Hey there!

I don't have much time to write... I'm in the middle of editing the three photo shoots I had over the last couple weeks in Chicago, Detroit, and Bronson (Michigan... not Missouri)!

So until I can get these three shoots finished I thought I would leave you with just a few pics from one of my favorite cities.. .Chicago!!  I'm really starting to like this place... even when its cold!

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend... off to another busy week tomorrow, but I don't mind when I get to take beach breaks looking at the Pacific... ahhhhh so nice to be home!

Love
A

About a year ago... I got a new camera to play with ... in an age with iphone, ipads, apps this and apps that... .the HOLGA is the inspiration for many of these apps. Don't get me wrong I have about 10 of these apps on my phone...  but I thought it would be fun to go back and experiment with the old school fun and excitement of the original film camera

This film camera ... created in 1981 takes you back in time... the grain...  the color... everything.   It reminds you of the excitement again of film.  Here is a camera that has only a few settings... your never quite sure what is going to turn out... and when you get the 12 images (yes only 12)  from each roll there is a thrill and excitement.. what worked  and what didn't

So here are a few experiments from the last 12 months...

from Hawaii... to Spain... to Chicago... to London ... to Italy... to of course California and Mackinac...
It's a mix of weddings... travel... and just my friends and I playing with the new camera!!

Can't wait to see what my next round of HOLGA images will turn out like...

May you all find time to play with your passion... to let go of control and see the excitement of what might come out of it!!

Love
A



 


 

So here it is midnight.. .and as usual... instead of heading to bed... as I should... I am attached to my computer reading up and chatting on my favorite photography forum  through Pictage  . Not only is it an awesome place to get to know super cool fellow photographers all around the country (even world), it also serves as a great reference... we all have things to learn and share... and this forum is the best for making that happen.

Just tonight I was on to ask some buddies for a couple great "locals only" locations in Chicago for an upcoming engagement shoot.

Then... as I was reading a bit more I came upon this incredible non-profit.  

Wish Upon A Wedding

One of my new year's resolution was to start giving more with my photography... this is it!!
I am so excited to learn more about this company... and get involved.. I've barely scratched the surface of the website... but was so excited I had to post something about it.

Tomorrow... first thing... (after my zumba class of course)... I will be reading up and learning more!

Keep an eye out for more info and fellow event professionals...  take a look!!



 

One would think my favorite time on the island is in the middle of July... gorgeous sun, warm weather, boating, biking, flowers... all that fun summer stuff..  HECK NO!

You might think I'm crazy but my favorite time of year here is February.  Its quiet, peaceful, serene (except for the sounds of snowmobiles everywhere).  When in the summer there are so many people, everyone is working so hard it becomes difficult to find time to sit, relax , visit and truly enjoy the people and place around you.  Right now is a time when you can cozy around a fireplace, make dinner for one another, play games and just live.

This year was particularly exciting for me.  I rode across the ice bridge for the first time!! Last weekend my dear friend picked me up in St. Ignace with a cutter on the back of his snowmobile (aka sled)... and rode me across the frozen lake.  Mackinac Island residents save their Christmas trees every year in hopes that the lake will freeze thick enough to create a path to the mainland.  Then these trees are then placed as markers to show the ice bridge.  I have been hearing about this thing for years but never experienced it...  all I can say is that one minute I was terrified the next completely mesmerized.  I've never experienced anything like it.

Its always fun to see the different community activities on the island this time of year. Euchre one night, trivia the next, and then there's always bingo and great live music with local singers. Last week was the Village Inn's annual chili cookoff.... and now (since I'm a bit trapped till tomorrow because of a supposed storm coming in) its off to the Mustang to watch a bunch of guys pretend to have a golf tournament in the middle of winter... ahhh "Golden Tee"

 Its amazing how the island (and ice) can change minute to minute... from last week with a frozen lake to this week having to fly over open water.  After ten years this place still never ceases to amaze me.

Here are some pics... I hope you enjoy them... they are probably some of my favorite island pics..

Stay warm...  and may you all continue to find amazement and wonder in the world around you!!

Love
A

After spending the weekend on Mackinac... eating chili, seeing friends, riding on the ice bridge... and taking LOTS of photos (will be posted in the next few days)...  I am now sitting (on this day for love) in a LOVELY coffee shop.. called LOVELY  in Chicago, getting a little work done before meeting with an old friend.



Which brings me to my shout out... this dear friend of mine is 1/2 of the awesome duo Boutros... they just finished this video... and it ROCKS!!  If you get the chance check them out... they just make you want to smile and tap your foot...

Click HERE  to see the video... guaranteed it will make you smile!!