jersey girl photography

Madison Park Art Walk- Sept 9th-30th

2011-09-06T20:31:00.000-07:00

Selections from my series, "The Urban Landscape" will be on display at Madison Park Hardware (located at 1837 42nd Avenue E) during the 2nd Annual Madison Park Artwalk - The Art Walk kicks off this Friday, September 9th with a reception at Starbucks (located at 4000 East Madison Street)-after which I will be on hand at the Hardware Store to meet and greet guests and passers-by. These select photos will be on display through September 30th.

This show has particular importance to me, as I am committing all proceeds from sales of my work to the Mike Wang Memorial Fund, in honor of a fellow photographer who was killed senselessly by a hit-and-run driver as he rode his bicycle home from work in late July. For those not interested in purchasing, but who wish to make a contribution to the fund (to benefit Mike's widow and two children) a donation box will be on site inside the store.

ppf- everything within reach

2011-08-27T09:23:00.000-07:00

life lessons- what I learned from Peonies

2011-06-30T13:47:00.000-07:00

"A beautiful thing is never perfect." ~Proverb

Summer is officially here (while it may not seem that way here in the Pacific NW). And today's phone photo has me reflecting on a post I'd created around this same time last year (see "summer=peonies").

As fans and followers may recall, I planted three herbaceous peonies last summer (two fucshia and one white). With love, patience, and a little ortho-grow for good measure, I kept a close watch over them for signs of growth through the remaining summer months. Nothing. When the cold and rainy fall returned, I reluctantly cut them back to near stumps (yeah, but will they grow back?!?!) and covered them with some fern fronds to insulate them from the snow, rain, and colder temperatures.

Then spring came (woo-hoo!) and while the cold seemed to hang on longer than desired, I opted to remove the ferns and give them time to soak in the rain and slightly warmer temperatures. Pretty soon, I started to see little blooms forming....I patiently waited even longer until finally, the blooms grew taller, bigger, and then burst open with vibrant layers of color.

Well, not exactly.....one of the two fuchsia plants grew back full and leafy but without blooms. The other fuchsia grew a single beautiful bloom without any fragrance, and quickly wilted when cut and put into water- then nothing more. No more blooms. The white one, while unique in appearance, was not what I had anticipated- it's blooms were less layered, and not as fragrant as I had hoped.

So what, you may ask, is your point? Well for me, the last several weeks have been filled with a lot of quiet introspect and meditation....work is filled with lots of positive (but very slow-moving) changes, my personal relationships continue to grow and evolve...and so do I. And as I sit at my computer, enjoying a vintage bud vase filled with a few of my fresh cut white peonies (photo above) I reflect on some of the life lessons learned from the experience of planting, cultivating, and enjoying my very own flowers.

PATIENCE- (Good thing I am not a doctor!) Speaking candidly, I will tell you that I am not a patient person. In the car, on a long line at the grocery, working on projects, whatever. I am the type of person that wants to see immediate results, and I get easily frustrated or put off when I don't get them. But something I've learned from these beautiful flowers (and other plants that I've nurtured and grown) is that it takes TIME. We live in an insanely chaotic world; life is all about multi-tasking, and how much you can cram into a 12 hour day....from gardening, I've learned that anything that is worthwhile and meaningful takes time to grow. Rather than fighting it, and getting frustrated with the snails' pace of things, take the time to learn, enjoy, and GROW.

HOW TO SEE THINGS FOR WHAT THEY ARE (not what you think they should be) When the first bloom broke open on that fuchsia peony plant, I said, "oh that's nice...but it doesn't smell like I thought it would....why aren't there more blooms? well, maybe next year...." it was at this point I was asked, "so you're ready to just throw these aside and not enjoy them at all?" And my reply was NO, of course not! It was at that point that I started looking at them in a different light. Maybe they didn't look as beautiful as the market or store-bought bouquets of peonies that I saw on desks around my office, but they were all mine.

What's more, I started remembering all of the hard work (weeding, digging, planting, maintaining) care, and yes, love, that went into growing them. I can appreciate beauty in my immediate surroundings, but rather than feeling envy over what another has and I don't, I am able to recognize that what I have is beautiful, just as it is.

furry 5k

2011-06-12T15:03:00.000-07:00

Today was the first sunny Sunday in ages, and I was lucky to be outdoors doing some volunteer work with the kind folks at the Seattle Animal Shelter- lending my photographic talents to their Annual Furry 5K run/walk at Seward Park. For someone who can't have a dog of my own, and is looking to branch out into pet/animal photography, it was a dream come true. There were tons of great dogs to look at and I had a great time mingling with the crowds and interacting with people and their pets. And it was all to benefit the Shelter and the great work they do every day on behalf of animals.

And of COURSE, I was thrilled to see some folks from Bulldog Haven NW, and get my French Bulldog fix while capturing all the race action. My favorite was the guy you see above- a little brindle Frenchie named Reuben. He was a little shy around the camera, but just look at that face (I think he was secretly loving it).

Click here to view more images from today's race!

ppf- ed ved

2011-06-03T08:45:00.000-07:00

poster for eddie vedder's upcoming solo show @ Benaroya Hall

ppf- botticelli

2011-05-27T06:37:00.000-07:00

shop window display

ppf- love

2011-05-06T15:39:00.001-07:00

ppf- boba and darth

2011-04-29T10:28:00.000-07:00

Poster for a local dance hall event- I liked the pulp fiction/star wars mash up here!

ppf-mannequin

2011-03-18T09:32:00.001-07:00

winter walk (continued)

2011-03-05T14:02:00.000-08:00

© jersey girl photography ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

finally! just picked up my "winter walk" rolls of film from the lab - and just in time for an eight-week darkroom session that starts at the end of this month with a new photography group I've joined. I'm elated to be getting back into printing the old school way (I can smell the developer now) and feel inspired to shoot even more film with my little pentax- she's quite the gem (these photos are all shot with the H3- and this time, I opted out of using the external light meter just set the camera to and aperture of 5.6 with a 1/60 shutter speed. I'm quite happy with the results!

© jersey girl photography ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

© jersey girl photography ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

ppf- mannequin

2011-03-04T06:26:00.001-08:00

....I'll admit- I'm a little obsessed with mannequins. Especially since you don't see very many of the "old school" ones like this anymore!

ppf- C is for...

2011-02-25T11:44:00.000-08:00

c-c-c-COLD. I thought I heard twenties on the radio this morning. Winter, I'm officially done with you. I bid you "Good Day"!

mama's got a brand new bag...

2011-02-19T16:55:00.000-08:00

"yes, I always carry this much s**t in my bag."
-allison reynolds (played by Ally Sheedy) The Breakfast Club

I have a small obsession with handbags. I love the look of a classic kate spade and would love to have the means to throw a black hermes kelly bag in the crook of my arm as I stroll down the avenue....

Mind you, now that I am in my "wiser" years, I've paired down to only a few classic pieces, scoring deals and finds where I can (I have a timeless black leather Coach clutch that I scored at the goodwill for 5.00, another Cranberry Red Cole Haan hobo bag that I purchased for 15.00 at another local thrift store) And in the new year, I am focusing more on photography again; making sure that in my travels, I am always carrying a camera (my gear of choice is the lovely H3 (see posts tagged with "Pentax Project")

So last weekend, I ended up purchasing a very lovely, cheerful little oilcloth bag (by Fossil) that fits the bill perfectly. I can fit just about everything in it, including my camera du jour, inspiration notebook/journal, and the necessities of a city dwelling working girl like myself. Not to mention that this lovely is WATERPROOF (which is essential in the Emerald City)- gotta be practical!

...Inspired by one of my favorite bloggers, Fabulously Broke, I've decided to empty it out, photograph and post it's contents here:

-Camera
-Wallet
-Eyeglasses and Sunglasses (I don't see too well without my eyeglasses, and I hate squinting in the sun- plus my standard issue Black RayBan Wayfarers make me feel like a celebrity as I strut down the street)
-Moleskine Notebook- for journaling & inspiration capturing
-Business Cards
-Android Phone
-iPod nano
-Vitamins/Supplements
-Bare "minimals" Makeup bag (tinted lip balm/lip pencil, pressed powder for touchups)

ppf- french phrase

2011-02-18T10:03:00.001-08:00

ppf- rain

2011-02-05T16:23:00.001-08:00

winter walk

2011-02-02T04:40:00.000-08:00

(insert photo here)

no photos to share yet (need to take film to the lab this weekend for processing) but I thought I would take some time to post some musings on yesterday's photo stroll- the first with my newly repaired H3.

I decided to take a walk just a few short blocks from my downtown day-job office space; the air was super crisp and clear, with just a few stringy clouds to break up the blue sky...a PERFECT winter's day. I started walking and casting my gaze slightly upward at the trees scattered throughout the city landscape- some small and skinny, others tall and majestic.

as I walked, I noticed how each tree, while stripped bare of their foliage during the cold winter months, had it's own unique look- vast and intricate networks of branches stretching upward and outward....

hello, old friend

2011-01-31T18:39:00.000-08:00

© jersey girl photography ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

"hey sunshine...I haven't seen you in a long time..."
simon & garfunkel

hello, lovelies! no real excuse for the lag in writing/creative entries other than I think that I let the cold and wet winter get the best of me- it's so easy to fall into the ways of the hermit when it's miserable outdoors. cold winter nights at home snuggled up in front of the TV (darn you, Bravo TV!) can be so appealing.... BUT there's a time and a place for everything, and the time has come to get back into my creative groove.

at the start of this year, I decided I was going to set a few creative goals for myself- one of them to pick up where I left off with the Pentax Project (this got stalled a bit when the shutter on my H3 got stuck wide open and I had to send it back to the Pentax Guru for repairs). but she's back home now, so it's back on as of this week- hurrah!

the second goal was to put together a series of images every month with some sort of theme or commonality to them- So far I've got at least two months of images, with another month starting tomorrow.... it's been a rough winter, but every day gets a little longer, and with the promise of spring, I am inspired to restart the creative engines.

Stay tuned for more images and musings this year, friends!

ppf- thaw.

2010-11-27T13:10:00.001-08:00

...The bf & I affectionately referred to the pre-thanksgiving snowstorm that hit Seattle this week as "Snow-mageddon 2010" - although I read elsewhere it was dubbed, "Snow-my-god", which I liked a lot better! But alas, the snow has melted, the city has thawed out, and we've returned to the usual rainy, gray, and wet fall weather, which suits me just fine.

As you may have guessed by looking through the posts, it's been awhile since I've been inspired to sit down and write. Honestly, I've not had much to report, and have been really struggling to get back into a creative groove lately. While I've never been one to shy away from big life changes, I've been in a semi-state of upheaval for the last month or so, but am now finally getting things back on track with work and finances, something that I am very proud of.

I'm hoping that the holiday months will find me in a more creative and playful mood- with plans to break out my camera gear and start shooting again- there's SO much to see and do during the holidays, and I am hoping to take advantage of the scenery and visual imagery!

ppf- street art

2010-10-29T07:21:00.000-07:00

"ooh-wee-oooh, I look just like Buddy Holly...."
Some downtown street art

ppf- mannequin (with playlist)

2010-10-22T04:55:00.001-07:00

"Superstar"-Lupe Fiasco feat. Matt Santos
"So Fresh, So Clean" - Outkast
"Hella Good"- No Doubt
"It Can't Come Quickly Enough"- Scissor Sisters
"Life Is Better"- Q-Tip feat. Norah Jones
"Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing"- Stevie Wonder
"I'll Take You There"- The Staple Singers
"Mas Que Nada"- Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66
"Who's That Girl?" - Madonna
"Prepared To Go"- Jimpster
"Back to Life" - Soul II Soul
"Amazing (Thin White Duke Edit)" - Seal
"I Feel For You"- Chaka Khan
"PYT"- Michael Jackson

ppf- cameras

2010-10-09T08:50:00.000-07:00

...a photo of some silver-plated box camera somethings in a window display near my house.....

ppf- Polaroid App (with playlist!)

2010-09-24T06:11:00.000-07:00

This morning's playlist (titled "ruder than you") is for all the rude boys & girls in skaville.... For some reason, I woke up with Junior Murvin's "Police and Thieves" in my mind's playlist...here's a few more in a mini-playlist, along with today's Phone Photo (above)

"The Harder They Come" - Jimmy Cliff
"I Heard It Through the Grapevine"- The Slits
"Dreadlock Holiday" - 10cc
"Earthquake and Fire"- Hepcat
"Twist and Crawl"- English Beat
"Guns of Brixton"- The Clash
"Ghost Town"- The Specials
"Never You Change"- Toots and the Maytals
"Work Song"- The Slackers

rememberance.

2010-09-11T08:39:00.000-07:00

Just between us,
I think it's time for us to recognize
The differences we sometimes fear to show.
Just between us,
I think it's time for us to realize
The spaces in between
Leave room for you and I to grow.
-Entre Nous (Rush)

Today I feel inspired to write- rather than posting the usual photo and pop-culture musings, I want to write about today, September 11th, and what it means to me. It's been nine years since the Twin Towers were brought down, and I am inspired to reflect on where I was, where I've been, and where I am now, nine years later.

I was working in Jersey City, New Jersey at the time- for an investment management company in an office that was right across from the World Trade Center along the "Jersey" side of the Hudson River. As such, I had a front-row seat for the destruction and sheer terror that surrounded that area on September 11th. But I feel like my experiences pale in comparison to so many who lost and suffered on that day.

Nine years later, the world is still a very scary place. Anger, fear, hatred...all very real and palpable to anyone living in 2010. What I remember most about September 11th is how everyday people- those like me who were thrust into "survival mode" after the towers came down that morning- came together and put all of their differences aside to pull each other through a very tragic and dark time. It saddens me to think of how we have fallen back into our old habits of intolerance, and fear-mongering.

Today I offer a silent prayer- to remember those who are gone, and those left behind. It is my hope that we can put some of the familiar behaviors aside and come together once again and work toward understanding, forgiveness, and peace.

PPF-Flora

2010-09-04T13:02:00.000-07:00

Staycation 2010 is almost over, but it's been such a productive week- I've learned how to house paint, caulk and repair broken shingles...I even spent some time cleaning out my storage space and office/editing room.

Here's to an enjoyable long weekend- the last of the summer!

PPF- Doll Parts

2010-08-26T20:04:00.001-07:00

a doll head found on the sidewalk as I walked home today....

PPF- Urban Decay

2010-08-20T14:11:00.000-07:00

On my walk this morning, I came across a music/concert poster on a light post with a tape wrapper cleverly discarded across the fellow's eyes....

This weekend brings a lovely wedding at Kubota Gardens-hoping the weather holds up and the rain stays away....

Only one more week until STAYCATION 2010 - woohoo!

PPF-evening shadows

2010-08-13T08:29:00.000-07:00

PPF- Flora

2010-08-06T10:01:00.000-07:00

I am IN LOVE with today's phone photo (taken with the little orange box photo app)- these interesting little flowers (are they daisies? not sure) are in front of my little city dwelling, and I've been meaning to take a photo of them. Today, the sky is overcast and foggy, which makes for some very nice light, I think.

I am truly looking forward to kicking off my "working-girl" shoes this weekend, visiting with some good friends, and spending time with the one I love. As such, my playlist this morning is upbeat and chock-full of girly songs that just make my day.

Happy friday, ALL!

Mary J. Blige- Mary J (All Night Long), Family Affair
New Edition- If It Isn't Love
Rufus feat. Chaka Khan- Tell Me Something Good
Jennifer Lopez (feat. Fabulous)- Get Right
Soul II Soul- Back To Life
Mariah Carey- Shake It Off, Fantasy
Talib Kweli (feat Mary J. Blige)-I Try
The Staple Singers- I'll Take You There
Stevie Wonder- That Girl
Neneh Cherry-Buffalo Stance
Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam- Can You Feel The Beat?
Bobby Brown- Don't Be Cruel

PPF- The Pinhole App

2010-07-30T05:49:00.001-07:00

Happy Friday! I decided to try out the Pinhole Camera app on my phone for this week's installment...this is a poster I found on my walk home last night...not sure how I feel about the app, although I am a big sucker for film edge framing on a photograph.

I'm looking forward to some r&r this weekend- the first in awhile where I don't have anywhere to go or do- it's nice to just sit back and let the day take you where it will!

PPF- The Little Orange Box App

2010-07-23T05:47:00.000-07:00

...another in the new series- this one shot with the "Little Orange Box" camera on the Urbian phone app... I love the color saturation, vignetting, and rough edges; this is a shot of some urban art I found on my walk through the city...

busy busy weekend coming up with a wedding, family gathering and my very first Sounders game on Sunday! It's supposed to be a beautiful summer weekend- enjoy, friends!

Fridays are for Phone Photos!

2010-07-16T15:07:00.000-07:00

This week, I stumbled on a terrific little phone app called Retrocam that I am now in love with- made by the folks at Urbian, Inc. it turns your any smartphone camera into a retro photo snappin' machine! While I haven't played with all the choices (mostly using the Barbel lens/camera) I've decided to designate today (and Fridays going forward) as Phone Photo Friday!

(isn't alliteration neat?)

This week's photo is above- a lovely little cafe gate that I walk by every day on my way to/from work. Enjoy the weekend, folks!

ch-ch-ch-ch-changes.....

2010-07-15T12:37:00.000-07:00

oh look out, you rock n' rollers...

The girl has done it again! summer has me in the mood for something breezy and light, which means a little cleanup and preening of the current jg website.

I LOVE the good folks at wix.com for providing creatives with FREE flash website templates that are SO easy to use! I've refreshed the existing content with a new font and added a new page (in development) to house my fine art/series work... I'm also working on an e-commerce site (or something like it)for those who love the girl and want to purchase some of my work. In a word, I'm ecstatic!

You can visit the new site by clicking here....enjoy!

A HOT summer playlist for a HOT summer day!

2010-07-07T15:12:00.000-07:00

...always the optimist, I know that it could be worse- I could be in jersey for the summer (yikes- 93 with 80 percent humidity? No STANK YOU!!!)

Here's an inspired summer playlist for the first day that has actually FELT like summer since, well, the first day of Summer. Enjoy!

"Heat of the Moment" -Asia
"The Warmth of The Sun" - Beach Boys
"The Light"-Common
"Picnic In the Summertime" - Deee Lite
"Dim All the Lights"- Donna Summer
"Let Me Ride" - Dr. Dre
"Rio"- Duran Duran
"Electric Avenue"- Eddy Grant
"Mr. Blue Sky"- ELO
"French Toast (Soleil Trop Chaud)"- English Beat
"Don't Sweat The Technique"- Eric B. & Rakim
"I'm Hot"- Erick Sermon (feat. Marvin Gaye)
"Cool"- Gwen Stefani
"Watermelon Man"- Herbie Hancock
"Good Life"- Inner City
"Sunshine" - The Jungle Brothers
"Police and Thieves" - Junior Murvin
"Burning Up"- Madonna
"Soul Makossa" Manu Dibango
"Fantasy"- Mariah Carey
"This Is How We Do It" - Montell Jordan
"Ms. Fat Booty"- Mos Def
"Cool It Now"- New Edition
"Hot Child in the City"- Nick Gilder
"Summer Nights"- Olivia Newton John & John Travolta
"Sittin' On the Dock of the Bay"- Otis Redding
"California Sun"- the Ramones
"Holiday in the Sun"- Sex Pistols
"Behind the Sun"- Red Hot Chili Peppers
"Too Hot" - the Specials

6.23.10- The English Beat in Seattle

2010-06-23T17:20:00.001-07:00

Summer means outdoor concerts, and I was thrilled to hear that the English Beat was playing a free concert downtown today -close to work, during lunch hour....sweet! time to get my beat on...

Dave Wakeling and Co. did not disappoint and had the crowd "skankin' to the beat"- I was tickled at the sight of the "Rude Boy" sticker on his guitar (see pic below) and while I miss the days of the original lineup (with Ranking Roger and Saxa) there's no denying that they still know how to get this Rude Girl moving!

summer=peonies

2010-06-12T17:29:00.001-07:00

Summertime means my favorite flowers have started to bloom. When I was younger, I spent many summers at my grandparents' house in Bergen County, NJ... my grandfather was a farm boy from Georgia, and as such, always kept the garden and yard lovely enough to make Martha Stewart green with envy; over an acre of lush plants and trees, a veggie garden, and beautiful flowers. And in the summer months, Grandma always had a small glass or vase full of fresh flowers on her kitchen table. The peonies she grew were pink and white, and were always my favorite for their vibrant color, subtle yet sweet scent, and their intricate layers of petals.

I've planted some white and fuschia ones that have yet to start blooming (I am like a little kid out there every day- have they started growing yet? how about now? ) I am guessing it's because it hasn't been warm enough yet....so in the meantime, I've purchased a few bunches at the grocery, and have made a point to snap some photos of them when I see a color or stage that catches my eye...

...which reminds me- I really need to invest in a good macro lens for my digital!

whidbey/sandy point

2010-06-08T06:37:00.001-07:00

© jersey girl photography ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Summer is here! (well, not quite....although we keep getting little teasers of warmer weather, it's still cool and rainy here in the PNW)- I recently spent a Sunday out at Whidbey Island visiting with loved ones and although it was cool and breezy, it was a true delight to take a walk out on the beach, looking for sea glass (I've got a nice collection going) and I brought the camera along for some photos of the sand, surf, and surrounding homes out at Sandy Point.

© jersey girl photography ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

During one of my many walks that day, I fell in love with the look of this little beach bungalow out on the point- the tattered layers of green paint; the rusted metal hinges and screen doors on the windows...even a little stone porch cat! Being out at Whidbey reminded me of summers at the jersey shore....June 21 can't come soon enough!

flashback friday- De La Soul's "3 Feet High and Rising"

2010-05-14T14:41:00.000-07:00

Junior year of high school (nineteen-ninety hmmmmm hmmmmm....) - my friend, Geoff went to see Living Color in concert. After school the next day, we talked about the show, and he told me that this group called De La Soul had opened for them, and got booed off the stage by an audience expecting an all-out rock show. He then proceeded to play me a copy of De La's debut album, "3 Feet High and Rising". What I heard forever changed the way I listened to music, and marked the end of my steady diet of The Smiths and Depeche Mode.

With tracks like "Eye Know" (you'll hear a familiar snippet from Steely Dan's "Peg") "Say No Go" (featuring a killer hook from Hall & Oates' "I Can't Go For That") and the timeless "Me, Myself, and I" you can't resist the urge to crank the volume, and nod your head!

Spring has Sprung ! Announcing a NEW jersey girl website

2010-03-25T13:52:00.000-07:00

"No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow."
-proverb

....after a hard, cold winter, and many hours in front of the computer, the girl is pleased to announce the launch of a new and improved website!

I hope that friends and fans will find it as refreshing and fun as I do! Now that I've gotten the hang of how to build and design my very own site, I'm planning to add some additional galleries and content in the near term. Stay tuned!

flashback friday- john hughes playlist

2010-03-12T11:02:00.000-08:00

I was thrilled to see last week's Oscar tribute to filmmaker, John Hughes - like any product of the 80's, so many of my adolescent memories are centered around his movies; to this day, I can still recite lines from "The Breakfast Club" ("Does Barry Manilow know you raid his closet?") and strive to live every day to the fullest like Ferris Bueller...part of what made John's movies so exciting for me as a young teen (and now as a thirty-something) was the music (yes, I played quite a few of those soundtrack cassettes until they broke!) ...so for this week's flashback friday, a playlist (or as we call them back where I come from, a MIX TAPE) to honor a few of my favorites.

"Don't You Forget About Me"- Simple Minds (the breakfast club)
"Pretty In Pink" - The Psychedelic Furs (pretty in pink)
"Wild Sex (In the Working Class)" -Oingo Boingo (sixteen candles)
"Oh Yeah"- Yello (ferris bueller's day off)
"True" - Spandau Ballet (sixteen candles)
"Changes" - David Bowie (opening quote, the breakfast club)
"If You Were Here"- The Thompson Twins (sixteen candles)
"Danke Schoen"- Wayne Newton (ferris bueller's day off)
"Shellshock"- New Order (pretty in pink)
"Turning Japanese"- The Vapors (sixteen candles)
"The Edge of Forever" - The Dream Academy (ferris bueller's day off)
"Little Bitch"- The Specials (sixteen candles)
"Radio People"-Zapp (ferris bueller's day off)
"Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want"- The Smiths (pretty in pink, ferris bueller's day off)
"Wouldn't It Be Good?" - Nik Kershaw (pretty in pink)
"Wild Thing" - Tone Loc (uncle buck)
"Young Guns (Go For It)" - Wham! (sixteen candles)
"Rotating Heads" - the English Beat (ferris bueller's day off)
"Modigliani (Lost in Your Eyes)" - Book of Love (planes, trains, and automobiles)
"Kajagoogoo (Instrumental)" - Kajagoogoo (sixteen candles)

flashback friday- Bloc Party's "Silent Alarm"

2010-02-12T14:27:00.001-08:00

My digital music collection has gotten so large that I often forget what I own or have acquired over the years. So every Friday, as I sit and drink my morning coffee, I sift through the folders of music that are on my computer and backup hard drive... it's a lot like that proverbial box of chocolates- you never know what you're going to find.... and I usually pick a few to load up on my iPod for the day. I've affectionately named this day "Flashback Friday".

Today's favorite flashback is "Silent Alarm" from Bloc Party- I'd first discovered them after hearing an interview with Peter Hook from New Order; who'd mentioned that any CD that his kids would steal from him had to be halfway decent. Favorites on this one include the lead track "Like Eating Glass"-"This Modern Love", "Little Thoughts" and "Banquet" (when they first hit, they were offering a free download of an alternate version of this one that just rawks). Truth be told, there's not a bad track on the album, and I have listened to this one front to back at least a few times today!

Anywho, things are super busy for this girl....I am actively booking weddings for the summer, and am trying to navigate my way through building a new website (yes, she can be taught code!!!) stay tuned for more news soon!

the pentax project- new images!

2009-11-11T18:59:00.000-08:00

© jersey girl photography ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Finally. The coughing has subsided. It's amazing how you can get used to being a total slug (not working out, not writing, not photographing) when you're just not feeling 100%. The non-stop rain hasn't helped me either, in terms of producing camera-friendly conditions (holy CRAP- we even had thunder and lightning storms last week in Seattle!) But I'm finally feeling more myself and ready to get back into the swing of things. Here's a few selections from the latest roll to run through the oul' Pentax.

© jersey girl photography ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

© jersey girl photography ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

flu fighter

2009-10-25T14:32:00.000-07:00

© jersey girl photography ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Sadly, my creative run has come to a screeching halt during the last week, and as I'm fighting off a nasty cold, I've been feeling less than creative (let alone motivated) to be out in the world working on photographic pursuits....On the plus side, before the symptoms got too bad, I did manage to get over to the Seattle Art Museum last Saturday to see a series of Imogen Cunningham photographs, which was truly inspiring, considering she was a PNW photographer, and her portrait studio was only a few short blocks from where I live in Seattle. My only issues with the show was that they hung her work near the second floor restrooms at the museum, and whoever cut the mats that framed her photographs should be SHOT ON SITE. Seriously. Many of them were crooked and disproportionate, which in my mind, is just awful, considering what treasures some of the images are ("Triangles" was one of the many on display).

Anyway, the girl is slowly back on the mend and hard at work on "the Pentax project"- stay tuned for updates and new images!

the urban landscape- final show for 2009 @ Candles Cafe

2009-09-13T08:06:00.000-07:00

© jersey girl photography ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

I will be rounding out the summer months with a small show at Candles Cafe in Fremont. For this show, I've decided to display about eight of my favorites from the urban landscape series, including the one above.

After a year of tremendous success with this series, it's now time to shelve it and focus on new projects currently in the works. For those interested in learning more or purchasing prints from the series, visit jerseygirlphotography.com for more information.

the pentax project- part three: SUCCESS!!!

2009-09-04T19:30:00.000-07:00

© jersey girl photography ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

© jersey girl photography ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

© jersey girl photography ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

© jersey girl photography ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

I'm pleased to unveil images from the first roll of film shot with the new (old) Pentax H3- this is Ilford HP5 (400) and these were all taken on a photo stroll in downtown Seattle a few weeks ago (try finding a decent photo lab that will develop and scan these days- it's a pain, but I've found a good one in Phinney Ridge)this roll was processed by the kind folks at MoonPhoto

I can't CONTAIN my elation in seeing such perfect negatives (even the lab guy was a little jealous when I told him what camera I was shooting with; and more importantly, how much I paid for it....it's the perfect instrument for my next series, and these images give a small clue into the subject matter...'nuff said!

p.s. I posted these large (click on one and you will see what I mean) so you could see the GORGEOUS film grain......*sigh* I love good grain.

"Now that you've found another key...."

2009-09-03T05:45:00.000-07:00

Ringo Starr and George Harrison, June 1964 (photographed by Morrie Hill)

".......what are you going to play?"

-Baby You're a Rich Man

Anyone who knows me knows that I am a freak for documentaries, and for the last few weeks, Vh1 has been playing the Beatles "Anthology"- a series documenting the life and times of the fab four.

Like any progeny of the baby boomer generation, I grew up living, breathing, singing and harmonizing along with John, Paul, George, and Ringo. (of course, Paul was always my favorite- HELLO!!!! he WAS the cute Beatle, AND he married a photographer!)

And after watching Parts I & II, I've repurchased and reconnected with some of my old favorites; Abbey Road, Revolver..... even Yellow Submarine (hence the song quote above) ...and like a breath of fresh air, or much like an old friend I've not seen in years, I gladly welcome them back into my life.

Note the photo above (even George had a PENTAX) Nice one.....It even has the same external meter that mine does...different model & color though. still sweet as all get-down!

Blind Cartographers @ the High Dive- 8.15.09

2009-08-16T18:46:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of watching (and photographing) my good friend Michelle and her band, Blind Cartographers, at the High Dive in Fremont last night- they are absolutely wonderful (unfortunately, they are losing their guitarist, Matt this month as he and his fiancee are moving to New York) - I hope that she can keep it going with Joe (on Bass Guitar/Upright Bass) Josh (on Drums)~ besides, when is the last time you heard someone rock the banjo?

Be sure to visit the "Music" section of their site (which is hyperlinked above)

the pentax project- part two (isn't she lovely?)

2009-08-07T18:36:00.000-07:00

What a great surprise to find my newly resurrected Pentax waiting for me in the mail today. She arrived just at the right time- not sure what the weekend would hold for me in terms of get-togethers, activities, etc..... I now know what I must do- go forth and photograph!

and it wouldn't at all be possible without the help of Eric Hendrickson at Pentax Camera Service What a guy!

So here I go out into the world with a new (vintage) camera in hand, a fresh roll of HP5, and not a care in the world!

the pentax project - part one (discovery)

2009-07-19T20:49:00.000-07:00

They say that if you "put the thought-form out into the world, it will come to you." .....darned if it didn't happen to me today!

After spending the day perusing the streets for some new images with my digital camera, I came back home to review the fruits of my labor. Some good work here, yes. But lately, I've been struggling to find my creative groove- to come up with the next best series; what will it be? what will these images look like? should I ditch digital again, and go back to strictly film?

Part of my weekend routine is to comb the local thrift stores~ searching for those hidden goodies amongst the stuffy, less than glamourous bins, racks, and shelves at the local Goodwill (or as I like to call it, the "Bon Chance")- The one that I visit almost weekly has a "treasure shop" where they keep the good or better than good stuff; china, collectible figurines, jewelry, etc....

When I walked in today, there was a man mulling over a camera and a few telephoto lenses- didn't look like anything special, but I have an eye for old collectible cameras, and thought I would hover a bit, to see if he passed on them and asked the lady behind the camera to take them away. He did, and like a ninja, I pounced on the counter- bypassing the lenses and moving straight to the camera, which turned out to be the one that you see pictured above. In high school, I owned an old Pentax Spotmatic (which I loved to pieces) so right away, I saw the Pentax name and got super excited. I tested the shutters and focus, looked at the lens, which all appeared to be in good shape. I noticed that the shutters stuck a bit in certain speed settings, but when I saw the $14.00 pricetag, I thought- even if I can't get it to work like new again, it's too cheap NOT to go for it.

So she's here in her new home and I can't wait to get her working again- in doing some online research, I've discovered that the sticky shutter/curtain issue is common, and likely repairable. I figure if I have to sink 100.00 into getting her going like new again, it's worth it, considering I've seen the same vintage model online for over 200.00~

And I've decided to build my next series around my new rig, hence the title, "The Pentax Project"- I want to make it all black and white, and taken only with the Pentax. The next step will be to see about getting her into the repair shop ASAP, so that I can get her back and start running film tests, etc....

How exciting! and this was just what I needed to get my groove back.

Now showing at SPACE: July 1-31

2009-07-19T20:40:00.000-07:00

During the month of July, the girl will showing selections from "the urban landscape" at SPACE:A Design-Build Collective, located at:

7601 Greenwood Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98103
(206) 706-1054‎

abbie and steve

2009-07-05T11:34:00.000-07:00

© jersey girl photography ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Right at the start of the summer, I'd had the pleasure of taking some photos of my friend, Abbie and her fiancee Steve- they are getting married next year, and were looking to have some photos to use for their wedding announcements-above is just one of my favorites from our session together (pick me! pick me!).

Speaking of summer, I can't believe that it's half over ALREADY! I've been hard at work on ideas for a new series, and finishing up the last of the 2009 shows for "the Urban Landscape"- all in all, I am having a great time and looking forward to rolling into fall (my favorite time of the year) with a new focus.

Roosevelt Art Walk- April 4th

2009-04-04T09:38:00.000-07:00

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This month, the girl will be showing selections from the urban landscape at Derby Salon in Roosevelt; and as such, is pleased to be a part of the Salon's Art Walk festivities this Thursday, April 9th. Here's the scoop:

April 9*-31st
Derby Salon
6315 Roosevelt Way NE
(across from Magnolia Hi-Fi)

If you're in the neighborhood, be sure to stop by for the Art Walk Reception, where we'll be on hand to meet and greet art walk participants, friends & loved ones. Hope to see you there!

first thursday @ the pioneer square saloon

2009-03-01T08:25:00.001-08:00

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During the month of March, selections from the urban landscape will be on display at the Pioneer Square Saloon!

March 1st-31st*

Pioneer Square Saloon
73 Yesler Way
Seattle, WA

*First Thursday Art Walk-Thursday, March 5th
12-8PM

loved.

2009-01-12T06:00:00.001-08:00

© jersey girl photography ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

A quick note of thanks to all who attended the Ballard Art Walk this past Saturday-it was a cold and rainy evening, but the line was out the door at Cupcake Royale -and it was such a good feeling to see folks admiring my work on the walls. Cheers to one and all who braved the bad weather to come and see me!

first thursday- blaubak gallery

2009-01-06T05:58:00.000-08:00

© jersey girl photography ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

The girl is pleased to announce her first gallery show for 2009! Selections from the urban landscape will be on display at blaubak gallery in Kirkland- The gallery is open to the public every second Thursday during the Kirkland Art Walk, and by appointment/request during the remainder of the month. Here's the scoop:

January 8th*-February 8th, 2009
blaubak gallery
133 lake street south
kirkland, wa 98033
(located in downtown Kirkland on the right side of
Anthony's Home Port in the lower parking lot)

*Art Walk-Thursday, January 8th
7-9:00PM

transit wisdom

2009-01-02T15:21:00.000-08:00

I don't think the phone camera quality quite does this one justice....

I was out for a lunch-time stroll earlier today, and came across a wall coated in dust; on which someone had scrawled (very neatly) "remember to smile"- what a fun little bit of wisdom among the dark and dusty hallways of the underground transit. And I haven't forgotten since.

new year, new shows!

2008-12-28T17:07:00.000-08:00

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the girl is kicking off the new year with another two shows featuring selections from the urban landscape.

...many thanks to the folks at cupcake royale for allowing me the opportunity to display my work at not one but TWO locations during the month of January- how sweet is that?

January 1-January 31, 2008

Madrona location
1101 34th avenue
seattle, wa

Ballard location*
2052 NW market street
seattle, wa

*I will be on hand at the Ballard CR for the Ballard Art Walk on Saturday, January 10th from 6-9PM.

learning to live.

2008-12-28T13:16:00.000-08:00

"....I have learnt how to live...how to be in the world and of the world, and not just to stand aside and watch. And I will never, never again run away from life."
-sabrina fairchild (as played by audrey hepburn in sabrina)

patterns

2008-11-24T19:25:00.000-08:00

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"....my life is made of patterns that can scarcely be controlled."
-paul simon

fall is my favorite time of year- this weekend, I took a photostroll around my neighborhood with a friend; and as we walked through the crisp fall air, my eyes wandered to the beautiful long shadows that fell upon the buildings, sidewalks, and structures of the city....creating magnificent patterns of light and shadow.

© jersey girl photography ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

girl, extended!

2008-11-20T19:53:00.000-08:00

© jersey girl photography ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Don't forget! There's still plenty of photo-gazing left during the month of November....the girl is currently showing selections from the urban landscape at Cupcake Royale (West Seattle)....and she just got word that the second show at Cafe Ladro has been extended 'till December 7th!

With all these shows, the girl still has time to get out and take photos, and is already hard at work on her next series. Stay tuned for updates, new work, and photographic happenings, including a book release and holiday print sale!

she shoots.....she SHOWS!

2008-11-07T16:16:00.000-08:00

During the month of November, the girl will proudly display selections from her most recent photographic series in not one but TWO local hot spots! The series, titled, the urban landscape, explores the color and texture found in and around the city.

to see more of the exciting work she's serving up, visit:

cafe ladro (lower queen anne)

600 queen anne avenue north- seattle

october 25-november 30th

***

cupcake royale (west seattle)

4556 california avenue sw- seattle

november 2-29th

a funny thing happened......

2008-10-12T15:22:00.000-07:00

......on the way to consolidating email accounts this week- I seem to have lost my original blog! oh the humanity!!! but perhaps the universe is trying to tell me something....this may just signal the start of something fantastic!

so the girl has staked her claim on a new blogspot address- promising to serve up fresh photos and random thoughts for your viewing and reading pleasure. please visit often! www.jerseygirlphotographyblog.blogspot.com