling somewhat uncomfortable.  As all things in life you just might surprise yourself.

And your family will be happy to see a photo of you for a change!  

 

We Remember

"September 11 is a reminder that life is fleeting, impermanent, and uncertain. Therefore, we must make use of every moment and nurture it with affection, tenderness, beauty, creativity, and laughter." - Deepak Chopra, M.D. 

 

 

 
 

Rest in peace Ralph Michael Licciardi.  You are missed and remembered. 

Photo 52: A Play on Light

Playing with Shadows - Week 1

“Light makes photography. Embrace light. Admire it. Love it. But above all, know light. Know it for all you are worth, and you will know the key to photography.” - George Eastman

 

Ultimately the job of a photographer is to see the light - glowing evening light, ugly indoor light, an absence of light - and decide if and how to use it in the images they take.  With that in mind I am embarking on a 52 week project with a group of talented and diverse women that I have come to know and admire over the past year.  Together we will support and encourage each other to play with light based on a common overarching theme.  Several weeks will be spent exploring each theme so that we can really dig in deep, have fun, and take creative risks.  

Our collective adventure is called Photo 52: A Play on Light (the brainchild of Kelly Roth Patton) and our first month's theme is Shadows.  Here is my take for the Photo 52 debut!

To see everyone else's amazing work, please continue along the chain. Next up in our blog circle is the talented Julie Kiernan.  Take a moment to check out her creative interpretation using shadows. 

 

 

It Must Be Heredity

Grandpa and grandson standing next to the TT plane Grandpa used to fly in the Navy over 55 years ago ... 

... and a boyhood obsession with planes is passed down. 

Nail polish crime scene

Any Mom's famous last words, "But I was only gone for a second!"

In this case I returned to the crime scene AND culprit that included hot pink nail polish AND a bright white bedspread. Even before trying to clean up the evidence I reached for my camera.  Ironically the name of the polish is "NEON FURY".  Precisely.  

Central Park Zoo

Within New York City's greatest park is a lovely treasure - the Central Park Zoo.  This past Thursday I took my son to the petting zoo where he encountered several of the animals in his picture books. We fed cows, llamas, pigs and sheep.  But the one animal that was of particular interest was the goat!  It was an unmeasured joy. 

 

Coney Island Rides

No summer is complete without a trip to Coney Island or so I'm told.  Last weekend we finally made it down to the Brooklyn shore to take in the sights, sounds and kiddie rides.  On such a hot sweltering August Saturday it seemed everyone in New York was finding relief at the beach.  We chose to ride the carousel (over and over again!) and catch the breeze up high in the sky.

 

ManhattanHenge 2012

Manhattanhenge comes just twice a year and is when the setting Sun aligns with the Manhattan street grid. This orange glow of light comes across both the north and south sides of every cross street of the borough's grid. A rare and beautiful sight. Hundreds of us risked our lives out in the middle of the street to the chorus of honking horns in order to capture Gotham aglow.