Adventures, Art and Anniversaries

Well this summer's been just a little crazy with a fun variety of different photo adventures! And while I've loved just about every minute of each one, it means I haven't had much time at all to update my blog on all the new happenings.

Wanted to take a quick moment to share some favorite glimpses and new thoughts developing from a recent shoot.

A lot of nostalgia with this one— these two were the first friends brave enough to ask me to shoot their wedding! And after spending the day peaking through a lens onto so many sweet and important wedding day memories last year, I had the wonderful honor of joining Kyle and Rachel again for a day of Anniversary Celebrations!

Back in my college days, (a whole four months ago) I was presented with a puzzling white book branded with a fascinating multicolored cow and a demanding title— "What is Art?". I think that I will continue to ask that question, and consequentially, continue to come to new conclusions.

The conclusion I've adopted for the moment, however, is actually instead another question, which arose from an interview tim artist Edie Bresler:

What kind of opportunities does my "art practice" present me with? What does my artist's tools and title allow me to do that I love? Because whatever the answer is, I think for now I have discovered that my art is in that.

There's something about art that is more than just "making something" (or designing something or composing something or painting something for that matter). I continue to find that a whole lot of it is about the experience— the people you learn about, the time you spend, the places you're welcomed into.

And while composing and placing and moving and adjusting are probably always going to cloud my existence (all for the right lighting of course), I'm trying this thing out where I just OBSERVE.

Find the little things that just are. 

Happy (one month late) One Year Anniversary to these two dear friends!

Adventure Shoes

I'm finally getting around to posting some pics from a little wilderness expedition with my dear friend Holly a little while back.

Since Senior Show, I've been really interested in this idea of 'Documenting' and wanted to highlight all the little parts that make an experience. I think there are a whole lot of things that go into creating an event that we discard pretty quick, and as a photographer, I leave out of the visual portrayal of it. So here's to finding what those little things are. 

Probably I'm setting myself up for an unending battle, because how do you share the experience of feeling little minnows zip past your feet while they're sloshing through chilly stream water? Or even the light— the color of it when it starts to head over the the westside around 4 o'clock and the temperature of it when it finally peeks through the trees?

Little things like conversation. 

Or gravity.

And the things that happen to be blooming that particular week.

For Goodness Cakes

Can I introduce you to some wonderful people and a dear story?

Perhaps you’ve not walked through this particular white door before. In that case you’ve not been embraced immediately by the warm smells of sweet flavors baking together, or had the chance to share your latest updates with the familiar faces appearing around the corner upon your arrival. It’s likely too, that you’ve not gotten to quiz these charming friends on your favorite treat from the selection of cupcakes, cookies, cinnamon rolls and cakes created at ‘For Goodness Cakes’. So can I introduce you?

Fantastic!

Susie Myers started a beautiful series of experiences three years ago when she decided to invest a part of her life into building a small bakery. And that decision was not made lightly. For many years, she worked in a doctor’s office, and slowly friends were introduced to her talent of baking as she offered her delicious cakes as gifts or celebrations. 

Susie’s boss, Eric began to encourage her to start her own shop. Her response? “I’m 60 years old, I don’t need this kind of hassle in my life.” She recalled praying about it frequently and letting The Lord know that she was not going to pursue it, but she promised to keep her eyes open for opportunities, and if He provided one, she would be faithful to take it because then she would know that He was in it.

One day, Eric came to Suzie and let her know that if she wanted to open her own shop, he would put money behind it. As I had the chance to chat with Suzie, she remembered that, “it wasn’t even as much about the money, but that someone believed in me enough to say it”. Just a few days after that encouraging conversation, she noticed a location up for lease at quite an ideal location. “One thing lead to another”, Suzie informed me, “and now here we are”.

As the details were coming together, she lamented over the confusion of the “business side” and contracts and communication with all kinds of offices. “I’m a baker, not a business person”, she stated, “If I could have gotten out at any time, that’s when I would have done it, but I’m glad I didn’t. When it get’s hard, that’s where you build character and learn”.

The relationships that Suzie has been able to build and bring into this experience, though, are what make it all worth it to her. And the many people she has impacted I think, would not like to consider the alternative if she had not committed to building this space. 

This shop fosters the most delightful relationships built, family time spent together, and welcoming of occasional interns. Suzie and her business partners Heather and Abby have worked together to build the most authentic and peaceful environment. 

For many years, children’s memories of visiting grandma at the bakery and picking one special treat from the shelves will remain a sweet experience. A bride will continue to be impacted by the women who intentionally took the time to know her, and help her choose the perfect wedding cake. Students will recall patience and grace in joining in a work team that was possibly more like a family. 

So yes, Susie Myers and her team build beautiful things— beautiful things of several varieties in their little shop in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Find them at http://forgoodnesscakesfortwayne.blogspot.com

Downtown Shops

I had the opportunity to peek into the happenings at a perfect new shop called Grounds Coffee Bar, connected with Reclaimed furniture store!

Brent and Megan, the sweet couple that started this unique shop took some time to answer a few of my questions and let me roam the showroom and workshop upstairs. They tell me it’s always changing, which seems to fit with the life of the Downtown Crystal Lake train station just across the street. 

A fresh feel from the sleek wood and vibrant colors greet the morning Metra commuters, and locally sourced products offer them a perfect start to their day.

For downtown shoppers hoping to stay a while and sip their hot coffee, a wall of windows makes for a perfect sun-filled study spot with an intriguing invitation to explore the back room filled with treasures. 

A conveniently placed furniture elevator makes for easy transfer of the pieces from the upstairs workshop.

This particular Friday morning found Brent and Doug constructing a custom made table, but work boards show all kinds of upcoming projects. Gatherings of old wood and discarded chairs certainly buzz with potential for what will eventually be displayed in the glowing room below.

Check this lovely location out next time you’ve got a few minutes before the next train!