Goin' Local with My Personal Work

As a photographer, you could drop me just about anywhere and I could start photographing something that catches my interest. This is a symptom of my obsession to share what I see with anyone willing to look. My personal agenda or intention is moving viewers to generate change, recycle, start a dream, take a walk, mentor, or whatever moves them. I try to separate my ego from the image making. My most recent personal project photographing Florida's native lands is no exception. I grew up just a few miles east of the Everglades, but never truly understood the significance of her ecosystem until I began to photograph the omnipotent landscape.  The history of Florida's development is imprinted on the Everglades and Scrub lands. Even the ancient Lake Okeechobee, with dams circling the perimeter,  is right in South Florida's backyard.

As a resident, I felt a responsibility to learn and understand the environment where I call home. As a photographer, I have a responsibility to share not only what I see and create with the camera, but contribute to the greater good. During my recent visit to Clyde Butcher's gallery and studio for a swamp walk, Clyde told me,"Sarah, the world is round." He reiterates the reciprocal nature of our universe. Feeling the cold water in the swamp really penetrated the significance of Florida's environment. Only 1% of the population visits Big Cypress. Big Cypress meets the Everglades in a space few have ever seen. The most significant photographic work I can produce is about the land I call home; for the gifts of living in this paradise, I use my passion of photography and nature to share of Florida's native ecosystems. I encourage other photographers to contribute to their communities by giving back with their talents and passions. Going Local is where the heart is...

Cypress Equivalence is now showing at the Elliot Museum's Florida Reflections exhibit until January 17th, 2010

Happy New Year and January News

Happy New Year!
As January approaches, I have a lot of news to share.

• Cypress Equivalence is showing at the Elliott Museum until January 17th
• www.elliottmuseumfl.org/index.php?main=1&nav=209
  

The Everglades Coalition Confrence: Jan. 7,8,9th- Thurs, Friday, and Saturday

I will be a part of the exhibitors and the auction.

Check it out:   www.evergladescoalition.org

Palm Beach Photographic Center's annual FOTOFUSION FESTIVAL.....Jan. 19th-23rd in downtown West Palm Beach: www.fotofusion.org
This year is going to be a blast!!!!

My Photographic Education

From my still life series, Presence

"A Pepsi and Beets"   2009

Finding a Path of Artistry All Your Own

Where and when my education in the arts actually began is some what a mystery. Knowing my mother, she probably began teaching me about art history and literature as soon as I arrived. Photography did not grab my attention until I began working (as office staff) with a non-profit photographic center. The Palm Beach Photographic Center, currently located in West Palm Beach, Florida, is where I found my passion for photography. I spent some time with the PBPC working, volunteering, and participating in workshops. My passion with photography did not quiet; the more I learned, the more I needed to know. For a brief interlude, I entered the political realm of Florida politics only to find myself unsatisfied and depressed. Photography was there like a friend.

I moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico attending the College of Santa Fe's photographic arts program. I learned the ins and outs of the wet darkroom; worked in the gallery matting and framing; and spent hours in the photographic library where Beaumont Newhall's private collection is housed. My teachers, all working photographers, were enlightening. I made bad art, not so great art, and just made it through the agonizing hours of process. When I graduated, I still had unresolved feelings of what to do and where to go with my photography. I thought about more school, online school, and even more advanced workshops. I tried a few of the lower costs options looking into ones within driving distance, in places I was dying to visit, and specifically at certain teachers. I flew to upstate New York for a long weekend one September to meet George DeWolfe and attend his Contemplative Photography workshop through the Adirondak Photography Institute. I was interested in both the Contemplative aspect and George himself. I was considering asking for a mentorship.

I found our outlooks and ideas similar and felt a connection with George that he had knowledge to share about photography and mastering photography. Almost three years later, I am a better photographer, printer. For me and my path in photography, my mentorship with George continued my education both in life and photography. My goal of mastery has an underlying premise that incorporates the spiritual aspects of Contemplative Photography. This was what I was searching for both in my life and my work. Because I have been and continue to be driven by my love and passion for the art of photography, the work was not work-just part of balance of learning and understanding. I do work for committed blocks of time, which takes discipline and effort. The technical was imperative to the overall creation; just as significant is the creation and workflow for the final print.

I have found that there are many, many ways to find your photographic education. There is not one path for all to take, but one path for each of us to take. Just as any great love, the relationship needs time, maturity, and attention. The commitment is evident in final product, and like a mirror, part of the artist's history, interests, wisdom, and spirit are all present. Magically, creation happens. Through my mentorship, I found that authentic magic to feed my insatiable hunger for photography. Beyond the art history and contemporary post modernism, when only the artist remains, I find I am most at peace and satisfied; I can hear my inside consciousness brainstorming and analyzing the infinite possibilities of creating. As all other parts of my life silence, I find a place to meet myself. In this stillness, I clearly see the photographer.

Some ideas for Your Photographic Education:

• Try a workshop at an art center, musuem, etc
• Use a vacation for a travel photography trip
• Try a non-credit course through a local college or community college
• Attend some lectures: listen, contemplate, inquire
• Find a group that you gel with and get out there
• Research other professionals and how they work
• Try all kinds of photography to see which one resonates
• Many photo fests are all over the country: try the local ones, then invest in the prestigious ones
• Attend a Conf. like Photo Plus in NYC or Review LA
• Students take advantage of student competitions, discounted memberships, and networking.
• Shoot, shoot, and shoot. Practice and experimentation take time. So, take the time. 

Online stuff:

• Check out some of the variety of photography associations
• Check out some of the major online photography stores like Hunt's, Adorama, B&H
• Some have actual lectures that you can watch.
• You can look at equipment at local shops-some shops associated with the schools with have % discounts in the shop if you take a class. 
• Many professional associations offer discounts and/or special rates for software, photo equipment, framing, security, and, my personal favorite, free shipping.
• PhotoEye- the best photography book store; great newsletter; and ohhhhh the books
• So many blogs, social networks, newswires, and magazines, etc  So little time....

My Own Family Portrait Experience

One Word: Stressful. Yes, I will admit that my own session was 45 long minutes struggling with a 4 year old and a 40 something year old to smile on cue. I have not decided who was the more challenging subject.  The photographer, a family friend, was patient and persistent. I had expected the time to be fun, light, and pleasant. I am glad I finally could schedule something like this since I am taking my own medicine sort of speak. I tend grow more compassionate after so many family portrait sessions. Happily, I am witness to the function or dysfunction of the American Family. Somehow, I am more comfortable in my own life. As a photographer, I find such joy in my quiet observations remembering significant times in my own memory.  As we are all gathering with family and friends over the holidays, my experience reminds me how alike we all are, and we are all connected on some level of universal humanism.

In the spirit of the holiday season, may you slow down to observe and appreciate the love of friends and family. Happy Holidays!

Decemebr 10th at Conversation Pieces Downtown Delray

Reminding all you Doggie Parents and Feline Lovers and Animal Lovers
Come visit us, Make a Donation, Take Home a Portrait:

Thursday December 10th, 5-9:00pm

Pet & People Photo Fundraiser

with photographer Sarah Brown www.sbiportraits.com

for three worthwhile causes:

Animal Rescue Force (ARF)

Feline Friends

Sabbath Memorial Dog Rescue

 5:00-9:00 pm 20% off everything!

10% of all sales; 100% of silent auction & raffles donated!

Sarah is generously donating 50% of photos $

Because we know not many cats will want to attend-they'll be included with

Sweetest Cat Photo Contest

(win ANY frame! send photos to info@eConversationPieces.com)

treats & goodies for all

we'll accept donations of supplies; rescue's wish lists @

ARF-www.animalrescueforce.org

Feline Friends-www.felinefriendsfl.com

Sabbath Memorial Dog Rescue-sabbathrescue.org

187 Ne 2nd Ave (Pineapple Grove), Delray Beach (561) 274-6915

Holiday Hours: Sunday 12~5, Mon~Wed 10-6, Thurs~Sat 10-8

eConversationPieces.com

Bring in food, old collars and leashes, kitty litter, paper towels, garbage bags, etc....

I will be talking about how to take great holiday portraits and be available for portraits that night. We will be printing onsite and will be taking orders for multiple prints, Black and Whites, and more. Call ahead to Conversation Pieces and book a private session. 


I look forward to seeing you there!!

Images Can Move Me

This holiday season has been busy for portrait shoots. I love doing family portraits, crazy right? As an observer, I love to watch the dynamics and humor that fuel the togetherness. I will admit that after a while I can feel the ease of going through the motions approach. I try to let this 'energy' visit and depart; I need to feel the love of the family as I click the shutter making a ridiculous face. This photo shoot was a bit different. I visited an old friend and had the opportunity to photograph her family. Just as any other home shoot, I set up, checked the light, anticipating any ambient changes, and pre-visualized. The actual session went great and no one feel into the pool.
This morning, I loaded the cards prepping for the endless and thankless task of workflow. After my first quick edit, I stopped on one image. Frozen. Just thinking about it, makes me teary eyed. This image is wordless and full of emotions that choke the throat. Every thousandth image, I am discovering and validating that invisible connection between us is evident. With this holiday season upon us, remember this connection and act with compassion. Be a little more gentile, more patient, and more giving (even if you give yourself the gift). If we all gave just a little, our cumulative efforts could move mountains.

Upcoming Exhibit at the Elliott Museum in Stuart

December 11th at the Elliott Museum in Stuart will open their Juried Art Exhibition entitled, "Florida Expressions and Reflections."

Join me and view my recent piece, "Cypress Equivalence" that will be part of the exhibit.

Here's their link: http://www.elliottmuseumfl.org/index.php?main=1&nav=209

News and Upcoming Events for November and December 2009

I was in Crafts-n-Stuff, one of my favorite shops, buying matt board. The Christmas decorations had started to find their way out of boxes and boxes of boxes. I realized that in all my hectic craziness of a schedule that I needed to slow down and share new upcoming events and news from the studio.

November:

* Remember to get those Christmas Photos finished up! Our studio special price for an on-location will run         until the Wednesday before Christmas this year. The beach, the park, or even your own backyard!!!

* Friday the 13th is the Opening for the NEW Palm Beach Photographic Center in downtown WPB               right on Clematis! The ticketed reception begins at 5:30 and, then, open to the public at 7pm.

The facility is amazing! I hope to see some of you there.

* DAL, also known as the Delray Art League, is back in full swing! With over 200 members, demos, lectures, and friendly camaraderie with fellow artists of all mediums. I recently was juried in as part of the group and am looking forward to learning, sharing, and exhibiting with the active group.

We are always looking for venues to exhibit work. Feel free to contact me regarding this.

Check out Artists in the Park-located at Veteran Park right by the intercostal bridge and Atlantic Ave. in Delray Beach.  This upcoming weekend is the first of the season. You can find them on Facebook.

* Early sunset makes for great beach photos. So get out there before 5pm, bring your tripod, and relax!

December
* December 10th from 6-9:30, Thursday  
   Portraits @ Conversation Pieces
   Dogs, Children, and even the Adults.
 
I'll be talking about making great holiday portraits a breeze and ideas for displaying.
  Portraits with a print to take home will also be available.

There will be more events posted soon. January brings new work and new happenings.
New Exhibit with the Everglades Coalition; New work with still life's; and ohhhhhh the birds to be seen as winter approaches.

Winter is approaching when the birds return to South Florida

Thought I had moved on from the birds? Nope. Just waiting their return south. Maybe I had thought I had filled my cup with bird photography. When I saw 2 Osprey's fly over my head and a small flock of blue jays go left then right, and ohhh was there a Perigean Falcon, I found myself getting excited. Where were the binos? Who moved them?
I find myself arriving in much the same place as I left with my bird photography. Rest assured, I hope to have generated some progress during the summer months. Truly, I am still dreaming of Gitzo's Ocean tripod-all stainless steel, carbon fiber legs, but first let me rise to my personal challenge. This season I challenge myself to photograph the birds without photographing the bird. Ahhh the directness of Contemplative Photography. I include one of my favorite images from last season of an Osprey eating a large fish. See you out there birdies...

Knowing when, Knowing how

If you are like me, you have that ever annoying questioning of am I in the place I should be and how to proceed. First of all, there are a million different ways to arrive at artistry; a million ways to market, sell, and so on. Anyone who has already arrived there will say persistence, determination, and struggle are what to expect. Long hours, lots of bad art for the rare gems. If that isn't a deterrent, then maybe the financial insecurity will be the decider. Beyond that you can create or move above the myriad of mountains that can be on your path. And that is the key: this is your path that can be different than my path.

My path or direction into photography seems some what illogical and unstable some days. I have friends beyond my years who are master artists who struggle. I look at other artists who are successful and once thought I need to to what they do to make money in photography. I have come to understand the flaw in that thought is 'I need to do what they do.' I need to do what I need to do. What others do successfully or not is mute. I am speaking conceptually not to say I would be opposed to following another's business plan or marketing idea; nor would I ever stop looking at others works or researching.  What is most significant to me is what I do and the integrity of how I create.

Still life Challenges Every Artist

My new creative pursuit in photography is to master the art of visual perception. For the past year or so, my mentor, George, has challenged me with arranging and photographing a still life. To the laymen's ears, this pursuit maybe deemed too simple or copying what the Master painters already did perfectly. The inevitable question arises: is photography art? I suppose the answer simply depends on the person inquired. I, of course, believe photography is art. My art; digital photography and art is a new realm that challenges the current postmodernists who lay claim to knowing the difference between 'real art' and non-art(for lack of a better word). My personal view looks at the whole work incorporating both the contextual, the technique, and finished piece display and all. Art is because the creative authentically produces work with the 'magic' that viewers encounter grabbed by a feeling from the work.

Many, many days I have spent in my small studio arranging and rearranging objects that initially copied Cezanne, eventually incorporating my favorite objects that represent a piece of me. Now, I copying a Master like Cezanne is possible in Photoshop, but I was not interested in sitting for hours manipulating. I mean hours. I wanted to create with my camera and my knowledge of my equipment and experimenting. I have mountains of paper sketches that could keep a Mainer warm through most of the winter. I yelled into empty space. The simple act of still life creation became an obsession. Add that to my unyielding path to become a Master Photographer and months later, I feel I have found that indeed my photography is art.
All challengers are welcome to stop by the studio and have a hand at arranging.

What makes a photograph art and who says so?

Over the weekend I went to a lecture by one of my favorite photographers. Rarely, do I attend these kinds of things except when the Palm Beach Photographic Center has their seasonal lectures over the winter months. Although, they are now located in downtown West Palm Beach with their grande opening around the corner. I can't wait for them to open so I can get a shot of culture (photography). Us lonely photographers do not necessarily lead that romantic life so many perceive. Just as the man I went to the Boca Museum to listen to. I have to plug this in premising that I have no association with the Museum at all; that said, their permanent photography collection on the 2nd floor was a wonderful surprise. A place I will return to when I want (need) to be among friends. Where looking is listening, stillness like a long exposure, and a return to self.

So, here I am in a small room with young and old listening to Clyde Butcher talk about his work, entitled, "America the Beautiful," and his overall process from capture to print. If you are new to Clyde's work, he uses large format (8x10 and larger) camera; BW negs, which he develops, and then contact prints, followed by the edited scans to the computer thru Photoshop and out. His cameras are beautiful. As a photographer, the photograph is not just the view: it is the whole process-the camera, image development, special processes, paper, inks, chemistry, enlarger, printer, matting, frames, floating.....4-ply, 8-ply...plexi or glass. To me, that is a photograph. All those pieces wrapped up in hours of sweating, frustration, redo's, and successes mixed with the authentic presence of the artist (ie. originality, individuality) equal a photograph. The artist creates and says...

And I am listening to him speak when I realized that I should be paying more attention and effort to doing my work. Clyde and Niki are models of doing their passion. My intuition needs a good kick to really incorporate the technical stuff from schooling with my vision. So, I have been defining my vision. My work, my art is because I am.

The Office Space Motions

Today is unusually quiet. I am in my "office" before 9am, at the computer doing the motions: emails, checking links, and reading up on the TImes, my favorite blogs, and photo industry trade news. I never make it to the end of my list by the day's end. Trying not to be such a perfectionist, I time line and prioritize. Now, I hope I am not bursting anyone's perception of what a photographer actually does when running a business. Generally, I feel as though duct tape is holding the realm all together for me. Anxiously, I cross words off a list that is piled on top of another list, which I hope has the same words as the list in my hand.

I do get technical and prioritize because otherwise I would be lost between the obnoxious piles of laundry, toys, and emails. How would dinner get made if I wasn't sure to calculate the time to cook, what's on PBS for kids (I am not afraid to say that a little TV gives me a few moments to scurry.), and hitting the print button on the computer. Somedays I wish I could a cross between Curious George and Mary Popins. Heck-throw in some Julie Andrews! Then, I could sing, which only my sister has a talent for not me.

And here I sit going through the motions of scouting out my lists, thinking of marketing ideas, who to network with, finding venues for grant money or juried show, and visualizing how my conservation photography can impact the daily routines of Floridians. I sip my coffee with intent and click on with my morning. In the distance I can hear the Osprey's calling one another, most likely talking about the fishing today. I'd need a pretty long lens to get a great image; so for now, I am just going to listen.

The Printing Process in My Studio

The act of photographing is step one; processing is step two; printing is step three; producing a work of mastery is step four.

I have been going from image to "Processing" in Photoshop to proofing to... ahhhh... the final achievement with a print. I find this tedious time on the computer requires as much breathing (if not more) than during the actual capture process. Some images are easy requiring a curve adjustment here, and gradient there; those other images that I fall in love with for concept, but require some tricks of the trade and tweaking. Here's where technical stuff and experimenting really require your attention. Blessed with the undo button, I am always testing the limits of the image. How far can I push? Where did I need to focus attention to really get the viewers attention? How do I manipulate, without "changing" (i.e.. manipulation beyond a visual limit that redefines the image as non-traditional.) the image? How can I adjust for the viewers perception? It can all be very scientific incorporating how the brain perceives, processing information from the eye to the brain. Understanding tonalities, gradations of values, contrast are all crucial elements in understanding and producing a photographic print.

For me, the simpler the better. I miss the hours of dim light in the darkroom. Even the smells. My favorite part of the darkroom printing is emerging into daylight to examine test strips and then examine the actual print. All very metaphorical. Now in my own digital darkroom, I am surrounded by power chords, firewire's, USB's, and boxes of paper (of various size and type). I have a special daylight bulb I examine under. The process is the similar to my days as a student in the darkroom. I hope I still maintain my creative risks as I did in the beginning of my photography while the maturity of Mastery is evident in my prints. Of course, I have taken the time to learn with Photoshop pro's, printing workshops, and friends.

Riverbend and the Loxahachee River

Inquires about my summer weather field work inevitably circles to,

"How can you stand the heat?"

South Florida is a subtropical climate after all. Today, the weather is humid, hot, and steamy. One of those days I am hibernating in my studio writing and arranging a still-life escaping from that oppressive sauna like heat. Although just a few days ago, I canoed the Loxahachee River with Chris Devenport, a fellow naturalist. The morning was much like today, but once I found myself engrossed by the towering Oaks, telling of early residents, Cypress, towering like skyscrapers, and Pond Apple trees, ancient beings. I am always amazed how early Floridians survived without ant spray (or any other bug repellant) or air conditioning. Sometimes my mental displacement is reassuring to my cognitive conscious side that asks if my pursuit as a professional photographer is prudent. That fleeting thought abandons me the further we canoed into the hammock. I felt like a pioneer exploring the unknown, until the stripped tail of a baby alligator caught my eye.

I found myself remembering that artistry takes a lifetime of mastery. In times of not so great creativity, I must be as the little alligator: still, purposeful, and intuitive. When my mind and spirit fuse in this creative zone, the heat and humidity are just gravy.

Labor Day Swamp Walk

Just as many others, I joined walkers in Ochopee to explore the Big Cypress in Clyde Butcher's backyard. Only 1% of the world visits this part of Florida. I have never seen such ancient beings towering with history and words that only few can hear. It was a typical rainy afternoon with passing clouds and thunder rumbling in the background. The walk was short and went by too quickly. I am glad I didn't bring my camera or I would have not moved after the first 15 minutes into the swamp. The water was cold with no waders. I wondered how after seeing so much of Florida's native beauty I could not be caught surprised. I was so very wrong.

Okay, I did bring a disposable point and shoot that is out for processing. I feel strange talking about film, but that is a discussion for another day. I encourage everyone to visit Clyde's gallery and walk the walk.

How do you know when you are on the right path?

Hmmm. Everyone, not only artists, have this question pop up questioning personal direction in life. I am constantly checking with myself and asking the Universe, " Are you sure I should be on this path heading somewhere still unknown?" Small signs of reassurance seem to assure my conscious mind. When I am knee deep in mucky water, oblivious to the bugs, spiders, and humidity, confidence in my path as a nature photographer are solid. I am a rock. What I already know and have yet to discover are immaterial; my half remodeled house is a distant space I forgot about; I am mindfully living, being, and aware of not only the pristine perfection of nature, but also of myself. This must be a version of enlightenment. This also must be what draws us photographers to paths requiring a new vision of sight.

Today, I am seeing only what was once negative space as positive. Challenging my eyes and the perception in my mind. A mini-workout for my brain. Do not forget that artists are always working and creating even if they appear to be still.

With that I will leave you with a quote from Clyde Butcher's biography by Tom Shroder and John Barry, Seeing the Light:

"In the Everglades there is no chaos or imperfection or mess. The entire compass flows together. Everything fits."

No Update, Home Healing

I missed out this week because some shrimp got the better of me. So, my planned update on recent work has turned into insight into the importance of flexibility and regrouping.

I spent time on the computer, but I also stayed in bed resting. We tend not to take the time to heal. I am speaking in general; although, I am sure we can all apply this to our lives. I had time to read some books that gave me new ideas for projects. I found that I still love to read in bed-something I rarely do with a 3 year old ruling the house. Reclaiming parts of ourselves is important for artists who tend to live wearing more hats than most. And we need to feed that piece with a lot of nothingness.

Gloria Stein said something to the effect of, "To be a real genius, you have to do nothing, really nothing."

Go read. Go rest. Go be genius.

Just Write It! (this statement is copyright and trademarked)

One of my all time favorite spaces is in this old kitchen chair.

I have to guess that the chair is almost an antique, which is why I juxtaposed the antique shaker chair on the right side of the frame. This once white stepping chair was in my grandmother's (in Center City, Philadelphia) kitchen next to the window AC unit and fridge. I felt secure in the tight corner next to the bread box, which fascinated me since in Florida the bread was in the fridge.

As I hibernate through this hot summer, I imagine what Florida's pioneers and native residents experienced without the luxury of air conditioning. I am remembering the words of Robert Frost(sorry I just can't help myself) taking the roadless traveled. My journey down the road of a photographer is not less traveled just more about persistence and endurance. I am just not me unless I am holding a camera, clicking, home, and extra $ potential, I am still creating. So to this, I implore everyone to write down your personal history, draw, photograph. Perhaps this act is just like authentic creation because, well, in the psychology of journaling the creator exists in a undefinable space that as a viewer we try to imagine.

Make a journal, find an old sketchbook, use that Barnes-n-Noble giftcard from your birthday last year. Might I also mention that writing, the act of making letters into words on paper, is an essential skill. Find an inspiring pen, pencil, marker..."borrow" one from the doctors office. Find a comfy space and with just paper and an writing instrument you can be making history.

Rita Island, Lake Okeechobee

In the apple blossom trees, I thought I could hear ancient voices telling of Florida's history. I was amazed by the thick clusters of roots all around. That and the numerous spiders. The crazy part of Lake Okeechobee's history is that each of the three islands, on the southern rim, were settled with working communities. Rita Island is the first of the islands that I have seen. Only rows of banana trees bare witness to a passer by; the water levels are a little too high for much to be seen. My two guides told me that in the height of the drought they walked where we had to use an air boat to explore.

Little remains telling the story of Lake Okeechobee and her history. Perhaps, we should do as the Seminole tribe and speak nothing of those past. For now, my choice is to meditate in the tree hammocks trying to figure out how my history and the Lake and my photography all meld together. Maybe I go there to escape, maybe I go in search of some truths or enlightenment; maybe I go for curiosity. I will share the epiphany when revealed to me. Until then, I am busy working on images and creating the story of this part of the Glades.

What we can do to help restore and preserve the Everglades

So, what can we do as everyday folks, visiting or residing? I am a firm believer in the power of cumulative efforts producing positive outcomes. Even if we chose just one thing in our daily lives, we can make a large contribution to preservation of our natural landscape.

Check out this link on common things that we can easily assimilate as part of our daily routines.

https://my.sfwmd.gov/portal/page?_pageid=2814,19613828&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL

Keep posted as I travel into the Wilds of Lake Okeechobee...

New Project on Lake Okeechobee

I am fascinated by the ecosystem and water ways of the Everglades. A major piece of the Everglades and water comes from Lake Okeechobee, the second largest body of water in North America. In the 1980's I did a science fair project that confirmed my middle school theory that phosphorus was present in the Lake and effecting its ecology. How many years later now, I am learning of both new issues with Lake O and her history. As I learn more, I will certainly share not only historical points, but the significant steps taken to preserve the area, revitalize communities, and restore the Everglades.

Many Thanks to Boots and Chris for my first day on Lake O in a long, long time.

Red Dog Journal

Have you heard about this great online resource? With so many places, sites, blogs, and what not out there today, I believe that this online Journal, a div of Cygnet Press in NM, has a load of info for all levels of photographers. I enjoy their humor as well. Recently, they had a call for entries for new work, and I was accepted! The announcement I believe will be official in September. The work continues to be focused on water conservation, south florida, and the Everglades.

On a side note: New Mexico is was on my favorite places on earth. I encourage every artist to visit just to learn about their light. And, I admit, the best food! My short time as a resident in Santa Fe had loads of memories from smells to sunsets. I miss those mountains and dear friends.

Here's the link to the Red Dog Journal:

http://www.reddogjournal.com

New Work with Women and Photography International

The Summer 2009 Juried Show by Women in Photography International has accepted a Sarah Brown original image in the Children Category! I am especially proud of this one because after a formal shoot with 2 siblings, the eldest ran outdoors to play at the first possible moment. His mother just gave him a look of permission, which was all he needed. I was lucky enough to just follow him out the door and capture the moment.

Click on the link:

http://womeninphotography.org/wipihome.html

Dog Days of Summer at Conversation Pieces in Delray

I was in downtown Delray this past Friday taking photos of dogs at Conversation Pieces, a cute boutique on NE 2nd Ave. In fact, when I wasn't taking pictures I was window shopping!

Here's some of my favorites named Porkchop and Ziggy. I actually loved all of the dogs I met. I was able to donate a % of sales to a great local organization called Rescue Rehab Home.

Thanks to Robin at Conversation Pieces for hosting me.

www.eConversationPieces.com

www.rescuerehabhome.org

Up Coming Event for Dogs

That's right the 'Dog Days of Summer' are here in Delray Beach. We are living through high 90's during the day. So, come on down to downtown Delray Beach this coming Friday night for some doggie fun. The city is hosting a 'Dog Days of Summer' closing down NE 2nd. Contests, raffle, and a lots of socializing Friday July 24th from 7-10pm.

Dog Days of Summer - Summer Nights on the Avenue

Friday, July 24th - 7:00pm - 10:00pm

Bring your furry friends to the Pineapple Grove Arts District at NE 2nd Avenue and NE 2nd Street for an evening of Music, Art and Dog-gone fun! Sexiest Bathing Suit Contest and Wet T Shirt contest sponsored by the Golden Bone Doggie Day Spa and Aart Holisitic Pet Foods. $1000 training package raffle sponsored by Charley's Canine College. Many merchants will have pet related treats, merchandise and activities.

I will be at Conversation Pieces, the greatest boutique in Pineapple Grove Arts District, taking Dog Portraits. Hope to see you there!

Link for Conversation Pieces: www.eConversationPieces.com

July 24th from 7-9pm

Located: 187 NE 2nd Ave, Delray Beach, Fl 33444

Price: $15 for an 8.5x11 or 2 4x6 prints to take home

Conversation Pieces will offer an extra 20% off all Frames!

Did I have a relaxing weekend?

In effort to put to rest any questions about the bliss of working and raising children, I am here to share my typical day. Weekends, weekdays time does not seem to matter much. I have an ongoing list of to do's that I am constantly multitasking just so I can use my BIG sharpie: declaring vistory on completing something. I am sorry to also say that for the majority of families out there men have an advantage of career advancing that women do not. I am not debating; it is a fact unless you can afford a full time nanny or are blessed with a grandparent/auntie/family member who would never accept money. Few professional women use their weekends or non-office days for personal work or time. So, on my Saturday, after early morning hours in the yard with the family, I rushed to get some work time in before the afternoon when I would be the primary parent again. My personal time is spent working on photography. I have the occasional mom friend's lunch; I take my son to play dates and places of interest. As I drink my 4th coffee of the day, I am off to the trenches of Photoshop-ing versus "Mom what should we do now?"

I love both my jobs, don't get me wrong. I just wish as women we had more of a chance to be a full time mother and a professional. In a recent article in Outside Magazine, many Olympic athletes had a blurb about being regular folk describing a a typical schedule. Each of the men stated they worked out extensively over the weekend. The only woman and only athlete that rose at 4am everyday to get her workouts in. For this alone, I think she should earn some sort of medal. She designed her day around the children and work.

As a working woman artist and mother, I too attest to the early morning opportunity to reclaim the person I am when I am not too busy being mom. All you Zen Masters will argue we are who we are all the time; maybe so, but in the misty morning watching the sunrise over the wetlands that were once Florida, I am truly myself. Ahhhh, feeling so free.

Florida is getting Eco-Yard Friendlier

Way to go Gov. Christ for passing new law that is a step towards changing our yardscape. With the drought who can watch all that fresh water maintain our browning lawns? As a homeowner here in Palm Beach County, if the rains are sparse then my green lawn not so green. We do plant heat tolerant low water plants and native trees.

Here's the link to the press release about the new law:

http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/news/article/1288/

So, get out there and plant, dig, and Generate Change for Florida!

Recent News and Publications

Upon returning from a family journey, I am pleased to announce:

The publication of Avian Wilds in both soft and hard-bound style through Blurb.com. The book is devoted to the shrinking bird populations of South Florida amidst the continued controversy preserving the Everglades. Do politicians realize that there will be no South Florida for their grandchildren if the footsie game continues. I say this with experience sharing what remains with my son and reminding him of what was. History is our crystal ball.

North American Nature Photography Ass. published an image entitled, "Banana Leaf Abstraction."

http://www.nanpa.org/docs/ripples/2009-0708.pdf#page=13

On a lighter note, I am looking forward to being a part of the Palm Beach Pet Society Annual. I had a wonderful time photographing the dogs last year and what a great team to work with.

Gallery Show with the Center for Fine Art Photography

I am pleased to announce that one of my favorite images is part of a Gallery Exhibition at the Center for Fine Art Photography. Out of over 2000 images, Ghost of the Woodstork (from the series Avian Wilds) was chosen.

You can click the link to view all 50 winners: https://c4fap.safesecureweb.com/exhibitors/2009BW/exhibitorsannounce.asp

I am especially excited as controversy continues to surround the Wood stork's current status as endangered versus threatened. One of the few remaining birds that have lived here for centuries, I express my disappointment in developers for pursuing the Wood stork as an obstacle to more development in the Everglades. As Florida's economy is stretched beyond thin, I'm watching the choices regarding the recent purchase of US Sugar's land made by South Florida Water Management with my breathe held. We can not afford any further development; Preserve and Restore.

Summer is here in South Florida

I spent a good part of yesterday at the beach. I say this not to incur any jealousy, but to remind myself that as summer is finally here in South Florida. To most, summer brings welcome warm weather, seasonal shops, tourists, and the like. Here in Florida that usually means rain mixed with muggy hot, hot days. I spend more days inside at the computer working on archiving, optimizing, and putting images together. As much as I love being in the field, I am looking forward to this summer as my studio begins to expand. I have my first book coming out this summer, entitled "Avian Wilds." My personal photography work is primarily conservation based. This particular series is a focus on South Florida's birds. I just sent the final proofing off to the publisher! Keep you posted. 

Write, Right?

The initial rule of blogging is you MUST write. I broke that rule over the holidays that seemed to grab me and distract me with "stuff." I offer my apology to those who are disappointed with only my recent return. Please stay tune as I post on  a bimonthly basis with some moonlighting by a few friends. 

Happy New Year! Happy Inauguration!