Why I love ALL of my clients…even the RUDE ones…

In my latest audio blog, I discuss my least favorite hazard of working with the public, and also the silver lining to that hazard.  Click the RED(ish) link, below, then click  >Play!

Astoria Photography Audio Blog » Blog Archive » Why I love ALL of my clients…even the RUDE ones…

Vent Session Audio Blog

I try to get along with everyone, but some people don't share those same ideals.  Here, I talk your head off for a few minutes and give you a behind-the-scenes scoop on some of the less pleasant details of my job!  Click the ORANGE link below to listen to the audio blog!

Astoria Photography Audio Blog

Astoria Photography Audio Blog › Studio Update

Finally a blog update!  Click the AQUA link, below, and press play to hear the latest update, and a few tips I threw in to help your senior get ready for picture day!

Astoria Photography Audio Blog › Embed Code — Podbean

Astoria Photography Audio Blog - Reduce stress: create something!!

Art is good for your brain!  Click the RED link below to listen to my audio blog- you're strongly encouraged to take my dispensed advice! ;)

Astoria Photography Audio Blog » Blog Archive » Reduce stress: create something!!

Astoria Photography Audio Blog » "Internet Trolls & Me"

I got trolled last week, and wanted to take a bit to express my thoughts on the whole matter...my very first internet trolls...aww!!  Click the RED link below, then click 'Play!'

Astoria Photography Audio Blog » Blog Archive » Internet Trolls & Me

Fine Art Friday pick- "White Barn"

This was taken at the same location as several of my other pieces, and although I'm rarely able to single out any one piece as a favorite (because I've got an emotional connection to all of them), I will say that I continue to be drawn to this one, and I go back to look at it often.  It was shot in the late afternoon, so the sun was low in the sky, and rather piercing.  You can see the degree of weathering on the barn walls, but the remaining white paint practically *glowed* in the sun.  Originally, I'd done a more traditional composition, and I'd cropped out the broken windmill in the back, right side.  It didn't seem like it was quite complete, though, so I re-introduced the windmill to the photo.  I feel that, this way, it accurately conveys that not only is the barn enduring the battering of the elements, its fellow structures surrounding it have fallen victim, as well.  This print is on sale through the weekend, and can be found in both the Original Art and Black & White galleries at www.astoria-photography.com/FineArtPhotography -use code: FRIDAY at the checkout for 10% off any print or canvas order.

Fine Art Friday pick- "White Barn"

This was taken at the same location as several of my other pieces, and although I'm rarely able to single out any one piece as a favorite (because I've got an emotional connection to all of them), I will say that I continue to be drawn to this one, and I go back to look at it often.  It was shot in the late afternoon, so the sun was low in the sky, and rather piercing.  You can see the degree of weathering on the barn walls, but the remaining white paint practically *glowed* in the sun.  Originally, I'd done a more traditional composition, and I'd cropped out the broken windmill in the back, right side.  It didn't seem like it was quite complete, though, so I re-introduced the windmill to the photo.  I feel that, this way, it accurately conveys that not only is the barn enduring the battering of the elements, its fellow structures surrounding it have fallen victim, as well.  This print is on sale through the weekend, and can be found in both the Original Art and Black & White galleries at www.astoria-photography.com/FineArtPhotography -use code: FRIDAY at the checkout for 10% off any print or canvas order.

Fine Art Friday Pick - "Horizon"

This photo was taken on the side of a gravel road.  I came around a bend, and saw the sun trying to break through the clouds, and it was so pretty, that jumped out of my car and I stayed until this huge cloud had completely passed by. (This is one of the reasons I always travel with a camera!!)  For those of you who aren't as nerdy as me, these rays are called "crepuscular rays," and as we've surely all seen, they are beautiful.  This print is on sale through the weekend at www.astoria-photography.com, both in the "A Thousand Words" gallery, and the "Landscape & Nature" gallery.  Enter code FRIDAY at the checkout for 10% off your order.

Astoria Photography Audio Blog - Prepping For Your Shoot

I did a little audio blog for you guys, going over some tips and things to remember when you're getting ready for your photo shoot.  You can check out some information and prices for the different sessions I offer, by heading over to www.astoria-photography.com/prices-info, and you can listen to the audio blog by clicking the red link, below!

Astoria Photography Audio Blog » Blog Archive » Prepping For Your Shoot

Fine Art Friday Pick- "Postcard"

I took this photo in an attempt to catch one of the seeds flying off of its stem and into the air.  It was very windy and warm, this day, and I was out wandering around a wetland preserve.  There was a small patch of gravel, presumably for parking, and then a grassy hill that led down to a water way.  There were 2 or 3 fluffy dandelions at the top of this hill that I thought would be perfect to hold up into the wind.  I tried, and tried, but just could not catch the moment when the wind plucked them out and carried them away.  I've always had a soft spot for dandelions, and I imagine this will not end up being my last attempt at catching a wish at the exact time of its making.  This print is on sale through the weekend at www.astoria-photography.com.  Enter code: FRIDAY for 10% off your order.

Fine Art Friday Pick: The Calm

I grabbed this photo on my way back from a hike in a fossil quarry, a couple of towns over from where I live.  Just on the other side of this tree is a sharp decline into a naturally occurring water pit.  A storm was beginning to come together, and you could hear thunder begin to gently make its way through the clouds.  But the warm breeze that was previously present had come to a stand-still, so I decided it best to begin the trek back to the trail head.  Unfortunately, the weather took this tree last summer, so the landscape no longer looks quite right to me, anymore.  This print is on sale for the weekend at www.astoria-photography.com.  Just enter code: FRIDAY for 10% off your order.

Fine Art Friday Pick: "Summer Path"

You might have noticed that a number of my pieces feature fully bloomed, or even the remnants of echinacea flowers (sometimes called coneflowers).  Simply put, it's because I love them.  Their shape, their height, the way they contrast with the blue sky, all have lead to my probable over-use of them in photos.  This particular shot, shows a floret that had seen better days, but was standing so tall amongst its grassy neighbors, even though the warm, humid wind kept pelting it with intermittent gusts.  That's also why I decided to add this Robert Frost quote to it, as well.  The floret seemed perfectly content sticking its neck up and letting the breeze catch it, even with the risk of any one of the waves of wind passing through breaking its stem.  Not that it exactly had a choice, I guess.  This print is on sale, through the weekend, at www.astoria-photography.com.  Use code FRIDAY at the checkout for 10% off.

Fine Art Friday Pick: "Voie Ensoleillèe"

I took this photo a couple of years ago, at a wetland conservation in rural Worth County, IA.  I have a few shots of this structure that partially crosses the waterway, but I'm not entirely sure what it actually is.  It reminds me of a bit of Greek architecture, and even though it obviously serves/served a particular function in managing the wetland (of which the mechanics are surely above my ability to understand), it was still very beautiful in its design and contrast against the nature around it.  The text is the last verse of the poem, "To One in Paradise," by Edgar Allen Poe - which is one of my favorites of his.  This photo is one sale for the weekend at www.astoria-photography.com -enter code FRIDAY at the checkout for 10% off your print or canvas order.

Tiny bit of trivia: see if you can spot the human in this photo...he was headed down to go fishing.  I didn't think he'd be visible since he was a ways away...but, nope- there he is! 

Fine Art Friday pick: "Missing Page"

This was taken at an abandoned (dairy?) farm in rural North Iowa.  The farm had clearly, previously been equipped with electricity, but everything - from the buildings to the contents in the tiny home- looked so primitive.  Except...there were a few torn pages from a book that were scattered across the entrance of the disheveled house, and a couple more that had been carried by the wind, out onto the unkempt lawn.  The book the pages belonged to is title Mystery in the Tropics, which, according to Barnes and Noble, was written by Irving Speed Wallace, published in 1941.  (Lo-five to the author for his middle name being "Speed.")  This is the last photo I took at the farm...beautifiul as it was, peppered with history and a life's work, the place, frankly, gives me the willies.  This photo is on sale in print or on canvas, all weekend long.  Use code FRIDAY at the checkout to take 10% off your order.

Astoria Photography Fine Art Friday Audio Blog » - rec 1/29/14

I'm working on some new pieces, and instead of sharing a photo with you this week, I want to share an audio blog that delves (somewhat) into my love of art!  I ramble on a while, so if you hate the sound of my voice, definitely don't click red the link below and hit PLAY!

Astoria Photography Audio Blog » Blog Archive » art nerd - rec 1/29/14

Fine Art Friday pick: "Effete"

Better late, than never!  I've been a little off on my Fine Art Friday posts, but I had a friend unexpectedly pass away last week, and I've kind of been out of sorts since then.  I'm getting back on track, now; art is very therapeutic.  This week's pick is "Effete," and it was taken in an old, abandoned conservation office (ironically).  The building is in extreme disrepair, and many portions are caving in.  The ceiling in this room fell down just a week after I shot this photo.  The building is still very beautiful to me, and I continue to revisit the areas that are safe enough to navigate.  This print is on sale through Monday at www.astoria-photography.com.  Just enter code FRIDAY at the checkout!

Fine Art Friday pick: "Abandoned Home"

This photo is part of my Southwest Flood Relief series, and is also showcased in my Urban Exploration gallery.  It was taken in the flooded town of Bartlett, IA, in 2011.  The teeny town had been completely evacuated when the levies of the Missouri River had been compromised, and the water began to ravage the community.  I actually crossed two police barricades which were blocking the road into town, and then had to go the rest of the way on foot.  I toured as much of the town as I could, as some of the streets were still completely water-covered...the water was even moving, in some spots- indicating an active current was still running through it.  This house featured in the photo, was the only house that had absolutely no water damage.  Although its door was left wide open, a very polite note tacked to the front of the house read "Please do not go inside house."  There wasn't another soul in town besides me, but I abode the request, and took a photo of the remaining 2 pieces of furniture from outside, through a window.  This picture is still very moving to me, because these people had to grab what they could, and abandon their homes.  I don't know where the owners are now, but I hope they were able to make a fresh start, and are happy.  This print is on sale for the weekend at www.astoria-photography.com/urban-exploration -use code FRIDAY when checking out and take 10% off.

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Fine Art Friday pick: "Triumphant"

I created this piece in support of a couple of friends from high school who were each diagnosed with cancer.  I found the old saying to be fitting for anyone going through a personal struggle, and “Veni, vidi, vici,” of course, is a latin phrase commonly associated with Julius Caesar, which translates to “I came, I saw, I conquered.”  Prints & canvas are available for sale at www.astoria-photography.com.

Fine Art Friday pick: "Lumière"

This was taken at an abandoned estate in rural North Iowa a couple of summers ago.  This staircase leads to the family’s bedrooms.  The second story is divided, and a second, very narrow staircase in the home leads up to much smaller area used for a servant or nanny’s sleeping quarters.  A print of it hangs on my studio wall, and it can be purchased, along with all of my artwork at www.astoria-photography.com

Fine Art Friday pick: "Quiet."

Many of you know that I enjoy hiking, and I especially like trails with access to short bluffs or steep hills because I enjoy scrambling, as well.  I usually bring a small point & shoot camera with me on these outings, because one of the great perks of scrambling is the view from the top!  This weathered park bench sits at the edge of a peaceful lookout point at the top of the quarry wall that I’d just ascended.  Visit www.astoria-photography.com for more artwork & info! 

Fine Art Friday pick: "Sunset"

This sunset is as sad as it was beautiful.  I had traveled to southern Iowa to visit Bartlett, IA, the teeny hometown of my recently passed grandmother and her extensive family.  I was heartbroken to find the town was completely underwater, as the Missouri River had spilled over into its neighboring communities.  This photo was taken from Bluff Dr. in Hamburg, IA.  As you can see, the water goes on for miles and miles….but, not a drop of it was supposed to be there.  Much of my trip is documented in the gallery “Southwest Iowa Flood Relief" at www.astoria-photography.com

Some galleries take longer than others to complete, but I promise you it’s not because I’m a slacker!  In this audioblog, I discuss what a typical week looks like for me…which is definitely a condensed version of my actual week.  You can also check out my FAQs at www.astoria-photograpy.com/FAQs for some additional insight/random rambling.

Listen here: 
Astoria Photography Audio Blog » Blog Archive » What’s Taking So Long??

Fine Art Friday pick: "August"

I shot this while on a water break, during a long hike.  I started watching a colony of ants building a hill, and thought it would be interesting to get a shot from an ant’s perspective.  Sorta nerdy, I know…but it made for a great image.  Visit www.astoria-photography.com for more artwork & info.

Fine Art Friday pick: "All Apologies"

I had previously shot at an old, abandoned farm, and got some gorgeous images.  I revisited the property for a portrait session with my sister & niece, but found that the house had been vandalized….mostly notably, with boobies.  Then I turned the corner and found this gorgeous tribute on the wall, and had to steal a shot of it.  Unfortunately, I’m not able to give the artist any credit, since they obviously didn’t leave their name- but they should know, this is one of my best selling pieces.  Visit www.astoria-photography.com for more artwork & info!

Astoria Photography Audio Blog » Blog Archive » A (not so) brief introduction…

An introduction audio blog that I'm transferring over from my Tumblr account.


Astoria Photography Audio Blog » Blog Archive » A (not so) brief introduction…