g(ART)en

A winter scene

2012-01-29T21:52:00.002-05:00

A winter scene, originally uploaded by Gordana AM.

Modern suburban winter scene, where child is not outside with his cheeks rosy and hugging a snowman, but behind a window, snapping a shot of a backyard on his ipad. The window was open, I will give him that much ;)

Seniors session

2012-01-28T17:51:00.003-05:00

BFFs, originally uploaded by Gordana AM.

At Envisions Studios today, helping Nicole with seniors session. You know when I just heard of seniors, i thought it was "go to the retirement home and shoot some pics" kinda imagery?
A lot of fun, and so beautiful, these girls reminded me of 1988 (there, i just showed you my I.D.) and some other girls that were us. If they only knew the power and life they had in them...

Yellow & Blue

2012-01-10T10:14:00.002-05:00

Yellow & Blue, originally uploaded by Gordana AM.

Searched the archives for some energy made of colour :)

5/365 - tis' the time to say good bye!

2012-01-06T09:57:00.003-05:00

It was wonderful, happy, a tiny bit sad, heartwarming to see the friends that came out last night for N.'s surprise party! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Thank you Nicole for letting us use Envisions studios for this event.

4/365 - becoming Canadian

2012-01-06T09:36:00.002-05:00

You didn't really think that my post will be on time, did you? But here I am trying to catch up, a sad excuse for a blogger, 6 days into new year :)

Last Wednesday I attended a friend's citizenship ceremony here in Windsor. Can I say it was beautiful and touching, the images on screen, the judge's speech? And I do not gush over the ceremonies easily, I do not even remember mine (1999) well... I know Steph came and gave me flowers and made a big deal, but really, at that point, certificate or not, I was not a Canadian yet. I was of no country. I was of no roots.

Kids came. Jobs came and went. Friends came and (mostly) stayed. I planted a tree, and another one and grew a garden. Feeling of belonging slowly sinked in.

And now off we go, again. The circus is leaving the town. But this time, with some sense of belonging to the larger unit than this city. This time being more oh-Canadian and feeling at home, wherever in this vast and beautiful land we end up.

3/365 - importance of downtime

2012-01-03T16:51:00.003-05:00

Today we have signed paperwork for N.'s ex-company car - that is to be my tank once N. leaves. He will be getting new company car once in PoCo. Another thing done - started the legal paperwork that will give both of us mutual signing rights. That way, we will not have to fax back and forth for purchase of the new home and sale of this one. It will be one man (ok, woman) operation on both ends. N. is off work and we lounge around, with no regular schedule. That is why lunch merges into dinner merges into comfort food. Today: boiled potatoes with feta cheese.

2/365 - should it stay or should it go?

2012-01-03T16:34:00.002-05:00

About to leave, N. is wondering should he carry his beloved snowboard equipment with him or sell it on Kijiji and get himself new set once in B.C. We have that dilemma about many things... General idea is to ship most of our belongings, but still, some downsizing will have to be done. Accomplished on day 2 of 2012: received a letter of driving excellence from the insurance company. That letter enables N. the best rate with B.C. insurance.

Starting 365 (-1) project ON2BC

2012-01-02T10:49:00.003-05:00

One day late, but really, in a grand scale of 365 - what does that one day matter? I want to try and document our big move from Windsor, Ontario to Port Coquitlam, British Columbia. It is happening this year. I have missed some important steps already, gone with the last year: decision to move, Nenad's transfer approval, letting family and friends know, house renos that are to help the future sale - that sort of thing. But what is left, the transition, the actual move, adopting to the new world is worth covering too, i am sure. My only fear is whether I will have an opportunity and energy, while in the midst of uprooting our family, to come here and gab? Let's see...

I start with photo from yesterday, my steel magnolias. These are my ladies, my late mom's friends, my friends, my family. One goes with us (that is my mother-in-law, believe it or not!) and one stays here. It will be hard for them to part, i know.

Wedding Teaser ~ Sally & Thomas

2011-12-23T12:31:00.002-05:00

Standing tall, originally uploaded by Gordana AM.

Everything worked so well, starting with weather! What are the odds that on December 22 you would have a snowless day warm enough to stroll Detroit Downtown? It was a joy doing this for you, my dear Sally & Thomas!

Sneak peak into today's shoot

2011-12-08T19:28:00.003-05:00

Not for long, originally uploaded by Gordana AM.

Brenda, you truly rocked today :)
More images from the shoot today will be available as soon as The Star is done with publishing what suits them.

Thank you to my fantastic assistant, Mr. Vitella :)

Vintage love

2011-12-06T21:30:00.002-05:00

Vintage love, originally uploaded by Gordana AM.

Stay tuned for a whole lot of vintage eye candy coming from the newly opened vintage store on Pillette and Wyandotte: "The Vintage House"

It'll snow

2011-12-02T14:03:00.003-05:00

It'll snow, originally uploaded by Gordana AM.

When such a wise creature proclaims this, you know it is going to happen! Well, that and December.

Owl mine + texture by pareeerica of Flickr.

Getty Galore!

2011-11-29T12:42:00.002-05:00

Somebody has been working hard at Getty making up for ignoring their contributors ;)
If you recognize yourself and are open to a potential model release, let me know, so that we can get this party moving...

Recap of my active photo library

2011-11-27T09:38:00.003-05:00

After a major clean-up (aren't those always major?) and re-org, I am down to some 4200 images in my IPhoto library, all is tidy and looks just like this.

What if... Dita Pepe

2011-11-26T08:05:00.003-05:00

'I feel that everything in life is relative. When I look back on my life, if things had been just slightly different, I could have ended up being someone completely different from who I am now' - Dita Pepe on her work of self portraits.

In this series, she stages "what-if" scenarios, where she portrays herself in various guises while posing as a wife or partner of men from many different walks of life. Each photograph is made in each man's typical real-life surroundings, and often with his children (sometimes including her own real-life daughter in the mix). Look into this. Fascinating.

Assisting a family shoot

2011-11-25T16:33:00.003-05:00

First of that kind I have ever done, assisted Nicole at Envisions Studio today with a family shoot. Sometimes I wonder if I am more of nuisance than help, what with playing tag with kids and suggesting sparkle covered ornaments as a good prop... ;) have not taken many actual shots, more of those showing atmosphere in the studio. But here is one that I thought shows off the character of the little girl rather well.

Chatty Collection fashion shoot

2011-11-24T20:10:00.003-05:00

Product: Chatty Collection Jewellery and Clothing

Model: Ivona

Location: Envisions Studio, Windsor

Look for pictures from this fun shoot in next Gift Guide insert of The Windsor Star.

Fun shoot for a good cause

2011-11-18T17:44:00.004-05:00

Product: t-shirts T2Be - Transition To Betterness

Fabulous models: Amanda Marshall, Tom Scully and tiny love William

Cause: "Rock The Cause" Movement

Location: Envisions Studios, Windsor

Look for images from this shoot in next week's Windsor Star, as a part of advertising campaign for Rock The Cause Party. More outtakes can be seen in my Flickr set.

Sun+Clouds+Trees+Suburbia = El Dorado

2011-11-09T17:44:00.004-05:00

Magic hour happened just now and I rushed to share my awe with the world (that is you).

Inspiration can be found...

2011-11-05T08:01:00.005-04:00

... in most unlikely places, when you least expect it. Like friend's washroom wall! What? You knew that already? Pfffft....

Authored by H. Jackson Brown, Jr. almost two decades back, this list just found me. While I wince at condensed inspirational attempts (cause that is all I see lately - people, including myself, speaking in short bursts, headlines suitable for Facebook status updates, witty and forgettable), there IS room for wisdom in each of our lives. Ces't ne pas? ;)

October Bokeh

2011-11-03T19:11:00.002-04:00

October Bokeh, originally uploaded by Gordana AM.

Cold nights, warm days, air that makes you glad that you are there to breathe. Squint, and you will distill an autumn day to its essence, to its jewel colours...

In a hundred years from now

2011-11-02T19:12:00.003-04:00

In hundred years from now, originally uploaded by Gordana AM.

I hope they will find this picture of me
and that will mess them up as a fashion reference...
Bwhahaha ;)

Taken by my son Luka, being taught to shoot manual and with inadequate models.

Thinking of new listings

2011-10-24T19:06:00.003-04:00

Here is my selection from my FLickr stream made this evening. Tomorrow morning it would be something different altogether... Take a look at it, or you can search my stream by yourself using maybeetsy tag, for a more detailed look. What do you think, would any of these look good in the store? I am sort of loosing interest for it and very rarely even renew. Trying to renew the wows with that tiny shop of mine...

Introducing: WOODLOT

2011-10-09T09:27:00.006-04:00

At last Art In The Park I had luck to meet Jess and Darren, a couple that are Woodlot.

We're two people that really love trees. we take fallen trees and reclaimed lumber and make them into every day things that you can use, jewellery, toys and home accents. We use all natural finishes. This is our passion - giving old wood new life~

There is warmth and touchability in wood that can not be imitated with any other material. Perfect imperfections, irregularities, randomness of repetition. All that appeals to me, big time! Saw Jess the other day: we had to cut down the apple tree (one of two planted when Luka was born) and she will help me keep it with a pendant made from the trunk. Or whatever other magic thing she chooses to make...

Their store is taking off big on Etsy, go, see why! You can also find Woodlot on Facebook. And if you are lucky to be Ontario local, they do shows here and there, you just might be able to touch for yourself :)

Autumn makes me speak up

2011-10-05T11:25:00.002-04:00

Long time no post, I see now. This autumn gets me out, like every one before, and my photo library is soaked and flooded with hundreds of images daily. Kid you not!

This morning's tale: on my way out of the door, two grasshoppers at it. Got a macro lens, and once it was on, the search for treasure continued on the way back from the boy's school. Found a lot of dew in grass. Fund a magic little meadow. Spotted spider's web adorned with dew jewelry. Stepped towards it, into over feet deep water log. Stayed there for few good images. Crouched down for better angle, and dipped my bottom in the above mentioned swamp. Made a mental note to buy rubber boots, pronto! Walked home sloshing and very happy ;)

Assignment: Linda's Fashions

2011-08-31T19:46:00.003-04:00

Because of her smile, originally uploaded by Gordana AM.

I was shooting today in Linda's Fashions boutique with to wonderful ladies for models. Came out with this one as one of my favourites. I am sure you will not see this at The Star, but if all was right with the news world, you should ;)

Model: Nika

2011-08-30T09:29:00.003-04:00

Nika, originally uploaded by Gordana AM.

Last night we (as LIza dubbed us Amigos;) had a fun shoot with this beautiful woman as our model. Sunset casts magic glow over everything... Lens wise, 50mm was on and never came off. More photos can be seen in my Flickr Model, Nika set.
Thank you Nika for being a great sport, thanks Liza and LInda for being Amigos.

I made my first million (on Flickr ;)

2011-08-28T17:57:00.003-04:00

I made my first million (on Flickr ;), originally uploaded by Gordana AM.

Here comes my Academy speech:
Thank you my dear Flickr friends for stopping by my Flickr home as often as you did.
I was trying to catch this number at exact 1,000,000 but missed it by some couple hundred views.
It is still fun being here, though I do spend less time than I used to (blast that FB and other social networking blah-blahs)
Work I see daily on Flickr is always eye opening, an inspiration and a discovery.
Without all of you, I would have not grown photographically.

Moonlight magic

2011-08-22T21:47:00.003-04:00

Moonlight magic, originally uploaded by Gordana AM.

Tonight I learned how to make this kind of shot and I am squealing with delight ;) Been there, done that, you say? Well, I think it is built of pure magic. Thank you all who were part of this (steep learning curve) night: Alana and Jay, LInda and LIza, the master of ceremonies ;)

Theryn, photoshoot

2011-08-15T18:45:00.002-04:00

Theryn, originally uploaded by Gordana AM.

We had a mini photo shoot today, Theryn, his lovely mom Nancy and some other little helpers... more details upon publishing on Wednesday.
He is a bit careful here, maybe not so sure abut my camera or me ;) Such a sweet boy!

Where is Linda?

2011-08-14T21:20:00.002-04:00

Where is Linda?, originally uploaded by Gordana AM.

Spent a day with a group of photographers, all connected through theirs and mine teacher Ted Kloske. We went to Port Stainley, it rained on and off, but in spite of that, good times. This field of sunflowers was my favourite patch of the trip....

In their own way

2011-08-11T09:46:00.002-04:00

In their own way, originally uploaded by Gordana AM.

Somehow, this looked better in black and white. Rarely in spring and summer do I drop the colour, but here, it was calling for it....

Played a bit tonight...

2011-08-06T21:51:00.002-04:00

... while archiving Iphoto.
Times are a changing ones. And carpet is abut to be pulled from underneath.

It's all fun and games

2011-07-31T23:03:00.002-04:00

It's all fun and games, originally uploaded by Gordana AM.

Approach your challenges like this, with a smile and "who cares what happens" attitude!
That is what I say to myself, watching my nine year old boy.

Visit to B.C. - final numbers

2011-07-26T23:11:00.002-04:00

This is what I came back with. While most of the photos will be shared with family only, some of them you can see on Flickr in my set B.C. 2011 Summer. Am I ever glad right now that I shot all these .jpeg... ;)

The Flower Coast

2011-07-25T22:54:00.003-04:00

The Flower Coast, originally uploaded by Gordana AM.

The parts of B.C. that I have seen this summer are all beautiful, blue, flowering, windy, salty, fresh, uplifting, calming and all that. Yet, I came back to WIndsor... go figure.

A surprise this morning

2011-07-17T12:21:00.004-04:00

There must have been a huge backlog of images in Getty Flickr submission pool that just got addressed, because 77 of my images got invited this morning. Keep in mind that monthly submission limit is 25... Sheesh. Too much excitement for me ;)

Inspiring: Charles Grogg, photographer

2011-06-22T20:36:00.003-04:00

Charles Grogg (b.1966, Gary, Indiana) is an American contemporary artist and photographer. He currently resides in southern California where he produces fractured photographic images printed in silver and sewn through or in platinum and palladium on handmade Japanese washi which are restitched into whole images and frequently feature tethers, sutures or other three dimensional productions. The resulting images focus on issues of growth and restraint, hesitation and power. (quoted from his website)

I have been mesmerized, for hours, with his images, words, explorations. Just now, while linking to his site, I notice that bio says born 1966! That is a whole lot of beauty, story and peace for such a young age (says me b. 1971 ;)

Mine for 7 years now <3

2011-06-19T12:41:00.002-04:00

Mine for 7 years now , originally uploaded by Gordana AM.

This handsome fellow arrived at almost this exact time 7 years ago and has been (along with his brother Luka) our pride and joy every single day of his I-am-not-a-baby-anymore life ;)
Happy birthday to my little Matej!

Sisters

2011-06-17T10:09:00.002-04:00

Sisters, originally uploaded by Gordana AM.

We live in the same street and go to the same school. Zayna (on the left) has always refused to speak with me and turned her eyes away when I say Hi, so it was quite a shock when this afternoon she came up right to the camera, was all talk and smiles and willing to compete with her older sister, Mariam, in "Who is a better model" game... The bun she is eating reminded me of my childhood, endless hours after school spent playing on the street, no time to eat at the table - but grab a bun or an apple in your hand and run out.
There are a lot of kids in our little street and right now they are growing into the age when they come together and play till night takes over. I am glad it is that way, the old-fashioned childhood winning over WII and other plugged in games...

All those beautiful faces...

2011-06-15T22:24:00.004-04:00

I accompanied my favourite grade 3 class today on their trip to Heritage Village. Seriously fun day! I kid you not! Kids were wonderful, attentive, excited, weather fresh, staff knowledgable and so good with children! I came back with some 200 pics. Used my new 50mm f1.8 and my wide angle Sigma 10-20mm, alternating them as needed. In small thumbs you see here, no corrections were made, none whatsoever. More on my FB fan page.

Ambiguos

2011-06-12T18:28:00.002-04:00

Ambiguos, originally uploaded by Gordana AM.

Brenda, a year ago
(revisiting archives)
More of the same set (not done the same dream way) to be seen here.

A Visit to Flora Gardens

2011-06-03T13:44:00.004-04:00

This here, ladies and gentleman of gardening (and photography), is a scene from Flora Gardens. This magic and so different from a big-box gardening centre is owned and run by Mrs. Maria Papp and her knowledgable staff. Flora Gardens was started by her father in 1956; 95% of the plants Maria sells there are grown there from seed. I have been going to Flora for years now, and always found a new plant, never seen before, to love forever... There is a lot to see and browse, and love and dedication to this giant garden is evident in every corner. You know the feeling that comes across when someone lives and breathes what they do? That is the one...

Do visit (intersection of Highway 3 and Walker Road), the sooner the better... with this late spring, everything is just coming into bloom and there is so much to chose from...

A Vintage Photo Accessory Find

2011-05-30T12:03:00.004-04:00

Picked up this at the local church garage sale and tickled pink about it: "Lott A Lite" complete with sealed beam General Electric Uniflood Lamp! Huh! Hoping it will make a great prop for some future shoot... Not to be forgotten: it is in perfect working condition and shines some serious (controllable) light ;)

But can you dance like THIS?

2011-05-29T16:56:00.002-04:00

But can you dance like THIS?, originally uploaded by Gordana AM.

My loosely planned Amherstburg Garden Tour was cut short today. My kids came along, behaved for entire hour or so and then... While I was admiring a flowering shrub cascading over the pond (the second house we visited), Matej fell, with a crash, into a flower bed and when he stumbled up, Luka pinched him as hard as he could, just in case of being falsely accused for his brother's fall.
There.
I did not hurt them at the spot. Or latter, as the matter of fact ;)
Hoping that, if you went there today, you had much grander time and enjoyed every minute of it. I have no pictures to show, but I did shoot some flowers when I got home. You find that therapeutic, too, no? Shooting flowers? ;)

Me at work

2011-05-16T19:52:00.003-04:00

Note the cup of coffee in one and camera in the other hand. This was prior the event (Dancing With The Local Stars), when things start rolling I do leave the coffee behind... ;)

Paulette's Garden

2011-05-15T21:20:00.003-04:00

My best assignment so far happened the other day. Not sure when the publication goes out so I can not post individual shots, but i thought I could give you a feel of this magic place that I visited: Paulette's garden.

Orchard in spring

2011-05-14T19:44:00.004-04:00

Some backward blogging coming your way: since I had no time to blog events past two weeks, I will blog them now as I archive the shots.

Wagner's Orchard is pure pleasure any time of year, this late (to us) spring being no exception. When we visited (Mother's Day) apples were not blooming yet, peaches were almost in peak bloom and apricots were in full blossom! We were the only visitors there and left with some good wine and two dozens of farm fresh eggs!

Art On The Boulevard

2011-05-08T21:28:00.003-04:00

I am inviting you here to an upcoming local street art show that I will also be a part of: Art on The Boulevard! Saturday, May 14, 8AM-4PM on Fairview Boulevard between Wyandotte St. and Riverside Dr. See you there!

You are a chicken, darling...

2011-05-07T08:49:00.003-04:00

In transition to some less beautiful and natural places, I spent few moments down at Coventry Gardens yesterday morning. It was raining, on and off and colours of early spring bloom were so rich. In one of those temporary sprinkles, an elderly gentleman (from one of those retirement homes on Riverside, I assume) walks up to me, tall and very British and concludes kindly, like about a child: "You are afraid of little rain? YOU - are a chicken, darling..."

"I am not a chicken, my camera is", I tried to defend my umbrella-ed presence.

"Aha." he smiled at me. "Have a wonderful day."

"You too", I said.

"I am already working on it..." he replied, walking away.

That was the good part of my morning :)

Photo-walk (solitary) - Walkerville

2011-04-29T13:41:00.003-04:00

Colours of Walkerville as seen this reluctantly warm and sunny morning. If you want to see the real colours (without the whitewash that Blogger layers on top of every image) head to my Flickr stream.

Models: grade 3 kiddos

2011-04-29T10:37:00.003-04:00

I get to accompany my kids sometimes on field trips and as you can see, much help am I, I mostly take pictures... but both kids and teachers like seeing them, they end up being included in the "end of the school year" slideshows and every kid gets their own CD. NIce memory, no? Reason good enough to keep doing it :)

These here are closeups of some of them that swam to the edge of the pool and wanted to have their picture taken. Aren't they beautiful?

Rain Garden Outtakes

2011-04-27T12:54:00.005-04:00

I thought I will give you a glimpse of my picture taking process and editing the album (not the photos) to bring the archive down to manageable size.

This morning, I took just over 100 photos in my rainy garden with 10mm macro mounted on my camera. An umbrella was used at times. So was the ladder. First weeding took out about half of images (next time, try using a tripod, duh!) and this is what remains in IPhoto library.

Eight (out of these 53) were processed and uploaded to Flickr (see the top image). I offered them all to Getty: April is almost over and I was under my submission limit. As I am often wrong in my Getty-wants judgement, I do not lay high hopes in this batch, either. If they are refused, three of them, texture like, will probably be offered for Creative Commons use in Textures For Layers pool where I contributed quite a few so far.

A day at the beach

2011-04-23T18:48:00.003-04:00

What better way to celebrate the first day of Spring. There may have been another "first" day of this spring, but then - snow fell, and covered my memories of it... A prolific blogger I am today, not sure what to think of this.

Saw a lot of photographers there. Talked with one of them, an elderly, kind gentleman from TO who used to (so i learned) teach photography for 30 years...

All photos today were taken with LB. One that I end up liking the most are the abstracts. Now for those, you have to trust the Baby to do the job right. Cause, it will not look on your preview screen like a dream that it becomes latter. But all that is needed for the dream IS there, if you estimate the potential well. You just have to uncover it with a shortcut or two...

Nothing subtle about this one

2011-04-23T10:46:00.003-04:00

Nothing subtle about this one, originally uploaded by Gordana AM.

I know, it is mine, i made it, but isn't this one of those pictures that makes you say:"But why so much colour?"

It just happened to happen. This energetic green lady had things to say. Loud ;)

SOOC
Background is silver reflector, reflecting pink foreground fabric... I had a lot of fun doing these shots, changing fabrics and seeing what happens....

The way I will forget you...

2011-04-20T11:53:00.002-04:00

The way I will forget you..., originally uploaded by Gordana AM.

Time will do its tricks

The cycle of eyes open and closed

Will push you further and further away

Breathe - in with the new

Breath out - a dash of you in me, released

Memory of you will become blurry (edges first)

Till its core

The essence of you

Melts into air, unrecognizable.

And there is nothing, verifies your absence,

That anyone can do about it...

Rain Garden

2011-04-16T12:06:00.003-04:00

As seen this morning in my backyard, within few peaceful minutes... And mine is such a small garden.

First signs of spring

2011-04-11T10:52:00.002-04:00

Dogwood is almost in full bloom and spring wind is blowing. This is what I got out of that today...

Model, Ashley

2011-04-07T21:55:00.004-04:00

Model, Ashley, a set on Flickr.

Ashley is a lovely daughter of passionate dancer Merid Luna, whom I met during the first season of Dancing With The Local Stars here in Windsor... They stopped by today to get some shots done for an upcoming audition.

When you are this young, there is no way not to look beautiful...
This was done in my home studio (no, you do not want to see the preparation that went into it...), with one strobe and softbox and one reflector. All shot with 50mm prime. Hoping that the home feel of my home-made studio is not too obvious...

Focus on... 43/365

2011-04-05T16:36:00.002-04:00

Focus on... 43/365, originally uploaded by Gordana AM.

Blues of early spring are here... well, maybe they are not blues, but I see them through blue glasses. Dogwood in my backyard is a herald of spring, out there before any other flower (crocus, excepted) and combined with delicious dof of 50mm f1.4 lens (thank you Tony V.) results in some sweet bokeh...

About to drop (a decisive moment)

2011-03-29T22:33:00.002-04:00

About to drop (a decisive moment), originally uploaded by Gordana AM.

My friend Tanjica invited a whole bunch of my drop photos into this new group that she is administering and made me notice how I had A LOT of those drop photos... so here are just those with a drop about to - drop!

1. "Under the clouds - roofs. Under the roofs - tiny people. They are waiting for sun...", 2. "Il pleut...", 3. Deceiving colours of suburbia, 4. As your lady in waiting - I'm waiting, 5. In search of a fine balance, 6. The last drop, 7. I miss you most of all..., 8. Oo-oh!, 9. Eclipse of a teardrop, 10. There is a garden in a drop of rain, 11. The first tear, 12. On her eyelashes

Focus on... 43/365

2011-03-26T18:18:00.002-04:00

Focus on... 43/365, originally uploaded by Gordana AM.

You know by now, this is the slowest and most inconsistent 365 project you have ever met. In fact, I would call it something else, but not sure of name... Help?

On the other note, there is this slight aura around the person and I am not sure why... it appeared during transition to duotone, and i did not want to go in and correct it.

I have glimpsed photographic art of Mr. Rodney Smith...

2011-03-26T16:12:00.003-04:00

... and I can not see my life and photographic thinking not changing after this. Do look for him on his web site. I have been reading his blog the whole day today. Here is an except...

To say a photographer has a vision is to say the photographer has something unique to say to about the world. Why do some photographers have something unique to say, when so many others just shoot pictures that are general and lacking vision? Most people would say it has to do with talent. Maybe. But maybe not. Maybe it has nothing to do with talent. Maybe it has to do with the ability to express one’s feelings. The person who presents a strong vision has figured out a way to express his or her feelings, while others are struggling to do that. Talent, then, becomes not so much artistic talent, though that may be a good part of it, but rather emotional talent.Rodney Smith

Yellow spring

2011-03-25T20:07:00.002-04:00

Yellow spring, originally uploaded by Gordana AM.

In absence and waiting and wanting of yellow spring
I remember the last ones
And feed my hope
That one is coming, this year, too....

:)

1. Flavour of yellow, 2. Illuminated, 3. Yellow woven, 4. Blue around, 5. So, they say the Spring is coming?, 6. My little bird nestled in a tree top, 7. Spotlight on yellow, 8. Shimmer, sparkle & a little dream, 9. We let her into our lives..., 10. Red Maple in bloom, 11. Light around me, 12. I've been waiting for you my whole winter, 13. Hallelujah!!!!14. Not available15. Not available16. Not available

Two blues

2011-03-25T17:24:00.002-04:00

As seen on the beach, past winter... motion and stillness, disturbed.

Overboard

2011-03-24T20:54:00.002-04:00

Overboard, originally uploaded by Gordana AM.

I revisited Bablo shoot and fearless bridal with my fave toy - PS. Here is a sort of shoot I would love to do. Destination trash-the-dress. Call me, you fearless bride you ;)

New in my Etsy shop - Magic of Creation, III Print

2011-03-20T21:26:00.002-04:00

It has been a while, but here is a new print in the shop: Pastry Maker Hands at work... Available unframed here.

Hands at work - a pastry maker

2011-03-20T17:00:00.003-04:00

Pita (and here come different kinds of it), not to be mistaken with pita bread.
Burek – a meat-filled flaky pastry, traditionally rolled in a spiral and cut into sections for serving. The same dish filled with cottage cheese is called sirnica, one with spinach and cheese zeljanica, and one with potatoes krompiruša. All these varieties are generically referred to as pita.
Here are the skilled hands of my friend Ljilja making this pastry for us yesterday. Much help I was, as you can tell ;)
Now, this brings me to this other project I have on my mind: I want to document hands at work. The MIY. The DIY. The makers. The creators. Whatever it is that your hands work in: music, metal, wood, dough, wool, brush and canvas, makeup brush. You can create, I would like to document it... Let me know.

The 1st day of Spring!

2011-03-20T09:58:00.002-04:00

After the rain..., originally uploaded by Gordana AM.

MAke it a fresh one!

(not like me, pulling this shot from the archives ;)

Focus on... 41/365

2011-03-19T23:46:00.003-04:00

Focus on... 41/365, originally uploaded by Gordana AM.

The last thing I saw tonight...

Focus on... 39/365

2011-03-16T20:53:00.002-04:00

Focus on... 39/365, originally uploaded by Gordana AM.

Hypnotized.

Photographing the photographer

2011-03-12T20:01:00.003-05:00

Pictures of the crowd and me in it, working the Dancing With The Local Starts event, courtesy of Aaron of The Group First Photography.

Focus on... 36/365

2011-03-08T17:58:00.002-05:00

Focus on... 36/365, originally uploaded by Gordana AM.

I put the bird food out on the window sill daily. Every so, I check (armed with camera) if they are here. She was there too, waiting for those same birds ;)
So I put out food and she waits for food to fly down... it is all relative, depending on your species...

Lensbaby/WSP gallery exhibit opening

2011-03-08T09:04:00.003-05:00

Lensbaby/WSP gallery exhibit opening, originally uploaded by washschoolofphotography.

I really wish I could have made it for this happening in Rockville, D.C. The Washington School of Photography has partnered with Lensbaby, makers of “the lens that bends”, for an extraordinary exhibit of images from around the world. “Be Seen in D.C.!” March 4-30, 2011 in the Gallery of VisArts at Rockville. Here is one of the photos uploaded by the organizer of this event that shows my canvas: it is second one from the right, the dancer on orange background...

What Getty wants

2011-03-07T09:32:00.003-05:00

You have seen the movie "What women want"*? Gibson's character and women are like myself and Getty when it comes to understanding of needs and wants. Here is a love letter from Getty this morning, this is what they want from my last month's submission. My faves, I have to admit, but I wish there was more need coming from them ;)

*Admittedly, not the most dramatic work by neither Gibson nor Hunt, but witty and funny at least at first watching...

State of affairs

2011-03-06T13:52:00.003-05:00

Shooting is so much fun and excitement. The A-ha! moments that make it all worth it! Recognizing that perfect shot on the camera display... I don't even mind the transfer time, though raw makes it a bit more challenging for those with attention deficit. Not me, I DO NOT have that. Nah.
I love browsing through the library first few times, too! Showing the prize shots to those willing to view. And then, the drag begins... Backup no.1 Selection of keepers. Editing. Backup no. 2 Looking at possibilities... letting go... wondering if some of these will never make it back from CD oblivion. And if they do, I will ask myself - what was I thinking. I give you a screen shot of my Iphoto lIbrary at this very moment, all "almost 5,000 photos worth" mess of it. Who, I ask of you, WHO is going to clean this up?
(walks away sobbing...)

Focus on... 34/365

2011-03-05T09:31:00.002-05:00

Focus on... 34/365, originally uploaded by Gordana AM.

Focus on... never-ending kindness.

When times get busy (like with this DWTLS project) I miss out on my 365 project. Curious to see how many will I have till the end of 365 calendar days, and how many days will it take me to fill 365 photo slots...

Shooting for Dancing With the Local Stars

2011-03-03T14:00:00.003-05:00

Episode 1: turned out great :)

I have come back with about 500 shots taken with borrowed lenses (24-104 F4 and nifty 50 F1.4), thank you Tony Vitella :) No flash was used at any point and the lights at the ballroom were, to my surprise, not as good as previous years. Thankfully, there is that 1600 ISO to get you out of trouble... Here is a little collage, thumbnails only. More can be seen on g(ART)en Facebook Fan page.

Focus on... 32/365

2011-02-26T17:14:00.003-05:00

Focus on... 32/365, originally uploaded by Gordana AM.

Focus on jumping joy of a boy.

Focus on talking with your body, loud and happy talk...

Being little and oh-so-complicated...

And loved, oh so loved...

Etsy Treasury Alert - A yellow touch

2011-02-26T10:37:00.002-05:00

Striking colour combination featured in this treasury created by Vicky. Make sure, also, to check out her lovely hand-painted jewellery shop. Mine is the quince print...

Focus on... 31/365

2011-02-25T19:18:00.002-05:00

Focus on... 31/365, originally uploaded by Gordana AM.

Apples from Reni.
Deer of June.
Delivery by me :)

If you wonder if it is nice to have this sort of time on your hands to be able to do apples-for-deer-delivery - yes it is ;)

Focus on... 30/365

2011-02-24T13:58:00.002-05:00

Focus on... 30/365, originally uploaded by Gordana AM.

Focus on... things that are not here anymore.
Things that were.
Thing that linger.
Things that you wish lasted longer.

Or do not. CAuse if you do, how on Earth will you able to live in THIS moment? ;)

Oh, before I forget - SOOC. What fun would it be otherwise, this being an illusion and all... ;)

Focus on... 29/365

2011-02-23T21:24:00.002-05:00

Focus on... 29/365, originally uploaded by Gordana AM.

Fine fingers of water comb through sand...

Today's assignment - Koolini Italian Eatery

2011-02-22T21:20:00.003-05:00

Scheduled to appear in The Windsor Star some time soon (within next week), the advertorial feature about Koolini Italian Eatery will be illustrated with my photos.

I have a wonderful day shooting there today, in two parts. First was the food shots and the chef himself - and what a genuinely kind group of people I have met there... Four dishes were plated and one desert. The food was tantalizing and offered for take-out, but I resisted. That is all I need, the rumours that besides hefty pay-check I get bonus in food? ;)

The second part of shoot was the restaurant itself - few frozen pics of exterior and interior with patrons. That, as you can imagine, is a more tedious part of all this. Results: 99 pics kept, 44 offered to editors at The Star to choose from. What will be published? 5-6 at most...

A big shout out to my photographer friends, Ted Kloske and Tony Vitella who completed my equipment lending me necessary missing equipment for this occasion. Thanks guys :)

365 project - catching up

2011-02-21T22:18:00.003-05:00

I almost quit my 365 project, but than I remembered some encouraging words from friends and that was enough. So, there is a little hole that Cuban-2-week-vacation put into the project (more of a dent, really) but let's continue as if nothing happened... Here you see the photos that were not blogged, and my next post (tomorrow) will be 28/365. Hopefully.

My Chance Vintage Shop update

2011-02-19T10:35:00.002-05:00

I have updated my little Chance Vintage shop on Etsy with some new finds. If you have never been there, do stop by...

Who to believe?

2011-02-18T17:57:00.002-05:00

Who to believe?, originally uploaded by Gordana AM.

How do you know? How do you know that the one telling you it is 5 to 12 is not the right one?
;)

An upcoming gig

2011-02-17T21:51:00.004-05:00

I found out today that I will be "Dancing With The Local Stars Windsor" official photographer in their third season... This is a charity and all work is pro-bono. I have been taking pictures of them (and for them) both previous seasons, just because I like to share and my dancing hubby happens to be one of the participants on the dance floor. Hoping for some fun shots and good time, though it does cut into my bed time... ;)

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-12T09:02:00.002-05:00

Marry me, originally uploaded by Gordana AM.

A Wedding Chapel on the beach, decorated from last day's wedding... Makes you want to do it all over again, no? ;)

On the other hand, just realized, Valentine's Day is tomorrow, so - Happy Valentine's day my dear Flickr peeps... Even if there is no chapel and wedding bells in your past or future, there should be a place like this and a sunrise like this... It is beneficial for the eye and the soul... :)

Beach-scape study, III

2011-02-11T11:25:00.002-05:00

Beach-scape study, III, originally uploaded by Gordana AM.

How I feel about this place...

Self-portrait by the sea...

Beach-scape study II

2011-02-10T13:34:00.003-05:00

Beach-scape study II, originally uploaded by Gordana AM.

We stand small

Sandwiched between sky, land and water

If we stop

And take a breath

And take a look

Sometimes

Willing

The grandeur of our world

Is declared

Upon us

Beach-scape study I

2011-02-09T20:04:00.002-05:00

Beach-scape study I, originally uploaded by Gordana AM.

I can with full right call these beach shots a study because I have come out morning and evening, every day for two weeks and marvelled at subtle (or dramatic) changes that took place at the meeting point of Ocean and the Sky, to my left and to my right.
We all have different reasons and goals for our vacations. Mine was to simply be present there and then, and to maybe come back home with some of those moments, recorded...
Welcome to my visual scrapbook, Cuba 2011.

Milestone - Luka's 9th Birthday

2011-02-09T13:43:00.002-05:00

From there to here, a jump in time, a dash of memories.... My little Luka turns nine today.

Focus on... 18/365

2011-01-18T22:22:00.003-05:00

Focus on... 18/365, originally uploaded by Gordana AM.

I have been entangled into these photos since Saturday (well, on and off, what with real life and all), getting them ready for possible publishing, hence, this made my Focus on.. for today. All the girls and guys were beautiful and handsome (in this respective order) but there were few that imho stood out a bit and gave me a feeling like this show was a real celebration for them... This girl (name still unknown to me, maybe Nancy will help me out with it) was one of them...

Picture taken during Wedding Extravaganza 2011, Fashion show at Caboto Club. Dress by Bridal Couture. Flowers by Renaissance Weddings and events. There. Don't say I didn't tell you how to get this look ;)

Focus on... 13/365

2011-01-13T21:41:00.002-05:00

Focus on... 13/365, originally uploaded by Gordana AM.

Today, my "Focus on..." project aligned stars with Cider Mills Farms in Harrow. Joy is the word that comes to mind, pure joy and energy of those beautiful animals and their snowy environment. Thanks you Pat for your welcome :)
To see more from today's take, please see this set...

Focus on... 12/365

2011-01-12T14:37:00.002-05:00

Focus on... 12/365, originally uploaded by Gordana AM.

Focus on... 11/365

2011-01-11T21:06:00.002-05:00

Focus on... 11/365, originally uploaded by Gordana AM.

Not sure about the rules, but today I will just post, i did not take the picture today. I am cheating? Maybe...
I spent the day at doctor's office (hello geriatrics!) and some serious hours on photos to be submitted for my last freelancing project. So, I took no photos today. There. Now you know it too...

Focus on... 10/365

2011-01-10T19:57:00.002-05:00

Focus on... 10/365, originally uploaded by Gordana AM.

What colour is your cage? What is it made of? How did you get there?

Focus on... 9/365

2011-01-09T17:33:00.002-05:00

Focus on... 9/365, originally uploaded by Gordana AM.

Alice The Bride

2011-01-08T22:21:00.002-05:00

Alice The Bride, originally uploaded by Gordana AM.

The Mad Hatter was there too... as a groom, you guessed right...
On my freelancing adventure, I ended up today watching a wedding fashion show, and while I have to admit that I am not (and never was) interested and fixated in my own wedding, I enjoyed the little show... Especially this last pretend play with Alice and all... Quite theatrical!
Now, let's talk lights again... ah, the lights! It could have been disastrous if it was not my new T2i handling the noise of high ISO marvellously and RAW mode.
I am quite a convert now, you see ;) At least in low, less-than-perfect light.