“In our part of the country, spring passes quickly. If you haven't been out for five days, you find the trees in bud. If you don't see the trees for another five days, you discover that they've put out leaves. In another five days, they're so green you wouldn't recognize them. It makes you wonder: Can these be the same trees I saw a few days before? And you answer yourself: Of course they are. That's how fast spring goes by. You can almost see it. From far away it comes racing toward you. And when it reaches you it whispers in your ear, 'I'm here,' and then runs swiftly on."

- Xiao Hong

This is the time of year where we photogs take a moment to think.

To take a break and figure out this year's goals.

This year I want more art in my life. 

I want to learn how to love the people in front of my lens better. kinder. authentic.

I want people to know how beautifully they are made and that they can make beauty with the very life, love, passion, desires they have inside.

So here's to a year, of pursuing art and pursuing people. 

Rebirth

I wrote this a couple of weeks ago, but just got back the film. So I'm reposting it again here along with the photos... 

"About two months ago, my parent's business burned down. Everything in it scorched and turned to ash. I watched as my parents turned a painful situation into one of hope and a spirit of thankfulness. This weekend I saw their new shop and how much they (along with friends and family) have rebuilt from the ashes. Never has a kid been more proud of her parents. Mom and dad, you're pretty cool."

Film is in line with humanity. Maybe because it's not photoshopped... everyone's natural beauty is on display. Or maybe because it's hard to experience the moment with digital. With film you learn to sit back, breathe, and somehow take the moments in deeper. Either way it makes my heart happy to have my family on film.

Christmas at my parent's home shot with Kodak Portra 400 // Contax 645

Isn't my mother gorgeous? I hope I look this good without makeup when I'm her age.