There's a gallery show in Braddock this weekend that I'll have a few prints in. I know several of the other photographers who are participating, and it looks like it will be a cool event. Food + Art + Supporting a great cause = you should go and have a great time. Bring a friend, or make one there.



Here's the info from their press release:
OBSCURAE Photography Exhibition & Art Lottery Event
Fundraiser sponsored by Braddock Redux hosted at the UnSmoke Systems Gallery
1137 Braddock Avenue, Braddock, PA
Curated by: Jenny Fremlin & Jodi Morrison, with special guest curator John Ryan Brubaker

Friday, December 5, 2008: Public Viewing / Preview Reception 7pm-11pm
Saturday, December 6, 2008: Public Viewing: 2pm ; Art Lottery: 4 – 7pm

Lottery Tickets: $45 through website; $55 at the Door
www.obscuraegallery.org

Art Photography Featuring Braddock Will Be Raising Funds for Community Projects

Braddock Redux, a community based non-profit, announces its sponsorship of a two-day photography exhibition/fundraiser, The event, OBSCURAE, will occur on Friday, December 5 and Saturday, December 6, 2008. Benefiting the group’s continuing revitalization efforts of this historic steel mill town, OBSCURAE features more than 125 donated and framed photographs of Braddock from over 25 photographers that ticket holders will win and take home at the OBSCURAE art photography lottery. Public viewing of the work, open to all and free of charge, begins Friday from 7 – 11pm and continues Saturday at 2pm; the art lottery commences at 4pm Saturday. Those attending OBSCURAE, held at UnSmoke Systems Gallery at 1137 Braddock Avenue, are invited to take part in the gallery’s interactive photo booth designed by installation artist Merissa Lombardo and taste fresh-baked pizza by Josh Tonies made in Braddock’s very own outdoor wood-fire community oven located next to UnSmoke Systems. There is no charge to attend OBSCURAE and view the exhibition; visitors wishing to take home a work of art can purchase lottery tickets for $45 through the website, www.obscuraegallery.org, or for $55 at the door. The lottery offers supporters the opportunity to contribute to Braddock art and community projects with a partially tax-deductible ticket purchase. At the same time, supporters will be able to enjoy the exhibit, local food and drinks, the photo booth installation, AND leave with a limited edition framed art photograph. Photographs included in the lottery range from 8x10 to 13x19 and are mounted and framed using a variety of reclaimed materials. All pieces are stunning to display or give as a gift this holiday season.

Change is underway in Braddock as groups working with and within the community bring renewed energy to a town that many wrote off. Inspired by the town’s potential for grassroots urban renewal, many artists, social entrepreneurs, community organizers, urban homesteaders and others with a pioneering spirit are using the inherent energy in Braddock to fuel their creativity. It is with this spirit that OBSCURAE views the maligned town – turning a photographic eye towards the borough’s oft-overlooked beauty and the spaces amidst the former grandeur and “urban blight” that Braddock has come to represent for many in the Pittsburgh area.

Curated by Braddock residents Jenny Fremlin and Jodi Morrison, with special guest curator John Ryan Brubaker, OBSCURAE pays homage to Braddock’s unique post-industrial urban beauty. From the borough’s Victorian and industrial-era construction to particulars of its natural surroundings, each photograph captures a unique perspective of the town. Works are mounted and framed with found-materials from the community. In creating OBSCURAE, curators Fremlin and Morrison hope to encourage others to look deeper and appreciate the small wonders that drew them to Braddock. “The energy in Braddock is amazing, from the support of our neighbors who are long-time Braddock residents to curious people dropping in there is always something happening in this town. All of that activity and more is captured in the photographs that have been submitted by these brilliant photographers who have explored here and chosen to help the town that inspired their art by participating in this event” said Fremlin.

I had the great pleasure of photographing Unwrapped, the Union Project's annual fundraiser to celebrate the programming and arts that happen there. It's always a great time and this year was no exception. I've got to give props to Hilary Brown and her staff of over 50 volunteers who worked tirelessly to pull the event together. Also, my dear friend Simone Hudson of 5 Senses Events helped with coordination and event design this year, and all of the fabulous florals were courtesy of the talented (and super sweet) April of Mocha Rose. Without further ado, I've compiled a montage of some of the details from Saturday evening:

Soooo...I've been a bad blogger. Many apologies, but I pinky swear it's been for a good reason! The past few weeks I've been preparing to go to Cambodia to photograph for some non-profit organizations. Cambodia is a real hotbed for sex-trafficking and forced prostitution, with thousands of women and girls (as young as 5!), being sold into sexual slavery. I've felt compelled for some time now to give back to the global community, and am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with some amazing organizations to help raise awareness of critical issues.

The last thirty days have been spent renewing my passport, applying for a visa, dealing with flight changes, emailing contacts, getting my typhoid, hep a/b, malaria, polio, meningococcal conjugate, and tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis immunizations, new glasses and contacts, more epi pens (I'm allergic to peanuts), and the myriad other details that need to be worked out for a trip like this.

I'm not sure what my internet connectivity is going to be like, so I hope to be able to keep my blog updated while I'm gone, but have to wait and see when I get there. I'm leaving in less than two weeks, so if you are a current client and need to have anything ordered for the holidays, I need to have your order in by November 28. The office is going to be closed from December 2-28. 

Simply spectacular. This wedding deserves more adjectives, but I'm trying to get these posted before Lori and Aaron leave for Croatia. I promise to give some more details later.

beautiful day + beautiful details + beautiful people = beautiful wedding

I spent a few days at a photography workshop by destination wedding photographer extraordinaire David Beckstead. We spent the day with a few models in Harmony, which is about 45 minutes north of Pittsburgh. Here are some of my faves:

Just giving everyone a heads up that for the past few days I've been able to receive, but not send email. I hope to get this issue resolved soon, and thanks for your patience in the interim.

Sara and Judd got married in an intimate ceremony on Lake Michigan in August. Last weekend they came to Pittsburgh to celebrate with their friends and family. Their reception was held at the Frick Art and History Center, which, if you've never been, is quite lovely. Cocktail hour was in the rotunda of the History Center, and the reception was held in a tent on the grounds. The band No Bad Ju Ju kept the dance floor packed all evening. I highly recommend them if you are looking for a band for your wedding day.

Here are a few of my faves from the day:

The proper tying of Judd's bowtie became a community effort
We took a few minutes to get some portraits before the festivities began.

Liquid Sundays had a fashion edition at Olive or Twist Sunday night featuring clothes from Sugar boutique and shoes from Pavement. The bands the Lost Sea, Central Plains, and Thee Adora played. Good times. Some of the things that caught my eye throughout the evening:

Dook and Justin got married last weekend at the Mayernik Center. They had a beautiful outdoor ceremony with the reception following at the Mayernik.

Here are a few of my faves from their day:


Isn't she stunning?

How sweet is the way Justin is looking at his bride? Images like this bring tears to my eyes. Not kidding.

Jameel caught this rockstar image of Dook after they were introduced as the new 'Mr. and Mrs.' I love her excitement. (As a sidenote, Jameel drove all the way from New Jersey to third shoot this wedding. He deserves a round of applause. Thanks Jameel!)


Ok, so i don't normally do 'jump shots', but check out the air everyone got here. I love Dook's expression; this just makes me smile.





They had a choreographed first dance, that started like this...

...and ended like this. LOVED it!


Jaci caught his awesome action shot of the garter toss.

These two were super fun as the garter/ bouquet recipients.

Ceremony and Reception location:
Caterer: Remos
Florist: Pittsburgh Petals
Bakery: Bethel Bakery
DJ: Ed Lorenc
Videographer: Pittsburgh Wedding DVD

Dook and Justin; Congratulations. I hope you're having a great time at Disney!