Having wanted to visit the Isabella Stuart Gardner Museum for quite some time, this weekend it finally occurred. I don’t think i could have asked for a nicer day. I have not been to the museum in years, and somehow it seemed different in some way brand new. Ms. Gardner was quite the collector of art around the world, and in particular two of my favorites; Titian and Sargent. Sargent painted beautiful portraits of Isabella Stuart Gardner, capturing her true beauty and free spirit.

The atrium is one of the most beautiful spaces in Boston; somehow you think you are very far away. The light and texture of the stone, greenery, and fountains evoke pure joy. There is also an exhibit by young children from local schools whose work was strong, leaving me asking where can I purchase a piece? I was so taken by the experience and time spent there, I am thinking of joining as a member not only to support the arts but also participate in some wonderful events taking place.

After having spent many hours lost in Ms. Gardner's home, i wandered the city for the remainder of the day taking in more beauty, and more pictures.

Posted by sha at 08:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I have known of Minor White and his work for many years now, though he was not a standard taught to me back in school, he remains one of the great photographers of our time. I was re-introduced to his work about sixth months ago when I was taking a composition course, I immediately felt connected to his work. His photographs were about pushing the limitations of the zone system, which he developed with Ansel Adams and others.

Minor White’s work is abstract, not immediately tactile; but draws you in slowly and deeply that you think you are actually walking the road to the barn in the distance. In the last few weeks I have been researching all I can find on Minor White and his life, while such an influential photographer it is sad not more has been written on him. Trying to find his books has appeared a bit difficult as well, but I will get a hold of them soon.

So, have some of my recent pictures been the influence of Minor White? I am not sure, but something has been inspiring me, I am sure there are many influences. I look at the light in my kitchen at 4:00 pm or the French Press that sits in the shadows and feel inspired. Sometimes I go for long walks thinking nothing of taking a picture, but for a moment to just be and observe. I may not have a camera in hand; it does not mean I am not photographing the images around me. I don’t think I would accomplish much else during the day if I had a camera and took a picture of everything that captured my attention, it all does.

"I'm always mentally photographing everything as practice." | minor white

Posted by sha at 03:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Over the fall i took a photography class at the Cambridge Adult Center for Education over in Harvard Sq. It was a class on composition. I ended up really enjoying the class, meeting new people, understanding how others viewed their surroundings. I think it actually gave me a new way of thinking about taking pictures. I am alot more relaxed when i take pictures now, and i take alot more pictures which in itself is a good thing.

I am not sure where i would like to go next, whether i will take classes or not but i will keep shooting away! Here are some of the photographs i had selected to show for critique in my class.

Posted by sha at 02:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Our little Ty-Ty turns 13! I can hardly believe he is a teenager already. I remember when he was just a little peanut! He has grown into a wonderful young man, who is a wonderful son, brother, grandson, newphew and friend. Happy Birthday Tyler!

Be sure to take a look at some of Ty's baby pics.

Love, Auntie Shannon

Posted by sha at 07:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Take a peak at some photos we took the last night of Hanukkah

Posted by sha at 08:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I woke upon to about five inches of fresh snow- the first for the new year. It was very pretty out and while going to feed my ferals out in Marlborough, i stopped to take a few pics. The sky was this wonderful, moody grey- though with no polarizing filter on i did not manage to capture the full range- have to remember to put it on next time!

Posted by sha at 04:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)