Old Hollywood

I admit that these aren't all pictures of "old Hollywood". They are just a few black and white pics I took while in Hollywood last week with my "old" camera :-)

Anyway, enjoy . . .

- S. Christine

Sundance Film Festival - Park City, Utah

I just returned from the 2011 Sundance Film Festival (Jan 20 - 30). It was awesome! I screened great films, met cool people, and enjoyed the beautiful Utah landscape. I returned to DC extremely inspired by the films and discussions I attended. This was a fantastic way to start my new year and jump-start my creativity - I'm already thinking of few photography projects I would like to attempt.

Because of all the films, concerts, lectures, art exhibitions, and parties I attended there was hardly time to shoot (or even to sleep)! But I managed to make some time to indulge the shutterbug inside of me :) As I mentioned to one of my traveling companions, I'm having a love affair with film but I'm married to photography.

(SUNDANCE PLUG: Be sure to check out these great independent films and documentaries scheduled for release this year: "Pariah", "Like Crazy", "We Were Here", "Martha Marcy May Marlene", and "The Interrupters")

Below is a random assortment of pictures (in no particular order) of a few of the beautiful and interesting things I came across during this trip.

- S. Christine

I Miss The Beach!!

No further explanation needed for this post except that I am aready ready for winter to be over!

Info: I took this photo durning my vacation in the Bahamas last August.

- S. Christine

Oklahoma City Memorial

This week my travels took me to Oklahoma City, OK. Being the ever curious traveler, I made it a point to do several things on the Oklahoma City “must do” list. I visited the zoo (one of the top ten zoos in the country), had a steak at Cattlemen’s Restaurant (as seen on the Travel Channel and in the travel book “1000 Places To Go before you Die”), saw a movie at the luxurious Moore Warren Theater (heated seats…wow!), and, perhaps most memorable, visited the site of the Oklahoma City bombing.

As you know, on April 19, 1995, the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building was bombed. 168 people were killed during this senseless act of violence (the details of which I will not describe here so as not to give more power to the perpetrators). The memorial consists of two twin gates with the moments before (9:01am) and after (9:03am) the bombing etched on each respective gate. Between the two gates lies a serene reflecting pool that pays homage to the devastating moment the bomb struck. Facing the pool are 168 small and large empty chairs, which represent the children and adults who lost their lives.

What struck me most about the memorial was that it was not only moving but also conceptually brilliant. The feeling of gravity and serenity is captivating. I lingered near the empty chairs and reflecting pool longer than I planned but my spirit was revitalized by the meditative moment. It may sound trite but the hour I spent at the memorial truly reminded me that our next moments aren't promised . . .

- S. Christine

Congratulations Christa and Julian Thompson!

I recently had the privilege of shooting one of my favorite couples. I introduced you to Christa and Julian back in June (See post titled: "Dressed in Love"). They are two awesome people who are about to embark on a lovely journey of love and commitment. I am so happy that they have found each other and that they have made one another so happy. So I was thrilled to have the opportunity to not only shoot their engagement photos, but to shoot in the Bahamas!

The day was hot and humid. Due to the weather, humidity, and time constraints, there were many challenges to overcome. But in the end, I was able to capture some great moments of the two. And I must say, Christa and Julian truly are troopers for remaining pleasant and playful in grueling weather during this shoot!

- S. Christine

Coming Soon: Christa and Julian's Engagement Shoot

Shots from Nassau, Bahamas coming soon . . .

- S. Christine

Out and About: Bastrop, LA

Greetings!

I absolutely love sharing pictures from my many travels! This week I’m showcasing a lesser-known city in America. Bastrop, Louisiana is a small town located 30 miles south of the Arkansas border. The population is just under 13,000 and feels like the type of place where “everybody knows your name”. I visited this friendly town last week and was captivated by the simple, rustic beauty found in the least obvious places (old buildings, a cemetery, and a swampy bayou).

As I wandered around town a quote came to mind:

“Blessed are they who see beautiful things in humble places” - Camille Pissarro

Amen!

- S. Christine

Portland, Oregon: Classical Chinese Botanical Garden

I recently spent a few days in Portland and had a chance to wander around the city and explore. I stumbled upon the beautiful Chinese Botanical Garden located in historic downtown Portland. The 40,000 square foot garden is full of exotic flowers, Asian inspired architecture, and authentic Tai Hu rocks.

Below are a few pictures I snapped while walking the grounds of the garden. I don’t believe these pictures do the garden justice but I hope they inspire you to visit a botanical garden near you.

- S. Christine