Wordless Wednesday --- Red Lanterns

Ok, a few words .... My latest series ... Chinatown (Downtown Los Angeles). I giddy with anticipation to make it back to San Francisco's historic and fantastical Chinatown later this year ...

Parasols

Red Lanterns

Single String

Chinatown Series

Possibly my favorite

Or maybe this one ...

Love the lines in this one

Have a great day -- See you tomorrow!

Spreading the Love - Team Style

Good morning!

I jumped on the blog-a-day bandwagon a little quick and did not get a chance to interview shops for my first Spreading the Love promotion post. I thought I would take a minute to introduce you to two of the teams I belong to and tell you a little about them. Both are comprised of incredibly talented and amazing small business owners who are just so creative it kills me.

I joined Female Photographers of Etsy soon after launching my shop. This group of women is beyond words. Talented, smart, capable, true superwomen. There are members from all over the globe and every single one has each other's best interests at heart. There is very much a team spirit and effort - it's not a competition - which blows me away. Every morning you can find the new #fpoe Pin of the Day on Pinterest - one new beautiful image that we then send all over the Pintrest-phere. For your daily dose  of wow, I really encourage you to follow the board! Now, fPOE is a closed group and you must apply to be a member. That being said, I would encourage any and all of you women-owned Etsy photography shops to check the group out. I have found it to be a great resource for encouragement, advise, inspiration, giggles, and all around enjoyment.

Last year I joined The Artisan Group. Wow. This is a celebrity gifting group, comprised of every art and craft. You know those drool-able swag bags celebrities snag at awards ceremonies and other fab parties splashed all over the pages of People and other society magazines? Well, TAG is one of the groups that contributes to these events. One of my goals when I opened my shop was to be able to join TAG - I was quite nervous about applying (also a closed group). I mean, this is pretty big league for my little shop. I was delighted and ecstatic and then nervous when I was accepted. I started upping my game -- new products, new images, new branding. I am planning on gifting later this year - I will keep you posted. The Artisan Group can also be found on Pinterest. It's early in my experience with TAG but the encouragement and support and advise is wonderful with all the members. I also like that it's such a diverse group - jewelry, spa products, clothing, accessories, pet goodies, photography. It's nice to have the interaction and variety of both products and business approaches.  It's very much a learning experience for me and I am so excited to be a part of this group.


I hope you will take a minute to click on the links to these wonderful groups and explore some new shops - some new goodies - some new ideas. You will be so glad you did.

Have a great day -- see ya tomorrow!

I'm your gal

So, you may be asking yourself - why should you tune in here everyday. It's ok, I'm asking myself the same question.  Every waking moment is precious. Sure, in the *greater-good-make-the-most-out-of-life* sense - but also in the *my to-do list has 974 things on it for today and it's only 7am* kind of way too. Your time is valuable. You are the one who gets things done. You are the one that makes sure the little ones are fed and (reasonably) clean. You are the one that makes sure the bills get paid. The dogs are fed. And the one who makes sure everyone gets a good night kiss. You even find time to carve out a few stolen moments with the one who still give you butterflies and goosebumps - swoon.

My family ! ! !

Your time is worth A LOT. So, I ask again. Why should you spend 3 minutes (or 10 ... no need to gulp that hot latte) reading my posts? I want to be your cyber-gal-friday, in a way. Need a few minutes to take your mind off of a kerfuffle? I'm your gal. Need something a little warm & fuzzy and feel good without needing to redo your make up? I'm your gal. Need someone to remind you that your kids/ family/ home/ job/ life are not the only ones in a state of quasi-organized chaos (but that you secretly love it that way)? I'm your gal. Looking to broaden your horizons? I'm your gal. Feel like you are the only one that Pinterest has duped? (Oh my many Pinterest fails ...) I'm your gal. A new charity to explore? I'm your gal. An idea about where to go on your next holiday? I'm your gal. Ok, technically, I can't help you turbo clean the family room before the in-laws ring the bell. And I probably won't be able to dash to Trader Joe's for you when you realize you just ran out of quinoa.  But I can remind you that you rock. And I will. Because, let's face it. You really do. You keep your world afloat and still manage to find time to get the occasional pedicure.

My honey and me

Sadiecakes

I'm just a regular gal. Wife to an amazing man who is my hero on a daily basis and still gives me goosebumps when he looks in my eyes. Momma to a 3 year old who will tell you she's 6 and has a new found addiction to all things ballet. Momma to 2 giant dogs who think they are teacup size and one ailing kitty who still loves to cause a ruckus just for the heck of it. Photographer who loves to document the incredible places I've been and capture the moments in my life and the beauty around me. I'm that friend you haven't seen in a while but four sips into a cuppa, we both forget that it's been ages since we've gotten to catch up.

So, wanna join me on my adventure?  Are you embarking on anything new and exciting?

Tomorrow morning we will explore one of my images - I would love your thoughts and insights.

See you tomorrow,

It's A Small World After All ....

I have to share a story with you.

I am always amazed at how teeny our great big world is. Every time. Running into someone you know when you are on holiday. Or finding out your new friend is next door neighbors to a long lost friend of yours. It knocks me over every time. But this story is beyond incredible.

I went to Ethiopia in August 2008. We (Mom + I) went with a mission organization that supports a soccer camp during the rainy season. So, there we were, deep in the heart of Ethiopia - 4 hours from Addis Ababa and 2 hours from the nearest paved road (and bottle of cold Coca Cola).

I was so giddy to be there - I was snapping photos like crazy - soccer kids, baboons, village people, trees, rain bouncing off the lake. Basically, if it held still for 1/8th of a second, I snapped it. I can home from a 10 day trip with over a thousand images.

After we got home (and I recovered from my parting gift, Malaria), I opened my Etsy shop. I filled it with Africa images and then lots of other goodies I have. For some reason, I kept this one particular image of a village family in my shop. It never sold but it was sweet. I had been meaning to remove it but never got around to it.

A couple weeks ago, I got a convo on Etsy (that's an email through Etsy). A woman in Canada wanted to know more specifics about that image. Where exactly was it taken and when? Not the normal client questions but I was more than happy to respond to her. I explained where Lake Langano was and that it was an image of a village family.

Ok, hold on to your socks.

She writes me back : their son was adopted from that area and given the information she had, there was a very good chance that this was an image of him with his biological mother and brother. Did I have any more images of the family or other villagers?

Langano family ... !

I immediately scoured my archives and contacted my aunt who works for SIM and Sports Friends (they took us to Africa and still go every year). My new Canadian friend also sent me images she took of her son and his biological father. I immediately recognized the father - he's distinctive - but I could not find an image of him. I was sure I had one. I was positive. Then I remembered we were introduced to the village elders but I was asked not to take their picture. He had to be one of them.

So, as the story goes now. My wonderful aunt is going to take copies of my photos and copies of the photos my Canadian sent me when she goes back to Langano in June. And my family snap shot is on its way to Canada.

I am so excited to see if anything else develops. But, as I told my new friend/ client, something made me not remove the photo and in my heart it is her son.

Have a great holiday weekend!

It's a New Year!

Sadie's new beanie from Santa

How was your Christmas?  And New Years?  Heck, for that matter, how was your Thanksgiving?? I've neglected this poor little blog for quite a while - apologies - I have missed it and you.  I have a few new irons in the fire.  Don't get me wrong, I still have many an un-finished project floating around the house.  But what is life without a few more things to look forward to?!?!

I am still refining my editing skill set and learning as much as I can.  I miss my darkroom terribly but one must move with the times and caustic chemicals are best in a house with kiddo.  This is small image I began playing with lat week - it's not finished but it's coming along ...

Hot Afternoon Sun in Langano

I joined Twitter.  I know, welcome to 2010, right?  Truth be told, I have no idea what I am doing.  You can find me at ... @LoudWaterfall ... I promise not to inundate you with tweets (first I must learn HOW but even then I'm pretty sure you're safe).  I am excited to follow anyone back - so consider me a happy follower in the making!


I am also so very thrilled and proud and excited to tell you about fPOE Artist Event *The Love of Photography Extravaganza*  17 crazy talented women have combined for an online exhibition and sale.  It is January 24-26th - mark your calendars, join the event, enter the raffle (about half way down the page), see amazing works, buy amazing fine art -- it's a win-win-win-win!  Each artist has an album that you can peek at prior to the event - here is mine!  And here is the Look Book of all the artists (cover below)

I cannot wait!!

I love functional art!

Sadie was so excited to have a tea party on the lawn. I brought out some of her *friends*, 2 blankets that were lovingly made by her great Aunt Carolyn, her new bubble machine, freshly baked peanut butter cookies .... and her kitchen. We fluffed her hair, tossed her into a new dress from Persnickety and I grabbed my camera. Hold onto your hats ....

I now remember why I always had help on photo sets. I needed about 3 more hands. One for the camera, one for the bubbles, and another to swap out magnets on her freezer. I am definitely doing this shoot again - she had fun (me too!) and I would love to be able to have her bubbles going.

Making cookies for Momma

I love functional art. I love seeing beautiful images incorporated into our everyday lives. Art brightens up a room. Art accents our moods and and thoughts and deeds.

My images are now available in custom magnets - I have almost every image in stock, ready to ship. They are high quality 2x3 inch magnets. Gloss finish. My daughter's messy little fingers have yet to tarnish or maim them.

Golden Gate Bridge Fogged In ...

I will begin listings for each image; but, in the mean time, if there is a particular photo you want - please convo me & I can create your listing.

Individually each magnet is $8.25. Sets of 3 are $20.00. They come wrapped for immediate gifting or they may also be sent to your lucky loved one directly! Large orders can also be arranged - please let me know what you are thinking and we can sort out a listing for you.

Please note: In stock items will ship immediately. If you want an image that I need to create, there may be a week or two lead time before I can send you the item(s).

Loving on her Piggy

And as always ~~
Side Note: $1 from every image sold (from all LWP outlets) is donated to Nothing But Nets to combat malaria around the world. $10 is all it takes to send a life saving net and peace of mind. Because, malaria just sucks ....

Thank you for taking a peek! 


Sneak Peek ....

Working on listings tonight to put up throughout the week ....

Thank you to my stellar assistant + model, Sadiecakes! Love you .... (Wardrobe from Persnickety Clothing)

Have a good night everyone!

Operation : Take Stock

Hi! I feel it has been forever since I checked in ... summer adventures in the few hours we get with Daddy, the inevitable migraines I am unfortunate enough to have to tolerate, and a whole week of being home sick with a 2 1/4 year old (Grandma gives me a stern look when I round up ...). All of this has taken me away from the computer - and it has been quite glorious. I can do bits & bobs from my phone (when Sadie isn't using it to play Signing Time and Calliou videos) but no real nitty gritty work. So here I am, trying to get back on task. So let's see what we've got.





I am the queen of big ideas and the court jester of follow through. Pinterest has done an excellent job of perpetuating this. Etsy doesn't help matters either. That being said, I am fairly addicted to both.  I have grand ideas and plans for what I want.  Both professionally and personally.  I'm much better at the follow through with my personal life.  I have taken risks that I want to take.  I go after what I want.  I hold on to what I need with all of my heart and strength. These attributes have served me well and I am so happy with the people and place in my life - I am truly blessed and I know it.




Now, professionally .... I tend to take a back seat. Other things always manage to crop up, of course. And they will. The concern is that, that is when what I want becomes lost in the shuffle. It's my own doing and I have no one else to blame - and I'm not.  I am lucky enough to be able to spend most of my days with the coolest toddler I know. Really, she rocks. But very soon, she won't be spending her days with me on little adventures - she will go out and have her own. So, what do I do then?


 Enter the sub project - Operation: Take Stock. I've realized in mapping out what I want for my office/ studio/ escape pod - I need to know just what I want. Pinterest and Etsy have filled my head with ideas for my photos and LWP shop. Most shops not only have images for sale, but some product or tangible goodie ~ jewelry, night lights, clocks, lanterns ~ something. I have knocked around a few ideas. What can I make, realistically, that would be marketable? Will I have the time for it? Will I have the space? The start up money to create stock for sale? Do I want to make lots of them without tearing my hair out? I'm not 100% sure what questions someone asks themselves when jumping into a similar adventure but these questions are constantly rattling around in my brain. The way I figure, I need to really narrow down my selection so that I know how to create my *me* space.

I think I need to experiment with 2 ideas - see which one is more feasible and fun to do. I have been fortunate enough to inherit more darkroom photo paper that I could throw. My (former) boss, bless his heart, encouraged my photography and now I have a substantial volume of vintage paper. It was their photography collection that furthered my education and love of history of photography. I really feel the need and desire to find a way to utilize my new found acquisition - I have been researching contemporary and alternative uses for paper. I'm learning all about pinhole cameras, salt prints, paper negatives ..... my mind is leaping for joy at the prospect of being a sort of student again! I have also found some ideas, a la Pinterest, for cute (seemingly) easy photo projects that might work for my images. A quick trip to Michael's when Sadiecakes wakes up is on the agenda.

And as Operation: Take Stock moves into Operation: Take Office, I will be able to sort out what type of space will best serve my purposes. Paint for the walls was decided on yesterday & purchased! Walls have been taped. I just need to prep the walls tonight & this weekend we really are transforming the image in my mind into a physical space that I am so excited about.

I have no doubt that a few months after my little piece of heaven is complete and functional, there will be a need for a nursery. Here's hoping it's a girl and they can share a room. I'm not ready to give up my little space yet!

Take Me Out

The Red Sox are my husband's team. If we lived any closer, I am sure we would have season tickets. Our baby-moon to Boston and the east coast was so much fun! We took a tour of Fenway. Wow. It was incredible. The history lesson, the park, it was a great photo opportunity. I look back now & see different angles and perspectives I wish I had snapped. That just means we have to go back! Darn it ...

One of my favorite Fenway shots was included in this terrific baseball treasury ....

'Take me out to the ball game...' by c2cweaving

Busch Stadium in St. Lo... visualjourney... $29.00	Baseball, Baseball Glov... ShadetreePhot... $60.00	Rows of Field Box Seats... LoudWaterfall... $18.00	Vintage 1991 Ken Griffe... winterparkcol... $1.50
DIY Printable Baseball ... partypapers $8.00	American Flag Wall Art ... TrashCanDiva $45.00	Young Man in BASEBALL F... NiepceGallery $29.00	Old Baseballs Instant C... ForestDaydrea... $25.00
Bat Boy, Vintage 1970s ... DiscoDivasVin... $10.00	Custom Baseball Player ... VinylMill $9.99	Choose Your Color - Min... daintzy $3.99	10x8 Photograph, Image,... AnEyeApart $25.00
CUTE Baseball Bracelet ... krystleskraft... $10.00	5 x 7 Print of a Fenway... ThisLittleApa... $8.00	Baseball Ball Stitch Le... TasteTested $38.00	Baseball Bats Photograp... NutHutArts $15.00

Treasury tool by StylishHome.

Thank you for including Loud Waterfall Photography!