CreateContrastPhotography

finally, sunshine.

2012-01-22T01:01:00.000-08:00

I missed you!

In the imaginary land of "Saltwater"...

2012-01-18T21:18:00.000-08:00

For a text generation exercise in Letterpress class today, I got to make up an imaginary land called "Saltwater," envision what customs they would have and set it in movable type for printing.

There would be dancing in the rain and kissing in trees. People would travel by teleportation or hot air balloon. There would be lots of fields full of perfect weeds for laying in to watch clouds or stars. Every 12th of the month, everyone would tell someone they cared about exactly how they felt.

LoveLetterPress

2012-01-10T22:03:00.000-08:00

I'm back at school, starting out winter term! So far they've been pretty good classes; I can tell they'll all be a ton of work, but no definite unreasonable demands! Right now I am SUPER EXCITED about my Letterpress class!! I don't think I've been in a room with 18 other typography geeks before! There are 3 draft presses and 3 Vandercook presses and cabinets and cabinets full of type! Everything is organized by typeface and point size and in these ridiculously heavy cases! It was wonderful overload! We have free reign in the studio outside class time, so thats pretty exciting to me! This will be a good term..

Passarelli Family

2011-11-21T21:47:00.000-08:00

The rest of their adorable family shoot is here!!

Seattle in Instant Film

2011-11-18T00:10:00.000-08:00

You may not believe me, but we are in fact standing in front of the original Starbucks at Pike's Place Market! It was such a fun weekend! I know all you hipsters will vehemently disagree but Seattle felt a lot like Portland. Wonderful; a lot like Portland!

Boys Roommate Pictures

2011-11-09T21:30:00.000-08:00

Yes, I'm finally starting to work through roommate pictures for these pretty boys..

Wonderful Fall

2011-11-03T19:39:00.000-07:00

This is turning out to be a wonderful season...

Playground

2011-10-20T10:52:00.000-07:00

These images were from this summer. A good friend babysits these adorably inquisitive kids that I had fun hanging out with on various occasions!

While I do miss the sunshine, I do love Fall...

wedding!!

2011-09-05T00:48:00.000-07:00

Photographed my first wedding on saturday! Slowly working through the 1,247 pictures.... :)

kids

2011-09-01T23:40:00.000-07:00

I love photographing kids! I enjoy their fascination with everything, the way they see the world and interact with it. They have just this raw joy and enthusiasm! They just don't have an agenda! They're not trying to get a new facebook profile picture or prove anything. They're just being themselves. OH and imagination? To them, sand is magical, a play structure is a castle and Chuck-E Cheese is as awesome as Disneyland!

fair (continued)

2011-08-26T12:44:00.000-07:00

county fair

2011-08-22T11:33:00.000-07:00

And now I can say I've been to an 'American' fair.
It is just like in the movies. Just a little less sanitary...

"will you...

2011-08-15T17:45:00.000-07:00

...marry me?"

And now my dear friends are engaged...

cucuco necklace!

2011-08-11T13:41:00.000-07:00

Look! Its me pretending to to be a model for cucuco's new line! Man, I had such a hard time with the self-timer, focusing, using a bookshelf and chairs as a tripod and sweating buckets in the furnace that is the Onyx House. While I understand how taking photos of yourself is definitely a good way to practice, especially when the light is gorgeous and there's no one else around to take photos of, I don't think I'll ever be that great at taking pictures of myself. Its way too embarrassing! But you should go check out Rachel's blog and all the more talented blogger/models!

Well, its almost wedding weekend!! I love weddings! I know, you all think that we girls are just obsessed with weddings. Weddings, of course celebrate love, but to me are also a little glimpse into what heaven and all eternity will be like. I really believe its going to be a big party where we'll get to hang out with all the people we love and haven't seen for awhile. A huge reunion and a grand ol' celebration of God's love! I, for one, cannot wait! So, till then, I'm going to enjoy weddings here and hang on to the hope we have for everything to come!

oh sunshine

2011-08-09T23:43:00.000-07:00

I was starting to think that we weren't really going to get sunshine or summer. But Oregon sunshine is hard to come by, thus, should be thoroughly enjoyed!

Meet Joey!

2011-08-02T20:30:00.000-07:00

odosketch

2011-07-30T13:59:00.000-07:00

I have been having way too much fun with this site!

Joanna King

2011-07-29T17:00:00.000-07:00

I got to take photos for my very talented and beautiful friend Joanna King. She's releasing her CD soon, so I'll put more info about that up soon.. Meanwhile, here are some of the good shots!

summersummersummer

2011-07-28T13:47:00.000-07:00

I've been so bad about updating this blog! Many apologies. I've been taking a much needed break from photos lately so not much to talk about. Though, I'm working on photos for church publications for my internship, so here's a sneak peak and one of the options..

Summer wildflowers here are absolutely gorgeous in the sunset.

Another thing I worked in this summer were posters for High School Camp's New York Night! These were "Time Square Ads" with pictures of the counselors instead. This was a ton of work but SO much fun to watch my friends realize that they were the ones in the posters..

go exploring!

2011-06-26T19:23:00.000-07:00

Its summer! I'm helping out with kids camp and starting my internship as the communications person at my church on tuesday, so I haven't really figured out how this summer is going to shape up, but I'm excited! This summer, don't be afraid to go exploring! Do something that scares you everyday? Yada yada inspiring stuff! OK GO!

oh jason mraz,

2011-06-19T14:45:00.000-07:00

Orchestrating a Masterpiece

2011-06-10T18:50:00.000-07:00

Check out My Multimedia Project for my Photojournalism class! This photo story was so awesome to cover! Just getting to capture and tell the passion in this story was amazing!

in His hands...

2011-05-26T16:01:00.000-07:00

Days like today I'm just reminded of how much God has my life, my everything, in his hands...

Skinny Love by Bon Iver

2011-05-23T11:17:00.000-07:00

This term has been incredibly busy and I've been so bad about posting here! I have actually been taking a lot of pictures for my photojournalism class but I haven't really got down to formatting and uploading them here. Right now I'm working a final multimedia photo story so watch out for that!! I also have a bunch more papers and projects to finish. I can't wait for summer and all the adventures we'll have! Hang in there friends! Just last the year..

fake hippie

2011-04-24T20:31:00.000-07:00

This is how funny my friends are: Before sending her mom the real senior pictures we took, she sent her the fake 'hippie' pictures we also took. Her mom actually took it pretty well.

Yay for supportive moms!

new layout

2011-04-20T14:53:00.000-07:00

It was about time for some change, you know?

beautiful friends!

2011-04-12T20:46:00.000-07:00

Editing pictures for photography class and I can't believe how beautiful these people are! And how thankful I am for friends who don't mind being models for my photography!

off-camera flash

2011-04-11T14:59:00.000-07:00

Working on a Flash assignment for Photojournalism class! More photos to come!

practicing with the tilt-shift

2011-04-04T14:59:00.000-07:00

It's SPRING! Last friday we got a little more sunshine! And I've been getting better with the tilt-shift!

2011-04-02T11:32:00.000-07:00

2011-04-01T00:13:00.000-07:00

SecretSanta

2011-03-30T14:19:00.000-07:00

This is WAY overdue, but I found these photos I took in Fall for a Secret Santa gift that was F.R.I.E.N.D.S. themed! Most of these are those that didn't make it to the final gift, but these hilarious people need to be seen and appreciated..

spring break!

2011-03-27T18:34:00.000-07:00

Spring Break was SO great! I spent the week reading and relaxing with Lizzie and her family in Mazatlan, Mexico. I ate SO MUCH and just sat by the pool and read. I'm slowly working through pictures so I'll get them up soon hopefully, before all the craziness of spring terms starts.

Break was great to just get away for a bit and relax but I am also so happy to just be home and I get to see all of my other family here again. Though yesterday I had the realization, as I do before the start of every term, that I am back to do school and not just hang out with all my friends. But we can do it guys! Spring term! Whooo!

tilt-shift!

2011-03-15T17:00:00.000-07:00

My tilt-shift lens just came in the mail!! This is going to take some getting used to with the manual focus and all but I'm excited to be good at this! SPRING BREAK (soon)!

sun flare

2011-03-13T21:39:00.000-07:00

This week's I Heart Faces contest was "Sun Flare" and boy do I have sun flare! I love sunshine. Just looking at these pictures and staring outside at the pouring Oregon winter/spring rain makes me miss summer! I think that was one of the most fun things about summer: almost all my pictures had a lots of sunshine and flares and all sort of light. It got to a point where people would ask me why all my pictures had that washed out look of saturated sunshine.. But I love it. Its like capturing a little bit of magic in a picture.

almost there...

2011-03-06T20:18:00.000-08:00

While sorting through stuff and trying to work on final papers and projects, I found these pictures from FALL retreat that my college group went on last term! Forgot all about these! Well, back to work! Hope you're not dying in final preparations.

BE STRONG, spring break will soon be upon us!

how will he find me? - the weepies

2011-02-23T09:22:00.000-08:00

If I don't stand out like a star among the moons
If I am always late and he always backs away too soon
I walk the world with a skin so thin
I can wear no adequate protection
Everything comes crashing in.
If I'm too wide open for this place
But not enough for him to recognize my face

How will he find me?

system is down

2011-02-19T23:15:00.000-08:00

When tragedy strikes at the Onyx House, these talented guys use music as a creative outlet for their frustrations about the loss of hot water. Listen to their song "System is Down" at outerspacemusic.bandcamp.com/ or here!

water party

2011-02-16T16:06:00.000-08:00

A couple days ago, my friend Rachel turned 21! Instead of dedicating the night to alcohol, she threw a WATER PARTY, where people were encouraged to donate to charitywater.org for her birthday! What a great way to remember the less fortunate and help in ways we can.. I'm so amazed that we all helped meet her goal of $1000 to help 50 people have clean water!

Here are some pictures from the night! There were adorable cupcakes and all kinds of great desserts, lots and lots of water, and a photobooth!

Happy Birthday again Rachel! You're an inspiration!

lovelovelove

2011-02-14T01:19:00.000-08:00

There's so much love to be thankful for.

Music Profile

2011-02-09T16:23:00.000-08:00

This is the profile piece I just submitted for my journalism class about writing about the arts! Let me know what you think! :)

The usual overcast Oregon skies were on a hiatus and the sunshine was very much welcome in the middle of January. Two friends, Luke Larsen and Grahm Doughty, are goofing around in a back alley, discussing how to pose for photographs.

“I think its funny how bands always go out in the woods and take pictures,” Larsen says. “It just becomes so clichéd.”

“What would be a really not cliché band picture?” Doughty asks. “Next to a car? With the Dumpster!”

Three years ago, they were joking with another of their roommates in their basement music room. But they never thought they’d actually form a band with the comical concept they came up with.

“One of us, it could have been me, was like, ‘man, wouldn’t that be funny if there was a band that just wrote and sang songs about space?’” Doughty says.

Space Music’s two members are both seniors at the University Of Oregon; Larsen, 22, is a music major and Doughty, also 22, is a History and English double major.

“I do most of the music in the band,” Larsen says.

“And I do most of the history and English,” Doughty, who writes a majority of the lyrics, quips.

Both have been playing music from a young age. Larsen started taking piano lessons at age 5 and Doughty began playing drums in 6^th grade. Doughty, however, never thought he’d be singing lead vocals or playing guitar, two instruments he had significantly less confidence in compared to drums or keyboards.

Their musical style is often described as ‘synthpop’, as they use lots of synthesizers, electric drums, and sound and voice effects. Contrary to what their name suggests, their music doesn’t belong to the space music genre. According to Stephen Hill, in his essay Contemplative Music, Broadly Defined, space music is a genre of music within New Age and Ambient music that lacks conventional melodic, rhythmic, or vocal components. Instead the band is known for their up-tempo melodies and quirky lyrics.

While they’re both religious and are not afraid to bring that aspect of their lives into some their music, they’re not overtly Christian in their lyrics or message. Their songs include unexpected rhymes amid more serious heartfelt lyrics. For example, in Black Hole Dreams, the sensitive chorus, “I’m searching desperate galaxies for a beating heart to soar with me,” and the quirky rap bridge, “space matter, ladder to Saturn, climbin’ on the rungs and I get a bit sadder,” are interesting juxtapositions.

The Banker, released on January 18^th 2011, was the first EP in their new three-chapter series of albums to be digitally released on bandcamp.com in the coming months. This first EP has less to do with intergalactic travel; instead of being just the subject matter, space is now more of the setting of their songs.

While their original songs started at as a parody, they’re now trying to branch out to a genre that is more true to their identity as musicians. The three-chapter series of albums will feature more elements from progressive rock, like intricate instrumental patterns. For example, the first track on The Banker, Light Years Ago, is an instrumental retelling of the main melody lines from their first album.

They explain that each of their albums as a whole has some semblance of a plot, through which all the songs move. They are now trying to be more intentional with the narrative in each album compared to their first CD, Black Hole Dreams, which was put together differently.

“That one was more like taking a bunch of random things out of different articles and magazines and putting it into one storyline and trying to make it work together,” Larsen says.

Space Music has played a number of live shows, mainly at churches or benefit events. Larsen says his favorite gig was a concert in the Onyx House basement. Despite the complicated set-up, he says he enjoyed playing in the small and intimate setting.

However, because they use a large number of recording tracks to build each song, playing live is difficult with only two band members. So, in order to play their musically complex and multi-layered pieces at shows, they have to recruit other talented musician friends to play with them.

“It’s funny to me that our music is so complicated and full,” Doughty says. “I think most bands start with recording something really simple that they can actually play live, instead of something that is almost impossible to play live, especially in a band of two people.”

“We’re always trying to cover ourselves,” Larsen says. “Poor acoustic covers of ourselves.”

Doughty says he wants to continue playing music after graduation, though he’s not sure in what form or capacity.

“Music is like the thing I really want to do,” Doughty says. “But I also have my degrees, you know, if I need to get a real job.” He currently plays the drums for a few Christian artists based in Portland, such as Mike Honholz, Anna Gilbert and Rend the Heavens, and spends his weekends commuting to various concert venues with them.

Larsen also hopes to pursue a career with music, but he’s planning on possibly doing so through writing. He started a music blog, The Feedback Loop, in November last year where he now regularly posts insightful and well-written music reviews. His review of the TRON: Legacy Soundtrack was featured in Relevant, a Christian online magazine.

“I started that because I realized that I want to apply for a bunch of internship positions at newspapers and websites,” Larsen says. “So, I wanted to have a sort of résumé of writing samples and practice a lot.”

Regardless of their plans for the band in the future, they continue to set themselves apart with their absurdist humor, which overlays their genuinely well-written songs. In the midst of parody, something sincere in their songs unexpectedly reaches out to listeners.

Some bands take themselves so seriously that it’s hard to take them serious. Space Music, on the other hand, is almost poking fun at themselves, making them endearing and enjoyable artists to listen to. Their close friendship shows in both their music and in the way the two joke around, posing for photographs with an axe they find in the alley and a cell phone.

“I never know if you’re smiling in these!” Larsen says.

“Well, I wasn’t and then you looked at me,” Doughty says. “We’re trying to do serious shots. That’s the problem!”

Space Music!!

2011-02-01T23:53:00.000-08:00

I got to interview and photograph Space Music, Grahm Doughty and Luke Larsen, for my Writing for the Media class! These two guys are a pair for the intergalactic ages! Their witty banter was entertaining, which made interviewing and taking their pictures absolutely fun! Thanks guys!! Check out their music here! AND see the rest of our shoot here! But these are some of my favorites..

can't stand the rain

2011-01-29T11:18:00.000-08:00

I really really like The Rescues! They're this pop/rock group from California who are known for their 4-part harmonies. I'm not going to try and write a musical review, I'll leave that to the professionals. Right now I just can't get enough of this song..

engagement..

2011-01-22T22:52:00.000-08:00

Finished the engagement pictures and I love all of these so much! Picking my favorites was SO HARD! You can see pretty much the whole set here, but I couldn't not put all these up! enjoy! :)

preview

2011-01-13T21:22:00.000-08:00

I got to take engagement pictures for my friends Kevin and Jessica last week! They are so adorable! I'm getting through the editing slowly but surely. Here's a little preview, just so you all can ooh and ah at how cute they are too..

before and after

2011-01-12T17:16:00.000-08:00

Last night I cut my friend, Kevin's, hair! So of course I wanted to take some before and after pictures to look like an old photobooth! I'm getting better at using the flash to get it to behave the way I want it to. And still manage to retain my aesthetic! It was fun and I hope you like your hair, Kevin!!

rollerblading

2011-01-05T19:22:00.000-08:00

I took some photographs of my brother Josh while I was home over winter break! He's starting to get into rollerblading so we went to a basement car-park and took a bunch of pictures. This isn't my usual aesthetic probably because a) its underground i.e. no natural light b) I used flash. Also I had my Dad as a lovely assistant! It was fun and I'm going to get more comfortable and confident with flash!

childlike faith

2010-12-25T08:56:00.000-08:00

This is my cousin, Min Yi. She's four and I think she is beautiful... While I feel like I've just met her this break, because she was not even 2 years old the last time I saw her, I love her spunk and personality so much! She's already best friends with my dog and has a real flair for drawing! We've had dance parties in my living room and adventures with her stuff toys Spike and Lizard. But more than anything, I admire her joyful outlook on life..

The other day she asked my grandmother why she was so sad.
"My sister has gone to heaven," my grandma said.
"Heaven? With my jie jie Hui Yi? Don't worry! They're with Jesus!"

She just reminded me how much I need more childlike faith. Trusting God; it's so natural and simple for her! As a semi-grown up or a kid dealing with grown up problems, I know I sometimes loose sight of the kind of faith she has. Faith that sees the big picture, that life is about loving and trusting Christ...

"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them,

for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." -Mark 10: 14-15

where we left off

2010-12-17T21:19:00.000-08:00

It is so good to be home..

Hanging out with friends I have not seen in a year and a half as been interesting and so fun! With some, I just feel like nothing's changed! We can still goof around at the same places and just catch up about life and everything; basically pick up where we left off..

Google Images

2010-11-28T13:47:00.000-08:00

If you use the google image search and type "mumford and sons lyrics", this picture may or may not be on the first page of results... :)

Thanks

2010-11-26T01:28:00.000-08:00

Its Thanksgiving today (A great American Holiday)! And I have so much to be thankful for! Oh all the usual things, but still so important to me. I have been blessed with such a great family! And even though I'm far away from them, I know they're always there for me.. I am so so thankful for my friends! Friends who have become family too.. They make being far from home way more bearable! I'm so thankful for everything God has done for/with me. I know everything has its purpose and everything is shaping me! And I am thankful for exactly who I am and who I am becoming!
"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well" Psalms 139:14

Snow Days

2010-11-24T01:51:00.000-08:00

This is what happens when a) it snows in Eugene, Oregon b) you live with such beautiful photogenic people: I drag them out to take pictures! More pictures to come soon!

Por Que No?

2010-11-22T14:07:00.000-08:00

Last weekend, I went up to Portland with these lovely girls I live with to visit some of our amazing friends there. It was such a perfect weekend! We all needed this break for very different reasons and it was so so good! I actually carried my camera all over downtown and while we went shopping but didn't feel particularly inspired to take pictures. But we went to Por Que No? (translation: Why Not?) and just needed pictures.. If you are ever in Portland, go here for amazing mexican food and a really awesome ambience! :)

Just looking at these, I just want to be back there on this trip.. I cannot wait for this term to be over! As of right now(Nov 22nd 1:47pm), I have 17 days 18 hours 13 minutes more to go and that feels like too long!

Engagement!

2010-11-06T15:02:00.000-07:00

I got the privilege of taking my friends' engagement pictures the other day! They are beautiful and I am so happy for them! To me, this was like WOW you trust me with your ENGAGEMENT pictures?? Because well, I think this is a huge moment in their life and I am so blessed to have gotten to be a part of it. See the rest of them here!

though youths grow weary and tired

2010-11-04T18:14:00.000-07:00

Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.
-Isaiah 40:30-31

This past week/weekend has been really hard and pretty discouraging. Just way too much going on and not enough time or sleep and not doing anything creative for a long time.. So yesterday I pulled out my polaroid camera and I had three more shots! I had planned to put text on it about how I was feeling yesterday but that is not me. This is for the hope and promise that I will have new strength..

creative break

2010-11-01T16:17:00.000-07:00

BREAKTIME! ok, now back to work!
(animation from the photojojo store)

Maybe- Ingrid Michaelson

2010-10-30T15:07:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, I just need a break from this ton of school work to do something creative that has been bugging me! This is from Ingrid Michaelson's Maybe.. Sometimes, we just have to let go and that is the most freeing thing ever!

Also, trying out a another font. Thoughts?

Oh a Baby!

2010-10-22T16:53:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago, I got to take maternity pictures for my college pastors who are having a baby in December! This was my first real photo-shoot and I love that it was them because they are the cutest and oh so much fun to photograph! I am sure their baby boy is going to be the coolest!

Something in the Water

2010-10-20T18:34:00.000-07:00

I've been listening to Brooke Fraser's new cd Flags on repeat for a couple of days now.. This was from "Something in the Water"!
There's something in the water that makes me love you like I do

Free Speech Plaza

2010-10-12T17:25:00.000-07:00

Wow, I have been busy! The blog and photography has definitely taken a backseat since school has started and everything is getting insane.. I do really like everything I'm learning; its all really challenging me to be better! Which is always good! This past weekend I had a Journalism Reporting assignment to write a news story about the Wayne Morse Free Speech Plaza in downtown Eugene. Let me tell you, they are quite the bunch of characters. Oh, Eugene... So here are the two pictures I submitted with my story.

The drum circle at the Free Speech Plaza

Suzie Backes, a glass artist

Wow!

2010-09-27T10:03:00.000-07:00

I've been Featured!

And people liked it?

581 Likes and Reblogs???

His Love Perfected in Us

2010-09-26T16:54:00.000-07:00

"No one has seen God at any time; if we love one another, God abides in us,

and His love is perfected in us" - 1 John 4:12

Beach Trip

2010-09-25T02:04:00.000-07:00

So as a part of kick-off activities for the 2010-2011 year at the Onyx House, we went to Florence on the Oregon Coast and hung out for the day! It was awesome! Its amazing getting to hang out with friends who I haven't seen all summer and also getting to know all the new people who are all so cool too! I'm so so glad I get to live with all these hilarious and beautiful people..

Lovely

2010-09-24T10:47:00.000-07:00

I'm putting London pictures on hold again and working on pictures from this week of move-in activities! Just look at those gorgeous ladies! Ah, I'm so glad I get to live with all these amazing people this year..

London

2010-09-23T16:41:00.000-07:00

Tamara Drewe Premiere!

I ALMOST saw Dominic Cooper! haha but we didn't hang around long enough..

One night, the subway/tube workers all striked and we had to figure out the bus system in the pouring rain with lots of other lost people. Great adventures!

Our snazzy Kensington penthouse apartment. We went in and I was "ooh-ing" and "ah-ing" at everything and my mom is like, "I think you've been in Oregon too long.."

Breakfast in cute little cafes...

Piccadilly Circus!

Covent Garden!

I'm finally getting through the London pictures and I'm putting them up slowly, hopefully before I get too swamped with other pictures! Also school is starting soon which is sort of bittersweet! Its been a great summer! :)

Telephone

2010-09-13T04:28:00.000-07:00

The famous London Telephone Boxes! (though usually they're red) I'm back in good 'ol Eugene, Oregon now and well, I have not been too diligent in dealing with pictures while we were in London. But here's one for now! I'll get through them eventually, I promise! Can't wait to get organized and catch up with great friends.. :)

Antiques

2010-09-07T11:05:00.000-07:00

Ok last post of Scotland! These were at this old church that was converted to an adorable antique shop! Oh everything was just so lovely! So glad my camera only conked out after we went here..

My parents bought this beautiful tea set from the 20s or 30s! Amazingly, they have packed it up to bring back home! I'm very impressed and excited for maybe tea parties!

I'm now in London!! This city reminds me of New York; lots of people and everyone's rushing somewhere. Also, everyone is dressed so well. I feel like The Sartorialist taking their photographs. I got a 1.4 50mm lens! (which may not mean much to you, but I'm really excited about it!) So I am back in business! Excited!

Adventures

2010-09-04T05:08:00.000-07:00

More pictures of our adventures around here. We've been taking it easy and just exploring quaint towns, little vintage shops and some tourist spots..

This was the Motor Museum in Elgin. Beautiful old cars!

This is the Glen Morray Distillery.

You know, alcohol and the stocks; natural combination.

We drive through so much beautiful countryside. There are a lot of COWS!

Bad news, guys. My 50mm lens has stopped working. boo. And knowing how much I love that lens, I didn't bring any others. So I do have a bunch of pictures from this lovely antique shop we went to a couple days ago. But other than that, I haven't been able to take pictures.. :( So hopefully I get it all resolved when we get to London! I feel so at a loss without my camera. There's SO much I wish I was taking...

Gordonstoun/Hogwarts

2010-09-01T14:44:00.000-07:00

No joke, my brother is pretty much going to school at Hogwarts. They have houses and they live with people in their house, complete with house cup, house captain and a common room! His house is the one with the lion on their crest! Griffindor! They have awesome sweater uniforms! Lots of old portraits in the halls.. Hahah I'm not quite coherent right now.. I guess reading Harry Potter right before coming here was a bad choice. Hopefully some of these pictures explain a little more?

But really, the school sounds amazing and it's so beautiful! I'm praying that he'll find amazing friends and have such an amazing time!!

Scotttttland

2010-08-30T14:55:00.000-07:00

I forgot to put this one up yesterday! This man was just hanging out at the Urquhart Ruins with his dogs. And I was brave and asked if I could take his photograph!

Hopeman Beach. Right next to our Bed and Breakfast! It seems strangely like the Oregon Coast. Gusty Winds and pretty cold. And uncommon blue skies just make you smile..

We spent Sunday at Lossiemouth where there was a Fair and a Raft race.

Strange stuff but adorable...

I LOVE this kids expression! I am obviously very weird.

More Scotland

2010-08-29T12:52:00.000-07:00

I am in love with our Bed and Breakfast! Ardent House has been running for 20 years so it has the cutest style and everything is just so quaint and lovely. And the Lady of the house feeds us all so well at breakfast everyday!

This is Cawdor Castle! For all the 2007 OLevel Lit students, and those who have read Macbeth, this should sound familiar! Though not historically accurate, Shakespeare imagines Macbeth as the Thane of Cawdor and Cawdor Castle is the setting for most of the story! For most of the year, it is a tourist attraction but is also the winter home of a family that has had it for over 700 years. And like all things here is Scotland, it is incredibly adorably furnished inside!

This is us at the Urguhart Castle Ruins. No cute curtains or wallpaper at this castle. It has gone through a lot; seen many a battle in its time, and now is just for tourists to climb all over.. Sad, really. OH! This is also the Loch Ness!! Probably way more famous than the ruins! I was looking, but, we didn't see any sea monster..

Ok, too many pictures! And travel ones, that no body really cares about, i guess? I won't overdo it right now, so more photos later!

Tomorrow is a big day; Josh moves into Gordonstoun. Pray!

Scottish Sights

2010-08-28T13:43:00.000-07:00

I'm currently in Scotland with my family! Its technically the second time I've been to the UK because I did come here when I was a year old, but really, I don't remember a thing from then! So all the sights and sounds are all new and amazing!! I absolutely love the old brick and cobblestone everywhere!! And we're staying in the cutest Bed and Breakfast EVER! Right by a beach with those classic colorful beach houses! Yes, they really exist!

I'm currently trying to stay awake to get over jetlag! Its been much harder than usual because I'm the only one in my family adjusting from US time so its all a little off. Another thing is the accent. I am completely confused with whether I should be speaking American or British. I blame the jetlag that clouds the judgement and drastically lowers my mental nonsense filter.. We'll see how ridiculous I can get!

Summer Sunsets

2010-08-25T13:59:00.000-07:00

I just got back from a great weekend camping on the Oregon Coast with a few great friends! I haven't quite got to pictures yet and they'll probably take awhile because I'll be away for a couple of weeks.. But I had to put up at least one! This picture is with barely any processing! The light was just gorgeous! And so were the amazing people I've been spending this summer with. Well, as the summer starts coming to an end and we actually have to think about real work again, I hope you have had a bunch of great adventures!! If not, go catch a beautiful sunset tonight! :)

Awake My Soul

2010-08-18T12:15:00.000-07:00

Love this quote! I have recently discovered how much I do love Mumford and Sons. Thanks to Heather and Lizzie, I have been listening to a lot of Mumford. And a lot of Taylor Swift. Embarassing, I know. So if these song/graphics start getting really corny, you know who to blame. tswift. haha! Have a lovely wednesday and enjoy the summer sunshine!

How He Loves

2010-08-15T19:35:00.000-07:00

He is jealous for me

Loves like a hurricane,

I am a tree

Bending beneath the weight of His wind and mercy

When all of a sudden, I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory

and I realize just how beautiful You are

and how great your affections are for me.

Oh, how He loves us so

Oh, how He loves us

How He loves us so.

[x2]

Yeah, He loves us

Whoa, how He loves us

Whoa, how He loves.

[x2]

We are His portion and He is our prize,

Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes

If grace is an ocean, we're all sinking

So heaven meets earth like a sloppy wet kiss

and my heart turns violently inside of my chest

I don't have time to maintain these regrets

when I think about the way

Weirdness

2010-08-14T11:20:00.000-07:00

I am officially on summer!!! finally!! And what did I do on my first night of freedom? My friends and I dressed up in the weirdest/randomest attire we could find and went to... Safeway. haha Here's to lovely goofy friends and awesome ways to spend a friday night!! :)

Its wedding weekend! Can't wait to see everybody who's coming down for the wedding! Though, watching people set up for the wedding on our backyard has been interesting and is sort of making me dread planning a wedding. Honestly, not looking forward to that part. But what am I worried about? Also, why are we ALL talking about weddings?

ALL THE TIME!?!

Week-iversary

2010-08-12T19:45:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was our friends' one week-iversary! Which sounds funny, but makes sense for them! Though sadly, he wasn't in town, so we had the secret mission of getting flowers for her, from him. But of course, to make it more authentic, the note should be a boy's handwriting right? Hilarity ensues, because not all guys are gifted in the crafty/decorative sense. They're creative in their own way. But its fun to see them try...

Hahah! Proud of him!

Afloat

2010-08-11T18:55:00.000-07:00

I'm really enjoying this lyrics/photo project so far! Lets see how long I can keep this up! I have a whole bunch of ideas for more of these swimming around in my brain; some serious and some silly. The problem right now is that I am so comfortable taking pictures of people, which aren't neutral (?) enough to be made into these text/poster/things. So I will be trying to take more pictures with this new criteria in mind now! This will be FUN!

This is a song by a fairly local brother duo: Caleb and Sol. God has been teaching me Faith and Trust by sending me situations where I have no control over the outcome or the process. But He calls me out out my comfort, out of my boat to walk out alone! So this song has been on my mind...

Afloat-Caleb and Sol

Floating with the wind, I am drifting East
It's like I calmed the ocean still and put the waves to sleep
But the tides are changing, No it ain't the same
There lies a faith in the absence of control they say...

One step forth, and I try to get back
A coward's fear on trail with the weakest faith in man
You call me out my comfort, you call me out the boat
To walk on my own alone, alone

Chorus:
Sometimes I am lost on the open water
Sometimes I am thrown by the wind and the waves
Sometimes I'm swimming in the deep end
Can I stay Afloat, Stay Afloat

The Ocean is deep below my feet
Afraid of what's to come, so I slowly start to sink
I was waiting for my ending, But then you grab my hand
Just like I knew you would, you would

Chorus:
Sometimes I am lost on the open water
Sometimes I am thrown by the wind and the waves
Sometimes I'm swimming in the deep end
Can I stay Afloat, Stay Afloat

In the rain, there is a storm, barely breathing as I paddle...
I am sinking- Does it matter?
In my final breath, my only hope , you come to save me...

If It's Love

2010-08-10T14:27:00.000-07:00

Have you heard "If It's Love" by Train? Maybs, Probs. I think it has some of the most ridiculous, but sweet, lyrics. OK, My Fair Lady references? Yes. I actually really like songs/artists that don't take themselves so seriously.. I've been especially inspired by Parker Fitzgerald's Polaroid Quotes on Flickr! So this is my take on being ridiculous and artsy. Have a good tuesday!

Delancey Joy

2010-08-07T18:22:00.000-07:00

Everyone, meet my friend Delancey! She is weird, quirky and strange, but oh so beautiful both inside and out! When I whine about perfect light, she lets me take her picture and practice. She doesn't realize how truly beautiful she is and I don't think I do justice capturing the joy that basically seeps from her pores!

Delancey Joy Foster: Stay weird and beautiful!

Self-Portraits

2010-08-05T10:42:00.000-07:00

I need to get better at self-portraits. I find them waaaay too embarrassing, but sometimes there's perfect light and I need to practice! There are some photographers who have such beautiful self portraits!! Firstly, how are they so beautiful, second, how do you focus properly while standing in front of the camera? Anyone have any tips or ideas? I'm going to get better at this! and hopefully better in-front of the camera!

If My Heart was a House

2010-07-31T00:14:00.000-07:00

You'd be Home...

pretty amazing

2010-07-30T01:01:00.000-07:00

Not trying to brag or anything, but I have some pretty amazing friends!

Trust

2010-07-28T11:26:00.000-07:00

Its been a crazy few weeks! Well, a crazy while actually. But I know strange times are for learning and I'm learning what it means to trust God. To trust that He knows what's up and He has my best at heart. Psalm 4 What should I be doing in the meantime?? Meditate, be still and TRUST God. What's encouraging is that even though the crazy situations haven't changed, He gives gladness, peace, rest and safety.

And I know I can make it through!

SURPRISE UN-BIRTHDAY PARTY

2010-07-25T15:51:00.000-07:00

This is what happens when a) us at the Onyx House get very bored and b) Erin is in-charge! kidding. kind of. :)

Anyway, the great idea was to have a surprise birthday party for Trenton with decorations, funchetti cupcakes, homemade cookie dough ice cream and a white elephant gift exchange!! Just another summer evening at the Onyx House...

Inspire

2010-07-22T13:07:00.001-07:00

My computer is currently being fixed by the Computing Help fairies/pixies, so I haven't gotten to put up the rest of our fake birthday party pictures! I guess you don't realize how reliant you are on your computer for things like email, facebook, Photoshop and the general internet information until you are trying to access the same on your phone. not quite the same..

SO! I thought I'd show you one of my favorite photographers! Beth Armsheimer! See her beautiful work here!

I can't seem to attach any images to this post but I promise she has such elegant style that I absolutely adore! She is so capable of capturing such real emotions with so much beauty that really inspires me. I would love to be as skilled as her someday! Or have her take my wedding photos! maybe? someday? :)

Unicorn Fight!

2010-07-20T00:30:00.000-07:00

Summer has been such a great time for so many random adventures!! This fun shot was from a surprise UN-Birthday Party we had last week for Trenton! We decorated the dining room and had homemade ice cream and a gift exchange! More pictures to come soon!! I love these two hilarious girls and thought this would be perfect for the "Over My Head" challenge at I Heart Faces this week! Head over to see the other lovely entries!! :)

Singapore!

2010-07-12T15:59:00.000-07:00

I am a Singaporean; from the sunny island of Singapore in Southeast Asia. I grew up and lived there till two years ago when I moved to Eugene, Oregon to attend the University of Oregon. So I thought I would share some pictures from a photo essay I was working on last summer.

I set out to capture those many do not usually associate with our affluent country. I enjoyed meeting these amazing people, who to most just have mundane jobs or are not of much importance, but they have such interesting stories to tell! I hope to someday publish these and have profits help The Rainbow Center, a school for children with special needs that my sister went to, because I think we forget sometimes that they are important too.

So these are the unseen heroes of My Country:

A butcher at Ghim Moh Market, what we call a "wet market."

A street ice cream vendor on the Clarke Quay river front.

These foreign workers keep grass all over the island neat and tidy!

Primary school girls getting ready to celebrate National Day.

"Aunties" enjoying a picnic with take out! And our iconic skyline in the background.

Children watched by their domestic helper, commonly called a maid.

A Changi International Airport worker rounding up stray luggage carts.

Singapore Airlines Ground staff in the Changi International Airport.

Air Force pilots protecting our skies.

Children from Unity Primary School watching a Civil Defense demonstration.

An egg seller in Tekka Market.

A fish monger in Tekka Market.

River Adventures

2010-07-10T10:19:00.000-07:00

Oh! Summer! 90 degree weather! So, we've been going down to the river every evening! Its the best way to cool down after the sauna that is the Onyx House.. Well, as you can tell, I'm experimenting with sun flares and shooting into the sunlight and I love it! :)

Here's Looking at You, Kid

2010-07-09T00:00:00.000-07:00

I love Summer! Its finally here! Hanging out in the cool grass in the backyard, then going downtown to watch Casablanca! Perfect evenings! I think I'm going to get lots of photo practice this summer! :)

It is finally warm! Well, its hot! But I can't say I am all that upset. This hot, semi-humid weather, though not the most comfortable sometimes, feels like Singapore. And that kind of familiar is comforting. How is the weather where you are? And how are you coping?

Teen Photographer Challenge

2010-07-06T16:55:00.000-07:00

So this week at iheartfaces, it is a challenge only for teens! (ie. 13-19 year olds) Go check out the other entries from all the talented teens!

I'm 19 and was just thinking about how I've changed. I've definitely come a long way from starting to mess with cameras when I was 13 at my school paper. I am still constantly learning new things and am always growing but I feel like I have found my style and can confidently and comfortably capture moments.

Portraits, people and faces are definitely my passion and what I enjoy capturing. The love, laughter and joy in portraits; I love. The goal has always been to capture beauty elegantly and when I am constantly surrounded by all my incredibly beautiful friends, I'm getting lots of practice! This is my roommate Lizzie and her chocolate Lab Chipper!

Oh! A Revolution!

2010-07-05T16:05:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July!! This was my first Independence Day in America so I can honestly say it was to me the best 4th of July ever. But it was awesome! When you have a bunch of people reenacting the Revolutionary War with 700 water balloons followed by the reading and signing of the Declaration of Independence, all set to the inspirational sounds from the "Band of Brothers" soundtrack, you can't quite go wrong! Then we played games, had a barbeque and homemade ice cream! It was a amazing! I really think the light in our backyard is magical!

4th of July Prep

2010-07-03T16:59:00.000-07:00

We were trying to make ice cream in the kitchen to christen our new ice cream maker in preparation for 4th of July. Making ice cream was not as magical or aesthetically pleasing as I expected it would be. But like all Onyx House "events" there's always a dance party involved. And usually thats the best part...

Sunshine Please!

2010-07-02T11:37:00.000-07:00

I figured out how to change the header to an image!! Thank goodness for the infinite wisdom of Google! Next problem to solve is the post width! Then hopefully this blog will look semi-legit..

This picture is from a beach trip I took earlier in the year with some beautiful friends. I want to be at the beach in the sunshine again! Well, it is now July but I am still cold. WHY? Please please summer come soon...

2010-06-30T15:00:00.000-07:00

I just made these options a title/header/watermark for the site! Making full use of daydreaming time in summer classes.. I have always loved Hot Air Balloons!

Anyone have tips or ideas on how i can put the image up as the title? Me and HTML haven't really become friends yet. Also! How do I widen this post area?? So things stop getting cut off.

Would love some help! Thanks!

Kit the Lion Dog

2010-06-28T20:46:00.000-07:00

Meet Kit! She is my dear friend's fun-loving Pomeranian. Except for her full mane, she is shaved all over in preparation for summer heat, so we all lovingly refer to her as Lion-Dog! Actually, there she is in my profile picture in all her shaved glory! :) I've entered this to the weekly iheartfaces competition! Do check out the other Pet pictures!

Welcome!

2010-06-27T22:53:00.000-07:00

Why, hello! I am trying to start this blog to showcase what I've been up to photography-wise and to get my work out there! I don't really know how this is going to work out, or if anyone actually wants to read this, but we'll see! Everything is an adventure!

Summer is here and everyone is hanging out and playing Bocce ball in the backyard or going on ice-cream runs. These are all taken with the Lensbaby Composer, which I am still figuring out! I think this will be a lot of fun once I get the hang of the manual focus! :) To a creative, fun-filled summer!!