Illusion of Sequence

As most of you know, I shoot most frequently (and freely) with my iPhone. You just never know when moments worth capturing might appear, so it's good to be armed and ready. Seated in a plastic chair at Unboundary following the TEDx Atlanta event a few months ago, I leaned in close to capture a bit of electricity from this Athens, Georgia band – Modern Skirts. Using Hipstamatic app's BlacKeys Super Grain film and the standard John S lens, I made a few clicks, then placed these two square-format images side-by-side in a 600 x 300-pixel canvas in Photoshop Elements. Because the BlacKeys Super Grain film "prints" with a heavy vignette, the image borders merged seemlessly, offering the illusion of sequence in a still frame.

Try experimenting with motion and sequence today, then share your illusions with us.

It Takes Two

Documentary photography requires patience, sharp reflexes, auto-focus, and most often a series of shutter clicks to convey the complete story. While I'm shooting, there's often a period of wait... when I study the dynamics between individuals; connect those observations with the influence of the environment; and attempt to anticipate the composition of impending action. It thrills me, requires every ounce of brain power I can muster, and often frustrates me.

It took two boys to complete this jump. One wouldn't go without the other. Best friends. They plotted their approach, anxiously pacing the top of the deck like baby birds on the edge of a nest. Then, with little warning, courage escalated for one, and off went the other... click... click.

Sometimes, a sequence of images (like stills from a film) form the ideal visual narrative. Let's start this week with some action.

girl seeking adventure

Although I haven't seen the new Alice in Wonderland movie yet, I still feel like I have indirectly gotten Wonderland fever! And I know I'm not the only one.

Since I know that this community loves a good photo challenge I was thrilled to discover a fantastic (and fun) ideas for a photo challenge inspired by the fine folks of Shoot Experience. Everything they do over there is photography driven (yay!) and it all seems so cool but this particular project felt perfect for all of us. It's called Shoot Portobello and it's what they call a photo "story event" this time based on Alice in Wonderland. How cool is that??

Since many of us are waaaay too far to take a day trip to London, we're going to play along from here in our own sisterly way. The big eventis happening on March 28th which will give you some time to muse on capturing your own images on this theme. Since we're making up our own rules, there are no rules! Just shoot something, or a series of something, that is inspired by the classic (and trippy) tale of Alice in Wonderland and on March 28th we'll all reveal our shots of our grand adventures! The event itself is geared toward teams working together so if you want to pair up or gather a team to play together (albeit virtually) we encourage you to go for it! The sky is the limit (just ask Alice). Something tells me this is going to fit in perfectly with our OWP theme dream too, don't you think??

And if those of you that are close enough to attend (Xanthe...you out there?) can make it to the event, that would be amazing. How fun to be represented by a Sister! Let us know.

Feel free to pop over the the Shoot Experience facebook page and become a fan if you'd like to give them a sisterly pat on the back for doing such creative things with photography. I just did!

As for today, share with us any kind of adventure shot...anything goes and/or just let us know if you're up for the photo challenge. We're excited to get your feedback. And don't forget to have your Alice in Wonderland shot(s) ready for March 28th. Don't be late!

Our participation in Shoot Portobello is not officially affiliated with the event. We're just kind of tagging along. But the folks over there are happy to have us so we thank them for that.

Fridays Featured Resource - Week of Life Project

Just over a year ago we shared our enthusiasm for all things Ali Edwards, including her photo project called A Week In the Life. Love it! Thanks Ali for the inspiration!

Now, imagine that concept on a global scale. Enter the Week of Life Project: A unique internet medium for all citizens of the globe. Over at their site they invite everyone to take part in what they call the largest documentary project of all time! Sweet.  We love collaborative and community projects so much and we thought this one was a dandy! Check out all the images that people have shared from their life. Neat stuff!

The project reminds me of a more concentrated version of the ever popular 365 but waaaaaaay less of a time commitment. Week of Life calls for 7 days captured in 9 photographs in each day. 63 photographs that make up a small documentary about one’s life, which can help to create a large documentary about the world. I like that idea. So, with that in mind, let's see something from your week this week. Shed a little light into your world, and ours.

Photo above captured an evening in our life, as shot by my 11-year-old daughter.

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For those of you who are actively engaged in the 365 project, we want to hear from you! We're planning another post full of inspiration and ideas for starting and sticking with the ambitious and coveted 365. Something along the lines of the one Stephanie shared and the one that followed. Share with us your thoughts so we can include them in our 365 inspiration round up!

curious world

Tink tink tink...

My husand kneels down and picks up a ping pong ball from the gutter.

Look what just blew down the street, he comments as he holds up the small, dirty and dented ball between his thumb and first finger. Cool.

I've studied and studied the found object and have written story after story in my mind of how it came to be and where it could have come from. None of which make much sense and so I just admire it. And, like a true photographer, I photograph it.

With each image, this tiny, curious object offers something different, doning a variety of looks and feelings none less curious than the next. One lone ping pong ball. And so much mystery.

Have you ever seen a single object in many different lights? Share a sequence with us of something that has captivated your lens.