The difference between telling a story and bringing a story to life is all about the details.
This blog brings together my two loves: Parallel 39 Design, the branding and print communications studio, with Cathy Mores Photography, natural light portrait photographer. While each division is unique, their vision is the same :: weaving details and emotions into rich, beautiful art.
• • • • •
What you'll find is the latest news and sneak peeks of what's happening around here, things I'm inspired by online and in everyday life, and insight into what makes working with me as a designer and photographer a unique and extraordinary experience. Explore, be inspired, and discover something new every day...
My feet hurt. A lot. But our experience here in Las Vegas so far has been fantastic. There are so many things that I want to share about my time here…but it’s not all over yet, and I want to let it all soak in a bit—so that I can share with you the very best of the visit. I’ve seen dear friends, made new connections, learned volumes, sparked new ideas. And walked. (Whew! I don’t feel so bad about skipping a few workouts this week, because I’m certain I’ve made it up in miles walked!)
We have a lovely view from our room…a bonus glimpse of planes taking off and coming in to the nearby airport, seeing some of the city lights and my favorite—the mountains.
Oh, my…all this sunshine and warmer weather has me thinking spring! I love this time of year and the renewal that comes with it :: it’s the earth’s way of saying that life goes on, no matter how difficult the winter may have been.
A few things that I’ve come across lately that I love ::
It’s been a while since I’ve posted a Behind the Image piece…and this afternoon gave us a great reason to go out and make one.
Some days you just need to get off the grid. Step away from the computer, feel the sunshine on your face, and just breathe. This is a busy week, I’m not going to lie. But I felt that it was important to make sure I kept some perspective in with the chaos…to be sure and remember the reason why I love what I do so much.
Because I get to be part of moments like this ::
I love it when people ask where they should do their session. And in the case of children, I offer two suggestions :: the place where they love the most and are surrounded by the things that comfort them (usually the client’s home), or a brand new place they’ve never been – because it brings out a beautiful, natural curiosity that is nearly impossible to recreate in an everyday setting. For couples, maybe it’s somewhere you love, or something you enjoy doing together. Or a special place that marked a moment in time – like the swing at the little park where he asked to marry you. Or something completely different…just because you can.
I keep a running tally of favorite places I like to photograph :: places where I know that the light is sweet and soft, and where there’s a great range of opportunities to create beautiful images. And I’m always on the search for new, undiscovered corners. And part of the adventure is seeking them out, discovering the charm of the location, its nooks and crannies and just-right lighting.
Which brings us back to this afternoon. We needed a break from our routine. An adventure. So on one of the first warmer days of the season, we ventured out to seek new places of discovery. Boy, did we ever…and I’ll definitely be adding it to the list of favorite locations for your natural light portraits.
A week from today Las Vegas will be filled with photographers for several days of learning, networking and camaraderie for WPPI 2010. (WPPI refers to Wedding & Portrait Photographers International–one of the professional organizations I’m proud to be part of.) I’m really looking forward to it on so many levels–learning new methods and techniques for telling stories, and creating beautiful images–and connecting with old and new friends within the photography community. Really, does it get better? Learning and laughing over something you love so much?
Posting this week may be a little light while I’m busy wrapping some loose ends up before we go–but I’m excited to share some of the experiences and highlights of our visit. And get ready for some new and exciting things to come!
And guess what :: a sweet (and very unexpected!) surprise ::
Ohmigosh, a back cover placement? I don’t know what I did to deserve it…but it is wonderful and gratifying to see one of my favorite projects in print, not to mention on. the. cover.
February 25 2010 - 11:55 amheather - SO cool!!! Congratulations!!
And BTW, very cute design too! :-)
February 25 2010 - 12:18 pmSarah Narotam - Congrats! You are amazing!!!
February 25 2010 - 4:29 pmmichelle mores - You just keep getting better and better and are being noticed! We're so proud of you and wish we were there to celebrate with you! Whoo hoo!
March 2 2010 - 1:46 pmLaura ES Eckert - OMGoodness! Congrats! Wouldn't Cheri Ure be proud???? I'm totally submitting your name for that Alumni design magazine...you should be featured!!
If your favorite color could talk, what would it say about you?
More than you think! The Dewey Color System is one of the most accurate non-language, color-based career tests available. Instead of questions, the method uses color preferences to show occupational interests. All in sixty seconds. (No joke.)
Even CEO’s across the nation are taking part. Nearly 900 current and retired CEO’s took the online color test, and were three times more likely to choose magenta than the rest of the public – in addition to being around three times less likely to choose red or yellow, showing that CEO’s just may be wired differently than others :: being more sensitive and private, less dominant and confident.
Dewey Sadka is the man behind the program, having spent sixteen years perfecting the process. The evaluation calculates 27 personality types and up to 1,000 career choices :: and with an 80+ accuracy, it ranks higher than the respected Myers Briggs test.
I was skeptical. I mean, really…is a simple color going to tell me what kind of person I am?
Yes.
According to the Color Career Counselor, I was evaluated as being a CREATOR. (You’re shocked. I know.) People of this type are nonconforming, impulsive, expressive, romantic, intuitive, sensitive and emotional. Creators place a high value on aesthetic qualities, have a great need for self-expression, enjoy working independently, being creative, using their imagination and constantly learning something new.
The Olympics have been huge in our house (especially with said three year old who can’t get enough sports) lately – we have found ourselves glued to skiing, snowboarding, skating, hockey and everything in between.
Part of the enjoyment of the Olympics is the beautiful signature brand that develops in each host city/country. Here’s a great piece about the process and research that went into creating the sea-to-sky palette and graphic elements of the Vancouver 2010 brand.
by Cathy
no comments
add a comment link to this post email a friend