Ep. 1-4 Recap: In case you're just joining us, this post has a recap of the first 4 episodes. In 7.5 minutes we get you all caught up and ready to watch episodes 5 and 6.

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Tonight my work was included in an exhibit for Tourism Tasmania at 111 Minna Gallery in San Francisco.  Above is a photograph of me and one of my favorite friends from the Adventure, Angela Drury. 

Established in 1993 in downtown San Francisco, the gallery showcases a unique blend of local and international artists, world class DJ's, live performance, and film screenings in an elegantly urban and ever-changing 4,000 square foot space. The gallery is open to the public Tuesday through Friday 12-5 pm and nightly on a rotating schedule for special events.

I was recently selected to be a part of Lowepro's Photography Showcase.  It is quite an honor to be a exhibited amongst some of the industries biggest legends, such as:  Steve McCurry, Chris Rainier, Denis Reggie, Greg Gorman, John Paul Caponigro, Joyce Tenneson, Marry Ellen Mark, Seth Resnick.

I use Lowepro products to carry / protect all my gear.  They have a phenomenal product line and are very conscious & supportive of the environment.

As I mentioned in a previous blog - last November, Cinematic Studios produced a reality TV mini series for the Web starring "24 of the hottest professional photographers in the industry". The series is this year's pre-WPPI buzz builder.  We were split into two teams and given 24 hours to complete a "mystery" assignment.  Full videos will be uploaded shortly, in the meantime, enjoy the trailers'!

Take a look in this year's PDN Wedding and Portrait Event Guide to see me featured in the "what to wear" article.  

"What you wear to shoot a wedding not only sets the tone, but can also ensure future
business...."  Read rest of article here.

The above image earned an "Honorable Mention" in the Women In Photography International   2008 Juried Competition.  Please visit WIPI online exhibition to view all winners.

On Thanksgiving I made my way from Turkey to an amazing adventure in Salvador, Brazil. I have been told that Salvador is the cultural mecca of Brazil, with music and dance constantly spilling out into the streets, but nothing could have prepared me for this. The culture here is incredibly rich, and Brazilians are incredibly kind people (sometimes too kind).

I came to Brazil for two reasons. First, to work on a photo project, and second to learn Samba. The dancing was just as important to me as the photography. I find that expressing myself in artistic ways beyond photography (especially dancing!) helps me grow as a photographer. How? It's simple; dancing makes me put my guard down, try new things, be creative, and move out of my comfort zone. Photography is the same thing; as is all art, and the more we practice it (regardless of the genre) the better artists we become.
 
Dancing also helps me understand cultures better. Just as you can learn a lot about a culture by what people eat, you can learn by how they move. Dance is a way to immerse yourself in other people's self expression that no other experience can give you. And when you're all out there having fun, everyone feels more at ease and more connected than if there was no music and movement. I love interacting with people on this level and pushing myself to join in, even when I think I look silly or mess up the steps!  

And while I am enjoying dancing here in Brazil, I must remember that it's not the only thing that attracted me to this magical place. As always, my journey began with a desire to photograph people and experience cultures through the eyes of my camera lens. I already have many great images that I'm excited to share, so though the book project has not been formally announced, I will be posting some images from the trip on my blog. Please stay tuned for image updates.