Rusty love

This girl loves rust. Maybe, I should say I love the stories I can only imagine that come with a rusted building or a rusty vehicle. The people who used to work there, the products they produced, and how they changed the local landscape. The individuals that once drove the vehicle, who transported things in the back of the pick up truck. I am addicted to the character within those images.

Over the years, over the many states in which I have lived and traveled, I always seem to stumble upon a rusty GMC truck. They must be made with superior materials that dictate longevity, as I cannot understand why they are so available, in that regard.

This morning, a friend dropped by to pick up some vintage finds from us and pulled into my driveway with this gem. Bedecked in my robe and slippers, I quickly grabbed my camera and snapped some images in the gorgeous morning light.

I was in heaven, as this truck full of the colors I love to see on an old truck, was within walking distance of my front door. Now I can add this one to my collection that started with this photograph I shot in rural Idaho nearly 10 years ago. You cannot shake a love like that. 

Lookin' back

It's virtually impossible for most people to not reflect back on September 11, 2001. Where they were. What they did. How they found out. Who they knew. Their connection to NY. To PA. To the Pentagon and DC. To the world.

I have blogged about my time in New York City a mere 2 weeks before what we now refer to as 9/11. To me, it was about an outstanding journey both professionally and personally by way of New York city, or more accurately Newark, onto Stockholm for a business trip. But we thankfully had a long layover in NJ. And well, wouldn't you go into the city??

New York is much like any city in America. A must see. Grand walking access, although wear comfy shoes. And a photographer's dream to visit.  When we were there, we were shooting film. And traveling with film required thought and a plan. Or at least a back-up to buy more film. I chose to shoot in mostly in black and white. There is something so timeless about a black and white photo.

Bust, From My Window No. 7, Andre Kertesz

It is like every other city in that you have to accept the challenge to exploring a huge city. We had to stop an employee to ask him how to get to certain stops on the subway. He was the nicest man. So very helpful and really made our time so much easier.

I do remember that no one really looked at each other when we were moving. That train car was like a long elevator ride, where no one talks or looks at each other. I was so happy to hear that after 9/11, that people were talking more to each other. What cool people. I can only imagine their stories.

John Lee ©brandMOJO Images

As a photographer, it is weird to not look around. I had my camera in hand and wanted to photograph every nook and crack. I crave street photography. That is where Chinatown came in handy. Not one person looked at us with disdain for taking their photograph.

So today not only makes me think of how dramatically that city changed and how so many lost loved ones, but I think of the journey we all have come. And New York City continues to completely thrill many many visitors and photographers.  Cheers, New York.

Anna Grace

I adore photographing kids, especially in an outdoor setting where they can just wander about and be themselves. 

Little 1 year-old Anna Grace has the most gorgeous face, so expressive. 

And so full of joy. She was a blast to photograph.

 

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