NY/LA Photo Project

My friend Paul and I decided to start a collaboration to keep each other inspired in our photography. The project involves choosing a word each month and shooting that word within the context of our cities, he in Los Angeles and myself in New York. June’s word was “Paradise”. Originally from Southern California, my definition of paradise will always be the beach, preferably at sunset, the sound of the waves crashing, the distance of the horizon putting everything in perspective. But I live in New York City and while I have a fantastic skyline and beaches within a train rides distance, it’s just not the same. So within the confines of the city, paradise to me is the Museum of Modern Art. I love the stark white walls and the thoughtful modern architecture and most of all I love the Edward Steichen Photography Gallery. This is where I shot my photo for June. I had to sit and wait for that split second when there wasn’t someone walking by so I might have shot it a little differently if I had an empty room and a tripod. Still I like how it captures the modern element of the museum’s design, the black and white photographs I love so much, and brings in a bit of warmth with the hardwood floor. It’s not fancy or incredibly technical but it’s what I wanted to shoot for this months word so I achieved my concept.

Paul is an incredibly talented photographer so I hope you’ll check out his new website: Ventured Away Photography.

All sanity depends on this…

“All sanity depends on this: that it should be a delight to feel heat strike the skin, a delight to stand upright, knowing the bones are moving easily under the flesh.” – Doris Lessing

When I write of hunger…

“When I write of hunger, I am really writing about love and the hunger for it, and warmth and the love of it and it is all one.” – MFK Fisher

(A pan of frying shrimp for shrimp and grits)

Southern Delicious…

Last month, I participated in a class at the Institute for Culinary Education and on the first day, one of my classmates led a few of us to the temporary Madison Square Food Court. It was there that I was introduced to the Pies ‘n Thighs “Chicken Biscuit”. Simply named, it is a piece of deep-fried chicken, dipped in hot sauce and stuck between a flaky biscuit dripping in butter. It was messy and slightly spicy and incredible! I ate one on Friday, I ate one on Saturday, the following weekend, my husband and I went back and I had another. The reason for this gluttony? Pies ‘n Thighs is permanently located in Brooklyn and since we live in Queens, it’s a long trek to get there. I had to get my fix while I could. Check out their website for what they describe as “southern food with lots of mexican and hippie influence”. You can find their menu here. I think it goes without saying that I highly recommend you go!

Welcome to the revamped Old Soul Design…

After over a year break from photography due to the arrival of my sons, I’m back with a new web design and re-kindled passion for taking photographs. I hope you’ll take a look around and see what’s new in the portfolio and check back often as I update my photoblog! I’ll be working on adding more text about food and travel as that is the direction I am moving in but in the meantime, I’ll be following the former format of a few lines from a poem, song, or quote to accompany the photograph(s) of that post. I’d love your input on the new design and should you be interested in hiring me, click the Contact link on the top navigation bar and leave a few lines on what you are interested in.

I’m still available for portrait work so don’t hesitate to get in touch if you are interested hiring me for a freelance shoot!

Thank you for visiting the new oldsouldesign.net!

Shannon

The universe conspires…

“When a person really desires something, all the universe conspires to help that person to realize his dream.” Paulo Coehlo “The Alchemist”

I’m going where the sun keeps shining

I’m going where the sun keeps shining
Through the pouring rain
Going where the weather suits my clothes
Backing off the north east wind
Sailing on a summer breeze

-Madeline Peyroux

Chocolate will revive you…

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“If you are not feeling well, if you have not slept, chocolate will revive you. But you have no chocolate! I think of that again and again! My dear, how will you ever manage?” – Marquise de Sévigné

Castles in the air…

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“If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them.” – Henry David Thoreau

Watch your thoughts…

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“Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.” -Frank Outlaw

From the entrance to the Socrates Sculpture Park in Astoria, Queens “Promenade” by Robin Rhode. I love this piece!

This quote is speaking to me right now in how our thinking truly shapes the outcome of our lives. Happy Friday and enjoy the weekend!