Tuesday, January 31, 2017

The Maven Flyer For the week of January 29th, 2017

Welcome to 
 The Maven Flyer
For the week of January 29th, 2017


Here we will offer suggestions for places for you to submit your images
for sharing and competition.
If you have or know of a sharing community or theme, please let us know
by emailing the name, link, and specifics to 
snapmaven.info @gmail.com
Include "Please Add This Page to the Flyer"
in the subject line so we won't miss it.

At this time you will need to visit each page to learn the specifics of the pages 
rules and deadlines for sharing images.

Happy Sharing Everyone!

Snap Maven ~ {play}
Art of Storytelling ~ {imperfection of the story}
Clickin Moms~ {Weekly Fave}
The Dark Room{Winter Light}
Snap Love Grow{haunting}
 Fantastically Flawed ~ Mysterious
Picture Me Project~{Include yourself in the image somehow!}
Lemonade and Lenses~{Weekly Favorite each week}
Mozi Magazine~{Weekly Favorite each week}
Seniorologie~ {Weekly Favorite (senior) each week}
Little Bellows {Weekly favorite each week}
Life's Experience p52~{Week 5 | 8 am}
The Monochromatic Lens~{Weekly Favorite each week}
Minimalist Mondays ~ {new beginnings}
The Snap Society ~ {Weekly favorite each week}
Life Unscripted {Get Silly}
Dear Photographer{daily favorite}
Sham of the Perfect~ {family documentary favorites each week}
Fearless and Framed~ {Honestly documented each week}
Soul Focus -  {creative/artistic blur}
Dads in the wild - {Weekly Faves each week}
Our Weekend Stories ~ {down home}
Share Six- {bokeh}
Photography By Heart- {open book}
<<<>>>

That concludes the links for this week!
If there is a link you'd like to see here, please let us know at
snapmaven.info@gmail.com
Include "Please Add This Page to the Flyer"
in the subject line so we won't miss it.
Please allow 2-3 weeks for addition to The Maven Flyer
Same goes for errors, though we hope to get those fixed right away.
Future issues of The Maven Flyer will be posted on Tuesday evenings.

{authenticity over everything}


I chose the theme {Authenticity over Everything} because an image with a subject that is oozing authenticity makes you FEEL something, and it tells a story.   It doesn't have to be technically perfect when the true beauty comes when the photographer recognizes that the moment itself is perfect.  It's not just a pretty picture, it's a story starter. Whether it's an image that makes the viewer formulate their own story of what's happening... or an image that, when seen 20 years down the line, can bring its owner right back to the personality, feelings and environment from the image... THAT is the beauty in a photograph.

The following images are an ode to all that is authentic about the subjects photographed, and the talent of the photographer who recognized the opportunity to capture their story.

(PICKS)



I just. cannot. handle. the unstaged emotion captured here. The simple, authentic moment of a little sibling trying to steal a peak at the tablet... while taking a moment to snuggle in with brother.  It makes me wonder: are these two incredibly close and this simply captures their bond? Or had they spent the day fighting and this was the shot that captured the peace offering?  And I love the use of the light from the tablet... and the highlights captured in the hair.





I'm not sure what I love more... the tones in the image, or her expression that tells me that she doesn't think there's anything abnormal about wearing stickers as accessories.  






I am a sucker for an awesome image of kids just being kids.  Love that the emotion/silliness of the kids is able to shine right through the details so perfectly captured in the bathtub door.








Photographing kids isn't just about the perfect smiles. I love how the photographer not just captured the tear on her face but also the next one welling in her eye.  I'm left wondering whether something tragic happened to her, or if she's crying happy tears based on the expression on her face.  The beautiful thing?  The photographer knows... and will always be able to look at this photo and pull that story from her memory bank.  




This MOMENT! The connection, the joy, the happiness. I'm a total sucker for kids playing pretend photographer... and I just love that both of them are having the same reaction to the imaginary picture they just captured.  Beautiful use of light and black/white choice.





The expression. The bike helmet at the dinner table. Does it get more authentic and amazing!? I love the way she's framed between an A1 bottle and the other family member's fork... and how the man on the left is eating his dinner as if there is nothing abnormal about the little one's mealtime attire.  "This" is family dinner :) 



 
I LOVE all of the color in this image.  I smile thinking not only about this little girl sifting through her closet that morning and finding clothes that let her authentically colorful personality shine... but I also smile thinking about the parent who let her.




What kid hasn't sat in a bathtub and looked at the way their face is distorted in the faucet?  And the way this is captured? SO fantastic and brilliant in the use of black and white and the fact that the magic of the photo is so tiny that it requires the viewer to really take in the whole photograph.




Because I love an image that doesn't show a kid being perfect.  Because kids aren't perfect.  And they fight their meals.  And if they are angry at the dinner table they will express it.  And...  it's kind of what is beautiful about them, right?  Because as adults we hold it all in.  Kids let it all authentically out.




I feel like every mother could envision herself being in this photo.  Some days she would see herself exhausted underneath a child that is climbing all over her. And other days she would see herself as a mother soaking in the blessings of motherhood underneath her child's loving embrace.  THAT is the beauty of this image. A dual representation of AUTHENTIC emotions that mothers roller coaster through.


WINNER:




THIS IMAGE.  Struck me right in my authenticity-loving heart and here's why.  I first saw the authenticity just on the kids' faces. Kids being kids and having a joyful moment together.  I wonder what happened and what made the one child throw his head back in not-fake-laugh hilarity.   THAT in itself is beautiful... but upon further observation, you see the laundry in the corner, the snack bowl on the table, the pillows stacked by the window and the toys scattered on the floor and around the kids.  I love that there was no attempt by this photographer to clear the clutter out of the scene.  If she had, not only would the moment have fleeted, but the image wouldn't be the same. The clutter adds to the authenticity.  Because it says "joy" in the midst of the messy.  Joy of ignoring the clutter and the to-do list for a moment and taking in the more important moment. Authenticity over having chores done. Authenticity over clearing clutter.  Authenticity over trying to make it perfect. 
 Authenticity over EVERYTHING.



MY INFO

Brea Schmidt 
Photography by Brea and The Thinking Branch

Web:

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IG:

Friday, January 27, 2017

Feature Friday with Jessica Hachey Photography!

Last week's challenge winner was Jess of Jessica Hachey Photography and she wowed us with her gorgeous version of minimalism.  Read on to find out all about her style, her gear and more!



1. Please tell us about yourself...

I’m Jessica, but most of my family and friends call me Jess. I recently left my corporate job to be a stay at home mum to my beautiful girl, Elizabeth. I married my very best friend Eric, over 12 years ago. I’m addicted to tea, I love to read, my vinyl collection is growing by the minute it seems and I’m obsessed with all things photography.



I’m just starting up my second 365 project documenting my daughter’s daily life.

I am working in photography part time, mainly focused on documentary family photography and second shooting some weddings as well.

I’m also a bit of an introvert so answering these questions is tough!




2. Can you describe your style in 3 words? Why those words?

Hmmm….lets see…

Quiet - I tend to be drawn to the quiet and intimate moments when I pick up my camera, things that may go unnoticed but are kind, or sweet or sad. Though I do enjoy some of the silly things to!
Moody - My mum always said it while I was growing up and its still true today. I sure am moody haha! And I’m drawn to the deep tones, muted highlights and deep rich colours that most would describe as moody or emotive.
Narrative - I strive to tell a story when I pick up my camera. I would like all of my photos to tell a story, or a little piece of a larger story, so that once you’ve looked at the photo, you feel like you’ve learned a little something about the subjects.





3. What sparked your passion for photography?

I used to love playing with a camera when I was little, and was always that person with a camera in their hands at parties, concerts, events with friends. I have boxes and boxes of photos I developed while growing up. But it was always just a point and shoot kind of thing.
Five or six years ago I got my first DSLR and started trying to learn. But it wasn’t until my little brother passed away, about four years ago, and then having my daughter who is now 2 1/2, that I really dug in and became more serious and intentional about what I was shooting and why. Time goes by so quickly and you never know who or what may come in or out of your life at the blink of an eye. So I’m trying to document this all too short life as much as I can.



4. What's in your camera bag right now?

I’m currently shooting with a Canon 6D and mainly my Sigma Art 35mm. I would say that is what is in my bag and in my hand 95% of the time. And depending on where I’m headed I’ll also carry my Canon 24-70mm L or Canon 50mm. I also recently picked up a Sigma Art 85mm as I have been second shooting some weddings and it is a beautiful lens for portrait work.

A pen and notebook, usually my Kindle with a few books loaded, ear phones for music on the run and to get myself pumped before a session and a snack!

Other than that, and because my camera bag is almost always my purse/diaper bag too, I also have a spare diaper, wipes and kleenex…they have come in handy for non-baby related things as well!



5. What is your dream shoot or project?

There are so many things I would love to shoot and so many projects in my head! I suppose what I would love most is to take a year or more with my daughter and husband and travel to as many different countries as we could, and document our travels and all of the different cultures and families we encounter. I’d really like to expose her to as much culture and adventure and experience as possible and documenting that journey would bring me so much joy.

Another project I have in my head is to do something to promote the of awareness and support for mental illness. I haven’t figured out how I’m going to do that yet, what it will entail or what it will look like, but its an idea that has been building in my head since my brother passed away, and will be dedicated to his memory.



6. What are some of the misconceptions you had about photography and photographers at the beginning of your photography journey? Have they changed, and how?

I think the biggest misconception is that there is one right way to do something, or that you MUST follow specific rules.

I love family photography, and all I had really been exposed to when I started was posed work, which can be so beautiful and wonderfully done, but it just didn't spark my creativity behind the camera. Once I discovered some amazing documentary family photographers out there, it was a total game changer. There are so many different ways to photograph any subject. Find what speaks to you and go for it!

Also, the “RULES” as it were. Proper exposure, rules of thirds, balance etc. They are important to know, yes of course, and they will help you be a better technical photographer, but all rules are meant to be broken and can be used in different ways to express your creativity.



7. What advice would you give to newbie photographers? What advice do you wish you'd been given at the very beginning?

I would say never stop learning. Pick up your camera every single day if you can and try something.

One of my favourite things about photography is there is always something new to learn or try, a technique to master or a subject to look at in a different way.

Its super corny but photography is definitely a journey and not a destination so enjoy the ride and keep an open mind to where it might take you next.

Find more of Jessica's gorgeous work here:

Tuesday, January 24, 2017

Welcome to The Maven Flyer For the week of January 24th, 2017

Welcome to 
 The Maven Flyer
For the week of January 24th, 2017


Here we will offer suggestions for places for you to submit your images
for sharing and competition.
If you have or know of a sharing community or theme, please let us know
by emailing the name, link, and specifics to 
snapmaven.info @gmail.com
Include "Please Add This Page to the Flyer"
in the subject line so we won't miss it.

At this time you will need to visit each page to learn the specifics of the pages 
rules and deadlines for sharing images.

Happy Sharing Everyone!

Snap Maven ~ {authenticity over everything}
Art of Storytelling ~ {imperfection of the story}
Clickin Moms~ {Weekly Fave}
The Dark Room{Winter Light}
Snap Love Grow{Faceless}
 Fantastically Flawed ~ Mysterious
Picture Me Project~{Include yourself in the image somehow!}
Lemonade and Lenses~{Weekly Favorite each week}
Mozi Magazine~{Weekly Favorite each week}
Seniorologie~ {Weekly Favorite (senior) each week}
Photo Artistry~  {Holiday}
Journey to Artist  belonging
Little Bellows {Weekly favorite each week}
Life's Experience p52~{Week 1 | reflection}
The Monochromatic Lens~{Weekly Favorite each week}
Minimalist Mondays ~ {new beginnings}
The Snappy Mamaon hiatus
The Snap Society ~ {Weekly favorite each week}
Life Unscripted {Open Spaces}
Dear Photographer{daily favorite}
Sham of the Perfect~ {family documentary favorites each week}
Fearless and Framed~ {Honestly documented each week}
Soul Focus -  {creative/artistic blur}
Dads in the wild - {Weekly Faves each week}
Our Weekend Stories ~ {down home}
Share Six- {bokeh}
Photography By Heart- {my story}
<<<>>>

That concludes the links for this week!
If there is a link you'd like to see here, please let us know at
snapmaven.info@gmail.com
Include "Please Add This Page to the Flyer"
in the subject line so we won't miss it.
Please allow 2-3 weeks for addition to The Maven Flyer
Same goes for errors, though we hope to get those fixed right away.
Future issues of The Maven Flyer will be posted on Tuesday evenings.

{minimalism}




Life can sometimes be overwhelming, especially with a New Year starting.  
So when picking the photos this week, I found myself drawn to the ones that were simple.  
The ones without any distractions, allowing me to focus on the subject.  
You’ll find that most of these photos don’t have much in the frame, 
yet they still manage to tell a story that leaves the viewer wanting more.  

It was so difficult for me to narrow down my favorites,
 as there were so many amazing pictures.   
So, I decided to stick as close to the minimalism photography definition
as possible when choosing.  

I hope you enjoy my top picks.


<<<>>>




I love the use of negative space in this photo and the fact that you can only see part of the little girls head. What is she doing?  I want to know more!







I love the clean, simple feeling I get with this minimalistic photo...and the composition is great!









I love that lone tree in the middle of all of that fog! What a great simple and moody photo.








Again, I'm loving the use of negative space. And the light and colors are just gorgeous.  








What a great perspective, composition and use negative space, again. This is so different!









Awesome use of shadows and light highlighting the subject.  The composition and the use of negative space is great.    







What a dramatic, yet simple photo.  There is so much room for interpretation here, I don’t know where to begin.  And I love that artist blur!  






This is a fantastic example of a minimalist portrait.  The way Kate plays with light and hides certain features with shadows while highlighting others, is awesome.  This is the definition of a minimalist portrait if you google it…perfect!









There is something about this one that keeps me coming back.  I just love the random window and the balance it adds to the photo.   Where are they?  It's such a simple story telling image.  







I just love the clean, simplicity of this photo and the subtle pops of color against all of that white.


<<<>>>


And the winner is...





What a great perspective and use of lines.  And that moody monochromatic color just sets the tone for me.  Love it!  







Mavenista Tia Costello
The Vintage Wheel Photography

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