Sermon on the Mount
I was very gratified to walk into the Gilkeys’ house yesterday and find one of my all-time favorite art prints, Sermon on the Mount, nicely displayed in their home. Not only was it placed nicely, but thought was given to lighting and presentation. I think the Gilkeys have #7 of that print, which is a limited series of 25 pieces. (A few in the same series are still available.)
That print comes from a very moving time in my life. I returned last year to this vineyard to create an artistic Ebenezer, or stone of remembrance, to the work God did in my life during a specific time.
Each art print I create tells some kind of story. I can’t follow them around telling my own story to each person who views them, but I pray that every person to view my work goes on small journeys into each one, bringing back stories of their own.
Vines around my heart
These Flame grapes belong to my friend Debbie, and I was visiting them hours before harvest to make pictures with The Gilkey family.
When I walked into those laden vine rows, I felt like I was walking into a poem or a memory. The round shapes of the grapes speak of relaxation and refreshment, and their clusters tell stories about community, enjoyment and location. The grapes teach us that we don’t all have to be the same color to hang together, and that good group structures will keep some from withering. There’s a very particular smell to the dust of a vineyard, especially in the cool summer evenings that chase hot summer days.
Yes, I suspect that if my heart was visible, you’d find vines around it.
Love and beauty
I often get the chance to photograph people on their wedding day, when love is in full bloom and on the tip of every tongue. Passion is the norm, and romance is the order of the day. But recently I spent some time with the Miller family, and had the chance to watch them interact. I captured this fun picture of Arlen and Katy kissing, and it strikes a chord with me. It strikes me first because it’s cute, but second because it speaks of love in a different tone. It’s a real love, a comfortable love. It may not sing with brash passion, but it speaks with a firmly rooted conviction. It goes better with morning coffee than with wine, and it’s the reward that experience and faithfulness bring to lovers. Thanks, Arlen and Katy, for the example of love.
Maldonado Family Newborn Portraits
As a photographer, one of my favorite subjects to photograph is newborn babies. I think there is something so amazing about a few day old baby–the miracle of human life astounds me! The fact that they sleep through anything is also amazing!
It was such a special honor to photograph the Maldonado family as they welcomed a new baby into their family. Sirhani’s parents are very soft spoken, gentle, and loving. There are six years between each of the children and that makes for some really unique dynamics in relationships. Although the session was centered around Sirhani, the sweet newborn little girl, her big sisters wanted to be a part of everything.
I wanted to capture the relationship between the three girls in addition to capturing all of Sirhani’s little newborn parts and sweet sleeping face. Of course, the sisters wanted to hold her just like Mom and Dad. I was so happy with the images from their session and am excited for them to have a portrait displayed in their home of this special time in their family’s life.
A perfect pair
Hannah and Stephen are so right for each other. I had a great time looking through wedding photos with them the other day, re-living their wedding day. They were on the way to work out after we met. I love how they enjoy spending time together as buddies, best friends and lovers. Here are a couple of fun images from their wedding day. For them, the glass truly is more than half-full!
Melissa and Two Men
Lisa made both of these pictures at Marc and Melissa’s wedding a few weeks ago. I love the idea of these two images in tandem, because they represent the men in Melissa’s past and future. Her dad, Marlan, handed her to Marc, her new husband, to care for and treasure. Lisa and I truly enjoyed the day, and we pray many good things for Marc and Melissa in the future!
Happy 4th of July!
Happy Independence Day! This weekend we’ll celebrate the founding fathers of our nation declaring our independence from Great Britain. Let’s all enjoy, remember, and celebrate responsibly!
I’m working on Hannah and Stephen’s wedding photos (so fun!), and I couldn’t help sharing this fun little sequence of Hannah. She’s approaching her groom for the first time, and the excitement radiates from her face!
Babies and Love
I had the honor of making pictures with Alex and Jennifer and their new little one, Tristan. I edited their session this morning while I was listening to some great worship music from Todd Proctor, the worship leader at Rock Harbor church in Costa Mesa. I loved watching the relationship that Alex and Jenny have, and how much they enjoy Tristan. A baby truly is a source of joy, and they overflow our hearts with love. These pictures were a powerful reminder for me of how God loves us: with abandon and with an overflowing heart. Thanks, Alex and Jenny, for letting me share in your relationships!
Summer Camp for You and Your Camera!
At Shinn Photo we love our cameras, and we know that some of you have cameras that need love, too. We want you to fall in love with your camera, to caress its curves with the passion befitting a lover. Or at least to know what all the buttons and dials mean!
If you have a digital SLR camera (Nikon D-40, D-90, a Canon Digital Rebel, etc.), this class is for you. It’s focused on using your camera and unlocking it to allow you to make the super-awesome pictures that you see in your mind. We’ll teach you what your camera can and can’t do. (Hint: It can’t wash dishes OR make your bed.)
We’ll spend both direct instruction time and shooting time, with breaks for snacks and a meal along the way. This is a small-group intensive session, and we’re only allowing 8 people to maximize the individual attention each person gets. *Note, we’re taking reservations on a first come, first-served basis.
Who: 8 people with digital cameras
What: Unlocking your camera
When: July 30, 6:30 to 9:30 pm
July 31 from 10am to 4 pm
Cost: $185 (snacks and a Saturday lunch from Fresh Start Cafe)
Reservations: Call 643-2072 to reserve your spot with a credit card over the phone, or drop by the studio with a check!
