Mouseover Friday - Mom

Sometimes there are images where I'm just torn between the color and the black and white. Take this one, for example, which I'm enjoying. I love taking portraits with the 35mm because it gives the subject some space in the frame, even when I'm close enough to interact with them normally. I've realized that I don't like taking pictures of people when I'm more than a few feet away from them - I feel like we're not connected. Having a conversation is more strained. And I'm all about the conversation, because it calms me down as much as it calms the lucky people in front of my lens.

Anyway, the 35mm is hitting my sweet spot today. And regardless of lens I'm glad I asked to take this photo of my dear mother when we were at a German (Austrian?) cafe with huge windows and the light was just perfect.

You can never have too many photos of the people who are important to you. 

Mouse over to see this in black and white.

Thanks for the coffee, Mom. Hope you like the picture.

A Perfect Caprese Salad

I've always been enamored of tomatoes. Their roundness, their softness. Their surprises. Sometimes sweet, sometimes acid, sometimes a perfect balance of the two. Growing up, I drove my mother crazy by eating all the cherry tomatoes she had reserved for salad. In my defense, they do make a great snack. Just mouthful size, there's a satisfying pop when you break the skin, and then the juices fill your mouth. Mmmmm . . .

And this time of year . . . it's tomato heaven. The markets are full of gorgeous San Marzanos, Early Girls, and my favorites, heirlooms. In all their strange multi-colored, slightly misshapen glory. Whatever variety you choose, a caprese salad is a great way to use them. The smooth creaminess of the fresh mozzarella contrasts with the acid bite of the tomatoes, and basil makes it heavenly. If you're a traditionalist, you'll finish your salad with some good olive oil, but if you're a renegade like me you'll spoon a touch of balsamic vinegar over each one. The older and thicker the vinegar, the better.

Enjoy! And tell me all about it .

Building in a Building

Sorry I've been MIA. It's a quick post tonight, I'll have more for you tomorrow.

Moving!

I apologize for being away from the blog - I've been as busy as the proverbial bee. Evan and I are finally moving out of our two-room, raccoon-friendly abode into something more livable. And can I just say I am walking on air? It's soooooo lovely. I feel like I'm staying in a hotel, except that Evan always looks at me funny when I try to order room service.

So, I'll be back to more full time blogging soon. Until then, enjoy the flowers.

Calling

Another tilt-shift photo. I'm working on it. 

How do you know what's your calling? It seems like an old-fashioned concept. These days many people bounce from job to job throughout their lives, looking for new challenges or better pay. Maybe just something different.


I was watching an old episode of Twit Photo (like, a month old. And yes, that's the name of the show. No funning.) with Zack Arias, and I loved some of what he had to say. A couple of things he said, and I quote: "Photography calls many, but chooses few. [If you want to be in the photography business,] just make great photographs. Keep it clean, keep it simple. keep it true, keep it bold.... Just work on your craft." He also said , "The number one thing that matters is relationships."

Amen, Mr Arias. Well said. So I'd say photography has called me. We'll see if I get (and remain) chosen.

What about you? Do you believe in the idea of a calling? Do you have one?

Hope

35mm lens at f/2. See how soft the corners are? I should have stopped down. 

Recently I think I've been getting a little cynical. I think I've been spending too much time with people who talk about money - making it, not spending it. (I'm pro spending, in small but enjoyable amounts. I'm pro making it in a similar way, on a small scale, doing what you love, what moves and satisfies you.) I've gotta say, what's been happening with the politics in this country has also been very disappointing. I can't help but think that politicians acting on their personal beliefs about what would best serve the country in the long run, rather than what would best serve them in the short run, would be acting differently. Washington, I'm disappointed in you. All of you, regardless of party line.

Anyway. End of political rant, that's not what this blog is for. The reason I'm mentioning my cynicism is to remind myself that there is hope for all of us. Enough that someone in Chinatown felt the urge to label the side of the building with it. It was a small gift to come across.

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And, some things I came across on the internets that you might feel like wasting your time on:

The ultimate case for your iPhone 4. I can't tell if it's incredibly tacky or kind of cool. Also, I'm suspicious about the sustainability of walnut. Anyone know better than me?

An amazing new food blog, with gorgeous magazine-ready recipes. Someone buy me some backdrops in every color of the rainbow! I want to make those recipes and then shoot them! Also, I really want to try a caipiroska. The cherry hand pies look amazing as well.

In addition, Evan and I just pulled the trigger on an expensive but cute addition to the family.

Plus, some gorgeous animal photos I found on 500px. Do yourself a favor and check them out. Read the artist's statement as well. I think my favorite part is this: "My pictures never try to take account of actual circumstances. They are my elegy on an animal world which disappears in tragic way every day more and more."   - Wolf Ademeit