Shutter Sisters

Muse Worthy

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The weekend in Chicago was full of fabulous photo ops. From touching base with old friends, to meeting new ones, from sessions to parties to walk-abouts there were plenty of things to photograph. And what did I turn my lens toward over the weekend? Not much of what one might expect. Instead I found a muse that seemed to hold the attention of my lens almost every time I picked up my camera.

 

I recently fulfilled my summer dream to go to the Pageant of the Masters at the Laguna Beach Festival of Arts. Wow. It was better than I had even hoped. The theme was Muse which not only captivated me but had me reflecting for days on the subject. As the narrator said when speaking of the Muses—the nine daughters of Zeus—they were the guiding spirits of creativity.

 

I felt exactly the same way about the lovely and captivating Jen Lee. I know Jen well enough to know she’s magic through and through. There was just something about her that drew me in and inspired me all weekend.

 

There was so much documentation that I could have focused on. Instead, sometihng else fueled me.  I felt compelled more by a desire to create art and try to capture something magical than to shoot an event.

 

That’s the funny thing about Muses. You never know when they might come to visit.

 

Have you ever experienced inspiration like this? Almost involuntary and seemingly out of the blue? Do tell us your muse-worthy tale.

 

Thank you Jen for being there, helping me, supporting me and bringing your good fortune.

In Real Life

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Shutter Sisters: (back row) Kate from Nova Scotia, Paige from Nebraska, (front row) Stephanie from Georgia, Karen from Texas, Tracey and Andrea from California, Irene from Paris, Jen from Maryland, and Sarah-Ji from Illinois.

We’re deliriously happy to have shared two days together with so many of you in the Shutter Suite at BlogHer09. Thank you so much for spending time with us and sharing your support. We sincerely appreciate our sponsors for helping us make the Shutter Suite experience such a great success… Aurora, Blurb, HP, Lensbaby, Color Inc Pro Lab, and Open Range Wines by Casey Flat Ranch Vineyards. And we’re eager to explore your ideas for future Shutter Sister gatherings in real life. When you visualize the ideal Shutter Sisters retreat… what do you see?

little gifts

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-Image of Jen Gray who is a true gift.

Our weekend away has been a big success. The Shutter Suite is going beautifully with visits from so many wonderful women. Please note: Those of you who are not here…you are deeply missed.

In the last few days we have celebrated not only who we are as a community of women online but also who we are in our daily lives; as photographers, artists, mothers, authors, and entrepreneurs. There are so many collaborative successes and personal accomplishments swirling about. It feels so amazing to be a part of so much goodness in the world. So much goodness among us.

We all put our own personal labors of love out into the world–our photography, our projects, our hopes and dreams–in a place like this community where feel safe to share our gifts. In return get gifts back. We hold them in our hands and share them between us. It’s our way as women and as sisters.

Please leave a comment here to be entered in a random drawing for a few of the gifts we’d like to share with you. We’ve got 5 beautiful Picture Hope Books from Blurb as well as 5 lovely prints of Hope Street, printed courtesy of the very gracious Color Inc Pro Labs.

Bring me back

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“When I’m feeling low all I know is that you’re there waiting for me

When I’m feeling low, all I know is that you’ll show me something new

When I’m feeling low all I know is that I’ll leave feeling free

When I’m feeling free, all I know is that you’ll bring me back again.”

•- Jeanne McGlinchey, July 2009

When I’m feeling low, with limited funds available and no vacation in sight, I have a spot that I go to feel like I’m in another place, another time, and it’s in my backyard! There is an urban oasis that spans five towns and over 2000 acres just a few miles from Boston, Massachusetts called the Middlesex Fells Reservation. The Fells has acres of hills, meadows, forests, ponds, and rock features to explore. Two of my favorite areas of the park are the endless hiking trails and Spot Pond for boating and kayaking.

As I struggle to pay my bills and my blood pressure is runs high, a hike on the birch trails to the Cascade falls or wandering an unexplored path regulates my breathing. The world is so quiet around me on those trails save for the wind through the trees, the animals scurrying in the brush, my footfalls and my (sometimes) labored breathing. The world starts to get much smaller as the park opens its arms to me. As a photographer, all I see are the little things… The light from above on that leaf canopy. The colors of the rock in the Cascade. The symbolism of that trail in front of me when I don’t know where it leads. When I am walking through the forest, breathing in the new oxygen produced by the flora surrounding me, I can’t help but gain some perspective on my life.

One of the only other places that centers me is in my kayak on Spot Pond. On weekdays and weekends from May through October, the Pond is open to non-mechanized boating. Here in my kayak I am so close to the water, to myself. Every so often, I’ll stop paddling, close my eyes and listen to the sound of the waves as they hit my little boat. I often wish I had brought my voice recorder to capture that sound, hoping it would bring me back here on sleepless nights. I lie there in the sun as it fills fill me up with warmth and light. I let my hands drift, feeling the coolness of the water teasing my fingertips. The water grounds me, and I float home supported by the earth beneath me.

This wonderful park is full of things to discover, and I find something new each time I visit. I hope that you find an oasis in your own backyard as well, they are closer than you think. Share with us something you’ve found that has moved you.

The Middlesex Fells includes areas in Medford, Winchester, Stoneham, Melrose and Malden, Massachusetts. For more information, please visit Middlesex Fells Reservation.

 

Image and words courtesy of Jeanne McGlinchey (aka Bostongaljm) who shares her photography in her shop Small World Photography on Etsy and on Flickr.

Expectations (a Photowalk Follow-up)

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You know when you have expectations, when you head out camera in hand certain you know what will catch your eye? And like an obliging, self-fulfilling prophecy, that’s where your eye settles. You see the bright red lanterns in Chinatown or the gang of men bent over a game board. But in allegiance to the walk, your legs carry you down windy paths and deserted back alleys, and soon your eyes relax and forget the mandate of expectation and remember only ‘to see’ and you do: you start to see what was previously invisible.

For the last fifteen minutes of my morning photowalk, I abandoned the stereotypes – as lovely and spectacular as they were – and found my eyes focused on locks and gates, on all the ‘bars in between us’ (to quote one of my favorite bands, ‘X’). I saw locks against vibrant life-affirming colors and locks protecting nothing at all. And that was how I wrapped up my Chinatown photowalk, willing to have it not be about Chinatown, only that it was because all the colors were so bold and unique.

 

 

Afterwards our groupgathered for Dim Sum and shared images. We peered onto the tiny LCD screens on our cameras, and a few insecurities rose to the surface as participants saw what others had shot and wondered how their own images stacked up. But it was worth confronting that inner voice, for the sharing was fun and enlightening: nothing like a geeky group of photographers sitting around talking equipment and goals and how we all ended up together that morning.

I did it again in the afternoon in my own hood. While I struggled to see Venice, California through fresh eyes, I enjoyed watching others discover my backyard. The best part came over margaritas and chips when a fellow photographer heard my lament of feeling a little stuck in my photographic progress and he asked, “Do you usually shoot alone?” When I nodded ‘yes,’ he said, “That’s the problem. You need to go out and shoot with others.” He looked over to his friend and added, “We often shoot together and share ideas and tips.” Point noted. And I think, ‘Shutter Sisters often functions as that daily joint photowalk, and I need to share more of my photos and process here.’

 

So, how did your photowalks go? Any surprises, discoveries? New friends made? Please upload your images to the Shutter Sisters Flickr group and tag them ‘photowallk’ and share your impressions in comments or in links to your own blog posts about the day.

 

Photos and words courtesy of Debbie Zeitman of deezeephotography who has been a fabulous resource for the Annual Scott Kelby Worldwide PhotoWalk. Thanks Debbie!

take me away

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Secret Beach 2

No matter how much I am trying to stay present in this moment of enjoying our summer right here at home, there are days when my heart and soul longs to fly away. To explore and discover the places dreams ar made of. We’ve been lucky enough to have these sorts of summer adventures for the past few years and on days like this, I can’t help but sift through my archives to relive our vacations.

Share with us today the place your heart can soar…a Secret Beach (where this shot was taken on Kauai, circa 2006), a mountain top with a view from heaven, a landscape that sweeps you off your feet…you get the idea. Past or present, take us away to a magical place for the days when only thoughts of escaping will do.

sights and stories of South Dakota

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Rapid City and the Black Hills of South Dakota teem with places to explore (and photograph!), both funky and inspiring. Where else can you visit one of the most ubiquitous symbols of America, see a life-size Apatosaurus towering above the town, and observe the most complete collection of live reptiles in the world, all in one day?

 

Growing up in such a fantastic place, I considered this scenery and these places to be just another part of the everyday background. As a child, however, one place I did not take for granted was Storybook Island. I know now that this children’s park covers eight acres and is fifty years old, a fact which makes me thankful for the vision of those who founded it and have kept it going all these decades. Back in my younger days, however, all I knew was that it was delightfully fun. Drawn from fairy tales and children’s stories, tiny houses built at odd angles and life-sized storybook characters cover the grounds – perfect for scampering through and playing make-believe. My sister and I could hear our voices echo in a giant pumpkin, cross the bridge to Noah’s Ark, walk into a whale’s belly, climb up the stairs to a castle’s fortress, and rustle through the leaves to Christopher Robin’s house. Recently, I went back with her and my small nephew to this magical place. He was brave enough to stick his head inside a giant lion’s mouth to try to sneak a sip from the same water fountain that she and I drank from over twenty years ago. What a fun thing to witness!

 

 

Having a nephew is also a good excuse to visit Old MacDonald’s Farm. Here, my inner child eagerly comes out to play, petting the calves and baby goats, marveling at the downy chicks, and grinning at the piglets in their pen. I hold my breath as the billy goats walk across the hanging bridge and giggle at the pullets running pell-mell across the grounds.

 

There are still places to explore here that I haven’t seen yet: an animal refuge, a kangaroo ranch, the annual buffalo round up, and the wild horse sanctuary. I need to visit Crazy Horse Memorial again, see the mammoth dig, visit the baby bears, work up my courage to shoot photos at the crazy Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, and encourage my sister to pose for goofy photos with the statues of presidents that line downtown. I suspect I will be busy for a long time!

 

A special thanks to Kristina from Medowlark Days for sharing this amazing list of things to do and see (and the photos to go with it) in South Dakota for the Your Local Pix series. I had the chance of spending some time there many moons ago and she is not kidding; it’s really amazing.

sweet stuff

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blueberry time...

It’s the end of yet another month and we bid farewell to our OWP word for June. Thank you to everyone who participated this month. It’s been such fun to see your sweet interpretations.

It began with the most delicious photo of chocolate chip cookies and ends today with another beautiful offering from T Does Wool. Her images do more than translate the word sweet, they remind us that home is indeed where the heart is. 

Today, share with us what is on your table. Show us the fresh fruit, the vase of wild flowers, the crayons and construction paper…whatever it may be, share with us your heart, right there at home.

Even though we will kick off July with a brand new word (come back tomorrow for that) we will still be serving up some sweet stuff…the Shutter Suiteis happening in July too which is sweeeeet! Have you RSVPed yet? We will be rolling out the details on a very special event that we’ll be hosting on Saturday night. Let’s just say you’re going to need some pretty cute pajamas!!

Your Local Pix (a call for submissions)

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–El Dorado Nature Center, Long Beach, California

 

I don’t know about you but I’m pretty sure my family and I will be spending most of our summer close to home. As trite as it may sound, budgets are tight and it’s left many of us reprioritizing. Looking on bright side, times like these encourage us to be more creative on a lot of different levels. Focusing on what we can do on a budget (instead of what we can’t do) we look to the treasures in our very own hometowns. Now more than ever there’s reason to experience and appreciate the gifts that our own communities and neighborhoods have to offer. Parks, beaches, events, sites and attractions that are right around the corner can be just as magical as those that beckon us from far away. And they can be equally enjoyable photographically speaking.

 

In the spirit of sticking close to home and loving what you’ve got right where you’re at—they’re calling them Staycations these days in case you hadn’t heard—we’re putting out a call to all of you. It’s our first official call for posts here at Shutter Sisters and we are hoping to hear from you! Consider it  a little celebration of summer!

 

Share with us the places that you are drawn to; the places you’ve discovered close to home that are not only fantastic places to spend some time but also places that offer great photo opportunities! We’re calling the series Your Local Pix and the content is going to come from many of you, wherever you may be.

 

The more I brainstorm on the many things to do here in So Cal, my head spins. And the crazy thing is, many of these amazing places I’ve never even been to. This summer all of that’s going to change. It’s time to discover the wonders that shine bright right here in my own backyard.

 

Are your wheels turning? Do you have someplace in mind already? We’d love to see what gems your hometown has to offer, in a fun and photographic kind of way. Send your ideas to us at and we’ll pick some of our favs. You’ll then be asked to share an image and a story that highlights a place near and dear to your hometown heart.  Submit Your Local Pix ideas today (or sometime really soon) for consideration. And today, you are also welcome to share links to what you are capturing close to home. Let’s see your local treasures.

one sweet shot – june 2009

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Although we usually feature recent shots here for our One Sweet Shot, I couldn’t help but share this from the past. This timeless moment was captured by none other than one of our own, Stephanie Roberts at last years Shutter Walk at BlogHer in San Francisco. So, why the blast from the past? Well this weekend I had the pleasure of connecting with some BlogHers and Hims in anticipation of this summer’s festivities. It made me look back at last year and remember how wonderful it was to see everyone in person.

This year is going to be extra special at BlogHer because all 10 of the regular contributors here are going to be attending. Yes, even Irene Nam from Paris! I cannot begin to tell you how giddy it makes me. I thought in the spirit of honoring sisterhood on all levels, this shot of Stephanie’s spoke volumes.

And speaking of honoring sisterhood, let’s get down to this month’s One Sweet Shot honorees:

Elle Moss is honoring this shot from Bee Hives

Erin “Wilsonian” is honoring this shot from Caramel Eclare

Katrina Kennedy is honoring this shot by MyraC

Marcie Scudder is honoring this shot by Toni at Daily Vignette

Maggie Keegan Gross is honoring this shot from Amy at Teegan Photography

Betty Jo is honoring this shot from Eva Ricci

And MaineMomma is honoring this shot by Sew Fab Martha

 

Stellar shots by stellar women! Thanks to you for playing along.

So, sisters, now I am reeling with inspiration and burning questions for you… if you could dream up something wonderful for all of us to do as a group, what would it be? After our Dream Assignment win (the project will official take flight later this summer!) and the grand plans for our Shutter Suite, what is it that you would love to participate in? More community projects? Local Shutter Sisters gatherings? Photo excursions? A big Shutter Sisters bash somewhere amazing like Aruba? OK maybe I’m going overboard but who says we have to limit ourselves here? It’s all in fun!

We’d love to hear your thoughts on the sisterhood and what we can do to make your own shutter dreams come true.