Top 9 of '09

2009 is coming to an end and in retrospect, I'd have to say its been a great year.

Great and Busy

Within the last year I have found myself photographing in the entertainment world, with the media industry, for the non-profit realm, across the religious spectrum, and most recently teaching within the education system.

So here's a wrap up of the top 9 highlights in photos of 2009:


This year started off strong with a trip to DC to cover Obama's inauguration. Such an incredible experience documenting such a historic city at such a pivotal time in history.



(Andrew Grinberg of DC dances in celebration with friend Lizzy Lynch on the lawn of the Washington Monument Tuesday following the 56th inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th president of the United States)

One of my favorite things about my job is my constant wanderlust being fueled by continual travel. From North to South to East to West, I've had the privilege of visiting all sides of the country this year.


A habit of mine while traveling for work is to always look for solace amongst personal work. Within less than 24 hours I saw the water on the west coast and then on the east. My view from a fashion shoot in San Fran to an engagement shoot in Savannah. Seeing one side to another during the course of a day has always been a desire of mine, and now, thanks to my job, I can say I've done it!


(From the Golden Gate Bridge in San Fran on the West to the Talmadge Memorial Bridge in Savannah on the East)

Of all the cities I've traveled too this year, the one I find myself wanting to visit most often is NYC. On top of being home to some of my closest friends, NYC holds fond memories of my childhood. Born a Jersey Girl, my heart feels at home in the busyness of the north.


I've had the opportunity to meet some very interesting people this year. Over the summer I photograph the 13th annual summer redneck games. I wouldn't have believed it myself had I not scene it.


Some of my favorite subjects this year have been the lovely bride and grooms that I have been honored to photograph. Especially when they're old college friends ;)


(Dan and Nancy Trifiletti)

To say it has been an interesting year in news would be an understatement. Nothing like finding the quiet moment at a "Peace in Iran" rally outside the CNN center in ATL.



Lastly, number nine, I leave you with a photo from Lobby Day with the non profit Street Grace. I had the privilege to join creative forces with some non profits this year. You can look for a lot more of this from me in the near future!!!


So Happy 2010!!! Here's to wishing for a year of creativity and inspiration led by action steps pushing forward

Roof Top Stills

One of the perks of being freelance is having the freedom to think up a concept and further more the flexibility to schedule yourself time to make it reality.

What started as a late night idea between two roommates spun into a full out day of photo shooting and non traditional lighting test. From calling on real estate friends to find a vacant penthouse high above the city, to cramming in a lighting session after a full day of moving. This shoot was more than just fun, it was a prime example of the art that can be made when you allow yourself the time and freedom to create.

Model: Chelsea Kelly

Nikon Festival

My roommate Chelsea and I participated in a video contest sponsored by Nikon. The challenge was to document your day in 180 seconds. We got creative in our recording methods, including strapping the camera and tripod to my back seat with the seat belt and hanging the camera down from the sunroof. Enjoy our journey as we photo shoot high above the city.

1 Day, 1 City, 2 Roommates, 140 Seconds from Luanne Dietz on Vimeo.

CNN.com

Back in October, I spent an evening covering the Gift Card Giver ATL House Party in East Atlanta. This week CNN has picked up the story which showcases a clip of mine. Check out the CNN piece here, click here and the organization here, giftcardgiver.com

Sarasota E-Session

So thankful that my job takes me to beautiful places. Spent the evening with the lovely Christopher Kelly and Alex Miller along the water in Sarasota. I present to you the Bride and groom to be.

Ybor E-Session

I had the chance to spend some time with an old college friend and photograph her and her love during an engagement session in Ybor.

It was such a blast to be silly and make fun frames in the process. I present to you the lovely Christy Brown and Joe Nammour who will be married in the Spring of 2010.

12.12.09 Help Portrait

A Post without a Picture for a Purpose

Today is a day that many of us photographers have been anticipating for months. Its the day that competitive walls are shaken and the comrotary that is built between people working for a greater goal shines through.

All over the world today, 7,000 photographers in 55 different countries came together to give what they can give best, the ability to make people feel beautiful through photography.

I participated today in the Atlanta Help Portrait session in Midtown, and I was so thankful to get placed with a close friend as my assistant. Together we had the privilege of creating and capturing a happy moment in the lives of less fortunate families.

Once we arrived at the location, we walked inside to find a room set up with six different portrait stations complete with lights, backdrops, pocket wizards and props. Technically, every bit of gear we needed was there. But the moment I walked into the room, it wasn't the set-up that I noticed first. It was a young boy under the age of two, with his 4 week old sister in his arms held so tight. Both dressed so beautifully, they were sitting in an oversized chair waiting patiently for their photo to be made. The smile on his face will forever be etched in my mind. It was a face that if not captured today might have been forgotten ten years from now.

As a photographer it was the most unnatural yet rewarding feeling to know that when the individual portrait sessions were over and the memory cards sent to post production, that that was the last time I would see the photos I had just made.

As professional photographers we so often shoot for our audience. Today was the exact opposite. It wasn't even about shooting for ourselves, it was about shooting for them. I can officially say that I walked out of today's help portrait session with not one of the photos that I made.

Today, for the first time, I felt the reality of the gift I have been given as a photographer. The ability I have to capture the essence of everything good in that moment, and the rareness of keeping that moment to the ones that experienced it.

So I don't have a photo of the families for you to look at, but instead I have humbled thoughts and renewed drive to keep living the good that is photography and letting the bad be drowned out by every smiling face representing a life that was touched by this beautiful gift I have to give.

Help Portrait Founder Jeremy Cowart said it best, "Today cultural borders were crossed on one side of the camera and competitive borders on the other." It was by far a movement in the right direction for our industry. :)


Ok, Ok so I kinda fibbed.. I guess I do have a photo from today.. but I didn't take it so it doesn't count;)


Photo credit goes to the lovely tripod that made this group shot happen;)