Here is the wedding I second shot for Debi Parker Photography, a wedding that had THE MOST adorable details; however, as adorable as a non-traditional guest book, it wasn’t half as cute as the couple Melissa & Ken. These two charmed me. Their enthusiasm for photography, their affection for each other, their game board loving family, I was taken with them.  Enjoy the photos.

In between photo edits, I must reacquaint myself with the Kid-N-Play dance. This is what competition is doing to me.

Wish us luck!

Edited to add: Oops I forgot to mention this before posting. Remember when I shared the awesome Robyn video? Well, I just found this equally awesome reenactment from SNL. It was recorded during a late night writing session months ago, but I just found it and pinned it to my Random Bag of Awesome on Pinterest. Follow all my boards here.

So this is Linh and Chris. Cute, right? These two are a really sweet couple I had the pleasure of meeting when they were guests at Jesse & Katrina’s wedding almost two years ago. Linh loves cherry blossoms. Unseasonably warm weather caused them to bud almost a month early this year. The blooms are fragile and fleeting. I sooo badly wanted to deliver good on Linh’s dream engagement session with these blooms, that I was in an outright panic when a thunderstorm was predicted. Alas all was fine. Early morning on a weekday is the best time to avoid the foot traffic these gorgeous blooms inspire. Before they arrived I shot a time lapse of sorts…

Now, I hope I’m not throwing my girl under the bus mentioning her obsession over the new Bieber song Boyfriend. Chris can judge away, but I’m with Linh. I can’t get enough of this song. I don’t care if it makes me a 14 year old. Justin Timberlake’s thespian adventures left a gaping hole in my pop heart.

Speaking of pop music, this week is sectionals I mean semi-finals for District Karaoke. As this first season wraps up, I must say a big thanks to my amazing team members. I didn’t know any of these people 9 weeks ago and now we’re fast friends. It’s sad to lose some members to another League night or other pressing commitments, but I know they’ll continue to support Team The More We Drink The Better You Sound on our quest for world domination!!!

Team The More We Drink The Better You Sound. Thank you for not commenting on the weirdness that is my disappearing eyebrows. Photo credit: John Jacks Photographie

Saved By the Bell High-Fives!!! Photo credit: John Jacks Photographie

Game Faces!!! Photo credit: John Jacks Photographie

Photo credit: John Jacks Photographie

Here’s me singing the Rihanna hook on Run This Town. I realize now my outfit looked a little macabre yoga meets urban survivalist…but take notice of that eyeliner. I love eyeliner as much as I love Boyfriend. Nay. Greater.

Look kids, Big Ben! Parliament!

Proper tea at the National Gallery with Kathleen

L: Piccadilly Market at St. James’ Church; R: Telephone booth near Leicester Square

Discovering an alley of book sellers.

Kathleen: Bump watch 2012

Touring the London Library with Charly, Nate (Squared) and Jill.

Inside joke caption for Ariel: Actually, it’s the hair that’s popular!

The Tate Modern

L: Though not technically perfect, (blame jet lag) this was the first shot upon arrival.  R: Downton Abbey extras & don’t try to convince me otherwise.

Department store Fortnum & Mason.

A proper pub with Charly, Jill & Nate.

I’ve been home from London for over a week. I’m still processing my feelings and experiences and going through my images. As a total anglophile, this first trip to London had me super excited. What I found was an unexpected case of creativity block. Normally, new sites and sounds get me super jazzed to pull out my camera and document every minutia. I’m sure it didn’t help that I experienced a pretty rough case of jet lag. For some reason I kept waking at 4 a.m. London time, tossing and turning. I don’t think I slept more than 4-hours in a given stretch.

I felt guilty that my short time in London was slipping past me with few photographs to show for it. The book I was reading, written by a master street photographer, stressed the importance of working through creative blocks. So, everyday I walked with my camera. Looking. Concentrating deeply on visualization. I turned left. Then arbitrarily right. I stopped for espresso at a cafe whose patio shared a tree canopy with an old dark stone church. Drawing strange looks from the other patrons, I even climbed on a fountain to view the church from a higher vantage point. That turned out to be someone’s internment. Oops, sorry dead guy. I looked through my camera. Paused to read a plaque. I ate an ice cream cone Brits simply call ices topped with something called a flake. I actively sought THE photograph all the while questioning its evasion. Then while sitting on a bench in St. James’ park watching a rather vibrant species of bird make the others look drab, the explanation for why THE photograph evaded me floated to the top of my brain. I was at odds with the modernity of London. I didn’t expect Downton Abbey, but 80′s Manchester in monochrome might have been nice. Basically, I wanted the city to look and feel like the film Control.  That’s okay, London wants London to be 90′s Seattle, so I guess we’re even.

A proper bird.

I have since come to realize the problem was in having no idea to investigate. I think that’s one reason I like photographing weddings. There is a rhythm, a clearly defined audience. The narrative comes organically from the couple and the structure of a wedding event; however, traveling in an unknown city with no concrete destination or theme I’m exploring…well, it’s obvious now why I was frustrated. Once I figured this out it was easier to move past this creative block. At about that same time I made an observation. London is a city in love with words: speaking them, their visual depiction. This started to provide me a context within which to work. Quaint book sellers of rare letters fill unmarked alleys. Gorgeous script beckons from store windows. It’s home to the Globe Theatre where the greatest works of the English language debuted. We toured the London Library, an entirely unfussy and pragmatic source of books on an unimaginable scale. England’s love of words: the nuances, the fonts, the dramas that it brings to life, is the very essence of my love for England. London is not Paris. And that’s okay. Though I don’t really like English architecture, Colin Firth will not revoke my Jane Austen book club card for saying so.  I’ll return one day, and next time I’ll travel to the countryside. My appreciation for London was slow to recognize, but eventually it totally endeared itself to me. OMG. That sounds exactly like Pride and Prejudice!

Things I loved about London -

• Period film extras. Enough said.
• They drink something called flat white comprised entirely of tasty, tasty milk fat goodness.
• Speaking of drinks, they are serious about their beverages. Tea. Beer. Wine. Bless their little hearts.
• The posh guys are all really smart dressers. And accents are HOT.
• The people are incredibly mannered.
• They use “proper” as a modifier for everything. It’s adorable.
• Lest you think they’re all super classy and better than us, they have a show called My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding that makes The Jersey Shore look like Masterpiece Theatre.
• My slightly obscure British celebrity crush, Rupert Penry-Jones, was interviewed on morning television.

Things that surprised me -

• Morning television is exactly like when Bridget Jones reported from the Lewisham fire station.
• According to a cabbie, Americans get more Royal gossip than Brits.
• Nirvana is really, really having a bit of nostalgic popularity.
• My brain adjusted really slowly to cars on the opposite side of the street.

So, it’s been a while since I blogged. Sorry about that. I’ve been busy meeting with potential clients and I’m getting very excited about my new Fall bookings. Valentine’s Day happened and that was fun. We ended up at Vermillion in Old Town only to learn that the Obama’s had just left. The funny thing about Vermillion is that was where a woman once asked if my red lipstick was tattooed. It stands as the MOST DELIGHTFULLY RANDOM question I’ve ever been asked. And for the record, no, it’s just Laura Mercier lip stain in Scarlett. Now the Obama’s have visited Vermillion and it elevates the cool factor. You know what’s NOT cool? The fact that my team is consistently in third place at District Karaoke. The voting is structured to be a popularity contest, so the teams with the most friends willing to sit through a bunch of Tory Burch loving girls rapping 90′s New Jack Swing are at an advantage. This is my call to action. Please come support my team. I’m willing to bribe. Wednesday nights at Policy – 7 pm.

By the way, I KILLED it when I sang Adele’s Chasing Pavements….Just saying.

In other news, I have a strong urge to rewatch Titanic. I blame the stupid trivia question printed on my morning’s oatmeal packet,”Who sang the Titanic theme?” Really, oatmeal! Challenge me! Then again….THEN AGAIN….Melodrama just might be the ticket to winning District Karaoke. Imagine Titanic complete with the dialogue. (Ironically, of course! Right, Ariel?) “I will never let go, Jack. I’ll never let go.” So, I shall leave you with the video. Not the official one, but the fan video. Those are the best. This one was chosen in particular for two reasons. 1.) The dialogue. 2.) That perfect halo light surrounding Jack and Rose. In 1997, someone spent a lot of time and earnest effort Photoshopping this poster. I applaud vanity projects of all kinds. Golf clap, user elh1992. Gold friggin’ star, dude. If you have  extra time on your hands today, might I suggest watching the Celine Dion video. Remember Lifetime: TV for Women paid homage to its green screen sunset in the awesomely bad biopic, William & Kate.

Oh hey there!

This is Shelby and Jess’ wedding I second shot for Debi Parker Photography. I spent entirely too much time trying to make a Steel Magnolias joke, which I am either not funny enough to write or it’s just not funny…full stop. Shelby and Jess happen to be hilarious. And fans of karaoke. Making them AWESOME in my book. Shelby serenaded his new wife with a rousing rendition of Baby Got Back. Afterwards, he was promptly recruited for my District Karaoke league. It’s a shame his schedule wouldn’t allow participating.

Speaking of music, yeah…let’s talk Lana Del Rey. If you follow my Facebook fan page you’ll know that I totally talked her up. I love her songs…all 3 of them…and I’m kinda obsessed with her Valley of the Dolls hair. So, you can imagine how my jaw dropped when she bombed on SNL. While I don’t pretend that had roles been reversed, I would’ve performed in front of America any better, but it brings to mind the idea of ceasing opportunities. That’s what photography is all about. A moment happens, after years of training, spending thousands on camera equipment, putting oneself in awkward networking meet ups, where everyone seems intimidatingly polished, experienced and talented. The moment happens when you tune out the self-critic and press the shutter. It’s about being vulnerable, showing your work, knowing that everyone has an opinion and shares, through social media, what they wouldn’t say to your face. It’s about treating yourself  gently, because others won’t. It’s about doing all these things…repeatedly. Practicing is the only way to mastery. Poor Lana had a very public and awkward practice. She failed to make the most of her opportunity. I added to the cacophony of criticism from the safe distance of my computer. I’ve had time to pause, collect my thoughts and reconnect to my ethos, to never be the bitchy girl. The world doesn’t need my strongly help opinion on topics which do not matter. So, Lana, I offer you my heart felt apology. Aside from your model looks, statuesque height and recording contract, we’re exactly the same. Well, except I sing on pitch. Sorry. Sorry, that was bitchy again. Our works are both evaluated in a public way, the stress of which can make one pathological. Mind you, your public is a lot bigger. Best of luck.

Some friends encouraged me to sign up for the inaugural District Karaoke. So, I did. I didn’t research it or over think it. I just drafted an impassioned email seeking team mates. Here was my appeal:

Dear everyone I know:

One of my life’s goals* is to win a karaoke competition. Thanks to Katrina, I now have my chance with District Karaoke.  Obviously, I need a team. I’m looking for previously undiscovered talents, connections with others who might be interested and a future audience. Effective team members will contribute a wide breadth of pop music ranging from Yacht Rock to Brit Pop and Classic Country or a specialty niche, like Tanya’s Beastie Boys, and a gregarious stage presence. The only team member exempt from the “stage presence” requirement is me, and that’s because when I close my eyes and gently touch the air with my palm reminiscent of early 90′s Mariah Carey…. I’m FEELING that shit.

Also, if you serenaded Baby Got Back to your wife at your wedding, you’re on my short list. If you wear really, really tight jeans while singing Led Zeppelin, you’re also on my short list.

This is an opportunity. It’s your opportunity at greatness and you’ve only got one chance. Don’t miss your chance to blow. This opportunity comes once in a February. Plus, there’s beer and tee shirts. Be a joiner. Be a performer. Be a STAR!!!

Puppies & Unicorns 4-ever,
Brandy

*other life’s goals:

• own a wig wardrobe based on the characters from Valley of the Dolls.
• have my closet fashioned into a Gap saving time in the morning
  
• only ever be seen in Barbara Walters’ lighting
  
• receive a definite answer to the question “which is cuter:  puppies or Ryan Gosling”

That mass email resulted in a team of exactly….me, myself and I. Oh sure, 12 cheerleaders, but I’m in this alone. Only after signing up as a free agent did I learn of “taping” and “interviews” for DC50/TheCW. I might throw up. Stay tuned for much hilarity is sure to ensue.

This is Talia, the brand new daughter of very good friends, Jen & Marc. Talia was an unexpected 2011 tax deduction, as she surprised Mommy & Daddy with an early arrival ahead of her January 4th due date. Talia let me take a few photos of her for her birth announcement. So, I thought I’d share some from our morning together.

Yes, I included some crying shots. Is that bad? I know Jen isn’t using them for the birth announcement, but I still think they’re funny / cute because it’s real. Like…babies CRY. A lot! You see photos of babies (and this is not a critique, just an observation) and they’re all serene in their little buckets and pails. PUH-LEASE says bucket baby. She’s all “don’t take my clothes off. It’s cold.” Right? I’d be cold, too, even after the heating pad trick.  Anyway, I don’t think I ever blogged my personal snapshots from Jen’s baby shower. Now would probably be a good time to do that!

So, there you have it. Ms. Talia’s life has been pretty extensively documented thus far. She’s a sweet thing who promises to bring her parents and loved ones much happiness. I wish them all the very best!

This week, I’m dog sitting my Golden Retriever buddy, Roscoe (P. Coltrane), which means Roscoe’s mommy left me her car. You know what that means? I’m taking the opportunity to work outside my home office and away from the coffee shop / library options in walking distance. I drove for a change of scenery. I plan to camp out at this corner booth until the good people at Panera kick me out. I’m engaged in a little professional development. Namely, teaching myself SEO and blogging / marketing  best practices. When I checked the professional photographer career box, I had no idea that most of my time would be spent at a computer. Most people don’t realize that. I get “You’re a photographer?!!! That must be fun!” a lot at cocktail parties. That’s a common perception.

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It is fun. I mean…not Terry Richardson* fun. Ew! I do have a flexible schedule, work with awesome people, and get to be fluent in cool photography slang. Only a small amount of my time is spent photographing. A lot of time is spent sitting at a computer administrating a business i.e. just like you. I enjoy editing photos, the creative aspect can be quite meditative, but that’s only a small bit. No one tells you in school that you’d better become an expert in 10 other not-at-all related business sub-topics.

*I would reference Terry Richardson, but Panera deems him NSFW! Yeah. So, now you get “not Terry Richardson fun”

While I bore myself to death with SEO tutorials, trying to fix all the stupidly ineffective and possibly counter-productive things I’ve done to my blog over the last 2 years, I’ll leave you with pretty things to look at. This is a treasury list curated by Alice of Blue Lobster Prints.  She is a gifted and imaginative illustrator with a panache for animals. Her Etsy storefront features whimsical cards for all occasions. I’m lucky to be included on her personal mailing list. In fact, her hand-drawn, screen-printed Valentine’s card from a few years back is now framed and hangs in my living room. I cherish it. Alice and I met when we both worked at Paper Source. She’s in my top 5 list of funniest girlfriends. We have a healthy pen-pal debate over who’s hotter, Ewan McGregor or Micheal Fassbender. For my part, I’m all about Ewan, always have been. Until a recent viewing of Jane Eyre, Fassy looked like the kind of guy who wouldn’t bother to learn your name or (gasp!) spoon. I must concede. If I squint, I can see it. Warning to those who go see Shame, it might dampen established quivers. I’m just saying. It’s not called Shame for nothing. We also have a deep mutual admiration of Cee Lo. More than anything I wanted to be cast on The Voice to convince Cee Le to go live in Alice’s shirt pocket. She’s also a soon-to-be bride. Eeeek! I MIGHT be more excited than her.

‘Somewhere Beyond the Sea’ by BlueLobsterPrints

Modern Fiber Art Soft Sculpt… cornflowerblue… $100.00	Blue Coral – Large Watercolo… RiverLuna $40.00	2 Jointed Flitch in Sustaina… grayworksdesig… $250.00	Print from my Illustration 5… calamaristudio $10.00
Offering No. 23 – Handstitch… odelae $65.00	Sandpiper and Coral Button S… leeandlatimer $5.50	Lighthouse Rustic Nautical d… Raceytay $25.00	Recycled Chenille Sea Urchin… ParkerBrownTex… $60.00
Australian Pelican totem ani… HandyMaiden $32.00	Demeter Pearl Earrings ShopClementine $15.00	Flight 8×12 Fine Art Print ModernToile $20.00	The Maiden theaterclouds $18.00
Green Sea Urchin Shell fogandswell $38.00	Natural Driftwood Slab Air P… OceanSwept $26.00	Leafy Sea Dragon – archival … amberalexander $20.00	wooden humpback whale waldor… outsideeverywh… $10.00