In Memory of the Judge
Monday, August 17th 2009 @ 8:00 AM
Most people called him the Judge. Even long into retirement, he was usually affectionately addressed as “Judge” by friends and acquaintances. He did spend a quarter of a century on the bench, after all. But I never thought of him as the Judge. I knew him as my lovable, if irascible, father-in-law.
Many were a little nervous around him – even his children, if the truth be told, and for good reason. He had a quick mind and a debater’s heart, and he did not hesitate to severely challenge a carelessly spoken opinion, even if he agreed with it. In the beginning, I kept my mouth shut around him because our political and life views were not often in agreement.
During those early days, he made statements that just INFLAMED me, but I sat quietly and seethed – until the day that I caught him glancing at me out of the corner of his eye. I realized he was baiting me! He was deliberately making outrageous statements, just to get me to engage. I finally took the bait, and we found in each other worthy sparring partners. From that day on he adored me and I adored him right back. He was a loving grandfather to my children, and a caring father-in-law to me. His home was filled with my photography - of his beloved grandchildren, of course... :)
We remained close even after my beloved husband, his son, died: closer, really, because by then his health was declining a little and my sons & I were the only family in town. We invited him over for dinner every Monday night. I would cook and musically talented Nicholas would sing. The weekly dinners quickly evolved into concerts with Nick & his many talented friends, who entertained us with piano concertos, opera oratorios, jazz numbers, and more. The Monday night dinners are legendary still – all started to please a man who meant the world to us.
Dad’s health declined precipitously this past year. In June, he was moved to Tennessee to be near his oldest son.
I got the phone call this morning. It was a blessing, really. In the end, he was nothing but a shell of himself, hooked up to a respirator, IV’s, and a feeding tube. But the fact that it was a blessing for him doesn’t completely ease the pain for me.
Who is going to sit with a smile on his face and tears in his eyes while Nicholas sings? Who is going to engage me verbally and challenge my opinions? Who is going to complain that the world is ‘no damn good’ and in the next breath relate a tale of justice and kindness?
He was difficult and lovable and cantankerous and generous and I treasure all the evenings we spent talking over a glass of wine. I loved him deeply and I will miss him dearly.
Photographing High School Seniors
Saturday, August 15th 2009 @ 12:00 AM
There are as many ways to approach senior portrait photography as there are photographers! For me, the most important thing is to capture each person's unique spirit. I try not to use the same poses & techniques. To be successful, I need to be observant and to get to know each student.
Harper's family (small insert image) is very proud of her musicianship, and wanted to be sure that her viola was featured in at least one of her senior portraits. I LOVE that image!
Morgan (above) is a smiler. We tried some serious shots, but it just didn't 'look' like her! This photograph was taken on a new pedestrian bridge in Salem, Oregon. It seems like every hs senior has had a portrait taken there this year, so when Morgan mentioned that she would like to use the popular bridge, we talked about how to make her photographs unique. We were both pleased with this image!
Madison marches to the beat of her own drum. She is an urban girl, and wanted something that captured her introspective spirit. We chose downtown Salem, and wandered the alleys and retail areas looking for inspiration.
Conner is a musician, and needed images that reflected his passion to place on his website and for his (soon to be released!) CD. We captured many images indoor and out that showed him in a variety of musical moods. This image was created with the help of Photoshop.
Four high school seniors, four very different moods and portraits. Senior photography shouldn't be boring!
Seattle Celebration
Tuesday, August 4th 2009 @ 2:26 PM
Genuine, kind, determined, committed – these are words that describe Danielle & Caleb. You see it in their relationship with each other, with their spiritual community, and with the world. It was a blessing to be part of their wedding!
As I looked over the images from that day, a couple of thoughts occurred to me.
As their photographer, I am one of the first people they interact with, and the tone I set carries through the rest of the day. Therefore, I always remember and demonstrate that this is, first and foremost, a celebration. Everything else is secondary - even the photography.
I am also very aware that it is my art that holds the memories for the wedding couple and everyone else. In 5-10-20-50 years, memories fade. What remains crystal clear are the images that I capture. I am the memory-keeper for Danielle & Caleb, and for all the other couples who come to me. It's not about 'pictures'. It's about capturing the joy & excitement, the hopes & dreams, & the optimism for the future that is represented on this wonderful day. What I photograph becomes the reality of that day. How important it is that I show love and laughter!
Being a wedding photographer is a sacred trust. I hope that Caleb & Danielle feel they placed their trust well.
