Seeing through different eyes...

May 5, 2009 Erin

I taught a photo workshop to an amazing bunch of Grade 7 students last week. Not only was it a wonderful experience, but it was absolutely inspiring. They were pumped. Kids truly want to create, and given the opportunity and the fuel... they are magically unstoppable.

I can hardly wait to see their images, which judging by the few I saw on Friday, we are all in for a wonderful treat. I'll try to get it together to post some of their images here. I absolutely LOVE and could not get over, how fresh and alive it all was. We had all of the different 'cliques' of kids, all inspired and climbing trees, jumping in the air, and hanging off everything, all to create different angles and amazing images. All they need are a few tips, and tools... and watch out, these little sponges were rockin' their cameras, and inspiring me, to stretch myself to see differently as well!

This just may be the start of an amazing venture. I'd love to do it again... I think I just might!

Here are some of my images from our time together!

Memory Lane

April 30, 2009 Erin

Having been shooting photos happily all day in 2007 at Lindsay and Peter's wedding, I was tired. I walked over to where Bryce was standing, and laid my head on his chest, like I had been doing it every day for years. Except, I hadn't. I snapped out of it... and we just stared at each other and laughed... Peter nudging me, "yup, sparks are flying". I felt like everyone one was on to us, although neither of us seemed to have caught on yet.

Bryce and I have known each other since forever. High school sweethearts if you will. Somewhat like magnets we have always been drawn to each other. We had both been following our own paths, him chasing after an amazing hockey career, myself somewhat of a pirate sailing the globe as a photographer with Princess Cruises. Both being raised in Campbell River, we always wound up in the same circles. So it was no surprise that a few years ago at Lindsay and Peter's Campbell River wedding we were again found at the same place at the same time. This time was different however, neither of us were leaving again. Both single. We had both decided to stay put in our home town, at the same time. Sometimes timing really is everything.

In any case Peter's premonition on his wedding day was right, and here Bryce and I are with a house, a puppy and building a studio/suite in the back yard. Life is wild like that.

As for Lindsay and Peter, having known them both for so long, and watching them become the warm and loving couple that they are, I was honored to not only photograph their wedding and family photos, but also their maternity photos. Here are a few of my favorites from their session. The light was beautiful, their dog Mackenzie HILARIOUS, and watching them through my lens, couldn't help but smile.

Here is one of my favorites from their wedding a few years ago. A groom swings his bride around The happy couple and I, Look at them now!! Love them all wrapped up here Beautiful people in a Beautiful British Columbia Love this one of Lindsay Their dog Mackenzie was truly hysterical, popping in and out of the photos whenever he felt like it! Can't wait to meet the little one, so very soon! Love you guys!

On stillness in art

April 28, 2009 Erin

Last night, as is the same with every Monday night for the next 6 weeks... I am at meditation class. Don't judge me. I've done stranger things. I'm sure you have too...

I am after all a west coast gal. I was raised on sweat lodges and spiritual circles. I've been to a number of amazing First Nation Potlatch's and ceremonies, Buddhist ceremonies, and am not opposed to anything that heals the heart, and helps one along their journey. (more background info here) I am not a devoted 'follower' of anything or anyone. Nor do I have any problem with anyone who is, so long as its not hurting anyone, I suppose.

In any case, one thing became blindingly clear to me last night during this meditation class. (Which I was struggling to keep it together during, as my fellow "meditator" and usual partner in crime, fell asleep and banged her head on the wall, jarring everyone 'awake') What became clear to me, as the 'host' was explaining to us that during these particular meditations you should become aware of the inward flow, peace, stillness, etc... I'm not cut out for sitting in a circle meditating.

I find the easiest way to tap into my own stillness, and inward flow, is in every day, in every moment. The way the breeze catches a blade of grass as it rolls by. The way a child looks when she is totally happy. In the daily presence of each breath, in the push and pull of the tides, and beautiful blazing colorful sky do I find it incredibly effortless to connect to that inward flow. And even easier still, when I have a camera in hand.

I find this peace, and stillness in photography. For me, it feels as beautiful and natural as breathing. I would even go as far as to say, it is meditation. Here is something I found online that ties it all together nicely from Eckhart Tolle, "All true artists, whether they know it or not, create from a place of no-mind, from inner stillness." How profound and how true.

When are you truly present? Is it when you are watching your daughter and husband cuddled up reading on the couch, when you are walking your dog, playing catch with your child, making crafts with your nieces, putting together a scrapbook, singing, dancing, painting or just simply breathing? I'm pretty sure you'll find stillness among the most beautiful areas of your life. I know I do.

Here are a few images, that I found stillness in.

I'm unsure whether I'll make it through the whole set of Mondays... I'll give it a shot... but... come on! THE SKY WAS ON FIRE last night, the most amazing colors... and we were supposed to have our eyes closed!?!