serendipity

She just picked up the leaf and it all just worked. Taken at the Lake Harriet Peace Garden.

frosty morning

From an early morning shoot yesterday for Organic Gardening magazine. A beautiful frost coated everything at dawn. Not my favorite time of day to be awake but it was definitely worth it from a photography perspective.

Greenport, NY

This photo was taken recently during a portrait shoot. Normally I get pretty involved in picking out wardrobe and my bent is always towards a more formal look. This outfit breaks all my rules -- stripes, big logos, dark navy (all things I avoid) -- yet the everyday wardrobe and bare feet make this shot.

public library gem

I recently did a catalog shoot for Manhattan Toy in the Minneapolis Central Library, an architectural gem by Cesar Pelli. We were allowed to shoot in the children's "special collection" room. I've been to the library dozens of times but never noticed this room since it is usually locked. I wanted to linger over the fabulous illustrations and old favorites (including The Littlest Angel a book from my childhood that I had all but forgotten about). Alas I had to move on with the job at hand but I plan to go back and photograph some of the books. This potential project reminds me of my friend Natasha D'Schommer who has been photographing a private collection at the Princeton Library for over ten years and recently published a book called Biblio that chronicles favorite images from that body of work.

stolen moment

Sometimes I find it hard to stay anonymous at receptions where guests are always eager to pose for me. This shot feels like what I see when my camera is at my hip instead of my face. I'm glad everyone was blissfully unaware.

Gourmet, RIP

I did not take this photo! It's a gorgeous shot by Roland Bello, who I discovered in the pages of Gourmet magazine. I'm heartbroken that Conde Nast has shut down this inspirational title.