10,000 Words

My Favorite Twins at 3

2010-11-21T16:08:00.000-06:00

Here they are. So grown up I can hardly believe it! What a fun session.

Singer

2010-11-10T01:54:00.000-06:00

The Masih Family

2010-10-30T19:50:00.000-05:00

Holy moly! I love these people!

Can You Say Cute?

2010-08-16T01:02:00.011-05:00

This baby boy is seriously cute....and "Red's" little brother.

More artwork

2010-06-22T19:08:00.003-05:00

So here are the landscapes I did, back in the day (middle school, to be exact). I may have to pick up doing these again...lots of fun!

Paintings!

2010-06-06T22:29:00.005-05:00

At the request of a new friend, I am posting some of my paintings...hopefully there will be more to come.

2010

Mixed Media Collage
2005

Incomplete

More to come...including 2 landscapes...

In Plain Sight

2009-12-16T17:47:00.006-06:00

I can hardly believe this is happening to me....some of my photos have been published in a book! Well, not a lot, just three. They were specifically taken for a devotional book by Dr. Charles Gordon called "In Plain Sight". The book was an offshoot of the site Designed on Purpose and celebrates how creative and wondrous is our Creator.

This was one of the things on "My Life List" of things I wanted to accomplish...to have my photos published in a book or displayed in a gallery (besides the time I had a painting in a gallery in third grade).

Yay!

My Favorite Twins

2009-11-09T22:44:00.007-06:00

These two little sweet ones are fraternal twins...and very active little two-year-olds but a delight for sure.

Sisters, sisters...

Little Red

2009-09-21T10:33:00.000-05:00

She is so adorable...

Rachel - 1 Year

2009-08-04T21:15:00.000-05:00

Sweet, Sweet Baby!

2009-02-15T22:56:00.000-06:00

If you are a frequent visitor, you have seen this little one grow up before our eyes. I can't believe she's already over 6 months old!

Look at those cute little cheeks!

Singer

2009-01-31T16:32:00.001-06:00

Preview for Jamie & Piper

2008-12-02T22:11:00.001-06:00

I couldn't help it, I had to include this silly spontaneous one, especially because of Piper's laugh!

Little Indian Baby

2008-11-06T23:54:00.000-06:00

Here come those eyes....

Photo of the Week

2008-10-18T15:51:00.000-05:00

I have made a decision to try to shoot a least a little bit each week, simply for fun. This one I took several weeks ago but wanted to post it up. So I will try to post my work, at least one photo, each week.

More Wedding Photos

2008-09-15T00:00:00.001-05:00

Preview for the Businda-Thomas Family

2008-08-13T00:26:00.001-05:00

Preview for the Cuffmans

2008-08-01T10:00:00.000-05:00

She is so loved!!

Inspiration!

2008-07-02T23:25:00.000-05:00

So after a wonderful trip to Austin (a combo business & personal trip) I was once again inspired. I can only give credit to one person, my best friend from high school, Becky. I was sharing my woes with her about not being inspired to take photos beyond the jobs I've been doing. So during a night outing to The Oasis, she patiently waited while I snapped some shots and said "Let's get you inspired."

Here's the result. Thanks, Becky, for the inspiration and encouragement.

Senior Pics

2008-05-20T23:59:00.001-05:00

The Great Easter Egg Hunt

2008-04-05T13:31:00.001-05:00

My sister and I put together an Easter egg hunt for the niece and nephews.

The family gag item even got an egg hidden in it:

My niece was content just to find 5 eggs...

Graycard

2008-04-05T13:24:00.000-05:00

In photography classes, if you don't have a middle graycard to meter for settings, you use the back of your hand...I thought these were interesting. Here's what came of my recent self-portraits.

And the result:

I am so critical of photos of me...thank goodness I'm the one behind the camera.

Fun Ones

2008-03-24T23:59:00.000-05:00

I am making all efforts to shoot on a consistent basis whether I have work or not. The only way for me to become a better photographer is to consistently shoot.

Here are a few recent shots. I sit for these kids and totally love them and their enthusiasm. What a fun day!

White Christmas

2008-01-07T17:57:00.000-06:00

Here are a few great shots from the very white Christmas I enjoyed in Wisconsin.

I used a warm filter on this one.

My dad and his snowblowing skills.

From our chalet at Big Powderhorn Mountain in Beseemer, Michigan.

Here's a shot of me on the slopes (thank you to my brother who skiied down and took this one).

A little sledding with C.

Gingerbread Houses

2007-12-05T21:21:00.000-06:00

Over Thanksgiving, my sister decided she wanted her kids to decorate gingerbread houses. I have to say that my niece and nephew (2 and 4 consecutively), have a brave mother.

Here was the outcome (with most candies eaten during the process):

Tah Dah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My Favorite Subjects

2007-12-04T10:52:00.000-06:00

So I admit it...my favorite subjects are my niece and nephews when it comes to photography. They are all pretty natural in front of the camera. I got blessed with a bunch of hams for my niece and nephews!

Here are a few shots from Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, I didn't get any photos of my other two nephews...but you'll see a bunch of photos of them after Christmas.

Another Great Family

2007-11-28T14:59:00.001-06:00

Here's a session I did prior to Thanksgiving. This family was great to work with as well.

I love capturing laughter.

BUSINESS!!!!!!!!

2007-11-28T14:46:00.000-06:00

I am so grateful for the business I have had thus far, after a year of operating Uhri Photography...however, there are always challenges in owning your own business.

Right now, setting my price list has been interesting. I am finding out that I am fairly equivalent to those portrait studio companies for family and children's portraiture, to my relief.

I've been working on this postcard that I'm going to send out to previous clients and also to hand out at daycare centers in the area.

(front)

(back)

A challenge in the world of the photography business is that most of it is based upon word-of-mouth recommendations. So at this point, I am offering any previous client a free 8x10 photo for any referrals they bring my way.

An advantage of choosing my services over any other is the fact that I can be on location (at home, a park, etc.) or in a studio. Not only that, but included in the price of the session is a CD with the images for the use of the clients. How great is that!

So, if you are a faithful reader of my blog and you know of anyone who needs family photography, children's photography, senior portraits, music/entertainment industry photography, send them my way (and don't forget, you get a free 8x10!).

I Love This Family

2007-11-08T15:56:00.001-06:00

Here is a session I did on Saturday. This family was so fun to work with--and it doesn't hurt that they are beautiful!

Baby M

2007-10-29T12:31:00.000-05:00

Here is a session I did back in August for a good friend of mine.

Break of Day

2007-10-18T12:12:00.000-05:00

I am rarely up before the sunrises, but I am often asked by friends to feed their dogs by 6am while they are out of town. One particular day last week I took my camera with me in order to see if I could capture some good shots. Here's what I came up with...

Before the sunrise

Legacy

2007-10-08T00:30:00.001-05:00

I am in one of those contemplative moods lately (it may have something to do with turning 30...) and have been thinking a lot about legacy. What will I leave behind when I go one day?

legacy: anything handed down from the past, as from an ancestor or predecessor (www.dictionary.com)

I was thinking about what people leave behind. For me, my mom left an amazing legacy of strength, kindness, loyalty, thoughtfulness, godliness...the list could go on and on. But what about the situations no legacy was passed down or the one that was left is not good? Does that mean that it is hopeless? Should a person give up on living (or not) living up to a legacy? What if they are left with an incredible legacy and yet they fail to carry it on. Is all hope lost?

It reminded me of a song by Nichole Nordeman called "Legacy"

I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me
And I enjoy an accolade like the rest
You could take my picture and hang it in a gallery
Of all who's who and so-n-so's that used to be the best
At such'n'such ... it wouldn't matter much

I won't lie, it feels alright to see your name in lights
We all need an 'Atta boy' or 'Atta girl'
But in the end I'd like to hang my hat on more besides
The temporary trappings of this world

I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love? Did I point to You enough
To make a mark on things?
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace who blessed your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy

I don't have to look too far or too long awhile
To make a lengthly list of all that I enjoy
It's an accumulating trinket and a treasure pile
Where moth and rust, thieves and such will soon enough destroy

Not well traveled, not well read,
Not well-to-do or well bred
Just want to hear instead, "Well Done" good and faithful one...

I hope, like my mom, I can leave a legacy for my children. If nothing else, I want to point to Him.

What legacy will you leave behind?

30 HERE I COME!!

2007-10-04T10:59:00.000-05:00

Today is my last day in my twenties. That's not the most positive way to think about it, but if I look at my belief that my thirties will be better than my twenties, it's really great. I am embarking on a new chapter!

I am so honored that my friends are throwing me a birthday bash which includes my sister et al and my dad coming down for the occasion (I'm totally stoked). I am so blessed to have such great friends.

Birthdays for me, however, always make me miss my mom. Fall does the same thing--it was one of her favorite seasons (and is mine as well). She was always the first one to call me on my birthday to wish me a happy birthday and my question to her was always "So how does it feel having your youngest turn --?" She would always say "Great!" Sometimes I hate that I miss her because it can be pretty painful. And yet I often go there because it is part of the healing process for me. Although I know I'll never get over it.

So in honor of my mom I say "How does it feel having your youngest turn 30?" I wish I could hear her answer.

Behind Again...

2007-09-25T09:25:00.000-05:00

I've gotten so far behind in my photo work. I have three sessions to edit...but this week I am nannying and don't have access to my beloved Photoshop. I'll post some new photos from the three sessions this weekend.

I am slightly disappointed that I'm not in class this semester. I've heard from some of my classmates that our Photo III class, which is large format, mainly black & white is pretty intense. In some ways, I am relieved not to be there but at the same time, I am sad because I'm not our shooting all the time. I've decided I need to just go out and shoot, at least one hour per week, just for myself...not for a class, not for a job...just because I love it. That way, I won't ever lose my love for the photography without it being a money-making endeavor.

Steven Curtis Chapman

2007-09-17T11:24:00.001-05:00

Last week was really exciting for me. I had my first photo session with a major music artist, Steven Curtis Chapman. It was a work-for-hire job for the Gospel Music Association. You can see my photo on their web site here. My photo is the one with him sitting in the front row of the Grand Ole Opry House pointing to the Dove Awards (in the slideshow on the homepage). Unfortunately for me, due to the work-for-hire situation, I cannot show you the photos here as they are copyrighted to GMA.

There were several great things about this job.

I was able to shoot a well-known Christian artist, which propels me further into doing music industry photography, which I really enjoy
Steven was so kind and obliging and completely hilarious during the shoot
I was able to shoot at the Grand Ole Opry
My friend Lisa has the confidence in me to do jobs like this
The shoot was short and sweet (emphasis on the sweet)
I can say that I photographed Steve Curtis Chapman (not everyone can say that...)

I am hoping that these types of jobs continue to come my way (thank you again, Lisa). I really enjoyed it.

I (heart) Art

2007-08-28T22:11:00.000-05:00

Tonight I sat down to work on some art. Gosh, it feels so good to get back into the swing of things. I realized that I am grateful for not being in school this semester despite the sadness because I can take nights like these to work on art and not assignments.

Here is a piece I'm working on....in progress. It is acrylic paint on thin watercolor paper.

I'll post more as I work on it.

Sorry, the photo is not great.

Thinking....

2007-08-21T15:14:00.000-05:00

Over the past few days, I have realized that I have let a lot of my creative activities go for the sake of filling my time with other things. For example, I have a painting due to my young adults ministry at church that is barely started. I need to regroup myself and get with it.

I heard Dave Ramsey say today "Find something you are passionate about and pour yourself into it over the next decade." I realize that I love art and photography, as well as songwriting and yet, have I been pouring myself into those things? No is my answer. The good thing is that I can do something about it now.

Uhri Photography Web Site

2007-08-17T00:48:00.000-05:00

It's LONG overdue...

My photography web site is now up!!

You can visit it HERE.

Please be patient, I am still working out a few kinks.

P.S. - I'll take any feedback you may want to give.

I'm the Forever Girl

2007-08-15T14:22:00.000-05:00

This is pretty personal...but I wanted to share. It is from a journal entry from a few months ago.

"I'm the forever girl, the one who will stand by when everyone else leaves; the one who can't give up until all possible attempts have been explored; the girl who wants to be close to you; the girl who will make you feel better when you're down; the girl who has talents and abilities that are amazingly God-given; I'm the one who will encourage you when you feel like you've got nothing; I'm the girl that sees the glass as half-full; I'm the one who will stand by you, praying for you when you fall; I'm the girl who will be your biggest cheerleader and biggest fan all rolled into one; I am the girl who will be your partner, your friend, your lover, your confidante all in one beautiful human being. If you don't want me, it's your loss."

1234

2007-08-15T00:22:00.000-05:00

One Two Three Four

Tell me that you love me more

Sleepless long nights

That is what my youth was for

Old teenage hopes are alive at your door

Left you with nothing but they want some more

Oh, you're changing your heart

Oh, You know who you are

Sweetheart bitterheart now I can tell you apart

Cosy and cold, put the horse before the cart

Those teenage hopes who have tears in their eyes

Too scared to own up to one little lie

Oh, you're changing your heart

Oh, you know who you are

One, two, three, four, five, six, nine, or ten

Money can't buy you back the love that you had then

One, two, three, four, five, six, nine, or ten

Money can't buy you back the love that you had then

Oh, you're changing your heart

Oh, you know who you are

Oh, you're changing your heart

Oh, you know who you are

Oh, who you are

For the teenage boys

They're breaking your heart

For the teenage boys

They're breaking your heart

Feist - 1234

Thanks, Melinda, for sharing that one...I'm changing my heart!

Elevation Photos

2007-08-13T14:40:00.000-05:00

I've been working with a friend of mine on the young adult ministry web site for our church. We spent about 7 (fun) hours walking around town taking photographs. Here are a few...he took some, I took some...

We stumbled upon a burned-out bus, which made for some interesting shots.

We may not use the above photos, but I thought they were cool.

I'll let you know when the site is up and running!

Aspiring Actor

2007-07-30T11:03:00.000-05:00

I did a session a few weeks ago for an aspiring young actor.

In Memorium

2007-07-16T10:53:00.001-05:00

Otis "The Buddy Dog" Delozier
April 15, 1991 - July 15, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family - Donnie, Denise, Ellie, Stinky, Sissie, Callie, Rufus and Mya.

Big Decisions

2007-07-11T00:55:00.000-05:00

After prayer and consideration, I decided not to go back to school this semester. Bummer.

I made the decision based on the fact that I refuse to incure debt for another Bachelor's degree. If it was my first degree, I would be more inclined to take out a loan. But now I have a mortgage and it took me a while to get out of debt...so why would I go there again?

I know, however, that I will miss the following things:

BLT bagels in the Cafe
Hours upon hours in the photo lab printing and getting giddy due to a lack of sleep
Creative people EVERYWHERE
Aspiring to be a better photographer because of my classmates (thanks Ellie, Ben & Aprill)
Guy poking in the classroom at any moment
Big TER - Terry Thacker...the best PROF EVER
Knowing that I'm studying something I love

I have to keep reminding myself that I will go back at some point, hopefully in the spring, just without a mound of debt on my shoulders...

The Great Stone Door

2007-07-05T12:29:00.001-05:00

I went hiking with some friends yesterday to the Great Stone Door. Really, really fun. Here are some photos.

Brainstorming

2007-06-21T18:06:00.001-05:00

I absolutely LOVE brainstorming sessions with smart, creative people. Sometimes I don't feel like I have much to add to the monsoon, but I just love to listen to how other minds work.

Off to my own little hurricane....

Tickets to Crickets

2007-06-21T17:55:00.000-05:00

i won't ever change a single thing
about today
this might be the part when you will start
to feel the same

once i get your name
i'm home
i'm home free
you won't want no one
but me

all this talk is cheap why don't meet
and run away
i'll be in the park just after dark
what do you say?

once i get you out
i'm home
i'm home free
you won't need no one
but me

once i get your name
i'm home
i'm home free
you won't need no one
but me
and i'll start to believe
in love
like it's real not a useless word
in a book
in a song

Tickets to Crickets
by Ferraby Lionheart
Album: Catch the Brass Ring

The Mother of All Wrecks

2007-06-18T23:45:00.000-05:00

Yep. It happened today. NOT to me (thank God). I was working in my office when I heard this loud crash. I peeked out the window and was unable to see anything but cars slowing down and people running around. Suddenly another loud CRASH and before my eyes a lady rear-ended another lady. Holy moly. Pandemonium.

Being the good citizen that I am, I called the non-emergency number as I could see no one was hurt in the accident I witnessed. I decide to run outside while I'm on the phone and see what all the ruckus was about...turning the corner around the side of my house, I see a car has driven through the wrought iron fence and has stopped, missing the side of my house by 3 feet. 3 FREAKING FEET. I was like "what the krunk?"

Approaching the chaos, I find witnesses discussing the fact that the driver lost control, hit the curb, went sailing into the air--over a mound of landscaping--landed, jumped another curb and hit the fence. HOLY FREAKING MOLY.

Everyone was slowing down, which caused the accident that I witnessed.

I come to find out later that the girl driving the car has no license and had borrowed her aunt's car without permission. I believe she had been text messaging when she (as she put it) got a flat tire that made her "lose control."

Moral of the story:

(Note to self:) Never text message while driving.

FINALLY!!!

2007-06-18T10:35:00.000-05:00

So after months and months of writer's block, I wrote an entire song last night. Man, that felt good. It's called "Waiting on Perfect." Hopefully one day, you, my blog reader, will hear it!

Thank goodness I'm unblocked! WOOHOO!

Happy Endings

2007-06-11T23:37:00.000-05:00

A friend of mine leant me a copy of the pre-release of Chris Rice's album "What a Heart is Beating For" (due out on July 17). I was hooked on the first song. Yep, it's that good.

One of my favorite songs is called "Lemonade." Once of the lines is:

Life gave me lemonade
And I can't imagine why
Born on a sunny day
Beneath the tangerine sky
I live life without pretending
I'm a sucker for happy endings
Thanks for the lemonade

I only hope that in my life, amidst all of the crappiness, the mistakes and missteps, I will always be a sucker for happy endings.

Photos

2007-05-19T22:52:00.001-05:00

I made the committment at the end of the semester that I wouldn't let the summer fly by without going out and taking photos. Last summer I said I would do this and I didn't (for one reason or another). So on Wednesday I went out and shot. I love doing this...there are no requirements, no parameters...just me, the camera and whatever I can find to photograph. Here are some samples.

dance of the sprinklers

Book Class

2007-05-10T22:46:00.000-05:00

For Maymester (an entire semester crammed into the month of May) I am taking a class called "Artist Books." I LOVE IT. I have enjoyed making books for a long time...now I get to learn new techniques. Here is a photograph of the journal I made for the class.

Today we also learned the basics of printmaking (which is a lovely art media)...tomorrow we learn accordion folds (I love you Japanese Lotus Book!). I am enjoying it, although it is pretty intense.

Quote of the Day

2007-05-06T23:39:00.000-05:00

"Sometimes the universe celebrates with you. And just because you don't have someone to share the celebration with, doesn't make it less beautiful."

(Don't remember who said it, but they said it well!).

Whew!!!!!

2007-05-01T22:13:00.000-05:00

The semester is over...whew! Less than a week and then I start another class.

Here is some work I did this semester.

Dream Camera

2007-04-23T20:54:00.000-05:00

I'm sure along my photography way, I will discover more equipment, particularly cameras, that I will want. A LOT.

Currently, my dream camera is the Hasselblad 500 C/M. At Watkins we are able to rent equipment for free. This past weekend I finally figured out how to use the Hasselblad and had an absolute blast taking photographs with it. In fact, my style of shooting completely changes when I shoot with it. It's great that we are able to try out this equipment before we go buy it.

I'm off to do some schoolwork with thoughts of the Hasselblad...

To Do

2007-04-19T23:43:00.000-05:00

Things I have to do before April 26:

Write an 8-page paper on a contemporary artist
Write a presentation on the "Future of the Printed Book"
Write a 750 word essay on the "Future of the Printed Book"
Write a 750 word essay on whether or not credit is too easy to obtain
Write an essay on why I chose to attend art school
Write an essay on my educational and career goals
Print 10 photographs and present them in a hand-made book
Edit and revise a 10,000 member media database
Take 24 photographs with a medium format camera
Eat
Sleep

So much to do, so much time (if I don't procrastinate).

Au Revoir Original Bumper

2007-04-13T19:06:00.000-05:00

Remember my car accident a few months ago? Well, I finally got the whole thing settled and took it in to be repaired yesterday.

Upon picking up my newly cleaned and repaired auto, I spent some time with my friend Shelly. On my way home, I was driving next to a pickup truck. I noticed that it was carrying a bumper. "Hm," I said to myself. "That one is silver like my car." Upon further investigation, I realized that it was crumpled in the same spot as mine was. They sold it to someone who was evidentally going to fix it and resell it someone else.

It was then that I said, "Au revoir original bumper. Thanks for serving me well."

Easter Photographs

2007-04-13T12:09:00.000-05:00

Here are some pics I took at a friend's house on Easter.

The fabulous Wallicia Smith.

Dog Fever

2007-04-11T21:06:00.000-05:00

It's crazy how throwing a ball to a friend's dog sometimes makes you want to get one....

Brewer, you're the best friend's dog I've ever had!

Tea Party

2007-04-11T00:21:00.000-05:00

I was invited to Julie's daughter's 4th birthday tea party as the official photographer. The girls were all dressed up and pretty cupcakes were the big hit!

Latest Graphic Design Conquest

2007-04-05T23:30:00.000-05:00

I feel as if I have been sitting at my computer all week.

I designed brochures for Uhri Photography this week which was so much fun...methinks melikes graphic design!

Here's the version that I emailed to my contact list.

Little Miss Sunshine

2007-03-31T22:45:00.000-05:00

I just finished watching "Little Miss Sunshine" which has now become one of my favorite movies...not only is it incredibly funny, opens with "Chicago" by Sufjan Stevens, but it totally illustrates the fact that you can totally suck at something but your family still thinks you're great.

Trapped

2007-03-26T23:04:00.000-05:00

I have recently discovered (again) what can happen when your back is up against the wall...trapped, with some big decisions to make. To me these are life's most defining moments. Will you tie yourself to fear or will you do what you can to survive, to unleash yourself from the things that bind you?

I am amazed at resilient people who have encountered the severest of obstacles and survived. I recently finished a book called "Tomorrow Will Be Better" by Zdena Kapral. It is her personal story of survival in the midst of the Nazi takeover of Czechoslovakia. Her family survived through WWII as the Russians and Nazis used their home as a battle ground...then moved to India to be caught again in the middle of the Civil War. Zdena, her husband Alex and two daughters survived and eventually came to the United States, where we take freedom for granted. Zdena's story of survival and the triumph of the human spirit is touching (and hit close to home with me). What is most amazing is her resilience in the midst of cruel circumstances that put her back up against the wall...and she fought to survive and free herself from fear.

So what do you do when your back is up against the wall???

Humility

2007-03-17T00:12:00.000-05:00

I was looking through my journal tonight and came across this poem.

Humility

Humility is perfect quietness of
heart.

It is to have no trouble.

It is never to be fretted or vexed
or irritated, or sore or disappointed.

It is to expect nothing, to
wonder at nothing that is done to me, to feel nothing done against
me.

It is to be at rest when nobody praises me, and when I am
blamed or despised.

It is to have a blessed home in the Lord, where
I can go in and shut the door, and kneel to my Father in secret, and am at peace
as in a deep sea of calmness when all around and above are in trouble.

~Item from The Christian Evangel
November, 1918

YUMMY

2007-03-14T11:58:00.000-05:00

Last night I woke up on several occasions with a very sore throat. It could be due to the fact that since the weather has been nice, I have been sleeping with my windows open...but then again, I was so exhausted last night, I tend to think that a cold is trying to get me. I REFUSE TO GET SICK ON MY SPRING BREAK.

This morning I got up and sprayed my throat with Chloraseptic, the "Soothing Citrus" flavor. Soothing Citrus? Are you kidding me? More like "Gag-Me Citrus." Whoever thought throat spray that is attempting to taste like an orange would actually be soothing and refreshing must be shot...

Reaching Out

2007-03-12T22:54:00.000-05:00

This is one of my favorite photographs that I have ever taken. In photography, sometimes simplicity is the ultimate characteristic of beauty.

Whew!

2007-03-06T23:03:00.000-06:00

I got my grade tonight in Photo II--remember that project where I felt I got a harsh critique?

I got a "Superior" on content, printing and concept. WOOT! So it wasn't as bad as I thought it was. That darn mind of mine sometimes blows things out of proportion. Ugh.

Here is a photograph of my photographs. There were 11 prints, so photographing each individually is quite the task. Hopefully you get the idea from this photo.

When a Little is Not Enough

2007-03-06T00:38:00.000-06:00

I'm a big fan of Jared Miller's and the work he is doing in Rwanda. He started a nonprofit organization called Sisters of Rwanda which assists thevulnerable women of Rwanda, specifically those who make their living as prostitutes and/or have been sexually abused, widowed or orphaned. If you have been a long-time reader of my blog, you know that my heart is HUGE for the people of Rwanda, especially since I sponsor a child who lives near Kigali through Compassion International.

Yet I am in a constant state of thinking that what I am doing is just not enough. I look at Jared's work and especially his heart and am saddened that I cannot do more...that I am NOT doing more. By supporting this young girl, I am only helping one. "What else can I do?" I often ask myself.

Is my little enough?

Rolling Mill Hill

2007-03-04T23:30:00.000-06:00

At the suggestion of my very creative friend Melinda, I went on an adventure today to take some photographs at Rolling Mill Hill, a new community development downtown, formerly Nashville General Hospital. She joined up with me to take some photos as well. Here's a sampling of some of them. I love to shoot on crystal clear days! By the way, the buildings are actually kinda creepy--like an old mental asylum or something. It was difficult to convey that in the photos, especially on such a beautiful day.

All photos copyright of Michelle Uhri.

Artistic Critique

2007-03-02T10:46:00.000-06:00

One of the most difficult aspects of being an artist is taking critiques from others, specifically when the critique veers toward the negative.

Last night I turned in a project for my Photo II (Color Photo) class that was pretty harshly critiqued by my instructor and my advisor (in front of my classmates). I might note that I have to thank my classmates for being so positive about my project. Their comments were the good ones.

I have to admit that I took a big risk, though, in what I turned in. We were given the choice between shooting one roll of film each day for seven days OR doing a project about our family. I chose my family because the projects I have done in the past about them I have been really passionate about. My project consisted of 11 prints paired with text (that's where I took the risk). Pairing photographs (or any art for that matter) with text can make or break the project. The text was written on vellum and overlayed on top of the photographs. One comment that was made was that it was "too much like a Hallmark card." What can I say? I'm a sap when it comes to my family.

I came home last night feeling disappointed and defeated. I go back and forth between being glad that they were honest (because that makes me a better artist and photographer) and being totally dejected. So last night before I went to bed, I made a deliberate decision to not let this affect me in a negative manner. I need to pick myself up by the bootstraps and forge ahead.

Thank God today is a new day!

Photomontage

2007-02-27T18:55:00.000-06:00

Here are 2 of the 3 photomontages I did of my family, along with my artist statement regarding them.

“Mom” is a work based upon the most influential person to me, who died three years ago. The image conveys her commitment to her faith through the stained-glass background and praying hands. The yellow canary bird represent how much she sang with all of her heart despite the fact that she didn’t think she had a good voice—and her name was “Carol” which means “song.” The wings represent both her death as well as her lifelong career as a nurse, who are often referred to as “angels.” The white dress was a scanned photograph of her wedding picture the day that she married my dad. It is also similar to the nurse’s uniform that she wore at the time. The roots represent her groundedness and how she was the foundation of our family—“the roots” or “the glue” that held us all together. Those roots are still holding us together as we are a strong family rooted in our love of our mother and for each other.

"Mom"

“John-Janet” is a representation of my brother and sister. I chose a paper doll head as to not lean toward one gender or another, as the work represents both a male and a female. The Grouch Marx glasses represent the sense of humor we all share—I think my brother and sister are the funniest people in the world. The wings symbolize the protection I have always felt as the youngest of my three siblings and how they always looked out for me. The heart symbolizes that they are my blood and my heartbeat—I am very close to both of them. The rope represents the ties that bind us as siblings. The Jeep represents both the fun and conflict we had as children, often fighting to play with the Matchbox Jeep my sister had. Several years ago she bought us our own so as adults we could each have our very own.

"John-Janet"

Mom

2007-02-25T00:48:00.000-06:00

She lived her life on this earth to serve those around her selflessly. She lived each day on this earth never taking one single moment for granted. She loved to be kissed by her hubby. She savored the flavor of a good cup of coffee. She loved to rock her grandchildren to sleep and said often that the greatest thing in life is to be a Grandma. She saw that every "t" was crossed and every "i" was dotted. She loved to see sunsets and often said, "There will never be another sunset exactly like that one--ever."

She is a woman, a wife, a mom, a daughter, a sister, a grandma, an aunt, a confidant, an advisor, a teacher, a nurse, an encourager, a comforter, a helper, a spiritual leader, a server, a lover and a friend.

Carol Anne Uhri
April 1, 1943 - February 24, 2004

I miss you, Mom.

Identity Issues Part 2

2007-02-20T21:37:00.000-06:00

To all that were wondering which of the images was the original in the "Identity Issues" entry, it was me playing the piano...ah, the magic of Photoshop...

Antiques

2007-02-20T21:30:00.000-06:00

My latest and greatest adventures include antiquing, which I have always liked but never done much simply because I couldn't walk out the door without buying everything I liked.

I think my latest adventure started when I decided I need some new ephemera for my collages and artwork.

I found boxes upon boxes of postcards at this particular antique mall and briskly thumbed through them in hopes that I wouldn't want to buy every box (which contained at least 200 cards). So I chose a few that were places that I have been...Chicago, New York, Chattanooga, Paris...good things!

The Edge

2007-02-20T20:55:00.000-06:00

So I'm watching tv tonight and saw a commercial for the new Ford "Edge" car. The commercial shows the car driving on the edges of buildings and bridges. I didn't think anything of that at first, but the second time around, I noticed the fine print at the bottom of the screen.

"Yes, this is a fantasy. Cars cannot drive on buildings."

I laughed to myself thinking how ironic it is that they have to let people know that it is not possible for a car to drive with only two wheels on the edge of a building.

2007-02-20T00:06:00.000-06:00

I found this the other day amidst some favorite quotes and passages. I hope it encourages someone out there reading:

"After a while you learn
the subtle different between holding a hand
and chaining a soul.
And you learn that love doesn't mean leaning
and company doesn't mean security.
And you begin to accept your defeats
with your head up and your eyes ahead
with the grace of a woman
not the grief of a child.
And you learn to build all your roads on today
because tomorrow's ground is
too uncertain for plans
and futures have a way of falling down
in mid-flight.
After a while you learn
that even the sunshine burns if you ask to much
so you plant your own garden and decorate your own soul
instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.
And you learn that you really can endure
that you are really strong
and you really do have worth.
And you learn
and you learn.
With every good-bye
you learn."

~Anonymous

Identity Issues

2007-02-19T23:02:00.000-06:00

In my digital imaging class, we were assigned to create an image of ourselves through various poses in the same room to represent the conflicts of identity (meaning..."I am a student yet a teacher, etc, etc.).

Here is my completed assignment. I feel, as an artist, to make statements on my work.

I am playing piano to show that I am often conflicted between being a musician and an artist--meaning that I feel like I cannot excel at one without letting the other slip. The next two, with me sleeping and one with me reading shows both the conflict in loving to sleep (yes, it's a hobby) and being a night owl, when I often stay up late working on creative things; as well as the conflict I feel when I realize I may be a good sleeper compared to most, but yet I have those nights of too much caffeine where I toss and turn and sometimes wonder "Do I have insomnia?" It also doesn't help that for the research work I am doing, I am reading a lot of books on sleep (e.g. The Family that Couldn't Sleep). The next one, where I am praying conveys the trust in God and faith in Him. Where I am standing by the window, I wanted to show paranoia...someone who is looking through the blinds may be paranoid of something (not trusting).

In Photoshop, we took one photograph and used it as the original then cut and pasted the others into that document...can you tell which one is the original?

Next up...collages of my family!

Quote of the Day

2007-02-18T01:23:00.000-06:00

“The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet.”~Fredrick Buechner

Happy Valentine's Day!!

2007-02-14T11:53:00.000-06:00

So to all of those who have someone to share this day with, Happy Valentine's Day!

To all of those who are single, my friend Shelly and I began celebrating "Happy I'm-Not-with-the-Wrong-Guy" Day (so I don't have to spend money, time and energy on him to show a little romance). It is a good day to reflect on the fact that although you are single, life is good because you are not with the wrong guy. Remember, there is always something to be grateful for!

Clean Sweep

2007-02-13T23:02:00.000-06:00

The first generation of the Uhri's (my brother, my sister and I) must fight the natural innate tendency to be pack rats. It's in the genes...

So this year I decided that I need to start de-cluttering my life. Even though I feel like I am pretty organized, I can always do better.

On Saturday, my friend Lisa Wilson came over to help me organize my craft/office room. In a matter of two hours, we had completely re-organized the entire space...and to my delight, I actually want to be in this room again! There are still a few things I have to go through, but the results are amazing.

By the way, you should have seen the closet before--I couldn't get to anything because it was so full!

Shred-alicious!

2007-02-13T20:39:00.000-06:00

Due to my most recent organization conquests, I broke down today to purchase the $100 shredder in order to continue to maintain my sanity...money well-spent, especially after the "5 sheets only" shredder I had previously. This 14 sheet document eater cross-cuts with a lovely pull-out container and even has a special feeder for CD's and credit cards (can you say "plastictomy"). Yes, I'm a geek.

So I have spent the majority of the evening shredding papers that should have been discarded long ago.

On another note, I picked up this shredder at Office Depot, which happens to be one of the favorites amongst my siblings and I ("Ah, Office Depot" I often remark at my siblings trips to the beloved store). What can I say...we're nerds that love large office supply stores...

Jym Davis

2007-02-12T23:14:00.000-06:00

My artist friend, Jym Davis, recently updated his web site. Check out his awesome work!

Fred Clarke

2007-02-09T11:59:00.000-06:00

Next week I'm going to Nashville's Zeitgeist Gallery to hear photographer Fred Clarke speak on his photographs. He photographs for the International Committee of the Red Cross in war-torn countries, photographing the affects of war on women, children and the elderly. You can check out his images: Fred Clarke

Conversations

2007-02-09T01:22:00.000-06:00

Isn't it interesting when the most intriguing conversation you've had today consists of a group of classmates analyzing the life and death of Anna Nicole Smith? It makes me yearn for more intelligent dialogue...

The Homeless Beggar

2007-02-07T11:09:00.000-06:00

There is a stoplight that I go through pretty much every day that has homeless men begging on almost every occasion. Last week, I was feeling generous, but did not have the guts to hand the man a few dollars.

So yesterday, as I waited again at the light, I summoned the gentleman (who was a different guy from the last time). He was an older man, someone's father, someone's grandfather. So I handed him a dollar and some change. He could barely talk and the smell of alcohol was rancid on his breath. With slurred speech he spoke of blessings and God's grace allowing him to still be here despite his mistakes.

I contemplated my decision to give the man money. Obviously he was drunk. But how can I assume that he is going to spend it on alcohol? Is my heart in giving to the man the most important thing? He himself will have to answer for how he spends that money.

As I drove away, I cried. Tears of sadness, tears of pity...and overall, tears of shame, for how could I ever complain...why complain about cleaning the house--I've got one? Why complain about being stressed--I have things to do?
Why complain about "not having anything to wear" when I have a closet full of clothing?

Count your blessings...you've got so many!

Downtown Pics

2007-02-05T23:37:00.000-06:00

I went to the Predators hockey game on Saturday night and took some shots of the BellSouth building in downtown Nashville....

Let It Snow!!

2007-02-02T04:08:00.000-06:00

Yes, it's 2am on Friday morning and I'm up...

BUT...I am getting to see what most people are sleeping through...the first snow of 2007 in Tennessee!!

Yipee! Snow makes me happy. I can't help it, I grew up in Wisconsin. How can you possibly argue that it's not one of the most beautiful things God created?

Yes, I'm a nutty photographer--I ran outside to take some shots. They are a tad blurry because it's so dark out there.

I'm going to peek out the window again before I go to sleep where I'll be dreaming of sledding...

Dragon Park Photos

2007-01-29T02:42:00.000-06:00

Last week during a drive around to take pictures, I went to one of my favorite parks in Nashville, Fannie Mae Dees Park, also known as "Dragon Park." There is a ginormous dragon made of cut tiles by local artists. When I was at Belmont University, we used to head over there all the time just to play.

Here are some photos from that day. I took both my film and digital cameras along to take similar shots. It's interesting to compare the two.

Enjoy (especially you, Melinda!!)!!

Today

2007-01-27T16:05:00.000-06:00

Three years ago today, my life changed forever...my mom (my best friend) collapsed at work and was resuscitated never to regain her full capacities again. She passed away on February 24 in hospice care.

I felt compelled to re-post this photograph as I took it with her in mind.

More Photos

2007-01-24T10:11:00.000-06:00

Today's Photos

2007-01-22T22:12:00.000-06:00

Since I am taking a color photography class, I have to take 2 rolls of 36 exposures every week (finding subjects can get tough by the end of the semester!). Since I am just learning the color printing process, I decided to take my digital camera along for the ride today and take shots with both the digital camera as well as my film camera...that way, I could share them with my faithful blog readers.

Here are some of the best ones from today. Yes, I took some in a cemetary that I stumbled upon last year. I'm a bit obsessed with it for several reasons. First, it is surrounded on three sides by an apartment complex. Second, it's really rundown and half of the gravestones no longer have readable names (it's quite sad). Thirdly, I am oddly intrigued by cemetaries in general. Some say it is the greatest source of untapped potential....

Anyway, the other shots are from the land surrounding the Tennessee Historic Preservation Society.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

2007-01-20T12:09:00.000-06:00

One of my favorite movies is "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory"...maybe it's because I have good memories of watching it 5 times with my nephews.

I watched it again last night. One of the best aspects of the movies is the unabashed innocence and purity of heart that Charlie possesses, mostly likely because his family has nothing. He almost forgoes the invitation to Willy Wonka's factory because someone offered him $500 for the golden ticket. Throughout the entire movie, he is so grateful for even the smallest things...especially the chocolate bar he receives as a birthday present once a year.

In a discussion with a friend of mine several months back, we talked about the hearts of indigent people and how they are open to hearing the message of Jesus Christ. The hearts of those who have nothing are oftentimes the most open to hearing about salvation.

This can be seen a lot in the work of missionaries. I have a heart for it because so many people know that there is something far greater than themselves without ever being told about God or His Beloved Son. In the United States, we are so blessed to have what we have (we rarely recognize it) and we sometimes become complacent about the message of Jesus Christ. I myself am guilty of this tragedy. So how to we open ourselves back up again to the realization that we would be nothing without Jesus???

More Headshots

2007-01-19T17:47:00.000-06:00

Joel Meyerowitz

2007-01-17T23:21:00.000-06:00

In my color photography class, we are always looking at photographers (which I love doing). It is so cool to see what other photographers take...amazing.

One of my new favs is Joel Meyerowitz. I love his simplistic style, yet is photographs are spectacular. Check out is web site to see his work:

www.joelmeyerowitz.com

One of my favorites series of his is "Cape Light" where was work all taken in Cape Cod.

Let me know what you think if you check it out!!

Color Photography

2007-01-16T23:25:00.000-06:00

So as previously stated, I am SO excited about my classes. We have started learning Photoshop (which is super!) and color photography has been good so far. We haven't actually started printing yet, but we are well on our way.

My instructor for color, Caroline Allison has some really great work. You can check out her web site: www.carolineallison.com

A lot of her work centers around suburbia and the effects of urban growth on nature's beauty. Good stuff...check it out!!

HandyChick

2007-01-13T22:34:00.000-06:00

This afternoon I spent hanging a piece of slatwall I bought from a store going out of business...I wanted to use it organize my studio/office.

I was telling someone this evening all about it...she was like "how did you do that all by yourself?" Well, problem-solving is one of my fortes. I just propped it up against the wall (atop a file box), drew marks on the walls through the pre-existing holes. I then removed the slatwall, inserted the drywall screws and went from there...voila...organized!

Whoever said women can't do handywork is an idiot.

Classes

2007-01-12T13:25:00.000-06:00

I'm totally stoked!!!

This semester, I've got three classes...two of which I am SO excited about. It might be because I didn't have any photography classes last semester...anyway, I've got color photography and digital imaging. The best part is that in digital imaging, I'm learning Photoshop as well as Dreamweaver. By the end of the semester, I'll be able to build my own web site. Plus, Photoshop is going to come in handy with photography.

I did attempt to learn Photoshop CS2 on my own which was quite overwhelming. I am SO glad I'll have a class that teaches the principals of the program step-by-step.

As for color photography, I am excited as well. My instructor is going to be great. We've had fun in that class so far. Color balancing is going to be an interesting skill to learn.

I'll keep you posted on my progress....

Proud Aunt

2007-01-12T00:59:00.000-06:00

So here are some of my favs from the holidays. I will probably post more later....

Professional Headshots

2007-01-10T23:41:00.000-06:00

Here are some samples of my professional headshot work.

The Wreck of the Day

2007-01-09T01:55:00.000-06:00

So I thought today would be a lovely start to the new semester.

I got up at 6:45 am (with little difficulty after Christmas break), got ready for class and off I went, with no traffic difficulties. In fact, I left later than I should have but ended up getting to class early.

I went to my drawing class (which I ended up dropping later) then attempted to get into a different drawing class so that I would only have to go downtown to school two days a week. The class was full...so I ended up heading home, awaiting permission by the instructor to get into the class.

While at home, I contemplated the fact that if I were to drop any class, I would have to do it today in order to receive a full refund. So I drive back down there (it's about 20 minutes one way) and find my advisor walking down the hall. Thank goodness! I needed her help. So after discussing everything yet again, we decide it's best if I drop my Contemporary Art History class and wait to see if I get into the other drawing class. GREAT.

So I head to the Registrar's office and wait for one hour until it opened back up after lunch. During my wait, my advisor comes back and tells me I can get into the digital imaging class and could drop the drawing class as an option. Oh Lordy.

Finally, after this back and forth saga, I drop the drawing class and add the digital imaging class.

Whew...what a crazy day.

To make a long story even longer....

After much relief, I am pulling out of the parking lot when I see this guy about to back into me!

WHAM...he does.

And, of course, there's a HUGE-O crater in my bumper with no damage to his car (at least that we could see). Dat gum it!

In conclusion to my long saga, I can only hope that tomorrow will be better. Thank God His mercies are new every morning.