Personal Project: Road Trip

The last few years, I have had the intention of completing a number of personal photography projects, especially while I have been working less and mothering more.  But most of them sat unfinished, or even stuck in my brain, un-photographed.  As we begin the push to get me behind the camera more again this year as Silas starts preschool, and all three boys will have some time away from me, I am really wanting to work through a number of personal projects I have mulling around in my brain.  Not only is it so good for my soul to express the creativity that God has instilled deep in me, but it also makes me a better photographer for my wedding photography and other portrait clients.

They might not all fit my normal brand or style. They might not be polished, but they they at least have purpose.  For the style of portraiture and wedding coverage I provide, I prefer to travel light, and simply.  I purposefully don't use huge cameras or lenses or lighting setups so people are comfortable with me and are less intimidated.

I also provide myself with many mini-assignments in my day to day life.  Can I make this seemingly poorly lit, ugly location into a worthwhile setting for a photograph? Can I light this photo for a text to my mom in a better way? Can I take this normal thing and make it seem amazing? What story can I tell?

This series came at a time like that. I was on my way to Texas, a passenger in a dirty van, full of tiny tots and their snacks. I allowed myself only my phone and only the basic editing capabilities that I have on there.  What kind of art could I create using the light, texture, and patterns available to me?

 How does editing change the way we see a scene?

 Can I create a compelling self-portrait?

texture

This year I aimed to create a few personal projects to keep my eye attuned to the details that drew me into photography in the first place.  When I was a wee lass, I used to love the concept that art and photography could take something ordinary and make it extraordinary.

Over the next few weeks, I aim to fine tune a few of these projects and post them here.

Through the use of color, geometry of setting, and isolation, I've a few photographs to share from a recent outing with my family.  Who knew that milkshakes and french fries could lead to something like this?

[Also, to challenge myself even more, I've been trying to capture things that I enjoy even at the end product with my husband's phone. This is one such example.]

Unveiled

Valentines weekend, I was showered with love. But not just from my husband and family.  There was some Purple Lemon love being spread around, and I was so honored!

Some of my dearest friends on the planet (and most loyal clients as well), threw a "purple lemon photography party" to unveil their art that I created for them in December.  Complete with purple whipped cream and lemon bars, this delightful evening blessed me so much.  They had decorated with my lemon logo, yellow and purple this and that, and pictures from almost every shoot I've done for them and their family, so everywhere I turned I saw my vision turned reality.

Thank you for blessing me, for supporting my work, and encouraging me every step of the way.  This could not have come at a better time, as this week we celebrate that one year ago I shot my first wedding as owner of my own business.

Just Messin'

As a kid my mom always said something about me.  She's "just messin'...", mom'd say.  It was true.  And it still is.  Though a young woman full of drive, passion, and very much intentional in my approach to most every aspect of my life, you can still find me, on occasion "just messin'." 

Today has been a bit of a long day, and it's only about 3:30 pm.  When you get up before six with a wired kiddo and there wasn't a whole lot on the calendar to begin with- and your kiddo isn't old enough to do much of anything, your day quickly dries up of activity.

So I resorted to a bit of messin' in Lightroom (the amazing software I use most of the time for all my photo needs).   When I was in high school we had a very experimental approach to our photography as art; and I have maintained that love for experimental creations.  One of my teachers said that, in art, at least, it's not a mistake if you make it intentional.

I took these concepts into my photography in two ways- first, I like to take the logical "outtakes" or "bad" pictures and make them into something out of the ordinary.  I find that often my "mistakes" (pictures with poor exposure, weird lighting, funky this-or-that) are often the favorites of my clients.  I make them "intentional" by taking a great composition or expression on a face and allow that to be reason enough to save it, work it, and create something fresh and new.

Secondly, I love to play around as a way to learn and a way to create.  Now, granted sometimes it gets me into trouble because I can't easily recreate if I tried, but that's ok. It keeps things one of a kind.

Played around with the sliders in Lightroom on one of the "outtakes" from this shoot a few weeks go, and voila!  Something to brighten up this dreary afternoon.

Leave me some comments and let me know what you think of this photograph of painted footprints.

All Squared Away

I was sent on a mission this past week to capture images of St. Louis that spurred their viewers to pray for our city, while showing vibrant color, hope, and creativity.  I was also asked to steer clear of iconic St. Louis locations.  It was a delightful challenge to get out and shoot like I used to.

Exploring with my husband and randomly shouting "STOP!" while hopping out of the car brought back so many memories.  But this time we got to do it with a babbling baby in the back.

This experience also got me to do some super location scouting, so if you are up for some new and exciting locations for your senior portraits, engagement session, or family sessions, let me know and we'll get something booked!

Save the Date- Loop in Motion Art Walk

Save the Date!

Friday, October 2 and Saturday October 3 is the Loop in Motion Art Walk in University City. I will have prints and canvasses for sale in my display near Racanelli's. So come grab a delicious bite to eat and stroll through the booths, displays, art openings, and various exhibitions. Be sure to stop by my table and say hello (as well as purchase some fine art for your home).

If you did not get a chance to see what I had on display at Crave coffeehouse over the summer, come see me here as I have those projects as well as some more prints from Europe.

pass on the word. mark your calendars. save the date.

Odds & Ends

This past weekend, as I was working with Janele to coordinate the City Lights Church Free Clothing and Food Day, my second shooter did a shoot for me for The Bridge. They were having a VIP luncheon.


Apparently I like pictures of fruit, as seen above from the luncheon and of my pictures for sale at Crave and here.

Speaking of my pictures for sale... there is just one more week left before that gallery will no longer be graced by pictures I took in Europe or of fruit. Be sure to check it out!

One of my cameras is broken! Thank goodness for backups. Anyhow, today I'm off to the post office to let Nikon fix it for me.

(Enough links for you?)

Fine Art Prints

This is just a reminder that time is almost up to see my fine art canvas prints on display (and for sale!) at Crave Coffee House in St. Louis. Their two month stay is coming to a close at the end of this month. If you have not made your way there yet, be sure to head over and check it out this week or next.

The fruit series, (each on 10x10 canvas) which would be wonderful in a kitchen, dining room, small cafe, or anywhere that needs a splash of color are for sale for $75 each or all six can be purchased at a discounted rate.

The European landscapes/cityscapes are each 11x14 on canvas and are perfect for decorating your home. The colors are fresh and vibrant! These are $100 each.

Here is a sample. A print of this image from the Czech Republic is actually framed and hanging in my home. I must say... it looks great.

One day, my prints will come!

One day my prin(ts)(ce) will come (to Crave Coffee House)! And all my dreams will come true...

You know when you have thoughts like "wouldn't it be fun if..." or "one day, maybe i'll get to..." or "do you think I'll ever get to..." ? I had one like that about having my photographs in a gallery (other than the one at my high school) and then later, more specifically, about having them in The Crave Coffeehouse. Today, that dream came true.

Please support a wonderful coffeeshop on the campus of St. Louis University and Purple Lemon Photography by paying a visit during the months of July and August to see some of my still life and landscape photography that is on display (and for sale!). Be sure to tip your barista's well, as several of my friends work there.

In progress. Too far away, so you have to go see them in person.

My little boy "helping" organize the canvases.
(he's not wearing lipstick. i promise.) (have i used enough parenthetical markings yet?)

scouting

I've been scouting a lot lately and while out on a scouting adventure, I took this. I liked it, so I'm sharing.

Springtime

My mom was in town this weekend so I took her to the Missouri Botanical Gardens for the first time. I didn't shoot a whole lot, but there were a few that I liked and thought I'd share.



My mom found this lovely daisy-ish flower just sittin' with one other one. Just two friendly flowers amongst all the tulips.

2008 Favorites

Last year was a year of many transitions for me, both personally and professionally. I enjoyed continuing my photography through my previous employers at Lawing Photography. In the spring my husband and I found out we were pregnant with our first child. And then after a lot of prayer and difficult decision-making, we excitedly came to the conclusion that I needed to make the transition to make my profession more personal- by starting my own business. Then my pregancy continued well until our son Eli decided he was anxious get on with it all and plopped me and my growing belly in the hospital for about a month. Plans, needless to say, were shifted around quite a bit.

Now, as my "maternity leave" is coming to an end (if I ever really had one to begin with), I am launching the Purple Lemon Photography blog with my 2008 favorites. I am trying to get a head start until our main website is up and running.