Expectations (a Photowalk Follow-up)

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!

a pageant right here at home

I was recently invited to a media showcaase for a local event that I had never experienced before. I had heard about the well-known, highly-respected Pageant of the Masters for many years but had never gone to a single performance to see what all the fuss was about. I figured it would be neat ...but I had no idea.

After an enchanted evening and intimate introduction to this Laguna Beach treasure, I am amazed and smitten with this real live masterpiece. Although I have yet to see the show in it's entirety (that will change this summer I promise you) the glimpse I did get into the magic of it all was all it took to intoxicate me.

Considering this event has taken place since long before I was born and it's a So. Cal. stone's throw from where I live,  I thought what a great thing to share for our first Local Pix feature. Staycations are all about finding the gems of your own neighborhoods and taking the time to experience and enjoy them. This is one of those kinds of things. If you live here is Southern California or you will be visiting during between July 8th and August 31st, The Pageant of the Masters is a must see. It will totally amaze and inspire you. I promise. Just take a look at some of the surreal scenes I captured at the media event.

I was lucky enough to get a behind the scenes look, up close and personal and what they accomplish remarkable. A perfect example of where art and life collide. Literally. These paintings are larger than life but are only part painting. The subjects, as seen in the shots above are women. For real. And some pieces have groups of people; men, women and children alike. I know. It's crazy and it's brilliant.

Got any shots that challenge you perspective? Something that makes you question what is real and what is an illusion? Share with us a beautiful mystery today.

Thank you to everyone who has submitted Your Local Pix ideas. Wow! What a great response we got. You will be notified soon and we'll start featuring some your favorite places.

Your Local Pix (a call for submissions)

-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 click@shuttersisters.com 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

 

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.

Taking it to the Streets

I tend to be a solitary photographer, leaving my home with camera in hand as a kind of meditation, seeing what speaks to me as I observe my city. But on July 18^th, I will join a gang of strangers to participate in Scott Kelby’s 2^nd Annual Worldwide Photo Walk.

Photographers across the globe are already eagerly signing up, so leap in and join the party. Come July 19^th or so, we can meet back here and share our images from the day, comparing cities and views and perspectives on snapping photos next to strangers, some of whom may cross over into the category of new photo friends.

What do you say? Are you game? Tell us in comments in which city you’ve signed up to participate, and let’s see how wide we can spread the reach of Shutter Sisters to create a lovely palette of images. Last year participants created amazing photos. Let’s show what Shutter Sisters can do.

If your city’s walk is already full or there isn’t one scheduled close by, consider applying to be a leader. Be sure to come prepared with batteries fully charged and plenty of memory cards or film (yes, film!) Be bold, be different, have fun!

Images and words courtesy of Honorary Sister / Guest Bloggger Debbie Zeitman.