Some Holga Happiness

Scanned these images from my Holga negs. They were taken in Mexico while attending Jose's workshop.
I'm not sure which one I really like better. The top one with the extra little bit of surroundings or the bottom with the shadow play and simplicity? Help me decide and leave your vote in the comment section. Heeeyyyy wait a minute, I just had a thought! The one with the most votes by Friday will be marked the winner and if you voted for the winner, I'll send you a 5x5 of the winning image! Let's have some fun!

Gone fishin'.....

Well, not really fishin', but I am out of town and won't be home until this weekend. So, if you are trying to get a hold of me, sorry, don't have much time to get on the net to check emails and such, today was the first and probably only day for a while!
But, if you have any questions, please keep the emails coming (click on EMAIL ME right under my banner above) and I'll get back to you as soon as possible!
I only have a couple spots left for weddings, so please email me as soon as possible if you want to reserve or inquire about a date :) Thanks all and I'll talk with you when I get home! :)

Paula and Jory

The hardest part about visiting my family is when it's time to leave. I always miss my nieces so much.

An evening at Mr. V's

The one thing I absolutely love about traveling is meeting people, and last night was no exception.
I found these two beautiful people at a local favorite karaoke spot and knew immediately that I just had to photograph them.
I introduced myself and within a few minutes we were shooting under some awesome red neon lights. Thanks you two for allowing me some time with you!

Victorville, California

Couldn't believe it was snowing here yesterday,,,in the high desert!
Had a good dinner with the family last night then we all headed out for some good karaoke fun,,, pictures coming, stay tuned!

eternus

I had forgotten all about this image but as I waded through my drives recently we were reunited. It brings a peace to me.
The day I made the image it was dark, rainy and everything was sopping wet, including me. The air about me moved with such deep peace and tranquility that I became completely absorbed. I lost my thoughts and myself and I drifted away.

I'm dreaming again,,,

of pathways and narrows wandered, oh, my beautiful Barcelona.

Assignment Europe

Just sent in my final edit from the Europe assignment and wanted to share a few colorful favorite pics of mine.
The following shots, except the first one, were all taken in Girona and Barcelona Spain. If ever you get to spend some time in Barcelona, make sure you take the 4 hour Fat Tire Bike Tour through the city. There's no better way to see the sights!
I can't exactly remember the name of the little square or the historical event that happened where the last frame was taken but all the holes and pounding in the walls are from gunfire.

You're invited,,,,

to a showing of my work from Haiti, the poorest nation in the western hemisphere.
This Friday night from 5-9 I'll be at Global Village during the Christmas Stroll and Artwalk.

2720 3rd Ave N
Billings, MT

The images I'll be showing are some of my favorite images and moments from my first journey there.
They say your first trip to Haiti should not be much longer than a few days,,,,I was there for about 10 days and was worn well thin. I was quite beat down physically and emotionally. They also say you either hate it or love it. Personally, I fell passionately in love with Haiti, the people, their culture and the sad beauty it is.
If you are a photographer, writer or just an interested soul, I am planning a trip back to Haiti for next November. Email me for details. The trip will coincide with Day of the Dead festivities.

Hope to see you at the walk!

This is an image taken during one of the biggest Vodou festivals held annually just outside of Gonaives.

Memories from the Hacienda

Sitting here tonight, bundled in a new favorite blanket, a gift of recent, I find myself feeling the splinter's point of loneliness. I've come down a little from my Mexico high and I'm feeling a bit displaced. I'm floating in that 'dream state', where it all feels a little like wonder in my eyes. Memories seem to be traveling farther and getting faint and they cross over from my daydreams, until they become the dreams of my night's deepest sleep.

I always go through this whenever I get home from somewhere distant and especially more so when I've made and left new friends. The sweet of happiness that once was, is poured over by the emotions of ache and ever wanting more. Just as Tchaikovsky's Overture trumpets and sounds in my ears as I write and ponder, my heart beats quicker and faster in the fear of being left all alone, not being able to experience this again.  Even though I know that won't happen, and hasn't happened, I sometimes spend my days in that state.

As I take today for myself and slumber it away, there's a cold blowing Montana wind outside reminding me that I'm home, and I reminisce of the mexican sun streaking through the trees in the early morning and of peacocks strutting about the cobblestone walkways, wondering of us as we of them. My days in Mexico start with chili on my eggs, coffee to warm me up and good early conversations among my fellow workshop attendees. I love this.  I absorb it all.

And now, as I sit here in my bed, typing under the midnight oil, I look over and see the card from Jose sitting on my dresser, it's simple and beautiful. There is a picture of a burro on the front, a holga image of his, and every morning when I awake, I see it there and am reminded of my adventure in Mexico and know that no matter what, I'm not really alone and that I will see my new friends again.  I thank everyone who was a part of this experience and thank you for making my life's adventure that much more precious.

Mexico Workshop with Jose Villa

Can you say AMAZING???!!!

I've been waiting all year for Jose's Workshop  which was held at Hacienda El Carmen in Jalisco, Mexico.  I met some great people from all over and will forever keep their friendships close.  There is so much talent out there!  Jose was inspirational to say the least and so genuine :)  Cameron Ingalls and Karina Puenta also led us during the workshop and what incredible artists they are!  Joel Serrato, Gene Higa, Ann Hamilton were all there with us too, supporting, sharing and being so gracious with their time and I'm so glad we spent this week together, thanks for everything and all the great instruction and wisdom you have passed to us.   I have been reborn! And oohhhh, that mexican light!  It was so incredibly beautiful and I'll never forget it.
Special hollas to our modelos y modelas from Citro Modelos ~ Martin, Danny, Valeria and Miiriam and to Mar Romero who kept them looking hot! 

I'm so sad it's over but I know I'll see you all at WPPI and I can't wait  :)

Adios

Well, well, well. As I sit here in the library at the Hacienda I am relishing the memories and friends that were made over the last few days. And while they are all gone now and it's pretty quiet here, I think of this great experience and still feel them around me. Everyone touched me and I will never forget you. In an upcoming post I will let you all meet my new BFFs :)
I'm tired and going to bed,,,, buenas noches.