portrait

Serious Business

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I must say business headshots are not my typical thing… I did give the disclaimer that the standard blue background is not in my repertoire.  He was still game.  We went to one of my haunts in Englewood.  Classic Englewood.  You know: broken bottle, brown paper bag bottle remnants… that kind of classic.  When I suggested he sit on the stairs I wasn’t thinking of what we were in for.  It was pretty frightening.  I think I even mentioned pee.  He was still game.  I’m glad he was tough.  This is my favorite shot from the day.  Sitting on a questionable staircase at an abandoned building.RP2013_19

 

Masquerade

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We had so much fun Friday that it was truly difficult to see the girls go home so early.  It may have something to do with the fact that we hadn’t sung happy birthday or eaten any cake (brownie) and that we didn’t get to take that group shot on the wall that was suggested.  That’s not to say I didn’t get any great photos.  I did.  These girls really started to play in front of the camera.  All of their masks were stunning.  It was so great to see them create with such abandon.  Glitter, rhinestones and feathers.  It makes for good making!

Here’s a shot of the birthday girl strutting her stuff in front of the camera… and her friends.  Santigold was playing.  Taylor Swift was requested… but really, not grovin’ enough. Come on!Masquerade_2013_23BW

This month’s Ignite Fine Art Blog Circle photograph is brought to you by an 11 year old girl’s birthday party.  Follow the link to Renee Bonuccelli’s blog and see more great photographs in this month’s photo circle.

 

Patriot’s Day

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Visit Carrie Hyche’s blog to see what she has photographed for this month’s fine art group.

In light of yesterday’s tragedy I decided to share a portrait of a friend in a dress that is pretty much all American. I read a quote yesterday where the author noted that in the footage from the Boston Marathon explosions people were seen running toward the scene, to help. He went on to say that humans are inherently good. That if we weren’t, we would have killed ourselves off long ago. I believe this. This is one of the reasons I photograph. To show people the goodness and beauty in others and in themselves.

My beautiful, kind, generous friend Heather:
PatriotDayHomage

Project: Photograph an Apple

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Did I tell you all that I have been taking an online workshop since the middle of Feb? Probably not. Well, I have. The talented Deb Rouse Schwedhelm, whom I became acquainted with through her images on the Azuka album contest site about 6 years ago, is the teacher. Her eldest daughter has a Cochlear Implant, so we have a few things in common… Zach is a research scientist for Cochlear Americas, just in case you didn’t know. Anyway, I thought now might be a good time to think more about my work. This workshop had helped me to really focus on what I would like to do once my littlest is in school full time. It’s been such a great few weeks and I hope to continue to concentrate on myself and my creativity.
We had an assignment to photograph an apple. Below is my take on the assignment. Does this image speak to you? If so, what does it say?

StacieAnnSmithGirlwApple

TornJeansApple

I have lots more to share from the last few weeks. We’ll see how much I actually get on here. Hopefully everything!

Self Portrait

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It’s been awhile since I have photographed myself using something other than my phone. My phone is quite easy to use for a self portrait. I took a few while in Amsterdam (I may post photos from that trip here… I’m so behind, that was Sept! Don’t hold your breath).
Anyway, today was the day for a self portrait. Get in front of the camera. I was trying to be my own perfect model. I think I did pretty well, but there is more to explore with this type of work. Self portrait means a lot of trial and error. It’s hard not being able to see and take the shot. My Nikon has this interval timer thing, which makes it much easier. It can even focus between shots, which can be quite annoying.
Through this little project, I kept thinking of Francesca Woodman (just watched her documentary on Netflix The Woodmans). Very inspiring work and tragic story. Lots of nudes, so maybe not check her out while your kid is on your lap. But whatever, up to you and your tolerance for “nude as art”.
I’d like to show more… something (probably not more skin). Anyway, these are close. I’ll get back to you on what that something is. Maybe it’s a secrete or maybe I just haven’t figured that out yet. I’ll never tell.
StacieSelfPortrait1