July 31, 2008

Well, it's the end of July, already. Another month gone and another month to look forward to. Looking back, I really cannot believe the time that has gone by. I'm not sure if i accomplished much, but I am enjoying myself. I've learned a lot about myself and my work, jobs, and money. I may have to deal with a lot of stress and silliness life tends to throw my way, but I've decided that I'll never be rich with money or success or good luck. Yet, I would give that up any day to be rich in love and family, which I'm lucky enough to have. I can't and won't give that up for the world. 

As a photographer, and an overall passionate person, I can't figure out why people don't take photos for themselves. It's like, in order to create something it has to be published. Why? What ever happened to just taking pictures because you love it and can't help it. So what if no one sees it or you're not making money off of it. It's for the love of your art and craft and seeing something that tells your story or seeing something that you just like that matters. I'll never win a millions awards or contests, and who know if i'll ever even last in the business, but non of that matters, because i'll still always take pictures. For me. Why do some people have to save their photography for a "big" story. Or only shoot when they get an assignment? I get more excited over photographs that  I make on my way to assignments rather than some of the jobs I have to shoot. I could go on and on. But, for me, this isn't just some job. It's me. 

Some time last week

Some work from last week. The Renaissance festival and center for excellence

Sifting through some things.

A good discussion on All Things Considered on photography and ethics.
LISTEN HERE.

July 24, 2008

Some things I have learned this week: 1. never call a "disc" a Frisbee to a disc golfer, especially during a game. You will get scolded. 2. stay calm and smile when someone doesn't want to give you their name. It's their right not to. (yes i stayed very very professional during this situation that occurs many times a week while on assignments, however, in my mind, i was having a bit of a hissy fit... just a bit). :-) 3. Inspirational quotes, movies, books, stories, etc., really are inspirational if you just listen or read.

July 19, 2008

Give me a city.
I really don't ever want to look at a park, walk in a park, park at a park, drive by a park, or anything to do with a park, ever agaiN! Then End. :) Just kidding

Doe a deer a female deer. I spotted these outside of a home in fayetteville, while i was driving to another... park!

July 12, 2008

Allow me to start off by sayING.... This is why I love what i do. And.... Yes, that's me!While working on a story, everyone at Cherry Valley Motorsports Park, was nice enough to let me try out a kart after the races were over. Talk about really getting to know your story! Thanks Greg, Joe, Jr., Andrew, Stan, Photo Phil, Dave, Chris, Sue, John, and anyone else that I might have forgotten to name (I'm terribly sorry, but thank you too!). Thanks for making my day completely and totally awesome! I can't wait to come back!

I want one!
I really wasn't going that fast...Yes I did wipe out.

*Photos of me by Photo Phil Swetz of New York, New York/"what's it to ya". Thanks Mr. Photo Phil.*

Those buggers can reach top speeds of 75 miles per hour, and they're pretty tricky around corners. Phil said that they can go up to 4 g's around a turn while a tuned up corvette can go about1 or 1.5... Sorry dad.


These are only two of the photos that I shot from the day. Greg Callen had a accident a few years back and lost the ability to use his legs. Greg now races a go-kart specially made so he can control the gas and break on his steering wheel. None of this is really about the go-kart, it's about the ability he possesses to stay strong and have fun. It might have taken a little bit to get back into everything, but now Greg wants to help others with disabilities stay active and know that there is a place for them too. Cool guy if I do say so myself. And, I could keep going but then I'd be rambling. Hopefully, I'm going to do a full story on him, so then you all can understand what I'm trying to say, because words really can't justify..... okay no more typing. He's got a good story. to be continued!
That's Dave Foster helping with a fueling problem in Greg's Kart.


I'm beyond exhausted and I have an early assignment in Caz tomorrow. and then off to work more on my Erie Blvd piece....... yeah. I don't know if any of this post makes sense.

Some old stuff from Europe

July 8, 2008

Waiting in downtown Syracuse
Personal appearance . Yes. I'm a bit milky
Gyros and sandwiches Oh my!
Dinner

Drive by. It was a nice evening to have some fun with my camera.

July 7, 2008

Lazy summer aftertoon.

Some images from the July 4, 2008 Parade

what I've noticed about myself lately.... Recently, I've noticed some odd things happening with my photography and thought process. Looking back on some of my more recent work, I realize now that I have been blindly shooting as much as I can and hoping I come back with something, anything. OR, just staring off and coming back with little to nothing. I know I'm seeing, but I'm not composing when I'm shooting. Everything Im producing is almost or not quite there. Yes, I know I'm always too hard on myself, but after the 4th's parade I looked back and realized that i had a few lucky shots to get away with for the paper. I know I'm not going to get something amazing on every assignment I go out to, but I do know that I want to feel like my work is more reliable. I don't know if it's the stress of working for a paper and trying to impress, or the stress of knowing that I HAVE to come back with something, or just stress. Almost everything I edit, I feel like Oh why didn't i move down or to the right, just a little.... or, what was I even thinking!? I'm shooting too straight on, I'm not thinking, and it's pretty frustrating because i feel like i'm taking two steps back. I can come up with a million excuses as to why i didn't get what in my mind would be a sufficient shot, but there really isn't any except my heart isn't in it right now. As my dear old Andrew always says... Stephanie Chill out, don't spaz, just look. Ohhh if i could only carry him in my pocket.
Does any of this make any sense? Or am I just rambling. lol. :)

July4, 2008 FIREWORKS!

Nevermind the people. I wanted to shoot fireworks!!!!!

July 4, 2008

Julyy 4th celebrations... ghost burgers.
ohhhh dusk, how pretty you can be.

June 30, 2008

New Grad student orientation day. My roommate goofing while we were testing the lights for their portraits. It's all about the moment. :-P

July 3, 2008

MMAAAKKEE OVER!!!  Now I just need one for me. :-)

June 30, 2008

....what goes through my mind while shooting baseball:


The Chiefs' number 1 fan. Yes, he has a season pass. Rocky theme song
Is that physically possible?
dude.... you got my pants dirty! ... Oh don't worry I have my Tide to Go pen in my pocket, it'll be fine!
No stealing bases allowed!

Yeah, well, it rained the whole game and i only had an hour to shoot the slowest moving game on earth. However, I really really enjoy shooting sports. Perhaps because i know nothing about them?

June 29, 2008

The Queen at her wedding shower. it was a fun morning!
Blueberry picking gone horribly wrong... :-P

Hey nice photo mom!!!

delicious
lets just say we we ignored all of the warning signs God gave us of a humongous storm approaching and thought we could beat the rain.