The Head and the Heart : Music

When I saw that these guys were coming to town in support of Dr. Dog, and on February 15th, I knew immediately what to get J for Valentines Day.  It was supposed to be a surprise, but a momentary schedule misunderstanding forced me to let the cat out of the bag.  The Head and the Heart has been the dominant soundtrack around these parts since I got turned onto them by Amy, my sister in law.  If you've been enjoying the recent surge of neo-folkyness such as the Avett Brothers or Mumford & Sons, I suggest you check these guys out.

I was initally worried about bringing my camera.  Februrary in Vermont is not a time to stash a camera in your car unless you want your LCD to explode.  So I gathered a little gumption and emailed the press contact for the band, to ask permission.  I got a quick and enthusiastic reply and as a result, I got my very first Photo Pass.  Hopefully not my last.  And perhaps in the future I'll bring more than one lens.  I didn't get quite the photos I had hoped, but it can be hard when your busy groovin and singing along.

B is for Bobbin

My Sunday was spent with these lovely ladies (and one handsome dude) photographing the handmade fashions available at The Bobbin in Burlington, VT. The space was just what I love.  Gritty and funky, full of stage props,  cast offs from abandoned art projects, and your basic hodge podge of good ol' junk.  Perfect for a rock n' roll meets vintage vibe. It was a thoroughly DIY affair, from the repurposed handmade clothing, the hanging of the B, to Bobbin owner Gyllian posing in her own creations for my camera. Another "work with what you got" aspect,  I must admit, was my lighting.  I am not a "studio" photographer, and my lighting set up usually consists of, well...the sun.  I prefer natural light and only employ a flash when absolutely necessary.  And unfortunately this space, with it's high painted metal ceiling, didn't give me much in the way of diffusing or bouncing the flash.  And without diffusing, you end up with that stark, flashy snapshot effect.  Not really what we were going for. But being the thrifty and resourceful people we are, we made do.  The lone bank of windows provided a gorgeous moody light. Lightbulbs from Lowes and an amateur model/electrician and viola! some stage lighting was quickly rigged up. And  lastly, we headed out into the elements.  Where else would you take photos of faux and recycled fur? Thanks to Emma, Scout, Christina, Jason and Gyllian.  Together I think we more than made do, with some seriously awesome results!

The Autumn Hollow Band : Music

Had a great time last night listening to some old friends play  at The Skinny Pancake.   The Autumn Hollow Band, a few pints, and a babysitter. The recipe for a stellar night. 

The Bobbin : Business

There are many things I love about Burlington, this little city that's really just a big town. Vermont is the one place in the Northeast that has felt even a smidgen like Virginia.  It's calmer, slower than the rest of New England.  People are in less of a rush.  And it's not only the roads where it's noticeable (but believe me, there is a HUGE difference driving here than in Massachusetts),  you can see a contemplative approach when it comes to other aspects of life as well.  It's in our food, our homes, our art.  It's this culture that fosters the existence of a place like The Bobbin Sew Bar and Craft Lounge.  Proprietor Gyllian Rae Svensson not only offers repurposed textiles to the crafty among us, but also offers sewing classes, teaching the future of the crafting community and educating in the benefits of "slow fashion."  Her own sustainable and cute creations are also for sale at the Bobbin, along side works from other local designers.  I was there to take interior as well as product shots of some little softies.  I'm sure they'll be gobbled up as soon as the world gets to see them.  Next? Clothing! Some local ladies in some local designs. Love it.

Eve : Newborn

When I went to visit my friend Sara today I brought along my camera.  You see, this little angel arrived on Monday night (or perhaps Tuesday morning?!....)  and I have never before turned my lens towards a newborn. But first there was the holding.  She was so sweet and small and full of sighs and chirps.  I loved every second of it while me and Mama got a chance to chat.  I got to see the photos from her birth, which are magical.  Those were taken by another member of our Monday Night knitters, Cyndi.  They are beautiful.  So special to have that captured by someone with a talented eye. There are only 4 of us in our little knitting group, and the fourth I haven't mentioned, is Carin, my partner in Two House photo. I have no doubt she's itchin to get her viewfinder pointed towards this wee little one as well.  Needless to say Eve may end up being one of the most photographed babies on the planet. 

Not having any experience photographing newborns made me a bit nervous.  I wasn't 100% sure what to capture, how to approach it. Eve, being new at everything, was very understanding and patient.  Just look at her.  She even had her eyes open, which if you've ever been around a newborn, is rare.  Sleepy little babies.  Thanks little one. 

Winter quiet...

Things have calmed a bit around here. After the frenzy of holiday preparations and the revelry of family and friends it's nice to have a little breathing room. We've said goodbye to the tree (sniff) and most of the decorations are packed away. All that's left are the cards, still silhouetted in front of the the window, hanging by clothespins on a stretch of yarn.  A little banner of happy faces and thoughts of peace. Eventually they'll come down too, but not quite yet.



I hope all the cards clients ordered for the season have found their recipients happy and healthy in the New Year. I loved watching the orders come through my inbox. I beam with pride knowing the smiles I captured are traversing the country to serve as good wishes to family and loved ones.

Knowing that Spring will be here before I know it, in the after Christmas lull, I've enjoyed being able to turn my camera to Winter. Walks in the snow are a quiet luxury many of us don't indulge in nearly enough.  The hush is not only heard, but seen, as light is diffused by the condensed air, leaving it soft and cool . Winter light has a magic all it's own. Fuzzy and frosty.

The light blankets everything, just like the snow, leaving only the hint of shadow.  And the muted tones are a perfect backdrop to play with color, allowing them to pop and take center stage.

If only I could stay out longer without my fingers feeling like they're going to fall off.  But I always have a destination in mind.  Preferably one with a hot cup o' Joe and a window seat. 

That last one? I need a couple sitting on those stools, leaning into each other, chatting, silhouetted against the cold winter outside. Maybe a steaming mug on the counter. A lovely image for Valentines Day, no? Give me a call, let's make it happen. (And remember, a free engagement session comes with booking Two House Photo for your wedding...and we still have a few weekends open...just sayin'.)

Happy New Year everybody!

Two House Weddings : Engagement Session

Sunday afternoon my friend and partner in Two House Photo, Carin Lilly, and I met up with Kate and Brian for an engagement session. As wedding photographers it is something we offer to clients as an opportunity to feel us out. You get our vibe and we get yours. Because nobody wants to be annoyed by their photographer on their wedding day. And quite frankly, we're not really into shooting crazy Bridezillas either. The shoot is $200. But, if after basking in the glow of your beautiful photos you decide to sign a wedding contract, that $200 is applied to your wedding package costs. So, since we're sure you'll love us, and you wouldn't be contacting us if you didn't like our style, (which mean we love YOU!) it's free.

To see more from our shoot with Kate and Brian, click on over to the Two House Photo blog.