Creative Momentz

ETA: Two Weeks from now

2012-01-23T18:17:00.004-05:00

Yeah, we made it! ETA for Anna is two weeks from now, and I was a little worried that we might run out of time. But she is a very patient baby. She was getting a little excited when mommy was prettying up for the shoot, but seemed to like the studio flashes going off. At least she was not complaining, and we all had a ball in the studio.

I can’t wait to see the little lady for her second portraiture session, this time outside of mommy’s belly.

The long way ... oder: Omi wäre stolz

2012-01-07T09:10:00.003-05:00

About a year ago when I was visiting my parents, I found my grandmother’s camera in the attic. She had bought the camera – an AGFA Billy Compur - when my mother was born in 39, and I have quite a few photographs that were taken with it.

Soon I learned that the lubricant that had once made for smooth turning of the rings had – over the many years – turned into solid glue and the shutter and the focusing where frozen. It took me several attempts but finally I found someone who could fix it: Zacks Camera Repair in Providence, RI did a wonderful job. Three weeks ago I loaded my first roll, and Billy and I traveled to Ireland.

We still have to get used to each other. Billy is all about manual everything … exposure and focusing. (He made me dig out my light meter). I love the 6x9 cm format of the negative, but I hate that I only get 8 shots out of a roll. And he has to stop sheading dust from inside his leather bellows and tossing it on the film. Or at least I suspect that he doing that. Like I said, we have to get used to each other. We have an exciting way ahead of us. I wonder how he feels about trying out a roll of modern Kodak Portra 400 …

Across the Atlantic ... to see Family

2012-01-03T13:56:00.007-05:00

TO A CHILD DANCING IN THE WIND

DANCE there upon the shore;
What need have you to care
For wind or water's roar?
And tumble out your hair
That the salt drops have wet;
Being young you have not known
The fool's triumph, nor yet
Love lost as soon as won,
Nor the best labourer dead
And all the sheaves to bind.
What need have you to dread
The monstrous crying of wind?

W. B. Yeats (1865-1939)

Ho ho ho

2011-12-23T12:38:00.000-05:00

The Trip family is blessed with a grandmother that loves to make costumes. When she comes to the studio it is always with multiple changes of clothes, most of which she has made herself. This year her snowman and Santa warmed my heart. Enjoy and Happy Holidays.

Happy Holidays

2011-12-08T16:28:00.009-05:00

"I always know that it is the Christmas season when I have the opportunity to photograph the Federico children. I have now taken their Christmas photo for 3 years and the mom is very organized. She always plans for her children’s pictures to be done the Saturday after Thanksgiving for her Christmas card.
I try each year to do something a little different. This year I played with the simplicity of the white lights. It highlights the innocents of the children. The candy canes made for some fun at the end of the session. We all had a great time and the family was very happy."

Judy will be photographing another couple of families over the weekend so she left the lights up and her living room has been turned into a photo studio.

Website overhaul long due

2011-11-28T15:43:00.003-05:00

I finally got around to updating our website CreativeMomentz.com. I put some newer photographs up and made sure that there are 12 samples for each category - it looks a bit more rounded now.

All the contact information stayed the same - Judy and Silke can both be reached at the old phone numbers and email addresses.

Check it out!

Water's Edge

2011-11-22T14:50:00.006-05:00

You might remember that I announced back in July how proud I was to have been juried into a Book Competition of Photography, Poetry and Prose called Water's Edge.

Now all the poetry and prose for the book have been chosen, and a complete list of artists has been published on the Open to Interpretation website.

The suspense is almost too much ... for me anyway. As I can see the names of writers who were inspired by Peggy's Cove ... but I cannot read what they have written. I don't even know if it is poetry or prose. I can't wait to see the book. Release date is Mid-January 2012.

Stay tuned ...

Lydia is a big girl now ...

2011-11-16T11:35:00.004-05:00

... because she knows how to ride her bicycle.

I took these photos a while back in the Spring this year in Boston Manor Park in London. It was very exciting to be there for this important milestone in every child's life: Learning to ride a bike.
Lydia was literally jumping up and down with joy, noticing that she was getting better with every try.
Her mommy and I were just huffing and puffing from running, pushing, holding, catching and photographing.

What an adventure !

A trail of broken hearts

2011-11-08T16:35:00.003-05:00

Watch out ladies - this one is going to leave a trail of broken heart wherever he goes.

Booh

2011-10-31T22:20:00.005-04:00

At times, it felt like I was at school during recess - there were that many kids.
I love Halloween!
Each time I am worried we might run out of candy.
Each year I am very impressed by some of the kids.
This year was no different.
I love Halloween!

Now all monsters are inside again.
And only a dog is howling outside
in the cold
in the dark.

Watching the Circle of Life

2011-10-24T17:33:00.006-04:00

The photography session with you guys was a real treat.
I have known the kids' Dad since he was a baby, and I can so see his expression in his young son's face.
It is so much fun watching the circle of life.
Thanks you for your patience.

ΑΝΤΙΛΗΨΕΙΣ - PERCEPTIONS

2011-10-17T09:28:00.002-04:00

I just heard from Pavlos Satoglou (from ANTILIPSEIS magazine) that the exhibition "Perceptions" is moving to its third location. It opened at PhotoVision – the largest photography trade show in Athens, Greece, early this year. Then went to the f14-gallery in the co-capital of Greece, Thessaloniki, last May and June, and is now reaching its third location: the "Photography Club of Livadia", in Livadia, Greece.
There is an event page on Facebook where you can check out the details.
After the end of the exhibitions, the prints will be donated to the Athens School of Fine Arts.

I am excited and honored to be part of the exhibition, with a close up "Rachel's Hands", that was photographed during Rachel Cohen's Harvard University’s Clifton Residency in 2006. Click here to read more.

Smelling Chemicals

2011-10-07T22:33:00.006-04:00

I love the smell of chemicals at the film development sink ... watching the clock and turning the development tank every minute ... the suspense when you can finally open the tank after the fix has been pored out, just before the first wash starts ... when you get a first glimpse at the roll ...

... and then you get really excited about making prints ... the magic when the picture appears on the paper while you gently rock it in the developing tray ... the creamy grey tones that you get with film ... the time you spend in the darkroom with that one print ... to make it perfect ... the bonding.

Lighting Workshop with Lou

2011-09-28T11:16:00.006-04:00

The weekend of September 17th and 18th I participated in a lighting workshop with photography legend Lou Jones. Day one we spent in the studio studying new ways to use Speedlights instead of traditional bulky, heavy studio strobes. Lou shared with the class many little knowledge gems that will change my approach to shooting in so many ways. From clamps to gobos and other simple techniques, they will take me into new heights in my photography. On the second day he took us to the streets to use the fill light to make for more interesting images. It is my pleasure to share these images with you.

Read Lou's blog here.

Beach Day

2011-09-27T21:59:00.003-04:00

On September 10th I was lucky enough to be able to photograph two sisters and their four children – ages 5,3,2,and 6 weeks. The family had tried a more traditional photographer and studio but that did not work out for this high energy family. The beach offered a great location to channel the energy, though it posed a true challenge to the photographer. I can say, I got my cardio that day, chasing after this very fun group … up and down the beach. The family was very happy with what we got out of this ‘sitting’. I hope you enjoy this sampling of this fabulous day.

Portrait of Allie

2011-09-25T20:46:00.003-04:00

I met Allie at the South Boston Open Studios, she was in charge of Studio 305.

Chain Letter :: Crazy 1 Day Art Bash

2011-07-13T16:07:00.007-04:00

I can't believe I am actually participating in the Chain Letter Show in Boston.
The opening reception and show will take place on Saturday - as in Saturday ONLY - July 16th 2011 - in Boston - @ Samsøn Gallery (450 Harrison Avenue)

"Chain Letter is a global group show wherein 10 artists have been invited to participate. Those 10 then invite 10 artists that they admire. Those 10 invite 10 more and so on. This cycle continues for 30 days. The result is an exponentially massive, artist-curated group show based entirely on admiration."
For more info about the chain letter project click on the letter above.

Opening Reception is from 5 pm to 8 pm.
See you all there!

Peggy's Cove did it again

2011-06-20T12:14:00.005-04:00

My photograph Peggy's Cove has been selected for the Water's Edge issue of Open to Interpretation. After re-reading about the book competition on the Open to Interpretation website I am so excited I can barely wait to see the book. However the photography is only the first phase of this exciting project, and I will have to wait a while before I can feel the book in my hands and flip thru the pages.

The following describes the Open to Interpretation process of creating the book:

Open to Interpretation is a juried book competition bringing together photographers, poets, and writers.
A good photograph tells a story. But it tells a slightly different story to every viewer. The stories are fleeting, disappearing from the viewers’ minds in the moments it takes to turn a page or walk to the next gallery. Open to Interpretation captures these stories, pairing fine art photographers and writers in an international juried book competition.
Open to Interpretation produces several books a year. Each book begins with a themed call for photos. The chosen photos become the literary inspiration for the writers’ submissions. A book is created that matches each winning photo with two stories or poems that offer different interpretations of the image. The unique collaboration adds new dimensions to both the photos and the written word.
Each book is a two-part process. The photography call for entry comes first. The juror's results will be posted on-line. Writers and poets will then be invited to view the images and submit stories or poems that are inspired by the posted images.
With over 1500 images submitted judge Douglas Beasley did a fantastic job selecting 31 images for the book. To see all selected images click here.

I am thrilled about the idea that Peggy’s Cove will be teamed up with the work a writer/poet – a person I never met - who was inspired by my work. I can’t wait to see what Peggy’s Cove can accomplish in its new role as a muse. And I can’t wait to receive my complimentary beautifully bound hard cover book.

Judy went "Photographing People"

2011-06-19T17:25:00.010-04:00

The Griffin Museum of Photography in Winchester co-hosted the 'Photographing People' workshop for the third time this year. From June 10th through June13th, Judy assisted Harvey Stein during his workshop.

She says about Harvey and the workshop: "Harvey is an international photographer, and author of several photo books including his new book, Coney Island 40 Years. His excitement about photography is contagious, and I was thrilled to help him create an ideal environment for his students to grow. Over the course of three days we all became comfortable working in the streets, where Harvey has done a great amount of his work.

Class time was spent reviewing types of lenses and lighting, but the true learning happened in the streets of Boston where we spent two days getting to know the people, and enjoyed documenting the Gay Pride parade. The final hours of the weekend were spent critiquing our work."

Student work will be on display in one of the Griffin's Galleries.

Holga Inspire

2011-06-19T15:12:00.009-04:00

Finally, after over a year, our photographs have made it to the official Holga Inspire Website / Newletter.

We participated in a Toy Camera workshop in New York City in February last year. I have to say it was very interesting to actually take a camera apart, make changes (modification) and put it back together. We made our own "Holgamods". Toy Cameras add a certain amount of unpredictability to the images, and a certain mystique that we have always been intrigued by.

The workshop took place in the Umbrella Art Gallery in the East Village, NYC on a miserable gray and cold weekend in February, and was conducted by Tammy Cromer-Campbell a photographer who has shot documentary projects with a Holga camera.

All in all it was a very fun, mysterious and creative weekend, with lousy light, good food and way too cold.

Sally Mann ... If Memory Serves

2011-05-04T07:45:00.003-04:00

I went to Sally Mann's lecture "If Memory Serves" at Harvard last night. Very poetic, and funny. Very personal. Very inspiring. I think I need some time to think about the things she said.

I wish I could have taken more notes. I hope they publish the lecture. I must keep an eye open for that.

PS: I never thought I'd get Deep South signed.

You gotta love NYC

2011-03-19T15:01:00.002-04:00

You have to have a good time when you are visiting NYC. It's the law.

It is Spring - dressed in yellow

2011-03-14T10:41:00.009-04:00

Last weekend we shot Jean Lin's new spring collection. Jean used only recycled fabric for this collection and vowed to keep doing so from now on, which I think is a great idea.

For this Spring shoot we met at a studio in East Boston on the day the time changed to Daylight Saving. How is that for timing! Besides the usual equipment, crew, food, and of course the Jean's Spring Collection, Judy brought the largest bucket of tulips I have ever seen.

Check out the Spring 2011 collection on Jean's website dressed in yellow.

Oh ... and as I am writing this entry there is another picture coming in from Lin's blog ... Makes you wanna spend a long weekend in Amsterdam, no?

Winter Romantic

2011-01-10T13:55:00.014-05:00

Family visit on a farm in Denmark.

While the snow flakes kept dancing around us, Lina was presented a very special raspberry, and Lukas' glove was sucked on vigorously ... without the anticipated success by the 1 week old baby.

While all humans could retreat inside to where hot chocolate and yummy cake were waiting, others had to stay in the winter wonderland, little icicles going in whiskers.

Just not November yet

2010-10-31T18:33:00.006-04:00

You would not believe it was the last day of October. Not by the sun and the leaves and the fun ... we had in the Arboretum this afternoon. I had totally forgotten how wonderful the Arnold Arboretum is ... and the kids were there for the first time. Finding a big garter snake certainly added to the adventure.

A day later (It is November now)...
... I am still thinking about the fun we had:

The cattail-fluff was everywhere, and I am sure I swallowed some. The light in the cattails was unbeatable for photos.

The snake left quite an impression too. The biggest Garter snake I had seen so far. And the way it snuggled with Tristan was so cute. It pressed every bit of its body against his warm hands and started to sneak up his sleeve at some point.

Just found a piece of twig in my hair this morning while shampooing. I think that says it all. What a great day yesterday!
Will get to work on the book asap.

Strings

2010-09-27T14:04:00.007-04:00

On Sunday I visited the Southend Open Studios for some major inspiration. I stopped at the studio building at 551 Tremont Street only to get stuck at the first open door, where Roosevelt Pires repairs all kinds of string instruments in a creative mess. Everywhere pieces of ukuleles, guitars, cellos and violins peak out of shelves, boxes, wraps like curious little creatures trying to catch a glimpse of the world.

It is not every day that someone plays the cello for you in the stairways of a an old brownstone. And as long as Agustin played the instrument that Roosevelt had made for him some years ago, I could not bare parting.

Memories

2010-09-27T13:13:00.002-04:00

It was a busy weekend. On Saturday I covered a Phi Beta Alpha fraternity reunion for Northeastern University, which reminded me again of why I like photographing people: These guys were delighted to see each other again after who knows how many years.

Looking forward to ...

2010-07-30T23:53:00.003-04:00

... an entire Saturday "shooting Anna". We're gonna have fun, fun, fun ...

I must have been crazy …

2010-05-21T11:28:00.007-04:00

… to fly to the Netherlands for just one day to photograph a wedding. But what a wedding, what a trip it was! Due to volcanic activity it was a miracle that I made it there ... and back almost on schedule. Eyjafjallajokull seemed to have some kind of personal grunge against me as it made me almost miss the wedding due to its ash cloud and subsequent flight cancellations. It then behaved well all Saturday and sent another cloud to Schiphol Airport on Sunday. The airport was closed shortly after I had left on the plane back to Boston.

It turned out to be a wonderful day for everybody involved. The sun was shining a little bit ... not too much to spoil the perfect soft light for the outdoor photos. And just enough to supply light through the huge church windows in Deventer. The venue, the majestic pocket palace "Huis De Voorst", built in 1695 as a replica of the royal Palace Het Loo in Apeldoorn, and completely renovated in 2005, was the perfect backdrop for this romantic day.

Anke and Mike, I am so happy for you. I wish you all the best for the future and tons of fun on your honeymoon.

Because pregnant women are so beautiful

2010-04-21T15:28:00.003-04:00

I just have to post another one from the Carola series.

No further comment.

John Robert - You did it again!

2010-04-21T12:32:00.003-04:00

John Robert you did not disappoint!

Just like last year, and the year before, you literally dove into your birthday cake. The cake had so many wonderful colors, and yes, you are right, when you mix them all together you get pretty much black, or a very dark and dirty gray.
It was great to be part of your birthday party again - the third one so far.

Kids have to have fun and be messy, especially when it is their birthday. You understand that, and all your little friends appreciate it. (It is not making things easy for your mom, but that is a different story.)
This week I will get to work on a book so that you and your family can remember this great day, and add it to the little library that you have already accumulated.

It was more difficult to document your party this year than it was in previous years, just because the weather made us all stay inside for most of the day. But there were plenty of things we could do, like get our faces painted, sing songs, or enjoy Mickey’s visit.

Happy Birthday, John Robert!
… and hope to see you again next year.

Almost There

2010-03-31T18:18:00.003-04:00

Carola, I am very touched by this image.

I can't believe we pulled this off in the short period of time we had after the kids went to bed and you fell asleep yourself. We shot this in 15 minutes. Figuring out how to get the swirls in the picture took me much longer.

I can't wait to see the little guy. He - and you - will have such a wonderful picture to remember this very special time.

"Elements of Water"

2010-02-24T12:25:00.004-05:00

"Elements of Water" is the current exhibition at the Center for Fine Art Photography. I am excited to announce that one of my photographs was juried into the show.
The exhibition will be on display until March 11, 2010
The artist's and public reception is on March 5, 2010 from 6-9pm at the Center's main gallery.

For those of you who cannot visit the gallery in Fort Collins, CO you can see all photographs online.

My contribution to the show is number 45 (toward the end). But do not just skip there directly because you will be skipping over a lot of wonderful photographs.

Enjoy the Photos!

Three more weeks to go

2010-02-17T12:24:00.007-05:00

I spent an entire afternoon last weekend with Lisa who has only three more weeks to go until the big day. I felt almost bad chasing her around from one ‘pose’ to the next … having her climb on to the bed … sit … kneel … lay on one side … then the other. Lisa had a couple of dresses that she wanted to try on … and I suggested jeans. I love the casual and relaxed feel of barefoot jeans and t-shirt … you just can’t beat that.

Together we came up with a more and more ideas where and how to photograph. We took our time and had a lot of fun. So we ended up with a variety of pictures that we are both very excited about.

… I wish I could see her daughter’s face the day she get the photos out … “Look! This is what Mommy looked like when you were still inside my tummy.”

It is cold in New York in February

2010-02-08T12:41:00.014-05:00

This weekend was amazing!

We went to New York to drop off the print for the Krappy Kamera Show. The current exhibitions are wonderful too. We laughed so hard it hurt while looking at "My Potholes".

We stayed the night in the Chelsea Hotel, a wonderful weird place, a mixture of run down and luxury that is loaded with art and history.
And we met with some old friends.

... and a new one: M i r a.
Mira managed to distract the waiter at Le Pain Quotidien to a point where he was incapable of taking our orders. Like hypnotized he was just standing there, smiling at her, could not move his eyes away. Ahhh the power of a one year old!

Fashion Fun

2010-01-29T23:59:00.009-05:00

I love venturing into fashion every now and then ... like I did tonight. I wish I had more time for this. I just got back from the studio, and once again I couldn't let it go. I had to edit and play with PhotoShop a little. Since my eyes are falling shut as I type I will just leave you with some impressions from this fun shoot ...

Krappy Kamera

2010-01-19T07:46:00.004-05:00

A letter arrived from the SOHO PHOTO Gallery in New York City. I had entered some prints in a competition called "Krappy Kamera", an annual juried show for photos taken with minimal ("junky") cameras and lenses such as the Holga, pinhole cameras, or Lensbaby. (The Lensbaby is the lens my brother calls the "The Three Tequila Shot Lens" because of the blur you get from it.)

The Krappy Kamera competitions’s motto is: “In the hands of an artist, great photographs can be made with minimal equipment.” As if getting accepted to the show was not hard enough, the contest was opened for international participation in 2009. My first thought when I saw the envelope was: “Odd, I didn't think they would mail a rejection letter with the post.” [For the last couple of years I had checked their website for the list of accepted photographers just to find my name to be not on it.]

Only then did it dawn to me that maybe this time it was not a rejection. SOHO PHOTO had accepted one of my prints into the Krappy Kamera XII show for March of this year!

I am very excited to be part of it, having been selected as one of forty-eight artists from several hundred who submitted their work. To add to the excitement, the accepted print “Lydia & Ducky” is the signature photo for our blog and a foundation sample of the work we do at Creative Momentz.

The smell of chemicals

2010-01-12T13:29:00.004-05:00

Ahhhh ... the color darkroom.
Ohhh ... the smell of chemicals.
Oohhh ... good old fashioned printing of color negatives.

And the wonderful memories that this picture brings back of a trip up to New Hampshire in the fall of last year ... on a rainy weekend day ...
To the charming little town of Effington - 50% in New Hampshire and 50% in Maine - but 100% wonderful for a road trip.

Meet Devy

2009-11-08T20:07:00.004-05:00

He was holding up really well, considering that he had cut his nap short. And even thought it was not cold, the air was crisp, and all the adults tried really hard to make him laugh ... tell you what: That'll make a little guy tried.

Flying Kids

2009-08-26T11:17:00.002-04:00

Another fun evening in the studio.
I can't believe how much fun is there to had in a photo studio, and how wonderfully the resulting pictures capture this. Marit, Lotta, Nele you guys were great!

Quiz: Two of these picture were not taken by me, but by Nele ... can you find them?

La Paloma ohe

2009-07-24T12:19:00.006-04:00

Wikipedia says: “"La Paloma" is a popular song, having been produced and reinterpreted in diverse cultures, settings, arrangements, and recordings over the last 140 years.”
Having grown up near Hamburg, Germany, with it huge port and seafaring history La Paloma is a sea shanty that I have been humming ever since I was a kid.

It has been stuck in my head for two day now due to a recent sailing trip. I have to say there are worse songs that can get stuck in your head.

forest nymph

2009-07-22T23:27:00.003-04:00

There is a forest nymph
A tannic, secret child
Crowned in white and dancing
Can dance the trees a smile.

(poem by Anna's proud Uncle)

Lukas - You Rock!

2009-07-21T17:01:00.008-04:00

Lukas you rock!

I really enjoyed the day at the beach with you, and I am absolutely thrilled that I did not use a regular camera to capture the magic of the day, but instead grabbed 'my old toy camera' that shoots medium format film. Yes, FILM!

Today my fingers are smelly of good old fashion chemicals, and I am in love with the mementos they gave me.

Viva Barcelona - Viva Vicky & Ed

2009-07-21T13:54:00.005-04:00

We're back from Barcelona.
Actually, we have been back for a while, but I am still trying to catch up with all the photos I brought back.

Most importantly with the pictures of Vicky & Edward's Wedding in the beautiful mountain setting in Montseny near Barcelona.

Congratulation again.

... and while you two enjoy being married, I will work frantically on your wedding album, which will be the best I ever made.

2009-05-18T14:25:00.002-04:00

Check out photographs from various visits to the New England Aquarium in early 2009.

Under Water

Photographs from t...

By Silke Hase

Book Preview

The place is pure magic.
I can never leave under 3 hours.
And the moment I walk out the door, I am ready for the next visit.

Two Birthsdays are better than One

2009-04-27T19:31:00.009-04:00

Happy Birthday J.R. !
Happy Birthday Grandma !

Last weekend J.R. celebrated his second birthday and Mommy threw a surprise party for Grandma into the mix. The weather could not have been better, and a big family definitely helps with the action and fun of the event. (Even if it doesn't make Mommy's work easier, it was well worth the effort.)

As if it wasn't unforgettable anyway, there are over 200 pictures of happy kids of all ages playing, unwrapping presents and enjoying a summer day in April spent with the family.

I hope to see you all again next year ...

So I don't know nothing about football

2009-04-15T10:13:00.003-04:00

Last night I learned that ...

Linebackers are big and slow - not very tall though
Running Backs are lightning fast
Deep down inside they all are kinda like the basketball people I grew up with. They have the same team-fun-sport spirit that you can find in any athlete who is serious about their sport, but doesn't forget to have fun.
They seem to be really nice, fun, down to earth, patient, team people who enjoy a nice game of hoops.

OK, so they are in incredible physical shape and they do not make their money playing Basketball (I have seen better) - but that was the beauty of it.

The game last night was a fund raiser basketball game for the Westwood High School between the High School Booster All Stars and the NE Patriots.
They were not seriously playing - just a relaxed fun game.
Here are the pix:

Partiots playing Basketball

The Pats players who attended were:

Logan Mankins
Russ Hochstein
Laurence Maroney (Height: 5-11 (not much taller then I am) Weight: 220 (of pure muscle - I have never seen anybody sprint this fast.)
Ellis Hobbs
Steve Gostkowski

I am really glad I went to see this event. Thanks Adrienne for thnking of me, and for letting me borrow your D200.

Jazz @ Lou’s opening reception

2009-02-24T11:34:00.006-05:00

I am not the kind of photographer who carries her camera everywhere she goes and photographs anything, all the time. But I happened to have my camera with me when I went to Lou Jones’ opening reception of his latest show REDUX ii in the Gallery at the Piano Factory in South Boston last weekend.
And when I heard Jazz being played and I saw the Bass and the Saxophone ... I just couldn’t help it.

Why is it that I am so drawn to musical instruments?

Thanks Lou for this wonderful opportunity to meet interesting people, great music and for sharing your wonderful photographs with us.

PS: Arnold Cheatham - the Saxophone player - is an accomplished photographer himself.

Enrique Peñalosa At Bikes not Bombs

2009-02-24T11:09:00.003-05:00

Oops, I have some catching up to do:
Bikes not Bombs had approached me to ask if I could cover another event for them, and I was delighted as their events are always interesting and fun (and loaded with good Karma)
Enrique Peñalosa is a former Mayor of Bogota, Columbia, an accomplished public official, economist and administrator. While mayor, Peñalosa was responsible for numerous radical improvements to the city of Bogota and its citizens. He promoted a city model giving priority to children and public spaces and restricting private car use, building hundreds of kilometers of sidewalks, bicycle paths, pedestrian streets, greenways, and parks.

During his four day visit to Boston early February '09, he participated in several events, one of which was the afternoon with Bikes not Bombs. He saw the BNB headquarter, went on a tour thru the Southwest Corridor Park in JP and returned to BNB HQ for his inspiring presentation.
I am thrilled I got the chance to cover the event, and I am looking forward to the next …

"Public space is for living, doing business, kissing, and playing. Its value can't be measured with economics or mathematics; it must be felt with the soul."

To see more photos of Enrique's visit at BNB check out the album below.

Enrique Peñalosa speaks on Economic Justice

Babies' first Christmas

2008-12-02T20:56:00.008-05:00

Some brand spanking new babies from age 5 days to 6 months met Santa Claus last weekend. Judy had convinced Santa to stop by her house and pose with the little ones. Moms, dads, aunties and siblings had great fun telling Santa their wishes for this year's Christmas and smiling for the camera.
The older kids were not quiet convinced that that big old fellow with the huge beard was friendly, but some could be talked into sitting on his lab. At the end of the day it was a matter of getting that toy train on the 25th or not.
There were even some quiet mommy-baby moments to be had.
Enjoy the slide show of Santa and his little friends below.

Congratulations Kelly & Mike

2008-11-06T17:16:00.004-05:00

We hope you had a wonderful honeymoon. (I'm sorry you had to come back to November-New-England.)

While we are still editing the over 2,000 photos we took at your wedding in beautiful South Casco, Maine, we would like to give you a quick early glimpse at some of them in the little slide show below ... to help pass time.

We're going to a Trade Show

2008-10-02T09:10:00.004-04:00

Yeah! Judy and Silke are going to a "Trade Show" with our portraiture photography. Actually it's a private Craft / Boutique Show - organized by Soni Masur - where local artists show and sell their stuff. (... and great stuff it is)
Last April my artist friend Jesa invited me to stop by. I did. (see April blog) ... and I took some pictures of the event. A few weeks ago Soni asked if we wanted to participate in the "Trade Secrets" part of her upcoming holiday event.

We are among the "Trade Secrets " women Soni refers to in her Newsletter, who will be at the show only Thursday Night!! We are two of the "local entrepreneur women you must know about!!!"

We are so excited about this.
So come by to say hello and check out all the other wonderful stuff ...

2008 Holiday Craft/Boutique Show
Soni Masur’s House
66 Thornton Rd
Needham, MA

Thursday Night Nov. 13th ~ 6:30pm-9:30pm
Friday Nov. 14th ~ 9am-3pm
Saturday Nov. 15th ~ 10am-4pm

Lina & Lukas

2008-09-11T11:57:00.004-04:00

I saw Lukas again and met Lina for the first time last week. What a delightful encounter. I am very happy with the portraits I took (... so are the proud parents by the way) and I can wait to go back to document their next steps ... in about a year or so. Check out some of the portraits in the slide show below ...

I have already started on the book. I have a feeling that this will turn into an annual event that will capture the development of the two in a very unique way: One book each year. What a wonderful way to for a family to document their history.

Studio Week

2008-08-28T12:49:00.003-04:00

Last week was "Studio Week". I went twice with two great couples. We had a ball each time,and even though we spent a good 2 hours in there each time, time flew by and none of use noticed how late it was when we started breaking everything down.

Check out both albums below ...

Anke & Mike

Kari & Steve

Judith & Silke in Greece

2008-08-18T17:56:00.002-04:00

We are thrilled to announce that the work of both Judith and Silke will be included in the 14th issue – the September 2008 issue – of ANTILIPSEIS, 'Dance-Shots'! ANTILIPSEIS is an independent Greek magazine about photography, that is published every three months in Greece.

* Silke’s work will be on pages 18-19
* Judith’s on page 29

To see thumbnails of all the pages click here.

This issue will have a D(ance) shape and a swirling reading direction (that's why on the link, some pages are upside-down). It is to be out by the end of this month, and we can’t wait to get our hands on a copy of the magazine.

Bikes not Bombs! (BNB) Bike-A-Thon 2008

2008-06-18T12:30:00.003-04:00

I liked last year's Bikes not Bombs! (BNB) Bike-A-Thon. A lot. So I decided to photograph this year's event too. And it was great! Click on the photo link below and check out the photos.

Bike-A-Thon 2008

Over three hundred riders braved the sweltering heat on Sunday June 8th and made heroic rides. What a day! At 8:30 in the morning people were already sweating and looking for shade from the punishing sun as the line to check in for the 62 mile race stretched across the field (there were twice as many riders this year than last). Heat and humidity made the hard pedaling on the rides all the more challenging for all 15, 25, and 62 riders, but reports keep pouring in at BNB from riders who had a great day, who kept cool with fun and camaraderie.

The event accomplished to raise $105,000. Bikes not Bombs! more than doubled their fundraising record. This is an unbelievable success which will allow them to keep up with its expansions in youth leadership and international work.

The Green Roots Festival afterparty was also fabulous, Elijah Evans, David McDonald, Nzhinga Webster, and Darren Fenty of BNB's youth programs were amazing with the 30+ piece Branches Pan Groove Steel Orchestra (Dave and Elijah even rode the Bike-A-Thon before they played), and the keynote speakers: Bill McKibben, Khalida Smalls, City Councilor Chuck Turner, and BNB Director Kim Foltz made inspiring speeches – tying together the workshops' themes. The Green Roots Festival was a great sharing place for folks of all different walks of urban life to explore ways to deepen their environmental knowledge and action, and it made some true connections for BNB to work with other environmental organizations more closely in the future.

I covered the event as much as I could given the fact that my husband and I were driving the following vehicle for the 15 mile race.
I am very proud to have been a part of this event and I am already looking forward to next year's ...

Mothers Day and Engagement Books

2008-05-12T16:30:00.003-04:00

What does an engagement portraiture session and book have to do with mother’s day? A lot!
For Kelly and Nate it meant having two hard cover books with their engagement photos ready for mother’s day as their moms were headed to Boston for the weekend and a book like this seemed like the perfect Mother’s day present.
We were right on, as Kelly just confirmed via email:

"Hey!! I just wanted to say thanks again SO much. The books were a huge hit. You're a star :)"

Kelly & Nate

April 2008 ... and...

By Silke Hase (Photog...

Book Preview

Happy, Happy, Happy

2008-05-10T22:20:00.005-04:00

Happy Birthday, JR.
Happy Mother's Day, Lisa.
Happy New House, Everybody.

Thank you for the invite Lisa. I can't believe you threw a party like this 10 days after moving into the new house. Click on the picture below to see all the photos I took of your event.

Happy Birthday JR

Welcome Jonathan !

2008-04-16T12:03:00.014-04:00

Remember Alyssa and her baby-belly?

Well that was then.

Join me in welcoming Jonathan who I had the pleasure of meeting yesterday.

He is a very good baby … except when there is gas rummaging in his little tummy. But Mommy can make things better with a simple back rub. And then the little guy's appetite come right back. Bring on dinner!

Hey Silke,
the pictures are GREAT!!! I love them!!! Thank you for taking them and putting them up on that website so quickly!!! I can't wait to forward them to my friends and family so they can see them too!!! Thank you again for stopping by... It was nice to get to see you!!!
Talk to you soon.
Take care, Alyssa

A girl's night out at the Craft Show

2008-04-11T08:28:00.004-04:00

Last month I got an email from my artist friend Jesa to come see her drawings and other wonderful art and craft at Soni Masur's annual Spring Craft/Boutique Show in Needham.
So I went.
Yesterday was opening night and it fit perfectly in my schedule as I could go there after work (rather then going home and getting stuck in traffic)
It was wonderful.

Craft Show

There was yummy 'art' - or was it craft? (I bought a jar of spicy chocolate sauce of Maureen)
I loved Marissa's belt buckles and I will definitely get back to Gerda Maaskant (Turned to Stone) once my new yard is ready for one of her wonderful giant leave stone bowl.
I can't mention every artist here, but there were silk scarves, T-shirts & a fun color activity game, handmade cards and journals, one of a kind handbags and totes, pottery, Jesa's drawings, and of course Soni's wonderful jewelry. ... and this was just the first floor. Soni and her family are sacrificing their entire house this week, as the list continues in the basement with services such as wardrobe solutions, personal trainer, Yoga and Pilates, party and event planners, moving planners, a residential designer, and landscape consultation, design and plant shopping services for homeowners.
Did I mention the snacks.
What a wonderful relaxing evening.
I am going back next year.

Not Exactly Portraiture

2008-03-25T15:27:00.003-04:00

Not exactly portraiture, but too good to not take any photos of it.

"Fire in the Hole !"

They have been blasting for almost three weeks nor, right next to the office. Today I brought my camera ...
Click on the picture to view the album.

Happy Belly Shoot

2008-02-01T16:54:00.000-05:00

Last week we spent one evening taking photos of Alyssa, who is due in a couple of weeks and her daughter Kiara. Both were wonderful models: very patient (even as I was getting out the dinosaur large format camera) and willing to try different lighting set ups and backgrounds.
Our reward was a wonderful set of portraits two of which I’d like to share here - together with an email I received from Alyssa after posting the portraits in an online album.

From: Alyssa
Subject: Thank you!!!

Awesome!!! Those are all GREAT... Thank you for doing that for us!

I have brought the books to work to show some of the ladies I work with and they love them... I am going to see some of my friends soon, we haven't gotten together in quite a while... but when I see them, I am going to show them as well!!! I promise to keep you posted on the feedback I get from those books and the pictures!!! YOU guys are so wonderful... I can't thank you enough for taking our pictures and capturing Kiara and I together with that big belly of mine!!!

Talk to you soon!!!
:) Alyssa

A Mini Review by Who-Asked-You-Anway-Robert (Traumbilder)

2008-01-15T18:31:00.000-05:00

I want to thank my artist-friend Robert who saw Traumbilder for the first time a couple of days ago. He liked it so much that he wrote a review, which I want to post here since Blurb doesn't provide space for this. Thank you Robert for this wonderful review. Here it is:

I received "Traumbilder, Dreamscapes in Photography & Poetry" yesterday. The book is well-packaged and well produced; immediately after Iwrestled this nicely sized 5" x 5" softcover from its triple wrapped container, I wondered if maybe I should have sprung for the hardcover edition. The quality of the print by Blurb.com gives a very good name to web-based print-on-demand publishing.

The black and white photo on the cover (medium format?, 4X4? 6X6? with slightly curling and darkened edge effects in the corners) sets the tone for this wonderful reflective and pensive body of work. When I heard that this was a collaborative work by two separate (albeit, married) artists, I had to deliberately put aside my doubts--a favor I owe to all good friends--that expediency was favored over design. This is NOT a product of a formula that says "Gee, one artist with thirty pages plus another artist with thirty pages gives us a sixty page book!" No, right off it becomes very clear that this is a perfect marriage of photography and poetry; not a match up of images and words, but of two artists unified in intent and purpose as if they were one.

After only four pages, I find my first 'favorite':

   All are small, forgettable things
   Have them, they are nothing
   Leave them behind, they are
   Frames in which our time is set

The accompanying image of taut dock lines reinforces this suggestion of the transitory nature of life and how the commonplace become iconic in our memory. I'm only up to the sixteenth page before I write this because now I know what readers are happy to find out when they pick up a great book: "This works!" I have confidence that the paired talents of Hase and Stull can consistently deliver and surprise and reward us. I am not going to rush through this one. Uh, uh, nope. I'll save this for when I'm ready for another big serving of beautiful work. Mmmm mm!

Congratulations, Silke and Tristan! Well done. Very well done.

Robert Gavila
New York City
January 12, 2008

Epiphany

2008-01-10T21:46:00.000-05:00

Judy

I just had an epiphany as I was browsing through the photo books of Lydia and Lukas:
These books - the ones that we have created already and every single one that we will create - are absolutely priceless.
They are family treasures.
They are a blessing.
…for the families of the kids.
…for Mom and Dad now.
… and in a couple of years - AKA ‘in no time’ - for the kids themselves.

It makes me feels so damn good.
... and it really makes me want to create more and more of them.
I can't wait to shoot Ahmed's twins ...
I can't wait to talk to Alyssa.
I can't wait to hear back from Tristan's colleague Mike.
I can't wait for the world.

... and I can wait for our next meeting to learn more about what Arthur tells you in class.
(Give him a hug from me, please. He was the ONLY teacher I ever hugged at the end of a class or workshop)
...and to refine our handout materials for our future client.

And I can't wait for my next workshop to start tomorrow.

God I love photography.

Luv
Silke

Fine Art News - Traumbilder

2007-12-06T12:50:00.000-05:00

Traum [traum] {m} - German - dream
Bild [bilt] {n} - German - view, image, figure, picture, cartoon, illustration, art tableau, art painting

The Traumbilder project is about two forms of poetry: written and visual.
After several years of writing and photographing in isolation, enjoying each other's work, Silke and Tristan wondered if the two could be joined in marriage. The result is this book: a study in dreamscapes of photography and poetry.

Traumbilder

By by Silke Hase & T...

Book Preview

Silke is currently in touch with a gallery to represent her Fine Art Photography, specifically her Holga work featured in the Traumbilder book. The book is available online for preview and purchase.

Fastest Turnaround Ever

2007-09-27T13:34:00.000-04:00

Wow - I am blown away by my own speed.
In less than a week, I cranked out the Dan & Lizzy book. And once again the parents as well as the Creative Momentz Team is agonizing over delivery time of an entire week.

Born to be Wild

Come Play with Dan...

By Photography Silke ...

Book Preview

More Bragging

2007-09-25T11:38:00.000-04:00

I am delighted that we got another one of 'these emails'. It was not exactly an official assignment when we took the pictures of Alee. We were - don't laugh - baby sitting. But none of us could leave the fingers off the trigger.
Here is what Alee's dad had to say:

Dearest Judy,
I can't tell you how moved I was last night looking at the beautiful photos of Alee. Actually tearing up. You caught the essence of this sweet, loving beautiful child and I can never thank you enough for your art. You have a tremendous natural talent for capturing the heart and soul of the person you are photographing. It goes beyond the superb technical ability of lighting, shadow, angles etc., you see the true person. You are the best.
Peter

Come play with Dan & Liz

2007-09-24T16:12:00.000-04:00

Last weekend I went to shoot Daniell and Elizabeth ... a brother and sister pair ... and boy were they a handful! And as if that was not enough, we had a 10 weeks old kitten and the family dog to play with as well. We had a lot of fun and got about 150 good pictures that are currently being turned into a hardcover book. The parents as well as everybody here at Creative Momentz can’t wait to hold the book in hands. But until the book is finished, here are some photos to enjoy on picasa.

Come Play with Dan and Lizzy

Judy, you did it again!

2007-09-19T17:01:00.000-04:00

OK, it was "only a friend's wedding". But the pictures you took were right on. Here's what your friend Lorrie has to say about your photos of Carrie's and Steve's wedding.

Judy,
You have no idea how much I appreciate those photos and all your hard work. These are the FIRST photos I have seen of the wedding and they are all fabulous!!
Thank you so much for doing that and sending them to me…and so quickly!! I love them all. You are the best!!
Lorrie

Sunday in Mass

2007-08-27T09:51:00.001-04:00

Since last week we have a sample portfolio for everybody to look at and hold in their hands. It's in the sitting area at ISIS Maternity in Arlington. Stop by ISIS when you are in the area, they are worth a visit even without our cool book.

On another note, we had a wonderful Sunday on Cape Ann.
We rented kayaks at North Shore Kayak.
I was too scared to take the camera with out on the Atlantic ... but once we got back I started clicking away.

[removed slide show]

My personal favourite is the sunset behind the Ice Cream shop ... it doesn't get any better than that.

Time for a little bragging

2007-08-15T18:06:00.000-04:00

I just received this email from Corey, one of our early clients:
Silke,
The site looks great and is rather impressive!! Can't tell you how happy we are with the book and the photography you did.
You should know that you are welcome anytime.
Thanks for the update and best of luck with future photo sessions.
All the best,
Corey

And another one from Sheila:
Silke
Love the site - we definitely have to order more books but as you can see we haven't got around to that yet. It's been a little busy here, between painters and plumbers and electricians and I can't remember who else..... oh yes, Miss Taryn herself! Anyway, good luck with the venture and I will be retaining your services for year 2, we'll have to build up a library of Taryn at each stage of life.
Sheila

2007-08-14T21:14:00.000-04:00

Hello Lukas!
Congrats! Your book just went live.
You were a wonderful subject to take photos of.
I talked to your mommy the other day; she is tickled pink about the book and she can't wait for you to grow so that we can make another book. ... and I am not even mentioning your grandmothers' reactions.
Here it is: LUKAS ... eine f o t o h o m a g e

LUKAS

... e i n e f o ...

By Silke Hase

Book Preview

2007-08-02T16:00:00.001-04:00

Congratulations to Tara & Mike, who had a wonderful wedding on the Cape at the end of July.

Tara & Mike's Wedding

2007-08-02T15:28:00.000-04:00

Today is the day that our new Portfolio Book has been published online. This is what we can do for our clients. This is what we love to do for our clients. Check it out below.
... and contact us if you have any questions.
We love hearing from you.

Creative Momentz

A Photographic Port...

By Judith & Silke

Book Preview

Bike-a-Thon Event in Boston

2007-06-03T20:46:00.000-04:00

On Sunday we volunteered for the Bikes Not Bombs Bike-a-Thon. I tried to document the fantastic atmosphere of the day.

Bikes not Bombs - Bike-a-Thon

I was at the start point until the 25 ride got on its way. Then I was confined to the following car and only saw the poor bikers who had problems riding. Ironically the first person to break down with the a flat was Sweep Rider Ian.
At the lunch stop we saw some more folks. People were eating peanut butter on apples - a strange sight for me, but it seemed to be very popular.
The end point for all rides - the 62, 25 and the 10 mile rides - was Memphis Restaurant.
All in all it was a great day for all participants. Enjoy the photo album (See link above)

Bridal Portraits

2007-06-01T13:45:00.001-04:00

We just shot some beautiful pictures of a bride in the studio last Monday. And I want to share them with you. Elizabeth wanted her bridal portraits done prior to her wedding in July.

Elizabeth you look stunning !

Good Luck !

2007-05-31T17:27:00.000-04:00

Welcome to our new blog. Everybody has one and so Judy and I (Silke) decided that for our brand spanking new portraiture and event photography business - Creative Momentz - we need one too. We will keep you posted on what we do, did and want to do. Hopefully it will all be really cool stuff with tons of beautiful photography.

Welcome!