Coney Island was loud, dirty, and crowded. It was the Atlantic Ocean as I had always imagined it would be. There were obnoxious teenagers playing their music too loud, large women in bikinis, and an abundance of trash. The American dream made manifest. I sat there, in the middle of it all, as my pasty white self, totally amazed by the immensity of it all. It was the American stereotype but I didn't hate it. In fact, I was captivated by it. There was so much life in it. [Shot on Portra 400 taken with a Canon AE-1]
San Rafael Swell
I had the chance to do a little camping over the Valentine's Day Weekend at the San Rafael Swell. To be honest, on the drive over was the first time I had even heard of this place. That is something I love about Utah. There are so many hidden gems in this state. Despite a bit of a chilly night (I mean it was camping in February) it was fun to spend the weekend with some really rad old and new friends. I was so impressed by their ability to just go and do ridiculously hard things. (IE long distance running, rock climbing, camping in February, etc). I love being around people like that. It motivates me to get out of my comfort zone and do something that stretches me. [Shot on TriX 400 taken with a Mamiya 645]
Jamaica
When my husband was nineteen he had the opportunity to live in Jamaica for two years. To be honest I have always been a little envious of him. Mostly because he got to spend time amongst such wonderful people and develop some really great relationships. So, when we found a spectacular deal on tickets last year I jumped at the chance to visit. Although we only had a week on the island I feel like I got to see a glimpse of what makes this little island and its people so great. Jamaica is completely different from everything I am used to. But I loved every second there. It was so exhilarating to be in a culture so different from my own. [Shot on Portra 400 taken with a Canon AE-1]
Arches National Park
Growing up in the Pacific North West I had a bit of a narrow mindset on what a nice landscape was. If there wasn’t a waterfall or an abundance of green I was not impressed. But Arches National Park changed all of that for me. From the moment I arrived I was completely mesmerized by the red rock. I just kept thinking to myself, how does this exist? It just seemed so unearthly – so magical. There is an air of indescribable majesty there. There is something about those unique red arches that feels so natural to my body and soul. It is the place I go when I feel the need to be recharged. [Shot on Portra 400 taken with a Mamiya 645]
Eureka
Eureka, Utah was founded in the 1800's, according to Afton and Max (pictured above). These folks are long time residents of this semi ghost-town and had some cool insight into their town. Apparently it was quite the mining center back in its day. Today, however, that hustle and bussle is just a memory of the past. Eureka, is an interesting little town to drive through. If you blink too quickly you might just miss the whole main street. Last April I got to spend a little bit of time shooting there. I shot on my 4x5 and it just seemed to fit the quiet, slow pace of this old town. It was nice just to slow it down and really have time to react to my surroundings. [Shot on Tmax 100 taken with a 4x5 Speed Graphic]
Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge is sort of a staple of my childhood. This is the place that convinced me for a better part of my life that beauty is indeed green and involves as many waterfalls as possible. I remember taking a Sunday drive with my family on the old historic highway as a 9 year old and being totally enamored with my surroundings. Although I have never been much of a nature girl - I have always wanted to be. The Columbia River Gorge made me want that - it just has an air of adventure. Maybe I just think that because I always associated the Gorge with Louis and Clark and their adventures. Alas, it must have rubbed off on me because the Gorge makes me want to explore the world and become more connected to nature. [Shot on Portra 400 taken with a Mamiya 645]
Rainbow Bay
Rainbow Bay is one of the more picturesque places I've visited. It's right off US-189 - the route that takes you through Provo Canyon up to Park City. As soon as I arrived I was amazed at the peacefulness of the area. Although just right off the highway there was a sense of calmness. With the quiet rhythmic crash of the gentle waves and the snow silently falling, it was the perfect place to make some images. [Shot on Portra 400 taken with a Mamiya 645]
Fillmore
Fillmore, Utah. A place I had only ever seen on a freeway sign as I passed to other seemingly more exciting locations. I don't know what exactly drove me to photograph this place - but I'm glad I did. There is something so poetic about these small towns - where the main street is the hub of all activity. Perhaps I'm too nostalgic about what small town America is or was. But I always feel such a sense of community when I visit places like Fillmore. [Shot on Portra 160 taken with a Mamiya 645]
Grandpa Schrader's Farm
This is my Grandpa's Farm. It's located just outside of Banks, Oregon. My Dad grew up here and ever since I was a little kid the farm has felt timeless to me. This place is just so stacked with memories. I was in Oregon a few weeks ago and got a chance to go visit the farm and my Grandpa. Glad I was able to spend some time with him and capture of a few of these images while I was there. [Shot on Tri-X 400 taken with a Mamiya 645]
Mount Timpanogos
This is one of my favorite areas near my home. It's just a few minutes up into the Provo Canyon right at the entrance to Sundance. Every time I drive by it I always have the thought that I should stop and photograph. On this particular Saturday the new snow and the fog made just the right combination and I could not longer fight the urge to pull over and make a few photographs. [Shot on Tri-X 400 taken with a Mamiya 645]
Antelope Island
Had the chance to go to Antelope Island a few weeks ago with a group of photographer friends. Most of us met in college in the photo department. Such a fun group. Even better was the landscape at Antelope Island. Before moving to Utah I really believed that Utah had one of the worst landscapes. Turns out I couldn't have been more wrong. The diversity of the landscape here is really incredibly. From the majesty of Southern Utah to the uniqueness of Antelope Island. None of it disappoints. [Shot on Portra 160 taken with a Mamiya 645]
Home
I have recently found myself very interested in spaces and lighting. I currently live in a small and slightly ghetto apartment in the great land of South Provo. For the past few months I have been reflecting on the idea that if there is good light, then there is a good photograph - an idea that was a bit inspired by the brilliant Ruth Bernhard. Every morning as I sit and eat breakfast I look into my living room and see this. The perfect light. It only lasts from about 9 am to 12 pm. But in those few hours my home feels like magic as the perfect light hits my couch. [Shot on Portra 400 taken with a Mamiya 645]