New EYEdea Photography

Moving on Over

2011-09-08T12:33:00.000-05:00

This will be the last post on New EYEdea Photography's blog. Moving on over to my new blog here. Come take a look.

Switching Gears

2011-09-03T11:51:00.001-05:00

I swear, this is the last big jump I'm making. I realize breaking out of my set branding is totally not the best business move ever. But I'm really changing the sort of business I plan on doing from here on out.

Building myself as a portrait artist is not working. I plan on potentially relocating several times in my life. I do not want to start a business from scratch every time I move, ugh! Over and over and over there is one thing photographers tell other photographers. Shoot what you love. Well yea, I love people. I mean I like people. I mean it's odd to shoot people all from the same income bracket for their Christmas cards. It's not bad, just restricting. What do I love?

I love exploring, nature, adventure, purity, challenge, details, solitude, adrenaline rush, science, history, hard work, variety, and freedom to do what I want.

So I'm moving away from traditional portraiture and towards fine art and freelance work. I'll be introducing a new blog soon and a line of greeting cards. Images that make me feel alive and full and ready to explore the world.

This makes me (and my family) so happy! It frees me up to really work on refining my craft and pursuing long term projects. Even if that means lots of self portraiture and using my family as models to stay closer to home. If Sally Mann can shoot her family over and over, I can too gosh darnit.

So bear with me and stay tuned for the crossover.

Below from top to bottom:
Stormy day tree at Beavers Bend, OK.
Mountain shadow at sunrise in Siskiyou Wilderness Northern, CA.
Freckle and Lily detail study.

Branch

2011-08-31T11:00:00.001-05:00

A cuddly blind little reindeer? Maybe so. I'm very fond of this branch and very attached to this little boy.

Crystal Creek Falls Near Whiskeytown Lake–Redding, CA

2011-08-28T09:34:00.001-05:00

These falls sure do look promising for future photographs. Brainstorming like a mad woman now. We actually made it home in one piece. I thought my husband broke his tailbone for sure when he slipped on a rock and then our son ran into a pole and chipped his front tooth. Ahhh... Summertime... It was so beautiful out that we all agreed to put dinner off for a dip in the lake on the way home. What's not to like about California?

Healing in Nature

2011-08-24T17:33:00.001-05:00

“I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in tune once more.” – John Burroughs

These were not the images I had planned to take at Potem Falls. Due to the unexpected early shadows that turned the water dark I came up with something else. Everyone thinks I'm healthy because I'm skinny, like the outdoors, and eat healthy food. I've had some physical issues for quite some years now that have yet to be explained by doctors. I had meant to get blood work done again before our move but we left sooner then expected. Today I felt particularly despairing while I sat at my desk calling around for a new doctor. The whole time these images were still on my computer screen and I almost laughed out loud when I really looked. Here I am sitting with the red flow being swept up by the force and pureness of nature. "Letting my senses be put back in tune once more"

A Morning at Brandy Creek

2011-08-22T17:57:00.000-05:00

I've currently been in a bit of battle with myself over images I feel the drive to create and the concern of how they may be taken by others. Especially online where you can't have a conversation. To complicate things I am a Christian and mainstream Christianity can sometimes be at odds with the art world. The comments and disapproval have been tossed at me here and there already by well meaning loved ones.. But do we listen to the Spirit of God or the wagging tongues of the crowd?

I'm about halfway through reading Walking on Water, Reflections on Faith and Art. Written by the author of A Wrinkle in Time. There are so many quotes that bear repeating, but while I was in the pick up line at my son's school today I read this (I replace photographer with writer when I read it):

... A writer writes for himself, out of his own need, otherwise the story will lack reality. There is no topic which is of itself taboo; if it springs from the writers need to understand life and all it's vagaries and vicissitudes, if it is totally honest and unself-pitying, then it will have the valid ring of truth. If it is written because it is what at the moment is fashionable, and not out of the writer's need, then it is apt to be unbelievable, and what is unbelievable can often be shocking and even pornographic- and this includes some recent children's books... pg. 134

and this one I've read 4 times already:

" Plato spoke of the necessity for divine madness in the poet. It is a frightening thing to open oneself to this strange and dark side of the divine; it means letting go of our sane self-control, that control which gives us the illusion of safety. But safety is only an illusion, and letting it go is part of listening to the silence, and to the Spirit." pg. 5

On a technical note. This was my first visit to Brandy Creek. I missed the good light by about 30 minutes but refused to leave until I had at least tried my hardest. I set up tripod and had my husband press the button due to the complications of being in swift moving water. I will never forget dipping into the cold pool of water and setting my head against the moss covered rock to feel the power of the water rush over my head and thunder in my ears.

Snippets

2011-08-14T12:34:00.000-05:00

So many things inspire me to pursue a creative life. Here is a list of completely random things I've pondered the past few days.

Yesterday I was making meatless Pasole (1)and got a little obsessed with the cilantro. I found the leaves of the Bleeding Heart plant to be similar yet larger. I think there is potential to stick them to skin and have a henna or decoupage feel. I did a sketchbook shot (2) this morning so I know what kinks need to be worked out. Like buying a new cable release for starters.

I also came across the most incredible modern dance and circus photographer, Bertil Nilsson. Some of the best dance, circus, and male portraits (3) I have ever seen. So impressed!

We hit up the garage sales last Saturday but did not find a table as had hoped. What we did find was a vintage Kodak camera (4) and a 1943 copy of Wurthering Heights (5)! I love how the camera does not need a battery. It’s still in working order but I lack the proper film for now. I plan on reading Wurthering Heights soon, and am particularly drawn to the intense illustrations throughout the book.

Lastly, I came across a music video shot in part by a CapeTown photographer, Peiter Hugo. He is famous for his still shots but obviously is very talented with moving pictures also. The video struck me for a few reasons. A collaboration of a few unlikely people including a African DJ and documentary photographer. I had just been reading about the LRA in Africa before watching the video. This music video was a bit stomach churning to watch after reading about madness (Christianity Today August 2011 issue). If I live to an old ripe age I would love to film and do documentary work. And my favorite thing to listen to when I edit is my husband practicing his DJ skills on his turntables.

Life at Four

2011-08-11T15:53:00.001-05:00

Being four is tough.
Notice the light saber wound under his eye.
Along with some other scratches and a chipped tooth.
Yup, he's a warrior. Tough as nails.
Yet just tender enough not to be sacrificed to preschool so soon.
The decision is made! I'll keep my snuggle bunny home one more year.
No need to rush growing up just yet...

Swimming at Whiskeytown Lake Near Redding, CA

2011-08-10T20:27:00.000-05:00

Why hello again. Writing today from my sunny home in California! That's right, we finally all made it after weeks in between states. Whew! In between unpacking we went to the lake a few times. I brought out my camera just once for some photos of my husband floating around peacefully in the cool clear water.

Ruins of the Original Brookings, Oregon Wharf

2011-08-01T12:48:00.000-05:00

I find it helps improve my photography skills when I just keep finding small challenges to photograph. Yesterday I decided I wanted to capture the bare bones remains of the old wharf of Brookings- Harbor. Fog or not. I grew up in this town and did not realize the port had originally been near Chetco Point and not Sporthaven Beach. It was a short lived wharf from 1917 to 1925. I'm still searching for an original photograph. I guess that would explain why ther are Wharf and Railroad streets, appropriately named, nearby! More history can be found here.

If you go explore beware of the birds that nest on the rock. When they use the restroom they turn around, lift their tail feathers and shoot their stuff about 3 feet out to land on whomever is below. Beasts. Also there were crabs everywhere, watch your step!

Surfing the Waves- Brookings, Oregon

2011-07-30T13:45:00.000-05:00

My brother Andrew started his own business a few years ago and has been working like a madman ever since. Gone are the days when we drove past the beach multiple times a day to look at the waves and chat with familiar faces. Until a couple days ago I drove down to the beach with my boys and tossed a skimboard in my trunk “just in case.” Andrew drives up a minute later and spots some acquaintances with boadyboards in tow. Before I know it we all pile out dragging our boards with us and Andrew declaring, as owner of his own business, he has the right to surf a wave whenever he pleases!

On such glorious days I usually do not take pictures. Unfortunately my board was swallowed by shore breaks and caught a fast rip tide out to sea. I was not jumping in with two little boys at my heels… Goodbye board. Back to the camera.

When Andrew came back to shore awhile later he was all smiles. “The ocean makes me feel so ALIVE!” he announced. Agreed little brother. Agreed.

A Bouquet of Daisies for 60 Years!

2011-07-27T12:46:00.000-05:00

My boys had just picked daisies for my mom on her 6oth birthday and I was contemplating how I could capture a picture of her. It's one of those things where every 5 years or so one of us will get her in a picture. She was getting ready to go blackberry picking with the kids and I was laying in one of her rooms on a white quilt with the sun shining bright and the breeze blowing through the lace curtains. I quickly cleared off the bed, called my kids in the room and caught her before she could flee out the door full of excuses. "Can't we have just one birthday picture with the flowers the kids picked?"

She might be able to tell me no, but it's not as easy to deny two little boys holding flowers. He he, ha ha, cackle cackle. Happy Birthday Mom , You look great!

Rocking it at the Beach- Family Portraits- Brookings, OR

2011-07-25T12:34:00.000-05:00

The last time I photographed this family, their oldest son was just a newborn. Oh, how time flies!

We aimed for a casual atmosphere with the kids playing at the beach. As soon as everyone discovered the colorful rocks on the shore they dug right in. My favorite shot of the morning is everyone’s hands holding their well chosen rocks. Little Zaden had two mammoth ones (see below)! There was talk of taking some rocks home and polishing them in a rock tumbler. Tumbled rocks next to the pictures would make a pretty sweet family photo display!

Seaweed Necklace–Lone Ranch Beach in Brookings, OR

2011-07-23T12:20:00.000-05:00

First off, thanks to everyone who left comments here the last week. This blog was on automated posting so I could enjoy the sunshine with my kids. I have limited computer access, so my responses will be few for a couple more weeks.

I’ve had this necklace pre-visualized for sometime now. We played for a few hours at the beach and were just packing up to leave when I walked past the perfect dried piece of seaweed. Corban was shivering from playing in the chilly ocean and looked at me like I was nuts when I asked him to take a step into the cool shade for a photo. What a sweetheart to grant me 2 minutes. I was still feeling somewhat guilty for asking him to stand there shivering for a photograph when he wrote me a note that night, “Mom, you are full of love.” Best note ever from the best kid in the universe after the best day at the beach.

Photographing Whaleshead Beach in Brookings, Oregon

2011-07-21T17:51:00.001-05:00

The boys and I spent just two hours in the corner of the beach and noticed all the details. One detail particularly unique to Whaleshead Beach is the black sand. It creates all sorts of patterns when it mixes with the regular sand and has large particles of sparkle. I’ve been told from more then one source that it’s gold flakes. I hope my kids remember the beach full of sparkling gold in their childhood memories!

Sandy Toes

2011-07-20T17:46:00.000-05:00

I lost my remote switch. Self portraiture will be temporarily more complicated. I don’t believe I’ve photographed my toes often. Barefoot walks on the beach are my favorite!

Interviewed by Brooke Snow!

2011-07-18T17:32:00.000-05:00

I am so honored that Brooke Snow included me in her True Artist series. You can read the interview here but I also suggest getting to know the rest of her site. I am continually inspired by her photography, thoughts on life, and upbeat attitude.

I do have one more thought I'd like to add in regards to the questions she asked. Brooke inquired about my thoughts on comparisons when exposed to other talented creatives. I read something last night that really put this in perspective.

There are times when even the brightest talent can be dimmed momentarily if this consciousness of competence is lost. Once I talked with Margaret Mitchell about the frame of mind in which she wrote Gone With the Wind. “It was going pretty well,” Miss Mitchell said, “Until someone sent me a new book called John Brown’s Body, by Stephen Vincent Benet. When I finished reading that magnificent Civil War epic, I burst into tears and put my own manuscript away on a closet shelf. John Brown’s Body gave me such a terrible case of the humbles that it was months before I could find the necessary faith in myself and my book to go on.”
Page 98, A Touch of Wonder by Arthur Gordon

I wonder how many incredible projects end completely with a “case of the humbles”?

Indian Sands State Park in Brookings, Oregon

2011-07-13T18:00:00.002-05:00

I struggle to portray Indian Sands as it really is. It’s richly diverse yet completely barren in feel. It’s true wilderness. The wind is always whipping and the water cracking. It’s exhausting to climb the sand dunes and scurry across rocks to set up camera.

Here is my secret insider tip: Wait for a big winter storm along with a high tide and tarry until the the sky turns blue. If the light you can sit on the cliffs and witness ocean spray and rainbows everywhere. You can feel the earth rumble beneath you and taste the salt on your face. It’s just amazing.

But this day was calm and the tide was folded back. We crawled way down the cliffs as far as was safe. The rocks at the bottom are sharp as knives. It must be from all the pounding of waves? And I do believe this algae must date back to the 60s at least. Who would have guessed the ugliest carpet was made by mother nature?

For any explorers out there… You really must exercise caution at this location. More then one person fell in the sea and lost their life at Indian Sands during my childhood. I personally witnessed a friend almost get swept off a rock just a few years ago. And we thought we were being careful.

Alone with our Maker

2011-07-09T15:09:00.003-05:00

Where were you when I laid the earths foundation? Tell me if you understand. Who marked off it’s dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it?
On what were it’s footing set, or who laid it’s cornerstone- while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?
Who shut up the sea behind doors when it burst from the womb, when I made clouds it’s garment and wrapped it in thick darkness, when I fixed limits for it and set its doors and bars in place, when I said, “This far you may come and no farther; here is where your proud waves halt”?
Have you ever given orders to the morning or shown the dawn it’s place… Have you journeyed the springs of the sea or walked in the recesses of the deep?…
Job Chapter 35, Holy Bible

Star Photography at Lone Ranch Beach in Brookings, OR

2011-07-09T14:58:00.001-05:00

My current camera does have limitations when it comes to astrophotography. More ISO please! But I’m going to take some shots anyways. Many thanks to Ben Canales, of Portland Oregon, and his photo tips that pointed me in the right direction. And thanks to my husband for building a toasty fire when I was too wet and numb to move. What an enchanting night!

Family Beach Portraits at Chetco Point–Brookings, OR

2011-07-09T14:57:00.004-05:00

My good friend, and owner of Kim Larsen Photography, was in town this week. We did a family photo session exchange and both chose the beach! Surprise, surprise… It was a nice relaxed time to catch up and get to know her baby girl. All while soaking up some good coastal sun!

Seagull Whispering and Rock Climbing

2011-07-03T14:25:00.000-05:00

This is my first try with seagulls. I photographed Corban then photographed the seagulls in the same spot to create a photo composite. You didn't think I'd sacrifice my firstborn to those scavengers like that, did you? I learned a few things in the process and hope to try this again. Next time we'll bring more then one loaf of bread! Meanwhile Corban thinks I'm the coolest mom ever for the magician camera skills. I overheard him telling another kid last week how to photograph a levitation shot!

These next photo are not plan A, B, or C. More like plan D... Back to plan A tomorrow if I can wake up at 4 am. It gets light so fast here. If I stop for coffee, it's over. I thought these rocks would be great for pictures of the human form. Someone was walking their dog, so I stuck with some self portraits in the stripe dress. My husband hoisted me on his shoulders to climb the rock. My toes had gone numb and became useless for rock climbing. But it was fun just to be outdoors so early. Dawn is my favorite time of day. The blue hue right before the life is let back into the sky. That was plan A.

Minus Tide at Secret Beach - Brookings, OR

2011-06-30T21:28:00.003-05:00

This format is killing me. I just tried installing windows livewriter to the laptop and it gave me a fail message. So until August or so we will have some mismatched photo sizes.

I really wanted to showcase the following photos in a good size. My mom watched the kids so we could wake up sometime before 5 am and go to the beach. For the second year in a row, my plan to light up the seacave entrance has failed. I think I would have to wake at 4 am when it's a bit darker. That dark with all those sea creatures to step over? I don't think so.

But my husband, Oh my did he get the best husband ever award! He stripped down and dove in the sea grass for me. The freezing cold sea grass, mind you! This is usually all under water, but we caught the minus tide. So all this grass is rooted firmly in the ground and really long. I think the monochrome images make it look like hair. You know the movie "The Ring"? Yea, her hair.

I just love the Pacific Ocean. I think these showcase it's glory a little differently then just a personless landscape shot. More seagrass, less sunsets, I'm in. If you want blue sky and warm water, go to Florida.

Beach Teepee

2011-06-29T21:43:00.000-05:00

My boys helped construct a sort of teepee at the beach this morning. My oldest is hard to capture in photos these days, so I consider myself lucky he tolerated the camera! Their cousins came over later and wanted to play in the teepee also. Low and behold, it survived the high tide and was waiting for us intact. I did add a few clouds to help with the mood though.

Forest Cubby

2011-06-28T18:02:00.000-05:00

There a forest I know of where everything seems cut off for a moment in time. It's somewhat frightening and alluring at once. I never see people there but recently tried an internet search in which a commenter mentioned the "primeval" feel of the woods. It's funny how land can have a particular feel to it. The dying trees are knit tight and dark together forming a sound barrier against the nearby ocean. If you wander down the silent path you come to a clearing where fog is often jutting across a black entrance of some more trees nearby.

My husband has not been on this coast for 5 years. But when I described the deep black hole in the woods he knew the exact location immediately. One of my best friends refer to it as the "haunted forest." I possibly have read too many creepy fairy tales in my life.