New Canvas

Whether I'm preparing to pursue something creative, introducing myself to a new group of people, or shooting at a new location for the first time, Paul Cezanne's quote rings true in my ear --- every time:

"It's so fine and yet so terrible to stand in front of a blank canvas."

The thought of the unknown can be scary. To be sent straight out of your routine and challenged to find the "new normal". A blank canvas sure is terrible, riddled with creative block and fear of vulnerability. But a blank canvas is also a clean slate, brimming with opportunity to start fresh and create a better set of standards.

So earlier this year when Phil asked for my thoughts on moving closer to home and even closer to Manhattan for a huge growth opportunity my immediate reaction was a booming, "YES!" The big apple is hands down my favorite city on earth, and to be a quick drive away from my family would make our bridge to each other's door much easier.

All I would need to do is rebuild, which also means reshaping my path. Like any form of change, some moments can feel lonely but then I find myself:

Introducing myself to the iconic street artist, Louis Mendes.

Meeting up with dear friends for a girly day of NYC fun.

Watching these crazies give piggy back rides on our way to Macy's.

Soaking our sore feet in a beautiful fountain dedicated to the survivors of 9/11.

Dancing under the twinkling lights of the Empire State Building.

Holding hands for as long as she needs to, because I'm sure this big city feels larger than life to my peanut.

My new blank canvas is fine (and wonderfully terrible), and I can't wait to photograph you in the heart of Bergen County, northern New Jersey and Manhattan.

Crush

It was already a thrill for me to visit an iconic retailer for all things photography. But when I rounded the corner to 34th street feeling successful with my purchase, there Louis Mendes stood. For decades he’s captured portraits in NYC using his Polaroid, and I recognized him immediately from a video that captured my attention over a year ago. In my excitement I whispered to Sophia, “I recognize that man! Let’s go say hello!”

Before you know it, there I stood introducing myself. Blubbering on about how, “I KNOW YOU!” It was just so darn exciting, I nearly cried. He was lovely, and knows his value. So the words fell right out of my mouth in my total surprise, when I asked if I could capture his portrait. Easy enough for me to do quickly, since my camera was around my neck.

In less than a second, he looked down at my gear and asked, “Do you know how to use that thing?”

Yes! Yes I do…

“Ok honey, you have one shot. And don’t underexpose me.”

So I quickly adjusted my settings and followed his instruction, releasing the shutter only once. It was a perfect exposure, if I do say so myself. And I was proud to show my new friend the back of my camera.

“Well look at that! Looks good! Now, can you print that for me now?”

No. No I can’t…

And there our chat evolved in to a discussion on the power of print. He offered to capture Sophia and my portrait for $50. This may have been an inflated rate from his normal ask, but knowing how much I dislike being bargained with over my own rates I happily paid and can’t wait to cross paths with him again.

Spoon

It's moments like this that I wish I began actively photographing my family years ago. When Brutus was in his prime, his coloring was much different and it's hard for me to observe how grey he's become. When he was this sleepy, his nose and belly used to turn bright pink. Though one thing hasn't changed -- they both love a good cuddle.