photograph by Richard Misrach
I’ve been assisting on some studio photography shoots lately and these lovely beach images are such a refreshing break from all the light stands, heads, packs, reflectors, etc.
Don’t take me wrong: I’m loving every second of what I am doing! But on the other hand, it just feels so good #1 to imagine myself outside and enjoying the sunshine… Ahhh… And #2 to be reminded that Photography is such a vast field with such infinite possibilities.
A sign to not let anything intimidate us and stop us from shooting. A proof that there is always enough room for new ideas and new ways of seeing…
photograph by Richard Misrach
Also, I just love how these photos are vibrant and colorful, and yet, still portray so much softness… Softness to the point they evoke a calming feeling to me…
Do you feel that too?
photograph by Richard Misrach
Well… Actually… I guess I’m totally offbase.
Check out the story behind them…
These photos belong to a series of large scale (six by ten feet) photographs of swimmers and sunbathers in Hawaii. Wish I had seen them in person when the exhibit was up last year in DC. Did any of you see it?
“Looking down from a hotel room directly adjacent to the beach, he has eliminated all references to the horizon and sky to record people immersed in the idyllic environment. Yet, despite the beauty of the scene, a strange sense of disquietude pervades these photographs. Made in the days immediately after September 11, 2001, these photographs speak of the unease and sense of foreboding that pervaded the country after the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. The title of the series, On the Beach, is drawn from Nevil Shute’s cold war novel about nuclear holocaust.” National Gallery if Art
Hmm… Do you get that?
photograph by Richard Misrach
Nonetheless, I think it is so interesting and inspiring to look at photographs within the context of a project.
So this week I invite you to think of a project like this one. Give it some thought! I’m on it too. Tell a story, make a statement, invite discussion. What is it going to be?
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Oh And we still have a bit of summer left!
So before anything else…
Let’s soak it up, friends! :)
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And in case you missed the link in my last post ~ I have a fun project going on at the Wishstudio. Come play with me! We even have a flickr group. Check it out and join.
Archive for July, 2009
Inspired by: the Beach & Richard Misrach
Gypsy Life: Yoga Ashram
After my sweet gypsy friend Marianne posted about her yoga retreat in Bali, I thought I would keep going on the theme and share with you my experience of spending time in a traditional yoga ashram in India in 2004.
I chose the Sivananda yoga Ashram in Neyar Dam, Kerala, India. It was a fantastic choice and definitely a little haven in the midst of crazy amazing India.
However, if you are after a luxurious vacation, this may not be for you. Although the grounds are beautifully cared for, and the food is amazing, the accommodations are quite simple and the routine is determined by somewhat strict rules and guidelines.
This is the little bed in which I spent some of my sweets nights ever. I am happy living quite simply. Basic cotton linens, mosquito net and pillow are provided, but you must bring your towel, blankets and mats.
Here is an idea of the regular schedule:
The day starts with a wake up bell at 5:20 am (just before sunrise). At 6am and before any breakfast there is a satsang session (silent meditation, chanting and a talk or reading on the philosophy of yoga and Vedanta). At 7:30am is tea time. This is just a cup of chai without frills or solid foods. At 8am the first yoga class. At 10am brunch/ lunch. This is not your regular American/ English brunch with omelets and pancakes, peeps. It consists of a great vegetarian Indian meal with curries and all.
Once your belly is full, it is time for some Karma Yoga (practice of selfless service). You are expected to do up to one hour of selfless service per day within the ashram. I did things like cleaning the bathrooms/ showers in the dorms, sweeping the grounds, cleaning the food hall, dishes, etc. It’s fun. I guess I am a willing servant. I enjoyed this part thoroughly and was proud of doing a good job. It’s also a great time to be social, since the ashram can be such a quiet and private space.
Once you’re done with your Karma duties, you can take a nap and have some more chai before the 2pm lecture. Lectures cover yoga philosophy and other topics in yoga. At 4pm another 2h Yoga class.
Weeee. I got in shape real fast with 4hs of Yoga a day. Even though I was eating so many grains and curries, my body never felt more in shape.
At 6pm is dinner time and then there is another Satsang/ mediation. Sometimes a Kirtan (singing) is held at 8pm. At 10pm lights are out.
The first couple of days are rough, but once you get into the rhythm you just never want it to end. I considered living there for a whole year. I still wonder how that would be like for my body, mind and soul…
Meals are served on the floor and you eat with your hands! It took me about 5 minutes to get used to it. Once you get over the thought of a disgusting mess, it is quite liberating and fun. I love eating with my hands! The other most precious thing I learned from eating meals at the ashram, is to honor the moment by not being overly chatty. All the swamis ate their meals in complete silence.
Although most of the westerns did not keep that rule very well, I began to feel the need for that quiet time during meals. It just helped my digestion, made me more aware of how much I was eating, allowed me to savor all the flavors and also, be grateful for having a hot plate. These days, although I love eating with friends and enjoy dinner dates, I still make time for some silent meals on my own. It’s a very blissful and balancing act.
Look at the joy that emanates from the swamis. Such sweet mentors! But don’t be fooled, though. These yoga masters can be tough on the mat! :) They were amazing teachers indeed.
At the ashram no junk food or snacks are allowed. As an alternative, you can grab a fresh smoothie or a snack at the health hut. I think this is mostly a convenience for westerners that cannot endure the Indian food every single day. It is also a great chance to have juice and eat fresh items without the fear of getting stomach sick while in India.
Yoga practice takes place in two different halls. The one above is the main hall, where other rites, lectures and special events take place. The one below is by the lake and across from the lion sanctuary.
This is the view of the lion sanctuary across the lake at 5:30am, just before sunrise. The Sivananda Neyyar Dam ashram affords a panoramic view of the the mountains and the lake.
One of the best memories I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life is to meditate at sunrise, while hearing the lions wake up and roar in the background. Amazing!
For more info on the Sivananda Ashram in Neyar Dam go here. For other Sivanandas in India go here. And for Sivananda Ashram’s around the world, go to their main page.
ps: I so would love to go to their ashram in Nassau
So any of you out there have been to an ashram before. I’d love to know which one. And if not, what do you think? Is this for you?
update: ~ I have a post at the wishstudio today. Check it out!
Inspired by Muses
I’ve always had a thing for shooting people, interesting faces and expressions. On my travels I find my subject matter by chance, on the road, in a cafe, walking through a village, etc. But recently, I’ve been doing a lot more portrait sessions and commercial shoots too, in which the model plays a greater role and where the shoot can benefit from a certain quality in the ‘performance’, so to speak.
As a result, I have developed a huge respect for actresses and models and have taken interest in learning more about directing, which has allowed me to tap a bit into the mysterious process of working with a muse. I find myself completely swept away by certain models. Sometimes I feel like there is a magnetic field between me and the muse, pulling each one of us towards the perfect shot, pose, look. I really enjoy that chemistry and I never want to stop clicking when I find that strong connection with my model or shining star. I get lost in their brilliance…
So this week I am absolutely swept away by muses. I mentioned Penelope Cruz as one of my muses last week, and now I want to share a couple of breathtaking new clips with another favorite on my list: Audrey Tautou.
We all fell in love with Audrey in Amelie and now she’s done it to us again! Have you seen this Chanel commercial? It’s got me so inspired! It is a great little short film directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet (who directed wonderful artsy films including Amelie). I was so into it, that I also watched all the special features and interviews on the chanel film site. The film is set in Istanbul… Oh it so makes me dream! What an artful commercial!
And then, as usual, one click led to another, and I found out that Audrey also stars in the movie “Coco before Chanel”, the story of Coco Chanel’s life before she became a fashion icon. The film was already released in Europe and it is scheduled to open in the US in September. Any of you seen it already? I’d love to know what you thought of it. She seems like the perfect choice for the role. Looks like a wonderful job on the cinematography as well, with amazing art direction, to die for vintage scenes and fabulous locations! I can’t wait to check it out… There are so many great movies to see this year!
With that in mind, I’d like for you to share a favorite muse of yours this week. Tell us a muse that captures your heart every time? Someone you love seeing on the screen, someone in your life that you love to shoot?
Who is your favorite muse?
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The winner of last week’s portrait session giveaway. Molly ~ from Destination the Journey. Get ready to shine in San Francisco with your love! Please e-mail me within the next week to schedule the shoot. :)
