I just put this movie on my Netflix list.

Julius Shulman defined Modernism through his photography. I’m pretty sure that it will have a permanent place in my inspiration library

Sometimes, austerity is beautiful.

While I was at the beach and with the help of a trusty tour guide (Hi Dad!), I decided to explore and photograph some of the nearby abandoned farmhouses and barns. Here’s a peak at one of the old houses I shot while I was there.

At work, we spend so much time creating something new, based on the stories of our clients lives. I wonder what stories old structures like these have within the walls.

I hope I’m not terribly late on this, but while researching Wednesday’s Perfect Room I came across Lonny Photo. Yes, the creative team behind Lonny Magazine, Patrick Cline and Michelle Adams, have also formed a photo and styling practice. The best part is that the photos are a available on Etsy. Of course, I had to share a few that I really enjoy with you.

Lady Yellow

Tree Hugger

Lady Red

Autumn by the Sea

On Lonny Photo’s etsy site you will find a curated selection of print ranging from animal photos and landscapes to interesting objects.  I find the available photos quite lovely, in their serenity and quirkiness. And the best part? The prints are in limited edition quantities  and are signed by Patrick Cline.

Yesterday, I was in dire need of inspiration (and kind words; Thank you DWJ and Leigh).  Luckily, I found the beautiful work of photographer Ditte Isager via Simply Photo. Her images take my breath away.

Turns out I’ve seen her photos a lot through the years via  mags like Domino, House Beautiful, and Elle Decor UK.  I appreciate her poetic compositions, the stories she tells, the lighting,  and the warmth in each photo. They just draw you into each setting.  Don’t her images make you want to live in each one?

By the way,  though I’ve continued using my camera, Isager is inspiring me to explore it as a medium even more. I’ll be sharing more photos soon and hopefully signing up for another class.

Yesterday was my last day of  my beloved digital photography class (tear) and right now there isn’t a part 2 scheduled (more tears). Anywhoo, I learned so much, including that I’m not very comfortable taking portraits (which means of course that I need to take more portraits) and that I love taking photos of objects.

One of the best parts of class,  was that, every week, my teacher would slip in bits of art history and our last day was no different. Yesterday she introduced us to photographer Jan Groover, whose photos of everyday objects rendered me awestruck.

{images via janet borden inc and the museum of modern art}

Isn’t it funny how a photographer can transform the normal everyday item into something  beautiful and grand? Like design it’s all about a good eye and composition.

Happy Monday!!

xoxo,  Jessica

For Christmas, I was given a gift certificate  to take a digital photography class, which I’m loving  like you wouldn’t believe. Every week my class sets off on a different assignment, every week  we encounter a different creative challenge.I haven’t taken a photography class since undergrad (and that was film) so  this is a really is amazing experience.

For a recent assignment, we had to take portraits… of objects. We were not allowed to move them, just photograph them  in lots of different ways from different perspectives.  Here’s two that I liked from that collection (and finished editing).

When I get through more photos I promise to show more, but I wanted to give you a taste of what I been doing in my spare time. And  for my next assignment, portraits of a person. Stay Tuned…

Happy Monday Everyone!  Over the weekend, the DC got a few sweet moments of snow, not a lot but just enough. That’s my favorite type of snow, just enough to make you slow down…

Lately whenever I get a spare minute, I break out the camera and start experimenting. I think I’m hooked.

{the pics above are from my workshop with kate headley}

{these are just few fun shots post-workshop}

I’m having a great time learning a new medium. I’ve already helped out on a photo shoot, scouting locations (not taking pics).  I believe photography is great for developing interesting compositions and a better understanding of lighting. The best part is that I’m already looking at the world differently. And that is important, if I want to keep growing creatively as a designer and have fun while doing it.

Thank you for spending your week with me even though, I’ve been posting light this week. I really appreciate it. 

As I type I am also packing for a quick weekend jaunt to New York.  It’s been forever  since I’ve been, but the stars magically aligned and made it possible to see my NYC friends.

{images via fashion gone rogue}

And yes, in case you were wondering, all of my friends are this fabulous…. I can’t wait to be with the girls!

Happy Fierce Weekend!!

xoxo, Jessica

Ok first off let me say that I didn’t do that much  blogging lite this week. Over the past couple of weeks I’ve been working on some freelance opportunities and I promise next week will be another story; I WILL be blogging lite.

Over the weekend, in between working and few other things, Sunday I will finally be taking my photgraphy class with wedding photographer Kate Headley. I mentioned it in this post last month. When I signed up she mentioned that students should find photography that inspires us. Somehow along the way, I found Gabrielle Kai Photography. 

{all images via gabrielle kai photogrphy}

I’m really inspired by her work and her documentation of the beautiful simple things coupled with texture and composition. The photographer  of Gabrielle Kai,  Azzari Jarrett, named the company after her daughter and  is also self taught! Isn’t that awesome? She has a great etsy shop too!

I’m not looking to become a professional photog, I’m just looking for another tool to add to my creative process and express my creative self (though I am open to being awesome at it). Photography makes a person slow down and really see the world  around them. And I’ve always wanted to be a keen observer of  the world. What better way to be inspired? I can’t wait to share what I learn!

My weekend wish for you is that  you have a chance to get a creative too!!

Happy Creative Weekend!

XOXO, Jessica