the six questions featuring Jenny Vorwaller

As promised earlier this month, today I introduce you to another talented Jennifer. Jenny Vorwaller stole my heart the minute I came across her lovely blog True Nature where she shares insights and inspiration on photography, fashion, art, travel and motherhood. Not only is Jenny one of the kindest souls and most beautiful women I've seen, she is also a talented photographer, painter, jewelry designer and dedicated wife and mother. Her approach to life, creating and finding beauty wherever she is, is delightful and inspiring.

Jenny kindly accepted to answer all 8 questions of our Shutter Sisters interview. Here are her answers:

1. What's the story behind this photo?

My best friend from Buenos Aires was visiting me in Seattle, and we had been walking around Alki Beach that day. I remember walking by this adorable little girl and struck up a conversation with her mother. We were collectively admiring her shoes, her pull toy, her doll-like appearance. Before I knew it I was asking permission to take some Polaroids of Sally. She was really hard to resist and I just wanted to remember that moment.

2. What was it that lit your photography spark? Do you remember a particular camera, course, person, roll of film?

It's always been there... I think it's been with me so long that I don't remember one marked incidence or first camera. Tracing back to those first moments learning in the darkroom is sort of like remembering my first kiss. Sparks! And there was this one time when I was a kid... I remember taking pictures with a cheap disposable camera out the window of our family van while the van was moving, I was always aiming at everything. My brothers had fun with that. "Look Jenny! It's a field! Take a picture! Look Jenny! It's a cow, take a picture!" We were awesome. And the more I think of my childhood photography skills, the more I see I haven't changed all that much.

3. What's your photo philosophy? Does it reflect your life philosophy?

I'm all intuition: in my art, in my life.

4. Where do you look for inspiration?

Outside. Magazines. Music. Fashion. My boys.

5. What would you say is one of your "signature" editing tricks, themes or style? What do you think makes an image recognizable and uniquely yours?

I'm not sure how to define it - but looking through the viewfinder, I would recognize it if I saw it. My husband would say, "if it moves... (brief pause) or not." So true!

6. What aspect of your photography are you constantly working on, trying to improve?

Developing my film. It sits around for ages before I get those pictures printed out from the rolls. But it doesn't slow me down from shooting, and if we're being honest, I think I subconsciously let them pile up because then it's all a surprise once I see the photos and I love that! It's like opening a present that you always wanted but didn't suspect anyone would ever get for you.

7. If you could go anywhere in the world for an epic, weeklong photo excursion all by your luxuriously unhurried self - regardless of money, time or childcare issues - where would you go and why?

Morocco. Seychelles. Santa Fe! Right now I am so determined to go somewhere sunny that I'm looking at locales with sandy beaches and summery colors. We might even be booking a flight tonight: this is what Seattle February does to a girl. I have this dream of bringing an air stream trailer full of my beautiful friends (they are all so beautiful) and I would pack with us lots of bright colored, neon frocks and drive into the desert. I'm dying to see that contrast of the landscape against flowing dresses and scarves... It will be done!

8. Are there women out there that you consider your shutter sisters? Who, and why?

I'm so used to being the one in my circle with the camera that people usually rely on me to be taking all the pictures, which I secretly love. When there is an opportunity to meet up with friends who are obsessed with photography as I am, we have a blast! Taking pictures with my younger sister is always a pleasure - we can have gooey beauty facemasks on, I'll bring props into a photo booth with her, trade big hats on the beach... I love that feeling when you are at ease enough with a person to want to take hundreds of photos together and still want more.

Thank you Jenny!

You can see more of Jenny's beautiful work on her blog and Flickr pool.

the six questions featuring Jenifer Altman

Uppercase magazine has recently published a book called "Jen 11" featuring the work of 11 talented artists named Jennifer. And I couldn't help but notice with a sense of awe that some of my favorite photographers and writers are indeed, named Jennifer. Last month I shared with you the work and thoughts of Jennifer Causey of Simply Photo. Today I give you another wonderful photographer I constantly look up to, someone whose sense of composition and light swings back and forth between an innate ability to capture beauty in her daily life and pure genius. Someone who graciously took time amidst her adventures to answer our SS interview, and is also named Jennifer. Today, I give you Jenifer Altman.

1. What's the story behind this photo? 

It was our last weekend in Italy.  We were flying out of Pisa and scheduled the day so that we would have some time to see the city before our flight the following morning. We followed the traffic of tourists to the leaning tower - ate what turned out to be the worst lunch of the entire trip and were beyond disappointed that the trip ended on such a lackluster note.  In a last effort, we drove deeper into the city, parked our little rental fiat and walked through what felt like a ghost town.  Blocks and blocks - but the noises in the distance - the beats on the cobblestones, were becoming louder - so on we walked. We found a night market in the old town - it was alive, dusk was just ebbing on the landscape, it was beautiful. We walked the stalls, snaked on our last gelato of the journey and as we wandered slowly back to the car, we happened upon this quiet little alley. It beckoned me - the light was magic.

2. What was it that lit your photography spark? Do you remember a particular camera, course, person, roll of film?

My father was a great influence on my love of photography. He always was shooting when we were kids - a hasselblad, a nikon 35mm - polaroids. My love affair truly started upon shooting my own polaroid for the first time. Polaroids are the dream - the vision - you struggle to share when you look through the viewfinder. They hold on to that alchemy...

3. What's your photo philosophy? Does it reflect your life philosophy? 

I want to be authentic above all else - and yes - I think it does play into my life. Even when I photograph my girls for publications like SMALL magazine and I give them a bit of direction - I find that I still wait - finger on shutter - until they do their own thing. Doing my own thing - teaching the girls to do their own thing - being individual, authentic and good - it is all so important.

 4. Where do you look for inspiration?

Truly my life is my inspiration. Travel, my daughters - I am incredibly blessed. 

5. What would you say is one of your 'signature' editing tricks, themes or style? What do you think makes an image recognizable and uniquely yours?

I think the way I use and play with light is something that may make my work identifiable. I love shooting into the light - I love washes of light across the composition - I love faces illuminated by the caress of soft sunlight. 

6. What aspect of your photography are you constantly working on, trying to improve?  

I still occasionally shoot digital for work and I am continually working on getting my images to look as much like they are from a film camera as possible! 

7. If you could go anywhere in the world for an epic, weeklong photo excursion all by your luxuriously unhurried self - regardless of money, time or childcare issues - where would you go and why? 

Egypt.  It is my dream. There is an ancient energy there that I know would transform me.

Thank you so much Jenifer!

You can see more of Jenifer’s work on her blog Nectar and Light and Flickr Pool. 

(And stay tuned for our next SS interview featuring another Jen!)

the six questions featuring Jennifer Causey

Jennifer Causey's still life, food and travel images have been inspiring many for years now, always encouraging us to explore the beauty that emerges from the ordinary scenes of everyday life, and gently reminding us to sink into the goodness of nature, and simple living. Jennifer kindly accepted to answer our 6 questions interview and I am absolutely delighted to share her thoughts with you today. Now, make yourself a cup of tea, nestle on your couch with a soft blanket, and enjoy. 

1. What's the story behind this photo? 

This photo was taken in the dining room of some of my friend's home. We had gone to the farmer's market that morning and brought back some blueberries, local honey, and the little loaf of bread. As we put everything on the table for breakfast, the light was so beautiful and  I had to take a photo.   

2. What was it that lit your photography spark? Do you remember a particular camera, course, person, roll of film?

After college, I took a black and white photography class just for fun. We developed and printed our own photos. Working in the darkroom and watching photos come to life before my eyes was like magic. I was instantly hooked.   

3. What's your photo philosophy? Does it reflect your life philosophy?

Keep it simple. I try to use natural light whenever possible. I also like working organically, with simple objects and I like to just let things happen. I keep my eyes open for the perfect scene or moment to capture.  This reflects my life philosophy as well. I try to live simply and enjoy simple pleasures. 

4. Where do you look for inspiration?

Everywhere! I always have my eyes open. Living in NYC, there is inspiration everywhere. But, I also love visiting other places to see things with a fresh eye. I am very inspired by food, by the people who grow it, and by those who make it into beautiful, delicious creations. I love coffee houses and bakeries. 

I'm also inspired by colors in nature and the changing of seasons. I often turn to European and Australian design and travel magazines. The styling is always full of interesting objects and colors.

5. What aspect of your photography are you constantly working on, trying to improve? 

I am always trying to push myself to take more pictures of people. 

6. If you could go anywhere in the world for an epic, weeklong photo excursion all by your luxuriously unhurried self - regardless of money, time or childcare issues - where would you go and why?

I think it would be a trip around Italy. Because the country has the best of everything-wonderful food, beautiful landscapes, a gorgeous coastline, and amazing people.

Thank you so much Jennifer!

Be sure to check Jennifer's website, blog and Flickr pool to see more of her inspiring work.

kids life

"Shoot what you know" is what they say.

And I know these two.

Yet it isn't until very recently that I realized that my sons, now almost 8, have been a constant source of inspiration whether I was holding a pen or my camera. And though I am now able to create a routine that revolves a little more around my work rather than school schedules, and I no longer feel the compulsive urge to squeeze and kiss their cheeks all the time, documenting my children's daily life is still one of the greatest joys of mine.

It's little surprise then that some of my favorite photographers like Hitoshi Ishihara, Jenifer Altman, Bob Smith and Alison Garnett are also parents. And parents who photograph their kids. A lot. There's just something heartbreakingly beautiful and touching when we are faced with such innocence, curiosity and unrestrained joy of life.

What about you? Do you photograph children a lot (yours or otherwise)? Please share your images of kids life with us today.

my girl

"A dog doesn't care if you're rich or poor, educated or illiterate, clever or dull. Give him your heart and he will give you his." John Grogan, Marley & Me

Finn is one of those quick, unreasonable, whimsical and best decisions I have made in my life. I never thought that I would ever own a dog. Growing up my two turtles died, I accidentally set two birds free and had to return a rabbit. I was convinced that I was not meant to live with animals. But it's been almost 10 years now. And though we've made countless trips to the vet, though she once ate a whole box of pastel crayons and pooped multicolor for a week, though she cannot balance any object on her head, very few things in this world can equal the comfort of her gentle presence, her unwavering loyalty, and the way she makes us laugh every day.

Today I invite you to share the lovely, fun, cute, nostalgic or crazy images (and stories) of the big, small, four-legged, furry or feathered members of your family. Show us the one you gave your heart to. And who gave you his.