There is something about this photo; the way Royce is exploring this old photo Enlarger. For me, it is a time past—using film and a darkroom—and fresh eyes on Photography. I feel I’ve grown tremendously over the years, especially since having kids. I no longer want instant gratification for my work, but have realized there is so much more (education, training, creativity) for me to put into my craft in order to gain all there is to offer in this field I love so much.
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When I worked at Anthropologie we would take quarterly "Inspiration Days" to get out of our store to reboot. Light is the essence of what I do, so some days I just need to get back to the purity of creation, do some light chasing, and paint God's beauty through my lens. Plus, sunny Vitamin D never hurt my mood. It was my pleasure to shoot the Anthropologie Summer Fashion Show at Eton Collection in Woodmere last Thursday. The company began doing these shows a few years ago all over the country to highlight outfitting and exciting new arrivals for their local customers.
While it's not only smart, experiential marketing, the work that goes into these is pretty incredible, especially considering the fact that no special team is hired. With direction from Home Office, the management team is responsible for selecting models, finding make-up and hair artists, putting together over 25 looks, creating take-aways and a backdrop, hiring a caterer and photographer, and speaking at the event! Every local Anthropologie is finding ways to reach out to their community with fashion shows, display workshops, birthdays and other events. Have you ever been to your local store? It's more than you may think: inspiring, educational, inviting. And if nothing else, check out the blog! Over my thirty-some years of life I remember often coming back to family albums of my mom and dad's trips to Israel, Cairo, Canada, NYC and the many places they have lived or visited. My dad had a Minolta 35mm camera - the same camera I started my photography education. He had a basic understanding of the settings and took simple, but beautiful snapshots of my parents’ lives in the 70s and 80s. I have gone over these photos of my parents hundreds of times over my lifetime and they are what gave me a thirst for travel, new places, new stories and experiences. They gave me identity - told me where I came from and what came before me - put me in my place in this great world. I love these photos and what they show of my life and my history, some before I was even born. Now most of us keep images tucked away in iPhones and computer files. And while I treasure these digital files as well, they are not satisfyingly tactile as the eternal printed image. These are the photographs of the snapshots in my parents' albums; ones I've looked at too many times to count. I began photographing these photos to see them again and give them new life. What legacy will your family photos leave? Treasure the images of your past. Braxton and I spent 3 glorious golden hours of the morning at the Cleveland Metroparks a couple weeks ago. Besides hiking up a giant hill (No. Really, it was more of a mountain towering above Rocky River) pushing a dump-truck toy, throwing dirt everywhere, climbing trees, and generally "being" a toddler boy, we met my good friend Jennifer. She is the imagination behind WE { weddings & events }, a small business creating and planning "bespoke events of all sizes." I have worked with her at several weddings including my own and Samantha + Benjamin's I shot earlier this fall. We first met when we worked at Anthropologie, so for us, this was a creative merchandising dream. But truth be told, Jen did all the actual work and I just attempted to do it justice in these photographs. She brought a Jeep-full of florals and decorative finds she uses to personalize her clients' events. She then went to work creating 5 unique tablescapes that were contagiously inspiring. She mentioned to me that she wants to make it possible for anyone, even those on a tight budget, to have gorgeous florals to color their special day. And the best thing about Jen -- she oozes with passion. Her genuine love for you and your event will be undeniable. You can contact Jennifer to set up a consultation at 216.832.7738 or [email protected] Early this week we arrived home from one of our annual trips up to Ontario, Canada to visit with relatives. While there we were fortunate to see the inner workings of a small vegetable farm in Toronto area called Joyfully Organic Farm. I was giddy to, first, be able to photograph such passionate people and all the love that goes into growing real, nourishing food. Second, to be able to experience firsthand the immense work it takes to sustain a small organic vegetable farm business. Along with harvesting, washing the veg, helping with CSA deliveries, and visiting a couple of their farmers markets, I met beautiful people volunteering and participating in their efforts. I just couldn't soak it all in enough and left feeling strangely renewed and inspired to improve on my own work as a photographer.
I fell in love with the dreamy little Gower House as soon as I stepped inside the circa 1890s home. It stands poised, remembering martini-clad flappers and 50's dinner trays as changes have been happening all around it. Across the road is the fittingly-named All-American Sports Center with batting cages and mini golf. Behind that is juxtaposed a constantly growing Ryan Homes community, the quality a far cry from the crown moulding, brass screws, decorative wallpapers, and elaborate woodwork of the Gower House.
The house sits in front of the private prep school, Lake Ridge Academy, in North Ridgeville, Ohio. The school outbid on it to prevent a cement company from moving in and taking over the serene open land in front of the school's campus. Unfortunately, unable to maintain and renovate the property back to working order, the decision was made to salvage parts (thank goodness! that relieves my aching heart just a little) and set a demolition date. So in early August the Gower House will be no longer. I think I will forever dream of living in a house like this one some day so this is probably partly why I felt so compelled to capture it's beauty. While I'm not connected to this home in any way, I'm sure there were many amazing memories made by Gower Family generations over the years. I suppose time must march on. |
Hi. I'm Suzanna.I like running outside, eating real food and crafting beautiful images. I am captivated by documenting everyday life–revealing what authentic, adventurous and lovers of life we all are. Life is full.Sign up for my newsletter, PRISM, for creative inspiration to remember the details that count. Thank you!Look for a new PRISM in your inbox very soon. |