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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Last Fall I had the great privilege of flying to Northern Uganda to spend 9 days with the Women and Children of Women’s Global Empowerment Fund’s microfinance program. It was literally the most inspiring and empowering trip of my life (to date.)  On the day of my arrival in Gulu in late September, I went to the main school yard in the village and photographed over 300 women in the program performing songs, dances, and monologues about the importance of education, community and more.  The days following this event I spent conducting one on one interviews with 3 women in the program and visiting the local markets and community centers to experience life in post-conflict Gulu.  I was and still am so thoroughly in awe of the passion and beauty of these people.  Though they’ve experienced great sadness and loss due to the horrific atrocities performed by the Lord’s Resistance Army in the region, I left my travels inspired and empowered.

In April of this year, I shared my experience in Gulu through my Exhibit at the University of Denver’s Women’s College titled, “ExtraOrdinary Beauty”.  I partnered with Artist Jessica Deugan to create mixed medium pieces to display the photographs from my trip.  The Exhibit was to give visitors a unique sensory experience that allowed them to experience the beauty, power and humility of the Northern Ugandan.   My photos were fixed to worn teal colored wood that shared a bit of my journaling from my travels.  Jessica and I also created a path of light,  lit by candles in glass votives, to light the way as guests learned the stories of the women and children of the region.   The Event had wonderful press in the Denver Post as well as a live interview on the local talk show, “Colorado & Company“, + there was a wonderful turn out at the opening of the Exhibit with over a 100 people in attendance.   Check out my interview on “Colorado and Company” below, + I’ve included a few of the stories and photos that appeared in the Exhibit.  Also check out photos by Nathan Jenkins of the creation of the Exhibit; thank you again Nathan!

Enjoy!

Click on the image below to view my Interview on Colorado & Co.

Click here to view the embedded video.

A taste of the imagery and message of the Exhibit.

The Creation of the Exhibit. Photos by Nathan Jenkins.

In closing,

here are a few words about my work from Founder and Executive Director of Women’s Global Empowerment Fund, Karen Sugar.

Many thanks to Artist Jessica Deugan,  Donna Crafton of PrimaDonna PR, The Chambers Center at the University of Denver, Women’s Global Empowerment Fund, Nathan Jenkins, and for all the loyal fans and supporters of my work and vision.  I am so very blessed by you each!

Much love and Many thanks, j~

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On April 24th, Chris and Christy got hitched in Centennial Colorado where wonderful family and friend surrounded this couple who delight in each other so very much.  It is quite a sight to see two people so very much in love!   The love they share is so warm and apparent, and not to mention Christy’s wonderful smile can light up any room, especially the room where they held their ceremony… Christy began cracking up with laughter because she was so excited to marry Chris!

They are absolutely made for each other.

Chris and Christy, thank you so much for inviting me to share in your wedding day.  You two are so genuine and loving and I hope that you love your photos for many years to come!

All the best,

j~

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This past week I finally was able to meet Sadie Stein, niece to the one and only M. Scott McLean.  I was warned that she was “perfect” in every way, yet truth be told I wasn’t a believer until I met this heavenly child.  Sadie is a blend of a cabbage patch doll and an angel, and is certainly one of the most beautiful children I’ve met.  With a super sweet disposition, she just wants to be cuddled; she’s cake.

Meet the darling Sadie Stein at bath time in Heber City on Memorial Day.  A sheer delight is she.

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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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On May 2, 2010 I had the great privilege of being invited to “stalk” couple Lincoln and Lindsey during their proposal in the Botanic Gardens.  I arrived in my unseen position just as Lincoln got down on bended knee to ask Lindsey to spend life together.  Joy flooded over me as I watched and felt so very honored to share in their sacred moment.  For the next half hour I got to play P.I. as I hid in bushes and trees and climbed fences that overlooked the open space where they were– all unknown to Lindsey.  There were a few times that I thought she spotted me, but I was clever enough to pretend that I was just there photographing the birds.   I couldn’t hear much of what they were saying, but one time I did hear Lindsey say, “it’s so big.”

Well done Linc.

Take a look at a few of my favorite moments.

Lincoln and Lindsey, it was my pleasure to share in your moment.  You both are so full of sincerity and love; many blessings on y’all’s journey together!

oxo

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Genesis  and John are two exceptionally talented actors in their 2nd year at the National Theater Conservatory in Denver.  I’ve had the chance to watch them work both  individually and together on multiple occasions and each time I leave feeling utterly delighted.  In fact, have a taste of their work by checking out their latest video, “A wuzah wuzah wuzah, swish swish swish…”

As individuals, John and Genesis are magnetic.  Together, they just work.  In our photo sesh I wanted to capture shots that were reflective of their individual inner magic and through the use of lines and symmetry, capture a bit of their synergy together.   Downtown Denver in early Spring provided the right setting to do so.  Denver’s railway station, side alleys, + the rooftop of a car garage were the perfect platforms for John and Genesis to do their thing together (that they do oh so well.)  Take a look for yourself of a few shots from our Ocean’s Elevenesque sesh.

Thanks y’all for another utterly delightful performance.  All the best to you both! j~

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I’m a fan of Mr. Kirk Ludwick.  A lawyer by profession, he has a musician’s soul and a zest for living life well.  (Mr. Ludwick is by no means a typical man of his profession.)  I met Kirk through a mutual friend, Shad Goetsch, close to two years ago now.  Kirk helped me to establish my business as a corporation + drew up some solid basic contracts to help me get started with my work.  Aside from his help with the more practical sides of my business, he’s been a friend who has shared good advice and has kept an open heart with me through the ups and downs of starting a business.

Many many thanks to you Sir for your investment in me and my work… for being a fan.

Big blessings of abundance to you and yours!

j~

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On March 6th, Christine and Rob Curtis had their wedding reception in Genessee.  Why just their reception you might ask? Well that’s because they had their ceremony in Hawaii in late January…. lucky.   Actually, I think the lucky one was me because they invited me to capture their reception and hang out with their hella cool friends and fam.  The first hour of the reception I was able to sneak away with Christine to capture some beautiful shots of her in unexpectedly beautiful spots at the country club.   Christine looked stunning against the earth tone vines and stones that made her eyes literally glow.  (Great job again Anna for doing excellent eye make-up!)  Then it was par-tay time.  It was hard not to want to gently sit my camera down and break it down the crew.  I’m a professional (most of the time), so I refrained.   I was a good girl that night, but hopefully soon we can all go dancing to make up for lost time.

Christine and Rob, thank you again for inviting me to share in your reception.  You, your family, and friends are lovely.  Many blessings to you both! oxox ~j~

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