Caro con lina

A Couple of Birds

noreply@blogger.com (CMR) — Wed, 25 Sep 2013 16:47:00 +0000

I think... this is my first engagement shoot. So it's only proper that it would be with two people that I adore. Eliza was my first college roommate via Craigslist and I can't even begin to list the first experiences I had with this girl. The memories are endless, most of them involving me dancing and Eliza cracking up. Jon and Eliza have been a twosome since day one. I've seen their relationship evolve and strengthen and feel almost like a their child who comes over and raids the fridge. They're both bull-headed at times but I can't imagine one without the other. I'm so grateful to have two of my closest Kansas friends in Chicago to make home seem not so far away. These are only a fraction of images from a morning of shooting but I'm really excited to finalize the rest because they are so wonderful.

Crest & Withers

noreply@blogger.com (CMR) — Thu, 19 Sep 2013 19:55:00 +0000

Yes, I was that girl. The one obsessed with horses. I spent every Sunday browsing the classifieds for a horse that maybe my parents would finally buy me. Of course, living in a Suburban neighborhood doesn't lend itself to owning a horse but that didn't deter me. My love for horses has not wavered and people often ask if I used to ride - the answer being a somber "No." Recently I had the opportunity to visit the stables that my friend Amber trains at regularly. I wasn't able to ride but that didn't stop me from doting upon any horse that came my way. And my camera kept me plenty busy. As a slave for light, I was transfixed by the way it fell upon these giant beauties. And so, these photos came about.

Hunter Gatherer Collaboration

noreply@blogger.com (CMR) — Wed, 11 Sep 2013 16:27:00 +0000

This has been sitting as a Draft for far too long. I just began my second Flamenco session at the Clinard Dance Theater where I try and brainwash my body into doing things it has no familiarity with. In fact, the beautiful subject in these photos is also my instructor. Marisela is stunning. Watching any Flamenco performance is mesmerizing but even more so when you actually know the dancer and see how the art transcends into their daily being. It's funny revisiting these images because I had taken them prior to starting Flamenco and now I recognize how much energy and strength went into so many of these poses. Flamenco arm movements are real and HARD.
This collaboration began one dewy morning in Humboldt Park where I met Laura (Hunter Gatherer) and Marisela. It was all very organic, figuratively and literally. Laura brought out a morose aesthetic in my work that I don't often try. The last few shots were taken by the water which was fitting as Laura's latest work is inspired by bait and tackle. I'm extremely fond of these images and they are only a handful of the entire set.

Jewelry: Hunter Gatherer | Clothing: NUIT Clothing

(Skirt & Shawl are Model's own)

Model/Dancer: Marisela Tapia | Styling: Laura Prieto-Velasco

See the entire set on Flickr

Soylent Green Dreams Forever

noreply@blogger.com (CMR) — Mon, 09 Sep 2013 18:57:00 +0000

Going to Kansas City means two things: sleeping in my childhood room and visiting The Campground. On this end-of-Summer evening, Chris and Cristin invited me over for a little neighborhood picnic involving not one! but three pups. I also had the pleasure of trying out a Campground cocktail Chris calls 'Soylent Green' (an homage to the Sci-Fi film.) The celery and lime combination made for a damn good, slightly more savory and extremely refreshing, margarita vibe. Drinks like this make me vow to never imbibe another lousy Gin & Soda. That vow didn't last long when we took an impromptu trip to the Bottleneck in Lawrence. The night hilariously ended with us running out of gas halfway home but I expect nothing less than a memorable time with these two.

Hunter Gatherer Studio Visit

noreply@blogger.com (CMR) — Tue, 02 Jul 2013 17:42:00 +0000

As a jewelry fiend, I always have my eye out for unique designs. Back in January, I came across a collection while putzing around at City Soles in Wicker Park. An associate explained to me that many of the pieces were made from found objects; hence the name, Hunter Gatherer. From twigs to windshield glass to casts of fingertips, I was smitten. I left with a single piece and a desire to know more about the artist. Fast forward to the end of May, I got in touch with the hands behind Hunter Gatherer, Laura Prieto-Velasco. She invited me over to her home to take a look at some of her new designs inspired by bait and tackle. Two hours later we had talked about everything under the sun, including my newest pursuit thanks to her, Flamenco dancing. Laura's macabre aesthetic is something I've always been intrigued by and paired with her interest in Flamenco, I couldn't leave without making plans to meet again and put those themes in front of a camera - more on that to come.

Whole Larder Love

noreply@blogger.com (CMR) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 16:28:00 +0000

I like food. No, I love food. I've got a whole lotta love for food. In honor of his new book, Whole Larder Love, I had the pleasure of listening to Australian blogger, cookbook author and food warrior Rohan Anderson share the beginnings of his journey as a hunter/gatherer; hosted at Longman & Eagle's Off Site Bar. To top it all off, Rohan carried out a first hand demonstration on skinning a rabbit. His familiarity with the process was mesmerizing. I can't imagine that knowledge will ever come in handy for myself but Rohan's desire to work for his food has stuck with me (and to thank for my newly acquired tomato plant.) Post-skinning, Longman worked their magic and made a lovely dish for Rohan which I may have stole a delicious bite of. Thank you, Max Wastler, for introducing me and being an always charismatic host.

Every Other Word

noreply@blogger.com (CMR) — Wed, 08 May 2013 06:36:00 +0000

Let's be honest, when I was told there would be an opportunity to dump paint, Holi powder and 20lbs of bouncy balls on these guys, I didn't hesitate to put my good aim to use. The Noise FM's first music video has been a long time coming but thanks to some fine folks at Rhapsody Productions and a lot of lead paint, it is complete. In between fist fulls of neon powder, I shot a few [hundred] stills from the pristine start to the disheveled end. It's been several weeks and the song now plays as white noise in the back of my mind but I hope this is just the beginning to many more visual feasts from these boys.

And so, the "Every Other Word" music video.

Rabbit Avenue

noreply@blogger.com (CMR) — Wed, 01 May 2013 20:43:00 +0000

I am having an affair... with the city of Toronto. It shouldn't come as a surprise since it's often compared to Chicago, but my love for Toronto is in the honeymoon stage when it can do no wrong. For my birthday, I treated myself to a flight there via Porter Airlines. I spent the weekend with some of the most loving, easy-going humans I know. We met only a year ago but their hospitality and city keep me coming back. I spent my last day biking with Annie around Kensington Market, stopping for ice cream and candy and sampling jams and mustard. That evening, I wanted to take a moment to capture my lady friends in the garden they've begun curating. At one point, Cailtin sweetly inquired, "Do you know when you've taken a good picture?" This stuck with me and the answer is yes. There's a feeling when I know I've taken something that encapsulates the moment perfectly; a desire to freeze what my mind sees so others might see it too. Of course, I don't have to travel anywhere to find that feeling... but it doesn't hurt when I get to see these faces.

Como la flor

noreply@blogger.com (CMR) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 15:26:00 +0000

I'm a sucker for themed parties. Why? Because I can dress up. My childhood was spent playing with Barbies, riding imaginary horses and dressing up to gain the attention of my mother. Since then, I no longer play with Barbies and rarely pretend I'm riding make-believe horses but I've yet to kick the desire to dress in garb I wouldn't normally wear. I spent the weekend in Kansas City and came across this cowboy hat in the back of the coat closet. Keeping with the southwestern theme, I put on a dress my mother acquired in Mexico, a leather belt adorned with Aztec pyramids, a buckskin jacket I purchased at an estate sale in Chicago and a door wreath because... why not? This is what transpired from spare time and a sister who served as my impatient tripod. All in the name of gaining my mother's attention.

Vulnerable

noreply@blogger.com (CMR) — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 03:52:00 +0000

That side select people see. Those emotions we want to hide. They are impossible to suppress. I'm learning to allow time for those moments and then allowing myself to feel something else after. They're not easy feelings but they have a reason.

Table for two

noreply@blogger.com (CMR) — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 02:17:00 +0000

I currently live with three people but it seems every week we have at least one visitor staying with us. This week one of my oldest and dearest friends, Mallory, came to visit with her boyfriend whom I will only refer to as Coco. These photos are actually from October when I surprised her with a visit to Kansas City/Lawrence on her birthday. On this night, she and Coco were starting a birthday dinner at 715 (my favorite) as I was leaving. I directed them to continue as if I wasn't there and then silently stepped out when I decided I'd been weird long enough. We met up after dinner at a local music venue to ring in Mallory's birthday, music provided. I'll be sad when they leave Chicago but only until the next visitor arrives (kidding, I love you, Mal.)

Top notch

noreply@blogger.com (CMR) — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 03:32:00 +0000

For me, making an afternoon's journey to get ice cream is old hat. And not just any ordinary ice cream but Original Rainbow Cone. A medley of flavors stacked sky high had me drive 30 minutes south and wait 15 minutes in 30 degrees to get it. Luckily Mr. Max Wastler came along to humor me. I now regret his suggestion of taking home a tub of the Palmer House (cherry vanilla with walnuts.) Afterwards, we stopped by Optimo Hats ("Life's better in a great hat.") The interior, lined with magnificent hats, had a sultry vibe much like a speakeasy would. On the way out of town and on a whim, Max and I stopped into Top Notch, a diner serving up savory beefburgers since 1942 and the best diner fries I've ever had. The recent Rainbow Cone had yet to be forgotten so we split a meal and called it a day, but not before Max could pick up some memorabilia to wear home.

Familia

noreply@blogger.com (CMR) — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 23:35:00 +0000

I can hold my own in a conversation but more often than not, I'd rather listen and observe. Change the language to Spanish and my claim is even truer. I consider myself fluent but I'm not the most confident speaker. However nothing brings me more joy than reuniting with my father's side and watching them interact. There are always stories to be told and scenes to act out. I may not always understand the back story but it is enough to see my family laugh until they cry, as my Uncle's are often able to do. These photos are from the first night we arrived at my Abuelita's for our first Christmas visit since 2008.

Sleep alone, start all over

noreply@blogger.com (CMR) — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 05:54:00 +0000

Palms by Local Natives has been my safety net lately.

Sunscapes

noreply@blogger.com (CMR) — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 04:14:00 +0000

A few more from that time on the roof in Mexico. Color is something foreign countries do so well.

Please hold

noreply@blogger.com (CMR) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 06:09:00 +0000

This particular morning was spent sitting at my Abuelita's kitchen table while my mother was on hold for a comically long time. Breakfast involved two quesadillas with ham and a sliced apple that I threw in at the last moment. Mostly I sat and listened to my Abuelita talk and my father occasionally chime in with agreement. I spend roughly 5 mornings out of the year at this table but it always feels like home. Nothing about it has changed since I was a child. I spent the next hour taking a series of photos from the single spot I have sat in so many times before.

Sin palabras

noreply@blogger.com (CMR) — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 04:59:00 +0000

Keeping tabs on words I like.

1.25.13
craft
study
curate

Roof hangs

noreply@blogger.com (CMR) — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 21:48:00 +0000

It has been several years since the first and last time I got on my grandmother's roof in Mexico. On our last trip, I made it a point to put it down as a "to do." Clean lines, white surfaces and a view that puts you at ease make it feel like a quiet escape from any sea level thoughts. I snuck up right after a long nap in hammock and watched the sun set on this particular day; above it all.

Posiciones de ballet

noreply@blogger.com (CMR) — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 01:01:00 +0000

One of my earliest obsessions was ballet. My mother has some questionable photos of me, big-eyed with boyish hair, wearing a leotard and tutu, I'm sure of it. However I never made it beyond private living room performances to Beethoven. On my most recent trip to Mexico, my cousin Carolina (great name) and I got to talking about the Ballerina Project. Without purpose, we decided to try some photos in her backyard with the fleeting sun. These are only a few but I'd say they're a little better than the ones my mother has of me.

Not Nevada.

noreply@blogger.com (CMR) — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 21:09:00 +0000

Let's be honest, 90% of my Google searches are food related. From gluten-free recipes* to videos on cutting a butternut squash to restaurant openings; I'm all over it. So as soon as I saw a main restaurant front close in my neighborhood, I knew something had to take its place. Enter Reno. Although they just opened about a week ago, I had been drooling over food rumors of wood-fired bagels, pizza and pasta for the past month. With a menu that changes morning, noon and night - this was my third visit and oddly, in that exact order. Things got serious pretty quickly when suddenly our table was cluttered with plates of shaved Brussels sprouts, roasted cauliflower, a carnitas pizza and a fennel sausage pizza. The word "legit" was thrown around a couple times to describe the crust. Hell, everything was beyond legit and I'm glad/nervous that such a great eatery is only a 5 minute walk from my place.

* I don't follow a gluten-free diet, I just tend to like recipes that are gluten-free/vegan/everything most people don't like.

Logan square.

noreply@blogger.com (CMR) — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 06:14:00 +0000

Besides downtown, Logan Square was my first introduction to Chicago. It's hard to argue against the abundance of lawn space on the boulevard that you don't see in many other Chicago neighborhoods. It's been two years since I began exploring the "square" and one year living in it. Often prefaced with "up and coming," it's exciting to see new restaurants and stores opening all the time and feeling a sense of ownership and pride; the community vibe is ever present here. Of course we're still lacking a few vitals (Trader's Joes, call us) and it's not immaculate but it has a lot of history and character and trees and I like that.

The Self.

noreply@blogger.com (CMR) — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 00:24:00 +0000

My to-do list had included "buy wireless remote" for quite some time. I have a penchant for photographer's who do a lot of self-portraiture. Sometimes it's hard to find someone who is willing to wait patiently behind the lens while you try and translate your ideas. As your own subject, you know exactly what it is you're trying to capture.. or at least don't have to constantly apologize while you figure it out. There is something a little funny about moving from behind the lens, into your own frame. I think there is something to learn from doing so.. but I don't have that answer yet. While these images are merely test shots with my remote, I hope it evolves into more studies in front of the camera.

Campground.

noreply@blogger.com (CMR) — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 03:13:00 +0000

Instagram is funny place where you can make connections with people solely based on a filtered snapshot posted semi-regularly. Chris' Instagram feed (@thehydeparker) caught my attention when I started following people posting Kansas City sights after I moved to Chicago. Coincidentally, Chris used to live in Chicago so it was like the old Parent Trap switcheroo, minus being twins separated at birth. Through his photos, I got to see a glimpse into this fantastic space Chris and his wife, Cristin, were building in their backyard— a speakeasy of sorts with an old-style camping vibe, thus The Campground. I knew the next time I was in town, I had to see it for myself. And I did. They would say it's still a work in progress but I was in awe with how charming it already is. Oh, it should come as no surprise that their home was part of Kansas City's Hyde Park Homes Tour because these two have an eye for well-arranged interiors.

The Campground

Block party.

noreply@blogger.com (CMR) — Sat, 20 Oct 2012 18:21:00 +0000

If Longman & Eagle doesn't ring a bell for you, I suggest you familiarize yourself as soon as possible. I am lucky enough to live a hop, skip and a jump away so I like to pretend we're those neighbors that take time to talk about our latest gardening endeavors on the weekends. Recently, Longman held their second annual block party. The number of trendy parents and their equally stylish children was overwhelming, so of course I snapped a couple deceptive photos. Up until this particular day, I had been on the Vegetarian train for about a month, but after I saw the special for evening, I fell off. Pork belly, beans, corn pudding, coleslaw and potato salad-- see? It did not disappoint but I had to bow out shortly after due to a gluttonous food coma.

Hope & Heart.

noreply@blogger.com (CMR) — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 00:16:00 +0000

This fair-haired siren is the sister of a good friend of mine who recently relocated to California. Grace Weber has a voice like honey and when I found out that she and her brother would be passing through Evanston for a show with Ben Taylor at SPACE, I didn't hesitate. In 4th grade, Grace joined an inner city gospel choir and it shows; the girl has soul. I spent my early years as the shy "white girl" in an inner city public school so in a strange way, the juxtaposition between her delicate appearance and soulful vocals remind me of my upbringing. But Grace is a force and her expressive gestures kept me on my toes with my camera.

reflection in the mirror behind the bar.