Photoshoot: an angel in the dead of winter.

Kathleen was amazing. She braved the cold with me today to help me with my first photoshoot since the arrival of my new Olympus camera. With 7.1 megapixels, macro, and a need to find some sort of beauty in all the Winter decay, we were challenged. Even though it was only 20 degrees outside, she went out in her corset, a skirt, boots and wings, while I stood there (seemingly warm) taking photos of her dark appearance. Donned with a pair of red wings, I couldn't have been more pleased with how my photoshoot turned out. I still feel like a beginner, but I know I'm improving one step at a time.

After we had started shooting, I noticed that the feelings in my hands was slowly fading away as I tried to work with my camera. I kept trying to nudge the numbing feeling away, but it wouldn't budge. I still don't understand how Kathleen, in barely anything, was running around and posing with so much energy while I started to wilt away. During the photoshoot, and a little while before it, I realized how much I really feel close to Kathleen these days. When she came home from school today, I ran to the door to see her. Because of our six years of age difference, I never thought we'd be able to get as close as Beth and I did over the years, but everything seems to be changing right now, right along with my relationship with Kathleen. She's such a smart person-- smarter than most of the adults I know.

After about 30 minutes of photoshoot time, I then found myself to be feeling sick. The coldness in my fingers had gone from a barely numb feeling, to an extreme numb feeling, to a blistering pain at the tips of my fingers, to almost no feeling at all. Near the end of the shoot, I had no feeling left in my hands. I was too eager for the opportunity to take photos outside with Enzo (my camera), so there was no way I was giving up the wonderful lighting. The last few pictures were taken with the edge of my thumb. I had to rub the button to take the photo because I just couldn't function. Some would call me crazy for enduring the pain, even though I could have gone inside into instant warmth. I call myself crazy-in-love with making art.

I'm very happy with the results so far. I plan on going around Milwaukee this week with Enzo, and then I intend on giving Chicago a try. Shawn and I have to find a car to use, since Chase, his car, isn't very reliable. Chicago is about two hours away, and we don't want to chance anything going wrong on the ride there. I'm psyched about seeing Rotofugi for the first time, not to mention, meeting Kirby, one of Celena's friends who happens to own Rotofugi. (My friends have the coolest friends. I feel lucky just knowing Celena. She's pretty famous and wonderful as it is. ^_^) I'm sure I'll be going picture-happy there as well.

The Illumniated

I also have to thank Shawn for being so thoughtful. I called him as soon as I came in from the photoshoot (after warming up a bit), and I asked him if he wanted to go to my apartment with me. In other words, I asked him if he would drive me down to Milwaukee. I was so excited to be able to upload and edit my first pictures. I'm still giddy from the entire experience. Shawn, of course, was the prince and said he'd like to go with me. He helped instal the Olympus program on my computer, and now he's sitting back and watching some TV while I write this.

Dead of Winter

Mom commented on something about my relationship with Shawn the other day. She's mentioned it before, but I never took as much note of it as I did the other day. I'm still thinking of what she said, actually. Mom told me that Shawn must really love me, because she can't think of any other person that has as much patience and understanding manner as Shawn does-- with me. I know I can be difficult. I grew up being spoiled (at times) and to know that Shawn is willing to bend over backwards at any little need of mine is pretty amazing. He never questions, never bothers, never denies what I want or how I feel. That's probably one reason we rarely ever argue. I have his amazing amoung of patience to thank for that. I'm sure my demands aren't easy to take sometimes, and he doesn't go through with them sometimes, but he does know how to handle my attitude.

Never Broken

And of course, I can't finish this entry without saying a final thanks and a final message of love. Kathleen, if you read this, you're amazing. I told Kathleen, after we came in, how fun she was to take pictures of. Never have a come across a person that was so easy to shoot. In fact, she practically posed herself most of the time, never needing direction from me. I'm going to be asking Shawn if it would be oh kay to take Kathleen to Milwaukee with us when I go to take photos of the city, because I think she'd really like to do something different for the weekend. Then she can stay over at my apartment with me for a day or two. Maybe it can be a way of repaying her for braving out the cold with me-- and for coming to my aid from being so cold.

Comments

[Jessica]

Amazing Lauren. That's all I can say. Amazing.

[dee]

Your pictures are always so beautiful. You may feel like a beginner, but you take pictures like a pro!

[souldforchrist]

[esto es genial] These are beautiful.  I love love love them all!!  :D

[♥ Lady M ♥]

[this is good] BEAUTIFUL!!!

=)

you're so creative...you go girl!!!

[NOOS]

[this is good]

Nice set of pictures Lauren I love the red wings...Two thumb up!

[***]

[this is good] I just have to say these are beautiful!  You are a talented photographer, and I'm happy you've got a camera you can love.

But take care of yourself Lauren!  You don't want to make yourself ill with your reckless artistry, you! :)

[Jen]

Absolutely gorgeous.  Breathtaking.  Stunning.  You and both of your sisters are naturally gorgeous and photogenic, and all of you could be models.  The fact that you've got an eye for photography and a love of art only makes your photos all the more lovely.  You're really going to start making the rest of us look bad.  ^__^ 

But really, your photos came out wonderfully.  I'm so glad you finally got your new camera.  I bet you're loving it, hehe.  And that's so sweet of Shawn to take you to your apartment.  Tell him thankies for me too - I can't wait to see more of your photos hon!  Stay warm, okie?  *hugs* 

[Wislander]

It's better to be numb on the outside than to be numb on the inside. Enjoy your camera, your sisters, and your life. It only comes around once. 

[thepinkpanther]

Beautiful beautiful pictures! I wish I had the talent you have!

[Shauna]

Lovely use of colors! I love the red, blacks and whites. Definitely sets the mood!

[LonelyBob]

[this is good] Great photoshoot Lauren!

[becomeconscious]

[this is good]

Hey Lauren!

Sorry it took a while to get back to you, I just found out now,
using the recent activity option that you had replied to my comment! I
feel fortunate to have run by your page, your creativity can surely
inspire more creation! Tell Kathleen and also you should know that the
temporary frostbite was well worth the timeless moments you have
captured with Enzo!

[little wonders]

[this is good] Your photos are amazing as always, your sister Kathleen is very pretty, can tell you are related. I'm glad to here your building a better relationship with her, and hope your Chicago weekend is great.

[erin*carly]

[das ist gut] incredible!  you are quite talented.  :)

which oly did you get?

[anjel]

[this is good] Very pretty, both your sister and your pictures.

[Lauren]

Thank you so much, everyone. The cold was worth the photos-- for sure. I'd like to get back out there and take more, but I think I'll stick with some indoor photos until it gets a tad bit warmer outside. Thanks for your concern, to those of you who want me to take care of myself. I'll make sure to try harder, tee hee. ^_^

becomeconscious- Thank you and I'll make sure to tell Kathleen that. <3

Erin- I got the C-7070 widezoom. *sigh* It's heaven, especially compared to my other camera.

Jen- I'll make sure to tell Shawn thankies, too. ^^ Haha, he'll like that. I also wanted to let you know that I have your bracelet. I think my mum's heading to the post tomorrow, so I should be able to send it out then. You should get it either at the end of this week or by early next week since it'll be sent by Priority. Yay!

[●Mami.Rosa●]

Beautiful girl.... you got great eye for photography. =)

 

[Inga]

The pics are beautiful!!! I love them Lauren! I can't wait to get my camera! :o)

[Celena]

[this is good] oh lauren, what a beautiful shoot!!  you took some fabulous shots despite almost suffering from frost bite! .. haha.  you crazy girl, you!  but you continued on like the trooper you are and i must say, it certainly paid off.  gorgeous shots, wonderful story concept, and beautiful starkness to the photos.  my favorite is the very last shot.  there's something on the look of her face that's quite intriguing.  awesome pictorial, my dear!!

[Lauren]

Thank you, hon. <3

[Lauren]

Thank you, Elle. ^____^ I appreciate the nice feedback. You're going to love your new camera, I'm sure of it.

[Lauren]

Thankies so much, Celena. The frostbite was definitely something to work around. o_O I'm glad that's over with. The last photo of Kathleen seems to be a favorite of a few people. I like hearing what others are drawn to. It inspires me to create similar photos in the future. I really appreciate the feedback.

(I'm still counting down for you. ^.~ I think I'm almost as excited as you are for your new sweetie!)

[Girl Gone Mad]

[this is good] Wonderful job.

[Kiss Me Cate]

I love the new photos! You really outdid yourself this time. The red wings agains the black and white is so striking!

[Stephanie's Hair]

I just love this photo shoot....you are really talented.. hope you survived the cold ok...

[Pixie Wildflower]

Those pictures are SO cool!

[Inga]

Lauren! My camera has this color accent feature, but I don't know how to use it! I need to learn!

[Jamie]

Gorgeous beautiful so many ideas of imagery fill my head; it must be nice to have such a good and photographic friend/subject to achieve such a great set of shots.