Written by carolyn
Osaka, Japan
The amount that I could write about visiting Osaka is staggering, and I could probably break it down into approximately 1,000 blog posts, but I felt compelled to write something IMMEDIATELY, because it was a truly incredible city. I had the opportunity to attend a Sumo Wrestling Tournament in the heart of the city, and was blown away. I knew very little about Sumo itself before attending, and by the end of the day long event, I had read up on the incredibly intricate rules and practices, not only of the sport itself, but that dictate the entire lives of the athletes. I only have a few photos to share at the moment, but will post a large gallery sometime soon! In the meantime, these photos will have to do. Thanks for reading, more to come!
New Year, New Perspective (Literally). Times Square, NYC
Happy New Year! After a brief, bombarded with newborn photography hiatus, I’m back to Human Stories Photography, and couldn’t be more excited to share some of the photo adventures I’ve been having (and a truly exciting new project that I’m working on…details coming soon!). I thought it only appropriate to start the new year with one of my most favorite recent photos. Times Square is considered to many to be the heart of NYC, but in truth, I usually can’t stand it. I find it crowded, claustrophobic, and overwhelming. Therefore, the joy that I felt being able to find a moment of peace, pictured here, simply by changing my perspective, was wonderful. This is the first in a series of photos called “From Down Here”, and, more importantly, is a good metaphor for starting the new year. When in doubt, change perspective. More to come. Happy New Year, and many thanks for reading.
Brooklyn Bridge, NYC
In one of the most amazing things to stumble upon in NYC, I saw a couple getting their wedding photos taken on the Brooklyn Bridge. I LOVE the Brooklyn Bridge, and getting to witness, not the wedding, not the photos, but the tiny looks of excitement and happiness between each recorded moment, was incredibly beautiful.
Road Trip Story #1- Great Ocean Road
There is nothing (NOTHING, I say) that I love more than a road trip. Preferably one with a very flexible itinerary, and accompanied by someone I love (and can not only survive, but enjoy being confined to a car with for days on end). As I seem to be falling into the pattern of doing various series of photos here on my blog, I feel that this is a series that needs to be included. So, presenting the first photo in a whole road trip series: The Great Ocean Road, Australia. This particular road winds its way along the Southeast Coast of Victoria, Australia, and runs approx. 151 miles long (243 kilometers). I didn’t drive the full length, but did make it as far as what’s pictured above, The Twelve Apostles. The Twelve Apostles (an amazing road trip destination, if I do say so myself), is a collection of free standing limestone stacks, just off the coast, directly next to the Great Ocean Road. While there were originally actually twelve of them grouped together, only eight currently remain standing. Not only is the coast itself breathtaking, but these towering stacks reveal all of the different colors and layers that comprise the make up of the gorgeous cliffs. The beaches themselves are completely unreachable by people, and therefore gloriously untouched, making it feel like one of the most majestic, isolated, and inspiring places I’ve ever seen.
Bronx Zoo, NYC
And now for a completely different take on my “Animals in Captivity” series, I present to you a polar bear, who we got to see having the MOST fun playing, swimming, jumping, and full out frolicking.
Lower Ninth Ward, New Orleans, LA
This week, while sorting through my photos to choose some for an exhibit, I came across this photo that I took in 2012. I have never before shared it, spoke about it, posted it, or put it up anywhere, because I was never quite sure how to explain it, or how it made me feel. I took this photo in the Lower Ninth Ward, New Orleans, LA. I was driving cross country, and a dear friend and New Orleans resident took me on a full tour of the city. While there, I learned about the city’s rich history, culture, and met some amazing people. I was also shown the absolute destruction still left over from Hurricane Katrina, seven years after the fact. Seven. Years. As we travelled from the wealthy communities (mostly initially less damaged, or more quickly rebuilt) into the Lower Ninth Ward, it became immediately clear how deep the classism and racism ran in New Orleans. The poorest areas were the ones that had been the most damaged, were in the most need of attention, and yet had received the least aid. In the midst of a beautiful city full of wonderful people, there was (and is) enormous social injustice, and I was shocked. Above, is a photo of a house we passed, one of many, that was completely abandoned and destroyed. Many of the houses had been completely swept off of their foundations, leaving behind only a footprint. In the end, I did choose to include the photo in my exhibit, and chose to share it here, along with a few thoughts. As always, thanks for reading.
Family Love
I very rarely post images from hired photography jobs to my blog, but this kind of photo is exactly the sort of thing that inspired Human Stories to take place, and I felt I couldn’t skip over this one. Grandparents and grandbaby. Pure love.
Central Park, NYC
I stumbled upon these enormously talented gents in Central Park almost a year ago! Their music was incredible, and they drew a hypnotized audience in from all sides. One of my favorite things about NYC is that you can just happen to stumble across serious musicianship while taking a stroll through the park! If you want to check them out, the link to their Facebook page is: https://www.facebook.com/eliandtitus.
Bronx, NY
Here is one of my favorite shots (and favorite animals!) in my portrait series of animals in captivity. On one hand, we have a gorgeous elephant full out SMILING, in the most bashful manner. On the other hand, why is she stuck in a tiny wooden paddock? Bittersweet.