Rise and Shine–Nantucket, MA

What’s better than getting up with the sun?  Beating the sun to the beach for a sunrise portrait shoot!  I tell my clients that the best light for portraits is just after sunrise and just before sunset–it is soft, buttery, colorful, and flattering.  While it can be hard to motivate small children (also not easy for the parents or the night owl photographer!) at the crack of dawn, this Siasconset family “rose” to the challenge and met me on the beach at 6am.  The kids had a blast chasing seagulls, jumping from the lifeguard stand, and running on the seemingly private beach.  I may have guzzled a large iced coffee soon after, but it was great to capture such beautiful light. Dash and Tiarna, it was lovely to meet you and thank you for your early morning spirit!

I’m proud that this portrait shoot was a donated auction item to benefit the Maria Mitchell Association on Nantucket, which operates two observatories, a natural science museum, and an aquarium, as well as preserves the historic birthplace of Maria Mitchell. It’s always nice to give back and have the opportunity to meet a wonderful family!

 

 

Jen - November 6, 2012 - 9:58 pm

Yay Sarah! Great images.

Fine Art Friday–Fall Color


I thought I’d share a little (more) barn love today and add a pop of early fall color to your Friday.  I love the wonky lines in this photo–nothing is perfectly straight and yet it all works together to show some character. And check out that birdhouse…it’s like its own mini-barn!  Happy Friday!

Getting Out–Brooklyn, New York


Sometimes you just have to get out of the neighborhood.  Since today was the MOST beautiful day ever–that perfect mix of crisp air (goodbye humidity) and balmy sunshine–my stir craziness led us to the subway and under the river to Brooklyn.  It’s one of the best things about living in NYC–you can pop down some subway stairs and end up in an entirely different spot to explore (for only $2.25!).  My daughter and I emerged from the subway near the continually evolving Brooklyn Bridge Park.  A self proclaimed “world-class waterfront park with rolling hills, river front promenades, lush gardens, and spectacular city views,” it is being developed in phases, and has made a lot of progress since our visit a year ago.  Our day included a riverside stroll with stunning views of downtown Manhattan, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty, as well as testing out the new playground, grabbing lunch at the Buzzito bar, and waving up a storm at the arriving and departing ferry boats.  And no visit is complete without a stop into the delicious and adorable Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory.  As a bonus, all of this wonderfulness is in the shadow of the beautiful and iconic Brooklyn Bridge.   On our way back to the subway, we spotted this cute bike that made me smile.  Here are some iPhone snaps.  Happy Monday!

Jen - September 10, 2012 - 8:55 pm

Sounds like the perfect day! So glad you had fun!

Fine Art Friday–Patagonia, Chile


I love pathways, especially the way they can lead your eye into the frame and add a bit of symbolism or mystery to an image.  I shot this during a Southern Hemisphere summer sunset (January in our books) on an adventure-filled trip with my hubby to Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, Chile.  Known for its rushing glacial rivers, picturesque turquoise lakes, and soaring granite peaks, it’s one of those places where you feel like you are living in a postcard.  The park is a definite must for anyone’s travel bucket list.  Here’s to finding a meandering path to explore this weekend…Happy Friday!

Quiet Details–Nantucket, MA

Sometimes my daughter wakes up at 5:45am.  This happened every morning of Labor Day weekend while we were visiting my in-laws on Nantucket.  Joy! But rather than be bummed about it (I am SO not a morning person), one morning while still in my pjs, I threw her in the car, grabbed a macro lens, and set off in search of a quiet morning walk.  We found ourselves in quaint Siasconset–my old summer stomping ground–which was bathed in amazing early morning Eastern light.  We wandered up empty seashell lanes filled with historic cottages and gorgeous flowers.  My plan to take photos was foiled when my daughter insisted on being carried the whole time, but I did manage a few shots by using just one hand!

Getting up early has never been my thing, but quiet moments like that can make it worthwhile.  Set your alarm and rise with the birds…you might be surprised at how differently the world feels at that hour.

Georgina Cullman - September 6, 2012 - 9:11 am

I’m impressed you got those one-handed!

Nice super-mommy multi-tasking!