Ukrainian American Archives & Museum Update

The recent photo for the Ukrainian American Archives & Museum at the Detroit Historical Museum's Community Gallery worked out very well indeed:

 

I was most gratified by the kind words that Dzvinka sent to me soon after the installation was complete: "There were rave reviews of the photo you took of Dimitra. All eyes are drawn to the beautiful image. We truly appreciate your work and look forward to working with you in the future."

Read the earlier post for the backstory on this image >

Rosa "New Dawn" - New at Notable Greetings

The "New Dawn" rose has many things going for it: a palest pink to white color; a uniquely rounded bud; long-lasting flowers - what more could you want?

Hopefully you could want a set of six cards that softly, gently feature New Dawn. See for yourself:

And visit notablegreetings.com to see more.

Ukrainian American Archives & Museum Costume

I recently had the good fortune to work again with Dzvinka Hayda, noted educator, author and promoter of Ukrainian history through the Ukrainian American Archives & Museum of Detroit.

This project was to create an image to be used in the museum's exhibit at the Detroit Historical Museum's community gallery: A CULTURAL THREAD: The Enduring Ukrainian Spirit.

The full-length portrait of the maiden in a dance pose will be prepared life-size and be an impressive opening to the space. Her century-old costume is made primarily of linen, with hand-embroidered embellishments.

The opening of borders in Ukraine since its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 has unfortunately led to a dissemination of the nation's historical artifacts. Textiles like these are being sold, exported and sadly, fragmented to be re-purposed into new garments by designers and hobbyists.

It is hoped that this trade will get noticed and that the valuable artifacts of history will remain in Ukraine or be properly cared for when they are removed to other countries. The Ukrainian American Archives & Museum in Detroit will include beautiful historical textiles like these in folk wear and embroidery at the upcoming exhibition.

Thank you to costume expert Svitlana, to our model Dimitra, and to Boris for his great interest in Ukrainian cultural heritage.

Speaking Engagements

Recent talks for the Grosse Pointe Garden Center and the Junior League Gardener's Club were a great opportunity to share my garden images with appreciative audiences.

The Grosse Pointe Garden Center's annual meeting was held at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial. My presentation featured the Blossoms images, with an emphasis on the stories behind the making of each of the images. A full gardening year - from the earliest blossoms of spring to the coldest days of winter - was welcomed on a cold and windy, yet very sunny mid-January day.

The Junior League of Detroit Garden Club event presentation was a partnership with Jeff Garland, a highly esteemed architectural photographer who is also a friend and colleague. Visit his web site at jeffgarlandphotography.com. We presented on garden photography from a more technical point of view, covering composition, lighting and camera gear.

It is always a treat to participate in these presentations. We're working on a workshop format to provide even more opportunities to help garden club members make better photographs in their favorite gardens.

Jewelry for The Family Center

Donations to a live auction needed photographing for The Family Center's HollyFest benefit. This is fun because I can go ahead and play instead of worrying so much about what the market expects. Here are some earrings I photographed for the auction, without any fancy retouching at all - sure, brightness and contrast - but the gems are as-is, not like the fakes you see in the jewelry store ads. Sweet.

Interiors for Professional Restoration Group

Professional Restoration Group repairs fire, smoke, water, and wind damage for homes and businesses. And they do it with style - great design skills and a solid eye for detail make their work outstanding. Here's a kitchen from a home that nearly burnt to the ground. Beautiful.

Chris Lemar's Packaging

I photographed some packaging samples for graphic designer Chris Lemar the other day. She has a strong design sense and I appreciate her sense of humor - and her disdain for half-baked ideas and fuzzy thinking.

I especially liked this box because it was a nice photographic challenge - and the graphics are really great too.