Happy Thanksgiving!!!

      Green Chiles                                                                                       by Sarah Brown

I am making my famous chorizo and green chile stuffing. Although this year, the Anaheim chiles were a bit spicy; so, I left them to the side. Before I brought them to my dad's for roasting, I had to make a few arrangements. Their fragrance is still lingering in my studio. I wanted to post some new still life images that I made for the Thanksgiving holiday. I took some time reflecting on a new Japanese saying, " Kusa no Mono." I added the rooster for longevity, the indian basket for our history, the bench for welcoming guests, the basket and apple for the harvest(personal memories of apple picking), and the squashes for color. The fabrics are from a box of my mother's that I found in the attic.  

        Thankful Thoughts                                      By Sarah Brown

Thanksgiving Week Thoughts

Thankful Bounty by Sarah Brown
Made this one for my father.  Hot off the Press!

Getting in the Mood for the Holidays! I love the feeling that November brings around. Everyone is getting excitied for the one reason or another. I love the family getting together; everyone taking a break from the business of daily stuff. I find we all need a break from constant going, especially here in Southeast Florida. 

May you all enjoy being with family and friends over the coming weeks. Warm wishes for all. 

Portrait Special: Between Nov. 28th-Dec 21st, all mini sessions with up to 3 people are only $100 with a CD!

Fine Art Work: all new work is on sale through mid-Dec. as well. Buy a 2 prints and the 2nd print is half off. 

PIX IQ Profiling my still life work

Hello all you fans of still lifes! I am featured on Pix IQ for my new work entitled Presence. Pixiq.com is a new site that profiles the best of the best in the photography industry. They have a great resource of contributors and info on all things photography. I am proud to be included in their featured photographers listing.

http://www.pixiq.com/article/featured-photographer-sarah-brown

Click on the link for all the information!

Monarch Butterfly Begins Anew!

I spent the morning from about 6:15 to after 8am watching this amazing act of nature. The first frame is the initial exit of the chyrisalis; the wings take some time to unfold and stretch out; once flat, the buttfly begins to practice flapping and dry the new wings. Do I dare get metaphoric?

Halloween Portraits!

Is anyone else surprised that Halloween in almost here? I finally accepted this past Friday at a great party! Between the cute costumes and the candy, I had a great time. I am always available for that special event or even just because. Here are some photos:

Experimenting with HDR and Oceanscapes

I have a new body of work inspired by my childhood of growing up on the Atlantic Ocean coastline in PB County, Florida. There is something inherently beautiful about the ocean or any body of water within each state of being. One of my first memories of a significant body of water was in Vermont. I woke early and alone walked to the dock to watch the sunrise. I can remember the details of the water: her color, the water dew bugs, and the steam rising as the sun rose. I was only 12 or 13 years old, but the majestic presence and beauty left me in awe. This morning, over 20 years (wow!) later the wind was blowing and the ocean surf was ruff with rip currents. The power of water is amazing to me. I am experimenting a bit with HDR and combining multiple frames of exposures without any hint of being overly processed. As most of my colleagues and clients know, I am dedicated to creating work of photographic integrity, as I did in the wet darkroom.  


So, check out my new portfolio of work: Oceaneana:
www.sarahbrownimages.com

New Work Using Old and New Ways: Treasures of Blue

Dillweed
2010
Cyanotype
by Sarah Brown



From a new series of work, Treasures of Blue, using both the old traditions of traditional photography and the technology of scanners and computers to print large scale images. Prints will be for sale on 13x19 Velvet Fine Art Paper. And yes I do all my own printing in my studio. Send an email for inquiries and to purchase: sbrownimages@gmail.com

 

No Limits, 

2010

Cyanotype

by Sarah Brown

Portrait Retouching- what does this mean? and Why you need it...

During the fall and winter season in South Florida, Portrait sessions are almost a daily bullet point on our studio to do list.  I had a client who expressed an interest in understanding what the heck retouching means. I include retouching as part of my packages that include a CD of images. With so much techo stuff out there surrounding and redefining photography, I want to have a good communication line with my clients to ensure their happiness. I think the challenge is understanding that everyone's meaning may differ. So, be sure to ask about what is included in the retouching aspects of any Portrait Contract.

That said here are some definitions, which I wrote from my point of view as a professional artist and portrait photographer.

Integrity of the Image: Back with film there was little I could do to change the negative. Today, I can do almost anything to an image even without viewers knowing. The digital integrity of the image is all the tiny dots together to make up the image. Changing these dots to alter the meaning, idea, subject, cuting/pasting, or moving things crosses over from Photography to Digital Imagery. Everyone uses software to download and view images, but making any alterations to the little dots changes the original image at capture.
My personal preference is to maintain the integrity of my images. With portraiture, this is very challenging because we have some to visually expect a level of softness (less wrinkles), glowing skin (no blemishes), and perfect skin color (tonality). Every photographer today uses software that makes these corrections. Any Photoshop expert/professional can do this without the "plug in" freely in Photoshop. I have and used both options in our studio.

Basic Retouching: After I download the images from my card to the computer viewing software where I edit, I set the remaining images to have a perfect white. This ensures I have the exact skin tonality (specifically with portraits) or , with my landscapes or documentary work, a perfect histogram (logarithmic pattern that illustrates how the software reads the black, grays, and white).  Now that I have a perfect white, I can add more light or darken in areas, clean any spots from the lens or sensor, saturate or unsaturate. Basic retouching, in my studio, is not altering anything, but enhancing what is there with the pixels (tiny dots).  For portraits, this means healthy skin color with eye correcting for wrinkles and under eye circles, white teeth, and desired color saturation (depends on the client's usage and preferences).



Here's an example:  Original Capture was in color:

Org. Capture                                         Post Production                          

As you can see, I did absolutely nothing to the left image. The right side was after I did my BW conversion method (my own little mix), a little tonality balancing with the history brush in Photoshop, and sharpening of the infant feet. I think I also cropped a bit too much on the left and may change it. 

That is why I have prints all over: view them into perception and note the changes I would like to experiment with to find what feels best to me. 

Office Portraits for a new You! Promote yourself on Linkdin, Facebook, and even Twitter!

Reinvent your look! My new package of business portraits at the office offers professionals the convenience of headshots at the office or an arranged location. 

With a CD of your best poses, you will be ready to send off the new you to the printer for promotional pieces, as well as, prepared for all the demands of a great portrait for social media and marketing. 

Call and book for your team today!

Special Thanks to the team at Raymond James-Wealth Wellness.

Digital Photography for Kids

 Digital photography has provided a platform for young artists to create visually with access on a grander scale. This is an exciting front that brings art into a child's brain, which can heavily influence (positively) brain development. In all honesty, children are wonderful to work with because they see unlimited possibilities and ways to create. Their freedom can be inspiring. Several years ago, I lived in Maine working with local teens and is one of the most rewarding jobs I have had. So, on course, I have designed a Kid's curriculum for digital photography that covers not only the technical and light, but the fine art of workflow and printing. Of course, I have some other topics, but those are all surprises!

As we all return to school routines and season in Florida, take some time to share your knowledge with a child. We are all experts in our passions and our obligation as adults to teach our wisdom.

I look forward to my new students this fall. We are going to have serious fun creating photographs and digital art.

Send an email for information about children's digital photography class: sbrownimages@gmail.com

Getting Ready for the Fall Season

Labor Day is almost here! I can't believe another fabulous season is here in South Florida. As we are all beginning to plan for BBQ's and Holiday Parties, Don't forget to schedule a portrait session! And events galore! Here's some images from 2 celebrations:

Sweet 16 Celebration!

Sweet 16 Cake

A

Wedding

 

Summertime is a Perfect Time to Plan Ahead for Portraits

As fall approaches, I know we are gearing up for a busy season of Family portraits. Yes, that time of year we all try to duct tape the children and husband together for that satisfying moment for our annual holiday card. Feels as though December is far off, but remember when it felt like the summer just began?

Call the studio to schedule that Family Session or just one for the kids. Do you have an eighth grader or a senior graduating? Check out our new senior portrait package on our portrait website: www.sbiportraits.com

Starting a new venture or returning to work? Update your professional side with a new headshot you can use on your resume, social media network, and your website.

Find Sarah Brown Images and Sarah Brown Images Portraiture on Facebook for current promotional specials.


Enjoy the Back to School shopping! Be sure to include a couple things for yourself!

 www.sbiportraits.com              www.sarahbrownimages.com

Marketing and the Art World

I belong to various blogs and virtual groups to keep me in contact with the art and photography industry. There is so much information out there, I find that sharing a link can be helpful to others. Understanding the art world can be very overwhelming. The link is to a short video about how the market flows and where to put forth efforts as an artist. Of course, the number one business focus is marketing.


http://wafglobal.ning.com/video/video/show?id=3927681%3AVideo%3A177616&xgs=1&xg_source=msg_share_video

When summer vacation upsets your printer

Ah yes, I am back in the studio after some much needed time away. However, I think both the dog and my printer actually were upset by the vacation. I went about catching up on emails and administrative catch up assuming I could multitask by printing out some family photos for my dad's upcoming birthday. My wonderful Epson 3800 gave me lines all across the first 4x6. I knew right away the printer's nozzles were a bit clogged from non use. Yes, since I vacationed, my printer's ink dried up in the small tubes that deliver the ink dots to the paper. I should have expected this.
The printer utility icon can be found both in the printer's dialogue box or through applications menu->utilities->printer utilities [on a Mac]. Once I double click on printer's utilities, a new box opens with 4 choices. I want to select the nozzle check, which if needed will perform a cleaning. This can be a little time consuming. Overall, I needed about an hour to make sure the final print was perfect. The dialogue boxes walk you right through the process and even show examples to help you identity your exact problem. I admit I do have a magnifying pocket lens on my desk to check for any imperfections.
Now, I am off to keep printing some new still lifes. Be sure to keep your printer running.

Beach Sessions on Sale until July 20th!!

HOT SUMMER SPECIAL!!!!!

Let's meet at the beach for an hour or so for a half price special.

Bring some friends or another family and get even more perks!

Call today for Details or Email for the Scoop!

Check out the new website design at

www.sbiportraits.com

Sarah Brown Images Portrait Website Prepares to Launch

Sweet 16 Party

If you have tried to click searching for Sarah Brown Images Portrait Website
www.sbiportraits.com, you may not have found it. Nope, it is not you nor the world wide web. In honor of the start of summer, officially that is, I have reconstructed my portrait site for a cleaner and more satisfying view of some portraiture. Predominately children and families, I also include some recent Professional Business type portraits for local business women. I plan to expand the business portraits and have a special package just for on-location sessions at the office. Pet portraits will also continue to be a popular session-especially with all those puppies out there.

I am also now available for assignments and editorial work.

I appreciate your patience as I wait for the server switch to be finalized. Please send me feedback about the new site. All my contact info remains the same. Send me an email:   sbrownimages@gmail.com

Thanks,
Sarah

Images from a Sweet 16 Celebration!

 

Uncertain Times, Uncertain Measures

My studio has been very quiet in the mornings. Usually, I am in the office chair early since my son is an early riser. My husband is an early guy too, but as an Ocean Lifeguard he has no choice. Since news of the oil spill tragedy in April, we have made a conscious effort to swim and play in the waves as often as we can. Admittedly, I had visit the beach low on the priority list. The Atlantic Ocean has been a constant for me since we moved to South Florida when I was five years old.
My childhood memories, like most, have the good and bad as I grew.  But I retreated to the beach and the Everglades as I nursed the pain of growing up with a mother with cancer. Her mortality challenged my frontal cortex before my brain could grasp abstract concepts. The salty Atlantic nursed my wounds.

When she finally died in 1996, having lived with cancer for over ten years, I was living in the mountains of Colorado. I remember, upon returning to Florida, how my ocean trips were healing during the phases of accepting death. Now that I live back here in South Florida, I still feel the same healing, and, perhaps in part to the ongoing parts of her absence.
Usually these days, I am chasing after a four year old; my feelings are mixed with the desire for him to have similar childhood memories of bonding with the Ocean, just as my husband and I have through out our lives. We grieve for those in the Gulf; my son suggested someone take a helicopter and drop buckets of dawn soap in the Gulf. As we wait to see if our coast line is effected by the oil spill, I have continued to photograph the Atlantic's mighty beauty. Color and Black and White. I am thinking on Velvet Fine Art Paper.
Photography, as an emotional medium, eases my sadness. I am not sure if I sketched or painted this same image I would feel the same peace. What is it about Photography that as a tunnel for expression is different than other mediums?

When is a body of work complete?

This is a new still life I did in the studio yesterday. I had sworn off the still life creating for a bit. Sometimes the distance or break allows for new out of the box I have placed myself ideas. Sometimes the pause generates more experimentation to see something new. I think I will always be creating still lifes even without realizing until I am moving objects. The more I understand arrangement support the more I challenge myself to create more abstract compositions. All the while, I continue to have the principals of Ikebana in play. What really gets me is the more I sit still, the more clarity I have with placement. 

Onward into the experimental realm of Abstract Realism and Contemplative Photography I go! 

T.S. Elliot Begins a New Book

"The End is Where We Start From." TS Elliot

Who reads the last page or even the last chapter of a book first? I can not go through a book without reading the preface first. Mr. Hamilton, my high school english teacher, showed me how significant the preface or introduction can be. So for me the mystery is already over; the story line is just icing on the cake.
Perhaps that is why I am drawn to the idea of creating a new kind of photography book. One with words and images; just not the way our brain has come to auto interpret in anticipation. So, I feel as though it is almost a Kohan of creating a book with no words. I pose a challenge to anyone willing to create: How can I change the definition of book.

iPhone Apps and Wisdom

"For fast acting relief try slowing down." Lily Tomlin

I too am joining the band wagon of iPhone app fans. Ironically, I was inspired today when scrolling through my " Daily Enlightenment App" a Lily Tomlin quote popped up advising me to slow down. Funny how technology has become a spiritual experience. Even at dinner last night with friends, I brought out my iPhone to check something out on the internet to a question the table had. My friend and mentor, George was also surfing the net to find out how much the new Photoshop CS5 upgrade cost ($199).
I find these techno moments quite ironic when I spent most of the day framing 16 Black and White Florida Nature Landscape images (old school style) that I produced with digital equipment and an ink jet printer.
I can see the ying and yang. I wonder what Lily thinks?

Taking time to be a part of the Village

I have this moral or ethical ideal that we are should contribute our talents to and for our community. Call it volunteering, giving back, or contributing, I just see it as doing a part for the village sort of speak. If we all contributed, I believe we would raise happier, healthier, and more successful children. So, we one of my friends called me up to see if I could take some portrait photos for a local advocacy group, I said yes.

And what a great afternoon I had with these two sisters! I love how children despite their circumstance are resilient to keep playing and living. I thought and felt special since I know they live in different places. Enough of my banter, let the photos speak for themselves.

You are my escape

Yes,I am using you as the reason to excuse myself from the grueling task of living room/play room clean up time. I quietly chuckle. And here's why:

As an artist, we are required to be very many types of characters to promote, organize, and keep good accessible records, and produce work that makes all of the later responsibilities worthwhile. I am in the thick of bookkeeping and kicking myself for neglecting my record keeping. I know better. And I am finding that the neglect has entered my studio work time. Is it my taxes or my awareness that is offering this insight into a more efficient practice? Probably a bit of both. Regardless, I am making changes to return to that balance space where business practice and art practice are partners. So, writing is part of my promise and meditation for the mid-day as the boys are cleaning up their toys. What a triumphant morning!

Here is my first spring Flower and a testament to keep me photographing everyday (much harder than most believe). I can remember some advice a veteran photographer gave me a long time ago: photograph everyday for yourself and share what you want with the world; no one needs to see the bad ones-except you. He meant that each image is a lesson in light, composition, and action. Even though I am not excitied about the Hibiscus flower blooming in my yard, I can see the even light on the petals and the depth of field I wanted in my mind. Here I was practicing a feeling of oneness that all things within me and the flower were on the same wave length sort of speak. And yes, even the most mastered contemplative photographers practice everyday.

Spring Vacation 2010

I must confess I am glad to be on a non-schedule for a while. My creative sparks or ah's happen when they happen whether I am at a park, cooking, driving, etc. I am ready to check my notebook this weekend and really start a few new projects. I am creating a new studio area to start my nursery art collection, which has been on the back burner for sometime. I am experimenting with portraits and acrylic lifts from paper and trying various media's for mounting. And, most importantly, I have made a personal commitment to make more time to work on images in my portfolios-an upgrade of images that have been sitting unseen. I feel like a Gary Winogrand wannabe. In all seriousness, I am ready to market my work through new venues.

Equipped with the power of thoughtful possibilities, I have reached out to those women whom I most want to emulate in some way. I am excited for this mystery to unfold. After reading an article by a veteran woman artist, who confessed that the unknown was a fear of her's, I felt inspired to jump closer to where I want to be in my career: making contributions to post-modernism (or wherever it is we are now) and contemplative photography; I want to move people in to some sort of action from my conservation photography work on South Florida, Lake Okeechobee, and the Everglades. I want significant work that catalyzes a revolution in thought on our personal responsibility to care for our land and our neighbors.

The rain just arrived and made me think of this image with the heart shaped water on the lily pad.

Contemplate the potential and power of the water. 

March 2010

Today in my studio, only a small path is clear for anyone to walk. The dog is complaining, loudly. I am prepping for a local art festival this weekend. 10 framed prints; a collection of unmated prints in a sizes. I am bringing both color and BW, which leads me to my recent question. Why does color sell more than Black and White? I have heard it before from other artists. I just never believed it. I am packing up hoping to find that "ahhha" and it dawned me that it is time for some old fashion work time.
Marketing, Income streams, taxes..I need to return to the fuel that sparks me to execute all the business side of artistry. Maybe I just need some therapy. Art Therapy therapy that is....I can't wait.

But until then, Come visit me at Veterans Park in downtown Delray Beach. Atlantic Ave. and the Intercoastal Bridge. All day, and the weather is going to be fabulous. This time I plan to bring my camera, and will post some photos .
See you there.

The Reality of My Art World

I have decided to take mulit-tasking to a new level: I am officially throwing my employment hat back in the ring as part of diversifying my income streams: I'm hunting for a job to bring in more money. Fortunately for me, my eternal flame for photography and my art is eternal. I can not escape from this passion. And oh how I have tried to ignore it, but my little voice inside grew louder instead of quieter until I surrendered. So, I know that proof prints and paint brushes and still life props will clutter my office relentlessly and will only scream at me until I pay attention. The job is just experience and, let's face it, a recessionary must. Not a replacement-just another side dish in the greater scheme of things.

I will be at Art in the Park in Veterans Park in downtown Delray Sat. March 20th selling both color and BW prints.  So come visit me...enjoy Delray and the great weather!!!!!

Understanding Oneness

The Foreword from “What the Road Passes By” by Dewitt Jones

 " There are times in my life, sometimes with a camera, sometimes without, when the world is so achingly beautiful, when everything holds such meaning, that I am incapable of any expression except tears of joy. The boundaries of my being begin to blur, whatever separates one thing from another begins to dissolve, and in that confluence of light and line and law, lies an experience for which I have no words."

A friend, who happens to be a Zen Buddhist, sent this forward to me. I have found no better description of what oneness and mindfulness are. I do read a fair amount of Zen text to gather a better understanding of oneness and how to apply to my everyday life. I feel the significance of mindfulness leads to a greater understanding of present reality and how to live as a part of it while seeing the wholeness of our individual experiences. I repeat or recall this feeling again and again while working in my photography studio-people, still life's, or even my son. As simple as the steps appear, the complexity of being can be challenging. I waiver between this is simple am I really getting this to frustration repeating the oneness. Yes, I practice again and again. Even when I feel the success, I continue to practice. My goal is to innately tune into myself and permit that blurring of boundaries; I want to feel the limitless possibilities and the peaceful balance. This is an exercise in trusting yourself. 

For today and the ones that follow join me in sitting, walking, or whatever is asked of you, let go and breathe. The stress and demands of you (self-imposed or not) will not disappear, but perhaps the breathing will allow for these things to just be. For it is our attitude and presence that can evolve, not the thing causing our stress. Once we (or I) continue to practice the breathing of mindfulness, no limits will be self-imposed. Possibilities and ideas have room to peculate into actual acts of being. 

                                       Banana Leaf Abstraction from the yard next door....

For Ourselves-nurturing the artist within

I just found a new blog that I just love. http://rebirthworkshops.com/blog/

These 2 photographers/writers also write about the life of a photographer incorporating small video clips that really make the experience and read well worth the extra few minutes. I am thinking about adding on some short clips too. One of their clips is about taking time for yourself; something we all need to be more proactive about!  I have work in every area of my studio that needs attention. Bookkeeping, one on one marketing calls, some promo postcards, that tax file (groan), a new still life waiting for attention, and printing for a new art show coming up in a week! I am not so sure that fun can be placed with all of these tasks, but thus is the life of a self made artist. I am passionate about photography, and even more so, when I am buried in my studio creating. A lot more goes into the entire process than just the creating aspect. As I have said, talent is the basic ingredient for success and fortunately we all have talents that fuel us. When our fuel force is down or slow because of whatever reason, we need to take time to reboot. With so much to do, how can we make this kind of time?

I ask myself this question all the time. With a household to run on a trim budget, errands, kids, the daily chores, my business laundry lists to to do's, and personal creation time, I am always challenged by time. Only a Mary Popins could zen me away! I have found that my productivity and multitasking abilities are infused by taking a break to walk, photograph, paint, or meditate. If I take an extra 30 minutes for myself, I am more relaxed and ready to face all the things needed to be done in a day. More importantly, I feel more comfortable rather than inadequate accomplishing only a few things over a hundred. So, today, I took 30 minutes for meditating. Emails, paperwork, and some phone calls later, I still have some printing to fit in, but overall I have already had a productive day.

Life Distractions

Admittly, I am distracted by a WalMart deveopment in my neighborhood. I am all for cleaning up a blighted corner, but not if the choice is poor growth management. I am confused about why my city council felt it necessary to speed through the paper work process for approval. Who gets a bonus for this? Yes, who is getting a kick back for this development? The other three strip plazas one of which has over 200 vacant units of store front and the other two have large scale supermarkets less than 2 miles away.  This choice is shameful. Worst of all, I am allowing my emotional reaction to effect my productivity. I am hoping that by sharing this speed bump in my road that I can return to my world of marketing, updating my websites, and actually photographing.

I began to battle this distraction by writing; for a more calming meditative moment, I painted with watercolors. I have lost that center balance. My normal 15 minutes in the morning needed something more intense. This morning I have returned to writing admitting that this bump in the road is really bothering me.  Why do those that claim they represent us or our best interests make wrong choices? What is it that motivates the self fulfilling greed that prompts these paradoxical choices? Is it the remaining good ole' boy group or my idealism that proper representation actually means constituents are represented? I could eat the other half of the brownies I made last night. No wonder my undergrad college history professor drank vodka from a flask. History repeating over and over broke his heart.

So, when we love something that melds or just evolves, the metamorphosis can be disappointing. I am disappointed that "the elders" who are maintaining watch over the community have become what those before them declared opposition to. Each politician claims to be better than the past, but really just ends up being the same. Our children will learn this disappointment soon enough for they will be responsible for the consequences of our poor decisions. I am disheartened by the shadowy future my son must prepare to battle. I want to skate away with Joni Mitchell on her pond; I want to hide in an artist colony protected from all that is tainted and non-art; I want my mother.

Perhaps, that is the lesson learned: the people that we share life with that makes any road traveled worth it. I will think about this some more and. for now, call some friends that make me smile.

Marketing and Strategizing for 2010

My quiet times seem to come when South Florida becomes cold. I always joke that I hibernate in the summer time, but this winter I am retreating from cooler weather. With business is a strange space, I have been pro-actively engaging in face to face marketing techniques to stimulate print sales and interest. I ignore some of the desire to hibernate. As my blog may be quiet these days, I am out there in the flow talking and displaying like a personal advertisement. South Florida is not a mecca of galleries; therefore, my target audience is geared more towards conservation works, local municipalities, groups, and those that continue to have support through the not so great economy.

Do I sound like an artist or a business person? Is there a line that is drawn between the two?
My personal feeling is this is a grey zone in which the talent and drive are balanced by the business side. I will continue to discuss this topic as I am rewriting my own business plan. For now, I need a cup of coffee.

Working on New Projects and Ideas

I admittedly have not had time to write in my blog. Fortunately, this usually means I am out in the field photographing or having some sort of adventure. And yes I have...

Following the Everglades Conference, I was already preparing up for FotoFusion 2010 put on by the Palm Beach Photographic Center in their new location in West Palm Beach. Out of nowhere, a cold and double ear infection had me in bed without mercy. I only made it to a little bit of the Fusion, but my favorite part by far is reuniting with friends. Although I saw just a few folks, I was glad to head out to the local wetlands for some time with the birds. I had a day out on Lake okeechobee with my buddies Chris and Boots. This time another archeologist joined us, and made the day great fun.

I keep applying for funding to expand and further the photographing of Lake Okeechobee. Anyone who has seen the horizon line of infinite can understand this crazy undertaking, but oh the artistic obsession is relentless. Or maybe the airboat rides are just that much fun!

I meet up with some photo friends this week to refresh my brain on all my flash is capable of and how to make my lighting more efficient.

In the thick of all this going ons and on goings....I am working on a new book of landscapes that will incorporate the birds and scrub lands too. Also, some new marketing promotions and ideas in the next posting. 2010 is the year of marketing...

The Everglades Coalition Conference 2010

I had a great time this year and have feeling that I will continue to return like so many other activists, scientists, and naturalists alike. The energy that stirred in the sessions and speakers was a great reprieve from the usual hum drum of conferences. Everyone there was energized and filled with information.
2010 is indeed the Year of the Everglades. Since there was so much information I would like to share, I am going to have short profiles throughout the next few postings profiling people and organizations that really WOWed me.

I'll start off with Rob Clift, with the National Parks Conservation Ass. and  Eco-Mariner: www.ecomariner.org
Rob showed me how quick and easy (literally 2 minutes to register) it was to sign up on the site for a FREE online course to make boating more environmentally friendly. His project is specific to Florida Bay, but really can be applied to almost any boating environment. I enjoyed the information about Florida Bay too. The course is an hour long and can be broken up in segments. Check it out!!!

The other WOWer is the Paper Folding art that is a permanent collection at the Morikami Museum in Delray Beach. The display at the conference comprised a collection of birds, reptiles, and other Florida animals. The hand made paper and sculptures are beautiful.
Their Link: www.morikami.org

Everglades Coalition Conference 2010

I am packing up and getting ready for the Conference as I type. I will be one of 300 exhibitors all coming together for positive solutions to sustaining Florida's future (water issues, right?) and the Everglades.


Here's the link:     www.evergladescoalition.org

And I will be reporting back to you all on what I see, hear, and anticipate.