Shutter Vision

NEW BLOG!!!

2010-05-01T11:15:00.000-07:00

I am very happy to say thanks to the wonderful help of my good friend Brett Roegiers, my new Website and blog are up and running!!!

Go check it out... I even have a big announcement on todays blog!!! www.luannedietz.com/blog

Beach Town

2010-04-14T23:22:00.000-07:00

Spending time near the water is one of my absolute favorite things. I love the feeling you get just knowing you're in a beach town. You can smell it in the air, feel it in the wind, and most importantly see it in the beautiful light that shines so pure through the windows every morning. Put me on a beach with great friends, a good book and my camera... and I'm golden... ***Of course there was no pun intended in regards to my state of being and my sun kissed skin color ;)

morning light, pre surf stretch

Vero Beach

2010-04-14T23:00:00.000-07:00

So after taking some me time in Sarasota I decided to set off to the east coast to hang with some friends that just "get me". These are the type of friends you don't really have to explain anything to, they just understand. They know your past your present and will most definitely be apart of your future. Stop number one was Vero Beach to see the magnificent Tom McCarthy Jr. After a delicious home cooked meal (Tom's an amazing cook!) we set out to the beach with our cameras for some late night star gazing. It was the perfect cure for my land locked blues.

(I know I would move that one piece of asparagus and turned the plate a little to the left if I was going to take the photo again. lol. Truth be told we were hungry and I just wanted a snap of the meal. And to be fair to Tom, I took the photo before he added the fresh Parmesan cheese to the asparagus!)

Creative vs Analytical

2010-04-14T22:23:00.000-07:00

As I was driving the other day I had a great talk with the lovely Ariel Zambelich about a photographers mind and whether Creative or Analytical thought takes over first when we go to make a photo. We talked both sides of the equation and even discussed if one verse the other can be learned, or if they are both just innate skills.

I voiced that for me I thought creativity came more readily at first, and the logistics were the things I had to sort out before I pressed the button. I even took it as far as to say that sometimes when the moments happen, the creativity is what I seek out and the analytical techniques just happen subconsciously.

As we were in the middle of this conversation I saw a beautiful double rainbow appear out my driver window in the sunset illuminated sky. I pulled the "hold on I'll call you right back" line and picked up my camera from the front seat. As I exposed to shoot the rainbow, a white picket fence coming up on my right caught my eye. So, I waited to get directly in front of the driveway and snapped a photo through the window. At that moment, the only thing going through my head was the symmetry I wanted to capture with the fence and driveway. After I passed the house and I looked at the back of my camera I realized that the window had made a great frame for the shot.

So, at this point I can choose to believe one of two things. One would say that luck was on my side and I exposed for the right thing, and the wide angle lens took over and gave me a great border, where Two would say that my instincts took over and I knew subconsciously that I wanted a wide frame using the window frame to wrap around the scene. I choose to believe Two.. ;)

P.S. If you like the concept of shots taken out of windows, and want to see some beautiful work, check out Luceo photographer Matt Slaby's story called My Diving Bell. So Beautiful.

Stranger in a Familiar Place

2010-04-14T21:34:00.000-07:00

So I've been in this place lately of rediscovering my own creativity. Removing myself from the influences that might crowd my mind and surrounding myself with things and people that help bring me comfort and rejuvenation.

To say that I enjoy spending time with people is an understatement. If it were up to me I would be around people 24/7.

For a person with this personality type one can only conclude how hard spending time alone to search deep inside can be.

Through this process I've learned that the best form of procrastination is a Mani/Pedi, and if you splurge for the spa pedicure you get 15 additional minutes in the massage chair. I've also learned to look to the little things for great distraction. For instance, I've never talked with my neighbors more or cleaned the house as much as I have while I've been procrastinating this journey of introspect.

So, all distractions aside I've headed to Florida for a vacation with ME!

I grew up in the lovely beach town of Sarasota, and up until about a week ago I could say my mom lived there. I've been out of SRQ now for over 7 years but every time I go "home" there are just some constants I can guarantee.

Well, this trip has been everything but constant. I showed up to an empty house, that at this point just holds memories. I drove around what might as well be a deserted town, as most all my friends and family are no longer there. And I ordered to-go from the local chinese restaurant like I was a stranger in a familiar place.

As I went to pick up dinner, there was a storm rolling in. It seemed very metaphorical for this time in space. The fortune inside the cookie could not have been more dead on. So I took some time in the emptiness to seek out art and let my mind wonder to a place of complete creativity.

This journey has been all sorts of wonderful, and I'm not even half way through. I have a big trip on the horizon for the summer and a renewed desires to make it my own. Stay tuned for details in the near future;)

NY State of Mind

2010-03-22T02:39:00.000-07:00

I am in Love with NY. There I said it. There is something about that concrete jungle that makes me feel alive. I think it might be the combination of the beautiful spring air with the wanderlust appeal of gallivanting through a mysteriously familiar city. Either way, my heart is at ease in the Big Apple....

Baby Louis III

2010-03-22T02:36:00.000-07:00

I have a new cousin! Baby Louis III on his christening day. Thanks goes to my aunt and uncle for bringing such a sweet baby boy into our family:)

Wedding Season

2010-03-22T02:22:00.000-07:00

To say I've been busy working and traveling lately would be an understatement.

As most journalist can tell you, there is a certain rush that comes from traveling to new places where there are stories to be discovered and people to meet. I am extremely grateful to jet set often. Along my travels I tend to encounter some crazy comparisons. For example. I just returned form NYC this week, and while eating lunch at the Shake Shack with friends, my food looked eerily familiar. So I snapped a picture. It wasn't until halfway through my meal that it hit me. I had eaten almost that exact meal a week ago on the opposite side of the country.

So here you have it.. Shake Shack.. the In N Out of the east coast;)

Jacksonville

2010-03-22T02:08:00.001-07:00

While working in Jacksonville beach, I took and extra day to head to St. Augustine to spend some time with an old college friend. Rachel and her husband Brad were the first couple who's wedding I had ever photographed. You can see some photos from it here.

Now almost three and a half years later, they are mommy and daddy to one beautiful little girl and have a baby boy on the way. I got to have a girls day with Rachel and meet their lovely daughter Bri for the first time a few weeks ago. I think it's fair to say we became best buddies immediately:)

Berry Wedding

2010-03-22T01:53:00.000-07:00

When I first talked with Jodie and Mike about photographing their wedding, Jodie mentioned that she wanted to take photos on the beach. Knowing Mike and Jodie from college, I knew they would have some trick up there sleeve to make their weekend and photos extra fun. About a week before the wedding, Jodie called me to tell me that the bridal party would be ridding around town in electric GEM cars and that she had gotten beach balls and fun sunglasses to take photos with on the beach. It was right then that I knew we were going to have some fun:)

LaLaLand

2010-03-22T01:49:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite parts about being a photographer is that I get to travel often. At the end of February I headed out to L.A. for a week. It is always refreshing to see the vibrant colors of that glamorous city. While I was in lalaland, I turned a year older. For my birthday I took the day off and enjoyed my time on Santa Monica beach. There is something about starting a new year near the water that makes me feel like the world is at my fingertips.

A special thanks goes out to my West Hollywood Boys who put me up for my time in Tinsel Town.. Got to love impromptu roommate dance parties

Ichetucknee Springs

2010-03-22T01:27:00.000-07:00

To take full advantage of the beautiful Florida weekend, on the way back to Atlanta I stopped at the Ichetucknee Springs. O how I miss swimming in Florida sunshine...

No matter how cold or hot the air is outside, you can always count on the Springs being 72 degrees.

Ulrich Wedding

2010-03-22T01:03:00.000-07:00

In February I had the opportunity to travel south to Gaiensville, Fl. to shoot the wedding of Grant and Jacque Ulrich. It was such a beautiful ceremony and the bridal party was a blast. Grant and Jacque are such a fun couple who are so deeply in love, and the photos from that day directly represent that. It was so nice to shoot in Florida light again. The weather was perfect, and the sky so blue. It was a great weekend for an outdoor Florida wedding.

GOYA

2010-03-22T00:42:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity a couple weeks back to shoot on location with Zack Arias and the Used Film Crew during a Goya Challenge. Zack blogs about the experience and our approach toward the images here on his blog.

For this GOYA shoot we choose the word "FEAR" and each set out to capture our own interpretation of it. That week we had been working in an abandoned mansion,so to us the concept of fear came rather natural. It was a fun learning experience to see how people who were removed from the situation reacted to our interpretations. I elaborate on that statement further on Zack's Blog.. check it out!

Here' the image I made. While talking with my model I asked what him what he was afraid of, and he said Death. So with that in mind I let my creativity wonder and this is where it took me. The image is shot with all natural light.

This last one's for fun. While we were shooting for fear, I found this awesome patch of light in the solarium and couldn't pass it up. So I made a few frames with intent to capture the shadow.... Enjoy

Next Day

2010-02-13T13:33:00.000-08:00

After our delightful winter wonderland we had yesterday I woke up with high expectations of taking back to the streets to find some more snow filled fun. Instead, what I was greeted with was melted ice turned into slush and bright sunlight. Id like to blame it on El Niño, but instead of pointing fingers, I woke the roomie up and we headed out to the park!

For this next photo I will not be held responsible!!! I had "nothing" to do with it ;)

Snowman Video

2010-02-13T11:51:00.000-08:00

Video editing is an addiction to me. No time, space or weather can keep me from my editing room when I know there's raw footage to be mastered. Its such a joy to relive my happy reality....

Yesterday was such a blast hanging with friends and the neighborhood kids! Nothing like a little child-like-fun to remind me of how much I love winter time. Hope you laugh as much as I did when I was creating this:)

Let me know what ya think...

Snow Day! from Luanne Dietz on Vimeo.

Neighborhood Snow Fall

2010-02-12T15:58:00.000-08:00

One of the benefits of being self-employed is having the ability to hang out with others who are also self-employed, when it SNOWS!!!!

Spent some time frolicking in the neighborhood park and in a friends front yard, being silly and building a snowman with the neighborhood kids. Such a great Snow Day!!!

The Kids named him "Carrot"... Video coming soon...:)

Snow Days

2010-02-12T15:46:00.000-08:00

For the last several months I have been teaching Photography at The Showcase school of Photography, and as one of our assignments in the Digital 101 class we take a field trip to Oakland Cemetery in down town Atlanta. Last Saturday I braved the cold with a few other instructors and was inspired with what I saw my students capture. So today when the Blizzard of 2010 (really it's only about 4 inches) hit Atlanta, I knew Oakland was one of the stops on my list.

It was such a wonderful experience walking the beautiful grounds of Oakland with snow all around.... Such stoic beauty is found in blankets of snow

And of course My lovely roommate joined me for the journey:)

First Wedding of 2010

2010-01-29T10:43:00.000-08:00

I started off this years wedding season with a very personal shoot. On January 2nd, my Mother got married. It was a very special, intimate day with family and friends in a small chapel in the woods.

I am so thankful for such a strong family backbone. It was my joy to capture this special day for my mother.

Snow in the A!

2010-01-07T18:49:00.000-08:00

Its officially 2010 and it's officially SNOWING in ATL..

Winter is my favorite season. Some of my favorite things about winter are the clear, crisp skies with bright stars, warm clothes, cute scarfs, fun boots, and SNOW!!!!

Growing up in Florida, I didn't get to experience much snow that often. Grant it we tried to rock the winter boots and scarfs, but after about 10 minutes you start sweating, so that doesn't last very long. Since moving to Georgia I have had the pleasure of experiencing true seasons, and redefining my love I have for this lovely time that ends and starts our year.

The snow's suppose to last all weekend so stay tuned for more white as the time goes on..

hehe..for me it's back outside for now;)

Top 9 of '09

2009-12-29T20:14:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-28T12:32:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-24T11:43:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-24T08:36:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-24T08:20:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-24T08:12:00.001-08:00

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

2009-12-12T19:38:00.000-08:00

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;)

Meteor Shower.. or the Lack There Of...

2009-11-17T11:15:00.000-08:00

Nothing like staying up until 3:30am to have the beautiful clear skies clouded up at the last minute. But we were up, and we were determined! So we drove to the cloud line.. Meteorology at it's finest.. "We need to go that way"... my roommate says as she points to the top right of the windshield.. So that way is the way we went!

We had a small window between cloud bands and what we did see was pretty much washed out by city lights.. Really made me miss Sarasota Nights and the clear skies over the beach... 3 Days until I'm FLA bound!!! Can't wait!!

Change of Pace

2009-11-17T10:21:00.000-08:00

So A lot of things have changed in the last few months. I've started teaching at The Showcase School of Photography and have done some revamping in the way that I spread out my talent. I'm using everything I know to prepare myself to hone in on a specific direction for my photography in 2010. It's time to move forward at light speed. That being said, I've been spending a lot of time siting at my desk diving deep into social issues I can wrap my heart and lens around. The other day I grabbed a snap of my roommate and her dog.. This is what I see when I look right from my computer screen..He loves to look out the window... SQUIRREL!

L5P - Zombies

2009-11-17T10:09:00.000-08:00

I love living less than five minutes from Little Five Points in Atlanta. It is by far one of the most interesting neighborhoods with care free personality. I spend a lot of time there around Halloween and what I found was nothing shy of entertaining. But My life seems to have been a lot about irony this last month, so for today I leave you this. CODE RED!

MIA

2009-10-23T14:46:00.001-07:00

Headed south to Miami for some much needed family vacation time. It was an incredible weekend of family, football, sun and beach.. what more could a girl ask for;)

I even got to see the Hurricane's storm through town.. the football team of course;)

Home in the Q

2009-10-23T14:33:00.000-07:00

On my way back to Atlanta on my last visit to Sarasota I encountered something I never could have imagined. My flight was delayed 2.5 hours and little did I know that the age old stereotype of "My grandparents live in Sarasota" would visually be played out in front of me during that time.

One arriving airplane, 10 wheelchairs later, it has been confirmed.. ;)

The Sarasota airport is always very special to me because my mom's a contract private pilot and flys out of there very often. So I always try to make a frame or two of this special place.

And of Course nothing says Sarasota like a beautiful Sunset;)

Gift Card Giver Doc

2009-10-02T10:16:00.000-07:00

I recently shot a short doc for GiftCardGiver.com and as I was editing I caught myself smiling! Such a good feeling to be working on projects with heart.

Check out their website, great people doing great things:)

Atlanta House Party from Gift Card Giver on Vimeo.

Geekfest 2009

2009-09-17T10:26:00.000-07:00

I spent this past weekend completely saturated in and around amazing talent and incredible inspiration in St. Pete Florida for the annual APAD Geekfest!!!

As a freelance photographer there are many times in the daily grind of my industry where I can get disillusioned and dismayed by the state of our current times. I am so thankful for this gathering annually that works as a reminder, a swift kick in the arse if you will, to pick myself up and keep feeling through photography. I was reminded by every speaker that spoke, and there were some AMAZING ones!, that the most important images, the ones that help build you as a person outside of just a photographer, are the images with heart in and behind them.

Since my dad died two years ago I have felt that I am just coasting through the daily job. Shooting what I know, and not questioning where my ambitions went. It feels as if there is a thick layer of crud between my heart and my head, a layer that on most days seems to strong to break through.

This weekend helped pry open my eyes to the light that I always knew existed. The light that shines from photography that tells the hearts story while moving people to action. I'm so excited for what sits so close on the horizon.. As soon as I can share I will! EYE Of THE STORM ;)

This weekend was...

Great Friends...

Late Nights..

Florida Games...

Newspaper Studios...

And not a lot of sleep... ;)

The Story of the Storyteller

2009-08-26T09:18:00.000-07:00

I put together a short synopsis of a very hard realization I have come to these last few months.

Since graduating from UF two and a half years ago, I feel that my journey with photography has been spun around and tipped upside down many times. What started in newspaper quickly moved to non profit and then back to newspaper. From there I've tried weddings, freelance, magazines, the music industry, production companies, I've even given shooting video a go!

The one common thread I've found entangled within all my new adventures and titles, is the common passion of being a storyteller. It doesn't matter what the medium is, as long as I'm visually telling stories that will ultimately make a difference, I'm happy.

So here's to working toward happiness in whatever step we find ourselves on in this adventure....

the story of the storyteller from Luanne Dietz on Vimeo.

Zack Arias

2009-08-15T10:34:00.000-07:00

I wanted to take a second to direct your attention to a friend, and talented Atlanta based photographer Zack Arias. About two days ago he posted a blog asking photographers "how many of you are on the dock?!?". After the post went viral, something happened that no one could have expected. A blog post that was meant to inspire and draw up conversation, turned into "photographers anonymous" in regards to the fears we all have in following our passionate dreams.

As Zack sat on his porch with his wife and thought about how to handle the next days blog post, kinda where to go from here, a man walked up in his yard looking to sell him a bottle of soap. Zack said he knew at that exact moment that this man held the answers to all those searching that responded on his blog. He ran inside and grabbed his Canon 5DMarkII and shot a video called Dope,Soap and Hope. The next morning he posted it on his blog, and the responses were overwhelming.

The thing that hit me the most after following this blog for the last three days is the overwhelming support that people have to see others succeed. The first day served comment after comment on how hard it is to launch off and become a photographer and make money in the business, and the second day handed us comments about how inspiring this mans life is and how can we all help.

Zack this morning posted day three of this encouraging journey with Derricks Hope Soap Fund. Allowing and outlet for all who care to buy a "virtual" bottle of soap so that we can all make a difference in this mans life...

This to me is just a practical application of world changing photography!!! Way to Go Zack!!! you are changing lives, and I am so grateful to become a part of it.. P.S. I bought a bottle of "soap", I encourage you to too!!!

Please click on all the links and take some time to look at this three day journey.. it is game changing! I promise!

Production Bobby Watkins

2009-08-15T10:25:00.000-07:00

After four days of Principle Photography, Bobby Watkins is a wrap!

The teams have operated so smoothly, allowing this to be one of the most efficient and creative shoots yet. We’ve completely built out the back yard to create “Bobby Watkins” birthday party and worked within all departments to make sure the scenes we are shooting are exactly as designed from the storyboards.The actors worked brilliant in fulfilling their roles of a 1950’s era family. From costumes to set design to camera techniques and technicolor, our team did their research to determine what would make a great film from that time period.

We’ve been working diligently to refine our departments and how they work with one another to create synergy and unity for the set. When the grip team is called on set, they know their job is to physically set up the shot while the camera crew is on stand by. After the grip team gets set, they move out and call for the camera crew, which then allows space and time for the camera crew to come in and set the CineAlta up along with providing initial camera view for the director to start tweaking the frame. While this is happening, you have wardrobe working on costumes while Video Village is surrounded by the script supervisor and art director to make sure the frame is clean and correct. Finally the director looks at everything, making sure it’s all what he wants, then calls for action.

Stay tuned for a full length behind the scenes as it develops....

Bobby Watkins Pre-Production

2009-08-15T10:19:00.001-07:00

I've spent the last month working with Whitestone preparing and shooting their next short film, to release later this month, Bobby Watkins. As always this team never ceases to amaze me. With a film set in the 50's and modern time homes not catering to that style, our team went in and decided to build out most of the set from scratch.

Bobby Watkins is a short film about a boy who plans a scheme, in hops of tricking his parents into having a birthday every day... Will it work as planned?!?! you'll have to wait and see;)

Pre-Production Vignette

Gift Card Giver

2009-08-09T13:15:00.000-07:00

I spent the evening documenting a "Get Carded" event for gift card giver. Check out their website at giftcardgiver.com

The concept behind gift card giver, is that almost everyone has unused gift cards, that they have been given for one occasion or another, sitting unused in their wallets. So I joined friends of Gift Card Giver as they got together to "Get Carded" at a local East Atlanta home. They gathered for an evening of food, games,a silent art auction, and live music, but not before they got carded at the door. Each person attending the event was asked to bring a gift card that they wouldn't mind donating to a cause. The cause that these East Atlanta friends decided to support was the East Atlanta kids Club.

After all was said and done, the Gift Card Giver house party in East Atlanta raised around $1395 for the kids club. The house party was a sweet success. To see more from house parties in different cities, check out their website here.

365 Update

2009-08-09T12:55:00.000-07:00

So I wanted to give everyone an update on what I'm doing with photography and why I have not updated in a while.

Bad news first...On the down side I am here to report that I have epically failed with my 365 photo project. Life and work have gotten the best of me, and I have gotten to far behind in posting. So Sorry... I will try again most likely at the new year with a fun new 365 project I have brewing in my head!

On the up side, I have been getting lots of work and assignments, and have been traveling and working non stop this summer! I've gotten to shoot many fun weddings in various cities, along with experiencing redneck games in mud pits and behind the scenes on movie sets, all within weeks of each other might I add.

On top of all my freelance work, I have decided to guest lecture along with teaching a visual storytelling 2-day workshop at the Showcase school of photography. Both the lecture and the workshop can be registered for here if you're in the Atlanta area and are interested.

So stay tuned to the blog for photo and video updates, and know that you have my word on doing all that I can do to start today, a new day, with more consistent updates;)

I look forward to your comments on upcoming post and feedback as to what you enjoyed!

For now its back to the editing board....

Georgia "Mud" on my Mind

2009-07-12T18:44:00.000-07:00

I spent Saturday in East Dublin, GA. photographing the 13th annual Redneck Games. Originally created in 1996 as a joking rebuttal to a comment made in regards to rednecks hosting the official summer Olympic Games, which were being held in Atlanta that year, the Redneck Games were born. A highlight at the games each year is centered around a mud pit belly flop competition. Enjoy the essay "Georgia "Mud" on my Mind"

And Just For Fun!! (I was not a happy person in the picture..lol..Following this photo of course I sucked it up and headed back to the pit for some more photos!) Photo by: Mackenzie Reiland

(the Mud color keeps getting warped when I upload..I promise its all the same color!)

Day 95 and 96

2009-07-12T15:57:00.000-07:00

Day 96
Atlanta.. Biker Friendly?!?

Day 95
Book House Wall on Peachtree St.

Day 94

2009-07-12T15:38:00.000-07:00

I headed over to the studio of the amazingly talented photographer Zack Arias to mingle with other Atlanta based photographers and those visiting for Zack's "One Light" workshop. I would encourage anyone who is interested in learning more about simplistic lighting to check out the "One Light" workshops and DVD'S. I am so thankful to be surrounded by amazing people who are extremely talented!

Day 93

2009-07-06T19:16:00.001-07:00

I'm such a sucker for fresh flowers;) My college friend Laura LaRosa moved to Atlanta this week to intern with Desire Street Ministries and she came over for dinner and brought me beautiful sunflowers.

Desire Street is headed up by 1996 Heisman Trophy winner Danny Wuerffel..and YES, he's a GATOR! DSM's mission statement as taken from their website states that "Led by God's heart for the poor, the desire of our hearts is to see impoverished neighborhoods become desirable places to live. Therefore, DSM's mission is to encourage and equip leaders to transform impoverished neighborhoods through spiritual and community development."

It's definitely worth taking a look at their site;) They are up to so much good.

Day 92

2009-07-06T18:57:00.000-07:00

Happy Fourth of July!!!

I headed to the Chattahoochee river in the morning with the roommates, but due to circumstances out of our control (I swear an iceberg must have melted or something) the water was to cold to tube, so we headed back to the city for the rest of the day.

We spent the afternoon at a house in Buckhead that a friend was house sitting. A "Castle" if you would. Jesse gets the prize for comparison of the day as he compared it to the "Great Gatsby House" which I agree it was very similar to. Being one of my favorite literature pieces of art, and old time movie, I started to search for artzy light. I didn't have to look to far, it's almost as if the light found us.

After an afternoon of swimmin and grillin I headed to Lenox Mall with the boys to watch the firework show. Such a great night...Made me smile! (see last photo)

And just for old times sake and some inside joking laughter between my UF photojournalism friends .. Here's a throw back picture I took from the Fourth of July in 2005! You can thank me later;)

Day 91

2009-07-06T17:52:00.000-07:00

It's the little things when you're on the road traveling that you start to miss. Many of you know I've started gardening, so I was eager to get home and see how my fruits and vegetables were doing!

I was welcomed home to Atlanta with a stint of good news. There was some debate amongst my group of friends if fried green tomatoes were just not riped tomatoes, or if there was actually a green tomato that grew for that purpose. Well, my friend Carrie came over and enlightened me that it is just an unriped tomato.. SO, we did the only thing logical and tried our hand at making Friend Green Tomatoes from my garden:)

Day 90

2009-07-06T17:42:00.000-07:00

I was headed back home to Atlanta when I got a call from my friend Brett Roegiers letting me know about an Iranian protest happening outside the CNN center. I arrived to a sea of green balloons and voices chanting "Peace in Iran." I felt it appropriate to find the quiet still moment that smoke volumes of its own.

Day 89

2009-07-06T17:22:00.001-07:00

When I first talked to Dan and Nancy about the style of their wedding and reception, they described it to me as a big party. I am here to report that their reception was nothing short of a grown up kids fairytale. From the home brewed beer to the grooms cake which turned out as a home made castle of Krispy Kreme donuts and Little Debbie snacks. This couple and all their friends and family sure know how to have a great time.

I had such a blast shooting this weeding. It was a breath of fresh air strategically placed at the end of my month long journey away from my home base it Atlanta.

They are so in Love, and so Happy:)

And as any true Gator fan would understand, when Nancy and Dan came to me at the rehearsal and told me they wanted to take photos in the stadium after the ceremony in between the reception I said Heck Yeah! So I made some calls to the UFPD, and pulled some connections from my good 'ole Alligator days and was able to get them to open the stadium for an hour for us to take photos on their wedding day! I love the gator nation;) Good thing I spent many Saturdays shooting games on that field, because they not only wanted to take photos on it, but they wanted to play a mock game too!

If you ask the bride she sacked him, but the groom promises that he threw it to his best man for a touch down! Such a fun photo session.

The Boys...

And their Creations...

Day 88

2009-07-06T17:03:00.000-07:00

Before I headed back to Georgia, I stopped in Gainesville to shoot the Wedding of my college friends Dan Trifiletti and Nancy Rosselle. You might remember seeing them from when I went down to take their engagement photos (see them here). I must admit that they are such a fun, goofy, light hearted and in love couple and their wedding day did nothing but mirror all those things.

When I got to the rehearsal, Nancy was dressed in a 1970's style purple dress. She proceeded to tell me that it was the exact dress that her mom had made to wear when her parents eloped in the 70's. One of my favorite conversations of the night was right as Nancy was about to practice walking down the aisle and her mother leans over to talk to her grandmother. "Mom, do you remember this dress?," Nancy's mom said to Nancy's grandmother during the rehearsal. "No, If you remember I wasn't there!" Nancy's grandmother replied through a smile.

Day 87

2009-06-27T22:13:00.000-07:00

Spent the day in Orlando Florida shooting a maternity shoot outside in the summer heat.. All bad ideas;) But thankfully for shade and Panera frozen lemonade, we made it!

A Photo A Day Catch-Up cont.

2009-06-27T22:00:00.000-07:00

Day 86
Got some studio time in today with the boys of Flurish. Made some new head shots and fun photos to send them on their way to L.A. with.

Day 85
Jumped right back into the Behind the Scenes for "Lest We Forget"... lots of overlapping deadlines...

Day 84
Spent the day editing bridal portraits. Had to wait for the wedding to show you the portraits even though they happened like 4 months ago;)

Day 83
I went to my garden today and got the first true fruit of my labor!!! It went great with fresh Mozzarella cheese;)

A Photo A Day Catch-Up cont.

2009-06-27T21:46:00.000-07:00

Day 82
June marks two years since my dad died, and since this wedding weekend was jsut one week before fathers day, I decided to to stop in Spartenburg South Carolina at Sherman Chiropractic college where my dad went to school. I just sat on the grounds for a while thinking. I finally decided to go exploring. I remember visiting the college as a kid with my dad and him telling me that his favorite part was the cadaver lab. So I vaguely remembered where it was so I went exploring with hopes of things looking familiar..I found it right where I remembered it being.. kinda freaky;) I felt so connected to what my dad experienced while I was there that it was hard to leave.

Day 81
Wedding Day..The couple looked so happy

Day 80
After two days of being home, (just enough time to redo laundry and charge the batteries), I headed north to Greensboro N.C to shoot the wedding of David Bunker and Laura Beck. The weekend started with a rehearsal dinner on Friday.

A Photo A Day Catch-Up cont.

2009-06-27T21:33:00.000-07:00

Day 79
While I was out exploring new cities and working, my good friend Chelsea and her dog Guinness moved into the house. So fun to have a dag at home;)

Day 78
I was welcomed back to Atlanta with 2 full days of non stop rain... At least I was in at home, inside my dry house, just watching my front yard flood...

Day 77
I arrived back in the ATL with only 2 days to repack before my next leg of the June adventure began. Every time I visit NYC I fall more in love, and this time was no exception. I got home and started to check the RSS reader and realized that photographer Joe McNally had released a blog post about the "how to" in regards to his famous photograph of the worker changing the light bulb at the top of the empire state building. Personally this is one of my favorite photos of NYC. Love it!! So for today I pass along his photo, because its THAT GOOD!

A Photo A Day Catch-Up

2009-06-27T20:57:00.001-07:00

June's been a crazy busy month with not lots of down time. I'm finally on the tail end of my 1 month, 7 states, lots of assignments and even more friends! Although I love traveling and the excitement of my job that comes with new cities, it's time to slow down.. But just for a day or two.. I'll be ready to go again by next week!

So for now, enjoy the journey that has been my last few weeks....

Day 76
The morning after the party I headed back into the city to spend some time with some of my favorite people, my amazing photography friends that I shared my time at UF with.. After a day of shopping with Celia in Union Square, we all gathered in Brooklyn for a photo family dinner and some chill time on the roof. Thanks to perfect timing we got to celebrate with Tim Hussin for taking first place in the Hearst phtojournalism competition out in San Fransisco. Way to represent UF buddy:)

-just for fun-

Day 75
I have a large Italian family and it would not be a celebration unless there was incredible Italian food and lots of wine!

Day 74
I headed north by train in NY state to celebrate my cousins graduating. One from H.S. headed to College, and one from Undergrad headed to Med School!

Day 73
My second day in NY, after gallivanting the city, I met up with my long time photo friend Megan Schuab for a fun NYC pizza dinner and dive bar where we got the favorite corner both! Nothing like civilized chaos.

Day 72
My first night in the city, I headed out to Brooklyn to stay with my good friends Celia Tobin and Danny Ghitis. there is nothing more refreshing then hanging out with people who understand you, and happen to be amazingly talented photographers too! It's so refreshing..

Day 71
The morning after we finished filming, I jumped on a jet plane and headed to NYC for some work, and much needed friend and family rejuvination time!

For day's 68,69 and 70 check the previous posts called production day 1,2 and 3 post

PASTE - Lest We Forget

2009-06-25T07:18:00.000-07:00

I know I've been slacking on posting, but low and behold that does not mean that I have not been taking a photo a day! I've gotten to the point where my backpacking back pack has become my constant companion and my external hard drives my new best friends. I've traveled to seven different states this month and am on my last 10 day trip before I'm back in the ATL for a hole TWO WEEKS!!

I plan on updating my blog with lots of photos from my journey in the next few days, but for now I wanted to share with you our completed film of "Lest We Forget" along with the Behind The scenes that I produced, directed and edited.

Check out the PASTE Site for their story on why we did what we did, then head over to the Whitestone Site to see the film and get all the additional downloads including HD versions of the movie, the score and song, and of course.. the behind the scenes and still photography;)

Let me know what ya think!

Production Day 3 "Lest We Forget"

2009-06-02T23:02:00.000-07:00

We wrapped our third and final day of production today for "Lest We Forget". It has been a fast three weeks since conception of this film, and we are so thankful for our talented crew that has pulled together to make this film happen.

Today was the day on set, where all our hard work, came together and really made an impact. The countless days of well thought out pre-production came to fruition tonight as we raced the clock in order to be able to film in that magical hour of beautiful light found just about 45 minutes before sunset.

Our crew worked hard and fast setting up several complicated shots at once to keep the filming up at a fast pace. We had teams setting up special effects along the river, by using hand made dirt explosions and paintball guns to simulate bullets hitting the water, while other teams were filming insert shots all at the same time.

We are so proud of our crew, and their ability to fight the time-frame-odds, and pull together an excellent movie through many limitations and budget constraints.

Starting tomorrow we go into full post-production, which means that the collected footage will hit the editing desk and the music and audio will go in to be mastered. We have about one week to pull all loose ends together and present a final film that we believe will impact all who watch it.

Thanks for joining us on this production journey… A complete production video blog will be available come the end of the week, so make sure to check back to the site often.

That’s a wrap!

Production Day 2 "Lest We Forget"

2009-06-02T22:57:00.000-07:00

We’re on set for day two of filming for “Lest we Forget”. We spent the better half of the day filming our “hero” character in a river. We found there to be many challenges along with great success.

Our grip team was able to get heavy equipment down the river bank and across the river, while our camera crew searched for balance on slippery rocks all while keeping the CineAlta camera high above the water.

We’ve shot over 70 shots in two days, with about 30 more to go. All shots on set are moving smoothly, and we’re looking to keep up our pace as we head back to the water tomorrow for our final day of filming.

For now, enjoy this sneak peak behind the scenes, but know, It will not make complete sense until you see the finished film in about 2 weeks!

So keep checking our site along with PASTE magazine for release information and weekly behind the scenes video blogs.

For now it’s back to the Water…

Production Day 1 "Lest We Forget"

2009-05-31T20:23:00.000-07:00

It’s day one of three for production of “Lest We Forget” and the crews on set in the back woods making movies.

With upwards of 40 shots being recorded today, all hands are on deck. The grip teams working with the Fisher Dolly and the camera teams swapping Digi Prime lenses as I type.

We have civil war re-enactors from the 30th Georgia Company E regiment joining us on set today helping with accuracy and reenactment. They are here with muskets in hand and ready to fire!

I'll be updating the whitestone blog (and mine!) over the next few days for updates and photos from set, so stay tuned. You can follow Whitestone on twitter, here, for real time production progress along with sneak peek pictures from the director Brandon McCormick.

For now it’s back to work … Quiet on Set…

More photos at whitestonemotionpictures.com
Crew Photo by Brian Scott

Day 67 - Lesson Learned

2009-05-29T15:14:00.000-07:00

So I had the reality of a lesson learned AGAIN today.. One thing that college taught me about my camera was to carry it everywhere. "You never know what kind of picture you might find on a routine trip to a public restroom" they told us. So it's been engraved in my mind for some time now never to go anywhere without your camera. Well, today I broke the cardinal rule and was reminded just how painful that is.

I set out on an adventure to find Bob Shelly Special Effects to pick up a prop for our Whitestone film this weekend, and low and behold, the clouds were cooperating and the coolest old buildings were surrounding his location. So, as I searched for my non existent camera, the best I could do in that moment of personal shame, was pull out the old blackberry cam... So enjoy this photo knowing that the lesson learned behind it is much greater than the quality of the image;)

Whitestone

2009-05-29T11:05:00.000-07:00

My second week video blog of pre-production for Lest We Forget went live today.. Check it out on the Whitestone site HERE

Day 66

2009-05-29T10:43:00.000-07:00

I decided to take a "What's in my Bag" shot today as I am packing and getting ready to head on set with Whitestone for the production of "Lest We Forget".

D300 (primary camera), D200 with battery pack (secondary camera), Canon HV30 HD video camera with external canon mic, 17- 55mm 2.8, 85mm 1.8, 80-200mm 2.8, fisheye lens, split-cam 35mm (for fun), gaf tape, mini hard drive, Firewire card reader, extra batteries, extra tapes, long sleeve under armor shirt (I hate bugs), water shoes, water resistant socks, bug spray (with Deet!), head lamp, pill case with allergy medicine and Tylenol, promo cards, gum, news reporter notebook, pens, WATER GUNS and of course, a girls best friend... LIP GLOSS!!!

And of course, not pictured my crackBerry and MacBook

Day 64 and 65

2009-05-29T10:38:00.000-07:00

Day 65

Headed out with the Whitestone ladies wardrobing... We hit the Jackpot of Civil War Clothing in Georgia

Day 64

Celebrated our friend Nick Kirk's birthday during our pre-production meeting this week. I am so thankful to work with amazingly talented friends.

Day 63

2009-05-29T10:37:00.001-07:00

Sometimes we have to be reminded to write our own story;)

Day 62

2009-05-29T10:34:00.000-07:00

Celebrating Memorial day in color

Day 61

2009-05-29T10:30:00.000-07:00

I love the sound of the Fed-Ex truck... especially when it's bringing me GEAR!

Welcoming a new 85 1.8 and 80-200 2.8 into my gear bag;)

Day 60

2009-05-22T18:03:00.000-07:00

My good friend Chelsea Kelly came to visit this week, and while she was here we decided to play in the studio and frolic in the streets. So much fun when passion and talent meets beauty and friendship:)

Day 59

2009-05-22T18:01:00.000-07:00

Spent the day piecing together my first weeks Behind The Scenes Pre-Production vignette for "Lest We Forget"... check it out HERE!

Day 57 and 58

2009-05-22T17:32:00.001-07:00

Day 58

Set out early with the team to location scout in the woods. Let's just say I'm not really into the bugs and dirt, but it sure is pretty;)

Day 57

Today marks day one of Pre-Production on our next short film "Lest We Forget". Spent the evening sitting around a table with the Whitestone Department heads creatively problem solving and stamping out a schedule for our next jam packed four weeks.

Day 56 - PASTE MAGAZINE

2009-05-20T11:07:00.000-07:00

I sat around a square table today with some of the Whitestone crew at PASTE Magazine to meet with editors about an upcoming project. I am so grateful to be surrounded by such talent continually and am proud to announce that we have the green light for our next film!! Here is the statement we at Whitestone released

Whitestone Motion Pictures in association with PASTE Magazine is proud to announce it’s next short film project called “Lest We Forget”.

This civil war action short is being created as a donation to Paste Magazine in support of their “Campaign to Save Paste,” which is rallying together the artistic community in order to raise money to save the independent and innovative magazine. The film is centered on the idea of standing apart from what others tell you and sacrificing yourself for what you believe in. Approximate run time for the film is three to four minutes and will feature original story, cinematography and music created from within our Whitestone team.

We’ve jumped in with both feet on this project to create it at record speed from idea to completion in just four weeks. “Lest We Forget” will premier exclusively through the Paste website in mid June.

At Whitestone, we believe in the independent spirit of Paste and are lending our talents to support other independent leaders and artists, which is why we are donating this film for their cause. Throughout this project we will be documenting the process in weekly video blogs to be released every Friday. So stay tuned for sneak peaks from beginning to end including everything from brain storming sessions to location scouting all the way through to music and production.

We’re excited about this collaboration as a film making experience for Whitestone, and hope other artists will support Paste Magazine as well. Only by banding together can we embody the independent spirit that drives us all.

Day 55

2009-05-18T14:09:00.000-07:00

Roller Derby!!!!

I went with some friends to the Atlanta Roller Girls double header bout's on Saturday. I've seen many photo stories on Derby girls before, but I must admit until you see it with your own two eyes you can not fully understand that which is the Derby Culture. Such a fun Saturday evening...

I know I know It's Blury...But it's Proof that I can be a DERBY GIRL... haha just kidding;)

Day 54

2009-05-18T13:56:00.000-07:00

I'm in this discovery phase where I love to try new places, so for dinner the other night I went with the incredible Jesse Phillips to a Hibachi place we had never been to. It was such great food and a fun show for sure. I mean we even got a mushroom and some rice flung at us as "part of the performance" We laughed ;) But I must admit, the volcanic onion is my favorite!

Day 53

2009-05-18T13:37:00.000-07:00

I had a video chat date wit the lovely Ariel Zambelich today. Here she's showcasing to me the beauty we call a Nikon 80-200 2.8 :) I am glad to say I am its new owner and it is on its way to my house as I type!!

Day 52

2009-05-18T12:58:00.000-07:00

Eddie Adams

I spent the Day going through and re-editing my portfolio along with writing my personal Statement for the Eddie Adams photo workshop that I am applying to. I realized that putting words to heart actions can sometimes be really tough. I thought for today I would share a little bit of my personal statement and a photo from my portfolio. Enjoy this little glimpse into my complex passion of photojournalism:)

"As a photojournalist, I’m driven by the desire to capture moments of people who can tell their stories through their eyes and express their passion in their actions. I look to document life as it exists with intent to record the legacy of others all while defining mine. The truth is that my validity as a photographer came a year and a half ago when my father passed away unexpectedly. I am reminded of the power of photography daily as I look at photographs of my dad, which now remain as the only link between him and my future. As a photographer I feel a certain responsibility to my subjects to be the best photojournalist I can be, in order to tell their story in the most effective way possible."

Restoring Innocence - Set in a small town in north Georgia just outside of Atlanta, six girls find freedom behind closed doors. Taken from abuse and placed into a restoration home, these girls are out to rediscover the innocence of their youth.

Day 50 and 51

2009-05-18T11:53:00.000-07:00

Day 51

Photos are hung in the Coffee Shop, and they look So GOOD!

Day 50

Marks day one of working on my coffee shop gallery at Gathering Grounds Coffee House in the Kirkwood neighborhood of Atlanta. I set out to the printer and the coffee shop today to get an idea of what is being hung where.

Day 49

2009-05-11T16:13:00.000-07:00

Back to the ATL grind

Closing down coffee shops while marketing the still open west coast...gotta love it:)
My favorite East Atlanta Coffee shop Joe's

Day 48

2009-05-11T15:52:00.000-07:00

Batter Blaster Pancake Give-A-Way

Hit up Centennial Olympic Park in downtown ATL for some fun photos and free pancakes ;)

Nothing like trying to break the Guinness World Record for most pancakes served in eight hours.. Caption info to come.. My notebook is removed form me in the car;)

Waiting to walk across the stage for graduation from Georgia State wasn't the only line to wait in on Saturday;)

Day 47

2009-05-11T15:41:00.000-07:00

It occurred to me while I was on my way to Savannah that I literally, in less than 24 hours, was on the west coast of the country and then on the east. This has always been a desire of mine, and I am glad to say I can kick it off my bucket list. So FUN!

From the Golden Gate Bridge on the West to the Talmadge Memorial Bridge in Savannah on the East

And while we're comparing....
It has been amazing to take the time and stop while traveling to just enjoy what a city has...From L.A. to San Fran.. I'll elaborate on that thought a little later. But for now.. STOP

Day 46

2009-05-11T15:27:00.000-07:00

Just call me the Love Paparazzi -I knew I learned something from my L.A. trip;) lol-

As soon as I landed in L.A. last week I got a call from a college friend who enlightened me with his secret plan of proposing to his g/f the following week in Savannah. Since she had never met me we knew that paparazzi style would work perfect. his plan was to propose along the side of the beautiful fountain in the lovely Forsyth Park. He could not have chosen a more beautiful place.

Meet the soon-to-be Mr. and Mrs. Ricky Bell

I love working with sweet guys who go through so much to make that special day so perfect for their soon-to-be bride ;) Nice job Ricky... She had no idea, she was so surprised!

I got found out

She was so surprised

He did good;)

Day 45

2009-05-11T15:21:00.000-07:00

Welcome back to the East Coast

The Charlotte airport turns into the place to be in the evening, so it seems. Blue neon lights and all ;)

Day 43 and 44

2009-05-11T15:11:00.000-07:00

Getting Lost in San Fran and loving it...

Day 43

I came across a realistic visual to a disappearing industry:(

Day 44

And of Course.. I had to find the Tanner Family Home..no red door..But it is a FULL HOUSE after all;)

O yeah look who else I found....Love this girl!!!

Day 42

2009-05-11T15:00:00.000-07:00

The lovely Mei-Ling Murray... Check out her agent page here

Day 41

2009-05-11T14:52:00.000-07:00

San Fran

I spent my first day in San Fransisco with the lovely Mei-ling. We haven't been in the same place since the metro in Barcelona three years ago when we said "see ya later" to each other following our amazing study abroad. It is always an adventure with us! Within the first few hours of me being there we set out to find a reading chair for her room and wound up finding one.. just not at pier one or bed bath and beyond, but at a sushi restaurant down the street from her China Town apartment. We saw it in the window and asked if they would consider selling it to us. They agreed. 20 dollars later the two of us were carrying this chair, in the sprinkling rain, down the street and around the corner. This photo was taken just before we attempted to carry it up three flights of stairs. ;) Such an adventure...Sweet Success

Day 40

2009-05-06T10:58:00.001-07:00

Beverly Drive...So L.A.

rLA

2009-05-06T10:51:00.000-07:00

I hit up the lovely Red Letter Agent Boys at one of their practices in their new space in L.A.

They are truly talented. Check out their myspace for upcoming California shows.

I've been friends with these guys for almost two years now and this was the first time I saw them play with the lovely Russ Norton on drums..I believe it's safe to say there is some new fantastic sounds on the way..stay tuned.. So Fabulous;)

Day 39

2009-05-06T10:37:00.000-07:00

I pulled a Shawn Rocco and took a photo on my cell phone for today.

His work is Fabulous :) take a look (click on his name)

Day 37 and 38

2009-04-29T18:00:00.000-07:00

Day 38
Santa Monica Beach

I'm infatuated with this place:) I saw four possible stories on my way from the beach to the car.. This place is so rich with stories and great light!!

Alex Corcoz of Los Angeles has been working on the traveling rings for over 5 months and says he does it just for fun. "The only problem is it tears up your hands though, anyone would tell you that," he said "But it's so worth it."

Day 37
L.A.
I got to visit with my two favorite Templeton's in their beautiful new home after I landed in Cali. So great to be surrounded by some of my favorite people

Day 35 and 36

2009-04-29T17:44:00.000-07:00

On set with ReThink in north Ga

Day 36
Lead Talent Shadow... in between takes with bright lights:)

Day 35
Camp Talent-Show Preparation video shoot for ReThink...An 'I can't believe you just said that' moment on tape

L.A. and San Fran

2009-04-29T00:36:00.000-07:00

Currently I am in L.A. until Saturday(28th-2nd), then I'm on to San Fransisco Saturday afternoon untill Wednesday(2nd-6th)... I can be reached by phone at 941-232-8781 or by email at luannedietz@gmail.com

Day 33 and 34

2009-04-29T00:32:00.000-07:00

Day 34
My Backyard Veggie Garden

Day 33
High wind storms hit in ATL

Day 31 and 32

2009-04-29T00:21:00.000-07:00

Day 32
During lunch with my fried Brett Roegiers. Check out his 365 day project here

Day 31
Joe's coffee house welcomes all styles of living;)

Day 29 and 30

2009-04-29T00:17:00.000-07:00

Back in the ATL

Day 30
Back on Set

Day 29
I finally hung all the frames over my bed:) Thanks to all my amazingly talented friends who supplied me with signed wall art!!!

Day 27 and 28

2009-04-29T00:13:00.001-07:00

I headed to Greensboro North Carolina to shoot lovely bridal portraits for the bride of a wedding I'm shooting this summer. I will post photos of the session after the wedding in June, because the dress is still a secret!

So For now enjoy the the blur of their pup:) Another form of entertainment from the weekend...

Day 28

Day 27

Day 26

2009-04-29T00:07:00.000-07:00

I stopped in Gainesville on my drive back to Atlanta to meet up with some of my old professors and some of my PhotoJ friends...

While in the Journalism building with prof Freeman, he showed me the Hearst Photojournalism Contest Alumni photo gallery he hung. I am very proud to say that my photo made the wall, and the competition a few years ago:) Always good to go back to your roots as a reminder of where you came from and how much further you have to go....

Day 24 and 25

2009-04-29T00:04:00.000-07:00

Last days in Sarasota with out-of-town visitors

Day 25

Day24

Slacker

2009-04-24T10:35:00.000-07:00

I know I know I've been slacking....

It's been one bridal portrait on top of another wedding on top of engagement shoots for me lately.. O yeah with a few movie gigs and airports thrown in the mix.

So YES.. I can relate to today's What the Duck

It reminds me of my photojournalism 101 days when we use to chase firetrucks that had their sirens wailing with the mere hope of finding spot news.. ;)

Day 21, 22 and 23

2009-04-15T11:27:00.000-07:00

Day23

First rainy day in Florida this trip.. it's days like this I really feel for my friends who still deal with daily news assignments.. Weather Feature Anyone?!?

Day 22

University of Miami Mom
My bro got into UM as a transfer for the 2009 Fall Semester.. Wahoo

Day 21 Happy Easter

Spent the Day out in Tampa Bay on my brothers sailboat with the fam.. Such a wonderful day:)

Day 20

2009-04-15T10:30:00.000-07:00

I spent the day going through old keepsake boxes from my dads house. Nothing like an unexpected trip down memory lane...

I thought I'd share with you a photo of my baby head shots! Yes..it's true..I was a baby model;) look at my first resume... so little!

Day 19

2009-04-09T23:03:00.000-07:00

I decided to drive around Sarasota at sunset today to chase some light. From my edit I realize it's a tree kinda day... I forgot how much I was in love with the light in this town. It's so captivatingly beautiful...

And of course I had some of the most beautiful company along for the ride... My Momma:)

Day 16, 17 and 18

2009-04-09T22:18:00.000-07:00

Day 18

The main purpose of my trip to Sarasota was to go through the remnants of my dads things that we have been keeping in storage now for 22 months. I still can't believe its been that long. As I was going through some of the photos he use to have hanging on his walls I found this one. It reads - IMAGINATION: The Future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams... Dream Big!

Day 17

Tuesday night I set off to the beach to watch a beautiful Sarasota Sunset. It is truly one of the most amazing things you will ever witness.. The light is just so pure.

Day 16

I spent my first full day in Sarasota close to the water... I took a trip over the glorious Sunshine Skyway Bridge on my way to St. Pete to hang out with friend and amazingly talented photographer Melissa Lyttle. I never realized how much being land-locked could do to a person...It's so refreshing to be here!

Day 14 and 15

2009-04-05T21:28:00.000-07:00

Day 15

I stopped in Gaiensville today for an engagement shoot on my journey down south. It made my heart happy when the couple showed up wearing Orange and Blue! The sun was going in an out so I had to keep my lights on hand.

Meet Dan Trifiletti and Nancy Rosselle, soon to be married! Dan Proposed at the duck pond, the same place they had their first date.

Day 14

I set out from Atlanta to head south for a week of work and play. Sarasota was the final destination, but of course I had to make my stops in Valdosta and Gaiensville along the way.

Thanks to the start of Spring Break (If I saw one more car with "Florida or Bust" written on the back window..) and a wreck on the interstate, a 3 hour drive from Atlanta to Valdosta took me 6.5 hours.. I was going insane.. At least the long drive ended with a beautiful sunset;)

The open road and Florida light was such a delight once I found it...