2013 Photo Challenge: January

I have been craving a creative challenge, so when I read that Jessica Drossin, an amazing photographer and inspiring artist, was coordinating this challenge, I couldn't wait to jump in. It is a monthly challenge for all of 2013, so that gives me lots of time and space to flex my muscles and see what I can do. The challenge for January is to choose a song, any song, and compose a photograph that somehow reflects the song. The song I chose is Fast Car by Tracy Chapman. (song with lyrics here) Contrary to popular belief, it's not *really* about a fast car. It's about dreaming and planning and striving for a better life (and using a fast car to get there). You've got a fast car I've got a plan to get us out of here Been working at the convenience store Managed to save just a little bit of money Won't have to drive too far Just cross the border and into the city You and I can both get jobs And finally see what it means to be living *** You've got a a fast car We go cruising entertain ourselves You still ain't got a job Now I work in the market as a checkout girl I know things will get better You'll find work and I'll get promoted We'll move out of the shelter Buy a bigger house and live in the suburbs This is a photo of my friends, T & P hanging out together at home. They dream of a better life for themselves and their baby. They work hard. Poverty is extremely difficult, if not impossible to get out of. There is a lot of propaganda going around about how the rich pay taxes so the poor don't have to work. While there are some moochers who live off "the system" because they're too lazy to do anything else, 99% of the people I know who live in or near poverty, work very hard, and see very little for it. To me, this song reflects the dreams of a better life that many of us have, whether or not we live in poverty. But unlike the middle-class or the wealthy, those in poverty have very little opportunity to change their situation, and many remain stuck there for life. {I didn't win the contest, however I made the "honorable mention" list of 10, and I couldn't be more excited! Click here to see the winners.}

Family {M} - Elkhart, Indiana Family Photographer

I had so much fun with this family. The Mama is a long-time friend of mine, and one of my favorite people. Dad did almost all the posing for these pics. I think I'm gonna have to hire him, he had such fun ideas! And best of all, the kids were SO well behaved! I don't expected it from 2- and 3-year olds, but the entire family was just wonderful to work with. And who would have thought we'd ever have great weather for an outdoor shoot in December? Beautiful. {click an image to view larger}

Family Bowling - Elkhart Indiana Lifestyle Photographer

About a year ago my husband and I started bowling on our weekly date nights. In February we bought our own balls and shoes, and this weekend we finally had an opportunity to bring the kids and bowl as a family. It was the first time bowling for 4 out of 5 of them (other than on the Wii), and I think it was a real hit. This particular bowling alley even has old-fashioned pencil-and-paper scoring! Turns out, it's just like riding a bike. It's been years since I've had to keep my own bowling score, but once I got going, it all came right back to me. And we even had an opportunity to teach the kids. I used the guise of "family bowling" to bring in my camera and get some fun shots of the alley.      

Family {G/B} - Elkhart Indiana Family Photographer

These kids are super models. So gorgeous, so much fun. This family was referred by a previous client, which I always love. So excited to see more of them!

Family {H}

This is the second time I've had the privelage of photographing this gorgeous family, and this time they brought along the husband's side (last time it was the wife's). I love shooting extended family groups, it makes for some fun creative options! This is a family full of beautiful, fabulous people, and it was a pleasure working with them.

Family {H} ~ 1 year birthday!

This sweet little guy just turned 1, and not only is he already walking, but he is RUNNING. Like most toddlers, he wanted to move, move, move, but we managed to get a few shots of him in action.

Family {K+}

I love photographing large families comprised of generations of smaller families. And this beloved family was no exception. We have Mom-Mom and Pop-Pop, their 11 kids + 2 spouses, and 6 beautiful grandchildren. They also happen to be very close friends of mine: