The Visual Work Of Nick Sorensen

Nicole Doyle -The Liberated Collection-

2011-12-07T16:23:00.001-08:00

In the vein of a hushed librarian, she spoke to me in a quieted tone, completely sincere, free from theatrics or cynicism. This vocal softness which I'm certain was unintentional, created a motivation in me to draw closer, to listen more carefully, allowing us to destroy the 'stranger barrier' far quicker than I've been familiar with in the past. She was compelling within the first few minutes.

Nicole Doyle's delicacy doesn't end with her voice. Her skin is strangely sensitive, and was susceptible to irritation throughout the shoot, though she possessed a steadfastness in her ability to shrug it off with a smile. Speaking of grins, she's a habitual smiler. Her teeth glisten, so much that they competed with the sun for the number one reason I had my shades on when I could afford to. Wrapped up in all the tenderness is a sharp, driven, dancing phenom. Her dancing passion has been a life long obsession -- she started when she was three. She confessed that her heart belongs to contemporary dance because of how expressive it allows her to be. She also couldn't hold back the excitement that college anticipation was creating, telling me that it was going to be a refreshing change for her. She'll tackle the books with tenacity, and relish in the adventure of becoming an anesthesiologist. My only hope is that along the way she'll shun the grit and grime of college debauchery. Her trademark sweetness is one of the loveliest qualities I had the opportunity of appreciating in my short time with her. This one will do great things, believe me. This is Nicole Doyle, and she's been liberated.

Kelsey Abbott -The Liberated Collection-

2011-10-27T19:12:00.000-07:00

We have much to learn from those rare few who are knocked into the deepest sleep, a heartbeat away from death, clinging to mortality in what doctors have coined, "coma". It was the first time I had met a survivor of this scary, prolonged, unconsciousness. Kelsey Abbott humbly divulged her brush with death, downplaying the seriousness of the event, but totally aware of how blessed she was to be sharing such a story with me. Her version of the story is secondhand because she doesn't remember how it happened. In the footsteps of her father, who rides professionally, Kelsey is a dirt biker. She was injured in a race when another racer "took her out". That was in January 2010. She's wisely chose to slow down her life, in light of what happened, but she's still quickly headed for great things.

What I found to be so admiring was Kelsey's attitude. When I recall this shoot I have this clear image of Kelsey's smile, cemented on her face like it was meant to be there. We laughed more times than I hit the shutter button. Within thirty minutes she was making fun of me, totally comfortable with harassing a complete stranger. So awesome. Kelsey is vibrant. She's energetic, confident, she oozes with ambition, and her demeanor is punchy, quite a trademark for a high school senior. It was the windiest shoot I've ever been on, and Kelsey handled it like a pro, never resorting to a freakout moment, even though her fresh new hair style was probably crying. I think she doesn't get the opportunity to doll herself up often either, she relished in the moments she had heels on. She's also a hurdling machine -- due to my "how about one more time" habit, I probably made her hurdle for me for twenty minutes. More than all of this, I grew to realize Kelsey's shinning quality was her ability to laugh. I sincerely believe she LOVES her life. This was very glaring to me and it instilled a reminder in my heart to treasure our time here. This is Kelsey Abbott, and she's been liberated.

What she said:

1. Describe your senior shoot with Nick.
GROOOOVY. EPIC actually, thats my new word. more up to date then groovy.

2. How did Nick make you feel when being photographed?
Relaxed! you didnt just stand there and say cheese, we had conversations and made me laugh which eased the awkwardness of getting picture taken alot!

3. How did you feel about the pictures when you first saw them?
Loveddddd them, so many to go through and each one was so different, i hada smile on the whole time i went through them!

4. Do you feel like your pictures best represent you?
Yessss they represented me PERFECTLY. i loved how you got to know me before hand and asked what I wanted. it was a nice change of pace. senior pictures are supposed to represent us, and thats exactly what you did. couldn't have asked for a better photographer. i would recommend you to anyone in a heartbeat.

The Peppermint Betrayal

2011-10-26T17:51:00.000-07:00

A peppermint's life is usually a single act of service. The totality of a peppermint's existence is to provide all of us with fresh breath. They give up their lives so we can forget that we had garlic bread for dinner, so we can kiss our loved ones without complaint. So much of what they do quietly enriches our lives, until they dissolve humbly in our fiery furnaces. But when I was 9 years of age, I choked on one of these "selfless" red and white candies, rendering me breathless until my heroic mother performed the Heimlich maneuver on me. Obviously this particular mint was upset at his life calling and fought hard against self-melting. His death came later, after his flight across our kitchen table, and eventually landing next to our Christmas tree --he's lucky our curious poodle, Hershey, didn't eat him.

This event, and my parents will admit, maybe even laughingly so, caused me trauma. For months I was convinced something was wrong with my swallowing process, that my throat had been "damaged" during the peppermint choking. I couldn't swallow certain food --steak was impossible--, I kept bread next to my plate every night at dinner to help "push the food down" and a special need had to be met in snack time at my school, my mom had to phone my teacher and make the request that I get a snack and a drink so if I felt my food was stuck in my throat I'd have a drink to wash down such danger.

But eventually my mom sought a doctor, where I then drank a milky substance that tasted like melted sidewalk chalk, as part some of the tests they conducted on my throat. Of course the doctors told my poor Mom that it was all mental, and that nothing was in fact wrong with my throat. I was merely experiencing the mental after effects of a traumatizing event, caused by one selfish piece of candy. After the dust settled, and breath mints were banished from my house, I abstained from eating peppermint's for years, and even now when I'm offered them by a hostess at a fancy food place, I gladly decline. I usually opt for gum. Be warned: not all peppermints are friendly. Also, thanks for saving my life Mom.

Mariel Garcia -The Liberated Collection-

2011-10-25T16:08:00.000-07:00

Maybe she'll speak to you in Spanish, or if you're lucky she might speak to you in French. But you'd be considered fortunate if she spoke to you in any language. Mariel seems to be comfortable with quietness, a quality I can appreciate -- I think we undervalue the rejuvenating quality of silence. I often wonder if people confuse or misunderstand her reticent personality as being aloof or disingenuous. She's far from being a socialite, but she's anything but rude. She shared many lovely things with me.

I wish I grew up with Mariel as a friend. Baking, and homemade cooking in general seem to be a dying hobby and skill, and Mariel is a dynamite baker. I admire her unselfish willingness to share her talent with friends and family, "it's just nice to make people happy with food". She was commanding in the kitchen, rarely looking at the recipe for her oatmeal cookies, purely going off instinct and imagination, with a "why not make it how I want to make it" attitude. Mariel is also precocious. She's already listening to NPR and The Beatles. She's a purser of spontaneity amongst good friends. She peruses antique shops in hopes of adding to her vintage camera collection -- and at 18 she's got a great start. But overall, I get the feeling Mariel is a thinker, letting her feelings and thoughts play catch together. I even remember her describing her mind like an elevator. Well put. What a beautiful trait. This is Mariel Garcia, and she's been liberated.

Phoenica Zhang -The Liberated Collection-

2011-09-06T18:36:00.000-07:00

I surveyed the parking lot. I wandered through the layers of questions my mind had created as I sat patiently for my new friend to arrive. I wondered what type of car this Duke bound student would be driving? Would she be talkative over the course of our two hour excursion? Would I find a location that she'd like? Would I find a location that I'd like? Had I put on deodorant? I wondered if she was waiting at a different Best Buy parking lot, having similar contemplations. Moments pass and she arrived. She stepped out of an elongated Cadillac and we exchanged greetings. Holy crap she's tall. Is this Yao Ming's sister? She threw her belongings in my car and she and her friend jumped in.

I appreciate long car rides, especially when I'm accompanied by those I know little about. It allows me to ask an array of questions --the less attention on me the better. I relish in knowing what young people are thinking about, what they think their future looks like, and what they hope to do in this life. It's a reminder to me of the amazing gift of free agency that we all have. Phoenica, who put up with a few hours of name mispronunciation, was a joy to spend an afternoon with. She is wicked intelligent -- #2 GPA in her graduating class, she is a musical maverick who learns to play new musical instruments whenever she desires -- when we had spoke she had just picked up the guitar and ukelele, and she's equipped with athletic prowess. I imagine her 6 foot frame was quite the inside presence on the basketball court when she played for three years at Ironwood High School. Underneath the surface achievements I got to know the weirder, more candid, comical side of Miss Zhang. Laugh out loud moments were had when she whipped up one of her bizarre "scary faces". I know the right environment is being created when an 18 year old is willingly embarrassing herself in front of me. I appreciate the shameless conduct, because usually it's I who is dabbling in such behavior, just to muster a pair of genuine laughs. It also helps to shatter the barrier that separates stranger and friend. Consider those boundaries crossed. This is Phoenica Zhang, and she's been liberated.

Jocelyn Mohrig -The Liberated Collection-

2011-08-30T20:32:00.000-07:00

It's late. Your eyes are heavy, pleading for you to give up. Commercials at this hour are almost an excuse to just go to bed. You refuse. It's cold outside. You go limbless and stick your arms in your shirt, but only after you've crawled up to the rough, stucco-roof of your house. If you're a girl, you're probably in an over-sized shirt, hair still wet from the shower you took a few hours ago, which doesn't help with the feeling that you're getting hypothermia. If you're a guy, you're in a tank-top and a pair of basketball shorts you bought when the cool thing to do was hitting up the mall. You try to get comfortable. You're imagining all the other people placing ladders against their houses, making the climb upward. You picture the numberless souls sharing this spectacle with you around the world. Scientists have told you this won't happen for another 40-50 years. Suddenly, It starts. For a few brief moments the sky is on fire, lit up by thousands of streaming meteors acting like bows shooting through the sky in simmering fashion. Your eyes are transfixed, your imagination is illuminated, your mind is mesmerized. A short, but memorable experience of total wonderment. The celestial event is over too quickly.

Though I wasn't in worn out basketball shorts, my shoot with Jocelyn was reminiscent of a extraordinary meteor shower viewing. We connected immediately and never looked back -- I couldn't, it was over far too soon. She opened up and let me in, transforming a 2 1/2 hour shoot into something that felt more like a vacation with a great friend. Jocelyn is blessed with an infectious personality, beaming with positivity -- which stems from her faith, and a unparallelled understanding of fashion, which results in a style that might be impossible to mimic. I wanted to create a sort of runway for her to showcase the creativity in her style that landed her so much vogue in high school. Seriously though, Hollywood's freshest costume designers probably look to her for inspiration. I was amazed at the attention to detail in accessories, and the frugality in her shopping choices --she bought her prom dress at Savers. She's also a lioness on the golf course, blasting balls hundreds of yards in relaxed execution. The girl has got power in her swing. Jocelyn effuses cool. She's got a funky sense of humor when she's totally being herself, and an effortlessness in her ability to charm the socks off ya. I eventually ran out of light, and couldn't shoot her anymore, which led disappointment to creep in. The celestial even was over far too quickly. But the experience is still glowing. This is Jocelyn Mohrig, and she's been liberated.

The Comeback Of Tyler Francis

2011-08-16T00:49:00.000-07:00

2 years ago I said goodbye to one of my best friends. Tyler Francis, or in some circles he's known as Tfran, T$, and even the simply stated, T, left for a two year church mission in Resistencia, Argentina. He bravely left the closeness of family & friends, and the comforts and luxuries of home life, to proudly serve his Heavenly Father and spread the message of the restoration of the church of Jesus Christ on the Earth today. Much to my chagrin, I've struggled mightily to write him consistently over the past two years. Yet I still received his weekly emails from his sweet mother, and was constantly inspired by his capaciously growing testimony, and his relentlessly positive attitude in serving the people of Argentina. I have been itching for his return home to learn from his wisdom and to study his example and just to be with my best friend. On Friday, that will become a reality.

I've missed his laugh -- the one that makes him look up towards the sky. I've missed our weekly scrabble duels. I've missed our never ending lunch hang-outs at Costco, Jason's Deli, Chik-fil-a, and Barros. I've missed our occasional adventures to JCrew, being totally comfortable going shopping together. I've missed the deep conversations dissecting Chuck Klosterman. I've missed the random scream outs to Weezer's "Sweater Song". I've missed MoneyBall. I've missed Ping-Pong. I've missed my photo-assistant. I've missed having a friend who never seems to complain. I've missed his example of total unselfishness in a friendship. I've missed our tube wars. I've missed his upbeat personality. I've missed our conversations in weird voices. I've missed our film collaborations. I've missed his ability to transform a monotonous day into a memorable one. I've missed my best friend.

I will miss no more.

8.19.11

August 2011 Music Playlist

2011-08-12T17:12:00.000-07:00

1. Video Games-Lana Del Rey

What happens when a musician has carved out a wildly incongruous look for themselves, even before they release a debut album? Enter Lizzy Grant. That was before she entered serious celebrity potential, and needed a name change, something that would be more applicable given her extravagant new caricature. Re-enter Lana Del Rey. The NYC swooner is proud of her style, she's quoted as saying she's a "gangster Nancy Sinatra". A bold statement coming from an artist who has yet to sell a single record. But it's that brashness that makes her so compelling -- and so attractive... ooooohh. She seems to ooze confidence, apparent in her flashy fashion choices and her self-created "Hollywood Pop/SadCore" music genre.

One might find her style a bit bombastic, but you can't knock the promise of her music. Her sultry swooning brings to mind Cat Power, and even a little Nina Simone. On her Facebook page her influences range from The Beach Boys, to Elvis, to Britney Spears, and even to Nirvana. The girl certainly has it. She has an effortless power in her vocals, controlling everything. Her lyrics are simple, but the subtly in her voice summons you to listen closely to them. And as a visual artist I'm intrigued by the videos that accompany these songs. They possess a sort of romantic sadness, a nostalgic yearning for the classic time of the Hollywood Hills era, where celebrity defacing and personal collapses weren't a billion dollar industry, but just a symptom of the industry, and the consequences that followed seemed soft. At face value, they're compelling because they stray far from the mindlessness that is found on VEVO.

But who knows what will become of Miss Rey. It's a risky move to arrange such a drastic look so far in advance, but I have a hunch that she'll wind up on Rolling Stone sooner rather than never. She seems more accessible -- the shots of her in her videos look webcammed. With such an overstated look, she's obviously looking for more attention than the eyes of a few dozen onlookers at a coffee shop that Cat Power might receive. We'll find out soon. Her album drops in October. Peep her single.

2. California English, Pt. 2 (Bonus Track)-Vampire Weekend

The always fresh, Ivy League prepsters who put Indie music on the Billboard, have always been some of my favorites. My best friend Tyler and I would listen to their debut album in the car anytime we drove anywhere. Tyler returns home from a two year church mission where he's been serving in Argentina, so this calls for a celebratory song -- especially considering he hasn't heard the new CD. This specific title was a b-side to the single Cousins.

3. Santa Fe-Beirut

The master of horns releases The Rip Tide, his third full-length album. His most wide-appealing disc yet. This song is rad.

4. Hours-Tycho

He probably got me into chillwave 4 or 5 years ago when he released Sunrise Projector, a beautiful album that remains to be a go-to record when I need a quiet but entertaining musical landscape when I'm editing. Tycho is Scott Hansen, a super talented artist/musician from San Francisco. I've been following his work for years for serious design inspiration. Incredible style. Getting on with it... this is the new single off his new album. I'm giddy.

5. Still Life-The Horrors

A Verve-esque band that I recently discovered through, guess who, Scott Hansen's blog. David Bowie would be proud of this album.

6. Ready or Not-Fugees

My roommate Scott and I are preparing a definitive hip-hop playlist, compiled of our favorites, EVER. This won't make the cut but I forgot how much I loved the Fugee's. Last decades Black Eyed Peas, but much cooler and a lot less filler. Also, does this song have an Enya beat?

7. Take Off Your Shirt-Bibio

This is a song to bump your head to. This guy's EP starts with this song and ends with a song titled "Take Off Your Skirt". Clever points.

8. A Real Hero (feat. Electric Youth)-College

Added this song at the last minute after viewing the trailer to the new Ryan Gosling film, Drive -- start salivating ladies. Happy 80's vibes.

9. Ships in the Night-Mat Kearney

This genre-defying madman creates music that is wide in range, reaching from hip-hop to folk. He finally releases a new album and this is the song that should carry it.

10. Soul Rebels-Talib Kweli

My best friend Daniel and I roll the windows down when this song comes on. Were so hood.

11. Sour Apples (featuring Travis Barker)-The Cool Kids

If I made rap music when I was in high school, this is what I would have attempted to make.

12. Blood Pressure-MUTEMATH

MUTEMATH makes us scream their band name with the all capitals, but I'm not screaming anything until they right their wrongs. They've been disappointing me in the past few years. Nothing has bested their self-titled album. This song gives me hope. They almost sound like The Raconteurs.

13. Ode to Janice Melt-Army Navy

Thank you Amazon recommendation. New band. New awesomeness.

14. Moldau-Smetana

One of my favorite orchestra pieces from the film Tree Of Life, A film devoid of any real story structure, but rewards those patient viewers with enchanting visuals, potent realness, and of course, beautiful music.

15. Boy 1904-Jonsi and Alex

Sigur Ros fans... have we heard of this side project? I certainly hadn't till a few days ago. Where the eff was I when the roll was called? Child choirs and angelic sounding stratospheres. What can I say, I'm a sucker for them.

Alex Mineer -The Liberated Collection-

2011-08-11T22:34:00.000-07:00

"I don't want to be in a field of flowers."

"I don't want to be gazing off into the distance, standing next to a railroad."

-A. Mineer

Alex Mineer pisses on cliches. She owns yellow shoes. She wears t-shirts with wolves on them -- you know the ones likely to be seen in a Napolean Dynamite type movie. She prefers films that were released when her parents were born. She's more likely to idolize a Hepburn than a Hathaway. She enjoys music that you don't listen to. She recognizes conformity and sidesteps it. Alex lives in rarefied territory, belonging to a minority that seeks out deviation in everyday life. Creating something unique for her became important to me. I just knew that her version of unique was going to have to be truly contrary to the typical senior portrait. Good luck Nick.

Alex and I share the same height, were both 6 feet tall. Most of that is made up in her legs -- a feature that won her an award at her senior banquet. When I think of great legs my mind automatically recalls a quote from the movie Clueless where new hotboy Christian merely tells Cher she has "nice stems". Thank you Lindsay, Chelsea, and Kaylee for making Clueless our official family road-trip movie. Besides having legs that go on for days Alex has a smile that makes you want to hug her dentist -- they're perfect and whiter than a shirtless yours truly. Aided by her comforting and wise sister, my very good friend Sam -- random fact about me: when I was young I wanted to name my first daughter Sam, the three of us traveled across the empty downtown streets of phoenix on a hot Saturday afternoon, talking about Alex's past -- don't get her started on guys, her present -- the neverending story of her mindless job at Harkins (no giant dog unfortunately), and her future -- she's headed to the tiny town of Thatcher, AZ to start the long road to becoming a pharmacist.

The shoot's finale possessed the shock factor. The conversation starter. The series that she wanted to represent her as daring and spontaneous. I've always been interested in taking every day food items -- candy, eggs, soda, etc..., and incorporating them as sort of animated subjects. I'm obsessed with milk. I drink almost 2 gallons in a week and a half. I've always wanted to photograph the thickness of milk, and the Annie Leibovitz image of Whoppi Goldberg bathing in milk has always struck me as awesome. So to best her pal Bradley Dawson -- I photographed him last year jumping into a fountain in a tux, she was committed to getting messy. And she relished in it, but probably not as much as Sam enjoyed dumping an entire gallon of whole milk on her sister's head. Here's to a shoot that was practically unidentifiable to the senior portrait bubble, and to a girl who's proud of her distinct DNA. This is Alex Mineer, and she's been liberated.

Travis Velonis -The Liberated Collection-

2011-08-09T19:58:00.000-07:00

He's lost in the clouds.
Found in outer-space.
Admiring the beauty,
Puts a smile on his face.
Like Disney he's goofy.
Laughing is required.
Listens to pretty music,
It's no wonder he's inspired.
Like a good neighbor
Travis will be there.
Makes you feel comfortable,
Like sitting in a beach chair.
Unafraid to make himself look like an idiot,
with his young sister,
Time to upgrade this weak rapper,
with a better tongue twister.

I woke up from a short nap awhile ago, feeling strange -- anyone who knows anything about me knows that this happens frequently when I wake up from naps. I plopped down on the piece of furniture that arguably gets more use than my bed, my computer chair, and started writing for this post. I thought about Travis and what I learned about him and my fingers started typing. Before I knew it I was penning a rap. I've been known to revisit my high school days, a moment where I was blessed with fictionalized street cred, or maybe it was a recent conversation I had with my friend Phil about the nuances of past and present hip-hop, but I think it was a subsconscious shout out to my boy Travis that made my brain struggle to create anything but a failed rhyming scheme.

You see, I found out immediately that we shared a bond for good hip-hop -- also quiet chillwave, and other obscure genre's and artists. In a matter of thirty minutes I discovered that besides being incredibly genuine, defiantly modest, and a super fan of smiling, Travis and I shared a list of similarities. We both adore music to a religious degree, we honor the inner nerd in us by practicing hand-eye cordination via video games, amazingly we both subscribe to the most epically awesome comedy sketch group on youtube, and we both have a passion for basketball, though we didn't play in high school. He's like what I would have been in high school if I was cool. Without further adieu, I give you my long lost friend... This is Travis Velonis, and he's been liberated.

July 2011 Music Playlist

2011-07-21T21:00:00.000-07:00

1. Black Trees- Hooray For Earth
I love falsetto's and have always found it mightily impressive to see a man pull them off. I introduce you to Hooray For Earth. This particular gem is the last track on their new album True Loves. It takes forever to build but when it does it breaks into heavenly tribal chants and prepares you for some sort of angelic apocalypse.

2. 1+1- Beyonce
The only relevant member from Destiny's Child continues to leave us all baffled by her range and her ability to create new, and different music, which will certainly provide her with a lasting legacy. And she's not even 30 yet. This song kills me. And sleep easy knowing that all the "You's" in this song are SCREAMED by yours truly.

3. Amor Fati- Washed Out
I challenge you to listen to this song when life has upset you. The beachy, hazy, sun-tinted vibes will warm your soul again. Promise. *note if you want to be even happier listen to the rest of this record.

4. Summertime Clothes- Animal Collective
They are on my short list of bands to see live before my life is over. This is one of my favorites from their 2008 masterpiece Merriweather Post Pavillion. This song screams summer -- in a very strange, psychedelic way. But it certainly does, and if you cant understand the cryptically delivered lyrics just read how beautiful this song is and how expertly it reminds us of hot summers and young romances.

It doesn't really matter, I'll go where you feel
Hunt for the breeze, get a midnight meal
I point in the windows, you point out the parks
Rip off your sleeves and I'll ditch my socks
We'll dance to the songs from the cars as they pass
Weave through the cardboard, smell that trash
Walking around in our summertime clothes,
Nowhere to go while our bodies glow
And we'll greet the dawn in its morning blues
With purple yawn, you'll be sleeping soon
And I want to walk around with you

5. Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall- Coldplay
This single came out of nowhere and placed grins on all of their fans faces. Sounds a little bit more electronic than were used to but it's cheery. Rumor has it their new album drops in October.

6. Swerve..the reeping of all that is worthwhile (noir not withstanding)- Shabazz Palaces
An obnoxiously lengthy song title is no bueno. This guy needs to be heard though. Signed to the Sub Pop label this dude makes truly original sounding electronic/hip-hop. It's dark. It's got grungy spacey beats. And you'll find your head bobbin.

7. Saskatoon- Data Romance
I discovered this sweet little song from this sort of epic nature/bike video. You must witness... (Thanks Natalie)

8. Black Sheep- Metric
She always sings with such ferocity and this was the standout song from a seriously funny movie, the lightning fast paced, nerd dedicated, video game tribute, Scott Pilgrim VS The World.

9. Go Outside- Cults
This song is self explanatory. Do it. Also, jump and dance around for awhile. It might happen without your consent anyway.

10. Ep- Junior Boys
I was stalking this girl's blog ages ago and discovered this band. Thank goodness for healthy stalking. Willi, don't freak out. This is a track from their new album which was released in June. It's an interesting change for them. It's an eclectic mix of R&B, electronic, and alternative.

11. To Build a Home- The Cinematic Orchestra
This song makes me choke up. I think it's one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. I should have shared it with all of you ages ago. If it sounds familiar it's because it was probably on the soundtrack to a super-soapy, drama-soaked ABC hospital show. Which is not where I found it. ha. That does not sound believable.

12. So Long- Zooey Deschanel & M. Ward
I could listen to these two play forever. Zooey and her partner in crime M. Ward provide a few tracks on the new Winnie The Pooh film -- which looks darling by the way. I've been longing for more hand drawn animation.

13. Today Is Our Life- Memory Tapes
Yaaaaaa I think I'm neck deep in this chillwave scene. This guy is one of my favorites and he just released a poppy, addictive little album.

14. Fly- Ludovico Eianaudi
For all those who love the piano as much as I do, do yourself a favor and dig deep into this genius' catalog. This song is profound in the simplest way. It hardly says anything but says everything. That makes sense I promise. Just think about it. Not to hard though.

15. Sails- Hooray For Earth
Their band name speaks volumes about the feeling one gets when treating his/her ears to their music. To me they sound like 80's power pop infused with arena-indie rock of the 90's.

Sarah Schaefer - The Liberated Collection-

2011-07-20T16:01:00.000-07:00

Her name rolls off your tongue with ease. "S-squared" names carry heavy importance, an accidental demand for extra attention. Ironically, Sarah refuses the latter.

We were accompanied by her mother and her older sister Rachel, who if it weren't for her moments of sheer wackiness, my guess is Sarah would have remained comfortably in her shell. Thank goodness for la familia.

Inspired by the authors of trendy, young-adult books, focused on love and heartbreak, Sarah has developed a yearning to delve into journalism. She'll take her talents to ASU where she'll pursue that passion. She told me she'd "maybe like to be an author". Though she might seem shaky on her future career plan, I firmly believe she is a lover of books and has an aptitude for creative writing. She also adores nature and the outdoors. She's a devout hiker, and has a willingness to stay in shape. Her family are no strangers to the lake life, and wake-boarding, and she also owns a bike that is more precious than an American Girl doll. If a Care Bear lived near the beach, they'd own her bike. Her teeth are flawless, which makes it impossible not to love her smile. She is reserved but open enough to let out a famous Schaefer snort if the joke is right. She is more pure than peach pie. The world needs more dessert just like her. This is Sarah Schaefer, and she's been Liberated.

Cassie Heatherly -The Liberated Collection-

2011-07-11T22:19:00.000-07:00

Even from the very beginning -- we agreed to shoot on April Fools, this shoot was destined to be bubble wrapped in audaciousness and draped in extremities. In my brainstorming stages, she gave my bizarre side a back-scratch and admitted, "crazier the better". Thus began the Tim Burton flashes and sprawling thoughts belonging to dorm room dazes, and hot boxing to Pink Floyd records. I wanted to order up something that refused to sit pretty in the lazy senior portrait department.

Enter Cassie, a convict of oddball antics, a poster-girl for loud style and hair hues that'd be embraced by the martian. The thing that makes her so cool is her self-awareness, she's comfortable in skin that is quite the opposite of a chameleon. She'd have no use for camouflage. If Harry Potter offered her his cloak of invisibility she'd probably punch him in the face. She welcomes weirdness. She poured her soul into the hardwood, eventually landing her a scholarship in PA to play volleyball. There's more than one act to this firecracker though. She is deeply involved in theatrics, and discussed in detail with me the time she had to play a victim and survivor of something terribly violent and divulged her thought process of getting into character. What doesn't kill you only makes you stranger. This is Cassie Heatherly.

June 2011 Music Playlist

2011-06-06T18:36:00.000-07:00

1. Live Those Days Tonight- Friendly Fires

I've only recently discovered FF, and truth be told their album cover caught my eye somewhere.

Their new album Pala is a infectious, glitzy, dance party album. Too much fun not too listen.

2. Starry Eyed- Ellie Goulding

There's something adorable about this english singer/songwriter. A google image search of her will pull up self portraits taken in front of a mirror. She has relatability. This little jam is an airy dream.

3. Marry The Night- Lady Gaga

I refuse to take her serious after her disastrous cover art for Born This Way, and the verdict is still being decided for me on whether or not she's topped Fame Monster. It looks bleak, but this is one of the album's bright spots.

4. Ice Cream- Battles

An applicably titled summer song, from an experimental rock band who's so brazenly bizarre, they're charming. Their new album --like this song, has pop wings. It could just take off.

5. Beautiful People- Chris Brown

Alas my music snobbery is snuffed out again. My great friend Katie threw this on during our road-trip to CA last month and I had my reservations about listening to Chris Brown, but I'm glad those were flattened. This song was downloaded and then played at least 50 times a few days after that trip. It's still as addicting as the first time I heard it -- "Everywhere, everywhere..." You'll probably see this in a Liberated recap film soon. :)

6. Anti-D- The Wombats

This convinced me to buy the album. I can't help appreciating 1-take music videos.

7. Ghost Train- Summer Camp

Apparently the result of a collision at a summer camp, this boy/girl duo have the most anticipated EP coming out this summer. The entire EP sounds like it could have fit right into the "Pretty In Pink" soundtrack. Deelish, upbeat synth-pop will fit perfectly into my summer plans.

8. Beth/Rest- Bon Iver

Justin Vernon & Co release their first album in over 3 years next week and this is the closer. It sounds NOTHING like the the 9 songs that come before it, sounding like a 80's ballad from the likes of a Phil Collins. There's something terribly tragic about it, but it's beautiful and so different from the rest of their body of work.

9. You Are A Tourist- Death Cab For Cutie

Indie superstars release another new album, which is sure to stray even further from the sound and style that the die-hards grew to love. But this song works.

10. Float On- Blackbird Blackbird

Chillwave has a love affair with Modest Mouse. This is their lovechild.

11. If You Wanna- The Vaccines

Discovered this band a week ago. I yell the hook to this song at cars next to me at stoplights. Most fun I've had in years.

12. Surface- Teen Daze

Anyone who follows my blog knows that I am obsessed with this bedroom producer. He creates music that sounds like it was made in a entirely different universe. He signed to a stuffy label --kinda scared about that, and will unleash his new EP at the end of the summer. Just in time to make us lusting for more sundrenched afternoons and poolside parties.

13. Running Up That Hill (Cover)- Placebo

I love discovering music through commercials. Ten years ago I would have been throwing my head against a wall trying to uncover the song info.

14. Virgin- Manchester Orchestra

Their most mature sounding album to date. This track has a child choir. EPIC.

15. We've Been Had- The Walkmen

Lead Vocalist Hamilton Leithauser's pipes are strangely impressive. Sing-songy, with a punch of bravado, this guy is fun to sing along with. Ask my sister Kaylee. I screamed this song last time it came on while she was fortunate to be riding shotty. Check out the cute commercial it was featured in while you're at it.

16. I'll Play For You- Seals & Crofts

Claire Francis put me on to these guys. Definitely a throwback but you can see how they're the inspiration for a lot bands. And yes, I'm a hopeless romantic, I had to throw in this one.

17. I'm On It- J. Cole

I love Derrick Rose. I love Powerade. And now I love this rapper. A plethora of songs spotted in ad spots this month. I hope this doesn't feel cheap. I'm not Daniel Dawson, I'm not getting kickbacks for all this free pub.

18. My Country- tUnE-yArDs

This girl is weird. Beyond weird. But I adore weird. Warning: this is not for everyone. So I'll go ahead and admit my weirdness too.

19. Night Air- Jamie Woon
This dude is the next big thing. He's killing Britain right now. Were next. This is the single that's doing the damage.

Yvanna Rodriguez -The Liberated Collection-

2011-05-20T18:47:00.000-07:00

This shoot wasn't easy for Yvanna and her mother. They arrived 30 minutes late -- downtown Phoenix can be quite disorienting, I know this more than many -- and after the shoot concluded their car battery died. But within these two stressful events was the heart of the story.

Yvanna is polite, well mannered, and seems uncharacteristically ladylike for her age. She seemed to carry herself with a sort of grace that was reserved for a more reverent time period. This personality trait provided stunning images of self-reflection and fascinating portraits of poignant emotion. She certainly let loose when she unleashed her love for dancing on me. As John Mayer serenaded the space between her and I, Yvanna showed me why Abba named a song after her. There's a striking femininity in her performance, and I get the feeling she's a natural at captivating an audience. She shared with me her decision to enter the Miss Teen Arizona Pageant, an event that would be lucky to have her. When she's not dazzling judges and crowds, she's a pretty normal teenager. She's a hiker, she's a devout christian, she's employed by a clothing company that sells a cologne that is almost always abused by boys her age, and she never tires of shopping. Everybody... This is Yvanna Rodriguez, and she's been liberated.

Holley Anderson -The Liberated Collection-

2011-05-18T19:35:00.000-07:00

I heard the dogs barking even before I knocked on the front door. Maybe they were warning me about the mammoth-sized cat that would steal my attention the moment I went upstairs. I mean this in the least exaggerated way, there is an abominable snowman living at the Anderson home. Imagine a purring cloud that moved across your kitchen floor. That is a reality for this family. This bloated feline probably snacks on full sized rabbits. But enough about overeating house pets, the real story is Holley Anderson.

"I'm an independent person and that can drive my parents crazy sometimes." At the time of our shoot Holley was working two jobs --Paradise Bakery and The Sunglass Hut, unlike her sister Holley has been financially floating on her own. With the economy still spending its' time in the outhouse I'm aware that more young people have been required to do this. But this was a decision made entirely on her own, while her other siblings are content with being hand fed. This is an admirable pursuit. She declares, "I like to work for something that actually pays off" in response to becoming uninvolved at school the past few years. Financial success has obviously been on her mind for ages. Years ago she'd sell flower clips on ebay. She also noted that she has "wanted to be in medical field since she can remember" Certainly not a flat mountain to climb, but definitely a fiscally rewarding one. But why the desire for monetary gain at such a young age? I wonder what sparked this financial ambition.

She's acknowledges her coffee addiction, and for someone who's constantly on the move --and actually hates reading, and striving for something better it's no surprise that she has a power beverage. When time permits, it also gives her a second to unwind, relaxing in her favorite coffee shop, Elevate. Holley is a smiler. She owns a smile that would make a dental hygienist sigh with satisfaction. She also has a stunning pair of green eyes, a feature that provokes a curiosity to learn more. I guess that's why I still have questions. A standing ovation for the grinning, money-eyed brunette. This is Holley Anderson, and she's been liberated.

Jessica Schrecker -The Liberated Collection-

2011-05-17T17:48:00.000-07:00

When I was three I the only passion I was developing was picking my nose. At the age of three, Jessica Schrecker was quickly developing a passion for dancing, something I'm sure her parents initiated. But like my boogers on a wall, it stuck. She was highly invested in this beautiful art form, and at 13 she became involved in a competitive dance troupe. Her arsenal includes everything, with the exception of Hip-Hop --and contemporary being her favorite, she loves the freedom it allows. She's also shared with me how dancing has become an outlet for any emotion over the course of her life, where she could spill her feelings through body movement and expression. She confided that it's been a lighthouse, a sort of life raft, keeping her afloat, "it's helped me get through a lot over the years". If only every one of us were so lucky to have a therapeutic passion throughout our 'growing pain' years.

As dancing has become her life she hopes writing will become her future, she aspires for a position at Rolling Stone, a magazine with a historic past and a now iconic influence. She's headed to a new desert in Tucson to study journalism which will hopefully manifest employment that will empower her to freely dish her thoughts on the new Rhianna single, or maybe even shed some light on the absurdity of Gaga's thought process -- or at least what drug she's taking. Jessica is loaded with promise. Peep the scrabble collage for a short dip into her writing style. It's ambitious, and is clear of garishness. She's certainly on her way. For all of our sakes, I hope she lands the dream job because I'd like to know why Gaga keeps dressing up as breakfast foods. This is Jessica Schrecker, and she's been liberated.

Cassandra Castellaneta -The Liberated Collection-

2011-05-16T21:20:00.000-07:00

Being voted "best dressed" is a difficult achievement. I imagine it requires a certain capacity for creativity, a spark of fashion daring, and a collective understanding of the fashion world. And in this particular scenario, Cassandra's winning formula probably had something to do with her willingness to dress up. Literally. She told me she could provide over a dozen dresses for my dress collage idea. You're more likely to see Cassie in a dress than you would see Dwight from The Office in a "boy scout brown" buttoned down.

For whatever reasons the combination of freckles and red hair is enough to make us all think in extreme stereotypes. At least I do. I envision a hybrid of carrot top and this kid tommy from the 3rd grade, a homely looking toddler resembling Chucky from Rugrats, who devoured cheese-its every day at snack time. Cassandra is more like a modernized Wilma Flinstone. Her rosy hair is such a perfect shade of red I'm sure it'd make any hair stylist swoon. I was fascinated by those brown dotted sprinkles painted so delicately on her baby-soft cheeks.

The phrase "dress to impress" is discarded when you meet this quieted, freckled fashionista.Underneath her Emma Stone looks is a morally straight introvert --she's a passionate believer in Christ, filled up with a anxiousness to leave this town for a destination near the pacific, a place that probably is spoken in just two letters. She's felt a longing for an ocean-side living ever since she was a child. She also told me about her serious passion for writing. Even on a weekend you might find her buried in a Barnes & Noble, penning her next poem about life experience. She's also a defensive menace on the volleyball court. As a defensive specialist she drove hitters mad all season, digging up impossible balls. Her smaller frame allowed her to get to the floor at blazing speeds. This girl is talented in all sorts of arenas. California would be ever so fortunate to house this thoughtful Believer, and if Hollywood ever tempted her in hopes of using her for her Anastasia features, I'm sure she'd be wiser. This is Cassandra Castellaneta, and she's been liberated.

Nick Kelsey -The Liberated Collection-

2011-05-10T18:57:00.000-07:00

We might share a similar taste in music, and we might share a common name, but the likeness stops there. This kid may never have an identical. He's too smart. He's too ambitious. And he's just too...cool.

Like he stepped out of a Billabong advertisement, this future Irishman has a sort of california style; effortless good looks and a chill vibe. Of course these are the traits floating comfortably on the surface. His mom knows her son to be pensive, with tendencies to do deep thinking, maybe even daydream once in awhile. I could certainly sense a softer side, where contemplation and real emotion might lie. What you need to know is this dark haired gentleman is wickedly intelligent. He's #1 in his entire graduating class, a feat that would make any mother weak at the knees. Next fall he'll be happily settling in at Notre Dame. Nick is also a musical cavalier. I got the feeling after seeing him perform a Black Keys song on a acoustic guitar --with supreme ease--, and talking music with him for an entire car ride that he had a firm understanding of how music worked. He appreciates the creativity and the raw energy of his favorite bands. I believe his honest passion for music has probably fashioned some of the tenderness that resides in him. I wasn't able to discover all the layers of this savy longboarding, groovy guitar playing, emotive esquire, but I had ample time to realize this kid's future is brighter than his smile, and his potential, greater and larger than that brain of his. This is Nick Kelsey and he's been liberated.

Morgan Middaugh -The Liberated Collection-

2011-05-09T16:26:00.000-07:00

It only took a few seconds. I turned the ignition off, exited my car and walked towards her and we exchanged friendly hello's. She then said she was happy to hear my voice finally, after a few rounds of texting weeks prior. How sweet. Just a few moments into the shoot and I already liked Morgan.

Morgan and her mom met me in downtown Phoenix and we had quite the expedition. Her relaxed attitude, and "fluffy cloud" demeanor was a joy to behold, and remained strong even through a potentially uncomfortable encounter with a homeless man. The disheveled city dweller approached us, dressed in a shredded 90's Lakers Dennis Rodman jersey, covered in a scent of intoxication, asking for the time and hoping to observe us. I also remember he thought putting his dog in a shot would be a great idea. Getting awkwardly close, as some bizarre strangers will, Morgan never flinched, unembarrassed by this poor man's lack of civility.

Throughout the shoot she seemed so lax, so detached from what was happening around her that she would daze off for minutes at a time. She warned me of that before we met, declaring that her mind is always racing. And I believe that now. I believe her mind takes her to different worlds. She's secretly an escapist. Pounding the pavement 3 to 4 miles at a time, she has become quite the running addict, which I believe is her temporary escape fix. She seeks a more serious escape through travel. A trip to Europe awhile back introduced her to a life in transit, she soon hopes for more nomadic adventures and wishes the world would become her backyard. And despite her flighty desires, and her contentedness for solitude, Morgan provided conversation as lush as some of the exotic countries she wishes to visit. This is Morgan Middaugh and she's been liberated.

May 2011 Playlist

2011-05-05T14:37:00.000-07:00

I'll just leave this right here...

I'll come back to this, but I wanted to get it up before I leave for CA tomorrow. Enjoy!

Devyn Sanchez -The Liberated Collection-

2011-05-04T18:41:00.000-07:00

Her loyalty lies in her camera. Leaving her home means bringing a few necessities; wallet, keys, phone, and camera. Without the latter, Devyn Sanchez is weighted down with a feeling of incompleteness, a sort of anxiety that stirs in her for fear that she won't get to document her life's daily delights. It takes discipline to lug a camera around, and even more mindfulness to whip it out in the spur of the moment. I should know I've tried it before when I experimented a few years ago with one of those "a picture a day for a year" projects. I lasted about 81 days. This girl possesses some true power.

When you meet Devyn prepare yourself. Her beauty might knock you over if you aren't prepared. I was as ready as I was before a math test. She has smooth coffee brown skin, and a complexion that is Dove soft. She talks quietly, in a candy-sweet voice, and her smile is pure, with a pair of memorable dimples. She's like a smaller, younger version of a Kardashian, without the loss of virtue. Her nervous laugh looks completely genuine, and she has an appetite for everything holy. She stands as a Witness, and her daily thinking is decorated with thoughts of God. At such a trying age, said thoughts seem to be rare. So I'll have to let her love of cats slide --she plays Call Of Duty in her spare time, that more than makes up for the cat mania-- Gentleman, Ladies... Devyn Sanchez has been liberated.

Erika Beson -The Liberated Collection-

2011-05-03T16:18:00.000-07:00

Her job allows her the opportunity to talk to men & women about underwear and racy lingerie. So I'm at loss of ideas as to where she finds the time to practice chucking books. An undiscovered talent maybe?

Erika was walking casually towards me, I was backing up, when I told her to throw one of the books she had in her arms at me --yes, I did make the demand-- and it took no less than a few seconds before she landed a striking blow to my crotch with a novel that I'm sure had more terms of endearment in the title than I've ever muttered in my life. This produced lots of laughing on her part, the kind where you bend down like your stomach hurts, which is strange because I was in a similar position, except you couldn't hear me laughing.

Erika is a self proclaimed book worm. She'd rather bury herself in a juicy romance novel than to spend her time at a Forever 21. She's always happier in the sight of daisies and little kids, the former has inspired her to pursue a college degree in special education. What a beautiful pursuit. She also shared with me a story of a rough upbringing. But coming from a broken home I expected more of a dent in this girls' self-esteem. She crushed my misplaced judgement, she was constantly smiling and remained an utter joy to shoot. Thank goodness. This is Erika Beson, and she's been liberated.

Steven Hobaica -The Liberated Collection-

2011-05-02T20:42:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not, he's the first senior I've had in 2 1/2 years of shooting these kids, who after divulging precious information about himself and who he's become over the past 18 years, flipped the table on me via text, and suggested it was my turn to explain a little bit about ME. My reaction was surprise, topped with an exclamation mark. This isn't how it works. As an adolescent, I was usually consumed with self-concerning thoughts, my family would probably argue those thoughts are still prevalent today, so when Steven Hobaica shot back with an eager interest to get to know me, I was floored.

Steven is skinny. He's worked at a plethora of sweet shops --at the time of our shoot he was employed at Mrs. Fields, which is ironic cause he's indifferent to cookies-- but according to him, no matter what he puts in his body it sees no effect. A jealous inducing proclamation indeed. Steven is also a talented, but bashful singer. The regional choir member had a difficult time sharing his talent, reluctantly opening his mouth to sing for a few images. He's possesses a soothing voice, and I had the feeling he was "sandbaggin" and was painfully holding back. He certainly didn't hold back his array of questions for me. He asked about my career choice, my taste in girls, and even proposed a question that my parents would love to know the answer to. He's got a face full of dimples, and a vibe that is so warmly inviting that even Dr. House wouldn't stand a chance. Here's to an aberrantly unselfish cookie hater. This is Steven Hobaica.

Sorry Mom & Dad, I don't know when I'm getting married. I'll keep you posted though.

Also, this will be one of thousands of shoots to be showcased in the days and months to come. Sorry for the hiatus. Never been busier. I LOVE MY JOB. :)

Garbage Loving Raccoons.

2011-04-08T17:24:00.000-07:00

As of right now I'm visiting my sister and her family in South Carolina. After dinner they have their own visitor. A greedy, audacious little creature who's aptitude for garbage dwelling did not go unnoticed. My sister will be embarrassed that her "singing" was captured on film, but I will ignore that, and post this humorous little bugger showing off his amazing dexterity.