Kat Eye Studio

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Happy Valentine’s Day


We are in the states this week, our “Home Leave” in Corvallis, so starting with Valentine’s Day today I thought I would post a few pics of various hearts I’ve collected in my photos.

This photo is one of my early favorites from our time here in Italy, from Bergamo. I actually didn’t see the graffiti heart at all when I took the picture, but when I was reviewing on the screen it just popped out at me. This is a time I’m sure that my inner eye saw something that my conscious brain didn’t even register. These types of images are what make me trust my instincts in my photography.

So enjoy this heart today, and a Valentine’s wish from me!

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Breathtaking Moments


“Life is not measured by the breaths you take, but by its breathtaking moments.”
– Michael Vance

This photo started out as a fun photo of Brandon in Alpe di Siusi, he had scrambled to the top of a big snow hill and stopped for a moment to celebrate being at the top before we moved on. The sky was blue, Brandon’s smile is so natural, just caught a happy photo. But when I change it to black and white, it becomes more powerful. It becomes a breathtaking moment to me, a photo essay on the joy of being 8 years old, in an amazing place and feeling free to just be and experience something new.

For Brandon, I wish a lifetime full of breathtaking moments, and the wisdom to see them and truly enjoy them when they happen. We are living a lot of them right now!

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Into the Fog

This morning I wasn’t feeling good, I am in the midst of a cold. Again. My plan was to walk Brandon to school and then come home, not go for a walk in the park today. Then Patrick said, “You should take your camera.” I looked outside at the thick, thick fog and said, “You’re right.” So I ended up going for a walk anyway to take some photos. I’ve loved the fog on my morning walks in Parco di Monza and haven’t had my camera with me, but today I did. And I feel better for the walk and the creative energy. Thanks Patrick!

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Iconic Image

My favorite photos of places generally tend to be the scenes that capture a small detail, rather than the famous buildings and sights that we visit. But I can’t help but include a photo or two of the Eiffel Tower. It’s been done, and re-done, and done some more… but there is more beauty in this structure than I expected. It draws you to it, and it’s no wonder that it’s become the symbol of Paris. You have to see it just once, for yourself, to understand.

I couldn’t decide on this one though, the warm colors of the night lights or the classic black and white. What do you think?

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Blank Slate

A new year has begun, a blank slate for us to write on. I’m not a fan of New Year’s Resolutions. What is it about the changing of the calendar that makes us thing that we should do anything different? It is a little reminder, though, that each day is a blank slate. Each day is a chance to write the ending a little bit differently than the one before.

This image from our visit to Castello San Sebastiano da Po this summer speaks of possibilities, of sitting down in the light and writing something new. It reminded me of the lyrics I loved from a song that was popular a few years ago called Unwritten. The lyrics to the song are…

I am unwritten,
can’t read my mind,
I’m undefined.
I’m just beginning,
the pen’s in my hand,
ending unplanned.

Staring at the blank page before you
Open up the dirty window
Let the sun illuminate the words that you could not find

Reaching for something in the distance
So close you can almost taste it
Release your inhibitions
Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
The rest is still unwritten.

What will I write this year? I’m not sure, I’m sitting down here at my desk, with the ending still unwritten.

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Year-end Reflection

The end of the year, time for a moment of reflection. This picture of Brandon at Castello San Sebastiano da Po makes me think of a moment of quiet. A peaceful moment, paused in the busy-ness that is an 8 year old and the busy-ness of our everyday lives.

This morning I was reflecting in my journal that, while it is always surprising to reach the end of the year and realize a new one is upon us already, this year didn’t seem to fly by. If I think back to where I was a year ago, it was a very different place both geographically and personally. It seems like many years ago. I am happy to say that, a year later, I am a different person. A happier person. Much more me than ever before.

So, with that note, I hope that you all have had a wonderful 2009, and take a moment to reflect on what it brought you. And I’m wishing you a fun New Year’s Eve and a fabulous 2010! Ciao!