Fall in Oregon

Every time I go out running, I find myself wandering back to this lookout point:

The following photos were taken in the Willamette Valley, almost exactly one year ago. Incidentally, this is the first time I've posted photos that old and not cringed.

Still some of my very favorites:

oil inspired

Today after I got home from class I wanted to try something new with my camera. I had some various apples, squash and gourds so I decided to create a still life. It was an overcast day but I was able to use the light that was shining in through the window by the back door. Interestingly enough, the shadowy side is closest to the window. (I know, that doesn't make any sense at all.) Sometime I'll do a post explaining how I made things work.
I'd planning on doing some more still lifes in the future- maybe something with an eggplant?

Both of the shots above were composed quickly in my mind and thus weren't really inspired by any particular painting, but sometime I'd love to do a series based on this lovely piece by Juan Sanchez Cotan. Although I have absolutely no idea how I would manipulate the light for that.

I took this last photo in the oldest timber frame house in the US, located in Dedham. (I wasn't allowed to use my camera in the other 6(!) Massachusetts houses my dad and I went through!)

Anyway, this shot reminds me of a painting. The funny thing is that the desk below is basically the same style as the one I am sitting at right now. Not quite as beat up, though!

Harvard in Black and White

I love the moodiness and depth that black and white conveys. I've been posting a lot of colorful photos lately, so I think its time for these.

We took the metro to Cambridge on a sunny September Friday. It was beautiful! I wish libraries and churches on the west coast had been built like these.

The second image is a close-up of the Harry Elkins Widener Memorial Library near Harvard Yard. Not to get all tour guidey on you but I think the following story is interesting:

Harry Widener was a Harvard grad and a Titanic passenger who had been collecting old books in Europe. As the ship was sinking he managed to jump into one of the life boats, but he suddenly remembered his rare book collection and returned to his room to rescue them. He died, of course, which naturally upset his very wealthy mother. She had Harvard build him a library, and made them promise never to alter the exterior of the building. Also, Harvard is legally bound to place fresh daffodils in a special memorial room of the library every day.
4 underground levels were added, so as not to disturb the outside structure.  There are 57 miles of bookshelves which contain 3 million books.
The sad part is that you can't go in if you're not a student.
So sad.

Well, that was my interesting piece of information of the day.

Gitana (and a few purses...)

Shooting jewelry from Taxco, Mexico for Gitana Silver was so much fun, despite the interesting light situation that day. Some of these photos will be used on their new website, which I will link to when it's finished. I also photographed a few of the beautiful leather purses that Michelle (owner of Gitana) collects and sells.  I've never had the chance to work with so much color and texture before! I'm very happy with the results:

the ferry ride

Lindsley's

I had some work to do on Bainbridge this weekend, so my mom and I took the train to Seattle early Friday morning. The following shots are part of a fashion shoot I did for a women's clothing store. Despite some threatening clouds and a very bold neighborhood tabby who made its way into a few photos, the shoot was a success. My models (who I am indeed related to, as some of you know) were excellent.
I also photographed some silver jewelry from Mexico for a distributor on the island--I'll post those images in the next week or so. It's a very colorful shoot that I can't wait to share!

waiting

Man in a blue velvet track suit waiting in the Andrews subway station: