Mia Steury

     Before I go into depth about Cambodia, I want to tie up some loose ends. This is a shoot I did with Mia Steury the day before I left for Cambodia. Inspired by the photographer/designer Kirsty Mitchell, I wanted to push my imagination. I loved how, despite all the props and costumes, her subjects seemed to blend right into nature. So,  for this shoot I wanted to include as much of the surrounding as possible. Mia and I both live on this beautiful property and these photos were shot right in the "back yard".

and tea and franny and zooey

It's simple, really. Things that revive me most are simple things. Two of my favorites: green tea and J.D Salinger. What simple things do you do?

From Me: Poetry

untitled and unfinished

i watch each step on the floor

femininity moving me

it's a habit i can't shake

as fast as my hips and quips

tip the tender of the bar

for a sip of inhibition

dance like water

move like liquid passion

fingers intertwine

legs interlace, interpret

latin lyrics along stereophonic grooves

diffuse my thoughts smooth into a story

of no beginning, no ending

and often, no dimension

the syncing of chords and strings

hands rhythmic strumming of drums

in intermittent billows

echos congruence between two strangers

who part

sometimes forever

never

to meet again

a song ends

Theara Sao

     This is my beautiful sister. She is an extremely  hard worker.  She is a mother of two, full time Dental Assistant and working on her Dental Hygienist degree. With her few hours after work yesterday, she took time to let me use her as a photographic experiment. It was a blast!

Morgan Boisjolie-Breed

It was a typical Oregon day. A little bit of rain. A little bit of wind. But it was early morning, quiet, serene, and perfect for photographs.

Photo of the day: Morgan Boisjolie-Breed

Today's "Photo of the Day"  is a preview of a photo session I am currently working on. 

Photo Of The Day: Flower in the Window

A day for verbs: clamming, biking, running

     It was hard to rise early on my day off to go clamming, but the thought of the taking pictures in the morning sun, jerked me out of bed. I'm glad. It turned out to be a gorgeous morning. Henry's dad introduced us to this spot only a year ago and it's amazing how much the landscape has changed in one year. A tide pool has formed around one of the large rocks that made for great exploring. Low tide,  and early morning sun, coupled with sweeping mountains made for a stunning backdrop for these photos of friends and family clamming early in the morning.  

Photo of the Day: Self Portrait

On Creativity

I've been photographing people and things around me for a long time and it's something I am very passionate about. I came across this quote last night, and for me, this quotes reflects a lot of the emotions I feel toward my work as a photographer. This journal is me, beginning, pushing through, hoping one day I will close that space between where I am and what I envision.

“What nobody tells people who are beginners — and I really wish someone had told this to me . . . is that all of us who do creative work, we get into it because we have good taste. But there is this gap. For the first couple years you make stuff, and it’s just not that good. It’s trying to be good, it has potential, but it’s not.

But your taste, the thing that got you into the game, is still killer. And your taste is why your work disappoints you. A lot of people never get past this phase. They quit. Most people I know who do interesting, creative work went through years of this. We know our work doesn’t have this special thing that we want it to have. We all go through this. And if you are just starting out or you are still in this phase, you gotta know it’s normal and the most important thing you can do is do a lot of work. Put yourself on a deadline so that every week you will finish one story.

It is only by going through a volume of work that you will close that gap, and your work will be as good as your ambitions. And I took longer to figure out how to do this than anyone I’ve ever met. It’s gonna take awhile. It’s normal to take awhile. You’ve just gotta fight your way through.”

-Ira Glass 

Neahkahnie Gardens

Neahkahnie Gardens, the beautiful property that I live on, is also home to some of the most creative people I have ever met. Musicians, artists, graphic designers, photographers, writers, soap makers, animal healers,  and awesome cooks.  I am constantly inspired by all the creative work around me. Currently  work is being done to set up for the Manzanita Farmers Market. It's exciting to see everyone showcase their talents and skills. Here is a set from one of the dinners:

Coasting through life

A little over a year ago Henry and I decided we wanted to create a life together at the coast. Needless to say, that dream gathered rather quickly. Within one year we had  moved to the coast. Henry began building plans for our house, I started a new job, we built a green house, and a dog was added to the mix. Thus far it has been such an adventure and the most charming life I could ever imagine. As the house  comes together and I begin to plan for my travel to Cambodia, there will be lots to look forward to  and share in the months ahead!

Photo By: Henry Stanley