Black Friday - Cyber Monday Sale!

Futurowoman Fotographie is having a sale! From Black Friday through Cyber Monday, all prints in my Etsy shop are 30% off! Moreover, if you'd like a special order from one of my Flickr photos, let me know, and I will list it at the sale price for you! Here are just a few of the prints currently in my shop:







Thank you so much, and happy holidays!

Birthday Wishes

Me on my Second Birthday, 30 December 1972

Today is my 39th Birthday! I'd like to thank everyone who has supported my photography-I really appreciate you! I wish all of you an amazing 2010! I hope this upcoming decade will bring peace and prosperity to you!

On my birthday, I'd also like to highlight a few of the charities that I appreciate. If you're able, please consider giving to Heifer International, Kiva.org, or the International Association for Human Values.

Finally, anyone buying something from my Etsy shop today will receive a surprise gift from me! Happy New Year!

Last Minute Holiday Two-For-One Prints Sale!

Warning: Shameless Self Promotion ahead!

Hanukkah is in full swing and Christmas is around the corner! If you've been thinking about getting a print from my Etsy shop, now is the time! Now through December 15th (until Midnight Pacific Time), I'm having a special sale! If you buy any print, you'll get another of equal or lesser value FREE! Just mention the print you would like, and "241", in your "note to seller" at checkout. And if there is something out-of-stock, or from my Flickr, that you would like, please let me know and we can make it happen!

This sale is perfect if you'd like to gift a print and keep a print!


Protection (2008)
Camera: Polaroid Sx-70
Film: Polaroid Time-Zero
Location: Lisbon, Portugal

Happy Holidays!

My Contribution to Jim Goldstein's Buying Prints from Your Favorite Photographers 2009 Blog Project!

One of the coolest things about the internet is the ability to reconnect with people we've known in the past, but with whom we may have fallen out of touch over the years. In the mid-1990s, I was living in Santa Barbara and was lucky enough to get to know a really cool guy named Jim Goldstein, who is now a prominent--and extremely talented!--nature photographer with a very high web presence in the photography world. Although we fell out of touch, we've reconnected over the internet, and I think it's funny that we've both carved niches for ourselves in the realm of photography (Jim's niche is a lot larger than mine!) Although he takes very different photos from those I take, something we share is a passion for buying prints from our favorite photographers, and this year on his blog, Jim has launched an initiative that I really like: the Buying Prints from Your Favorite Photographers project!

First, allow me to quote Jim regarding the goals of this project:

"It’s not a photo until its a print"

One of the unique aspects of digital photography is that we’re now able to enjoy photographic work with out viewing it in printed form. More so now than ever before supporting a photographer is shown almost exclusively online through photo forums, blogs, and other online communities. While viewing photographs online is easy and relatively inexpensive it is a hollow experience by comparison to holding an actual print from a photographer you respect and admire.

The goal of this project is to introduce fine art photography, photography books, print exchanges, and other photography related products to photography fans of all walks of life. It is also to spur photography fans to think in terms of financially supporting talented photographers so they can continue to do what they love.

Keeping this in mind, I decided to talk not only about my most recent prints purchase, but about some of my all-time favorite print purchases as well. This will allow me to highlight some photographers out there who I believe are not only great at taking photos, but who are also providing wonderful prints that are of high quality. This is important, because I myself sell prints and am a stickler for quality, and there's nothing worse than spending money on a photographer's prints, only to receive a poorly-executed print. This has happened to me a few times, and, frankly, it makes me unhappy with, and embarrassed for, the person who is willing to send out poor quality prints of his or her work. If you're going to sell prints, make sure it looks professional, or at least of the standard that you, yourself, would want if you spent money on it.

My most recent prints purchase was from a photographer whom I have patronized in the past, Sharon Montrose. She sells open edition prints in her Etsy shop, as well as large, limited edition prints direct from her own site. She is an animal portrait photographer, and I find her work amazing! (I just featured her in my Holiday Gift Guide, too!)


Photo by Sharon Montrose, available for purchase here

I bought four of her prints this past spring, and just received four more in the post yesterday. (Very quickly, too--in less than a week's time from when I placed my order!) The entire experience buying from Sharon Montrose was wonderful. She provides a beautiful print through her Etsy shop, making it possible for people who cannot afford her larger editions the chance to collect her work. Something else that I appreciate about the experience of buying from her is that she packages the prints in a fashion that keeps them from being damaged through the post. It sounds like a no-brainer, but I've had several experiences of buying prints from artists who don't reinforce the envelopes, don't mark "DO NOT BEND" on their packages, and otherwise don't protect their work. Sharon's packaging is sturdy enough to get the prints to you without damage, and I really appreciate that. Most of all, however, I've purchased eight of her prints because her portraits evoke powerful emotions in me. She really grants tremendous honor to these animals, and I cannot wait to finally get these prints framed and displayed in my home.

Another great experience I had buying a print was when I bought this photo from a very talented photographer known as Skippy Sanchez:


Photo by Skippy Sanchez, available for purchase here

This photo was taken in 1989 in Yoder, Kansas, when Skippy was on assignment for a Wichita newspaper. The girl is shown in her family's kitchen, churning butter, and was 11 when the image was created. This photo was shot using a Leica (if I recall correctly), and I think the light and composition are simply stunning. I bought a beautiful 11x14" print of this photo a couple of years ago, and it currently hangs above my sofa in my living room. The quality of this print, created on Harman Baryta FB gloss paper, is luminous, yet subtle. I simply adore it.

Hanging next to Skippy Sanchez's photo is a print by one of my favorite Polaroid photographers and one of my closest friends, Elinor Scott-Sutter, otherwise known as Equivoque:


Photo by Elinor Scott-Sutter, available for purchase here

Elinor and I have gifted each other prints over the past few years, and I'm even fortunate enough to own one of her originals! This print, Memento From the Underworld, is simply amazing! The version of it that I have hanging in my living room is a borderless image (that is, the Polaroid border has been removed), printed as a Kodak Endura metallic c-print, which really makes the subtle light of this photo--juxtaposed by the expired quality of the Time-Zero film emulsion--pop! I highly recommend Elinor's prints, as they are very authentic representations of her originals; and that is difficult to achieve with my Polaroids, I can tell you that from first-hand experience.

I am fortunate enough to own many beautiful prints by many other photographers who create lovely images, including Vitaly Garanzha (also known as Vetal-Vetal online), my friend who prints his own stunning prints using traditional methods in his home darkroom; Chris Weeks, whose portrait of David Lynch is one of my favorite celebrity photos ever; Alicia Bock, who is probably the most successful photographer on Etsy and whose TTV images of poppies and ranunculus grace my home; and Pamela Klaffke, whose dark Holga fantasies of her bestia parvulus (animal child) project enchant me! Two of them--Hanukkah Fox and Anas grace my living room near the aforementioned prints by Elinor and Skippy mentioned above.

In all, buying prints is one of the most wonderful things a lover of photography can do! Holding a photo in your hand, gazing upon it framed on your wall, and supporting an artist whose work you admire through a simple financial transaction is a wonderful thing! I highly recommend the experience, even if you can only afford to buy a small, inexpensive print or even a postcard.

Great places to connect with photographers for their prints include: their own websites, contacting them on Flickr via Flickrmail, and buying direct through "handmade" sites, such as Etsy, Dawanda, Big Cartel, Artfire, and many others. Other sites, such as Blurb, DeviantArt, and Lulu, provide drop-shipping options, and are especially good if you're looking for less-expensive, unsigned prints, books, calendars, and more. Whatever your budget, you can find something you can afford with a little research!

The deadline to write your own blog post about your experience buying prints from your own fave photographers in 11th December, so it's not too late to take part! Get out there and buy some prints!

And finally, if you want to buy my prints after reading this post, I'm offering a special promotion! If you buy something from my Etsy shop, mention "Jim's blog project" in your checkout note, and I'll send you another print FREE! (Mention the print you'd like upon checkout, too.) If there's a print from my Flickr that you'd like and it's not in my shop, drop me a note and we can make it happen. Thank you!

My Handmade Gift Guide!

I've been looking at so many wonderful Etsy and otherwise Handmade gift guides, so I thought I would put together one myself! Before I present this year's list of handmade gift ideas, click here to see last year's suggestions, because these shops still rock!

Embroidered beauty by Mary's Granddaughter



I splurged and got myself this beautiful piece, and it amazes me. I'm developing a little embroidered art collection, and I believe that anyone who loves needlework would be thrilled to get something from Mary's Granddaughter. Her work is so perfectly executed and beautifully presented!

Animal Portraiture Photo Prints by Sharon Montrose



I have several of her prints, and they simply blow me away with their sleek presentation and striking emotional power. My dream is to have my dogs' photo portraits taken by Sharon Montrose!

Incredible Handmade Beaded Jewelry by Jennifer Morris



I have been dreaming of Jennifer Morris' beads for ages, and I definitely hope to own one of her amazing pieces one day. She's also a very talented photographer.

Unique Porcelain Creations by Alyssa Ettinger



I simply adore Alyssa Ettinger's pristine designs, which are nostalgic and modern at the same time. This lantern in particular is a favorite of mine, and on my own Christmas wishlist! ;)

A Luxurious Handmade Purse by Morelle



I own this beautiful handbag made by Morelle, and I'm in love with its soft leather and beautiful color! This is a very well-made bag, and it arrived so beautifully presented, too! I really love the extra long strap as well. As a plus-sized person, many handbag straps are too short for me, but this one is ideal!

A Super-Awesome Knitted Accessory by Yokoo



I really admire Yokoo and the way she's created a unique style and image for her special designs! I have two of her knitted shopping bags, and I am now lusting after this awesome hat, which reminds me of a super-hot up-do!

A Nostalgic Polaroid Print by Polaroidgirl



Polaroidgirl is a wonderful Photographer whose Polaroids evoke the beauty of the past in our memories and the present in our daily lives. I am lucky enough to own one of her prints and an original(!), and the quality is fantastic!!!

A Mysterious Photograph by ValeriaH Photography



I still haven't bought one of her prints, but I really need to, because I've been admiring her use of light for some time now. This is my favorite photo from her shop, but I really like everything she has to offer.

A Wonderful Interior Painting or Print by Janet Hill



I am fortunate enough to own two original paintings by Janet Hill, including this one, and I can tell you that you cannot fully appreciate them on the computer, because the textures and luminosity in real life are just amazing! Janet also offers amazingly inexpensive prints in her shop as well, so there's something for all budgets. I love her interiors the most; they are whimsical and classic.

Hot Embroidery Patterns and Kits from Sublime Stitching



I am so in love with the wonderful kits and patterns from Sublime Stitching! Although I haven't had the time to embroider as much as I've wanted to, I credit Jenny Hart with making it possible for me to make this crazy piece, my very first embroidery:



If you have someone on your shopping list who wants to learn embroidery, or who wants some killer patterns, visit Sublime Stitching for awesome gifts!

And if you don't want to buy something made by someone else, make something yourself to give! Happy Holidays!

All photos in this post come from the shops cited.

The Puritan Polaroid Project (and a Black Friday sale!)

I just got back from Boston, where I was attending the annual Middle East Studies Association meeting. While I was there, I took a break from academia for a few hours and went to one of my favorite spots in the city, the Old Granary Burial Ground. I am fascinated by the old Puritan and Post-Puritan gravestones, and decided that on this trip, I would take a series of detail photos from some of my favorite markers.

Since it's Thanksgiving, I put them all together today. I hope you like them.


The Puritan Polaroid Project (2009)
Camera: Polaroid Sx-70
Film: Polaroid 600 and 779 (expired)
Click here to view it large!

These are some of my favorites from the session. I find this cemetery so haunting, and I feel like I've finally captured something of that feeling with these images.


Memento Mori


Buried


Sacred the Memory


Death With Wings


Crossbones

For more of my gravesite photos from past trips to this cemetery, click here.

Also, I'm happy to announce a special I'm having for readers of my blog in my Etsy shop. Now through Nov 30th, if you buy anything in my shop and use the code "I Read Your Blog" in the checkout note, I'll give you a shipping refund! Thank you!

Winners of the Giveaway! and a SALE!

I'm so excited to announce the winners of the giveaway! Thank you to everyone who entered!

Here's how I picked the winners. I used the random numbers generator on random.org to pick the numbers. I numbered each comment based on the order it appears on the blog, from top to bottom.

The Second Runner Up gets to choose any print from my Etsy shop in the size of her choice, up to size 5x5" or 5x7"!
The winner is #34, otherwise known as Alicia!


The First Runner Up gets to choose any print from my Etsy shop in the size of her choice, up to size 8x8" or 8x10"!
The winner is #24, otherwise known as E!


The Grand Prize winner gets to choose any print from my Etsy shop in the size of her choice, up to size 12x12" or 11x14"!
And...the winner is...Karen Beth!


Winners, watch your inboxes for more info!

Thank you so much to all of you who entered, and to everyone who has supported my photography this past year. On the eve of Thankgiving, I am very thankful for all of you!!!

Also, I'm happy to announce a special I'm having for readers of my blog in my Etsy shop. Now through Nov 30th, if you buy anything in my shop and use the code "I Read Your Blog" in the checkout note, I'll give you a shipping refund! PASS IT ON!

Futurowoman Fotographie Giveaway!

UPDATE! Entries have now closed! I will announce the winners tonight (11/25) on this blog, so stay tuned! Thank you to all who entered and good luck!

I'm having a giveaway!!!

I'm excited to announce a Futurowoman Fotographie giveaway, starting today and ending November 25th at Noon Central Standard Time! Between now and then, everyone may enter per the rules below.

What will the winners get?


GRAND PRIZE: The Grand Prize winner will get to choose any print from my Etsy shop in the size of her/his choice, up to size 12x12" or 11x14"!
First Runner Up: The First Runner Up will get to choose any print from my Etsy shop in the size of her/his choice, up to size 8x8" or 8x10"!
Second Runner Up: The Second Runner Up will get to choose any print from my Etsy shop in the size of her/his choice, up to size 5x5" or 5x7"!

How do you enter? Here are the ways:

1) You must become a fan of Futurowoman Fotographie on Facebook. Click here to become a fan!
2) Make a comment here on this blog confirming that you are a Facebook Fanpage fan, and include a link from my shop with your favorite print from my Etsy shop!

That's it--you're entered! Now, if you'd like additional entries, you may get them by:

1) Twittering about this contest and adding a comment here linking to your twitter.
2) Blogging about this contest and adding a comment here linking to your blog.

Thank you so much! I look forward to giving away some of my prints in this contest!


Dancing Queen (2005)
Camera: Lomo LC-A
Film: Kodak Ektachrome e100g, Cross Processed
Location: Orlando, FL

The Grand Canyon Time-Zero Project

'Roid Week at Flickr has officially begun! Aside from the two photos of my dogs that I posted here yesterday, I posted the photo below as a submission for day one. I'm really excited about the photo-collage below, for it depicts photographic memories of a beautiful day this past July when I was lucky enough to visit the breaktaking Grand Canyon. I was especially lucky to have some lovely expired Time-Zero film with me--my favorite film I've ever shot. Although I've posted a few images from this day in earlier posts, this is the first time I've presented all twelve Time-Zero photos that I shot together. I hope you will enjoy them!


The Grand Canyon Time-Zero Project (2009)
Camera: Polaroid SX-70
Film: Polaroid Time-Zero (Expired)
Click here to see each image larger

And don't forget my 'Roid Week sale! Now through Friday, 6 November, I'll be celebrating 'Roid Week with a Sale in my Etsy shop! Buy any Polaroid print in my shop, get another of equal or lesser value free! Just mention "Roid Week" at checkout in the comments to the seller, and I'll send you a free print!

'Roid Week 2009 & A Sale!

It's time! This week--2-6 November 2009--is 'Roid Week 2009! It's a biannual Flickr event that celebrates all things instant photography! Everyone may upload up to three new-to-Flickr polaroids per day. It's so fun to see all of the new instant classics uploaded to the pool!

Here's a sneak peak of what I'll be uploading on the first day; I shot these photos of my doggies last weekend as they luxuriated in a hotel, using my Polaroid SX-70 and some sweet 779 film.


Laika in October 2009


Orson Takes a Nap

And now to the sale! Now through Friday, 6 November, I'll be celebrating 'Roid Week with a Sale in my Etsy shop! Buy any Polaroid print in my shop, get another of equal or lesser value free! Just mention "Roid Week" at checkout in the comments to the seller, and I'll send you a free print!

And, if you ever want a print from my portfolio that isn't in my shop, just ask and I'll make it available!

More Sign Love and Last Day of Sale!

Today's I'd like to continue the tribute to signs that I started in my previous post. Old signs are so fun to document, and I hope you'll enjoy today's selection from my collection of retro sign snaps!


Cocktail Hour (2005)
Camera: Olympus e-300 Digital SLR
Location: El Paso, TX


The Parliament House (2006)
Camera: Polaroid SX-70
Film: Polaroid Time-Zero
Location: Orlando, FL


Drugs (2008)
Camera: Velveeta Shells and Cheese Dinner Plastic 110 Toy Camera
Film: Solaris 110 film (200 speed)
Location: Denton, TX


Pump 'N' Munch (2008)
Camera: Lomo LC-A
Film: Kodak Ektachrome e100g
Cross Processed
Location: Pine City, MN

Also, today (May 25th) is the last day of my Memorial Day Weekend Sale! I will ship all orders from my Etsy shop FREE WORLDWIDE! To get this special deal, just mention "MEMORIAL DAY" in the "Note to Seller" section of the Etsy checkout process! I will then refund you your shipping costs through PayPal!

Thank you and have a lovely day!

Retro Sign Love and Memorial Day Weekend Sale!

If you've looked carefully at my body of work, you know that I love taking photos of cool vintage and retro signs! As a professional historian, I appreciate signs as cultural productions and documentation of human desire, and I want to collect images of as many as possible, before they disappear. As a photographer, I love the aesthetics of sign design. Here are a few of my favorite sign photographs that I've taken over the past few years. I hope you'll enjoy them as much as I do!


Apollo Liquors en Lomo (2008)
Location: Austin, Minnesota
Camera: Lomo LC-A
Film: Kodak Ektachrome e100g
Cross Processed


The Sands (2006)
Location: Orlando, Florida
Camera: Holga CFN
Film: Ilford Delta 3200


Diesel Fried Chicken (2006)
Location: Van Horn, Texas
Camera: Polaroid SX-70
Film: Polaroid Time-Zero
Note: This sign, sadly, no longer exists! I'm so glad I took this photo!


Thelma's Kitchen (2005)
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Film: Kodak Ektachrome e100g
Cross Processed

More signs to come!

Also, beginning today and running through May 25th, I will ship all orders from my Etsy shop FREE WORLDWIDE! To get this special deal, just mention "MEMORIAL DAY" in the "Note to Seller" section of the Etsy checkout process! I will then refund you your shipping costs through PayPal!

Please feel free to pass this deal on to your friends, and thank you! Also, if there is a print you'd like from my portfolio but you don't see it in my shop, just let me know and I can list it for you!

Poppytalk!

I am very proud to be a part of the new Poppytalk Handmade Market, Paper Pops! This is a beautiful collection of handmade stationary and affordable art by a host of amazingly talented artists and designers! Here is a screen shot of my table:




I am really honored to be a part of this market! There are so many talented artists and makers in this collection. I personally own beautiful artwork by fellow Poppytalkers Alicia Bock and Elizabeth Soule, and I have four prints coming to me from Sharon Montrose as I type! I've also gifted something special from Paloma's Nest and it was so perfect! I know that I'll just have to indulge in the market soon! If you love handmade art and stationary with a professional edge, definitely check out Poppytalk Handmade this month.

My Mother's New Blythe Crochet Shop!

My 75-year-old mother has just opened her own Etsy shop! She makes these great hats for Blythe, and I take the photos. We'll be adding a lot more in the near future, including hats for PETEENA!

Love Blythe







Click the pics to visit her shop! Thanks for looking!

hello! is it really september already?

Oh my, I have been so neglectful of my blog as of late! The primary reason has been that my summer has been so very busy! Trips to Colorado (for work), Minnesota (work and play), and California (play and work) kept me very busy! And now the new university term has begun. In case you don't know, I'm a professor at the University of North Texas, so my schedule gets really busy in September. To top it off, I've fallen a bit behind in some writing duties, so I'm still playing a bit of catchup!

However, I've been finding a bit of time here and there to play with my batches of Polaroid Artistic TZ film! I wanted to post this particular photo today to encourage everyone out there to consider replacing your loud and polluting gas and electric lawn mowers with an awesome push mower! My husband and I got this gorgeous retro-and-wonderful, truly analog push mower some months ago, and our lawn looks great! Just think: you'll get some exercise, won't pollute, and have some mulch at the end of your lawn mowing session! It's getting easier and easier to be green, and small steps really add up!


The Lawnmower Polaroid, 2008
Camera: Polaroid SX-70
Film: Polaroid Artistic TZ Film
signed prints in my Etsy shop

Enjoy the final days of summer, everyone!

Secret Trunkt Sale!

I'm having a secret sale at my Etsy shop that's only known to my Trunkt customers! Read the details below and then click the link to visit my shop!



I've finally taken the plunge and created a Premium Portfolio at Trunkt. I love the layout and the unlimited nature of the portfolios there. And now you can even send futurowoman e-cards from there!