365 Project: Day 137

One of my worst fears is losing my sight. Its a completely unfounded and irrational fear. As far as I know there is absolutely nothing wrong with my eyes. I wear glasses to see far away and I have terrible vision at night, but aside from that, there is no reason for me to fear going blind. I think I fear it because its the most devastating thing I can think of happening to me. As a photographer and artist, my sight is everything to me. I can't imagine feeling the warmth of the sun on my skin, but not having the ability to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of a sunset. Living in a world of darkness is terrifying to me. I get most of my inspiration from looking at the world around me: paintings, photographs, architecture, little moments in my daily life...if I could no longer see these things, what would my life be like? I don't know that I would have the strength to continue to try to create. Its been hard enough to lose my inspiration, if I ever lost my sight I think I would fall apart.

| Artists Wanted | In Focus : Pete Eckert from Artists Wanted on Vimeo.

Pete Eckert is such an inspiration to me. Pete is the embodiment of my worst fear and yet he still creates beautiful imagery, even without his sight. I've read several articles about him in the past, but when I came across this video it really touched me. I've seen it before, but I still cried the entire time I watched it. His story, his life, and his perseverance overwhelm me. Even as I write this, I feel emotion welling in my throat. Pete wasn't always blind. He grew up wanting to be an artist. He even went to art school for sculpture and industrial design. He wanted to study architecture at Yale. It wasn't until later in life that he lost his sight due to Retinitis Pigmentosa. He says that now sound gives him vision. Having to touch and hear in order to see is unimaginable to me. How can you see a painting with your fingers?

Pete says, "Women talk about a glass ceiling. Blind folks face a glass front door. We can look into the workplace but aren’t allowed to enter. I do something else. I slip photos under the door from the world of the blind to be viewed in the light of the sighted. I view my work during the event of taking the shot in my minds eye. I “see“ each shot very clearly, only I use sound, touch, and memory. I am more of a conceptual artist than a photographer. My influences come from my past memory of art and what I now find in the world at large. I now ask to touch sculptures in museums too. That’s another long story."

The images he creates are incredible. He paints with light and captures things in a way that I would never dream of. His work makes me think that my sight could be viewed as a handicap to my creativity. It limits my perception of the world to a single sense. I have to ask myself: why don't I use my other four senses when I'm creating? Because my work is visual, I rely mostly on my sight, but what could I create if I couldn't see? It opens a whole new world of possibility. So what am I afraid of?

Visit Pete's website to read about his story and to view his portfolio: www.peteeckert.com

Holly Norris - nope, no relation

Holly Norris is a young Canadian photographer who's work I just came across today. Her photojournalistic images are so powerful. I love her American Able campaign. Through a series of clever mock American Apparel advertisements, she addresses how disabled women are overlooked in today's media and advertising.

In her latest blog post Holly posted images from the No More Silence March that was held on Valentines Day in Toronto. The march was to recognize the over 500 indigenous women who have been murdered or who have gone missing on Turtle Island over the last three decades. Apparently there has been an ongoing problem with genocide against indigenous women in the area that is being covered up by law enforcement, coroners office's and the courts. Its really disturbing. This is an issue that I had never heard of before and it is really terrible that this is happening to these women.

Check out more of Holly Norris' work on her website and her blog.

http://hollynorris.ca/

http://forestfirecity.wordpress.com/

Both images featured here are © Holly Norris.

365 Project: Day 116

The wind is so crazy today! Not so long ago I couldn't wait for Spring to start, but now I can't wait for it to be over. I forgot that Spring in New Mexico comes with a lot of really windy days. Its like mother nature's own special form of torture. The temperature finally warms up, but you have to deal with blowing sand, dirt in your teeth, your hair all tangled, allergies, etc. It sucks.

Its that time of year!

I'm now booking for Spring and Summer photo sessions! If you are interested in booking a photo shoot just send me an email at saranorrisphotography{at}hotmail{dot}com.

Don't wait! I only book a certain number of photo shoots for the season and you don't want to miss out!

365 Project: Day 95

World, meet my first love. My first real camera. My mom gave this camera to my dad as a gift when they were dating. My baby pictures were taken with it. I found it in a closet when I was about 13 years old.  It was just sitting there, waiting for me to grow up and discover it. It was just waiting to be mine. So it could play its part in my life. So it could help me fulfill my destiny. So it could be my first true love, my best friend, my outlet, my crutch, my ice breaker, my passion, my catalyst, my hero. It was just waiting to show me who I was meant to be.

This is my most cherished possession. It was the first step in my journey. Who would I be without it?

365 Project: Day 89

Photoshop is amazing. I learned how to use this program about 10 years ago and, wow, it has come a long way since then. It is one of the many tools that enables me to express myself creatively. Its just incredible what you can accomplish with this one program. I've been working on learning some new skills and techniques lately and I am having so much fun playing around with it.

This smoke effect could not better describe my state of mind this week. I've just been going crazy with stress. I've known I would be a photographer since I was 7 years old, but pursuing it as my full time job is really new to me. The work and sales are still really inconsistent at this point and its a scary feeling when funds are getting low and it starts to sink in that maybe I should try to find a job. Ugh. There is no worse hell that I can imagine at this point than having a full time job. When I'm working at a job, I melt down creatively. Its not that I don't want to work. Believe me, I work harder now than I ever did with a full time job. But its a different kind of work. Sitting in a beige office with utility carpeting, florescent lighting, little bobble head dolls and various other knick-knacks on people's desks just crushes my soul.

I walked into an office today to pay a bill and almost had a panic attack. Walking through the rows of desks, phones ringing in the background, people glued to their rolling desk chairs, motivational posters on the walls, cubicle partitions...I don't want that sort of life. Its just not for me. I stood in line waiting to pay my bill and seriously started to break out in a sweat just thinking that I could be working in a place like this in the very near future. I could just feel my dreams starting to slip away from me.

My dream of being a full time photographer is like my baby. I'll do anything to defend and protect it. I am so happy with my life right now, that the thought of losing it all because of something as stupid as money is just devastating. But, the universe (or whatever you believe) came to my rescue once again. I don't know why I ever doubt that there is a plan for me. This is what I'm supposed to be doing right now. This is exactly where I'm supposed to be and things have just fallen into place yet again. Somehow, whenever I need help the most, it just appears and I'm amazed every time it happens. This has turned out to be an amazing week and I'm so glad that everything has worked out.

365 Project: Day 79

This is one of the seven books that I'm reading right now. Well, there's not really much to read in this book, its mostly pictures, but it still counts. Richard Avedon is one of my favorite photographers. Hell, I'd even venture to say that he may be my favorite photographer. When I saw this book sitting on the shelf at the library, I had to take it home with me. There is a lot of truth in his images. The way he captures people seems to show them for who they are in that moment. I love all the black and white portraits that he shot on a clean white background. The white background allows the person to become the focus of the image without any distractions. The intensity is incredible.

He was able photograph so many amazing people and document many important time periods of the 1900s. I love his images from during the Civil Rights Movement. In 1963 he photographed William Casby, a man who was born into slavery.  Its one of my favorite of Avedon's portraits. The tone of Casby's skin is so rich. The expression on his face shows how hard his life must have been. He's worn.

Avedon photographed Napalm victims in Vietnam in 1971. One of his subjects is a woman who was terribly scarred and disfigured. She is looking into the camera with the only eye she has left. She has so much intensity and sadness. It makes me cry every time I see it. My heart goes out to her. I can't imagine what she's been through, not only physically, but emotionally and mentally. You can't survive something like that without it permanently damaging you inside and out.

His images from the East Louisiana State Mental Hospital are disturbing to say the least. He documented people who are lost, childlike, afraid, confused, distraught and locked up in a facility because society and their families don't know what else to do with them. The patients all look abandoned. They all seem so alone, each in their own little worlds. The hospital is all tile. Its stark and cold. Avedon's own sister passed away in a mental institution.

Avedon also photographed fashion. Ah...Avedon's fashion portfolio is amazing. In the 50s he created a series with Dovima wearing Dior and posing with elephants. Brilliant.

I can't say enough about his work. If you haven't seen it, you are missing out. It is incredible. Avedon inspires me.

I'm your BIGGEST fan!

Are you guys on Facebook? Well, just yesterday I created a Facebook Fan Page for Sara Norris Photography!  Yet another new thing for me this week.

By becoming a Fan, you'll have access to great deals and discounts, giveaways, new additions to my shop, and the latest news about Sara Norris Photography right in your Facebook News Feed!  

So, how do you become a Fan, you ask? Its simple. Just click here or on any of the links in this blog post to go straight to my Facebook Fan Page.  Thanks to everyone who is already a fan! I really appreciate your support.

We Are FAMILY!

I photographed the most awesome family last week! I'm still getting myself up and running in New Mexico, but I drove to Roswell for the day to take some shots of these guys.

They were such good sports! I even had them jumping off of this platform at one point!

Aren't they all gorgeous! They look just like an ad for jeans or something!

I had a great afternoon with you guys! Thank you so much!

Brothers and Sisters

There is nothing more special than the relationship between a brother and a sister.  My mom always said that she wanted to have a boy first so I would have an older brother to protect me.  Unfortunately I was the oldest and she ended up with two girls instead! But, I think I do a pretty good job of looking out for my little sister.  Although, I am currently trying to convince her to jump out of a plane with me next month...

This little girl is lucky to have an older brother who adores her.  I recently had the opportunity to photograph them both at their beautiful home.

Even though she was getting sleepy, her facial expressions came to life when her mom turned on the musical mobile above her bed.  She was completely captivated by the little animals.

There is a great rope swing in their front yard!  He was just like a little Tarzan.

Quote for the day:

"Sometimes being a brother is even better than being a superhero."

-Marc Brown

Fotographer Friday: Traer Scott

Traer Scott is an amazing photographer who's images are absolutely beautiful.  She is based in Providence, RI and has a background in fashion and portraiture.  But my favorite part about her is that she has used her time and talent to bring awareness to many animal related causes.  

One of her projects, Shelter Dogs, is very dear to my heart.  I used to work for the MSPCA.  During my time there I  learned so much about homeless animals and what they go through.  Spending time with those animals changed my life.  It breaks my heart to look into their eyes and not be able to save all of them.  I can't even watch those Sarah McLachlan ASPCA commercials without bawling my eyes out!  

Scott started photographing these dogs while volunteering at animal shelters.  In the introduction to Shelter Dogs, she writes: "As my files grew, I realized that many of the dogs whose pictures I had in my archives never made it out alive.  I found that no matter what, I couldn't bring myself to delete their photos, which were in some cases the only record of their existence."  

That last line "...the only record of their existence."  That sticks with me.  These animals had no owners, no homes, no one to love them and no one to remember them once they were gone.  Through her images, Scott has given them a voice.  So now, we will all remember them.

You can find her book at many major book stores and online.  To see more of her fabulous photography you can go to her website: www.traerscott.com.

"Terrier" from Shelter Dogs (Merrell 2006) by Traer Scott.

"Dumbledore" from Shelter Dogs (Merrell 2006) by Traer Scott.

"Joshua" from Shelter Dogs (Merrell 2006) by Traer Scott.

"Bailey" from Shelter Dogs (Merrell 2006) by Traer Scott.

Fairy Tales

Alice in Wonderland just happens to be one of my all time favorite children's books.  It has fantasy, adventure, imagination, interesting characters, and, my favorite part, a rebellious young lady who's curiosity seems to get her into trouble everywhere she goes. 

When you think about it, the entire story is completely crazy!  I can't imagine what Lewis Carroll was thinking when he came up with this twisted tale.  

Tim Burton is directing a new Alice in Wonderland movie that is due out in 2010.  There is no better person to direct this wacky story than Tim Burton.  I think it is going to be amazing and I really hope that I'm not disappointed.

Daniel Pla.Estilismo created these awesome Alice in Wonderland inspired images for a Spanish magazine called Ragazza.

I love the rich jewel tones and how the story is interpreted through simple props.  Not to mention the gorgeous clothes!  The pink dress (above) by Paule Ka is especially lovely.

The Tree of Life...

...is in my Etsy shop!

Quote for the day:

"We can learn a lot from trees: they're always grounded but never stop reaching heavenward."

 - Everett Mamor

The Mary Go Round

Mary from Sun2Create included me in the Dog Lover's Gift Guide on her blog TheMaryGoRound today!

I love her throw pillow covers! Everyone should check out her shop on Etsy.

Thanks for including me! She made my day.

I actually got the quote for the day from her blog:

"Each day comes bearing its own gifts. Untie the ribbons."

- Ruth Ann Schabacker

My Website!

It is FINALLY up and running!  

I'm so glad that all of the hard work has paid off and the website is finished! Please take a look.

www.saranorrisphotography.com

Quote for the day:

"The one thing that matters is the effort. It continues, whereas the end to be attained is but an illusion of the climber, as he fares on and on from crest to crest; and once the goal is reached it has no meaning."

 - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

I'm in Love....with my new camera!

I just got a Polaroid SX70!  I don't think I have ever been this excited about anything that I got in the mail in my entire life!

Imagine my disappointment when I got home to find a little card in my mailbox announcing that my camera arrived, but it required signature confirmation and was being held hostage at the post office! Oh no!

I commute everyday and work a full time job, so 6:00 AM was the only time I could make it to the post office. For all who know me, I do not have to explain that I AM NOT a morning person. However, I made an exception for my new Polaroid friend and managed to drag myself down there at the crack of dawn.

My sleepy eyes perked right up as soon as I got that little box in my hands. I practically skipped back to my car! Of course I opened it right there in the parking lot! I had to use my car keys and a ball-point pen to tear through the packing tape. I must have looked like I was crazy.

Finally! There it was. In the early morning light, my new Polaroid and I met for the first time.  It was love at first sight. 

Fall Leaves

John and I took a little stroll in Berkley last weekend and saw the most beautiful fall leaves. I couldn't resist snapping a few pictures. 

Pretty soon all of the beautiful golds and oranges will turn to brown and fall away leaving the trees all bare and twiggy. 

Winter is on its way to California...

This print is now available in my Etsy shop.

Quote for the day:

"Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns."

- George Eliot

Sisters

These are two really sweet little girls!  They brought a kite to fly at the park, but the wind died down not long after we arrived. So we abandoned the kite and blew bubbles instead. They had a great time chasing and popping the bubbles.

As the sun was going down, the day ended with them making a "cake" with "sugar" on top in the sand.

Thank you girls for letting me take your pictures! I had a great time!

Quote for the Day:

"A sister is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost."

- Marion C. Garretty

Samson and Sedona

When I agreed to photograph two boxers at the same time, I thought for sure this was going to be an exhausting and exciting photo shoot.  Anyone who has met a boxer knows that they are sweet hearts, super friendly and FULL of energy. 

 

But, when I met Samson and Sedona, I was really pleasantly surprised at how well trained they are!  They know so many commands and are really great at listening to their owners.  

When their pink flamingo came out of the toy box they were so excited. This would be my favorite toy too! It squeaked, rattled, crinkled and when you shook it, it made the strangest noise. Plus, its pink!

I got some really great shots and by the end of the photo session we were all exhausted!

Thanks so much for letting me play with you guys!

Quote for the day:

"Indeed our lives have been enriched beyond measure because of the love of a dog.  We have been adopted by that most irrepressible of clowns, the most intuitive of comforters, the most selfless of companions - the Boxer."

- The Boxer: Family Favorite

Pretty in Pink

Not long ago I spent a great afternoon playing with Sadie's big sister.  (Sadie is the Great Dane that I photographed not long ago.)

I loved her pink patchwork dress and UGG boots! I didn't realize that they made UGGs that small!

She started off a little shy, but before I knew it she was running around and having a great time at the playground. 

Thank you guys so much for letting me play with you!

I'm starting to work on getting a website soon!  I'm so excited!  I have been working so hard on building my portfolio and creating marketing materials.  I feel like I'm finally making progress in the right direction.

I'll keep everyone updated on the website progress and hopefully it will be ready to go really soon!

Quote for the day:

" Don't wait until everything is just right.  It will never be perfect.  There will always be challenges, obstacles, and less than perfect conditions.  So what.  Get started now.  With each step you take, you will grow stronger and stronger, more and more skilled, more and more self-confident, and more and more successful."

- Mark Victor Hansen