Seeking Inspiration

I've heard that when an artist feels uncreative, the best thing to do is go to the museum.  So I dragged myself away from the computer for an afternoon and went seeking inspiration.  My favorite place to view photographic works is 49 Geary, which hosts numerous fine art galleries.  Modernbook Gallery was exhibiting one of my favorite photographers, Fan Ho, who captured stunning images of people in public spaces in Hong Kong in the 1950's and 60's.  Feeling freshly inspired by the exhibit, I went home and dug through my old image files to see if I had any street photos of people worthy of a second look.  I figured, with dramatic post-processing work, I could turn a mediocre photo into something more.  Although this photo I picked will never find a place among the works of great photographers like Fan Ho who doesn't need cheap photoshop tricks, this process has allowed me to renew my interest in seeing, exploring, and experimenting.  I can't decide which image I like more...the color version, or black and white.

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Overlooked

I printed baby/family photos for a client this morning.....you know, the typical baby laughing, smiling kind of photos which every parent loves.  I always feel a little disappointed when the parent overlooks my personal favorite photo (above).  I totally understand why this image wasn't selected for printing; neither the mother's face nor the child's is showing.  But part of me, deep down, hopes that someone else sees the world the same way I do, and likes the same things I do.  I like quiet, tender moments.  I like highlights and deep shadows.   I like mood.  When the right elements fall into place, I get excited because it carries the potential to create something natural and beautiful...like this unplanned shot which was taken during a break.  Perhaps one day,  my vision of what I consider relevant will overlap with other people's taste. 

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Smith Rock

I've been to Smith Rock twice in my life, and each time I view the canyon, its beauty always takes my breath away.  Located north of Bend, Oregon, Smith Rock boasts one of the best sport climbing locations on the West Coast.  It's not for the weak of heart, since many of the climbing routes are frighteningly under-bolted.

I was chased out of Squamish, Canada during my vacation due to rain, and sought sanctuary at Smith Rock.  Unfortunately, the storm followed us to Smith where we were bombarded by hail despite the 85 degree weather.  Everyone, including the locals were baffled by the weather pattern.....blue skies one minute, and foreboding storm clouds the next.  Disappointingly, my visit was cut short, but I did manage to find a pause in between the rain to capture this stunning place.

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Iphone Adventure at the Chief

I love my Canon 5D Mark II, but most of the time, it's just not practical to carry on a rockclimbing adventure.  People ask me all the time why I don't have climbing photos in my portfolio since I spend a lot of my time outdoors.  And my response? I would much rather have fun climbing then spend time behind the camera trying to get the perfect climbing shot.  And to be honest, I'm lazy.  I hate  to lug my heavy camera on a 15 pitch climb when I'm already weighed down by gear, guidebook, shoes, water, food, spare jacket, headlamp, etc in my backpack.  And believe me, every extra pound counts when you are climbing, especially when making an overhanging roof move. 

When documenting spontaneous adventures, I instead turn to my Iphone 4.  The image quality is surprisingly good, and photo apps, like ShakeItPhoto gives you the look/feel of a Polaroid camera.  Plus, among all the photo apps available, the color quality of ShakeItPhoto is my absolute hands down favorite.  I may not be able to achieve high quality large prints from my phone, but the convenience of having something light weight that I can carry with me at all times is a trade-off I am willing to live with.

Below are photos I took with my Iphone on our climb at the Chief (first pic) in Squamish, Canada.  We linked a few climbs together...Diedre to Boomstick to Squamish Buttress....which altogether merged into a brilliant 15 pitch climb which we finished in under seven hours.  Featured in these photos are the spectacular views from the Chief.  And the handsome star of my photos is none other than my husband, Aaron, my best friend and favorite trad climbing partner.  Sorry, no actual "climbing" photos though, as my partner gets quite upset when both my hands are not on the rope belaying. 

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A Peek at Paradise

A friend introduced me to Paradise Valley near Squamish, British Columbia, and I immediately fell in love with this hidden gem. I was mesmerized by the abundance of lush green foliage and moss covered trees....a rare visual treat for a city girl like me.  I'm not a writer or poet, so it's difficult to describe my emotional response to a place like Paradise.  Instead,  I'll let  David Wagoner, a poet, express my thoughts for me:

Lost

Stand still. The trees ahead and bushes beside you
Are not lost. Wherever you are is called Here,
And you must treat it as a powerful stranger,
Must ask permission to know it and be known.
The forest breathes. Listen. It answers,
I have made this place around you,
If you leave it you may come back again, saying Here.
No two trees are the same to Raven.
No two branches are the same to Wren.
If what a tree or a bush does is lost on you,
You are surely lost. Stand still. The forest knows
Where you are. You must let it find you.

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Slacklining

After pulling into Yosemite Valley this past weekend,  I spotted a group of climbers slacklining over the Merced River.  Having tried slacklining a few times myself, and failing to make any progress whatsoever, I can truly appreciate this sport as an art in moving meditation.  Extreme focus, balance, and core strength are a few of the necessary ingredients for mastering this sport.  Add a dash of daring, and you get folks dangling over buildings, mountain tops, or in this case, an incredibly cold river chilled by snow melt.

I gotta love the guy wearing the wetsuit; he seems to be the only one who truly understands the consequence of falling.

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Recommitting myself to fun

I've been in a rut lately and realized it's because I've been producing work for other people, and forgetting to do stuff for myself.  Today, I sat down at the computer with the express purpose of having some "me" time and going through images that I shot for fun weeks ago.  I had forgotten that I had started this blog as a space to display personal work, and as a place of creative experimentation.  I've lost sight of this goal.  Well, that all changes now.....I am officially recommitting myself to having fun with my camera once again.

By now, you're probably aware that I love trees.  Especially trees that are overtaken by fog.  There's a yearning, loneliness, dignity and romanticism to the scene that recalls a great Bronte novel.

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