Time to Ring in a New Year

in the "ROARing" 20's style

enjoy,

k

Being Connected and Staying Connected

Had a great shoot with this group of young folks today.

And I love the resulting photographs

I was the one who prompted them to get out their phones!

Let them have a little fun ~ while being connected

and staying connected

enjoy,

k

"Carefree" reminder

as we approach the end of 2014

This is a photo that my friend Cathy took of me on a photo trek we made at an old fort this summer.  I was excited to share some lighting ideas and she took the day off to go "play" with me.  We had tried to line up other "models" to shoot but it didn't pan out on that day.  So instead we ventured off and took turns photographing one another.  We talked, we laughed, we took pictures…. we shared the day together and we allowed ourselves to be carefree.

Cathy invited me along for a portrait shoot she had planned with her friend Mary Beth this past weekend.   Mary Beth is battling health issues that would crumble the "carefree" in most people.  But on this gathering a wonderful brunch prepared with love, lively conversation and much laughter was shared among family and friends.  Sharing good times together that brings a smile gives us all a chance to be carefree even if only for the moment.

So as we approach 2015 keep that thought in mind.  We all have things in our lives that take away our smile.   Allow yourself a little "carefree" time with the people you love.

enjoy,

k

A Touching Day

Take my hand 

I will walk with you every step of the way 

 as you hold me in your arms

I feel all the warmth and love in your heart

This day I am reminded of the strength of the human spirit.  

The bond of love between family and friends lifts our hearts

and fills us with joy

God bless,

k

Merry Christmas

I was reminded while talking with a friend this morning about how a small little touch can make your Christmas special.  

we cherish those small touches keeping them close to our hearts

they keep us warm ~ and make us smile

enjoy,

k

Jazz it Up

Let the joy of the season fill you up

get "JAZZed"

enjoy,

k

Walking Around in the Rain

enjoy,

k

Seeing Things in a New Light

Seeing Things the Way They Have Always Been

enjoy,

k

Definitely Not Disney's Aladdin

Photographed the Winnipesaukee Playhouse dress rehearsal for 

Aladdin this evening

It's billed as a zany, musical rendition
A pantomime  

 and most definitely not the Disney version.

 Opening night is this coming weekend

Head on over ~ it's sure to be a Thriller!  

enjoy,

k

Wrestling

Wrestling is one of those sports that I am probably least knowledgeable in

But when I get to photograph it I am always amazed

 by the level of strength and sportsmanship that the athletes exhibit

 both on 

and off the mat

enjoy,

k

For Future Generations

O Christmas Tree

enjoy,

k

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,

I knew in that moment it must be St. Nick.

May the Joy of Christmas be all through your house this holiday season.

enjoy,

k

Let the Light Reveal

When you see this as a photographer it can best be described as a giddy feeling inside.

The light finds its way around the room in a most beautiful and balanced way.

"Gifts will happen"  this is best described as a gift 

This past summer I spent a week with Jay Maisel in Maine for a Light, Gesture and Color workshop.

As a group we would talk about photographs that Jay has made through the years as well as photographs that we had taken throughout the week.

 I find myself thinking back to that week often and one of my many favorite quotes from Jay

"we do not take pictures, we are taken by pictures"

When I posted this photograph I received a thoughtful note from my dear friend Dorothy.  Her words described the room beautifully and unbeknownst to her offered me a moving compliment. 

"a story-telling scene with the look of life, light and color" 

A true gift

Enjoy,

k

more photos from the singalong at www.karenbobotas.com

One Light

An exercise in making use of just one light.




Bare bulb ~ hard light

Letting the pose match the atmosphere created with hard shadows.

Hard shadows brought out a more hardened look.  This would be my "don't mess with me" look.

Wouldn't want to meet myself in a dark alley…..

I softened up the look and the pose keeping the harder shadows in tact.

 Then went on to a softer over all look through pose and light.  Even though the shadow goes to black it has a softer appearance for me this way.

Next time out ~ will add another light and continue to go down a softer road.

More in my comfort zone….

Tough cookie I'm not -
Strong girl - Oh yes! ...when I have to be

enjoy,

k

Laugh Lines

The more I make portraits for clients the more I tune in to how people feel about themselves.  This includes those times when I take on myself.  I will want to try out a new thought with lighting or backdrop and have no model available; but won't want to be my own "model".  Fortunately for me my job supersedes my self confidence and 8 times out of 10 the photographer in me wins.

These sessions give me insight on the technical aspects of my work ~ but more importantly they bring a much more personal acceptance than I ever could have imagined.

I feel silly ~ I laugh ~ I get uncomfortable ~ I get comfortable ~ these are the things I want my clients to feel when I'm making their portraits.  The last thing I want them to think about is "can you photoshop ________ out" (insert least favorite body part/s or facial feature/s)

We are all much too hard on ourselves.  We need to view ourselves with the kindness and respect that we view others.

~ Laugh ~ Be Silly ~ 

~ Allow your inner self to take center stage ~ 

~ your outer self is the under study ~

Try looking at your laugh lines in a new light….and have a chuckle or two!

enjoy,

k

Bringing on the Holidays….

Cold noses

 and rosey cheeks

 the Polar Express steaming through…..

 with "happy shovelers" following close behind.

 Bringing the joy and wonder of the Christmas season upon us.

enjoy,

k