CM Photographie

Happy Holidays to all!

2008-12-22T12:21:00.000-08:00

The Transition from Autumn to Winter

2008-12-13T12:20:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again; autumn blends into winter and I start wondering where the days have gone.

The holidays are almost upon us; it can be easy to get caught up in the frenzy of the season. The seemingly endless "to-do" lists and scheduling commitments. Remember to take a moment to look around at those nearest you... those you care about and those you pass everyday without much notice or thought. Then take a moment to show them you care. You will enrich your holiday and the lives of those around you; making the season a little less chilly.

A very special Happy Birthday to K, the Louise to my Thelma... or Thelma to my Louise... I'm never quite sure which of us is which. :) May your year be blessed with creativity, joy, and love. I am thinking of you! Enjoy your day.

Reminders of Autumn:

Hide and Seek, © Christy Marie Photographie 2008

Earthbound, © Christy Marie Photographie 2008

'Snapshots from the Overlooked: A Photovoice Project'

2008-12-04T12:20:00.001-08:00

Photovoice is a form of documentary photography that enables those that have traditionally been the subject of such work to become its creator. The Delaware State Housing Authority, in conjunction with Friendship House, has announced a unique Photovoice exhibit of images taken by 8 residents of Andrew's Place, a homeless shelter in Wilmington. Information about the exhibit is below.

I hope to see you there, December 18th!

PRESS RELEASE

In a joint venture, the Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) and Friendship House, Inc of Wilmington, DE are pleased to present 'Snapshots from the Overlooked: A Photovoice Project'.

The project is a photo exhibit to be held December 18th, from 4pm to 7pm at 605 N. Market Street, Wilmington, DE 19801.

Photovoice is a participatory action research strategy that seeks to engage participants and facilitate their development of a level of critical consciousness so that they can identify life issues and communicate effectively with policy makers about their concerns. Photovoice is a grassroots approach to creating social and policy change. Participants are provided the necessary training in the Photovoice method and are sent off to capture their lives with only a camera.

DSHA has been working with eight residents of Andrew's Place, a homeless shelter for men over the age of 55 run by Friendship House in Saints Andrew and Matthew's Episcopal Church. The men have taken pictures for issues that they believe are most pertinent to their lives.

They will be sharing 36 of these images with captions for the general public at the opening art exhibit onDecember 18th, 4pm to 7pm, at 605 N. Market St, Wilmington, DE.

We are hoping to make people aware of the exhibit and hopefully create some interest in the results of the project. So often homeless individuals are told by those in power what is wrong with their lives and how to fix the problems. Photovoice is a unique mechanism because it offers the participants a chance to communicate with policy makers the issues they are confronted with on a daily basis. The power of these images is bound to change the perceptions that many of us have about homeless individuals. In these times of economic downturn and hardship, the plight of the homeless will only burgeon. It is at such points in time, when we must rally together as united front to develop new and innovative ways of tackling some of our most difficult social issues.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Valerie Miller of the Planning and Community Development Section at (302) 739-4263 or via email at Valerie@destatehousing.com.

The Story Behind "Migrant Mother"

2008-12-04T12:20:00.000-08:00

Dorothea Lange's work is a source of great inspiration to me so I was excited to see the following article on CNN.com this morning. Lange greatly influenced documentary photography and gave the Great Depression a face... many in fact. I hope you are moved by the story behind Lange's portrait of Florence Owens Thompson, "Migrant Mother". I am.

Girl from iconic Great Depression photo: 'We were ashamed'
FROM CNN
Dorothea Lange snapped iconic Great Depression photo of "Migrant Mother" in 1936

By Thelma Gutierrez and Wayne Drash, CNN
MODESTO, California (CNN) -- The photograph became an icon of the Great Depression: a migrant mother with her children burying their faces in her shoulder. Katherine McIntosh was 4 years old when the photo was snapped. She said it brought shame -- and determination -- to her family.

"I wanted to make sure I never lived like that again," says McIntosh, who turns 77 on Saturday.

"We all worked hard and we all had good jobs and we all stayed with it. When we got a home, we stayed with it."

McIntosh is the girl to the left of her mother when you look at the photograph. The picture is best known as "Migrant Mother," a black-and-white photo taken in February or March 1936 by Dorothea Lange of Florence Owens Thompson, then 32, and her children.

Lange was traveling through Nipomo, California, taking photographs of migrant farm workers for the Resettlement Administration. At the time, Thompson had seven children who worked with her in the fields.

"She asked my mother if she could take her picture -- that ... her name would never be published, but it was to help the people in the plight that we were all in, the hard times," McIntosh says.

"So mother let her take the picture, because she thought it would help."

The next morning, the photo was printed in a local paper, but by then the family had already moved on to another farm, McIntosh says.

"The picture came out in the paper to show the people what hard times was. People was starving in that camp. There was no food," she says. "We were ashamed of it. We didn't want no one to know who we were."

The photograph helped define the Great Depression, yet McIntosh says her mom didn't let it define her, although the picture "was always talked about in our family."

"It always stayed with her. She always wanted a better life, you know."

Her mother, she says, was a "very strong lady" who liked to have a good time and listen to music, especially the yodeler named Montana Slim. She laughs when she recalls her brothers bringing home a skinny greyhound pooch. "Mom, Montana Slim is outside," they said.
Thompson rushed outside. The boys chuckled. They had named the dog after her favorite musician.

"She was the backbone of our family," McIntosh says of her mom. "We never had a lot, but she always made sure we had something. She didn't eat sometimes, but she made sure us children ate. That's one thing she did do."

Her memories of her youth are filled with about 50 percent good times, 50 percent hard times.
It was nearly impossible to get an education. Children worked the fields with their parents. As soon as they'd get settled at a school, it was time to pick up and move again.

Her mom would put newborns in cotton sacks and pull them along as she picked cotton. The older kids would stay in front, so mom could keep a close eye on them. "We would pick the cotton and pile it up in front of her, and she'd come along and pick it up and put it in her sack," McIntosh says.

They lived in tents or in a car. Local kids would tease them, telling them to clean up and bathe.

"They'd tell you, 'Go home and take a bath.' You couldn't very well take a bath when you're out in a car [with] nowhere to go."

She adds, "We'd go home and cry."

McIntosh now cleans homes in the Modesto, California, area. She's proud of the living she's been able to make -- that she has a roof over her head and has been able to maintain a job all these years. She says her obsession to keep things clean started in her youth when her chore was to keep the family tent clean. There were two white sheets that she cleaned each day.

"Even today, when it comes to cleaning, I make sure things are clean. I can't stand dirty things," she says with a laugh.

With the nation sinking into tough economic times and analysts saying the current economic crisis is the worst since the Great Depression, McIntosh says if there's a lesson to be learned from her experience it is to save your money and don't overextend yourself.

"People live from paycheck to paycheck, even people making good money," she says. "Do your best to make sure it doesn't happen again. Elect the people you think is going to do you good."
Her message for President-elect Barack Obama is simple: "Think of the middle-class people."
She says she'll never forget the lessons of her hard-working mother, who died at the age of 80 in 1983. Her gravestone says: "Migrant Mother: A Legend of the strength of American motherhood."

"She was very strict, but very loving and caring. She cared for us all," McIntosh says.

CNN's Traci Tamura and Gregg Canes contributed to this report.
Find this article at: http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/12/02/dustbowl.photo/index.html

Burying the Hatchet: Return Day in Photographs

2008-11-10T12:19:00.000-08:00

Obama, © Christy Marie Photographie 2008

Joe The Biden, © Christy Marie Photographie 2008

Change, © Christy Marie Photographie 2008

The Little Flag-Waver, © Christy Marie Photographie 2008

A Silent Voice for Change, © Christy Marie Photographie 2008

About Return Day in Delaware

Self Image

2008-11-03T12:19:00.000-08:00

I spent last evening reviewing and submitting self portrait work to a second compilation of female self portrait artists. It dawned on me as I was pulling pieces together that I have not shared much of my latest work. I've been feeling especially creative lately and have been working on several new portraits. Two of my latest favorites follow.

étreindre, © Christy Marie Photographie 2008
Self Portrait

She, © Christy Marie Photographie 2008
Self Portrait

“She stood framed in the doorway, tall, mystic, silent, with strange, wistful face and deep soul shining in her dark questioning eyes. Nigel kissed the hand that she held out, and all his faith in woman and his reverence came back to him as he looked at her.” ~ Sir Nigel by Arthur Conan Doyle

She Took Her Own Picture: Selections from the Female Self Portrait Artists' Support Group

A reminder that some of my earlier self portrait work can be seen in She Took Her Own Picture. I am one of 44 female self portrait artists featured in the book. The book is available for purchase here.

The participants, both amateurs and professionals, range in age and origin and hail from North and Latin America, the UK and Ireland, Australia, the Caribbean, Oceania, and all over Europe. These 44 women however, are only a small percentage of over 1000 female self-portrait artists who congregate in the Female Self Portrait Artists’ Support Group, a group on Flickr started by Laurel Fiszer from Ireland, where the idea for a book of work first began. The group was set up to provide a “collective of women photographers who strengthen their friendship by sharing inspired, artistic, and well-executed photographs”.

Christy Marie Interviewed: Image is Everything

I was fortunate to be interviewed in the Fall 2008 issue of SisterDivas Magazine. Writer Shon Bacon was especially interested in my self portrait work and invited me to share a few of my favorite pieces. Read it here.

Linger

2008-10-30T12:18:00.000-07:00

Linger, © Christy Marie Photographie 2008

Christy Marie Interviewed: Image is Everything

2008-10-24T12:17:00.000-07:00

I was fortunate to be one of 3 women interviewed in the Media section of the Fall 2008 SisterDivas Magazine.

Thank you to Shon Bacon for including me. It's an honor to share the stage with Anastacia Tolbert and Romina Johnson. Check it out here.

The Kupchik Family

2008-10-20T12:16:00.000-07:00

Today I had the pleasure of shooting the Kupchik family at Brandywine Park. It was a beautiful autumn day and the perfect day for portraits. I had a wonderful time and I hope I didn't tire you all out too much!

© Christy Marie Photographie 2008

© Christy Marie Photographie 2008

© Christy Marie Photographie 2008

© Christy Marie Photographie 2008

Memory Walk 2008, Atlantic City

2008-10-05T12:16:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of shooting the Alzheimer's Association of Delaware Valley's 2008 Memory Walk® in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The weather was perfect---breezy and warm with a gorgeous blue sky overhead---and the participants were excited to be there.

We all know someone touched by Alzheimer's. What I didn't realize until yesterday, is that someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease every 71 seconds. I'm pleased I was able to assist in raising awareness.

All images © Christy Marie Photographie 2008

Art Safari, Goings On, & Plans

2008-10-04T12:16:00.000-07:00

The last several weeks have been busy ones.

I spent a day on an "art safari" with two extremely amazing photographer friends and their three kids, in Philadelphia. We started our day at the American Swedish Historical Museum for Nathan Sawaya's The Art of the Brick™ exhibit. Sawaya is an artist I recently stumbled upon; he creates art from LEGO® bricks. His work is stunning and intricate and it impressed and inspired the six of us.

Thirteen-year-old J's bulldog, below, was created in the museum's interactive building room, adjacent to the exhibit. The show closes November 30th. I highly recommend going before it leaves Philadelphia.

Inspi(red) Sawaya, © Christy Marie Photographie 2008

We spent the rest of the day, roaming the city and touring public art and Isaiah Zagar's Magic Garden. Some images from the day:

South Philly, © Christy Marie Photographie 2008

Up, © Christy Marie Photographie 2008

The Lair, © Christy Marie Photographie 2008

Lost, © Christy Marie Photographie 2008

This Sunday I will be in Atlantic City, New Jersey shooting the Alzheimer's Association of Delaware Valley's 2008 Memory Walk®. If you are in the area and would like to support this great cause by walking, please visit their website for more information.

Next week, I will be taking a much needed break. My birthday is next week, and I will be disappearing for a few days to quietly (and bravely I hope) reflect and connect with my creative side. I plan to spend some time with two women that inspire me and push me creatively. I hope to come away from the time away rested and refueled... and ready for a new year.

She Took Her Own Picture

2008-09-12T12:15:00.000-07:00

She Took Her Own Picture is now available for sale. I am one of 44 female self portrait artists featured in the book. This is a limited release and only available for 60 days so get your copy while it is available. :)

Purchase Your Copy

** PRESS RELEASE**

She Took Her Own Picture

--- 44 female artists from across the world have come together online to self-publish a collection of photographic self portraits ---

The group of women, most whom have never met each other, have collaborated through a photo-sharing website where they share their work online, to produce a book of their self-portraits.

She Took Her Own Picture: Selections from the Female Self Portrait Artists’ Support Group will be available thisFriday, 12th September 2008. The unique venture comes as a first for women’s photographic self-portraiture today.

Self-publishing the book through Blurb.com, the artists hope the book will serve as a prototype to target suitable art publishers and make the book available on a wider basis, with the aim of donating a percentage of the profits to women’s causes.

The participants, both amateurs and professionals, range in age and origin and hail from North and Latin America, the UK and Ireland, Australia, the Caribbean, Oceania, and all over Europe. These 44 women however, are only a small percentage of over 1000 female self-portrait artists who congregate in the Female Self Portrait Artists’ Support Group, a group on Flickr started by Laurel Fiszer from Ireland, where the idea for a book of work first began. The group was set up to provide a “collective of women photographers who strengthen their friendship by sharing inspired, artistic, and well-executed photographs”.

“Laurel’s primary goal,” says Natalie J. McCarthy, writer of the introduction to the book, “was to create a place online where female photographers could share self-portraits and receive constructive criticism in a supportive, encouraging, and non-judgmental environment.
“She noticed that female self-portrait photographers were often seen as narcissistic princesses who had to defend their work against an onslaught of criticism—most of which was not directed toward the photograph’s technical merits.”

The group argues that the female self-portrait has proved to offer women artists a powerful opportunity: the chance to categorically refute antiquated notions of the woman’s role as an art object, and to create a new, empowered vision of the female model. She Took Her Own Picture, whilst constructed upon this feminist foundation, also presents a collection of first-rate photography.

“At the end of the day”, says McCarthy, “they bring you into their circle of friends and share their art with you”.

For more information, please visit:

###

Ten Thousand Villages in Greenville

2008-09-02T12:15:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of shooting the grand opening celebration of Delaware's first Ten Thousand Villages store this past Friday. The event was fantastic and very well attended! Lynne Howard, from County Executive Chris Coon's office, was on-hand to welcome Ten Thousand Villages to the county with a Proclamation from Mr. Coons.

Many thanks to Kristen & the many wonderful people working at Ten Thousand Villages who made my job so easy on Friday. I had such a wonderful time working with you all. And I'm sure I'll be a frequent fair trade consumer, now that Ten Thousand Villages has opened in my backyard. :)

Ten Thousand Villages is the world’s largest fair trade retailer of artisan-crafted products. They work with more than 130 artisan groups in 36 countries, and feature handcrafted home decor, personal accessories, and gift items from across the globe.

If you are in the area, be sure to stop by the store:

Ten Thousand Villages Greenville Crossing
One Greenville Crossing
4021A Kennett Pike
Greenville, DE 19807
302-428-0340

© Christy Marie Photographie 2008

© Christy Marie Photographie 2008

© Christy Marie Photographie 2008

Today

2008-08-29T12:15:00.000-07:00

If you happen to be in the Wilmington area this evening, be sure to come out to support the opening of the newTen Thousand Villages store in Greenville tonight: Friday the 29th.

Ten Thousand Villages is celebrating the occasion by hosting ‘One Fabulous Fiesta’ tonight from 6 to 8 p.m. at the store in Greenville Crossing. Read more about it here.

Show your support for fair trade and artisans by attending. And be sure to say hello to me... I'll be the girl behind the camera documenting the event for Ten Thousand Villages. :)

Hope to see you there!

Mr. & Mrs. Brown

2008-08-21T12:14:00.000-07:00

Thank you and Congratulations to Rodney & Nataline Brown! The Browns invited me to spend some time with them today... their wedding day. I had a wonderful time and I hope they will be as pleased with the images as I am.

Warmest wishes for a lifetime of happiness! And thank you, again; I'm honored to have been able to spend some time with you.

Mr. & Mrs. Brown, © Christy Marie Photographie 2008

The Rings, © Christy Marie Photographie 2008

Just Married, © Christy Marie Photographie 2008

With You I Can Walk on Water, © Christy Marie Photographie 2008

More Happenings

2008-08-18T12:14:00.000-07:00

Two of my latest self portraits:

The Mermaid, © Christy Marie Photographie 2008

Heart, © Christy Marie Photographie 2008

Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk®

In other news, I've agreed to donate my services to the Alzheimer's Association of Delaware Valley. I will be photographing the 2008 Memory Walk® in Atlantic City (October 5th) and Philadelphia (November 1st).

If you are in the area and would like to support this great cause by walking, please visit their website for more information. There is a walk near you.

Happenings: Ten Thousand Villages

2008-08-17T12:13:00.000-07:00

If you happen to be in the Wilmington area, be sure to come out to support the opening of the new Ten Thousand Villages store in Greenville on Friday, August 29th.

Ten Thousand Villages is celebrating the occasion by hosting ‘One Fabulous Fiesta’ on Friday, August 29 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the store in Greenville Crossing. Read more about it here.

Show your support for fair trade and artisans by attending. And be sure to say hello to me... I'll be the girl behind the camera documenting the event for Ten Thousand Villages. :)

I went on a lovely adventure Saturday

2008-08-11T12:13:00.000-07:00

I went on a lovely adventure Saturday evening, spending some time in the air with pilot friends. I had a spectacular time... except for the moments after the loop and turn maneuvers. :) I hope you enjoy the shots. And thank you to Cameron & Jackie for taking me up.

The Pilots, © Christy Marie Photographie 2008

Balancing Act, © Christy Marie Photographie 2008

Professionals, © Christy Marie Photographie 2008

In Control, © Christy Marie Photographie 2008

Sun-Kissed, © Christy Marie Photographie 2008

Picture-Time, © Christy Marie Photographie 2008

J

2008-07-25T12:12:00.000-07:00

From a portrait shoot this past weekend:

Twilight, © Christy Marie Photographie 2008

Look, © Christy Marie Photographie 2008

J, © Christy Marie Photographie 2008

More from North Carolina

2008-07-14T12:12:00.000-07:00

Employee of the Month, © Christy Marie Photographie 2008

Snook's, © Christy Marie Photographie 2008

Stories, © Christy Marie Photographie 2008

Perspective

2008-07-11T12:12:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we all need a shift in perspective... life gets hectic; changes occur; new questions get asked and answered. At those moments, it seems the only thing you can do is roll with the punches, slow yourself down as much as possible, and seek reflection and creativity.

The last week has been one of those weeks for me. I took advantage of the long holiday weekend, last weekend, and took a road trip with my best friend. Our destination: Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Our mission: reflection, exploration, friendship, & creativity.

Here are a few shots from the trip:

K, © Christy Marie Photographie 2008

In a Row, © Christy Marie Photographie 2008

Think Big, © Christy Marie Photographie 2008

I'm not sure if anyone else has been following the detainment and subsequent release of American photojournalist, James Karl Buck, and his Egyptian translator, Mohammed Maree, a 23-year old Veterinary student, in Egypt this year. I've been following it for months now on the independent and then mainstream news. Read about it here. It's an important reminder to all... freedom of the press is not guaranteed. It needs to be fought for and protected.

I've been contemplating a photography project lately. It sometimes seems it takes a lot of little questions to add up to a big one. I've landed on my big question, and I've decided to examine and document that question in a photo essay. I'll have more information on that soon, and will let you know when you can follow my progresshere. But, for now, I leave you with this:

How do you define bravery?

More from the Poconos

2008-06-27T12:11:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple more shots I've fallen in love with from last week's photo shoot in the Poconos. All five of the children were a pleasure to shoot, and I'm enjoying editing the shots.

Is there anything better than hanging with kids on the beach during the summer? They seem to be infused with that special summertime energy. Their imaginations soar. They play. It's such a joy to watch; I'm thrilled I could tag along.

© Christy Marie Photographie 2008

© Christy Marie Photographie 2008

NOTE: No uncles were hurt in the capturing of the above image. But I think it is safe to say the caped crusader triumphed over evil. ;)

3rd Annual Delaware Golf Outing for Alzheimer’s

2008-06-24T12:10:00.000-07:00

3rd Annual Delaware Golf Outing for Alzheimer’s at the Delaware National Country Club:

© Christy Marie Photographie 2008

© Christy Marie Photographie 2008

© Christy Marie Photographie 2008

The F. Family

2008-06-23T12:10:00.000-07:00

Earlier in the week I drove up to the Poconos to photograph the F. family on their first full-family vacation: three generations---5 children ranging from 10 months to 5 years and 7 adults.

It was an absolute pleasure, and I want to thank them for inviting me to join their holiday and for their patience as I attempted to document their day. I had a wonderful time and was honored to be included.

© Christy Marie Photographie 2008

© Christy Marie Photographie 2008

© Christy Marie Photographie 2008

© Christy Marie Photographie 2008

Get-aways & Happenings

2008-06-17T12:10:00.000-07:00

Here are a few shots from my weekend get-away/photo safari with the lovely Sarah and Donna. Thanks for such fantastic company, ladies. It was such fun to shoot with you.

The Blue Chair, © Christy Marie Photographie 2008

Yellow, © Christy Marie Photographie 2008

Phantom, © Christy Marie Photographie 2008

The next week is a busy one. I have a day long family portrait shoot in the Poconos this Wednesday that I'm really looking forward to. Should be a fantastic and fun day!

And, Monday, I will be the photographer for the 3rd Annual Delaware Golf Outing for Alzheimer’s at Delaware National Country Club. I'm pleased the Alzheimer’s Association called me, and I'm thrilled that I can support this fantastic cause with this in-kind donation. They are still registering golfers. So be sure to sign up if you are in the area. Contact Carolyn Moloney at 302.633.4420 for more information.

Love & Celebrations

2008-06-10T12:09:00.000-07:00

Another favorite from my shoot with K this weekend.

The Kiss © Christy Marie Photographie 2008

I am now the proud owner of a new Olympus. Many thanks to my father & his wife for deciding to invest in my photography. I am so very appreciative.

In other news, my friend Megan Fentzloff is having her first solo show at the University City Arts League in Philadelphia this Friday, June 13th. The show, Under the Surface, runs until July 5th. The opening reception is from 5:30 to 7:30pm this Friday night. If you are in the Philadelphia area, please stop by. Her work is fantastic!! More information and directions here.

K

2008-06-08T12:09:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of spending my morning with K, this beautiful young lady, and her parents. She was a pro---handling the extreme temperature today beautifully. :)

Here are a few shots from our morning shoot:

© Christy Marie Photographie 2008

© Christy Marie Photographie 2008

© Christy Marie Photographie 2008

Christy Marie Photographie Online

2008-06-03T12:09:00.000-07:00

I'm pleased to announce the new and improved Christy Marie Photographie.

This new site will allow me to manage client proofs, and allow you all to see my booking schedule. I'm very excited about it---and it looks gorgeous, if I do say so myself. :)

Please take it for a spin. Recommend me to friends. And for heaven's sake, call me when you need my services so I can quickly reserve your dates on my calendar! :)

My Wish for You

2008-05-29T12:08:00.000-07:00

May your day be full of grace, sunshine, warmth, and simple pleasures.

Barefoot in the Park, © Christy Marie Photographie 2008

Tree of Love, © Christy Marie Photographie 2008

Hope

2008-05-25T12:08:00.000-07:00

I received the best email the other day from a photographer friend. It has stayed with me the last few days.

She told me that she often finds my work gives her great hope. I can't think of a better complement. My faith may have rocky days, but I can't help but hope. It's a big part of who I am. For her to tell me she feels it in my work, means my work is reflecting me... and I couldn't be more pleased.

In honor of hope and generous friends, my latest hope-filled piece... another shot from my day shooting with Sarah at Pennhurst:

The Outside World, © Christy Marie Photographie 2008

My space on MySpace

2008-05-23T12:07:00.000-07:00

Yes, that's right, Christy Marie Photographie is now on MySpace. If you have aMySpace page, be sure to friend me. This is another great way to keep up with what I'm doing.

See it here.

More From Pennhurst

2008-05-20T12:07:00.000-07:00

More shots from our adventure at Pennhurst. This "Alcohol Ruins Lives" tag was stenciled throughout the three buildings we explored.

Warning, © Christy Marie Photographie 2008

Bookends, © Christy Marie Photographie 2008

Neither Sarah or I had been adequately prepared for the emotional toll the trip would have on us. The site has been abandoned for 21 years, and yet there were still art supplies in what would have been, we assume, a play room. It is important to remember that adults and children lived in Pennhurst State School & Hospital. The most vulnerable adults and children living in overcrowded conditions, with allegations of abuse and mistreatment until the center was shut down in 1986/1987.

Sunday became a day of rest and reflection for both of us. We were exhausted, physically and psychologically.Deluge captures my exhaustion and the stormy weather both inside and outside of my walls.

Deluge, Self Portrait © Christy Marie Photographie 2008

How I Spent My Saturday (or Photographers Loose at Mental Hospital)

2008-05-19T12:06:00.000-07:00

Saturday's adventure was amazing. Exhausting. Overwhelming. Amazing. Sarah & I spent the day shooting at the old Pennhurst State School and Hospital in Pennsylvania. This was my first experience shooting in an abandoned building and I was on sensory overload from the beginning. The campus is massive. The school/hospital has a very sad macabre history and the later the day got, the spookier it seemed to become.

Sarah was phenomenal. I knew she would be. Another trip with her to this location is in the works.

Shavings, © Christy Marie Photographie 2008

Lonely Hearts, © Christy Marie Photographie 2008

Christmas Tree, © Christy Marie Photographie 2008

Conference Room, © Christy Marie Photographie 2008

Coming Soon!

2008-05-16T12:06:00.000-07:00

She Took Her Own Picture: Selections from the Female Self Portrait Artists' Support Group

Hardcover, 123 pages
Collection of Self Portraits
Photography

*Features 44 female self portrait photographers from around the world.*

I'm so excited to be a part of this project and I think you will love the creativity and depth shown in this book. More about the book as we get closer to the release date (coming soon!).

Electric Blue Wigs, Self Portraits, & Inspiration

2008-05-15T12:06:00.000-07:00

The last two weeks have been some of my most creative. I've been inspired, lost sleep working on pieces until the wee hours of the morning, stretched, broken down barriers with a sledgehammer, and have created some of my best self portrait work.

One of the catalysts of this burst of creativity was the arrival of an electric blue wig on my doorstep. The Wandering Wig stayed in Delaware for a week, before I sent it on its way to its next stop in Maine. I thought I'd share a little bit of my work here; I'm calling the blue wig infused portraits The Bleu Series. Please contact me if you are interested in seeing the full collection:

The Bleu Series is a set of self portraits featuring an electric blue wig. The Wandering Wig. The Wandering Wig is a prop being used by 38 female self portrait artists across the globe. As the wig crosses the borders of 10 countries it inspires creativity, encourages collaboration, and strengthens the bond between female self portrait artists.

Incognito, No. 2 The Bleu Series
© Christy Marie Photographie 2008

White-Out, No. 3 The Bleu Series
© Christy Marie Photographie 2008

Night Sky, No. 5 The Bleu Series
© Christy Marie Photographie 2008

In other news, my self portrait work will soon be published in two compilations of work by female self portrait artists. The first of the two books, She Took Her Own Picture: Selections from the Female Self Portrait Artists' Support Group, will be available in the next month, and I'm thrilled. I am one of 44 female self portrait artists featured. Stay tuned for more information; I'll have specifics soon.

This Saturday, I will be spending the day with Sarah Bloom in Pennsylvania shooting at a secret location---location to be revealed later. Needless to say, I am beyond excited. Sarah is an incredibly talented photographer and I am constantly inspired by her work, especially her self portrait work. I hope to have lots of great shots to share soon.

Spring at Gibraltar's Marion Coffin Gardens

2008-04-30T12:05:00.000-07:00

Saturday was an absolutely gorgeous day and I spent it in an absolutely gorgeous place: Gibraltar's Marion Coffin Gardens.

The Gardens are an ideal spot for portraits of all kinds, and I enjoyed meandering slowly through them taking photographs. I thought I'd share a few of them with you here.

All images © Christy Marie Photographie 2008

Spring In The City

2008-04-25T12:05:00.000-07:00

Ah... Spring!

2008-04-21T12:04:00.000-07:00

Spring arrived this weekend with 80 degree temperatures in Delaware and those intermittent thunder showers that seem to only happen in April. The pink flowers on the tree across the street blossomed Saturday morning.

Here are a few of my latest pieces---inspired by this beautiful spring weather.

Because giving is better than receiving, I've decided to give a free copy of my latest piece, Tulip Season, to the first 5 people to answer this question:

What is your favorite free spring-time activity?

Mine? You guessed it. Spring walks with my camera in hand. :)

Morning or evening are best; the light at those times is exquisite. I find my day seems so much better though, when I've started my day with one of these walks. Everything seems at home---in its place---refreshed and renewed and ready for the day. Ah... Spring!

Please be sure to leave a way for me to contact you in your response. I'll email you for mailing information. I can't wait to hear about your treasured spring activities.

These prints will be available for purchase on my Etsy site within a few days.

Tulip Season, © Christy Marie Photographie 2008

Play, © Christy Marie Photographie 2008

Fall Scenes from Gibraltar: Black and White

2008-04-17T12:04:00.000-07:00

April Showers Bring a Spring Portrait Sale

2008-04-14T12:04:00.000-07:00

Spring Portraits at Wilmington's beautiful Gibraltar Mansion Gardens

AprilSaturday, April 26, 2008

May
Saturday, May 3, 2008

Special Portrait price these days of $75.00 for a 1 Hour family photo session. (Regularly priced at $150.00/hour. Savings of $75.00!)

Reservations are required. Available times are limited. Please email contact (at) cmphotographie.com for more information.

More information on Gibraltar & the Marian Coffin Gardens.

Light

2008-04-13T12:03:00.000-07:00

Love, © Christy Marie Photographie 2008

There are two ways of spreading light; to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it. ~Edith Wharton

Friendship

2008-04-11T12:03:00.000-07:00

Aristotle thought a friend was, "A single soul dwelling in two bodies." I love that because I believe our connections with people are forged on a spiritual level. Sometimes we find it hard to explain exactly why or how someone has touched our life... we just know that they have.

I believe portraiture is like friendship. It's the photographer's job to recognize and translate the essence of the subject. One soul dwelling in two bodies, in front of and behind the camera. It's my duty to put my subject at ease, as I would a friend, so that as I click my camera I'm capturing THEM, not a once-a-year camera pose: the smile you never see except in photographs; the uncomfortable eyes that tell you your subject is self-conscious and ill at ease.

I've found myself reflecting on this the last 18 hours. Six days ago a dear friend passed away after a two year battle with cancer. Her daughter contacted me yesterday afternoon to ask permission to use a photograph I had taken of her mother; she wanted to place the photograph near her mother's casket at the viewing and funeral. Of course I agreed immediately. What struck me most about this request though was what her daughter said: even though she was clearly going through cancer treatment in this photograph, it was "so HER". My friend's beautiful soul is on display in this shot. She was clearly at ease with me in the shots I took that day---unguarded and being herself. As a result, her children feel connected to her through that photograph.

What a compliment; And what an honor. My amazing friend touched my life, and to know her was a privilege. I'm delighted I can pay her friendship back, even just a little, by representing HER to her family and friends.

A Word on Self Portraits

2008-04-10T12:02:00.000-07:00

Knowing, © Christy Marie Photographie 2008

"That's the way things come clear. All of a sudden. And then you realize how obvious they've been all along." ~Madeleine L'Engle

In the last several weeks I've stumbled on people that are struggling to understand both self portraiture as a genre and my creation of self portraits. I felt it might be helpful to explain why I feel it's an important genre and why I feel so drawn to creating my own.

The earliest known self portrait might just have been created by Bak, the sculptor for Egyptian PharoahAkhenaten, near 1365 BC. Bak carved a representation of himself with his wife.

History is filled with artists that used self portraiture as a tool for exploring concepts, techniques, self expression, and discovery in various mediums. Kahlo, Dürer, Rembrandt, and Rubens all painted self portraits. Sherman and Goldin shot theirs. Even Ansel Adams, almost synonymous with light filled landscape photography, took them.
Self portraiture allows me to discover, consider, celebrate, and share the many facets of me... hopes, dreams, thoughts, routines, emotions, and questions. Each time I take a self portrait, I am reaquainting myself with a part of me.
I have not always recognized myself in my life, nor allowed myself the time to stop, breathe, and get reaquainted. The self portraits I take remind me of who I am, who I intend to become, allow me to reflect on the journey I am on, get in touch with my emotions, thoughts and fears in the moment, and exercise my eye and my skill as a photographer.
My self portraits are not meant to be snapshots. Nor are they meant to be exact replicas of my physical self. They are representations of me---my soul---shy and thoughtful; happy and sad; knowing and unknowing; content yet yearning. Me. The me I see; the me I honor; the me that has been here all along, waiting to become clear.

For more information on self portraiture:
The Exploration of Self: What Artists Find When They Look in the Mirror by Jeanne Ivy

Fantastic books on the subject:
Seeing Ourselves: Women's Self-Portraits by Frances Borzello
SELF PORTRAIT Renaissance to Contemporary by Anthony Bond and Joanna Woodall

Heart

2008-04-09T11:58:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the blog!

2008-04-09T11:57:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Christy Marie Photographie's new blog! I hope you will find that this blog will work in tandem with myweb site (coming soon!), to keep you up to date on my work. Here you will find some of my latest favorites---the new work I'm most proud of, background information on photo shoots I've held, information on special sales, and most of all, a look at what and who is currently inspiring my work.

~ Christy Marie