The word this week is "Sweet" and my inspiration is sweet simplicity ... I like to keep things simple ... keeping the focus on the subject ... not a lot of fuss or props. The weeks are flying by so fast! ... And now follow along to the next photographer and see her image for the word sweet: Nicole Gerhardt
I can't believe it's already been 2 weeks since my last post here's Week 1: Inspiration . The word this week is "pattern" ... I've been knitting lately, I don't know how to read a pattern and the only pattern I know is the knit/pearl. I would love to take a class and learn more but for now I just make square blankets ... I thought these would be beautiful to use for my baby photography. I love beautiful bright colors and knitting these blankets has been a nice way to relax in the evening ... I love that one strand of string looped together can make this beautiful simple pattern. And now follow along to the next photographer and see what inspires her when she thinks of the word "pattern" ... the lovely Nicole Gerhardt !
This year I have joined a group of photographers from around the world, including Australia, Canada, and all over the US. We are working on a project called "Shot of inspiration" it is a bi-weekly project focused on embracing our creative heart, a fabulous term from the amazing Barb Uil of JinkyArt. As professional photographers we often get caught up in the business of photography and stop shooting for ourselves. Focusing on our creative heart is a reminder to look inside, explore the possibilities, think outside the box, and create art for art’s sake. This is a challenge to push our creative self and stay inspired.
Our theme for week 1 is inspiration ... My favorite subjects are photographing babies ... and what inspired my love of babies since I was a little girl ... is looking at my own baby pictures! I loved looking at all the little details of what my life looked like back then ... how my mom was always so perfectly dressed ... me in the most beautiful baby clothes ... I still have most of those clothes today ... I love them and treasure them! I especially loved that my early childhood was spent in Germany and the beauty and simplicity of the european baby clothes and bedding. I loved looking at these pictures when I was a little girl, feeling so adored and special. When I photograph families, I always think about how much my images will mean to my clients many years from now ... but I especially think about the little ones who will not have memories but only beautiful photographs to see how much their parents loved and adored them! ~Michaela
Now meet the next photographer in our group and see what she has come up with for her image on the word "inspiration" ... Nicole Gerhardt .
For as long I can remember I have loved going into a complete strangers home, looking at their photo albums and hearing their stories. We all have a story and that is what draws me to photography more than anything ... I want to tell your story.
I've been with my husband Ed for over 22 years and have heard many stories about Uncle Bill & Aunt Alice ... They are 93 & 94 years old and have been married 69 years! They remind me so much of the movie "Up". They never had children but had many years of "Adventures" on their 48' Chris Craft Boat and building a successful business together. I asked Ed's parents if we could take a trip to visit with them so I could take their pictures and document their incredible story. Ed and I drove down with his parents and spent some time visiting with Bill & Alice. They are sharp as a tack and had so many memories to share! A few days later I found out about StoryCorps and now hope to record a bit of their story and wisdom for living such a long life and marriage. At the bottom of this post is a link to one of the sweetest stories from StoryCorp ... the story of "Danny & Annie" ... grab some tissue before you start to watch! Enjoy! ~Michaela
I'm still here ... just spending most of my time on Facebook: Michaela's Photography on Facebook
... and I have a new Facebook High School Senior site: Michaela's Photography | Seniors
Be sure to click "Like" on the top right to get updates and specials. I plan on posting more on this poor little old blog and catching up soon! I have so many sessions share! ~Michaela
This year for St. Patricks Day ... we had a special dinner and family gathering at Grandma & Grandpas the night before and for breakfast the boys had some green milk. Just a little something to make the day special. Here's the link to last years fun St Patricks Day 2010. ~Michaela
Actually, this is a Fox Island newborn (10 days old)! I photographed the maternity session here in Olympia and drove to their new home on Fox Island for the newborn session. I love photographing babies in their own homes in a very natural way. The first few months of your babies life sometimes feels like such a blur... sleepless nights, feedings... just simply adjusting to this new little family member can be so over whelming. It's a time that passes by so quickly and you don't want to forget a minute of it! I love to photograph the moments you have together and photograph the baby the way you will want to remember him/her. One of my favorite things to do is find out what makes your baby unique... that cute little cowlick, a sweet little birth mark... and like this little guy... a heart shaped tongue... how cute is that! Baby Q is such a beautiful baby and I love all of his dark hair! ~Michaela
Goodness it's been a while... I've resigned myself to the fact that I'm not much of a blogger or very social in the month of January. For me January is the time to find my center, to reflect on the previous year, be present in the now and by February I'm able to move forward and get excited about the new year.
Last year was an exciting year for me, I had so many great sessions and met so many new clients that always turn into friendships. Photography is a constant challenge for me and I love that... finding my style, what makes me unique... working on my skill and the technical aspects of photography... I feel fortunate to have found my passion and am able to do what I love for a living. Being a business owner is an entirely different challenge for me, I have such a new found respect for anyone that embarks on being self employed and being a small business owner.
Ed and I have been taking the boys on nature hikes all over Olympia... again... trying to find our center... needing some balance from the hustle and bustle of daily life. We start out the morning with a great breakfast. One of our morning favorites... ground sweet pork sausage from Johnson's Meats , 1/2 a dozen eggs, mix it up, scoop spoonfuls into pan and fry. Blueberry pancakes with a little homemade Jelly... I take frozen Spooner's Berry Farms strawberries from last summer and equal amounts sugar (I try to use less)... bring to a boil and pour into jam jar. Some of our favorite places to explore; Kennedy Creek Salmon Trail , McLane Creek Nature Trail and Mima Mounds Prairie. There are so many more in our area... if you have a favorite... please share and leave a comment! ~Michaela
