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…