where most photographers would like to get to

"my lack of knowledge in the beginning really helped, and really just made me refine what little I knew to make it work. I think if you ask any person that does a creative thing, they probably go to school and learn all these different things and as they get better it just narrows and narrows. you could ask most chefs, they just need five ingredients, one pan and a stick of butter and they can make the best meal you've ever had. and I think that's really where most photographers would like to get to, as not to have all that other stuff, be able to create the most beautiful image they can in the most simple way that they can."

- Scott Schumann aka The Satorialist, Intel Visual Life

Today create (and show us), the most beautiful image you can in the most simple way you can.

photobooth love

I've been a fan of Photobooth Friday for a long time, marveling at how insanely creative and fun those strips are and enjoying the delightful stories they unfold in four or less shots. Yet it is only recently that I gathered up the courage to go to one of the only eight booths left in my city, enough change in my pocket and my heart full of expectations.

And I loved every second of it.

The two young girls before me who couldn't stop giggling. The tourist couple waiting in line with trepidation. My turn (I blinked, of course I blinked). And how the whole experience reclaimed my playful self, and helped me discover a new way of being that I can now share with my kids.

How about you? Do you love photobooths as much as I do? What do you like about them? Maybe you even have old strips stored in boxes? Today, please share your photobooth love with us. And if you haven't taken the plunge yet, you can browse the photobooth locator to find one near you. Who knows? Today might be the day.

Note: No photobooths around? Try the Photo Booth application on your computer. There are also a lot of free apps for iPhones and Androids.

To Mama With Love

This year, your Mother's Day gift could change the world.

no, really.

To Mama With Love is a collaborative online art project that honors moms across the globe and raises funds to invest in remarkable women who are transforming the world. Participants create heartspaces that include words, videos, photos & investments in honor of mamas they love. 

This year, the funds raised will be invested to expand the efforts of four extraordinary women who are building schools in Tanzania, providing education and loving care for local children in Nepal, and running shelters for women in Afghanistan. People from all over the world have already joined the love bomb movement and shared their heartfelt love for their mother, wife, sister or friend.

So today let's celebrate motherhood. Share with us the stories and images of the women who inspire us to be brave, to be playful, to love fiercely, and whose support continuously reminds us that we are strong and capable even under the most difficult circumstances. And if you're so moved, show a mama your love and change the world!

Also, a group of talented women photographers have graciously donated original prints to benefit the To Mama With Love 2011 campaign. If you're still looking for a unique and meaningful Mother's Day gift, please consider purchasing one of the beautiful prints in the store. 100% of all profits from print sales will be invested in the dreams of these four inspirational women changemakers who create hope in our world.

Happy Mother's Day to you all!

Easter Sunday

Happy Easter to all those who celebrate today! Please share with us the activities, the dying, the hunts, the bunnies and stories in the comment section below.

And if you don't celebrate, have a most lovely, delightful Spring day!

just kids

1. DSC_0505, 2. “As happens sometimes, a moment settled and hovered and remained for much more than a moment. And sound stopped and movement stopped for much, much more than a moment.”, 3. upside down, 4. Day 345 of 365, 5. Just For Fun, 6. untitled-1028-2

This is a small selection of gorgeous kids shots from our Shutter Sisters Flickr Pool. Beautiful images that let little ones reveal themselves with an overwhelming sense of authenticity and truth, and remind us to be mindfully present and playful, always.

Today capture the silly, the cute and messy, the innocent and hilarious of childhood, and share your photos with us in the comment section below.

ps: The April session of the Simple Soulful Photography workshop starts next week April 4th! Join me and featured guests including Marianne Elliott, Karen Walrond and Amanda Gilligan for the four-week online course and explore the connection between creativity and self-care, learn basics but essential techniques on composition and lighting, and embrace, cultivate and express your most authentic self in a supportive community.