Photographic Proof

Introducing, Finn Xavier Acosta!

2011-12-05T13:11:00.002-05:00

Born November 21, 2011 at 8 lb. 5 oz. and 21 inches.

We're unbelievably thankful for his safe arrival and so happy to finally meet him!

Photography in Luxury Home Magazine & Visit Detroit Magazine

2011-01-20T16:48:00.005-05:00

Luxury Home Magazine January / February 2001 Issue.

Happy New Year!

Yeah, I just realized that it's literally been about a year since I updated the site. Yikes!
However, despite the serious neglect to this site in the past year, I really have been tremendously busy...just not on maintaining this site. I started another business focusing on my graphic design talents, Señor & Señora, and also bought a house and moved. Just saying that sounds so simple, but for a good part of the year I had seriously become a full-time construction worker with the renovations. Now, just as my friends and family told me would happen, the renovations are 90% complete and holding. Apparently there will ALWAYS be that one last thing to finish. And I always think that I'll somehow have time to finish it this weekend! Maybe this weekend will be the one...

Visit Detroit Magazine January 2011 Issue.

Anyway, with my design work also taking over my life for a better part of the year, I'm actually feeling very re-energized on the photography front. Maybe part of it is because I seem to have such enthusiastic photo students this semester at OCC. When I surveyed them on what their biggest strengths are as photographers, they unanimously declared that it was their passion for photography. I definitely plan on using that against them in case some lackluster work shows up!

My Advanced Digital class is a lot more involved and so it's exciting to teach. However, I cram so much in the syllabus it's always a challenge to cover everything I hope to each semester. Since we only have two digital classes to cover everything photographic and Photoshop-related, the first class is always spent just getting people up to speed with the basics. This semester should be a lot more fun.

I also had a good time this past weekend jurying the Scholastic Art Awards with Chris Schneider down at CCS. It was cool to see how much great work is coming out of high school students these days! While down there, I also caught a glimpse of our class photo in the hallway. It's crazy how small the group seemed! I also had to laugh at the really annoyed look on my face. Ha!

Visit Detroit Magazine January 2011 Issue.

Anyway, on to some real news...
This month I have work published in two magazines: Luxury Home Magazine out of Chicago, and Visit Detroit (local). The Luxury Home article focuses on my fav architect, Brian Howard, and his work on the Carlson projects: Carlson's Cabana and Carlson's residence. Both are such unique and amazing spaces, that it's no surprise to see the continued recognition. You can view the article in full here.

As for Visit Detroit Magazine, they are using two of my shots for little blurbs on Hamtramck happenings, such as the Hamtramck Blowout (featuring a semi-anonymous photo of Wolfbait), and a photo of the Polish dancers from the Countdown to Paczki Day tent event. Fun times that are almost here again!

In both instances, those probably wouldn't have been the photos that I'd pick, but I'm pretty sure they were just trying to use photos of people without exactly revealing their identities. : ) I probably could've gotten model releases for both, if they had only asked!

Detroit Home Design Awards 2010

2010-02-09T22:52:00.000-05:00

The Dow-McNally Renovation shoot that I did for HF:architecture has won an award for historic residential renovation/restoration project in the Detroit Home Design Awards, 2010.

My congratulations go out to Brian Howard, for this is the second year in a row he has won awards in this competition! It truly is an amazing before and after and was a fantastic shoot. I will be sure to post it in the gallery soon. : ) I am very behind on this blogging business.

Vilsa at Stoney Creek

2009-11-24T10:52:00.002-05:00

As if Vilsa could get any cuter...here she is.
I shot this a few weeks ago at Stoney Creek for her official 3 1/2 year-old portraits. After the shoot she asked her mom if I could spend the night! See more here, on Flickr.

1129 E. Wickward Interior Photography

2009-11-23T17:22:00.003-05:00

mobley_15, originally uploaded by Carrie Acosta.

Wow, am I behind! I shot this amazing space over a month and a half ago. It's publication is pending, so I don't want to go on too much about it, but it was a foreclosure property that has had quite the makeover. You can view select photos from this shoot in my Flickr set here.

Happy Halloween, Everyone!

2009-10-31T11:16:00.004-04:00

Goodbye to One of Photography's Greats: Irving Penn

2009-10-07T22:37:00.002-04:00

Irving Penn, known for his style of stark simplicity that revolutionized fashion and portrait photography, died today at his home. He was 92. It was just a week or so ago that I saw my first Irving Penn prints in a private collection. Paul Mobley had a great story about buying a Penn photo (the last one below) in lieu of a couch while being a broke CCS grad in NYC. When he met Penn later and told him about it, he asked, "Where do you think that couch is now?"

RIP Irving Penn.

Dirkhund Training Website Up!

2009-10-06T15:14:00.000-04:00

I just completed the website for Dirkhund Training, and I really love the way it turned out! All the photography is by me as well, and you might notice that there are a few photos of my dog in there : ) Erin specializes in obedience, behavioral and aggression training in dogs. If you have a wild dog in your life and are looking for training, give her a call. Check out the site in full at: www.dirkhundtraining.com.

Emily to Ellen for CF

2009-09-26T11:31:00.063-04:00

IMG_3733, originally uploaded by Let's Rock CF.

I've written about our friend, Emily, before—I designed and currently maintain the website for her foundation, Let's Rock CF. She happens to have cystic fibrosis and has devoted her life to raising money and awareness for a cure. She sets up benefit concerts, runs half-marathons, and for the past three years has ridden her bicycle from Detroit to Chicago to raise money. Just the fact that she can do these things while having CF is amazing. She's a pretty inspiring person.

Well, her newest challenge is a cross-country ride from Chicago to Los Angeles where she hopes to appear on the Ellen DeGeneres Show to raise awareness of cystic fibrosis with Ellen's large national audience. (She started this past Tuesday and I believe she's in Denver now.) She originally was planning to bicycle there, but due to an injury is bicycling part-time and riding a vespa the rest of the time. Her trek is being logged via video postings on SPIN Earth, and you can view photos and/or donate on her site page at letsrockcf.org/e2e4cf.html. We wish her the best of luck on the road, and seriously hope she makes it on the Ellen show!

ESO's GIGAGALAXY ZOOM, Panorama Two

2009-09-25T16:56:00.001-04:00

The second high-res image has been released from the ESO's GIGAGALAXY Zoom project and it's pretty amazing. It's available as a download here. This time, I don't have to do any news reporting since they provided a great summary on the site:

The second of three images of ESO’s GigaGalaxy Zoom project is a new and wonderful 340-million-pixel vista of the central parts of our galactic home, a 34 by 20-degree wide image that provides us with a view as experienced by amateur astronomers around the world. Taken by Stéphane Guisard, an ESO engineer and world-renowned astrophotographer, from Cerro Paranal, home of ESO’s Very Large Telescope, this second image directly benefits from the quality of Paranal’s sky, one of the best on the planet. The image shows the region spanning the sky from the constellation of Sagittarius (the Archer) to Scorpius (the Scorpion). The very colourful Rho Ophiuchi and Antares region features prominently to the right, as well as much darker areas, such as the Pipe and Snake Nebulae. The dusty lane of our Milky Way runs obliquely through the image, dotted with remarkable bright, reddish nebulae, such as the Lagoon and the Trifid Nebulae, as well as NGC 6357 and NGC 6334. This dark lane also hosts the very centre of our Galaxy, where a supermassive black hole is lurking. The image was obtained by observing with a 10-cm Takahashi FSQ106Ed f/3.6 telescope and a SBIG STL CCD camera, using a NJP160 mount. Images were collected through three different filters (B, V and R) and then stitched together. This mosaic was assembled from 52 different sky fields made from about 1200 individual images totalling 200 hours exposure time, with the final image having a size of 24 403 x 13 973 pixels. Note that the final, full resolution image is only available through Stéphane Guisard.

ESO's GIGAGALAXY ZOOM: An Amazing Interactive Panorama of the Entire Night Sky

2009-09-16T11:18:00.003-04:00

I stumbled across this today, and it is truly an amazing view of the night sky, as captured by Frenchman Serge Brunier for the European Southern Observatory's (ESO) GIGAGALAXY ZOOM project. Brunier captured the 1200+ images that make up the composite between August 2008 and February 2009. The end result is an 800-million-pixel panorama of the entire Milky Way!

This panorama was shot with a digital SLR and hobby telescope at two of the ESO's observatory sites in Chile, La Silla and Paranal; plus La Palma, one of the Canary Islands.

To really appreciate it, you have to go to their site and view the high-res interactive version. Using Zoomify, you can zoom in on different segments to full-resolution. Check it out here: www.gigagalaxyzoom.org/ They will also be releasing another image September 21st.

I seriously love this stuff.

Wolfbait Lives Website

2009-09-15T11:33:00.006-04:00

I just finished the new website for local band, Wolfbait. Check it out in all it's (simple) glory at wolfbaitlives.com.

The Cottage from 1961

2009-09-03T17:11:00.003-04:00

_MG_2669, originally uploaded by Carrie Acosta.

A recent vacation to Caseville took us to this cottage on the water, preserved like a time capsule from 1961. Everything about it was preserved: furniture, appliances, family photos... It was amazing. To see more, check out my 1961 Caseville Cottage set on Flickr.

New Website for Deborah Friedman

2009-09-02T17:02:00.002-04:00

I just finished a redesign of a web portfolio site for local artist, Deborah Friedman, whom I have worked with for several years. I am so happy with the site and really think the new design turned out beautiful, truly complementing her work. Her contemporary and abstract style involves so much movement, I've always thought of her paintings as something like visual music. You can view the site in its entirety here: www.deborahfriedman.com.

Selfridge Air Show 2009

2009-08-23T19:13:00.005-04:00

Selfridge Air Show 2009, originally uploaded by Carrie Acosta.

The Selfridge Air Show was this weekend and I went Saturday. I left my house at 12pm, got to the North River Road exit around 12:30pm, and then finally got IN the air base around 2:30pm!!!! It was a nightmare!!!!! Luckily, I was able to see some of the other planes, like the B-2 Stealth Bomber, as they flew over the freeway. By the time I got there all I could see were the planes on display, some paratroopers jumping out of helicopters, and the main act, the Thunderbirds. I love air shows. Check out the photos here.

Dream Cruise 2009

2009-08-16T20:45:00.007-04:00

dreamcruise2009_76, originally uploaded by Carrie Acosta.

I have been accidentally caught in the Dream Cruise several times over the years while actually trying to get somewhere and being totally unaware of which weekend in August it was. This marks the first time I actually went there — on purpose.

I was only there for about an hour and a half and have posted the highlights of my photography @ flickr. It was a real exhibition of sorts, and I can honestly say that this was the first time people have gravitated to my giant lenses instead of recoiling in horror, haha. For some reason there seems to be a disturbing trend of people riding mini-bikes or dangling puppets from their windows whilst cruising...wtf. One guy was on a mini-bike AND on a cell phone, calling someone and telling them, "Guess what? You'll never believe it, I'm IN the Dream Cruise." Not sure if he mentioned that he was on a miki-bike...

Anyway, it turned out to be pretty fun, especially seeing everyone have such a good time. To check out the photos, go here.

Live Music: Wolfbait

2009-08-13T13:20:00.004-04:00

wolfbait_7-18-09__43, originally uploaded by Carrie Acosta.

Some photos from the last Wolfbait show are posted onto my Flickr. I'm still getting used to my new camera setup in dark, live settings...

See more here.

JW Murphy Guitars Site Finished

2009-08-09T12:10:00.004-04:00

After an initial one-page starter site, the newly completed JW Murphy Guitars site is now published! I did both the photography and web design for James Murphy, who builds custom archtop guitars from his shop in Fenton, Michigan. Originally a master architectural woodworker, he is now exploring his skills as a luthier. He currently has three different models available and several different "shopworn prototypes" for sale as well. See it all at jwmurphyguitars.com.

Habitat Machines by Trautrimas

2009-08-07T09:41:00.003-04:00

Anyone that knows my personal work, knows that I've long worked with collage, photomontage, etc. I stumbled across the work of 30 year old Canadian, David Trautrimas, a while ago and instantly loved it. It's part steampunk, part Jetsons, and has a post-apocolyptic feel with the barren landscapes and muted palette. Trautrimas photographs various appliances in disassembled form and then assembles them digitally, with beautiful craftsmanship. The photo above is titled "The Sprinkler House." To view more of the series, check out his website at trautrimas.ca.

New Website for Kelly Root

2009-07-10T17:24:00.005-04:00

I know my site doesn't mention that I'm a web designer, but here I am again with another finished design, lol! For the record, I much prefer photography but became a web designer out of necessity in building my own site. Since then, I have designed several dozen sites, both private and corporate.

This time, I just finished the website for my good friend, Kelly Root at germainephotography.com. Kelly and I went to CCS together, have shot a few weddings together, taught at the same school together, and have basically been partners in crime for some while. If you frequent local rock shows, you may know her by her blood curdling scream, as she is definitely the loudest : ) She currently works full time as a forensic photographer for the Wayne County Medical Examiner and does freelance photography on the side. I think the site looks awesome and wish her the best of luck!

Fireworks!

2009-07-06T13:33:00.006-04:00

Some fun photos from the Mt. Clemens fireworks. Not bad for a point and shoot with no tripod! Some of these are kind of like Rorschach inkblot tests.

You can view them all here.

Happy 4th of July!

2009-07-05T14:59:00.002-04:00

_MG_1231, originally uploaded by Carrie Acosta.

They did it...they took it away.

2009-06-29T20:36:00.002-04:00

R.I.P. Kodachrome.

Simon + Garfunkel - Kodachrome
by livesteam

Detroit Home Summer 2009 Cover Story

2009-06-08T22:03:00.009-04:00

Some of my architectural photography of the Carlson Residence in Ann Arbor, Michigan is currently featured in the Summer 2009 issue of Detroit Home magazine. The online version only shows a couple of photos, but the magazine features a very large spread. In fact, it's more full page photos than text. : )

This is definitely one of my favorite spaces of recent years, and the Carlson family has been great to work with. In the mag you'll see an environmental portrait I did of the family to accompany the architectural photography. I was a bit concerned about photographing three kids under five, but they turned out to be the most charming kids! I absolutely fell in love with Jake—the oldest—who was really mugging for the camera in every shot after he saw his younger brother posing for the shot.

Incidentally, the portraits were also shot during a flash thunderstorm, which hit just after I had gotten my lighting where I wanted it...! So much for weather forecasts : ) Despite the storm, I think it turned out fabulous. Definitely check it out if you get the chance!

Update 8/27/09: I now have all the photos (including many not previously published) in a Flickr set here.

Dave Draws Good!

2009-05-28T18:45:00.003-04:00

I just finished designing my husband's portfolio website for his illustration and I absolutely love the way it turned out!!! The site is www.davedrawsgood.com (and yes, it is ironically grammatically incorrect). Unlike some people that specialize in one part of the process, he does everything from penciling, to inking, lettering, coloring, etc. I think it all looks pretty sweet. His portfolio is also ever-changing, so I would expect what's up there now to be updated fairly rapidly. Check it out and enjoy!

The Impossible Project

2009-05-23T11:03:00.005-04:00

In case you haven't been tracking it, Polaroid stopped producing their analog instant film in June of 2008. Not only did this mark the end of an era technically, but also culturally. There is nothing else like watching a polaroid develop, and digital technology—though instant—just isn't the same.

Lucky for us, a group called The Impossible Project has gathered a team of integral film technology experts from around the globe to in effect, save polaroids. However, it's not exactly what you'd expect. They aren't trying to recreate the same product and get the old factories running again. In their words:

The IMPOSSIBLE mission is NOT to re-build Polaroid Integral film but to develop new product with new characteristics, consisting of new optimized components, produced with a streamlined modern setup. An innovative and fresh analog material, sold under a new brand name that perfectly matches the global re-positioning of Integral Film.

Their current plan is to be in production by 2010. For more info or to help support their project, check out www.the-impossible-project.com.

Lots of new stuff going on...

2009-05-08T17:04:00.004-04:00

A lot of good things are happening lately! It's a nice breath of fresh air when compared to the nightmarish economic news we hear every night. I'm determined to be positive and hopeful, and hopefully that vibe will rub off on everybody else. : )

First off, I've slightly changed the design of my site with a new logo. I really liked the old one since it was kind of a woodcut / sketch style, but you really couldn't see those details in any of the sizes I was showing it in. The new logo has more of an easy-going, slightly retro feel. Everything else is still pretty modern, so I think it has a nice modern flow to it. Also, the wax seal is now a sunny yellow.

Secondly, I added a new links page to house my master list of photography links. There are three categories: photography supplies & labs, photography magazines & blogs, and then my own personal photo links.

It's taken me a while to amass this 'best of' list, and I would have been very happy indeed to stumble across it all at once somewhere. Most of the online photo mags and such are for keeping up with photo news and finding photo inspiration when you're at a creative block.

Thirdly, I've been shooting a ton with my new 5DMKII and I'm loving it! Photography is such a strange art since it is so gadget related. What better than to inspire you, than an amazing new camera? A couple of the shoots are shown here: one of the Carlson family and one of the Rowe family. You can also see more of each shoot at my Flickr photostream here.

Coming up later this month, a portrait of the Carlsons—along with previous photography I've done of their place—will be featured in Detroit Home. I got word the other day that it was going to be the cover story, so I'm really happy about that. It should be out May 28th.

On another note, the new issue of Special Projects magazine is out. (This is the photo book I publish each semester with my Special Projects Digital Photography students.) You can view it online at lulu.com/specialprojects. This semester's theme (Issue 8) was Reflection, and we have a lot of really excellent work in there! In fact, this past semester was one of the best group of students that I've ever had, both personality and talent-wise. ; )

I liked them so much, that I decided to create a new Flickr group called The Photography Department for everyone to keep in touch with each other, photographically speaking. It's open to current and past photo students. Once it gets going, I'm hoping that it will continue to foster the camaraderie we had going in the classes this semester. One thing you really miss when you graduate from a photography program, is the blend of competitiveness and inspiration you get from exhibiting and viewing work with your peers.

Finally, the new Star Trek movie debuted yesterday and I'm going to see it tonight with Davy plus my dad and brother. I'm a total trekkie, though mostly for The Next Generation. Oh, and there was that period where I forced my friends to watch Voyager...! But Voyager just doesn't have the staying power. Jean-Luc Picard is a classic. My fav characters: Jean-Luc, Tuvok, and Q.

One more thing—I'm working on a website for the artwork of my comic illustrator hubby. Keep your eyes on davedrawsgood.com.

Enjoy the weekend!

Detroit Home Design Awards 2009 Winner!

2009-03-13T17:32:00.013-04:00

Congratulations to one of my fav clients, HF:architecture, for winning two awards in the 2009 Detroit Home Design Awards! HFA won first place for a Vacation Home (More than 3,000 sq. ft.) and third place for Contemporary Residential Architecture (More Than 4,000 Square Feet).

Both projects were among my favorites to photograph from last year. Check it out in the Spring 2009 issue of Detroit Home—in news stands now—or view it online at detroithomemag.com.

Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the awards gala since I was in Las Vegas, but it appears that everyone had a great time.

Congrats again to Brian Howard!

Update 8/27/09: I now have all the photos from both winning projects (including many not previously published) in a Flickr set here.

Countdown to Paczki Day 2009

2009-02-26T13:30:00.005-05:00

Countdown to Paczki Day 2009, originally uploaded by Carrie Acosta.

This past Saturday I shot the Countdown to Paczki Day in Hamtramck. I was kind of dreading it due to the blizzard that was hitting us at the time, but it turned out to be a really great time. The snow and high winds did come, but the tent stayed up and it was a great success in spite of the weather. It's events like this that make you realize what a special place Hamtramck is.

I posted a large group of photos in a set on my Flickr page if you'd like to check it out:
www.flickr.com/photos/carrieacosta/sets/72157614470460658/

Highlight of the Inauguration

2009-01-20T23:09:00.004-05:00

This is one of the most beautiful arrangements I've ever heard.

I absolutely loved it.

Hour Detroit Contest

2008-12-12T15:35:00.004-05:00

Some architectural photography of mine is currently featured in an Hour Detroit / Detroit Home contest for "Best Overall Home." It's the Carlson Residence that I shot a few months ago.

Please click on the following link and vote for Entry 7 when you have the chance.
http://www.hourdetroit.com/Hour-Detroit/December-2008/Detroit-Home-Design-Awards-Best-Overall-Home/

The Obligation of Jury Duty

2008-12-12T15:31:00.003-05:00

Well, I was selected to be a juror and it looks like I will still be serving well into next week... ! I am trying to get caught up on all my work and such this weekend.

So far it has been a very interesting but draining experience. It's almost like being kidnapped from your normal life, and your new life revolves around a few lawyers, a judge and a bunch of witnesses. At least our courthouse is in Greektown, which makes for good eats.

Jury Duty!

2008-12-08T10:57:00.003-05:00

I have been summoned for jury duty tomorrow in downtown Detroit. Wish me luck!

SSM & Wolbait Poster

2008-11-13T12:00:00.007-05:00

My husband, Dave, is an illustrator and just completed this drawing of a zombie Karl Marx for an upcoming SSM and Wolfbait poster. I took a turn at the typography to give it a 60's vibe. I thought it turned out sweet, kind of melty and zombie-ish.

JW Murphy Guitars Website Published

2008-11-12T18:35:00.004-05:00

I have finished the photography and design for a "starter website" for JW Murphy Guitars. Check it all out at www.jwmurphyguitars.com!

Of Elvis Impersonators

2008-11-10T15:01:00.007-05:00

This past Thursday I was covering an event that featured Elvis impersonator, Fred Wolfe, and I must say it brought back a lot of memories. Let's just say I've spent my fair share of time viewing a few Elvis impersonators (El Vez, Eastside Elvis, Sherman Arnold, Snaggletooth Elvis, Black Elvis, etc.) In my days at CCS I spent a good part of a year documenting a legendary Elvis impersonator who is now deceased: Elvis Shelton. Cliff Shelton played weekly at a place called Barney's in Wyandotte, Michigan, though hailing from Monroe. I was tackling the series for a social documentary photo course and faithfully made the drive every weekend throughout the fall and winter to photograph him. I have a permanent visual memory of that winter: walking past the frozen Barney's sign reading, "Tonight: Elvis Shelton," and realizing that it was a permenant sign. I don't think I was even an Elvis fan at the time, but the experience lead me to really appreciate these people, and in turn, Elvis himself.

At first, I just took the photos without talking to him, which wasn't that unusual because every week's performance was a spectacle and a lot of people were taking photos. After a few weeks, it was impossible not to talk with him. I remember him slamming boilermakers before the show, and he may have been the first person I ever saw do a jäger bomb. By this time, he had already had four heart attacks, so he was always talking about how he had to take it easy. (!) After about a month or so he began introducing me as his personal photographer at the top of he show.

Probably one of the best things about Elvis Shelton was that he took the impersonation all the way. He started each gig entering the room from back stage while accompanied by his own version of the Memphis Mafia, complete with a sidekick version of Charlie Hodge who handed him his guitar as he began the show. He also gave out the obligatory autographed scarves to ladies during the show and did a good amout of karate moves. (I still have my scarf, which is tied to my mike-stand a la Steven Tyler.)

Sadly, he died of his fifth heart attack at home–about a year after I finished the series–in January of 2001. There was a wake for him at "Charlie's Too" in Garden City, and although I had designed and printed obituary cards for him (complete with lyrics to "If I Can Dream" on the back), I ultimately didn't go because it was on my birthday. Also I had no idea where Charlie's Too was.

However, I was able to deliever the photos when I finished my project and I'll never forget his reaction. He was sitting at the end of the bar at Barney's when I handed him the prints. He took one look at each of the photos and would look at me as though stunned, then shout a few expletives in disbelief and otherwise just outrageously overreact. Initially, I wasn't sure if his reaction was positive or negative... Now I look back and realize that I must have seemed so young to him at the time that he was trying to make me feel like my photos were blowing his mind.

I really need to dig up some of those old photos and scan them in, put them up here. From what I can tell, there is no info about him on the web.
RIP Elvis Shelton.

Being a part of history

2008-11-05T13:33:00.009-05:00

Wow.

Last night was so moving. I really can't imagine how you could not be inspired by the speech that Obama gave, let alone the historical significance of it all. We were watching on NBC when they announced that he won with the billboard and fireworks, etc. It was shocking, amazing and overwhelming all at the same time. Even though he had a large lead most of the time, it was, "Is this real? Has it really happened?" (Luckily we clicked to MSNBC just as Carmen Harlan decided to cut in! Like I want to hear her talk!)

I was quite frankly surprised at how moved I was, especially as they showed all the African-American people across the country reacting. I can only imagine how they feel, but I do empathize. It feels so good to break that barrier and–as a country–do something so positive and significant for so many people. I've also got to give MSNBC props for letting the scene play out without having to talk over it, just so we could take it all in. It was very surreal.

I think that no matter who you voted for, the message of unity and hope is something that our country really needs right now. It's so symbolic. I'm so excited to have a president that is younger, closer to my generation...fresh blood. (I kept thinking that this must have been how people felt when JFK was elected.) And in a very positive change, I'm ecstatic to have a president that is eloquent and inspiring to hear speak! Isn't that how president's should be?! It's just been so long since I've had such hope for our country!

I think the last section of his speech really drove the point home, talking about the 106 year old woman and all the history she has seen during her lifetime. My great grandmother lived to be just shy of 105 years old, and I have often thought of how much she experienced in her lifetime. My generation didn't grow up with the same stigmas of race that used to be (at least for me) and it's nice to see my country reflect that shift. It's really stunning to think that anything is possible here, and it makes me really proud to be an American.

On the other side of things, I do feel sad for John McCain as I honestly believe he is a great man and have always liked him. I can only imagine how different our lives might be if he were elected in 2000 instead of Bush. However, I think the social and cultural significance of Obama's win is bigger than anything McCain's win could have meant. And, due to the present circumstances, this election was likely close to impossible for him to win.

McCain's speech was also very poignant, though, and appeared genuinely sincere. He literally embodied his "Country First" campaign slogan with his words, displaying such class. I really wish we could have seen more of this McCain during his campaign. The good news is, he doesn't seem to be going anywhere and it's easy to believe that he really will work together to help our country. God knows we need the help!!!

Finally, what the hell was up with the holograms and virtual studios this year?! So bizarre! I guess it really is the future...

Bastone Photo Series Posted in 'Projects'

2008-10-29T14:52:00.004-04:00

I have finally found the time to post the final selection for the Bastone series that dominated my summer. (I have never talked to so many farmers in my life!) But let it be noted that it wasn't the dozens of farm bureau offices that I called that lead me in the right direction. In fact, they didn't even call back. Instead, it was the community of craft beer enthusiasts that seem to be thriving here in Michigan. So if you have the desire to learn anything about the beer brewing amidst you, I highly recommend checking out mlive.com's KalamaBrew section, as well as the ever informative Michigan Beer Guide, which you have probably come across at your favorite brewpub at some time or another.

In the end, I located the barley in Shepherd, Michigan at Turnwald Farms. Mike Turnwald was incredibly helpful, and truly shocked me with his high-tech combine.

The hops was grown by none other than Rex Halfpenny himself–publisher of the Michigan Beer Guide–in Leonard, Michigan. So many thanks again to everyone who helped along the way! You can see the finished series posted in the projects section of this site. Enjoy!

J.W. Murphy Guitars

2008-10-28T12:20:00.005-04:00

I recently photographed several custom archtop guitars made by James Murphy of Fenton, Michigan. The guitars were really beautiful in person and had a long sustain to their sound. I am also working on a small website for him at jwmurphyguitars.com. I'll announce when it's published...

New Websites Published

2008-10-17T16:50:00.004-04:00

I know this site is supposed to mainly focus on photography, but I still design websites here and there and www.letsrockcf.org is one of them. A while ago I told Emily, the founder of the Let's Rock CF Foundation, that I would do a site pro bono. However, my generosity turned to panic once I found out I had to design a Wordpress template (!) which I knew nothing about. Let's just say that it was a total learning experience since I had no idea how different Wordpress was from Blogger. Also her original version of Wordpress was pretty out of date, causing a ton of problems. Once I got it current things went a lot smoother.

Anyway, after many trials and tribulations, I am done with part one of the redesign. I finally got through the Wordpress ordeal and published the new opening page and blog design for the site. Part two will come down the road and will include a shopping page with merchandise, a page for online donations, and a page dedicated to the annual Just Let Me Breathe Benefit Concert, which is generally held at the Royal Oak Music Theater during the coldest week of winter.

On another note, I have also designed a site for my mom, who has re-entered the realtor world after working 15 years in new construction sales. Her site is listwithtrish.com. Some of my architectural photos are in use there, and I must take credit for the "area info" section. I compiled all of the links I could imagine worthwhile to the average person of Macomb/Oakland county, trying not to be obnoxiously cluttered. If you know of anything I missed, let me know. (FYI I know I didn't include the Lions, though...)

Carlson Residence

2008-09-29T22:23:00.002-04:00

A little preview of the photography I did a week ago. I'll add more when I get some time.

Team USA Strikes Again

2008-09-26T14:27:00.011-04:00

And no, I'm not talking about our national team. I've joined a coed house team at Ultimate Soccer which was incidentally named Team USA and is made up of germans, serbians, and then some americans, of course. (I seem to be the only person that thinks our team name is hilarious.) When I first arrived and noticed that most of them were european, all I could think of was how much bigger soccer is over there and that they would all probably be really amazing. Well, so far our whole team is pretty amazing and we've been slaughtering everyone we play. It's just been crazy. Part of the time I go from feeling somewhat pathetic (like getting hit square in the face by the ball) to feeling like maybe I'm doing pretty good.

To give a little perspective, I played soccer from when I was 5 years old to a varsity soccer team in high school. At our first game one of the guys were complaining about having not played in eight weeks... That's when it really hit me that it has been over a decade since I've last played. (!!!) So with that in mind, I think I'm actually doing great!

Last night we won out third game 11-3.

A busy few weeks

2008-09-18T11:43:00.004-04:00

I've been meaning to get some new photography up here, but the past two weeks have been a whirlwind. I just got back from visiting my sister in Toronto, I've wrapped up a few projects, started some new ones; started a new semester of teaching etc. It's just that time of year I guess. Summer's over.

I should have the Bastone series posted soon under the Projects section. In the meantime, I've added a few of the barley, hops and beer photos to the main page slideshow.

I also wanted to mention that my friend, Emily Schaller, is featured in this month's edition of Forbes magazine. They wrote an article on Cystic Fibrosis featuring her, though seeming to neglect to mention all the work she's done to raise money and awareness for CF. (See the City to City Ride 08 and the annual Just Let Me Breathe Benefit Concert.) She was rumored to be getting the cover, but was bumped off by Condie Rice. Anyway, check out the article here. If you ever need a little inspiration, consider that aside from running about 25 miles a week, Emily has run a half marathon and bicycled 280 mile trips – and all with CF!

Incidentally, I've also been working hard on getting her some new photography and a new site. (The photo above was taken at the Hamtramck Labor Day Festival.) I'll post it when it's live.

Special Projects: Storytelling

2008-08-27T16:10:00.010-04:00

I don't think I've mentioned it yet in this blog, but in addition to Beginning Digital and Advanced Digital, I teach a class called Special Projects Digital Photography at OCC in Royal Oak. Before I began teaching the course, it was primarily an independent-study format. I added a twist to that by creating the option of participating in a book project that's based on a single theme elected by the students. Then, at the end of the semester, I design and assemble the book and boom–they're published photographers. It's really an opportunity that I think I would've loved to participate in at CCS, though the closest I got to that was being in a poster our senior year. Well, long story short we're now on Issue 6: Storytelling and the course has been a brilliant success. And I'm now a publisher, apparently!

Last night a few students and I had an interview with Elizabeth Katz of The Daily Tribune. If you're in Oakland County, keep your eyes peeled for us in the next week or so. I'll post a link when it goes online. We've also had past write-ups in the Metro Times and The Mirror. To view all the current issues of Special Projects check out: www.lulu.com/specialprojects. All issues are sold at-cost and are free to download.

UPDATE 9.1.08
The article for the Daily Tribune was published last weekend. Check it out here. Thanks again to Elizabeth Katz for her interest!

Hops!

2008-08-26T23:34:00.004-04:00

I was finally able to photograph the hops grown by Rex Halfpenny from the Michigan Beer Guide this past Wednesday, thus concluding my craft beer photo journey. The photos above are a few of my fav's. I am now currently in the process of editing the final selection which will be printed on canvas and exhibited at Bastone Brewery, Royal Oak this fall. Thanks again to Rex for all his help in this project! I think it goes without saying that if you need to know anything about beer in Michigan, the Michigan Beer Guide is a fabulous source.

2008 Beijing Olympics

2008-08-09T17:33:00.007-04:00

Photo: Jason Lee/Reuters
Aside from what you may or may not feel about China, their opening ceremonies last night were stunning. If you missed it, check it out online.

More Barley Photography

2008-08-07T15:15:00.003-04:00

A sampling of some of the other barley photos I'm shooting for Bastone. Up next- hops!

Barley!

2008-07-27T18:16:00.004-04:00

After much investigation and anticipation, I was finally able to photograph two-row barley Friday at Turnwald Farms in Shepherd, Michigan. I will post more photography as I'm able to get through it, most likely tomorrow. Thanks again to Mike Turnwald for his hospitality!

311/313 N. Washington Exterior Photography

2008-07-23T16:14:00.004-04:00

I'm really happy with the way these developed and a few should make it into my architectural portfolio shortly. I love shooting at dusk, and much prefer it to dawn shooting. (!)

On this particular shoot I learned that a lot of people in Royal Oak ride their bicycles alone, listening to music with headphones and singing at the top of their lungs. There were so many people doing this I was actually shocked. Also, for people singing in their cars with the windows down– your voice carries way farther than the music. I could hear everything : )

311/313 N. Washington

2008-07-15T12:42:00.006-04:00

Some photos from the recent shoot of the Mitchell residence. The exterior dusk shots are to come this week, hopefully shooting tonight.

A sampling of photography from the latest Bastone shoot

2008-07-07T16:44:00.007-04:00

I'm currently trying to locate growers of barley and/or hops in Michigan for the purpose of photographing the crops in the field and completing this series. If you have any information that may prove helpful, please contact me.

UPDATE JULY 10, 2008
I have now located both two-row barley and hops being grown here in Michigan! Many thanks to Anne at KalamaBrew and Rex from the Michigan Beer Guide for their help.

Dirkhund Training

2008-07-01T19:08:00.010-04:00

I will be shooting more photography for Erin at Dirkhund Training this week. Erin is pictured at right with my dog, Uli, looking somewhat crazed. She is currently accepting new clients, so if you have an unruly dog that needs help you can find her at www.dirkhundtraining.com. Uli is actually really well behaved... so long as she gets her exercise.

Speaking of dog exercise, one of the best things invented for dogs is WalkyDog - a bicycle attachment allowing dogs to jog along on a bike ride. It has a spring and bungee cord inside to dampen any lunges or outrageous behavior, and it actually works. I can be seen on a regular basis biking around with Uli, sometimes not even peddling...

What were you doing yesterday morning?

2008-06-27T13:53:00.009-04:00

I was spending some time with a few cold ones and award-winning brewmaster, Rockne, at Bastone in Royal Oak. I am shooting their brewing process/beer for new photography that will adorn the restaurant. More to come - I have quite a bit of photos to sort through.

Things on my kitchen table

2008-06-25T22:56:00.007-04:00

For no reason whatsoever.

Inspiration

2008-06-13T18:59:00.004-04:00

Viewing good photography can do wonders for a stale mind. Some links I've been enjoying:

http://www.fstopmagazine.com/
http://www.blueeyesmagazine.com/
http://www.pdnonline.com/
http://www.flakphoto.com/
http://www.notifbutwhen.com/NIBW/
http://www.lensculture.com/
http://www.iheartphotograph.blogspot.com/

Congrats to Mr. & Mrs. Heurtebise!

2008-06-11T15:07:00.003-04:00

Congratulations to Kristi & Ron for the wedding last weekend! They were lucky to have perfect weather and amazing music accompaniment...yeah, that's my husband and I. (BTW, we both think we look like major dorks in that photo.) By request we performed You'll Accompany Me by Bob Seger as they walked down the isle. Not by request, we also played Purple Rain while the guests arrived and Hollywood Nights when they were pronounced man and wife. It was great!

Ninja Warrior 20

2008-05-19T18:38:00.007-04:00

Well, this isn't exactly photography news, but a Traverse City native (who now lives in Ann Arbor) competed on one of my favorite shows last night: Japan's Ninja Warrior. His name is Levi "SkyNative" Meeuwenberg and he's a freerunner, which basically means he'd probably make a great ninja in real life, scaling builidings, doing acrobatics, etc. (Somewhat kidding.) Anyway, the best news is that he did insanely well and was the lone contestant to make it to the third stage! Congrats to Levi!

New Photography Added

2008-05-13T11:59:00.007-04:00

New photography from Puerto Vallarta has been added to the interior and exterior architectural galleries.

Also, the long lost "vitals" have been added to the Bizarroland series (filed under Personal Work). These vitals describe the characteristics and likelyhood of encountering one of the Bizarroland creatures. Just click on the photo to view the vitals in a new window.

Enjoy!

New Site Published!

2008-05-10T15:00:00.002-04:00

It's been a long while coming, but the new site is finally up. It was quite the controversy getting this blog to match the rest of the site, but I've learned quite a bit in the process. (!) I'm also finalizing my migration from Adobe GoLive to Dreamweaver, which has been a hassle but ends on a good note: it turns out I like Dreamweaver better.

Aside from all the technical drama, the hardest thing for any photographer to do is edit their work. I'll go beyond that and say that what's even harder is deciding how to categorize, what to include, what not to include, how to display, etc. After much delay and second thoughts I'm finally publishing the site as it is now. Let's just say, don't be surprised if it's organized differently a month from now...but that's ok, I think.

One of the main reasons to launch this site is for me to both mentally and visibly put a focus on my photography. I've always been a bit of everything - web designer, teacher, graphic designer - but my passion is for photography. In the past I've neglected updating my work when overwhelmed with work for other people. No more. Mark my words – I will update my entire portfolio at least once a month. I'll also post work-in-progress here in the blog. As a college instructor, one thing I know is that nothing usually gets done without a deadline, or at the least clearly written expectations. So there you are.