Day Dreaming - Roma

While trying to escape the frigid days of January, my mind begins to drift off to a........well.......warmer place.

Aw, yes, summer - you remember!?
Warming sun, balmy breezes, lazy afternoons.

These memories now take me back to strolling down cobble stone alleyways that make up the back streets of Rome.

What better place to close your eyes and savory the fantasy that is - last summer.

Outdoor Cafes.

Ivy laden architecture.

Yes, I believe I can stay here awhile.

Maybe sipping an iced cappuccino or ordering a decadent gelato.

Either way.
I’m taking this icy winter’s day off, and spending it in Roma.

Ciao Bella!

Portfolio Building

A collection of photographs to build a model’s portfolio should include appeal, diversity, basic posing and visual impact using the still image.

Having a beautiful subject to work with is always a plus!

I find that it is my job, as a photographer to create a fun, comfortable environment for the model as well as a mood that may be used to sell a product to a potential viewer.

Playful.

Sporty.

Youthful Beauty.




I like to establish an idea or concept and use this to achieve several ‘looks’ in one session. Each challenge may emphasize a different aspect or feature.

Maybe it’s porcelain skin.

Or a warm smile.

I enjoyed this session very much. I could even see the confidence and self esteem build throughout.

I often use photos from magazines and compile a collection of head and body shots to help visualize the goals of the shoot. It helps illustrate to the model looks we are trying to achieve.

A model’s portfolio should highlight unique assets. This includes a range of facial expressions and moods. We covered all the necessary needs for creating a Strong, Professional, Eye-catching, and quite Amazing Book!

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Just Smile

"Angels can fly because they take themselves lightly;

Devils fall because of their gravity."

We are at the center of the drama that is our life and, like actors hamming it up, we sometimes play our role with excessive amounts of emotion, self-importance, and shouting.

We'd be a lot more effective ( and a lot more fun to be around ) if we thought of our lives as a comedy.  A comedy with a moral, perhaps, and filled with gentle laughter rather than howls.   A comedy that recognises that there's more to the world than what we do or think. 

 The Daily Book of Positive Quotations

"People" Exhibit

Next week the Arts and Heritage Council of New Jersey will be presenting the art exhibit titled

"People"

January 16th - February 13th 2010

Members of the art council will be displaying their depiction of this theme through painting, watercolor, ink, sculpture, and of course photography. 

Come see my piece titled

"Judy"

The gallery is located at 133 Spring Street in historic downtown Newton, NJ

http://www.scahc.org/

Good Morning!

I see very few Sunrises. 

(My body clock does not respond well to this time of the day.)

I prefer to slowly wake up to meet each morning.

But how could I resist the beauty of a sunrise from the ocean!

 Yes, I was thankful to be present.

“With each sunrise, we start anew”

Healing Crystals

With the New Year underway, we feel a rebirth during this time – a new beginning – a clean slate.

One way to begin a cleanse is to become familiar with the ancient yet intriguing use of crystals in our lives for health healing and happiness.

Crystals attract each and every one of us, whether it’s identifying our “lucky” birthstone, their use ground up in many substances, or their use as spiritual benefits.

It’s hard not to resist their natural beauty and to learn about the qualities each one holds.

Amethyst (with its stunning purple color.)

The crystal mostly forms in geodes, in rock cavities left by volcanic gas bubbles.

Spiritually, amethyst is calming and helps to maintain equilibrium in all situations.

Brazilian Agate can be found in its natural form or dyed to bring out the details of the geode it is found in. This mineral can be used to facilitate immense strength, and to assist one in diversification in fields of endeavor.

Tiger’s Eye is also a member of the quartz family.

As light reflects off the fibers in the stone, the silky stripes of brown and gold seem to move and change. It is used as a protective and powerful amulet.

Clear Quartz is the most common crystal and easy to identify by their distorted hexagonal cross-section, long prisms and six-faced termination.

It is used to cleanse and shift energy as well as bring clarity of thought and sharpness of perception.

Also, ideal for meditation and contemplation.

The cleansing and recharging of crystals is an important part of their care. Crystals function by absorbing energy from its surroundings into its internal structure, where imbalances are corrected.

If it is not cleansed, the crystal becomes overloaded and reduces its effectiveness.

One method used for cleanse is water and sunlight.

This week also provided an ideal atmosphere for crystal cleansing.

On New Year’s Eve, my crystals were cleansed by a brilliant snow fall, followed by spending the entire evening with the Blue Moon (a second full moon in the same month period).

Plus, did I mention the significance of ending one year and beginning anew!

I’m very excited about my crystal collection. I vow to program my crystals with wonderful intentions and keep them cleansed and balanced.

It’s a refreshing way to start the New Year not only for my crystals but for my life’s path as well.

Happy New Year!