Light and Shadows

 

With one family member on an extended road trip and another family member flying off to meet her, Christmas promises to be the most low-key of low-key affairs. As our offspring have aged out of the holiday craze, I'll join my fellow agnostics seeking a little suburban relaxation, take in a movie, go for a walk and count our blessings. Back when this holiday meant an excitement that knew no bounds, pleasing three young people in the guise of Santa was delicious fun.

Hearth and Home

 

This year, our seasonal decorations are scant. We couldn't decide about a tree, and everyone was too distracted by other things to press for one, so it seems pretty likely we won't make the trek to select, purchase, drive back, install and trim some stately pine.  I miss seeing the glow in the living room of the branches illuminated by twinkling lights. A  tender image of a glowing candle at dusk will have to suffice for today.

All About (Holiday) Me

 

As I was not immune to the thrall of getting in front of the camera, incorporating myself in to my holiday card was a fun riddle to solve. Wardrobe, hair, make-up, art direction and casting were my elements as well as finding someone willing and capable to operate the camera. Brings back fun memories.

Back-lit Holiday

I love photographing people and the connection you feel through the lens, but objects in their immutable state let me step back and ponder the picture plane. Creating something of value in the moment is a task I enjoy and when I can take my time- a complete pleasure.

From A to B

Embedded in objects is the potential for narrative and the combinations that we create are the fruits of our imaginations. This set of tin figurines purchased in a small shop in Greenwich Village presented a perfect opportunity to spin a sweet vignette of a winter day on a frozen pond.

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Ring In Happiness and Peace

I've had the good fortune to work with Tim Thayer of Eyebuzz on the design of my website and with his able assistance, I have created a series of digital greetings.  In 2006 I published a web card for the holidays which I would like to share with you here- hope you enjoy!

Still Life of the Holiday Persuasion

I've been lucky as a photographer to work across many genres, from food to landscape, from figures to still life and the many iconic images we associate with the holidays take on a certain stature when combined with a seasonal greeting. A well made object well lit and shot from a pleasing angle makes for easy eye candy. Sometimes making a thing of beauty isn't so hard at all.

Pleasures and Perils of the Season

 

Who doesn't like to be the bearer of glad tidings? And given the enormous push of retailers everywhere, we're barraged by messages encouraging us to open our hearts and empty our wallets to spread the love. This year my economy is ruled by restraint and encourages ingenuity- homemade Christmas anyone?

Thinking Holiday

During the years I lived in Greenwich Village I liked to visit my friend Michele and her family at their home in Bryn Mawr. Her kids' events were often on the calender and one Sunday, at their dance school's holiday recital, I stood offstage to admire a group of young dancers concentrating on their steps as their feet tapped away. The excitement the children feel who are performing is palpable and sweet to observe. And the audience of family members- hold the kleenex!

Boots and Gloves Required

Sometimes the urge surfaces to go out in the elements and see what you can find. After a blizzard, the world shrouded in white makes for a contemplative landscape that reveals a different kind of silhouette. Perfect for a seasonal message.  I loved photographing with my panoramic camera but it's scale and heft required snowshoes or a snowmobile to wade in.  I had to content myself with my roadside perch and my gracious driver who made sure I navigated the snow drifts and came back alive.

Season's Greetings (from HUE)

I met Sandy in college and years later, when she launched HUE with her neighbor Kathy, they enlisted me to photograph their designs. The two women founded the business in the early 80's and they revolutionized hosiery as a category. To a large extent I created their look and their packaging.

For years they mailed a holiday card and I really enjoyed those opportunities to create something seasonal that reflected their brand. It was fun to reinterpret a classic image with Kathy wearing the glittery sock and Sandy doing Santa duty in the studio.

Chanukkah 5776

 

As noted by others who know me well, I have a sentimental streak and when certain occasions arise, I will often bring my camera to capture the event. Before my own offspring came along I took delight in my 6 nieces (and still do). One Chanukkah years back, my brother Frank's daughters, Perry and Leah, lit the candles at a family gathering.  Basking in their glow was a lovely treat.

Where does the time go?

Intrinsic to documenting your children's lives is the urge to share an image (or more) on the annual holiday card. I was not immune to the desire to distribute a picture of my darling offspring with the circle of people who cared. Unfortunately, my progeny quickly progressed to refusing to cooperate, especially when I needed their participation in front of the camera. The moments I did get on film amaze me with how little they once were and how grown up they are now. It goes by quick.

Subject to Interpretation

After years of looking at greeting cards I started making my own. I sought to frame events in visuals that resonated and appealed. A quick message that offered deeper complexities- if one is so inclined and had the time. Many talented people have covered the circus in all kinds of ways and my fascination mirrors theirs. The thrill of the rings, the many activities. lighting, costume, music and more reminds me of the bustle and excitement the holidays brings (notwithstanding the melancholy experienced by many this time of year...).

23 and Counting

This month is loaded with activity and obligations between Hanukkah, Christmas, New Year's Eve and my personal favorite, year end. December takes on an urgency to tackle all the unfinished projects, complete tasks and chores overlooked. I feel an increased pressure that induces a kind of frenzy. Between all the mental machinations, holiday preparations and wrapping up the year it's hard to imagine relaxation. Stressed, overwhelmed and frustrated, yes. Exhilaration occurs, unlike the skier above, only in my dreams.

(the skier was placed strategically in a snow drift by my driveway and not in Gstaad)

24 Days 'til Christmas

As someone brought up in a non-Christian faith, Christmas always held an other worldly allure.
While there were no tree or decorations in my childhood home, there were the greetings cards that arrived in the mail with cheerful designs that spoke of the season.

As my photography expertise grew, so did my desire to create messages of my own and making a holiday card became an annual passion. Putting myself on the card was something I approached with excitement and trepidation. Was it wildly vain or simply wild?  A little daring goes a long way- especially when expressing the most fundamental of feelings. Make it merry!!