Understanding an Obsession - Omaha, NE

The more I practice photography, the more I understand my aesthetic preferences. Last week, while in Omaha, Nebraska, I visited the historic Boystown campus. As usual, I took pictures of architecture and scenery that moved me. However, this time I noticed that I have a small photographic obsession - the juxtaposition of textured or detailed objects with classically beautiful backgrounds.

What I love about this technic is that it moves focus away from our expectations of beauty. What is beauty anyway? I often ask myself this question. More times than not, I find myself inspired by my answer and the fact that it varies depending on my mood. The iconic photographer Elliott Erwitt stated it best when he said, " . . . to me, photography is an art of observation . . . I've found it has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them."

Below are two examples of my style obsession in which I used Chambers Chapel in Boystown as my backdrop.

As a photographer, or lover of, what are some of your aesthetic leanings? Do you find yourself inspired by similar items, compositions, lighting technics or colors?

- 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

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

This is pic, taken with my cousins, Gabrielle and Faith, is one of my last for 2010. They're SO adorable. I thought I'd make this my last post for the year.

See you in 2011!

C. Marie

The McCoy Sisters

Greetings Shutterbugs!

It's been a while since we've posted - blame it on the busy holiday season! But never fear, we will be posting much more in the new year!

Below are a few pics I shot in Columbus, Ohio of the lovely McCoy sisters. I've known these ladies for several years and they truly are a riot. I absolutely love their energy! I had so much fun at this shoot that I almost forgot I was on the clock!

- 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

Kathy and Erik: Love By The Lake

While taking pictures of Erik, before he and Kathy's wedding, I whispered, "Think about Kathy." Instantly, his face lit up. While taking pictures of Kathy as she got dressed, I asked her to tell me about Erik. As she recalled stories about their past and pondered their future, her face was painted with a smile. At their wedding, love was definitely in the air. Not only was the couple truly in love, they both come from loving and lovely families. I enjoyed the couple, their family, and their friends from start to finish and I'm happy I had an opportunity to share in their special day. Congrats, Mr. and Mrs. Miller, on your new life!

- C. Marie

Coming Soon: Wedding in Canandaigua, NY