Don't Wait

The Birthday Girl

I had the huge treat of being at the 95th birthday celebration of my cousin in Dallas this past weekend, and (of course) made sure to shoot the semi-official (as in, I was the only photographer around) portrait.  Yes it's already an achievement just to get to 95, but to do so in good health, with a sharp mind (and tongue!), living on your own and dressing to the nines daily, well, that's pure blessing.  And if you're so blessed to have such a person in your life too, DON'T WAIT -- take the afternoon off, make some tea, and catch up.  AND BRING YOUR CAMERA!

Her little sister ain't bad either

No, I didn't take this one ;)

Hey, cool backpack!

Scout's Wee Gotcha Backpack in LSDaisley

Yes, it's true, I own the cutest backpack on the face of the earth.  My undying gratitude to the lovely ladies at Scout, creators of the coolest, the cutest, the snazziest and jazziest backpacks, day bags, and other lifestyle needs you didn't even know you needed.  The Wee Gotcha, and it's big sister the Gotcha, are my totally under-the-radar camera bags.  This little number fits two camera bodies and three lenses, believe it or not, along with the various necessities of a basic location shoot, and is small and comfortable enough to wear while working.  How is this possible? Thanks to these guys, an eBay score from Korea who make not just camera bags, but camera bag inserts.  Pop one of these ultra-padded, totally customizable numbers inside a small or large backpack, or their regular inserts inside any large satchel-style purse, and you're not only good to go, you're totally camouflaged.  Nothing says "Mug me!" like a backpack or camera bag with CANON in letters big enough to read two subway cars away.  Be safe.  Be cute.  Be cool.

Was she even born when she won the auction?

So pleased to welcome into my studio yesterday Gitty, the little winner of my contribution to the Cheder Chabad Monsey Chinese Auction several months ago -- I'm pretty sure she was still inside Mommy when she won! She was all princess-ed up and ready to go, with matching earrings and bracelet, which is more than I can say for myself...

Chessed for Chanukkah

My gifts to the Project Hope families

Spent the morning prepping the gifts for a project I'm really looking forward to! I've volunteered my services to Project Hope, a division of Rockland County Bikur Cholim, which provides support to families dealing with medical challenges.  I'll be doing portrait sessions and printing images, totally free of charge, for as many as 15 families currently involved with Project Hope.  We'll "fill the frame" IY"H with beautiful images of strong families b'achdus who will, with Hashem's help, get past this.  Soon I hope to tell you that Bikur Cholim has ceased operations for lack of customers.

Truly, Madly, Deeply Inspiring

Just taking a few moments out of the pre-school year (yay!) runabouts to look at something beautiful. In this case, four somethings beautiful.  I grew up on old movies, and the amazing silver images below still inspire me.  Those films and especially the extraordinary portrait work done at every studio taught me how to see, how to look at light and shadow, how to hold my breath and fall into an image.  I've yet to come up for air.

I was going to talk about these images.  But they more than speak for themselves.

Another reason to love my iPhone

Well wouldn't this stop you in your tracks?  Saw these today in Home Depot of all places -- Blue Mystique, the first blue phalaenopsis orchid.  So I ask you, is this necessary? No.  Could the world have survived without blue orchids? Sure.  But the Aibishter was just in a good mood that day.  "Hey, here's a blue orchid for ya! Enjoy!"  (I paraphrase.)  He puts all sorts of things in the world for no reason, it seems, other than to give pleasure to His creations.  In Elul we're told that "the King is in the field." Well, today, He was in Home Depot.  Happy Elul!