Just to say that “I love South Louisiana” really doesn’t give credence to the fullness of my love for this sacred place.   The people of the region are some of the most unique, hilarious, down to earth and warm people you will ever meet;  the culture is full of fun, good food, sassiness, and history;  and the landscape, well its as stunning and unique as the culture that lives in it.  Gorgeous swamps, large live oak trees, and lush green & flowers adorn this subtropical place full of southern charm and mystique.  The week of June 14th- 20th I was down photographing in New Orleans so I thought I’d drive even further south to Venice to see the damage from BP’s oil spill for myself.

It was an hour and half drive that felt like I was driving to the end of the world.   Arriving in Venice was a bit odd because one would never know that the largest oil spill in history was STILL taking place in the region.  There were a few cues that all wasn’t well because there were so many helicopters, of various sizes, flying overhead– yet I still couldn’t believe that one of the most horrific environmental tragedies of all time was happening in this small town!  I was getting quite frustrated so I decided to pull over to get a cool drink, and this is when I hit the jackpot.  It was here that I met the self-proclaimed, “King of Venice”.  The King and I hit it off instantly, and he then began to give me the ins and outs of the oil spill’s effect on the town.   This small town, who not until the 1920’s did they actually have roads, was being affected more deeply than it seemed. (Note: the townspeople got around before roads via perots, which are small boats traditionally used by Cajuns.) He said that it wasn’t only the fishermen who were loosing their livelihoods in the region, but many of the subcontractors of BP as well.  On Day 63,  he was nearly $100,000 in debt, due to BP’s lack of payment.  He also told me that BP and the government had armed guards at the marinas so to block media and the public from seeing the oil covered boats that would come in from offshore.  He said BP had managed to keep the oil from arriving on shore by putting large sandbags on on the barrier islands, which is good, but it’s also why there was no sign of oil and why there were so many helicopters everywhere.   He could tell that I was disappointed by BP hiding their mess and not actually cleaning it up, so he told me that if I wanted to see the most devasting and yet hopeful aspect of the damage to go to Fort Jackson to see the sanctuary for oil drowning pelicans.  He told me not to get my hopes up too high about getting in since it was a high security spot, but away I went anyway.

The Brown Pelican is the state bird of Louisiana.  Though I was born & raised + went to college in Louisiana, I have never seen a pelican, not even when I did an airboat tour of the swamps before I headed out West.  Needless to say, I had no idea of what I was about to experience at the sanctuary.  When I arrived at the sanctuary I saw that there were lots of reporters at the entrance.  It appeared that I had just “happened” to arrive at the sanctuary at the exact time that they were letting the media in.  Lucky for me I had my camera with my big lens on, so I looked official and was almost able to pass as media.  Before the tour started, one of the volunteers stopped me and asked me to get a media pass before entry.  This of course made me a bit nervous since I was, in fact, not media.  Lucky for me the guy in the office went to my college in Lafayette (though we didn’t know each other) and when he found out I was a native, he gave me a wink and then a media pass; I totally love the loyalty of Louisianaians to fellow natives.

For the next half hour I was taken on a guided tour along with the media, like ABC, BBC, and other publications from around the globe, as I heard stories of volunteers working diligently to clean the extremely large oil soaked birds and learned of the drama of bureaucracy and funding.  The most telling aspect of the tour itself was found in the eyes of the pelicans who seemed so very sad and confused. Oh the irony in that the pelican is a symbol of Louisiana–beautiful, humble and exotic, and it was now in a life threatening situation because of exploitation by large corporations.  (Don’t get me started on International politics in Louisiana!)  Ok,…(breathe),  I’ll now stop talking and let my photos tell you more about my experience. I believe that they’ll do a much better job than my words ever could.

Above: A sample of the vibrant green of South Louisiana’s Gulf Coast.

I guess BP didn’t get the polite suggestion of Plaquemine parish to keep it clean!

Large and small helicopters were flying all over Venice with long ropes carrying sandbags offshore.

In the words of Flight of the Conchords, “think about, think, think, think about it.”

“Safety first!?, oooh! the sign was ripped, I didn’t know,” says BP.

Their new habitat.

Volunteers from around the globe working long hours to save the birds.

The remedy: Dawn dish soap.

I was amazed at how large the birds are!

For the birds who actually make it, they are put in a temporary holding pool outside of the compound until they can be shipped out to Texas.

Oil: Days of old?

Dats right!

Though I am not with the media, I did in fact get some press from my trip to South’s Louisiana’s southernmost coast.  Denver’s CBS 4 did a live interview with me in early July about my experience and featured some of the images I captured on their 6 o’clock news report.  Click on the image below to view the 2 minute interview.

Though I am very glad the oil spill has now been capped, South Louisiana’s environmental troubles are far from over.  Of the pelicans who actually survive, there are an estimated 250 birds cleaned and released every 8 days, many now have their home in Texas.  What does the say about Louisiana’s state bird? Hmmmm… And what does the future hold for Louisiana’s extremely fragile and damaged Gulf coast? Well that question is one that will take many, many years to find the answer to.

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I have found a gem located in the heart of Denver; The Botanic Gardens. I moved to the Cheeseman Park area about 9 months ago and the Gardens just happen to be in my front yard.  With the close proximity I decided to get a membership, expecting to go every now and then.  Hmmm every now and then turned out to be, every other day; I’m utterly in love with the place!  I have suppers there as often as I can with friends, clients, and definitely by myself.  It feels to me like a large sanctuary; fresh aromas everywhere, thousands of varieties of plants to be utterly “wowed” by, and not to mention the Henry Moore exhibit that is housed in the Gardens this year.  Having a membership has definitely made my summer and has possibly changed my life… (memberships start at $45 for unlimited entry for 1 person) plus it’s where I saw a LIVE fairy flying around.  I am seriously not kidding– I saw it in the rose garden in August of 2007.

Yes, it is indeed a magical place…

Last Tuesday I got together with a few of my girlfriends at the Gardens to celebrate our Dear friend Rachael Brink’s engagement.  It was such a lovely setting as we sat under trees filled with twinkling white lights and ate yummy treats.  Take a peek at how cool the Gardens are– a piece of paradise in Downtonwn.  I hope you’ll get out and visit it at least one; you’ll be very glad you did!

Above photo by the Awesome Stacey Banks.

Congratulations Again Rachael!

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I am constantly amazed at the sheer beauty of a woman’s form.  From my perspective, the best way to capture that elegance is to let natural light fall as it will across her curves, her face, her hair;

Boudoir never needs to be overdone because a woman’s beauty always radiates through.

Last month I had the chance to do a Boudoir sesh with Theresa at the Roosevelt Hotel, an incredibly classy hotel that is part of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel Collection, based in New Orleans’ French Quarter.   There was vivid, warm light in the late afternoon at the hotel, so the sheers in the room really created beautiful ambient light that was the perfect accessory to bring out Theresa’s elegant natural beauty.   I believe we captured some exceptionally stunning shots, with a heavy French feel.  Take a look at a few of my favorite shots from the sesh below; I’d love to know your thoughts.

Theresa, you are an exceptionally beautiful woman on the inside and out.  Thank you for trusting me with your beauty; I believe we created photos that really capture the timeless and stunning beauty that you possess in such abundance.

Blessings to you,

j~

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Pomegranate Place is a non-profit housed in a 3-story Victorian located in Capitol Hill.  Pom Place was created to provide a space for women to come as they are + to connect and create with other women who are doing the same.  In late Spring I met with Vaun Swanson, the Founder and Executive Director of Pomegranate Place, to brain storm about ways to create awareness about the Org and how to raise funds.  A bit after we were talking it hit me– a fashion show/brunch!  With my connections in photography and modeling, I offered to recruit designers and models for the first fundraiser for Pom Place.  My tea with Vaun was lovely as I was overflowing with ideas about how our fashion show could be about expanding our perceptions about beauty and creating a space where women can talk openly about their definitions of beauty.  Since a label can never adequately define a woman, we voted to name the event, “Beyond Labels”.

I invited professional model and friend Veronica Stapleton to co-coordinate the fashion show with me while graphic designers Astrid Koch of Astrid Designs and Janae Aasen of White Couch, came up with the branding and design of the brunch and show.  Professional chef, Leah Thompson, stepped up to oversee all the food preparation and service, and Meredith Bishop, an Accenture Executive, coordinated all the volunteers.  There were 4 Designers featured at the Beyond Labels Fashion Show:  Designer Lauri Moore featuring her hand made skirts and vests shown on models Michanda, Colby, & Tina, Designer Jessica Deugan featuring Pom Chic clothing and accessories from area Thrift stores on models Meredith, ZZ, & Melissa,  Designer Carol Mier featuring her unique line of clothing on models Melissa, Aja, & Linda, and Designer, Artist & Writer Jennifer Levine featured her poetry through body paint paired with exotic hairstyles by Linda on models Lori, Veronica, & Rachael.  In all, over 50 women contributed to the event, raising over $4000.

It was such a delightful Saturday morning.  Amazing food, lovely music + a live auction in the warm ambiance and open environment of Pom Place made this event a smash hit.  Check out a few of the images from the show provided by photographers Lynn Townsend of Illumine Photography and Amy Wright of Amy K. Wright Photography + an image or two provided by Designer, Artist and Writer Jennifer Levine.

Model and Artist Colby Creed doing her hair and make-up before the show.

Pomegranate Place is located at 750 Clarkson St. in Denver.

Professional Models Lori Auguste Sullivan (above) and Rachael Brink (below) got up early on that Saturday morning to have their faces and bodies covered in paint by Artist and Designer Jennifer Levine!

The Little Girl below opened the Show by throwing out pieces of paper from her flower basket as she walked through each floor of the 3 Story Victorian. Each piece of paper contained inspiring & beautiful adjectives that created a path that was our runway for the show.

Left to Right: Graphic Designers and Co-Coordinators for the Beyond Labels Brunch Janae Aasen and Astrid Koch.

Instead of a traditional fashion show, we decided to have an Informal Fashion show where models followed the intention path through the many rooms of the 3 story Victorian.   Each room was hosted by a group.  At the end of the show, the women in the rooms were able to talk openly with the models and designers about their perceptions of beauty.  Conversations were inspiring and emotional.

Professional Model and Co-Coordinator of the first Beyond Labels Fashion Show, Ms. Veronica Stapleton.  Veronica plans to save the world through modeling.

Left to Right:  Model Michanda Lindsay, Professional Model Tina Ryan, Designer Laurie Moore, and Model and Artist Colby Creed.

From Left to Right:  Actress ZZ Moor, Designer Jessica Deugan, Professional Model Meredith Karre, and Actress Melissa Scher.

From Left to Right:  Designer Carol Mier, Model Melissa Fox, Model and Stylist Linda, Model for Carol Mier, and Professional Model Aja Duniven.

And the Finale!  From Left to Right:  Stylist Linda, Professional Model and Co-Coordinator of the show Veronica Stapleton, Professional Model Lori Auguste Sullivan, Founder and Executive Driector of Pomegranate Place Vaun Swanson, Professional Model Rachael Brink and Designer, Artist, and Writer Jennifer Levine.

Pomegranate Place is a wonderful place to relax, get connected and to create.  You can sign up for their newsletter featuring inspiring messages and women by clicking here.

Many thanks to all the woman who contributed their time and talent to the Event.  It was a great success!

We hope to see you next year!

oxo

j~

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Last month I visited Utah with Scott, my main squeeze, and on our way out of town we were able to stop by his Grandparents house to visit and to have supper with them.  Scott and his Grandpa decided to go out to pick up supper, but before they left they stopped in the piano room and played music together for a brief time.  Lots of diffused natural light filled the room in a way that made the space look like it was already a memory as they simply enjoyed their shared love of music and each other.  It was a sacred moment that I was lucky to be a part of,  so I quickly (and somewhat discreetly) ran to the car to grab my camera to capture as much of their time as I could, without disturbing it.

I am amazed by what the camera does.  Life passes by so very quickly and outside of our memories, photography is the only medium that captures the sanctity of a moment in a way that the reflects the true beauty of what is actually occurring.  I am amazed by what my profession does and I am so very honored to share my experience with you through the lens of my camera.

Here are a few of their moments together.

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In my journey to express the fullness of who I am and what I have to offer to the world, I’ve run across some pretty phenomenal people whose wisdom, creativity, and skills have inspired me.   My list is by no means comprehensive, yet I do want to share with you a collection of people, orgs, and blogs that share beautiful stories, helpful tips, humor, and inspiration.  Hopefully who they are and what they have to offer will help fill you and move you as well.

• Artist, Designer, Stylist, Humanitarian, and PT Comedian Jessica Deugan.
• World Traveler, International Photographer, Teacher, and Mentor, Sergio Ballivian.
• Seth’s Blog: a Daily dose of inspiring words to get you motivated with slight sarcasm.
• A vibrant new kind of Women’s center housed in an historic mansion in the heart of Denver. Their mission is to provide opportunities for women to discover and live out the purposes for which they were created, Pomegranate Place.
• Fun, Daily Reminders about the abundance of things to be thankful for, Thank You Blog
• Bits and pieces of this and that blended with Paige’s unique creativity, Paige Nykole’s Blog
• The Philosophical Underpinnings of Marketing, Selina Maitreya.
• 19 year old Internationally Famous and highly acclaimed Professional Photographer, Joey Lawrence.
• Blind Photographers of Israel: (the name says it all.)
• Activist, Humanitarian, Actor, Photographer, and delightful human being: Gili Getz
• A native of Gulu Uganda, this beautiful woman is living an empowered life despite horrific odd and tragedy due to Microfinance, meet Grace.
• A beautiful soul who has endured horrific loss because of the LRA and has chosen to love and give still, meet Betty.
• “The True Living Project”: A visual and emotional unfolding through the textural interchange of photography, sound, collage, film and found objects, Sabrina Ward Harrison.
• Model/ Lawyer/ International Women & Children’s Activist,  Meredith Karre.
• Model/Life Coach/Strategic Marketer, Corinne Hancock Domahidy.
• Founders of International Non-profits, Seeds of Exchange and Namaste India Children’s Fund, committed to empowering and connecting people through art and other means to create positive social change, Sarah Davison Tracey & Delta Donahue.
• Photography Consultant Leslie Burns is committed to empowering photographers to be good business owners, Burns Auto Parts Super Premium Blog.
• Chicago Based organization that promotes peace through education, The Raven Foundation.
• Life coach, connector, and humanitarian. Vicki helps you identify areas of your life that keep you from living out your fullest potential, Vicki Kinney Petersen.
• Web Designer ExtraOrdinaire, Founder and Co-Owner of Cry Baby Design.  Knowledgeable, fast, and excellent, Scott Hutchings.
• San Diego based Org that uses film, creativity, and social action to end the use of child soldiers in Joseph Kony’s rebel war and restore Northern Uganda to peace and prosperity.  They created awareness with Congress and now the US Government is after Joseph Kony!!!, Invisible Children.
• Entrepreneur, Marketer, and Connector committed to empowering Men to live full, authentic lives, Brett Zachman.
• Community focused business owner that has created a space in her home where people can come together to connect while enjoying wine, music, coffee, and more, Shawn Manzanaras.
• An International Non Profit Organization committed to sharing the abundant life of Jesus through authentic relationships and adventure — no strings attached, Young Life.
• $9/mo and you can stream your choice of 2000 movies onto your computer.  Just type in a genre and get ready to be Surprised, Netflix.
• The first conscientous objector to win the Medal of Honor.  Phenomenal story about the abundant power of faith and humility!, Desmond Doss. (And be sure to check out the Documentary about his life on Netflix– it will change your life!)
• A 2500 year old personlity test that claims that every human being in the world fits into one of 9 personailty types, The Enneagram. Stunningly accurate!
• Each  awarded a $100K/3year scholarship, they work extremly long hours to express beauty and truth through movement, song, dance, and acting.  Incredible Talent, Students at The National Theatre Conservatory.
• An excellent resource to grow your photography business and to provide high quality prints sent directly to your clients, Pictage.
• Simple cleaning products with beautiful aromas that make any space cozy and invigorated, Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day.
• Accountant that is committed to being a resource for small business owners, Greg Ellis of Ellis Bottom Line Bookkeeping.
• Global Issues through the eyes of Women, World Pulse.
• CKarma MarketingBlog: Marketing that grows good business and Non-profits written by International Humanitarian and Marketer Cindy Kerr.
• 95 year old photographer, pianist, and lover/supporter of the arts, Anne Levine.
• Actress and Therapist that is committed to healing wounded souls through love and creativity, Dee Dee Woodman.
• Free reports for photographers on a variety of topics surrounding web, images, business ownership/growth, and more, PhotoShelter.
• A sanctuary located in the heart of Downtown Denver, The Denver Botanic Gardens.

Shine on,

j~

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The 10th Annual Mutts and Models is Denver’s original & premiere canine and celebrity fashion show.  On May 15th guests delighted in watching a unique fashion show featuring local philanthropists and local celebrities modeling with their dogs. All proceeds benefit Harrison Memorial Animal Hospital, Colorado’s largest not- for -profit veterinary hospital.  Attendees had the opportunity to bid  in the live and silent auctions and were able raise money for the animals in need of veterinary care at Harrison Memorial Animal Hospital.

Check out a few of my favorite images, especially the finale… Dorothy and the Cowardly Lion.

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At the end of April I experienced a joyful treat; I was able to watch the 1st year graduate students at the National Theatre Conservatory perform a movement project that featured the low flying trapeze.  Utterly A-mazing…

!

The NTC teaches the Skinner Releasing technique, a technique that teaches students how to release energy and feel space in movement.  A great medium to translate this technique is through trapeze.  For two hours I was emotionally moved by the beautiful movements set in various vignettes.  From laughter to tears, I sat in amazement as I experienced the universal language of movement.  Here are a few of my favorite moments.

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Recently I’ve been shooting Interiors to a.) expand my skill set to include images of/for the stylish Interior Design world and b.) I’ve been shooting to build a portfolio for a stock imagery company out of Boulder that focuses on Interiors, HotShoo Design Imagery.  I came across Pomegranate Place through my dear friend and comrade Jess Deugan.   Pom Place was created to give a space for women to come and share their creativity, to enjoy, and to just be; an oasis if you will.  Pomegranate Place flows from the core values of compassion, justice, freedom and transcendence.  They believe that women who embrace these core values and put them into practice will live happier, more meaningful lives, and ultimately discover and live out the purposes for which they were created.  I am so delighted to be connected with such an amazingly beautiful and confident group!  The space they’ve created is quite stunning.  It’s an old 3 story Victorian home located in Capital Hill at 750 Clarkson Street in Denver.   There are so many lovely knooks and crannys in the space, as well as gorgeous tall ceilings and windows that fill the space with much light and incredible warmth.  Feel free to stop by any time for tea and to tour the space.  They also have regular gathering for artists groups, writers, and more.   You can contact them directly to learn more at: info@pomegranateplace.org

For now, here are a few shots from one morning earlier this March.

Welcome to the main entrance of Pom Place, inside you’ll find cozy couches, interesting detail on the architecture as well as lots of windows with beautiful natural light.

A great place to connect, create, and develop your talents.

This area is the stairway to the artist area on the 3rd floor of the home.   It’s filled with vivid colors and lots of natural light, along with quotes from “Alice in Wonderland” on the walls.  Very delightful.

This is my favorite spot in the house.  Its such a cozy knook with lots of room to dream big.

This summer I’ll be co-coordinating a Fashion Show at Pom Place where local designers, artists, chefs and more share their creations.  In late summer I will co-host a workshop on creativity and authenticity with friend and artist Jess Deugan.   Stay tuned to Pom Place’s website and the events section of my blog for more details.

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I’ve had the privilege over the past year and a half of getting to know this spectacular group of talented actors, singers, writers, and musicians.  This April they will finish their graduate degree and make their way back into the world to launch their careers.  To help launch their send off,  they invited me to capture a few group shots.   Take a look at this handsome crew of 10, and enjoy.

The latest cast of 21 Jump Street.

My best to all of you! It’s been a pleasure getting to know y’all.

ox.

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