Taking Portraits of People

I don't take a lot of photos of people, but I do enjoy taking photos of special people in my life. (This is distinct from photos of strangers, of which I have a growing collection, too.) This morning I started going through some of my favorite portraits--both posed and candid--and thinking about what makes them special to me. I think the main emotion I try to express in the images of people that I create is a sense of connection. Sometimes the connection is with the photographer; at other times, another person, animal, or an object is the focus of connection. I'm hoping to become a better portraiture photographer in the coming years. Until then, here are some of my favorites:


Bryan, With Reflection (2008)
Camera: Holga CFN
Film: Classic Pan 400


My Mother and Her Doll, II (2007)
Camera: Holga CFN
Film: Classic Pan 400


Daisy & Charlie (2010)
Camera: Olympus e-300 DSLR


Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (2003)
Camera: Olympus APS
Film: Kodak APS 800


Alex on her Rooftop (2009)
Camera: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX150


Ben Gets An Ice Cream From the Ice Cream (Wo)Man (2009)
Camera: Polaroid Sx-70 Alpha 1, Model 2
Film: Polaroid 600 *expired* + ND filter

I'm Having a Huge Sale!

Hi everyone! I'm having a 40% off sale on all photography prints in my Etsy shop! Now through October 24th, everything in my shop is deeply discounted, and there are no codes needed! This is a great time to stock up on prints you've always wanted, as well as holiday gifts!


One of my favorites, A Zeppelin Over San Francisco (2009)

Thanks to all of you for supporting my photography!

10/10/10, 10:10

It's 10/10/10, and this is how Laika spent her 10:10 moment:


Camera: Polaroid Spectra System SE
Film: Polaroid Spectra Grid Film (expired)

Learning to Sew

I've been teaching myself how to sew, and I really enjoy it!


Learning to Sew (2010)
Camera: Polaroid SX-70
Film: Polaroid 600 (expired), no ND filter
signed print at my etsy

With help from a variety of books (including those by Amy Karol, Amy Butler, and Martha Stewart), as well as the rad online sewing class from Freckled Nest, Home Ec, some trial and error and a very easy-to-use sewing machine from Brother, I've found that it's a fun, easy, and rewarding hobby!

Do you sew? If "sew" (lol!), share your best sewing story or advice, please!