Forget Me Not Photog

2011-05-15T19:05:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone!

So I've decided to make a sister blog, focusing more on words over photos. I hope you'll be apart of it!!!

-Meg

www.bigclumsy-boots.blogspot.com

2011-05-03T16:26:00.000-07:00

I didn't THINK I would have more time to cook anything recently, but I do. I just have to make the time, and that's completely doable now that I just finished my (le sigh) last class of the semester. I know it's weird to admit, but I'm excited to classes to start up in the summer. Not only because they'll be in Italy, but I genuinely love school, and studying. It's hard to break away from.

Living with a person as healthy as Mowski helps as I set out into this world of healthy food and exercise. She bikes everywhere, lives off of soup and fruits and veggies, and wakes up early to go to weekend farmer's markets-the epitome of the San Marcos/Austin stereotype (that's her on the right, and I'm not kidding when I say she's not posing-she actually looks like that. If I were to do the same action, it would be inevitable for my fingertips to get caught in my nest-like hair).

Today I made what I must consider a mighty fine baked potato. And yes, I know to the rest of the world, much more knowledgeable in the realm of baked potatoes than myself, to be proud of this is a little much. However, working things out in the kitchen is relatively new for me and I was quite pleased with the result. All that was needed was some butter and salt (typically I would jam pack sour cream, bacon bits, butter-pretty much everything you can think of-until there wasn't any actual potato left). That and I have never experienced a baked potato cooked without the aluminum foil-complete difference! Preferred sans-aluminum foil, and not just because I don't happen to own any.

On the side, some steamed veggies.

Heather Anastasiu: Author of Glitch

2011-04-29T21:39:00.000-07:00

So this was a set that I was really excited for, and as I mentioned before a check off my things-I-want-to-take-photos-for-before-I-die list: an author photo! Thanks to miss Brittany Mc. for recommending me (always a day maker) for allowing such to take place.

Heather's book, Glitch (due to release in July if I'm not mistaken), is one I'm definitely going to buy. And I will admit, I even though to myself if I was a glitcher what would I be (ha, I would in some way want to be able to be a human camera-take a photo by winking of something. I know I'm antsy over a book when I start applying personality based questions upon it into my everyday life). This was also one of the (and I can't find another word) easiest photo sets I've ever done. She knew exactly how to pose and so naturally as soon as the camera was ready-it was wonderful.

And I know what you're thinking-how can you put so many fantastic colors in black and white? Answer: I was far too curious, and I loved it.

There are more on the CD, and I hope Heather enjoys these and is happy to see them on the book jacket (which you should definitely buy by the way).

Rearranging

2011-04-29T14:05:00.000-07:00

And now I'm hungry.

One very stressful semester is coming to a close, and I couldn't be more excited. I'm leaving for Italy in a month (accompanied with my entire camera family and loads of film. I think it would be worth it to go a little hungry for the sake of a new lens), which couldn't have come at a more perfect time. With school, work, trying to maintain a fraction of a social life and trying to get some photos in--I'm pretty tired. Ha. Me and every other working college student.

However, things in the photo world have been going well and I couldn't be more grateful. Yesterday I was able to check off one major photo related dream of taking an author photo! Along with a wedding in July and some beautiful high school seniors. There'll be more to come of that soon. Film hasn't been frustrating me so much, however I need to find a trustworthy developer (I'm afraid I'm just always missing photos when I develop from Walgreens, regardless of ideal light/camera settings. There's no way I should always be missing at least three pictures each time, am I right?) Oh, I'm learning.

So yes, I am rearranging. A new apartment, a little culture shock, and a lot of photos. Things are looking up!

I am also playing around with new ways of posting photos onto this blog. Fortunately for me, the extremely talented Victorio relayed to me a certain blurriness in the photos I've posted. Because of this, I've decided to just make a separate flickr account just for blog photos (Is this important? No. Not really. I just feel like talking). Just another way of trying to organize things out in my life. Now if only I could find a way to not lose my car keys every five minutes.

Emily

2011-04-29T08:52:00.000-07:00

These are just a couple of the first set of maternity photos I've ever taken the other day. I basically tagged along behind my mother, who I miss sitting in the same living room editing photos with. However with both of us sprawled across Texas it was nice to reconvene and take photos together.

Emily was absolutely beautiful, and the weather outside was essentially perfect. Not a bad combination. We took one set of photos at Gumbo's restaurant, which Emily's mother owns (and the food is really good by the way) and the other in the baby-to-be's nursery. It was really fun! This was my first set of photos to take in awhile (with school and work the opportunity doesn't arise too often. Ha) and very easygoing and relaxing. That and my sister and I swooned over the shoes.

Sara and Thom: The Engagement!

2011-04-28T11:19:00.000-07:00

I've been pretty fortunate to be able to document on multiple occasions the wonderous relationship that is Thom and Sara since I moved to San Marcos, so when asked to take their engagement photos I immediately said yes. They're one of those all-around beautiful couples to take notes from, who love Jesus and each other whole heartedly (which looks fantastic on camera if I may say) and want to share what they know and love (varying from other cultures and traveling, music, theology, dancing, etc. etc. etc.) with other people as well. Thom is currently teaching and Sara's in medical school, and still had energy leftover for piggy back rides and dancing when it's ridiculously hot outside. And that is a feat (and expect more photos of them from their wedding in July to come :]).

2011-04-10T12:03:00.000-07:00

More film photos! I'm really trying to get the hang of it-but as soon as I feel like I'm getting somewhere it slips out of my fingers. Oh, learning. More to come :)

When I went home for a visit I was lucky enough to go to one of my favorite places in the world, the MFAH, with one of my favorite people in the world, Kevin. Museums for me are the equivalent of Sunshine for my mother-the cure to absolutely anything. David's "The Oath of Horatii" and Fuseli's "The Nightmare" just happened to be there, and my response was something akin to a middle schooler at a Justin Bieber concert (or my middle school self at a Harry Potter release).

2011-04-04T09:39:00.000-07:00

2011-04-02T20:28:00.000-07:00

2011-03-16T12:36:00.000-07:00

My cousin Doug and his son Anton are in town from Georgia for the week! It's impossible to not have this ridiculously goofy grin on my face all the time. I haven't been home since Christmas and I've really been missing my family, so I've been lucky to get some days off for spring break and see them :)

2011-03-13T20:19:00.000-07:00

driving home

2011-03-13T18:33:00.000-07:00

2011-03-10T11:00:00.000-08:00

2011-02-21T08:24:00.000-08:00

Lamentations.

So I finally contributed a photo for a contest centered on Inspiration or Despair.

I figured why not go with a little bit of both-the moments after the despair has hit and you just want to look up. I figured the book of Lamentations could cover that fairly nicely, hence the title. At first we had mascara pouring down poor Catherine's face (as you can see in below post) but as the photos progressed we took off more and more mascara to leave her lovely face and the final result. Whether or not it does well in the contest doesn't really matter, it was a fun time with myself and four people crowded in my apartment's bathroom.

2011-02-18T20:19:00.000-08:00

2011-02-04T00:31:00.000-08:00

2011-02-03T00:44:00.000-08:00

Life's easy when you're surrounded by purty people.

2011-01-31T12:27:00.000-08:00

These here are my first Panorama shots!

Enchanted Rock

2011-01-30T12:33:00.000-08:00

I apologize if these look pixelated, I'm afraid tinypic hasn't been working too well with me these days :/

2011-01-22T13:01:00.000-08:00

Simply playing with photos from the past two sets.

2011-01-17T12:07:00.000-08:00

I've realized I haven't taken a lot of photos simply for the sake of taking them in a long time. Sure, I take a lot of photos for fun, but they're of a serious breed of fun. No for the helluvit photos. So here's some photos taken with Minerva over holiday break, full of road trips with friends, reliving sixth grade with Lauren with blueberries and bottled Coke, and nights at the friendly neighborhood Waffle House.

side note: I've noticed the quality of some past photo batches aren't too great? Very pixelated? Ouch.

other side note: I plan on doing a couple more sessions that I agreed to do last semester, but other than those I'm afraid I'm going to have to just freeze the photo process for awhile. I still want to be taking photos, but nothing serious/paid for (and that doesn't mean "Meg's taking free photos." This just means when I do take photos they're either going to just be for the sake of loving to take pictures/portfolio building). To be honest, I get easily stressed enough as it is and the picture taking can just be another added level of stress. Also, I'm going to be coming up with a structured price sheet (with the help of my more business savvy friends).

edit: Forget everything I just said in the previous paragraph. Turns out, I'm heading to Florence over the summer! And for that, I'm going to be needing to build up some cash flow! So by all means ask for your pictures to be taken! Or buy a print! Or a book! Help a girl out :)

Amy GVW

2011-01-11T19:24:00.000-08:00

Basically, words can't describe how much I love this kid.

2011-01-11T08:08:00.000-08:00

2011-01-07T17:12:00.000-08:00

My past love-hate relationship with film is beginning to flourish. In love, not hate.

I brought Minerva (the Minolta), Gregory (Rebel t2i), and Margo Pascal (a Diana Mini. Yes, I know it already has a name, but they're all named Diana, so I decided to shake it up) all around central and east Texas. These little shots span from Austin to San Antonio to Lufkin, and they all brought some really nice experiences. My camera family didn't let me down.

I have discovered one of my favorite places in the world, and that's the San Antonio Museum of Art. I could stare at the Sleeping Ariadne for ages, and yes I admit the idea of being able to teach (in some way) other great myths someday in some capacity fills me with college student giddiness. Putting the major to work someday? Le sigh.

2011-01-06T18:47:00.000-08:00

2011-01-03T21:12:00.000-08:00

These are some first shots to come out of my little toy camera, a Diana Mini which:

Yes, I am in love with but

also conflicts with the fact that I'm kind of terrible with film. I'm not trying to be self degrading or anything, but film can be awfully tricky and I can be awfully clumsy and I've thrown a fit or two in the process of developing. I am a disgrace to the stereotype that big hair and glasses does not immediately equal a film master. However, practice makes---better!

However, I thought these little photos were charming in their own little way, and outings with Lois at The Hobbit Cafe and my home decor guru Tia Deb make for some nice practice.

2010-12-29T19:13:00.000-08:00

A couple coptic books Cousin Anne taught me how to make with Nylon magazine covers.

Berry Picking

2010-12-28T23:23:00.000-08:00

Untitled from on Vimeo.

Made this little short clip while going on a little walk in the woods with my sister. We were killing some time waiting for film to be developed and I've been dying to use the new video feature on my new camera. It's nothing fancy, just keeping it sweet and simple.

Song: Coahuila by [my new favorite] Balmorhea

2010-12-26T19:40:00.000-08:00

2010-12-23T16:10:00.000-08:00

2010-12-22T11:12:00.000-08:00

2010-12-20T12:01:00.000-08:00

I've taken photos of this beautiful family before, and was really flattered to be asked again. We took photos at the same beautiful spot in New Braunfels but decided to take all of the various family photos in different spots to change it up.

The entire batch of these photos are going to come in shifts, so there's definitely more to come. I didn't want to keep everyone waiting forever for photos if they all came at once :)

2010-12-19T14:34:00.000-08:00

Kelby Transfusion

2010-12-14T11:41:00.000-08:00

Hello everybody!

I just want to spread the word of the wonderful Kelby W's tumblr (and story) with the world. However, I can't quite reach the world, but a small sum of people who happen to pass by my blog and flickr. She's donating peripheral blood stem cells with a 63 year old leukemia patient, which is so incredible.

Send her (and her donatee) prayers! And read Kelby's tumblr (it's so awesome, seeing how bubbly she is).

kelbytransfusion.tumblr.com

2010-12-10T12:46:00.000-08:00

A post with no people.

2010-12-08T10:22:00.000-08:00

Can you get over how cute this little guy is?

Cause I can't.

2010-11-28T12:08:00.000-08:00

Cas and Kate-two of the most beautiful girls ever. I wish I had the chutzpah to cut my hair like Cas (who now looks like my girl crush Emma Watson.)

Taking photos of dancers is incredibly intimidating. It's beautiful and hard to capture on camera, and nothing will ever compare to witnessing the actual dance. However, consider this an experiment.

2010-11-24T20:50:00.000-08:00

Okay, so there is definitely more photos from this set on CD, and if my blog could handle it I would post a million photos in one entry like it was nothing. But my blog is lame and I like giving photo surprises on the CD in high resolution. In the meantime, I hope you guys like these!

Anywho! The disadvantage of moving to central Texas was no more beach, but I finally got to see the water today while some awesome shots of an awesome family and everything was just plain awesome. Yay! I don't think kids can be any cuter than Christian. I have about a million or two more of him just running back and forth on the pier. Yeah, they're pretty cute. In all, taking these was just fun. The light was perfect, everyone was wearing an equally nice blue, Sheralyn's hair is pretty much fabulous. All in all, a good day.

Happy Thanksgiving everybody :)

Fakesgiving

2010-11-21T17:25:00.000-08:00

About a million wonderful pieces came together and formed one amazing first Fakesgiving last night. The food, the people, the music, candles in mason jars on tables, picture taking-I could go on forever.

If you're ever in need of something to do-make some food, get some people, make a great playlist, and eat outside on a beautiful night. S'all you need.

I realized that about a million of these consist of Kelby's hands. Hm. No matter.

David Booth

2010-11-16T08:51:00.000-08:00

2010-11-13T12:19:00.000-08:00

2010-11-06T19:13:00.000-07:00

2010-10-31T09:54:00.000-07:00

Taking photos is rather convenient when you're surrounded by so many beautiful people. Don't be surprised to see multiple posts dedicated to this one [huge] set of photos. When you're walking around in the woods near an abandoned amusement park during the magic hour with a group that makes every action look like it should be shoved in an Urban Outfitters catalogue -yeah, I packed two memory cards in record time.

These shots are a product of a venture schemed by my friend Lauren H, whose basically one of the coolest people on the face of the planet (not only is she beautiful and hilarious, but takes great photos). Ducking into the woods and uncovering an old amusement park couldn't have made for a better end to my week (there's nothing more satisfying than getting three tests in one week over with).

I always underestimate how much going out for a nice set of photos can cure just about anything. To name a few:

a) Hang out with great people

b) Not get too rusty/lazy

c) Explore new places

d) Not go completely crazy because it seems like all I ever do is study

e) Get a new Facebook profile picture

RenFest!

2010-10-25T22:07:00.000-07:00

Random Acts of Kindess

2010-10-14T11:41:00.000-07:00

Monsters of Folk

2010-10-13T19:11:00.000-07:00

disposable

iPhone

instax

Thom/Sound Recording

2010-10-10T14:44:00.000-07:00

I've never done too much in black and white, but once I started playing around with these photos of Thom I went on a BW spree. The firehouse sound studio seemed to deem really well with the grainy, black and white look overall. Taking photos with Thom is always fun because he comes with the best ideas (I hate posing people-it always ends up looking so awkward, static). Once the piano was pulled out my shutter was going off like crazy.

2010-09-05T15:12:00.000-07:00

Dog Days

2010-08-23T00:15:00.000-07:00

First shots with fujifilm instax mini.

Tomfoolery.

2010-08-22T19:05:00.000-07:00

Stacy+Anthony

2010-08-11T21:32:00.000-07:00

These are some photos I took the other day of Stacy and Anthony, but was ridiculously held back from editing due to having my wisdom teeth taken out. So here I am, editing with a face the size of a bowling ball.

However, I hope you guys like these! :)

2010-07-22T08:19:00.000-07:00

Last night I made these cheesecake bites for Matt and myself. I'm determined to really get cooking (healthier, from now on, but man those cheesecake bites were delicious).

My past couple of nights in San Marcos have been incredible. Relaxing doesn't really come easily for me, so it's been refreshing to lean back on the couch (working on my essay), listening to jazz with Matt (thinking about my essay) and whipping up some treats in ze kitchen (again, thinking about my essay).

Ha, I'm going to go work on that essay. Now.

Abigail

2010-07-19T11:08:00.000-07:00

This morning my dream of having a ginger in my portfolio was fulfilled by the beautiful Abigail (when she asked me to take some headshots for her awhile back I was as excited as a twelve year old at a Jonas Bros. concert). With me working in a coffee shop and her a donut shop, waking up early wasn't a problem for either of us (but trekking out in the insane humidity got pretty obnoxious). However she put on a brave, and extremely lovely, face for the camera. She also has very lovely hands like my friend, Ashton. What can I say, some people just have really cool hands.

I haven't taken photos in awhile, and like anything else doing something you love after a dry spell is incredibly liberating and refreshing (especially when amongst a wooded landscape).

2010-06-30T17:48:00.000-07:00

I never do self portraits. To be honest, I'm quite afraid of being in front of the camera. I consider myself an extremely awkward person and that typically seems to reflect on film.

However I thought little these shots reflect everything that's been going on in my crazy, whirlwind head recently.

I'm told it's during your college years when you really start to "become" the person you're meant to be. As of late, I have no idea who this person is. On top of that, I have no idea who the person I want to be even is.

I'm probably the only one that thinks that even makes sense.

I've just been going back and forth between so many subjects and beliefs and values that I'm starting to lose myself in this void. Slipping, slipping, slipping. Who am I? What makes you who you are? Your experiences? Your beliefs? Your actions? The people in which you surround yourself? It seems in life we all all mirrors of each other, reflecting pieces of our essential selves and sending them dancing about like a ray of light through a glass prism. I am currently trying to grasp these traits as they float, but I'm afraid I'm losing them.

I'm trying to find them and take hold again.

My name is Meagan. Reading and taking photos make me happier than anything. I'm surrounded by the most wonderful people imaginable. Someday, I want to open a little bookstore like Meg Ryan's in You've Got Mail (with coffee and cakes and photos and the like too). I have a slight obsession with John Keats and Harry Potter. I have a boyfriend named Matt, who makes me feel like I'm home. I listen to a lot of Coconut Records, James Taylor, Iron & Wine, Frank Sinatra, The Decemberists and Regina Spektor. I love to learn. I like large windows and mason jars. I will never, ever judge you. My family is creative and talented and hilarious and wonderful. I had a father named Michael, who taught me how to think and live and see the world in different ways. I'm clumsy and unbelievably socially awkward. I'm a barista at a wonderful coffee shop filled with wonderful people. I've been in love. I'm alone a lot [but not lonely].

Matt & Meg

2010-06-29T11:33:00.000-07:00

All of these were taken by Matt, except the one of himself there, which was taken by me :)

Yeah. I'm lucky.

Fonding

2010-06-25T21:41:00.000-07:00

Fondue is a current obsession of mine, so I have to say it was pretty wonderful to have some of my favorite people over tonight for some serious fonding. After a quick run to the grocery store we diced and prepared what turned out to be a lot of food around the coffee table; a vegetable medley of carrots, cauliflower and broccoli, chicken, tofu, beef, shrimp, plus a couple various sauces. All for under twenty dollars? Oh fondue, how I love thee.

And for desert? Some excellent parfaits. All Amy's idea.

"A Sea of White" by Kevin N.

2010-06-24T23:27:00.000-07:00

Whilst doing some Flickr stalking today, I ran into this piece of Wonderful from the very inspiring Kevin N. You have to admit, that's nothing short of incredible. I just want to steal all of them for my apartment (including the dress+cardigan).

His tumblr is pretty tasty, too :)

Summertime

2010-06-21T09:21:00.000-07:00

(last photo taken by my dear friend Emmy)

Summer has been wonderfully filled with long drives, fondue with my family, friends and summer fests, working at a coffee house, and brief yet happiness-inducing encounters with Matt. I'm a lucky girl.

Bright Star

2010-06-20T13:48:00.000-07:00

If you know me well, you know I'm an obsessor of John Keats.

I've been waiting to see Bright Star for ages, so the other night after work I cozied up in my room, flicked on my lamp, and finally watched what I've been dying to see.

Oh, I wasn't disappointed. Safe to say, I am in absolutely in love with this movie. The cinematography is excellent!

These shots differ stylistically from the movie itself, but I love them just the same.

2010-06-14T21:07:00.000-07:00

These are some photos I took of CJ awhile back and just realized that I haven't posted them on my blog, so that is changing as of right now :)

Blaine

2010-06-10T19:36:00.000-07:00

I had SO SO SO much fun taking these photos. I haven't taken a set of portraits in a long time, so I was so excited to take Blaine's senior pictures. He's such a natural, every time he turned I would just yell at him "Stop right there!" and proceed to take a thousand pictures. I can't get enough. Safe to say, I'll definitely continue editing from this set.

Write With White

2010-05-31T16:05:00.000-07:00

My cousin Anne taught me how to make these awhile back, and they're awesome to do in the spare time.

This makes for a great little recipe book, complete with black pages and envelope for stashing recipe cards :)

2010-05-25T22:06:00.000-07:00

I finally gathered up the chutzpah to post FMN photos on my Facebook yesterday. I'm fully aware that this isn't a big deal, but to be frank I'm rather self conscious. This is so silly to admit considering I have a very narcissistic blog dedicated to FMN photos.

So much has been happening recently I'm in a frenzy. I just ended my first year of college and here I am back in Houston, still donned in my apron from dinner (which consisted of salmon and steamed vegetables. Salmon was a tad dry, use more olive oil for future reference). I recently moved into the townhome with one of the sweetest people in the world, Mowski, and I've been making a book or two a day when I'm not job hunting.

I just finished making a recipe book that I am really excited about, and will be sad to part with. I was watching Julie & Julia while I was madly crafting in the living room, and figured what would be better to make than a recipe book. Hopefully someone out there is in the need for a quaint little recipe book with black pages, maybe a college kid like me determined to gain some cooking skills over the summer.

Anywho, to whomever is read this if you are in need of photos for whatever reason (engagement, wedding, senior photos, family photos, promo photos, band photos, or just some fun lovely portraits of yourself!) Please let me know and I would be more than happy to take them at a very reasonable price.

And on a side note, tomorrow morning I'll be picking up Matt from the airport and he's going to stay with me for a couple of days! Yay!

Kate

2010-05-24T18:06:00.000-07:00

I know I say this a lot, but my little sister Kate will always be one of my favorite models.

2010-05-24T10:28:00.000-07:00

I took these awhile back on a family trip, and my good friend Emmy asked to see them. So here they are!

Hanna and Phillip pt. 2!

2010-05-16T12:08:00.000-07:00

First off, I love these two! I was cracking up through this entire set. They're happiness together is so contagious and it was a sweet and wonderful thing to capture on camera. And they're engaged! Yay! Getting married in October and I couldn't be happier for them.

I hope you like these Hanna and Philip! I definitely had fun with them :)

Kara

2010-05-11T16:50:00.000-07:00

And to think she's as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside.

Kara (Karabelle, to me) has been one of my favorite models since I became interested in photography. She was my Alice in my first "real" photo shoot and we've gone on many spontaneous photo trips since. Therefore, I was doubly excited when she asked if I would take her senior photos. My mom let me borrow her 7D, so I felt a little nervous not using Gertie* for the first time.

Another first for me is that I was accompanied with a fellow photo-taker for this set. My boyfriend, Matt joined in while he was visiting my home town. You can see some of his pictures from Karabelle's set here.

Karabelle, I hope you like these!

*Gertie would be the name of the camera I typically use, a Canon Rebel xsi.

2010-04-27T17:54:00.001-07:00

Putting together bits and pieces of what I hope to be a decent portfolio.

Portfolio building is a phrase very well known to any art student, but when it comes down to it I'm really just another lost amateur with a stack of photos and nothing to accompany them with.

If I was to conjure up a statement about what I think of photography, or pictures that I have taken, or whatever you'd call it, this would be it.

I love faces, and people, but with that comes the fear of not doing them justice. If I'm taking a portrait, I want the whole person, not some fake version. I want to focus on what is real and beautiful and natural. I'll have my experiments in a studio (a nice, ghetto set up in the garage) but I'd rather go on a hike any day.

On another note, I will always be portfolio building, photography is constantly growing and updating and I'm merely along for the ride. However as of this summer I'm going to be officially opening up for business. For a low, reasonable price (well, I think so, I) I'll be taking portraits.

I am really excited to jump start an actual business. I don't want to bombard people with this, because I know it's a weird shift from let's just go on a fun photo day to oh, well now she's asking for money. Therefore I want to make it a nice, clean shift. Now that I am getting an apartment and have more and more responsibilities that unfortunately require money, I simply have to start charging. I promise to still remain reasonable and negotiable, though. I've always been iffy about prices in the past, but I'll be making a set price sheet for portraits, couples, families, etc. for those interested.

2010-04-25T16:18:00.000-07:00

My crazy clever friend Harrison asked if we could do some cigarette photos for a poster he had to make for a graphic design course. After many attempts of cigarette dropping, this was his result. He definitely deserves all the credit, but I was compelled to show his awesome handiwork.

Speaking of, it's funny how I've had multiple photos centered around smoking recently. For the record, I don't smoke, but I'l slip these in for the sake of the post.

2010-04-22T20:32:00.000-07:00

My loverly friend Morgan told me about a project she wanted to do for the girls in her dorm. She wanted to put inspirational quotes on her floor's bulletin board, and I couldn't be more flattered that she asked if she could use my photos. These are a couple of what she chose.

Thanks again for asking, Morgan! You're the sweetest :)

Space

2010-04-19T21:23:00.000-07:00

I have always been caught up in the various aspects of space. It seems that space is a dominant force in my life that I'm just now trying to control.

There is the physical and the emotional facets of space.

Physical. The other day I was looking around my dorm room when I thought about the physicality of space. The idea of dorms in general instantly bring forth a mental image of an old, weathered billboard I drive by on my trips to Houston. The billboard was yellow at some point in time, but now is chipped and faded, advertising apartments with the slogan "Live like people, not like bees!"

There's also a statement my grandmother told me once when we were playing a game of pool on a miniature Playskool set up when I was a kid. I don't think it was meant to be deep by any means, it was a sweet and simple passerby thought, and yet it pops into my mind every so often (you know those funny little things that just stick to you?). I believe I asked her something along the lines of how to clean carpeted staircases (why? I have no idea) which led to the subject of houses in general, whereupon she said, "Well. You're born into a family with a big house, then you're on your own and move to a little house. Eventually you have your own family, and move into a nice big house until your children move away, and then you move into a little house again."

At the time, I simply shrugged and proceeded with our Playskool pool game, but now it ties into my idea of space and the way it dominates our lives. In a sense, phases of our lives are measured by the four walls that surround us. My Nonnie's big house/little house proclamation led me to realize this.

But what to fill up this physical space? Nice, foreign furniture to obsess over like Fight Club's unnamed narrator?

This leads me to aspect of space number two: The Emotional.

I have to say, with much excitement, I'm about to move into an apartment with Mowski that exceeds the cubicle-esque space that now surrounds us. Every time we talk about the apartment, I've realized there always seems to be a common factor: people.

Let's have the drawings and paintings of friends and family fill our walls, let's create a place where people will want to feel comfortable and relaxed.

Chuck Palahniuk gets it. The narrator is practically nothing with his furniture, but becomes everything when Tyler Durden comes into play. Where there's people, the emotional space is filled. For a long time now, I have felt like The Narrator (or the beautiful Edward Norton, if we're going by movie) Pre-Tyler, merely cleaning unused furniture all day. I'm in the little house phase of my life, but why can't I make the emotional space big?

This is merely a resolution, and I have no intention of starting a Fight Club myself, but from now on I plan on filling any and every aspect of space possible.

Besides, who needs a couch when there's no one there to sit next to you on it?

Near

2010-04-19T09:17:00.000-07:00

College Station

2010-04-17T15:55:00.000-07:00

(below: sooc)

I was fortunate to go to College Station this weekend and saw some great old friends of mine (and met some new ones). Lauren and Ian are both people that just feel like home to me, and it was refreshing to see them. Although it was raining when Matt and I drove in, the city and the people were really wonderful. All in all, made for a good facet of my weekend.

The drive home was good for my camera and I. I realized I need to let go of the pesky thoughts of am I good enough? and the fear of being washed out amongst the competition. I love to take pictures, but have had trouble letting go of such measly concerns.

During the drive home, a group of horses were standing leisurely behind their fence. I felt like a five year old begging Matt to pull over, but it was far too tempting to drive past. I took a couple snap shots and then decided I wasn't going to let those insecurities get to me anymore.

Sara+Thom+Digital

2010-04-11T21:22:00.000-07:00

I went on an editing spree with these, it was really hard not to.

Hanna and Phillip

2010-04-11T08:19:00.000-07:00

My first engagement photos! And I couldn't ask for a more sweet couple to take them of. Hanna and Phillip are getting married in October and I'm incredibly happy for them both.

I'm going to be taking even more next weekend, and these are all just film. I hope they like this first batch of pictures!

(and thanks Blue Rock for letting us take pictures there, it was so beautiful there)

Sara+Thom+Film

2010-04-10T12:57:00.000-07:00

Sara and Thom-if they don't make you laugh, then you don't know what funny is.

(digital in next post)

Hurt & Hope

2010-04-09T10:51:00.000-07:00

I have a new photo series in mind that has started with a small group of mine and now I want to branch outwards.

It's centered around Hurt/Hope, and plan on forming a series of intimate (no, not that kind) black and white portraits with the simple message of "Hey, look at me, I'm not perfect."

I don't want to go too far into detail about it, though. Interested? Let me know! Feel free to comment here (comments can be left by anyone, I believe) or email me at

mightymeagan@aol.com (please don't chuckle, I made it when I was eight).

2010-04-08T23:24:00.001-07:00

2010-04-06T22:39:00.000-07:00

The best thing about dreams is that fleeting moment, when you are between sleep and awake, when you don't know the difference between reality and fantasy, when for just that one moment you feel with your entire soul that the dream is reality, and it really happened.

2010-04-05T22:51:00.000-07:00

Random film photos.

Easter

2010-04-05T09:47:00.000-07:00

film. iso 400.

Celebrated Easter with the fam with a crawfish boil. I've really missed my family, so to see them is pretty refreshing in a sense.

After I finished this roll I dropped it off at the local Walgreens, only to receive a call later that night while I was with some friends saying, "Um, yeah, don't shoot the messenger or anything, but your film was jammed in the developer. So, um, yeah, like half of your film has been wiped." I only had a minor heart attack, but that is what explains the terrible blotches on the picture of my wonderful Nonnie.

Taylor & Joe

2010-04-04T18:01:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun taking these photos. Taylor and Joe were really incredible and their happiness together is really fun and contagious. They were constantly giving me something new to take pictures of and they really make some sweet moments. My portfolio definitely loves them already. And the day after this, they went skydiving. Awesome? I think yes.

Ah, and for the record these are not engagement photos. Just sweet couple-y photos. Just throwing that out there.

2010-04-04T10:29:00.000-07:00

The other day, I was madly trying to write an essay at Tantra Coffeehouse when a boy walked carrying a loaf of bread on a tray. He approached me, handed me the bread, and simply said, "Here you go" from the local Bread Ministry. It was one of those small acts that really brightens a person's day. And it was some really great banana nut bread, too.

I now want to do more random acts of kindness.

Yoshi

2010-04-03T22:38:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun taking these! This has been the first batch of photos I've taken in awhile, so when Wesley (aka: Yoshi... the reason behind the nickname is starting to allude me, but it works) told me about this incredible tree my curiosity peaked. So him, myself, and our friend Amanda hiked out to what was undoubtedly the most amazing tree I have ever seen (and I like trees). For one, it was ancient. For two, it reminded me of Grandmother Willow from Pocahantas (and I like Pocahantas). The moss was so long and immense it created a total shroud over the tree, so to talk amongst it was to basically walk inside of it like a room.

Even though we were fairly close to campus, I felt so much farther away than we were. It was just so relaxing (and amidst all of my hectic studying, studio time, and other hooplah) I came back to campus feeling awfully refreshed. That and I had a new set of pictures to go along with it, so it was such a wonderful Wednesday :)

bw craze

2010-03-30T15:28:00.000-07:00

I have been on a big black and white kick as of late. Also, I have been doing tons of re-editing (hence familiar faces... to me, at least) because I haven't done a decent portrait session in quite some time (which is quite saddening, honestly). I'm beginning to miss a big batch of photos to edit.

2010-03-18T12:18:00.000-07:00

New journal.

I have found that one of the hardest things to do is to fill up a journal completely. I fall too easily in love with a new one before even finishing an old one. My entire life is going to be documented in half-filled journals scattered from Houston to San Marcos to wherever. They're one of my favorite things, journals.

I've always wanted to buy a journal or a sketchbook and have it be passed on from person to person. Each person could probably keep it for a week or so, and when it's filled up the last person would mail it back to me (somehow these instructions would be incorporated visibly into the journal). I don't know, thought it would be pretty interesting!

2010-03-16T15:04:00.000-07:00

I already miss those mountains.

What I have learned:

a) Know what'll turn out grainy and what will not. (1600-so grainy!)

b) Even with film on hand, always bring the digital (in case film doesn't turn out the way you hope... le sigh)

Anyone have any other tips for a film amateur? Suggestions much appreciated.

2010-03-15T17:26:00.000-07:00

FAIR WARNING: This post is rather negative. I swear I'm not a total downer for the most part-I merely need to vent a little so I can clear my head.

This film was way too grainy for my taste, and I was so silly I took barely any digital photos when I was in Colorado. Blah! Oh well, this old book store made me so happy, as well as the amazing mountains. I snowboarded too! All in all, the trip was so beautiful and breath taking, it was wonderful to just get away and see something new.

My trip home, however, was basically hell, in a nutshell. This wasn't anyone's fault whatsoever, but it was frustrating nonetheless. Give it a couple weeks and I'll be laughing it off, but at the moment I'm still sleep deprived. There was too much fog to land in Houston (midnight-ish) so we landed in Austin (near my beloved San Marcos). This leads to there being no more flights till morning, so my sister's dance team (fifty or so girls), plus parents, plus directors, plus myself had to be shuffled to a hotel (three-four a.m). Upon my final descent into the hotel bed, shutting my eyes, the fire alarm goes off. No fire, just a defected fire alarm. Why must you be defected at five in the morning of all times?! Ask anyone from that trip, and I'm sure you'll hear the agrees of how crazy such a trip was.

And stupidly enough all I could think about were the essays and theatre critiques I had to write. I'm still thinking about them (my brain is absolutely plagued) and I can't get over how I'm going to be able to fit everything in. I wish I could just go with the flow when it comes to school, but I can't. Literally, I am simply unable to just say "It'll be okay, my grades will be fine!" I can barely do that when I don't have the blaring of a fire alarm echoing in my brain.

Anywho, the lovely Sara picked me up the next morning at the hotel, and everyone (including my family, whom I was extremely excited to spend some time with) flew back to Houston on a 7a.m(ish).

It wasn't my night that sent me off the deep end, though. It was a roll of film that I took on the top of this beautiful mountain on the way to Denver from Breckenridge that I've been so antsy to develop. And now I just can't find it. It's disappeared! Could it have fallen out of my camera bag? Slipped out of my pocket? Fell off the bus in Colorado and chucked itself off some mountain? I don't have any idea, but all I know is that it was that little roll of film that sent me overboard.

Oy, but tomorrow. Yes, tomorrow will be a new day. Although I think it'll take a couple of tomorrows to get everything in order, a talk with my mom made me figure that I need to snap out of it and get my head in the game.

2010-03-07T14:55:00.000-08:00

photo credit here.

Could Anne Hathaway look any more beautiful in this picture? I was so excited to see the beyond lovely Alice in Wonderland today! The effects were so stunning I wanted to bolt and take some picture ASAP.

But I refrained.

Really though, the film was breathtaking!

Now that I'm home for spring break I have a couple of days to check off some to-dos, like get some disposable film developed. I'm so lucky to be surrounded some of the most wonderful people, I really am.

2010-03-05T12:31:00.000-08:00

Another book, willing to sell. It's a little thing.

I am just now out for spring break, and about to drive home. I am unbelievably excited to finally relax (which I haven't done in quite some time, school has been a killer). Ha, I'm even feeling too lethargic to finish this little blog entry.

2010-02-28T08:42:00.000-08:00

Lil' ol' me doing what I always do-studying.

Alice-she's in my car's rearview mirror. She accompanies on my drives home from school (all three and a half hours of them).

This reminds me of my favorite cartoon-Donald Applecore)

And you wouldn't believe where these came from.

Ulysse/The Power of Tea

2010-02-26T09:10:00.000-08:00

Courtesy of brittealeaf, I am in LOVE love loverly love with these videos.

Those Who Bother Cats Get Scratched

2010-02-24T13:29:00.000-08:00

Can't beat Catwoman.

My cousin Anne taught me how to make these awhile back and I love them - fun to make when the weather is nice and you don't have to worry about the Anthropology test that's been killing you for the past two weeks (or so). I'll be making several of these (and with different, Catwoman oriented covers) to put on my Etsy (which is still in the making).

2010-02-23T16:48:00.000-08:00

Anthropology/Kumon. We all had studying to do.

(sooc)

Last weekend I had a wonderful time helping out my dear old bestest friend Lauren babysit her most adorable cousins. (She has a way with babies like you wouldn't believe). Anywho! The older boys have grown to be able to verbalize objection to having their pictures taken, so my camera was predominantly focused on little Miles. Too precious.

Side note: Kerry and Charles' home is meant for an HGTV magazine spread, it's unbelievably beautiful and cozy.

As for now, I am in desperate need of sleep, for an Anthropology test awaits me in the morning. Fun fun fun.

2010-02-18T11:22:00.000-08:00

Another past series that I'm re-uploading due to my photo deletion massacre.

Inspirations

2010-02-17T09:20:00.000-08:00

music/people/books

Bell Plaines. I found this rather hypnotizing.

Jane Goodall (I love reading her biography.)

The Loveliest Girl in the World.

Kate

2010-02-12T09:09:00.000-08:00

My sister will always be my favorite model.

And not just because she makes me awesome videos.

(And her eighteenth birthday is next week! Excitement!)

I also finally jumped on the bandwagon and got myself a formspring! Please, feel free to ask me anything.

The Petrobelli Altarpiece

2010-02-09T10:34:00.000-08:00

My delicious new sketchbook.

Over the weekend I was fortunate enough to see The Petrobelli Altarpiece at the Blanton Museum.

I've always had an intrinsic love and fascination for museums. They're peaceful and beautiful, and I love seeing history right before my eyes. I get all giddy just thinking about it, really. Whenever I'm feeling blue, I go to a museum (whether it be art, history, any kind, I'm not biased to any one sort). They instantly calm me, put me at ease. Perhaps it's the serene quietness that gives my mind room to wander, or because it satiates my never ending love of learning new things. That or the lighting, I don't know, I just love them.

So I was basically a kid in a visually captivating, High Renaissance candy store the other day.

Sorry for the very lame photo that I took with my iPhone, by the way. It clearly doesn't give the altarpiece justice.

If you don't know about the altarpiece, please don't mind if I give you a brief bio that explains the ambiguous gray panels depriving us the whole of the piece, because the history behind it fascinates me.

History Lesson Time! Basically, two Petrobelli cousins, Antonio and Girolamo, commissioned a 35 year old chap in the form of Paolo Veronese (well, really Paolo Caliari but called Paolo Veronese) to paint them a loverly altarpiece for the family chapel in the Church of San Francesco.

So the altar was created (around 1563) and placed above the altar in the church. Until, however, the Venetian government had to go and suppress the church, which was completely destroyed in 1769. The painting landed in the hands of an art dealer named Pietro Concollo, who cut it up and sold it because (a: he wanted to make a profit and b: figured it was just too big to sell in one piece). Yes, as much as I was thinking "What the eff, Pietro?" apparently this wasn't an uncommon deal back in the day.

HENCE the gray panels, the piece is cut up! Even these pieces haven't been reunited for a good two centuries, which is pretty much spectacular to an art history buff like me. And now, where paint should be, is replaced with gray panels.

So I can't help but wonder if I would love this altarpiece so much if it wasn't so ambiguous and denied me the pleasure of seeing all of it. I have to admit, this definitely makes it more endearing, captivating.

Anywho! That is my soapbox on The Petrobelli Altarpiece.

More wonderful history here.

Applecore

2010-02-07T17:49:00.000-08:00

Some sweet dose of nostalgia on a gloomy, rainy Monday.

sooc

2010-02-07T16:45:00.000-08:00

This is my someone.

Someone gets their picture taken a lot.

Someone has also come to realize that Harry Potter and I are a package deal.