outtakes from my first ‘this moment’

“The camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera.” ~ Dorothea Lange

The quote above might be my all-time favorite concerning photography.  I was reminded of the truth of this simple statement last week as I prepared to participate in the international weekly blogging ritual known as ‘This Moment’. 

As a professional photographer, I am no stranger to my camera.  However, it’s been a while since I carried my camera with me 24/7 for a whole week searching for amazing everyday images from my somewhat ordinary life.  Not only did I capture some beautiful, heartwarming images, but, I also noticed that everyday moments from my life became a little more extraordinary by virtue of seeing through this process. 

At the end of the week it was hard for me to choose just one image.  So, I’m including the runners-up here.  If you had outtakes, or other favorite images, from last week PLEASE share them in the comments below, too!

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The first official sign of Autumn for me is when the big tree behind my little art studio catches a corner of gold & orange.  The whole tree will be aflame with color in the blink of an eye!  There was a bittersweet moment of recognition when I noticed her first leaves had begun to change last week.

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A little girl from my art class shows off her creation.  Kids’ artwork makes my heart happy!  In some ways every piece is unique and in other ways it’s archetypal and looks the same generation after generation.         

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Mr. C brought these tiny beauties home from the Farmers’ Market.  We’re still not quite sure what to do with them.  They are VERY HOT!  If you have ideas or recipes — please share!

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Neighborhood kids letting off some steam.  I got bonked on the head with the ball a few times during this impromptu shoot because I was sitting right under the hoop.  So worth it!

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One of my favorite parts of my job is signing my artwork.  There’s something very satisfying about this simple but profound act.  I have often wondered what impact there would be on job satisfaction and quality of work if everyone signed their name to their work at the end of the day. 

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This little sweetheart belongs to participants in a drop-in art program for teens which I facilitate each week.  Last week she spent most of the session on my lap so Mommy could paint a beautiful plaque to hang over her crib.    

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Last, but not least, I shall loop around to the top photo of me.  I was waiting to meet a client who was running late, which gave me the opportunity to shoot a couple random photos in the meantime.  I had specifically planned the meeting at a place where I knew I would have plenty of “eye candy” so when they were late I was not bothered in the least.  This photo reminds me of a quote from Van Gogh:

“I often think that the night is more alive and more richly colored than the day.”

Well, that’s my week in pictures.  Thank you for letting me share them with you!  Please consider participating in ‘This Moment’ this week — you might be surprised how much more you’ll enjoy the whole week if you do!  Or at least share a photo or a comment below – I’d love to see what you’ve been up to!