Elisabeth Neville Photography

In my back yard

2012-02-10T17:07:00.000-05:00

I do not ever want to become so blind to my surroundings that I do not recognize the beauty that is around me every day. Though I had an awful couple of months, I am trying to see what is around me and find the beauty in it. I am trying to be with camera at all times. It is hard sometimes to even get out of bed, but I know I must.

The camera has become my best therapist. the images are what I see and how I see them. I have found beauty in the people around me as well as what is in my own back yard. The Atlantic ocean. Thought I would share.

Feb 12 Opening 2-4pm Marblehead Arts New Member Exhibit

2012-02-05T12:22:00.001-05:00

Elisabeth Neville, a Marblehead artist specializing in portrait photography will be exhibiting her work in the Marblehead Arts Association’s New Member Showing for the month of February. Neville is an adjunct professor at Northeastern University where she teaches photography and foundation design classes. Her photographs explore the long-standing history of the portrait and it’s ability to expose ones persona. Simply put, beauty is not perfection, it is reality.

Neville operates out of her private studio located in Beverly’s artist studio building Porter Mill. She has been closely involved with many artists associations, national and international. Presently she is a member of the Marblehead Artist Association, Salem Arts Association, Artists Under the Dome initiative, working for the rights of Artists and is involved with the Copyright Alliance which is “committed to promoting the cultural and economic benefits of copyright…”

The Marblehead Arts Association’s New Member Showing will be on display February 11 through February 26^th. Join Neville and the other exhibiting artists on Sunday, February 12 from 2:00 – 4:00 for an opening reception. The MAA is located at 8 Hooper Street, Marblehead MA. This event is free and open to the public.

Visit elisabethneville.com or marbelheadarts.org for more information.

Photo Shoot preview

2012-02-04T18:18:00.000-05:00

I had a beautiful shoot with a very tired little girl. One of my best friends from high school came with her daughter and we had a fun time in the studio. Here is a preview.

Photo A Day - Jan 31 - Self Again

2012-01-31T16:35:00.002-05:00

Photo A Day - Jan 31 - Self Again, a photo by ENevillePhotog on Flickr.

I did it... The end to January...

Photo A Day - Jan30 - Nature

2012-01-31T13:44:00.002-05:00

PhotoADay- Jan30 - Nature, a photo by ENevillePhotog on Flickr.

The second to last of the series "A Photo A Day" in January. This has been tough to stay on top of. Mainly because it started to feel like homework and I have mot missed that.

But, the thing that is important is to realize I should always have my camera with me. NOW.. I do!

One more Jan 31 is for "you again". Sigh... MAYBE I will do a self portrait, but.. it is a tough thing!

So you cannot really eat it!

2012-01-29T21:11:00.002-05:00

Photo A Day Jan 29 Inside the Fridge, a photo by ENevillePhotog on Flickr.

I NOW have food inside of the fridge also, but I do have film still.. What can I say?
The day called to shoot what is in the fridge.. Chocolate syrup and film and paper.. Though I can say, no more nail polish!

Photo A Day Jan 26 Color

2012-01-28T13:59:00.002-05:00

Photo A Day Jan 26 Color, a photo by ENevillePhotog on Flickr.

I have a slight addiction to blue glass. And when the option was color for one of the photos; I was thrilled to play with one of my "collection".

Photo a Day - Jan 26 - Color
Elisabeth Neville © 2012

PhotoADay_Jan22 - My Shoes

2012-01-27T14:52:00.002-05:00

PhotoADay_Jan17-23-2, a photo by ENevillePhotog on Flickr.

I have had a lot of fun with the photo a day for January. It has been hard to stay disciplined with it, but fun to see what is coming next. I started getting frustrated trying to think of a "VERY creative" way to represent each day; then I realized.. it is MORE fun to just have fun with it. Ironically, what I tell my students all the time with their assignments.

Via Flickr:
Photo A Day - Jan 22 - My Shoes
Elisabeth Neville © 2012

New Member Exhibit

2012-01-22T18:37:00.000-05:00

I am very excited that I will be part of a show coming up in February. I will be showing at the Marblehead Arts Association's New Member Exhibit. I will have 5 pieces and they are being finalized right now.

I went a little out of my typical space and I did some landscape photography this time. I still have some portraiture in there, but I wanted to try to get in some of my other images that I have shot. Living in Marblehead, there are SO many opportunities to capture the beauty of the ocean and the small town and boating community. I actually had a lot of fun shooting the landscape photos, and I was quite surprised. Yes.. I surprised myself when stepping out of my comfort zone. Change.. BAH!

The info on this show:
Marblehead Arts Association
8 Hooper Street - Marblehead, MA

Show runs from February 4 - February 27
Opening Reception: February 5, 2012 * 2pm - 4pm

There will be wine, and appetizers for all to enjoy! I hope I get to see some of you there!

Afrocentric

2012-01-06T14:16:00.000-05:00

Today I submitted some of my images of the Strong and Handsome Black Men I know to the National Coalition of 100 Black Women in RI. The juror is someone who I had the opportunity to meet the night of my friend Craig's opening. L'Merchie Frazier had a gorgeous quilt showing that I still think about. the show is called "Afrocentric". I would be so honored if I am able to show my work in this show.

One of the images I submitted was that from the showing in Griffin. I love those images and I think they show a definite strength and love. I have a great deal of love and respect for my models and all that they do with and for their families and also for themselves.

Growing up I did not think there was anyone as wonderful as my father. These men prove to be VERY close. :)

Here is one of the images. More info on the status later.. Hopefully it will be good.

Exposure 2011 | Elisabeth Neville

2011-11-30T12:47:00.000-05:00

I submitted my work to a competition.. I am HOPING I get some.. One.. maybe two votes..

Exposure 2011 | Elisabeth Neville

Space and lighting

2011-11-17T14:52:00.000-05:00

Working in the studio today, I got lot of things accomplished. I had hoped to get my pricing completed for the open studios, but that will have to hold off until a later time, maybe this weekend. I decided to play with my lighting and figure out the new space I have in here.

I have been working in VERY small spaces and jamming all of my lighting into these spaces and trying to correct for the lack of space and the overabundance of lighting. Today was VERY exciting. I got the light box on the lights, I got the lights hung from the rafters, I got the objects I wanted up on the wall, and I started shooting. no blood, no drama.. no problem.
Now.. where ARE those cables of mine? you know.. I USED to have about 10 of each of them.. now .. nothing.. hmmm.. curiouser.. and curiouser...

Here is one of the many I got from the lovely space I now have. Oh what fun.. Now what shall I do?

Still working away

2011-11-07T19:46:00.000-05:00

I am not realizing just how rusty I really am. Though, I am beginning to understand what Dad was talking about when he would say drawing and going into that mental space was very relaxing. The only thing that is NOT relaxing is seeing just how bad and out of practice I am these days.

One great thing is I have a photo shoot this week and then I have preparation to do for the open studios that are coming up December 3. (More on that later).

But, for now.. back to the sketchbook.

Drawing

2011-11-05T19:59:00.000-04:00

Tonight I will be drawing eyes.. all sorts of eyes. A whole page of eyes. It is what draws me in with my camera, and now I will try to get drawn in with pencil and charcoal.

My Hero and Best Friend

2011-10-10T08:58:00.001-04:00

I am actually not going to be writing about my photography or photography in this post. I am going to be writing about a realization that has occured to me in the last few nights that I have had unable to sleep through. It is not a new realization as much as it is me putting it to words.
This Saturday, October 8, 2011 at 1:30pm I lost my best friend, my hero, my Dad to cancer. As all things go, it came down to his body unable to fight the sickness in his marrow and blood.
We have a show of our work up at Griffin Museum in Winchester, MA. There was a gallery talk yesterday, I was very excited to share with him and an artists' reception coming up on Tuesday. His drawings of my photographs are flawless, as was he to me. I do not exaggerate when I say he is my best friend and hero. I realize this: I have spent my life trying to emulate him.
Dad ran track, won many many trophies and medals, I played a lot of sports to the detriment of my knees and feet, demonstrated by my many many surgeries. (as I am learning now in my 40s as I limp around.) Dad was a painter, and he sketched, and he was a photographer when I was a child. I tried to be as good as he all of my life. his work is flawless and beautiful. There are portraits of me, there are silhouettes he created of me as a child that I still have and cherish. Dad made a stuffed doll for me when I was little to replace Raggedy Andy when I "loved him to death". Dad found some fabric from somewhere in the house.. went off to the sewing machine.. and built my friend Herkimeier. Herky is STILL with me.. 1960s orange, almost as tall as I am NOW.. polyester.. and weighs about 10lbs because he is filled with fabric also. his arms and legs match those of the aliens in Close Encounters of he Third Kind. Herky will be with me forever.
Dad is a speaker that has drawn people from all over the east coast to hear him. He preached in a church and inevitably I am meeting people across the country that hear my name and ask if I am his daughter. Where this, as a child and teen, was a VERY frustrating thing... "Joe's daughter".. I have grown to be proud and almost let people know before they ask. YES! I am Joe's daughter.. he is the one that is awesome at everything he touches.. He picked up playing the piano in his 50s and he was better than I had ever been after years and years of lessons. he could play by ear.. he was playing jazz..
Dad drew people to him, everyone loved him, and those that may not have were simply jealous of all of the riches Dad had.
When the Cosby show was on, I remember his mom, my Nana calling on Thursday nights to say.. "Joey.. your show is on!" He danced almost as badly as Bill Cosby.. yes.. it is true! But I KNOW in my heart it was all an act. There is nothing he is not good at.. (There is nothing at which he is not good?)
All of my life I have tried to be just like him. I want to strive to be the person and being he is. My Dad is white light. A part of me is wondering if I have been crossing the path of my spirit guide (the dragonfly) this summer so often because they were letting me know.. something something was coming and they were there to help me, and guide me and comfort me.

Photo: Dave Ambler - Drawing: Joseph Neville The two men I love the most!

I love my Dad! He is my hero! I miss him terribly when I go to bed, when I look at my phone and see his cell number and want to call. He supported me my entire life and bragged about me and he told me how proud he is of this show and glad he can share it with me. I just wish he was speaking with me AT the event. I know he is watchign over me, as he always has. He is my best friend, and I his. I will never understand why such a good man was taken. Why he had to deal with the pain of cancer, but I do know I am a better woman for having been raised by him. My best friend and hero! Rev. Dr. Joseph Neville!

Rev Dr Joseph Neville - Self portrait

Whirlwind!!!

2011-10-03T20:47:00.005-04:00

What a time this has been. The fall semester at Northeastern started, and with that 4 shows. Some in state and some out of state.. some large and some small. It has been QUITE a time..

Presently I am preparing for a gallery talk about my show that is at the Griffin Museum in the Aberjona Gallery. I am both thrilled and scared to death..

Here is the info: Should you want to stop by...

Both Elisabeth Neville and her father, Joseph Neville, are fascinated with capturing the essence of a person through art; she in photographs and he in sketches.
A joint exhibit of their work, Eidetic Image, is featured at The Griffin Museum at the Aberjona River Gallery in Winchester, MA, September 8 through November 27. An opening reception is Oct. 11, 6 - 7:30 PM.
Elisabeth's photographic work explores the portrait and "it's inherent drive to find one's persona".

Just a couple of things

2011-08-22T14:13:00.000-04:00

I have a couple of shows coming up that I wanted to bring to your attention should you be interested... A lot has been going on in the last couple of weeks and months. I have moved my studio from Hyde Park to Beverly, MA. I have been preparing images for a local show, getting my studio ready for the Open Studios next month, and getting work ready for a couple other small things.

VERY exciting times. So here is the info in case you are interested in stopping by any of them!

Open Studios
Porter Mills Artists' Studios, 95 Rantoul St., Beverly, MA
Sept 24, 2011 from 2pm - 8pm
My studio and work will be available and showing

Eidetic Image
The Griffin Museum at the Aberjona Gallery, Swanson St., Winchester, MA
Show dates: September 8 - Nov 27, 2011
Work of Elisabeth Neville with Sketches by Joseph Neville
Artist Reception: October 11, 2011 6pm - 8pm
Artist Talk: October 9, 2011 3 pm

Persona
The Darkroom Gallery, Essex Jct., VT
Show Dates: September 9 - October 7, 2011
Artist Reception: TBA

Hope to see some of you there!

Bugs and Flowers

2011-07-31T10:38:00.000-04:00

What is it about me and photos of bugs and flowers?

Farmer's market in Marblehead

2011-07-30T12:09:00.001-04:00

What a beautiful day today is..
After a well needed rest last night, we decided to go to the Farmer's Market in Marblehead.

First I want to add that my favorite, Crystal Brook Farm in Sterling, MA was there! They are a farm I used to go to every Thursday at the Copley Farmer's Market. They have the BEST goat cheese spreads and logs..mmmm. AND they remembered me.. hmm.. he remembered what I used to ask for every single week and that I was rushing to jump on the 39 bus. NOW he is here in Marblehead.. woooo.. goodie for ME... (I guess really good for them.. I am now going to clean them out each week..)

There were ALSO lots of beautiful dogs, and puppies. A couple had their new Wheaton Terrier with them.. ADORABLE!!! But those little baby teeth. Good luck to them.. There was another puppy.. Bordeau.. BEAUTIFUL.. and in LOVE with his stick!

Bordeau

So, beyond that.. LOTS of PERFECT veggies and fruit. What a fun morning! Thought I would share..

Wonderful day! A must go!

Looking at documentary Photography

2011-07-28T08:30:00.000-04:00

I was looking for something to show a good example of documentary photography. Something that is more relevant to today and is emotionally driven. I started looking at someone's blog that I really respect Fred Ritchen. He is incredibly informative and in meeting him I was so impressed and enthralled. He has a lot of great things to say and write.
While looking at Ritchen's blog, I read an article, A Novelist with a Camera which brought me to Tim Hetherington's page. though his talent is sorely missed I continued through his site looking for examples, and found something that literally stopped me in my tracks. I have no other words to this, other than.. please watch this. It is VERY powerful!

Sleeping Soldiers_single screen (2009) from Tim Hetherington on Vimeo.

My Directed Study.. Ashley Hodges

2011-07-05T09:00:00.002-04:00

This past semester, I had a student whose final project I am VERY proud of. Her work is incredible, and her vision since the FIRST class I had her in has been clear and meaningful. There were moments where she felt she had lost her way, but honestly she knew all along. She just needed a little push every so often.

I am VERY proud of her and she was my FIRST student, in the FIRST class I ever taught, and now, I am seeing her graduate after all of her hard work, and I could NOT be prouder of her than I am today!

Here is a video of the booklet she created. If you want to read it (and it is well worth it...) Pause when it comes to the written portions.

I hope you all enjoy it as much as I do.

Congratulations Ashley! I am VERY VERY proud of you and ALL of your work!!!

Lovely etchings and a new project

2011-07-04T09:00:00.000-04:00

In walking around the new neighborhood, which I ADORE.. I found a wonderful bookstore called Authors and Artists it is a VERY dangerous store for me because there are wonderful old children's books, art books, photo books, anything you can possibly imagine. While there, I found a book, or what USED to be a monthly publication for children. It has short stories, informational articles, songs with their musical scores and the most lovely etchings ever.

the book is: Our Little Ones and Nursery. An Illustrated Magazine for Little People. published in 1886 by Russell Publishing Company on 36 Bromfield Street in Boston, MA. I have volume 5 for that year. It is a beautiful hard cover. I did a search for more information and I found an ad in the Good Housekeeping Magazine saying how wonderful it is, and for only 15 cents a copy or $1.50 for a year subscription (mind you this is a leather bound book).

"Now is the time to subscribe to the most beautiful magazine in the world for the youngest readers. If you have never seen it, send us your address and we will mail you a specimen copy free. Canvassers wanted. Newsdealers sell it. one year, $1.50 Single Copies, 15 cts. "

How can you turn that down?

Here is a sample:

Isn't that just gorgeous?

I have been going through the book and I found some wonderful stories and I cannot wait to go in and start shooting and getting some projects together. I am Now going to combine my love of books AND my love of photography..

I think THAT is what it is ALL about!!!

Marblehead Festival of the Arts 2011

2011-07-03T13:01:00.000-04:00

An exciting thing!

July 2 - 4, 2011 in Marblehead MA there is the Marblehead Festival of the Arts. Every year for the 4th of July weekend there is a group that celebrates the arts. This has been going on since 1962. The work that is shown is juried and awarded.

This year, as a new resident, I submitted my work, and it was accepted. VERY excited. It may be seen in The Old Town Hall in the historic part of town. It is also surrounded by a lot of events and fun and performances. There are also paintings that are in the Abbot Hall and throughout the town in outher establishments.

It was lovely walking around the town yesterday, seeing the children getting their faces painted and the families tasting foods and wines and cheeses and looking at all the little stores have to offer.

It is definitely something to see. AND .. while you are down there.. go see my photo!

Whole Lotta Roses

2011-05-19T11:25:00.000-04:00

Recently a friend started an event planning business.. ABOUT TIME I say!!! She is super talented and the events are so much fun for all that attend. When I am able to be involved I am thrilled!

But.. Here is MORE info!!! Get in contact with them!!!

“Whole Lotta Roses? That’s a funny name for an event planning business”. Yes, we know. Whole Lotta Roses is a tribute to AC/DC and the song Whole Lotta Rosie. We chose that name for two reasons. One - we wanted a name that was creative and would set us apart from other wedding and event planning businesses, something edgy and unexpected. Two - well… honestly, we just love AC/DC. AC/DC has stood the test of time by being themselves and doing what they do best for the last 35 years. That is exactly how we intend to run our business.

 Whole Lotta Roses is a Massachusetts based company that was started by two friends who love planning events, have experience with fund-raising and were looking for a business to have fun with. We offer a stress free option for planning a unique and memorable event. At WLR we don’t just plan parties. We create experiences. If you request a carnival theme we want you to feel like you are walking through the gates at the Marshfield Fair. A motorcycle rally…you should feel the energy and excitement of Bike Week in Laconia. Our attention to detail is unmatched. We use themes and images that are important to you. We cater to the ages and interests of the guests and we personalize each event in every way possible.

Besides being edgy and fun, WLR is also a pet friendly business. Between the two of us we currently share our homes with 8 rescued animals. Both of us have spent time volunteering with local shelters. When deciding on how we wanted to run our business we knew that we somehow wanted to incorporate our furry friends. In addition to doing the usual events - birthdays, graduations, weddings, ect., we also do canine parties.  

Whether you are planning a wedding, corporate event, sweet 16 or a birthday party for Fido, Whole Lotta Roses is committed to providing you and your guests an experience that you will not soon forget. We love the challenge of coming up with a theme that is unexpected but still fits the occasion. A theme that celebrates not only the event but also the people. If you want something over the top, an event that will be talked about for years to come...Whole Lotta Roses is the event planner for you. We will Amp up Your Event.  

Rock on and party hard.  

Laurie & Nikki
www.wholelottaroses.com
wholelottaroses@gmail.com

Marine Corp Honor Run 2011 in Boston

2011-05-08T09:34:00.000-04:00

Today I went to watch the Annual Marine Corp Honor Run at Carson Beach in Boston. Dave ran it as did my friend Michele. They both did great! It made me log to be on my bike doing my rides as I used to. As soon as it is out of the shop getting it's tune up, I will be back on it riding and doing my head clearing rides with my friend Meliss and now Dave. Ohh.. how I miss those rides.

While I was at the run, I started shooting all of the events before and after AS well as the runners. They were ALL wonderful. Some had such incredible stories that were clear with the symbols on their shirts. Some had lost their children in Iraq, some were waiting for them to come home... SOME were Marines who had come home. Some were actually the men and women who were there and back and actually there and back again. There were parents, children, pets, girlfriends, boyfriends proud friends... SOME were even running in the name of their boyfriends and girlfriends who had served..

I was SO proud of ALL of the runners and their families and those for whom they ran. I took LOTS of pictures.. and I want to share them. I am not sure WHO will EVER see these, but I HOPE those who ran will find them on the web and be able to share them. If someone sees one of themselves.. PLEASE email me and let me know and I will send you the image.

Congratulations to ALL!

Composition...

2011-04-06T16:08:00.000-04:00

Good composition is build on so many different factors, yet it is really quite simple. I believe that it can be accomplished by really enjoying what you are shooting. The photographer will become invested in showing the subject matter in it's best light.
There ARE a few things that I try to convey to my students as the basics they should start with. This is, mind you, AFTER they get over the thinking about every tun of the aperture and setting the shutter, making sure the right ISO is selected.. So, once all of THAT has been completed.. THEN think about the composition... Run free.. shoot as MANY images as you can fit on as many of your cards available.

What are the basics of composition? What simply put, are the 10 questions the photographer should be thinking when they start to set up the shot..

What is the story I am telling?
What is the visual focal point of this shot?
What competing focal points are there?
What is the background and foreground?
Am I close enough?
What is the main source of light?
Is my framing straight? (And if not, why not.. does it help the composition)
How should holding the camera in the other format change this shot?
What other perspectives could I capture this subject from?
How will the eye travel though this image?

Think about it.. these are all pretty basic and can be done in one quick fleeting thought. give it a try.. and again... the MOST important thing to do..

Take as many pictures as you can of one thing.. or ANYTHING... Keep shooting...

Next time, I will post a quick video I did on how to select hair.. without the helmet head look!

St Patrick's Day

2011-03-17T23:43:00.000-04:00

Today while walking down Boylston St in Boston on St Patrick's Day.. it was 60 degrees. I had a sweater on and I was actually hot. We had lunch sitting outside and it was wonderful! I ran into a bunch of people I knew and it was fun catching up with them. There was all sorts of activity on the street, and for a change, I brought my camera with me. I started shooting, and I sadly in this example.. was not checking the back of my camera. I have been trying to get out of the habit. When I shot with film I was not able to look at the back of my camera.. well now should be no different. I try so hard to not have my students do it..
So, sadly... I turned on my camera.. knowing I had an extra card and an extra battery.. I was ALL set this time.. BUT... I did what I ALWAYS say to my students NOT to do...

I did not check what the ISO was. So, I set the camera as though I hat is set properly.. ALSO.. I did nto look to see that my images were coming out well.. THEN.. to top it off... I only took one of each photo.. and kept walking. (The other thing I ask my students not to do.)

Usually, the first class they hear me say.. "I want you to take a minimum of 100 shots, and I want 10 final images." the class looks at me thinking.. ok I took the wrong class.. this professor is CRAZY! Why is she asking me to take so many..
THEN after the first 3 assignments.. they realize, one shot of something is no good.. "I need to shoot lots of one thing in different angles and settings and perspectives.. One of them might be the best one".

After all of this.. what did I do? A great band was playing.. and I did not take more than one. So, I admit my flaw.. and I hope this is a lesson..I got some great images IF they were at te correct ISO. The exposure of these images would have been much better and LESS underexposed.

Basically, I wish I could find where this band played and I could re-shoot them. They were SUPER! Also, as a side note.. They had a point.. The trumpet player said to me... "You need ot leave a tip of you are going to photograph us". This is a good point. I need to compensate these artists for their work. They are very talented and it is the same thing as what I do. I almost did to them what so many do to me... And for that, I am sorry and I am GLAD they said somethign to me.

Lesson learned. BUT.. I will find them again so I can reshoot it. They were SUPER!

HDR and Marblehead and possible front yard?

2011-03-06T17:26:00.000-05:00

Today was an experience.. I decided to do one of my class projects that my students are doing. The Photo 2 class which is 100% virtual has been assigned HDR imaging. Where in the past it was a lot of work with the film and the editing and the darkroom, now it is fairly simple with the shooting and going into Photoshop CS5.

What is HDR? High Dynamic Range. Basically, it creates a higher range of highlights and shadows. It creates a more "dynamic" range of vibrancy and luminance.

Today was a day in Marblehead looking at a place on the water. It is, to say the least.. gorgeous!!! So, I decided to take some pictures of the front yard. right near Boston yacht Club. Right in the Historical District... Right near.. an old favorite of mine.. sigh... The King's Rook. Sadly it was closed in 2001 when the owner was found in his home after committing suicide. A VERY sad story and a lost special place. But.. time to look for another one.. (lots in walking distance..)

But... I digress....

The project was to find something and shoot an HDR image. So... I shot lots of images.. all different f.stops on a cloudy day and I got something pretty interesting...
Let's take a look!


High

Low

Middle

The final composition in HDR

Finally, This is what I came up with and I think it is pretty spiffy! I am not disliking HDR as much as I used to!!!

Lion Dance in Chinatown 2011

2011-02-13T16:29:00.000-05:00

For the first time, I experienced the Lion Dance in Chinatown, then went to Dim Sum with my sweetie. It is a very cold 30 degrees, but it was well worth the cold fingers, nose and ears. There was an excitement in the air, and the children were peering around the corners wondering what the fire crackers would signify. I found myself peering around corners in anticipation.

Lion dance is played on the beat of drums. The music beats synchronizes the motions and steps of the performer. Evolution of latest technology has added a glowing color in New Year festival. According to Chinese fables, Lion dance is creation of wise counselor, who formed it after getting words from god, "A lion would protect them from evil". Another story reveals that lion dance is symbol of victory of villager against evil lion (reference).

I captured some great motion shots, and some stills. I was trying to capture the looks on faces, but because of the short intervals it was very hard. Needless to say I got quite a few images and it is certainly out of my comfort zone. Following are some of the images that I captured during this wonderful experience! I hope to see it again next year.

Focal Point achieved WITHOUT the Schindler's List approach

2011-02-08T16:23:00.001-05:00

There is a way to shoot an image of substance, with great composition and interesting subject matter and a very clear focal point and movement, without using what I call the "Schindler's List" approach. What is this you ask? Good question.. here is a still from the Spielberg's 1993 beautifully filmed black and white documentary:

What do you note in this image, and this is something that carries throughout many points in this historical film? The little girl in the red coat. We see her walking hand in hand with her neighbors, then we see her walking in a war strewn lonely street alone, walking around a corner.

In 1993, this was a brilliant way to bring our attention to the importance, and symbolism of this child. How small she is compared to the masses, the war, the death... Brilliant ... in 1993... in this movie!

Here was are in 2011, and I will say now that photo editing software is so prevalent in so many households, and the DSLR (Digital single lens reflex) cameras are easily accessible for the right sized paycheck. As they say in the commercials "I do not NEED to know how to take a good picture.. the camera does it for me". Well, and NOW on their computers with the right software package the fingers over the edge can be cloned out, or the neighbor's kid throwing a rock in the background can just look as though he is now smiling and waving at the poor defenseless victim off frame.

Sadly, this "style" has run amok... It is used by students, people with the new software, all of those new camera people deciding they are professionals now doing this. I am reminded of the school portraits I saw when I was in maybe 5th grade with the child's portrait and then a silhouette up in the right corner. Boy did I want my school to do that.. THANKFULLY prep school strikes again.. it was a public school phenomenon..

On to now... enough of this diatribe...
2011...

In my Photo Basics classes, aside from teaching the basics to file organization and workflow and basic photoshop, I also attempt to teach composition, color, light, focal point, f.stops, shutter speeds, ISO, what the sensor actually does.. But MORE importantly.. composition and how to actually take a dynamic image and get the results you want through the LENS and NOT through a photo editing application.

One of the projects I assign is Use A COLOR as the subject. It is the main focal point. I want them to shoot in areas where the color they choose is the focal point. BUT.. the caveat is.. NO PHOTO EDITING SOFTWARE desaturation of the rest of the image to make the one color the focal point. USE YOUR TALENT!!! USE YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF GOOD COMPOSITION!!!
After I see a few heads drop thinking.. oh wait.. now I have to actually be good at this? They they scamper off to shoot their assignment .. (ok not really scamper)

Sometimes you get a student who STILL decides that they cannot create a satisfying and dynamic well composed image WITHOUT STILL using the desaturation option.. then there are those that REALLY get it and work and get wonderful shots. But, I want to show how the two can look done well.. and done like someone who cannot think out of the paper bag (as it were...).

Here is the image that was submitted. The color is pink, she had a series of 5 final images, all of which made the color the focal point successfully. The composition followed the "Rule of Thirds" (a little link to explain...) and was successfully quite dynamic as it was shot. There was a little dust removed from this image and a little bit of rotation done to straighten the ground.


Michelle Martin © 2009 Color Study

This is a gorgeous image in my opinion; the web does not do it justice. Now, on to the "I really do not want to make an effort thinking about composition and I have a camera that does it all for me, and then Photoshop is COOOOOL!!!!" image. Note how the warm summery feeling created by the colors and the environment and color choices are now missing.

How I ruined Martin's photo - I'm sorry Michelle!

Now if you note.. this is an advertisement for a pink dress and a vampire in a bland world. The image has now become flat and a run of the mill.

I would LOVE to see some folks do this assignment and show what they come up with. I KNOW there is raw talent out there.. BEFORE the grips of the photo editing software out there..

Let's see them!

Amelia Merriam

2011-02-03T20:51:00.000-05:00

Today was a day filled with excitement, hope, beauty, and love.


Amelia Merriam * Born 1/31/11 * 6 lb5 oz, 18.75" * 2011 © Elisabeth Neville

I went to one of the MGH hospital branches to go and meet one of my closest friends since high school, which says a lot since she is one of the bright lights of those times, new daughter. Jen and Steve looked wonderful and were glowing. 32 hrs of labor from start to.. well.. the C Section. Yes, one more reason why I am happy to be the "auntie" instead of the bearer of my own children.

Amelia was 6lb 5oz and born on Jan 31, 2011. She entered the world perfectly.. All fingers and toes perfectly formed. A little tiny perfect freckle on the side of her left foot.. (Just like mine.. coincidentally...) Holding her made my stress fade and my heart swell and each breath seem that much more important. Amelia's smell is the perfect little baby smell. Her skin is soft as powder and the hair on her head fine and blondish brown and as soft as her skin.

2011 © Elisabeth Neville

Every photograph I took of her did not seem to capture all the beauty that was peacefully laying in my arms. Her eyes, though still the early gray color and unable to see much more than shadows looked around and she tried to focus on anywhere a sound or vibration started or subsided.
Steve picked his daughter up and was making the whooshing sound that Amelia had been listening to for the past 9 months. There is nothing more beautiful. He is already in love with this little princess.

2011 © Elisabeth Neville

I gush from my hour or so with this new little family and I look forward to many times with these three with my camera to capture how they all grow and develop with each other. I know Amelia will be a beautiful little brilliant leader of her time. I am excited to have met her today, and I look forward to a long relationship watching her grow into the woman she will once be.

Welcome Amelia!

February 2011

2011-02-02T13:52:00.000-05:00

Here it is already 2011 and ALREADY February. WOW.. I need to get cracking on some of these projects. What are the projects you ask? (Oh wait.. no one did..) Well I will share them anyway!
New project.. Need to get the folks together..
Organizing work
Finishing frames
Getting grants for possible school
and...
STILL
WAITING
FOR
BU.....

yup... I am still waiting.. I am hoping the happy outcome will be seen on here soon, but.. who knows. It is really out of my hands at this point. I have done all I can do.

BUT, I have started cooking, and I am having so much fun in the kitchen again. and yup.. my weight has gone down. In a little but I am off to the gym!
more later!

Messy Messy Messy

2011-01-12T22:18:00.000-05:00

I have been working and teaching and in the studio and then I have also been trying to avoid all ov the above while I sit and wait to hear from BU.. YEP I am awaiting hearing to see if I made it into the MA/PhD History of Art/Photography program at BU.. I am SO excited to start in the Fall but sitting and waiting for the letter or email or whatever it is these days.
Is it a HUGE envelope?
Is it an email?
What if it goes into my **SPAM** folder?
What if I do not get in?
What if my GRE scores REALLY DO matter?

UGH!!!!
Sometimes I feel as though my little CityVille is what my real life is like.. CLUTTERED and crowded. I found myself avoiding life.. watching this silly new channel called "Hub TV" on cable and playing CityVille on Facebook (I blame Dave.. YUP.. I SURE DO!). I looked at the screen and stared. I do nto have a lot of land, but I SURE do have a LOT of junk thrown in there. If I EVER lived in that space I would be screaming to get out. What is the thought process? Little cottages next to big town houses, next to bigger apartment buildings with town halls and company HQs in one's backyard?
ATROCIOUS!!!

CityVille on Facebook.. a MAJOR DISTRACTION!

I have realized.. I think I need to straighten a few things out.. I need to do some spring cleaning.. though I recognize there is a foot of very heavy snow outside. SOMETHING has got to give.

BUT, let me make this very very clear.. I have SO MAY other very very good things making me VERY happy.. ONE of which was mentioned (and blamed... ) in this blog entry.
Well, maybe I will finish watching an episode of Happy Days, read a few chapters on my Kindle and get some sleep..

G'night Everybody (say it like Donny and Marie Osmond at the end of their show!!)

Mary Virginia Swanton Moved her blog!

2010-12-27T17:35:00.000-05:00

Check out her blog, Lots of new information and here it is..

www.mvswanson.com

Here is a great talk on How to publish your photo book

2010-12-19T16:39:00.000-05:00

and more information here

Perceptions - Jamaica Plain First Baptist Church - November 16 5:30 - 8pm

2010-11-15T23:32:00.000-05:00

Hope to see you there! :)

Long time no see!

2010-10-31T14:49:00.000-04:00

Oh my... It has been FAR too long.. What have I been doing? Well... I have been getting my classes together for the semester, teaching the Fall semester, preparing for the winter semester, getting ready for the spring semester, and also... (drum roll please.. )getting ready to move into my studio space! 400 Square feet and 80 foot ceilings! What more could I ask for? It is easy to get to if I do NOT have a car and it is easy to get to when I DO have a car. I have 2 GREAT studio mates that I MAY or MAY NOT see. I can shut the doors or leave them open. I can bring Milo....
Wonderful! Just WONDERFUL!
OH, and I think I forgot to mention, I do NOT need to take the backdrops down right after a shoot, and I can do my sewing there, and I can cut patterns there and not have an animal walk across it or the fabric. (As long as he is not there with me) I have space.. SPACE....)
SO exciting! I am FINALLY moved in. I have mostly everything there except my work. I need to get that there and then I need to get some of it ready to move to another show that I am preparing for in November in Jamaica Plain.

So.. now that I have some time AND space! I will get back to updating on my work and my photography! WHEW! Sorry about the long sabbatical!

Upcoming Excitement!

2010-08-26T20:38:00.000-04:00

I must admit I am VERY excited about the upcoming classes in October in Natick. Thanks to a friend (Thank you very much Nancy!!!) I am all signed up for the classes taught by this man. The video itself makes me want to sit in the room and wait for him to arrive and soak in his 4.5 hours of knowledge!!!

So.. now for the waiting.. the thing I am SO very good at!... NOT!

Photo Fusion Revolution

Jamaica Plain First Thursdays in Sept!

2010-08-20T09:35:00.001-04:00

How much fun is THIS?! September 2, 2010 6pm - 10pm (6-8pm artist reception, 8-10pm after party)

Temple Sound and Stage
670 Centre Street
Jamaica Plain

I am VERY excited about it. I will be showing lots of work at this show. AND I am excited to say that I do not have to hang it myself. I am taking the advice of my uncle John, and utilizing the option to have the interns and as the curator called it "minions" hang it. What I am hoping is some of them will be neck-less little yellow guys with cute voices.

I hope to see some folks I know there.. and some that I do not know! It sounds like it will be a great time! I hope to see you all there!

Jamaica Plain's First Thursdays is: “Each first Thursday of the month, businesses along Centre and South Streets are transformed into galleries featuring works from local artists. Opening receptions at each location, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., offer a chance to meet the artists, enjoy refreshments, and experience JP's fabulous businesses in an entirely new light. Artworks usually remain on display for the remainder of the month.”

Observe - focus - shoot - move on...

2010-08-18T12:31:00.000-04:00

Something I have been working on with my students and have had some success, is documentary photography. One photographer that has been on display in the Boston Public Library is Jules Aarons. He has a wonderful eye for street photography/documentary. The eye he has for the sights and sounds of Boston are wonderfully observant. I adore his work, as if my gushing is not giving that away. (I believe I have also brought him up in previous posts.)
Through my lessons in class I send my students out to observe their surroundings. Each project up to this is to observe objects closer and closer to the point that everything around them becomes a heightened sense.
Through searches and hits and facebook connections and memberships etc etc, something crossed my path that is the PERFECT example for what I am trying to get across to my students for street photography. Here it is:

in-public's 10 book slideshow from Paris Slideluck Potshow 23rd June 2010 from Nick Turpin on Vimeo.

Similar to this example, I want them to blend into their surroundings. I want them to just carry their camera and be ready to shoot. I want them to be comfortable with the settings and have their camera ready to shoot and just hold it with confidence and become invisible.. bring up the camera.. shoot.. move on..
I walk around the classroom like a fool seemingly every class in the documentary class showing how I do this. With my camera sttrap wrapped around my wrist, my camera set to the environment I am in and ready to go.. All I need to do is observe - focus - shoot and move on.
Observe - focus - shoot - move on...

PinUp

2010-08-17T23:12:00.000-04:00

So I am trying the pin up shots. It was really fun to shoot. And to be using the fun backdrop colors. I think though that I finally came to the conclusion with this shoot that I NEEDED to get studio space.. SO.. I finally pulled the trigger..
65 Sprague St Hyde Park here I come!!! Yahooooo!!!!! I am VERY excited!!! More on that later!

For now, here is one from the shoot in the space at the house. VERY congested. VERY cramped.. But.. here is one!

Yummy food and a great shoot

2010-08-01T13:34:00.002-04:00

Last week before leaving for Chicago I had a great shoot with a woman who owns a great business. Debra's Natural Gourmet's owner, Debra Stark asked me to do her head shots. I was honored. Her business is a brilliant idea and there is SO much great information. Recipies, food information, events, everything. I say check it out. ALSO.. look how gorgeous the owner is!

Debra's Natural Gourmet

If you select the image, you will go to her site!

Moving pictures with sound

2010-07-31T17:12:00.001-04:00

What a talented family that Bello family is. Lisa and Louie both have incredible voices and presence. I have seen them both perform and have walked away amazed from either. Now I am sitting looking at videos of each of these two talented and gorgeous singers. What a family.

The video for Louis I am posting is directed by Fransisco Santiago and the song is, "Someday" which he wrote and is singing beautifully.

Now that you have seen ONE of the awesome videos, here is a teaser of Lisa's awesome voice and talents shown! Vassili Shields directed it it is titled "Leave me Alone!". All I can say is what a family!

Check them out!!!

My FAVORITE Artist, and I have to share!

2010-07-19T12:28:00.001-04:00

One artist I have come across that I brought to light a while ago and I think I need to update everyone on is my hero and best friend since birth. My father, Rev. Dr. Joseph Neville. The man that can do everything. He ran track and won lots of awards and trophys and awards to colleges and went to college and achieved great things and continues to achieve and grow and wow people every day. Whatever he pics up he becomes a master within days or weeks. Piano? Done! Sketching? Done! Painting? Done! School? Done! Respect? Done! Love of all of those he meets? Immediate!
I cannot say enough. I beam every time I see more of what he just does naturally. I have been working on images for a 60 piece show (date still in the air) and he went out.. proud of me.. and built the frames, and each one is perfect! The rest is on me to put work worthy of the frames, the gallery space, and name within them. No small feat I tell you!

But, what has he completed recently? Portraits of all (including himself), but one of his siblings and his parents, and compiled them into one image.. So, I must share.. with as much pride as I possibly can!!! Here it is!

The opening

2010-07-12T18:40:00.000-04:00

It went well. I was a little late to it, but that was mainly due to my holding onto the handle of the door of my apartment and my partner saying to me over and over again.. "Come on Lisa.. you are great! You can do this!" He was right, I made it through.

A fairly large turnout came. Many of my mentors were there and that was heartwarming. It really put me at ease. What was actually really fun for some of the attendants of the show, I think anyway, was the models of some of the images were there.
I could hear people as they walked by.. "Hey, isn't that the one in...?"
"I think I just saw the guy that was in the ..."

Some of my students came and walked around, which was a really nice thing to see. I felt a little uncomfortable inviting them to my showing. I did not want them to feel as though they were required to go, or even had to pretend to be interested in the least. But, lo and behold, there they were. In fact, some non students and peers were there which meant a great deal to me also. It was wonderful to have the outpouring of support for such a first event.

Lots of lessons to be learned on the first solo show though. Lots of lessons. The main one being, leave a lot of time, and ASK for help when I need it. Though, this is really not a NEW lesson for me, I think I really need to incorporate it more into my life again. I had been offered help, and I took it as the common "just ask me" and then when you ask.. oh I have to go um.. yeah wash my dog's shoes. Well, now, I am jumping on it the second someone asks.

(I have written this down, let's see if I follow it. I guess someone gets to say I told you so.)

What I want to say most of all is: Thank you to Melissa R for helping me transport and carry the images to the venue, and more importantly for hanging and being a calming support. Dave A. for loving me and flying in to be there with me for my first show and being all that you are (AND for taking all of the pictures that are posted on my blog today!). My family, friends, mentors, peers, professors, supporters, students, everyone who helped, came and hopefully will continue to support my work. Thank you all for making my first solo show a success!

Show is up and ready to be viewed... almost

2010-07-06T21:14:00.000-04:00

This morning I awoke to an email... a newsletter sent out to all that were on the mailing list for the Wine Gallery. YIPE is all I could say. It is really happening. All of those pictures I had spent hours shooting, lighting, thinking about, framing... and finally hanging (with most of the help and hanging done by a friend who knew what she was doing...) were off of the table and up on a wall. People were going to be going into a space, and some would be people I do NOT know. Some will be overly critical. Some will be OVERLY nice. Some will just be there for the wine tasting.
Some will just be there because they are family and could care less about my artwork, but are more going in support of me. But I am truly grateful for every single person who shows up. But, admittedly scared to death!!!

I have all of the work up. And now it is all about the finishing touches and being ready to go. So.. now I am off and running. Here are a couple sneak previews of the space with the work up and their junk
in the way.
http://www.wine-gallery.com

Dragonfly

2010-06-27T11:26:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, was a typical Saturday morning. Half asleep I stumble out of bed, trip over the cats and my dog to put food in the bowls. Put some fresh water in the bowls and get Milo ready to go outside. As he ran by me and sprinted out into the yard to do his crazy puppy run aimlessly in circles I looked at the fence and the hydrangea that is beginning to bud at the gate. Then I looked again.. Then I realized... I was not hallucinating... I was seeing what I thought. The largest most beautiful dragonfly I have ever seen.

Not only was the patterning on the back of its head gorgeous but the wings were undamaged and shimmering in the light. I could not stop staring and quickly remembered to run into the house to get my camera. Poor Milo was sitting on the porch patiently realizing he was NOT going to be chased around the yard by me, but this outside trip was only going to be a functional trip for him.

I have to share the beauty of this insect.

A summer arts program in Assisi

2010-06-04T14:11:00.000-04:00

What a wonderful experience. Italy in the summer with other musicians, singers, dancers, writers, composers, filmmakers, visual artists, performance artists, actors, and photographers ... wow!!!

The Duane Arts Institute has a great opportunity. Check it out!

Artist Looking for Inspiration? Join Us in Italy!

Wine Gallery First Announcement July Opening

2010-05-29T16:47:00.000-04:00

Hi Everyone,

Please join me at the Wine Gallery on July 8, 2010 from 6-8PM for an opening of my work. Please link to my website for more details: www.elisabethneville.com

Opening Reception with Artist:

July 8th 2010
Wine Gallery
375 Boylston Street
Brookline, MA 02445
6-8 PM
http://www.wine-gallery.com/

Invite everyone and pass the word!

Marine Week Boston 2010

2010-05-07T12:45:00.000-04:00

Driving around the city yesterday, somewhat randomly with a friend, we ran across a mural being created. As one who is completely enamored with murals in general I NEEDED him to stop. Immediately. And, as luck would have it, I actually had my camera with me. This is something I am trying my BEST to do more often. I think that it was a great example of WHY I should just yesterday.

The Marines are in town.. now.. other than this being highly interesting to me.. I LOVE Marines.. well and some Navy guys.. (I must admit..). This was a group of Marines painting a mural as a collaborative effort with Boston. It was a BEAUTIFUL piece of work. I got to speak to some of the artists and see close up their work. It was great. They designed it themselves and were out there painting it, rain or shine.

I just need to share this beautiful work. The unveiling ceremony for the completed mural is today. It is described as "Hyde Park's Kelly Field. It's a group of Combat Camera Marines creating the Marine-designed mural at Hyde Park's Kelly Field as part of a community outreach project for Marine Week Boston." by U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Michael A. Blaha who spent some time talking to me about their work. I feel privileged to have met them and see the work they are doing.

Click the image to see more..

End of one .. onto the Next

2010-05-06T20:43:00.000-04:00

What have I been doing?? I fell off the radar. Planning for next semester, grading for this semester, trying to get a semester of non-art majors to understand the art department and art. Trying to stop receiving emails with their grade broken down into the Pi + 3/45 to the Nth on a Thursday is SURELY an A+ and I MUST have made a mistake in my calculations. It is too bad, and I guess I remember when I used to think that the % I got in my grade would make a difference to ANYONE other than me. In fact, in grad school I remember redoing an assignment that was an A- because I was so disappointed in myself. This though, I do not believe to be the same thing. I believe this to be more of a "This is an art class.. we should ALL be getting an automatic A". But kiddos, there is far far more to it than that. They think I am a tough grader.. The suggested grades by those above me we far far lower than the ones that I gave out. I was very easy on them. But, that is neither here nor there. I will continue to answer emails asking why Susie is not an A+ in my class when they got a B- on an assignment. Ahh the life.. I read my friend Michele's blog about teaching in high school and well.. hmm.. yes.. I think that is about all I need to say.

After the grading, I decided to take a few days to unwind.. When was the last time I did that? I do not know. I DO know though, that my father was reminding me to take R&R and to TRY to at least get SOME down time. Well, that was blown away with the emails from students.. but.. NOW I am trying to get the new semester ready and to also get my work ready for my shows. Lots and lots to do. So, I think TOMORROW might be the day.. I will try to relax. I only have one thing I was supposed to do and I think I may make it me time. One last day.. rather.. ONE DAY of me time. If it is possible. We will see if it works out though..

Personalities of Couples

2010-04-23T16:04:00.002-04:00

Couples are always fun to photograph. This couple in particular is adorable and they really are just sweet from the inside out. Trying to capture that was very easy.
Here I present ... Megan and Andrew one of my favorite couples to photograph.

Teaching versus Classes

2010-04-18T13:15:00.000-04:00

I have been looking at my own work as I have been teaching. I am realizing that I have not been pushing my own work as much as I used to. I am very proud of the work my students do and how far they have come from the beginning of the semester to the end. I see the first photos they have when I send them out with their cameras and their brains are full of f-stops and apertures and they are looking at me thinking "Is this chick crazy"? She wants us to come back with what? Pffft!

Then At the end of the semester, the biggest issue is, "Am I going to come up with the best assignment?", "I thought I had a great idea until I saw his/hers." and on and on. but honestly, I am almost beaming with the advancement of their work. They are all incredible in their own way.

As for my own work.. I have been stagnating. I was just talking to a friend of mine who is a photographer who is so very talented, (Kati Decker) and I would love to have as a guest blogger on my site, and she suggested something that was SO simple that I just did not even think of it. Take a class myself. The last classes I took were in grad school. Why didn't I think of it? We talk about all of these advancements we both want to make in our work and we give each other hints and sites and book ideas and camera equipment ideas, but the simplest thing... I simply did not think of. Take a class.

So.. This is something I Will be planning on after the summer 1 semester when I am teaching 8 classes. BRILLIANT...

What is the funniest thing, is the theory that was one of the most important I was taught in grad school, yet.. CLEARLY not grasped.. K.I.S.S. (Keep it simple stupid) Well, that is my plan! Thank you Gina Kamentsky!

In fact, something that Gina did that is absolutely incredible. Over many many months of work on little tiny film with tiny tiny brushes, Gina did this film. The work is incredible and the music is great. I cannot tell you how brilliant I think she is. Yes, this is off topic, but she was one of my professors while getting my MPS and now one of my good friends. I am still amazed by her work.
This is called House Bunny

PLEASE click this link and watch it.. It is WELL worth it! Gina is a GENIUS in my mind!

Window Seats

2010-04-05T16:59:00.002-04:00

While sitting looking at all of the information flying by on Twitter and all of the mindless information on Facebook. I did see a lot of comments about a video that had caused a great deal of controversy. I wondered what it was all about. No where was I able to see this video and all of the hubbub.. bub..

FINALLY I was able to make a decision and see something to make my own determination. Once again it was a matter of, if you do not want your children to see something, do not allow them to stare, or explain what they are seeing. What video am I talking about? I am talking about Erykah Badu's "Window Seat" video. Quite honestly I find it to be quite an engaging piece of work. I think it is maybe one of her best. The music, the words and the placement of where it was shot all tells a very engaging story. I am saddened that the point of the story is missed.. once again.

I DO hope though that the publicity is making this more of a debate and more something that pushes people to open their minds and see more of what this brilliant woman is saying. JFK had a lot of good. He also did a lot of shady dealings and did die a martyr, but this is not what this is about. Listen to the words of this song, think about where it is shot, think about her being shot bare to the world in front of the grassy knoll. Think of all of the representation and imagery that is in this. It is SO much more than her nakedness, it is about the imagery and statement. PLEASE make that effort. Imagery and statement.This is a beautiful piece of artwork created by the mind and soul and voice of Erykah Badu.

Erykah Badu - Window Seat (Official Video)

Return to Botanical

2010-04-01T09:36:00.001-04:00

You know... When I was in school there was a seminar I took, not really a class and not at all related to my degree where someone misguided me and told me ... yes... told me that taking photos of flowers was not good. For some reason, I was in a desperate to succeed and please mindset and I listened.

I am still of the mindset that I want to succeed in this field, and that I still want to sell my work. I still believe that it is important to stick to my own beliefs and not let someone else put their own ideas into my head. I do not really know why I let this happen. There was even a class where I told THEM that this was not a good thing to do. And for this I am sorry. It was stupid of me to take this one person's ignorance and lay it on them.

What is the difference between capturing the beauty of a sunset and the beauty of a flower? There is nothing. There is no argument there. And there should NOT be an argument there. Both are naturally made and are free to be caught with the camera's lens. I have not posted my work which I loved to shoot on my website for this reason, and I have not shot it and I loved it.. I miss it, and I am going to go back to it.. So, now I am going to share some of the work that I have hanging in my home and in a lot of my friends' homes. Some of the work that is stored on DVD's and on storage devices backed up and not used. The time has come.. So look out!

Great Resources and Learning

2010-03-21T22:57:00.000-04:00

Something I try to do always is to learn. There is no such thing as knowing all there is to know about everything. There are those who can play a good game and act as though they DO know all there is to know, but inevitably they know nothing, OR they are talking to talk to prevent anyone else from getting in a word to prove their ignorance. I think this is what my biggest issue in IT and technology was. The meetings were long, the "language" was needless and dreary and "took a blue sky and holistic approach to a plan where we would parking lot issues so that they would be put into a straw man for later performance management. In the end someone would throw it against the wall and see if it sticks and move forward to the best practice".

Ahhhh... sanity..

Though, I have learned it is not just an IT issue, it is a personality issue. I do not see it as a type of weakness but as a way to learn as much as I am able at all times. I have the ability to ask questions and get answers from all perspectives at all times. If someone chooses to think that I am less than they are, that is on them.. but lucky me.. I get to pick up more information.. And something my hero told me when I was little.. (My Dad) Knowledge is Power. Not that he made that up but.. it is one of the most important things I ever learned.

As I am teaching, I am constantly learning, be it from my peers, from those I meet in galleries, from other artists, from surfing the web, from books, and even from accidents. One such thing I found is the site Lynda.com. One of the things that I have been working on with the night classes that I teach are layers. For the coming semester, it will be a half of a semester and it will be blended. What this means is it will be both online and it will be in the classroom. BUT... a great thing is.. there are mini tutorials to help out once the students get home. I will be able to have them go home and work on their assignments and reiterate what I said in class. I think this is brilliant.
There are many sites out there, like this one, and people out there and lessons. Make sure to learn and grow from all of them.I hope to continue..

Wistawa Szymorska's Lot's Wife

2010-03-14T23:50:00.000-04:00

Shot by: http://israelinsider.ning.com/profile/Gaia

While at dinner at a friend's house the other day, we got into a discussion on our travels and how some made impressions on our lives and clarified our future visions. One such trip for myself was one of my trips to Israel in the mid 1990s. Something I noticed during this trip was all of the lessons I learned in Sunday school and growing up as a minister's daughter. It was meaningful to me on two counts.

I was in the places where I had read and heard tell about. I saw the Dead Sea. I walked the Stations of the Cross, in sneakers with a camera and bottled water and was exhausted at the end.
I began to come to my own in my journey.

One thing, though.. that I thought would be the best thing to see was Sodom and Gomorah. No idea WHAT I thought I was going to see when I got there. Was I going to see them dancing and worshiping the golden calf still? I have no idea. I was looking for the pillar of salt.

During this dinner we discussed my silliness and ridiculous expectations in this trip. My disappointment that EVERYTHING that was supposedly "holy" was now preserved in a tomb and laden in gold. Which I THINK is what drove me to want to go to Sodom and Gomorah MORE. Maybe THERE I would see all that was not being protected, covered in gold and worshiped and considered lucky if touched. (The supposed manger in a dark hole in the "Inn", and the station of the cross where Mary Magdalene helped Jesus stand back up and he put his hand.)

ANYWAY.. I digress.. The point is, my friend brought to attention this beautiful poem. "Lot's Wife" by Wistawa Szymoska. And it hit me in such a way that I have reread it about 5x since. It is as if she took my thoughts of what was going through Ruth's mind right before she turned to salt.
Alas.. Ironically the one thing I wanted to see proof of, there is no specific "place" there is no defined pillar of salt. There is no defined place as was The Old Man in the Mountain in NH sadly used to be. But, Ms Szymoska made this the most real place and deepest feeling of my entire trip. I'd like to share this poem.

Lot's Wife

They say I looked back out of curiosity.
But I could have had other reasons.
I looked back mourning my silver bowl.
Carelessly, while tying my sandal strap.
So I wouldn't have to keep staring at the righteous nape
of my husband Lot's neck.
From the sudden conviction that if I dropped dead
he wouldn't so much as hesitate.
From the disobedience of the meek.
Checking for pursuers.
Struck by the silence, hoping God had changed his mind.
Our two daughters were already vanishing over the hilltop.
I felt age within me. Distance.
The futility of wandering. Torpor.
I looked back setting my bundle down.
I looked back not knowing where to set my foot.
Serpents appeared on my path,
spiders, field mice, baby vultures.
They were neither good nor evil now--every living thing
was simply creeping or hopping along in the mass panic.
I looked back in desolation.
In shame because we had stolen away.
Wanting to cry out, to go home.
Or only when a sudden gust of wind
unbound my hair and lifted up my robe.
It seemed to me that they were watching from the walls of Sodom
and bursting into thunderous laughter again and again.
I looked back in anger.
To savor their terrible fate.
I looked back for all the reasons given above.
I looked back involuntarily.
It was only a rock that turned underfoot, growling at me.
It was a sudden crack that stopped me in my tracks.
A hamster on its hind paws tottered on the edge.
It was then we both glanced back.
No, no. I ran on,
I crept, I flew upward
until darkness fell from the heavens
and with it scorching gravel and dead birds.
I couldn't breathe and spun around and around.
Anyone who saw me must have thought I was dancing.
It's not inconceivable that my eyes were open.
It's possible I fell facing the city.
Wislawa Szymborska

Spring has Sprung

2010-03-11T14:54:00.004-05:00

I fear the title of this entry, but I am going to do it anyway. Spring has sprung. I remember hearing my mother recite that little rhyme when I was little..

"Spring has sprung
The grass has ris'
I wonder where them birdies is.."

Yep.. It's getting near that time. I must admit. I found myself in that familiar spot, at a light on a busy road.. in traffic. Cars in front of me, and cars behind me. And in the distance I hear multiple motorcycles approaching. It is as if they are calling me. It is that time... It is that time... We are back..

All of a sudden from behind me, about 10 bikes appear, some of the riders with their girlfriends on the back clutching on from way up high and some are solo on their beautiful bikes. Then, as if just to taunt me, the last bike comes up. I believe in my own mind, they were leading this bike, as if it was the king of all bikes. The beautiful Yellow Ducati. It was almost as if time stopped. I was in a movie, it slowed, the rider was moving in slow motion beside me It was the sexiest image I have ever seen.

Unfortunately, the bike tore off quickly to the sounds of horns, and one finger salutes around me as I realized I was staring and the light had changed and I was sitting staring and coveting the bikes around me. Well, one day maybe one day... Maybe next spring when them birdies ris'...

Kids

2010-03-09T13:01:00.000-05:00

I have to say.. one thing I never thought I would have fun doing is photographing children, but you know what? It is actually a lot of fun. The key, I have found is NOT to try to get them to sit still in an unnatural pose on a chair staring at the birdie. NOT so put them on a bear rug and have them look up at the camera, or to even have them sitting on Santa's lap. I have ALWAYS had issue with those pictures. There is just something scary and well, unnatural about them. (Thank you Sketchy Santa's website for some proof on this one.)

Needless to say.. There are SO many BETTER ways to capture youth. What would be a better way to capture this little girl at Christmas time? One that I could immediately think of is opening her presents ad holding up the one that she loves the most, in her favorite outfit. If it is something that needs to be for a card to e sent out, then I would say her out playing in a fun colorful outfit and capturing her at play and looking over her shoulder at the photographer. But this... this.. Let's just scroll up and look again at this.

OK, so I think my point has been made.

Some friends have asked me to take portraits of their kids.. you know.. or I have been hired to do the same by clients. What I have found to be the easiest is to have the siblings or parents there and to allow them to just be natural. Yes, you may ask.. how natural can one be with a camera pointing in your face. There are lights, there is a person with a lot of camera and studio equipment staring at you.. how is it even possible?

It is in fact fairly easy. Send in the parent, send in the sibling, send in the favorite toy. Send in the book. Let that child be a child. Get into THEIR space. Do not force them into YOUR space. If need be, play with them and then pick up the camera when they are distracted with a toy or game. Yes it will take a little longer for that shoot, but the results are well worth it. And no scary Santa pictures!

iPhone camera success

2010-03-08T12:55:00.000-05:00

After many many attempts at shooting images with my iPhone.. last night I had my first true indoor success. Mind you it also included a wonderful dinner with glorious company and Chilean wine. The dinner gurgles and bubbled for an hour on the stove as we chit chatted on everything from growing up under the eye of our towns and families to religion. We finally giggled about my starting last year losing my "Lucky jeans" in the streets of Boston because of an incident above my control to ending the year losing my "True Religion jeans" as well as the rest of my clothing in the tunnel of Boston in an incident that has been previously discussed.

Anyway.. before dinner we snacked on Macintosh apples with goat's milk brie cheese.. Delic... then.. as the smells of the final dinner warmed and enveloped us in the kitchen we realized the time had come... it was time...
Eagerly we filled our bowls with this fantastic concoction and blend of smells and tastes and I thought.. I HAVE to take a picture.. Then I said out loud.. you know.. I say to my students.. you should have a camera with you a lot, some form even if it is your point and click, the quality is not as bad these days. I thought.. hmm oops.. look at me.. no camera to be had.. and unlike most cases when I am out these days, I DID have my cell phone with me. I snapped a picture expecting nothing but a blurry, badly lighted image. But.. thankfully I got something that was almost worthy of the delicious meal I was able to enjoy with my delightful company. As great as this picture is.. it STILL is not as good as the meal OR the company..

First Fridays and connections

2010-03-07T17:24:00.000-05:00

What a wonderful experience First Fridays was this past weekend at 450 Harrison Ave in Boston. After the long trip looking for parking... around and around with my friend Melissa we finally made it to the Kingston Gallery to see Barbara Moody's opening. The week before, when I was asked if I was interested in going to this opening, the name swam around in my mind as something familiar. I have been around so many wonderful artists in the Massachusetts, national and international arena of late that I was almost SURE I had just heard her name. But, something about this name... Barbara Moody seemed even MORE familiar to me.

Making Synthetic Water, acrylic on canvas, 52" x 68"

Lo and behold... Barbara was one of my professors at Montserrat College of Art in Beverly. I must admit, though I was there too short a time, I think I was the most creative and free with my work in my entire life. I loved each and every assignment and my mind truly flowed. It was wonderful to see one of my professors that I remembered and admired.
After meeting, again... this artist and having her recollect me by face..(very nice of her to notice also that I have grown to be an adult :) ) Also, it meant the WORLD to me to hear that she was proud of me making the move to do my art, and for being a professor of something she remembered being my love. What a great feeling.

While Melissa and I walked around this same show, I continued to see a man walk by that looked very familiar to me. Something about him.. And, uncharacteristically.. I walked up to him and I asked if he and I had met in the past, or if he was an artist whose work I had seen in the past. And AGAIN... it was another professor of mine, now it was not as strange that it was a professor from Montserrat.. Ethan Berry. ANOTHER professor that I highly admired and missed when I left the school. It meant so much to run into them both. I hope I see them both at any of my shows. I was so excited to see them

Then .. we went to the next gallery.. and who did we run into there? Lou Jones.. what a wonderful evening. Thankfully he invited me to his studio to sit and chat. I need some sit and chat time with him and help settign my head straight and in the right direction.. What a productive evening.. I KNEW there was a reason Melissa and I went AND we stuck out looking for that perfect parking spot.What a great evening... Thank you Meliss!!!

Social Networking, Twitter

2010-03-03T21:44:00.000-05:00

Twitter, Facebook, Blogging, Social Networking, Marketing... all these things are the next things to getting your name out into the technilogical ether.

Well... Elisabeth Neville Photography has taken that step out there...

ENevillePhotog is now on Twitter... check it out. There is also a link and stream on the side.

Another Shoot

2010-02-22T16:22:00.001-05:00

Still working on the show in August. I think I am beginning to make some real headway. But, I do need to have more men in my show. I seem to have mostly women. I am not sure of the reasoning for that. I think I tend to do the 'female - stare - women - up - and - down - compare' action... and then I realize.. hmm.. she is interesting.. Then I want to photograph them.

With men, there NEEDS to be something very distinctive about them. I think with this person and the others I shot this day I have found that very thing.

Schedule for one of the new shows

2010-02-09T13:34:00.001-05:00

Well, one of the three new upcoming shows is finally scheduled and booked. Lots of back and forth and back and forth..

Finally a date is set!

Wine Gallery

Brookline MA

July 1 - August 31, 2010

Opening Reception is: July 8, 2010 from 6:00pm - 8:00pm

They have wonderful wine and a lovely gallery in the back. There is parking and it will be an exciting event. I will be sending out reminders and announcements through my mailing list. Sign up on it soon to receive email announcements and updates!

Oh the new year... and new people!

2010-01-20T00:39:00.000-05:00

Here we are in the new year with so much to look forward to.

Here are some head shots for those working toward expanding their careers as I am. and I have also updated my website so do check that out with the new sections for head shots!

National headlining comedienne, Chantal Carrere came to me for new promotional photographs for her press kit, IMDB.com and new album cover.
She is hysterical, so go check her out! Show dates listed on website and look for her album to be released on iTunes soon.

Thanksgiving for Christmas... What?

2009-12-22T22:28:00.001-05:00

Each year brings on different forms of thanksgiving. One would think, once I list some of mine that all might seem negative, but really they all are VERY positive. Each experience brought me that much closer to what has brought me some peace. Though, I will admit not without bumps and scrapes along the way.

The beginning of the year started with me very unhappy in a position that I thought might push me to a permanently unhealthy state. To the point that my body was literally breaking down on me. In real and painful and in some cases hard to treat without other repercussions. One day, before coming into my full time day job (I had a part time job working with an international artists' association which I enjoyed and I was also an adjunct professor) I went to an early morning Dr appointment making me late. I sent an email to my boss. Upon walking in the door, before I was settled, I was asked if "we could chat". Well.. of course... the false caring chit chat into the conference room where lo and behold 4 others I have never worked with in the office before and one of the HR "directors" were sitting. I giggled internally. But, I also had my cell phone with me, so I sent a txt to my director at the international group and secured that position prior to the end of this meeting (in which I was not listening and was looking forward to getting home to relax and get some lunch) So, as you can gather... Laid off and hired within 15 minutes.

Imagine this... my health changed immediately. During this experience, I began to meet more artists in Boston and from other countries and learn how they work and how projects were created. It was a wonderful experience. I also took on a Temp position at Adobe doing Quality Assurance. IT is hard to let go of something you have been doing for 12 years even though it makes you miserable. I think I always thought it was the companies, and then this last one, prior to Adobe, I thought maybe it was because I was such an awful miserable person (but that was their passive aggressive tactics, as I have seen in another friend's plight in another company almost to the letter). This is not the case. I no longer enjoyed QA. I NEEDED to get out of a toxic environment for me. My project was coming to an end, and finally was terminated. A way out.. Scary as it may have seemed at the time.. it is the BEST thing that EVER happened.

During the summer I took on teaching a lot of courses all at once. Thoroughly burned myself out, so I took a lot of trips all over the US.. a few to CA, and one to South Beach then back to MA to sit and reevaluate what my next plan was.

Elisabeth Neville Photography began... for real this time. The backdrops that were leaning against a wall for 3 years, the lights I purchased and only used for my thesis, the skills I had learned from so many talented professors and artists, I finally had the opportunity. I have worked towards showing and starting a business. to this date I am doing both.

Now, there have been a few issues, for example last week, I had an accident. Not only was it an accident, but it was one for the papers, and I found out also briefly on the news.

Yes, well I had a rollover accident on Rt 93 southbound in the Tip O'Neil tunnel. Not only did I have a rollover, but I had a 5 roll - rollover. This is where the end to the thanksgiving story comes.

Yes, I know... you were waiting for the answer to :

"Why is she writing about Thanksgiving when it is CLEARLY Christmas time?"

Answer: I am BEYOND Thankful for ALL of the following...

1. A company that was toxic paid me to leave, and I had another job before I was even out of the meeting telling me I was being paid to leave.

2. My health got 99.9% better

3. Got closer to my Artistic Goals

4. Removed the 12 year burden that was holding me down and back

5. Two shows coming up in the new year. Both Solo

6. I survived a significant accident with bruises, cuts and concussion

7. Most importantly, throughout all of this the support I have received from my family, from my Northeastern family and all of my loving friends who have helped me, and allowed me to photograph them, and now.. The friends and family that are driving me around and helping me out while I recover.. (You all know how hard it is for me to ask for help.. thank you for just dealing with me and helping me regardless.)

I am SO thankful for you ALL! Have a wonderful Holiday!!!

Advertising

2009-12-13T22:39:00.002-05:00

The importance of Advertising is becoming more and more clear to me as time goes by. I am realizing that simply speaking the words that I have gone out on my own is not quite enough. I must now actually SHOW that I have done the deed. Well. Here it is. I have done it. I am now, advertising my site and my work and I am off to the races on the first steps.

Weddings

2009-12-02T22:01:00.000-05:00

Here are a few images of wedding portraiture. The beautiful bride and groom on a fun but, rainy day in New Hampshire. She could not have been more beautiful and her family was wonderful and the group was fun. The portraits of the bride and groom are the most enjoyable and happiest parts of the shoot for me.

New Cameras

2009-12-01T14:33:00.001-05:00

Something I realized through teaching digital is my love of film. Inters tingly enough as much as I used to complain about the film and the processing and the time required, I am missing exactly that.

Recently a friend of a close friend handed down bags and bags of camera equipment. Within these many bags were studio lighting packages, and 2 beautifully maintained medium format cameras.

I am inspired and now working on a new project. Getting the subjects to pose for this cause that I feel so very strongly about will be the challenge. Not only will I be opening myself up to vulnerability but also those who have faced a similar life experience. 40x50. What a challenge. Off I go...

Storytelling through photography

2009-11-22T21:41:00.001-05:00

Something that I try to do with my photographs is tell a story through the eyes of the subject. How they are feeling and just grab a slight glimmer of who they are.

Today while I was searching for something completely different, I ran across an exquisite website and story that moved me to my core. I thought it would be something that should be shared.

The artist, and writer who so eloquently captured me is Phillip Toledano. If you click on the image, you can follow the link to this site. I hope it is enjoyed equally.

Headshots

2009-11-18T00:27:00.001-05:00

Head shots are always interesting. Trying to capture the basics of a person's looks for function, while still adding my special personality capture in there also.

Digital Output and Light Magenta

2009-11-12T09:18:00.005-05:00

Something I have noticed of late is the blinking of the "out of ink" light on my printer, and the necessity to visit Hunt Photo and Video Store on quite a frequent basis. Now,let me put this in a realistic light...

I am able to print my images the way I want them. And I do not need to repeat 15 times to the clerk behind the counter that I have already color corrected them, and they need to simply print to matte paper and be SURE there are no scratches or streaks. Only to find streaks and my images bound so tightly into a box that I need a blow torch to release them and then return them to have them reprinted the day they are to be framed.

But, the down side.. I am funding every print shop, ink jet and paper company on the east coast to get my work ready for this potential show.

In NO WAY am I complaining, this is my FIRST SOLO show that will NOT be in a coffee shop, liquor store, or friend's home. I am beside myself with excitement. But, who would have thought... Light Magenta... Light Magenta... would be the bane of my existence..

Global Focus: Media and Communication Technology

2009-10-28T13:20:00.003-04:00

Last week I was asked to speak on the copyright laws and rights for new media to the Global Focus: Media and Communication Technology class in the Graduate program at Northeastern University's College of Professional Studies. Other than the obvious honor in being asked to lecture on such a relevant and contentious subject in these times, I was also a bit intimidated at such a task. Where to start? Where to end?

There is really a loophole to every single law that is out there. Register your work with the copyright offices though the US government (Something I have done with many series of my photographs). It is inexpensive and fairly simple to do, though once this task has been completed.. there are a few things that need to also be considered.

The creator is not always the owner of the copyright. For example if this media was created on a school campus, or it was created at a company, the school or company may own the rights to this media.
To actually take action, the first thing the owner should have is their work registered with the copyright office (this is where the ® comes from). They also they copyright information "copyright - year of publication - name". In my case.. ©2009 elisabeth neville and I may or may not add the ® depending on if the specific series HAS been registered with the copyright office yet.
There is the "orphan works law" which is still pending, as of 2008. If someone uses someone else's media, and shows that they have made enough effort to look for the owner's permission but has not found them, they all bets are off. What is enough effort? That is an objective question. I could Google® somone's name, call the first phone number I find, realize it is a wrong number, write down 5 more Google® searches and that may be considered enough of a search.
The laws that apply in the USA with copyright, do not necessarially apply in any other country. I may have all of my artwork copyrighted and registered in USA under the copyright office, but if someone in Iran surfs the web, finds an image, downloads it and uses it in a compaign, I could TRY to fight it, but chances are, our government will have absolutely no leg to stand on there.

YouTube is an entirely separate subject. This is a site where there is the capability to post video, audio and any number of other new media and link to it and repost it and add it to your own site. Should there be questionable content in this posted media, such as a recording that is already owned by a recording studio, then it is immediately pulled down and the poster is alerted to the reasoning.

Here is where, one of the loopholes comes into play. Should this SAME sound track be edited, or a certain about of time (possibly seconds, I do not know the laws of the Amer Music Assoc), or it is spun differently and it is put onto the same audio or video that was previously posted, it may be approved. Why is this? It is now.. LEGAL. Why? It has been edited, and it no longer is the same piece o new media that was copyrighted. (loophole). This would be why, upon surfing that site many times there are funny clips, for example the audio clip of President Obama supposedly calling Kanye West an idiot (or whatever he called or did not call him). As fast as a few people possibly downloaded it and heard it and passed it around and the White House intern was fired, the sound byte was taken down. Whatever office it leaked out of made the legal request, and YouTube as quickly took the link down. With this, they are complying. No legal action need happen.

So, long babling story short... yes, I am at the end.. What did I learn? Copyright laws scare the heck out of me and make me VERY paranoid about every piece that I put out on the web. Every peice I put in a show, and someone could bring a camera to. But do I assume that I am so famous, and good that they would be trying to sell it? NO. I am not so Narcicistic. But, I am finally beginning to feel the paranoia that others have felt for years.

Taking Stock in it

2009-10-26T18:44:00.009-04:00

I have now found myself in a different place. I have moved to the world of Stock Photography. My work may be found for purchase. TheMedicalFile.com or PeterArnold.com will be selling my work for the next two years. (run a search for my name on either) How do I feel about that? That is a good question.

If it was badly, then I would not have done it. Purely and simply put. But, it is a strange idea to have people shopping on a site, mulling over images that I created as an art form in the same fashion one would a melon in the local grocery store. Nah.. that one is too firm at the navel.. that one is too soft.. I cannot smell the fruit.. and so on.

Why do I feel it is a good thing? I need the exposure. I am making a real go at the photography "thing". It has been in my blood since the first time my dental hygienist brought me in to "help" her process the images of my 4 yr old teeth. Ohhh Mary Jane. The days of playing with and sometimes jamming my father's cameras. This is what I want to do!

The contact was a woman I met through social networking.. Linkedin. I joined a group of Women in Photography, and asked for some feedback on my website redesign. From this I got a great critique. Most of which I worked on and made some changes and updates and I feel they will benefit me in the end. But, Social networking to the positive, one of the women from this group happened to be form The Medical Files site, and she enjoyed my "expecting" series on my site. I have to say.. Where I was VERY against social networking and thought it would never catch on, much like those new fangled microwave contraptions, I find myself eating my socially networked words.

If starting with stock, is where I start. With a company such as Peter Arnold and The Medical Files behind me, then I think that is pretty great. Which pictures did I use for this? See below.

Simple Color Portrait

2009-10-20T14:17:00.006-04:00

A friend of mine asked me to shoot her portrait, and she wanted a simple image. I got my lights and white background and went down to my little "studio" and set up. A couple of things I needed to work on was shooting on a white background and also shooting in color, and also not going for the moody lighting. I so enjoy the moody lighting.

One of the things that I have found to work the most with my portraits is having the model there while I set up. During this time I am able to talk and get to know them more and get more of a feeling for what they really want. In this situation, it was actually a friend of mine so I set up prior to her arrival. This was a shoot working on color more than the capturing of the being, since I know this being.

Eugene Richard

2009-10-20T11:51:00.007-04:00

I am very excited to be able to hear a wonderful speaker, Eugene Richard. Since joining the ASMP New England. (American Society of Media Photographers) I have had many opportunities to go to artists' talks, but this one is thrilling. E. Richard has a wonderful documentary eye that captures the honesty of the world, starting in Dorchester, MA. The first work of his I saw was his work called "Dorchester Days".

He documented the racially fueled times of busing which ultimately became the basis of Boston's reputation to this very day. I remember being in Atlanta and being asked how I lived in such a racist city. I thought.. aren't I in the south? I thought I was in the racist area NOW not when I am home..

E. Richard went on to document the plight of many more world wide and was determined to make sure the word was spread. his work is brilliant and very moving. I learn something new with every image of his I see. I think they are beautiful, yet at times I am brought to tears with what might seem to be a political bash over the head. I think the Eugene Richard talk should not be missed!!!

Artistic Love

2009-10-17T16:48:00.007-04:00

There is much to be said for doing what you love. My father began drawing again and I cannot express how proud I am of his talent and his desire. It seems that no matter what he touches he seems to excel. With this, he has been going to Colorado to the J.D. Hillberry workshops. This man has such skill and realism that his illustrations are photographic like.

Recently I received an email alerting me to take a look at the student work .. and lo and behold what did I see.. Before and After work of the students' works. What student is one of them? My inner pride beams even more.. Yes, Joseph Neville is among one of the students. Not only is he one of the students, but he is shown multiple times. To see his work shown and to see that he is one of the best among many. Again.. my pride is busting out.

Now, this leads me to my next thoughts. Drawing an image to the point of realism vs photography. Which is considered to be more artistic? What is art? This also leads to the next question. Film vs Digital? I think these are the questions that I need to answer before I can move on. I think that is something that many are questioning at this point in time. Digital has such a stronghold on everything. I am not the first to come up with this question.

Here is an example of my father's work. Also, an example of my puppy Milo who I also love!:

The Medical File

2009-10-16T11:46:00.006-04:00

This week is the week, my work goes up on "The Medical File" website. I have officially sold my work to a stock agency and it will be up for all to see. There is a small insecure piece of me that wonders if anyone will be interested in my work and want to purchase it. I think that they are nice images and that they show the model in a good light.

What makes a good image though? Is it the lighting? Is it just the subject matter? When it comes to stock images, is it a matter of my selling out? I would like to think that this is an expansion of my work, and that potentially I will have more exposure.

The pictures I used for these were the "expecting" series of images. The model was in approximately her 32 week and she is absolutely gorgeous when she is pregnant or not. The baby, a boy is also just as gorgeous. I have not had the opportunity to photograph him yet, but soon, soon I hope. All I can hope is this will open up some new avenues and not close doors. Upward and onward I say!

First post

2009-10-15T17:11:00.007-04:00

I must say that as a first post I think I will write what I hope to achieve in both this blog and in the future. I am a portraiture and fine art photographer. What are my inspirations? Oh so many..
One of the first is sitting on the floor looking at the Vanity Fair portraits. All the beautiful actors and actresses. Posed, and also some in seemingly natural positions. I wanted to be one of the people who could capture that. I wanted to capture the essence of each person.

The irony of this, should you actually know me, is I am a fairly shy person. Sometimes taken as intimidating, and often covered with harsh sarcasm. People are a mystery and I enjoy watching from a far, but not necessarily engaging. Herein is the difficulty in capturing a true feeling and soul of each model.

I find my own emotions in each person and I engage in that fashion while drawing on their strengths and build a piece of beautiful art around them. In the end I find myself with almost anything. Sometimes a surprise.

Here I found rage, I found sadness, I found great beauty. This model brought out so many emotions in me that I found myself asking her to model for numerous different situations and shoots. The lighting was drawn from the lighting I loved of the 1940s and 50s. The original work and simplistic lighting used and seen in the Vanity Fair magazines that I had strewn all over my floor when I was younger. I must admit. I still now find myself on the site, or on a web browser searching for those images and clicking through them amazed at the beauty of them. Or in a book store purchasing books upon books only to pile them up in the corner of my studio. (Which is really just a small cramped room in my apartment filled with everything and ANYTHING I can get into it.)

What do I hope to accomplish in the future? My own style that still calls to the beauty of the Vanity Fair images. I want there to be a day when some young artist is sitting with books on the floor and wondering who is that photographer who shot that image, as I often do. What was the lighting and How can I reproduce it to get the dimensionality? What kind of props might I use to achieve this style yet make it my own?

As I go through these learning processes and potentially have the opportunities to meet other artists and see their work and have the opportunity to share upcoming shows. I will try to keep updated and share as much as I can.. I will leave this with an image that I have always loved and I found this morning during a random search online. The image is by Edward Steichen (1879-1973) who was a Pictoralist. He was known to have been a controversial artist for shooting his work for a more commercial purpose. He became one of the top/ lead photographers for Conde Nast and Vanity Fair. From this comes this image of Gloria Swanson. I think this is absolutely breathtaking and I remember attempting to emulate his style in highschool, yet failing miserably...

image: Edward Steichen (1879-1973), Gloria Swanson
owned by: Condé Nast magazines