THE END IS NEAR!

Todd Heisler.

I came across an interview with Todd Heisler on nytimes.com, and was completely astounded by his words. I am not comparing myself to Heisler- he is universes ahead of me in photographic practice and success. But when I think about why I am a photographer and what I want do with the medium, well, this is it:

"I want to make photographs that make people stop, to feel something, to gain a greater respect for people they may never meet," said Mr. Heisler. He continues that goal with "One in 8 Million," an ongoing online series that spotlights the lives of everyday New Yorkers who too often blend into the bustle of the city. "I find there are more similarities among us than differences," said Mr. Heisler. "It is my goal to make photographs that transcend our differences and help make sense of the world we live in."

It is humbling and inspiring to know that there are working professionals who have a similar vision to my own, and who are making an impact with it.

Check out his work! www.toddheisler.com

Self portrait after a sleepless night.

Outtakes.

This is a shot from a first round of tests for my Studio III layout assignment. I had a lot of fun experimenting with the fan and how to properly light the blowing fabric.

Happy Valentine's Day.

Just because you and your loved one are sick doesn't mean you can't enjoy the holiday together....for a little while. :)

Sick nights.

(and days)

Inspiration.

Below is a link to some of the finalists from National Geographic's 2010 image contest. I'm not sure why I expected anything less, but all of the images are completely breathtaking. This particular one, by Sean Heavey, absolutely blows my mind.





Happy traveling:

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2010/11/national_geographics_photograp.html

Blogging, Revisited.

This blog has existed for some time now, but sadly, for months, has not been given the attention that it deserves. With a kick in the bum by my new Studio III teacher, I am tossing myself back into this world of global sharing. Here's to inspiration, sharing the little things, and getting a solid grade for this assignment.

- - -

In junior high, I remember playing a round of "I Have Never" with some friends and offering the fact that I had never listened to Led Zeppelin. Of course, someone in the circle immediately took it upon herself to change that, forever ruining one of the best cards I've ever pulled from my personal "I Have Never" deck. I did not feel any strong feelings for or against what I heard, but was grateful nonetheless to have my musical horizons broadened. Now, I work at a restaurant in the Chicago neighborhood of Lincoln Park that prides itself in playing the same music that it did when its doors first opened in 1971. I find most of the songs a bit annoying (possibly because I have heard them all on repeat for almost two years now), but there are a select few that play extremely rarely, and that I constantly find myself looking forward to hearing. Among those few is a song that, unbeknownst to me before this past weekend, is in fact by Led Zeppelin. Since learning that, I have been unable to stop listening to the song, or to repress the urge to seek out my adolescent friend and share this story with her. Also in doing a little research about it, I learned that it is one of the few Zeppelin songs where all four members share the composition credit and I think that's rad.

I'm sure this song is not nearly as new to anyone reading this, but in keeping with the theme of revisiting:

The greatest monday.

Snooze button.
Bare legs.
Perfect temperature.
New film.
A much needed group reconnection.
Some even more needed conversation about why we do what we do.
Good vibes about a current project.
Excitement about a new one.
A quick and painless history class.
An even quicker and very enjoyable studio class.
An extension on a large and important project.
And two very pleasant and (sort of) unexpected encounters.

Still Life With Woodpecker, p.65

"I love the self-conscious romanticism of the outlaw. I love the black wardrobe of the outlaw. I love the fey smile of the outlaw. I love the tequila of the outlaw and the beans of the outlaw. I love the way respectable men sneer and say 'outlaw.' I love the way young women palpitate and say 'outlaw.' The outlaw boat sails against the flow, and I love it. Outlaws toiler where badgers toilet, and I love it. All outlaws are photogenic, and I love that. 'When freedom is outlawed, only outlaws will be free': that's a graffito seen in Anacortes, and I love that. There are outlaw maps that lead to outlaw treasures, and I love those maps especially. Unwilling to wait for mankind to improve, the outlaw lives as if that day were here, and I love that most of all."


I'm not an outlaw, I don't ever intend to be, but that's a beautiful chunk of book.

I want to forever remember the wind tonight. Its perfect temperature, perfect noise, perfect arrival. As I walked home, it filled the spaces between my arms and my ribs and made a home in the fibers of my shirt. I was carried down the street like a feather- light, careless, and free.

I could not be more pleased.

Got approved for my dream studio. Woke up a bit earlier than expected, going to finish reading I Am Legend, then start my day at the gym. Then summer fruits and summer breakfasts, followed by some lounging and I guess I'll show up to work at four.
:)

Truly taking time for yourself is a surprisingly hard thing to do. There's this constant whirlwind of responsibilities and relationships around us at any given point, and taking two seconds to truly figure out what you need can become last priority.

As scary as it was, I made the time (as best as I knew how) to truly figure out what I needed, and for the first time in a while, I feel my heart and my head are in the same place. I know that my pieces aren't the only ones to be picked up; I just hope I haven't ruined anything.


Hallelujah to time, hallelujah to peace, hallelujah to trust.

I have four appointments to view four different studios in the next two days. Here's to finding a home!

Man, it's been a while. I wish I shot outside more; I really enjoyed both of these days.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/krystalisfree/

I miss producing work and feeling connected to the Chicago photo community. Where's my missing link?

It's been so long since I've acknowledged the existence of this blog.
I say this all the time, but I really want this writing kick to stick around.

Spring, you and I are going to get along just fine.

Also, RIP sandals and the soles of my feet.