Today I’d like to introduce you to Holly Clark! I met Holly through Mortal Muses, the collaborative photography site I was involved with several years ago. I don’t think we were ever Muses at the same time, but we’ve gotten to know each other through a mutual love for all things photographic. Her work is beautiful, and her enthusiasm comes through in all she does. Give her a warm welcome!
The past few months have been busy for me and it feels like summer has somehow passed me by. August. Already. How did that happen? Part of the illusion was created by the late arrival of temperatures here in the Northeast. For the first time in years, we didn’t turn on our air conditioning until the beginning of June! Work has been busy from mid-May straight through until now, which when you work for yourself is a blessing indeed, but it certainly left the garden in shambles! Luckily I was able to find a few evenings to relax amongst friends celebrating whatever was on hand.
In early May it was the annual Kentucky Derby where a group of us gathers to bet on the horses, mix mint and bourbon and catch up on each other’s stories from the past year. In February, we lost our close friend –who ran the “bank” – to pneumonia, so this year’s celebration was in his honor. I took over the betting running the bank and I think I did Eric proud.
We sipped juleps, ate burgers, talked nonsense and lived in the moment enjoying the camaraderie of this year’s gang.
In June we gathered with friends to watch the USA’s opening world cup soccer match with some friends. Lee’s a British expatriate, now American, who’s built his own English pub in his basement to remind him of home! Not only was his bar fully stocked, but he had craft beer on the tap and willingly poured us all a tall, delicious pint while we shouted at the TV and cheered on the game.
In July one of my closest girlfriends had us over for dinner to celebrate my birthday, always a treat once you’ve passed the big milestones. 41 couldn’t have started better with big hugs from little girls and tasty hors d’oeuvre with a lovely South African white wine.
We grilled. We talked. We played, and each one of us received a pink princess sticker to place on our shirts. I even had my own hand-made place card and a red-velvet cake! I’m keeping my fingers crossed this birthday wish comes true!
Each gathering was a well-earned escape from the busy months surrounding them. A good reminder for me of what’s truly important: celebrating life’s gatherings both big and small with the characters that make them special. I’m sure you’ll agree that these treasured memories are picture-worthy moments to be relived again and again. By now, my friends are used to me raising my camera to shoot at a moment’s notice. From the dainty details to the unscripted moments I couldn’t expect, I try to capture everything. Despite how random my shooting might seem, I shoot with and open heart and with purpose, as these are the memories I want to hold onto forever.
How about you? Do you shoot the special occasions of your life too? Do you also shoot with a plan? It is absolutely possible to capture your memorable moments and take captivating photos of the faces you love and the places you’ll never forget. Join me August 28th at Big Picture Classes where I’m teaching an exciting new 4-week workshop called Gatherings through the Lens.
The pre-classroom is now open where I several lessons available immediately to start you on your journey. During our time together I’ll cover weekly topics on portraits, details, actions and candids along with insight from expert guest photographers sharing their perspective on capturing all of life’s events. I hope that you’ll join me, and I can’t wait to meet you in class!
Happy Snapping,
Holly
You can see more of Holly’s gorgeous work here.
