purplerampart | Purple Rampart

Browse Author by purplerampart

My First Wedding…As “Photographer”

Weddings are a beautiful thing…and everything happens so fast, if you stop to blink you might just miss that perfect photo-op moment!

I have avoided photographing weddings for quite some time now…due to the high physical and emotional artistic demand it requires. Maybe some (photographers) may think differently, or maybe it’s only because I haven’t shot weddings, but the way I work is a little different than others. My brother in-law has been pushing me to try and shoot weddings for a while now too, but I alway explain to him my hesitations…and how as an artist, it’s just very stressful!

Well I finally caved in after I was approached by a friend of a friend who asked me to shoot her wedding at The Castle Green, on November 11, 2016. Congratulations to John and Kelly! Also, thank you for trusting me with your wedding photos.

(See more images on my Flickr!)

It really was a lot of work. If you are questioning photographer’s rates for your wedding, I would really stop and think about how much value good photography is worth…personally I think it’s the most important aspect of planning a wedding (but I am a bit biased as the photographer of course)…I don’t think people at the wedding are thinking about it, but the photographer is right there with the bride from start to finish (depending on how long you hire your photographer to be there of course-but I didn’t want to miss anything) and has to basically turn into a photo journalist for what feels like about 12 hours (not including the editing process)! I felt like a photo making machine/energizer bunny, going going…you get the picture. Finding it hard to run away for a second to keep myself hydrated!

I was very fortunate to have been able to hire a second shooter to capture a handful of photos while I was distracted with other things…I feel like when you are new to wedding photography or even in the long run, having a second shooter is vital. Although, after a dozen times, I’d personally want to take a run at it on my own.

(See more images on my Flickr!)

dsc_2702-version-2

dsc_2682-3

No matter how many photos I looked at for reference, or inspiration, or youtube videos I watched to try and better prepare me for the day of the shoot, I knew it would only come together when it was time to take the photos. I tend to work more organically, finding the art within the moments, and that’s why I had a little bit of a struggle at first. I did have my bride create a shot list of images, so at least I had a personal guide if I got stuck on the timeline, I could prepare myself for what was coming up next for photos, or what I had missed.

Sifting through the many images, I seemed to gravitate towards mostly the unplanned images as my personal favorites. I hope that as time goes on, perhaps I might have more opportunities in wedding photography, maybe as a second shooter, so that I can gain more of a feel for it all in general.

(See more images on my Flickr!)

dsc_4281-version-2 dsc_0212-version-2

(See more images on my Flickr!)

Poetry

A Nightmare Together

Lying in bed falling into a deep depression for which I thought we were unified. Seeing now how the deep hatred of this country has embodied itself into one MAN. Not out of diligence, but of fear. What good can become of such sickness? I feel the world shifting beneath my once steadily beating heart, broken into a million pieces that now float above our heads. Only time can put us back; ToGetHer.

Photography, Poetry

Hourglass

I live in a house where all the clocks read a different number, where time is uncertainty. The only constant is that clock, ticking each minute away; every second another breath cycle we create without an inkling of our last. Forget not what you know, but what you don’t. Remembering the years I spent breathing for you. 1:52a.m.

Photography

The Goldstein Family-Beach Photoshoot

It’s not much of an easy task when you are photographing a family with small children. Well, perhaps just families in general…the bigger the family the more directing and attention to detail. Trying to get at least a few good photos where the children are looking AND smiling at the camera, is a rarity…and even the adults sometimes. It’s about making beautiful images with what you have available to you, no matter the circumstances.

I’m certain that as the years go by, photos for this family (my sister!!!) will just get keep getting easier, because I know that I’ll be taking photos of my niece indefinitely. They’ve put me through a few challenges so far, and I find myself trying to make the best of the harsh light situations and whatnot, but we always find a way.

When you’re photographing your family, it’s hard to set a strict time, or “make an appointment” for the shoot. This makes finding that perfect time of day for photos obsolete…ish. Since I’m mostly working around my sister’s schedule for the day, it is rare that we can get the photos done during that golden hour, or before the sun is in it’s highest point. I’m usually visiting when I’m asked to bring my camera along, and so we just act on spontaneity.

This beach shoot was taken on the shore of Margate City, NJ. We planned on shooting later in the day, and that quickly turned into the middle of the day, when we noticed an overcast sky creating a perfect obstacle for the harsh sunlight. As soon as our feet touched the sand, there was not a cloud in the sky, the sun was beaming…and everyone was dressed and ready to go, so there was no turning back. Racing to the shade, I found photographic refuge under the pier…which gave me the relief from the harsh conditions.

After Gianna (my niece) became a little too fussy (she just wanted to play in the sand already), we wrapped up the photo session and changed into our beachwear to enjoy the most perfect beach day (also my 1st) of the year!

Arts & Crafts, DIY

DIY Silk Magic Garden Terrarium

I had been having trouble keeping different plants alive inside my bathroom terrarium for a few reasons, but mainly not much light, not much airflow (no opening to let in air) even for low maintenance air-plants. I hate to keep fake plants, so I thought why not make my own little fairy garden/magic meadow terrarium?!

I picked up some moss, silk flowers/filler, a cute little bird, and a small nest at Michael’s crafts.

There’s this baking clay (sculpty clay) you just mold and bake for a few minutes and let cool before painting, It’s very easy to use, and comes in a variety of colors. I bought two packs of just plain white, and only used a fourth of the packet. My mushrooms got baked a little too long, but it ended up looking more like a real mushroom because of it (there are no mistakes with art).

before clay was baked

After clay was baked…you can see the little browning on the sides! I even made little lady bugs! I might end up glazing the lady bugs with some clear nail polish, to give it a shine.

I had so much fun with this. It makes me want to create more elaborate pieces for friends and family perhaps for the holidays??? Sometimes we just need to take a step back into elementary school art class and remember how much fun we had creating something to bring home. My mom and sister still have some of the little trinkets we (my sister and I) made for her.

I had this little butterfly hanging around too that I decided looked cute in there too. Also I re-purposed one of my candy jars as a second terrarium garden. This is before I added the ladybugs and mushrooms. I used just basic acrylic paint…about 2 to 3 coats on each piece.

So cute how they came together! I just need some pixie dust now or something. One is going in my living room and the other being hung back up in the bathroom, but looking much more adorable now.

What would you put in your magic terrarium garden??

Photography, Poetry

A Green Ribbon

“Once there was a girl named Jenny. She was like all the other girls, except for one thing.
She always wore a green ribbon around her neck.”- Alvin Schwartz

I watched her fall, a maple leaf turned to brown.

Before the time of Autumn.

Riding beside me she drifted through the howling wind of lost conciousness.

Where will she float off to without direction from the others, to crumble to ash?

Fasten a ribbon emerald & pure around the neck for safekeeping.

Health

Preventative Care- How I Avoid a Cold!

It’s that time of year again…right? I don’t have kids, and I’m not in school anymore, but still…school is back in session and we all have to be careful! I don’t think anyone enjoys having a cold right? Just think how you would feel if you beat the cold before it takes over your body. That’s right, tell that cold who is boss!

Now I’m not a medical doctor nor do I work in the healthcare field, I just have a lot of caregiving people (which include nurses and natural holistic healing fairies) in my family, and have learned what works and what doesn’t with home remedies.

So today I’m sharing with you what I do when I feel a cold coming on!

1st sign of a cold…Zicam!!!!! This little diddy is my go-to stuff (thank you Aunt Gina). If you start to get that little tickle/scratch in your throat, or even are feeling a little meh, start taking Zicam! I prefer the oral mist, but they have other versions of it. If you don’t know, the active ingredient is Zinc! You spray this every 3 hours. This stuff works…and if the cold is unavoidable…I promise it cuts the cold in half. Drink LOTS of water though (duh).

Oil pulling. It’s not for everyone but put a few drops of thieves oil onto a spoonful of raw coconut oil, and swish in your mouth for 15-20mins – make sure to spit it out in the trashcan so it doesn’t clog your drain!

“Oil pulling, or oil swishing is an ancient Ayurvedic technique, touted by yogis as a natural way to strengthen the immune system by killing toxic yeast that makes its way from your stomach to mouth while you sleep. The science seems to stand sound: our mouths can determine non-oral health issues and unsurprisingly, dentists can diagnose acid reflux, diabetes and heart disease just by symptoms seen during normal check-ups” -(http://thechalkboardmag.com/would-you-or-wouldnt-you-gargle-with-coconut-oil).

This will help get rid of that sore throat too! Thieves oil is probably one of my favorite oils…it’s a combination of clove, lemon, eucalyptus, cinnamon, and rosemary. You can ingest it to increase immunity. I like paring it with the oil pulling, or gargling it with water and drinking it (only a few drops). You can even put it in a diffuser!

Counter Attack! It’s my new favorite stuff (thanks to my neighbor Brittany). A natural remedy product. You can find it at health food stores, or online. It might even replace my Zicam…So I also will take this at first sign of a cold. It has the following ingredients: Vitamin C, Zinc, Oregano Oil, Berberine, Elderberry, Andrographis, Shrubby Sophora, Isatis, Yerba Santa, Xanthium extract, Polygala root, Echinacea, coptis, horehound, Mullein, Chinese Lovage, Chinese Licorice, Peppermint oil.

Tea tea tea! Lemon and fresh ginger root. There’s ginger lemon tea too, but fresh is what you want. The virus lives in your gut, and the ginger aids in digestion health…so drink up! I love a good spoonful of honey as well. Honey kills bacteria! I like to put some in my tea, as well as just gulping down a spoonful.

This one you gotta be brave for, or really love vinegar. Make sure to get this brand/a brand that is organic, raw, and says “with the mother”. That is the good stuff that floats around in the bottom of the bottle, the stuff your gut needs! I have a mixture that makes it more bearable…cause it’s not a good idea to drink this by itself. Magic concoction: 1tsp honey, 1tsp lemon, 3 tbs apple cider vinegar, and mix warm water in to dilute.

Oil of oregano to help fight infections!

Antioxidants! Garlic is your best friend, it also keeps the vampires away! Mix it with spicy foods that will break up mucus and open up your sinuses. I love some gluten free pasta with arrabiata sauce and extra garlic! Phở soup is also one of my go-to’s when I feel sick. Lots of leafy greens too. Flush out your system with healthy goodness!

Make sure to stock up so you’re ready to fight the good fight!

Sewing

Sewing Adventures- The Bowtie

Sewing is one of my many hobbies. I started in high school, where I worked as a costume crew member for the many theatrical productions throughout the school years. I was taught everything I know today, and even dipped into the design aspect of costuming towards my junior and senior year. That being said, I have a special place in my heart for sewing more dramatic pieces…(especially renaissance attire. I love a good corset!)

I’m starting to get into sewing more clothing for everyday wear…I’m starting off small, so I tried perfecting a bowtie (not as easy as It sounds to get it just right) design from this amazing fabric I hunted for about two years ago (when I surprised my boyfriend with a trip to the magic castle-hence the rabbits)! The fabric was used for pocket squares, and my 1st attempt at the bowtie. Round two was sure to be a success.

This time I didn’t use any kind of interfacing…some of the patterns you find online call for it, but this fabric was a thick cotton blend, so I decided to leave it out. I also only had enough fabric for one more cut- no space for error! You basically cut the 4 pieces making sure all are on the same directional grain, and sew them right sides together leaving the tail end open for where you connect them later. I used a plastic chopstick to push the fabric right side out. It helps with the corners too!

Obsessed with this thimble…have 5 others in different variations! Thimble’s are always good to have around when hand sewing (which was not necessary for this design), especially through thick fabric…although sometimes I end up not using one and stabbing myself…I never learn my lesson apparently.

My best friend, the seam ripper. This little guy has gotten me out of some big mistakes I’ve made sewing new projects together…it’s the learning process, when you go too far, you have to go a little backwards and rip out a few seams. Definitely a sewing necessity for any level seamster.

Making sure the corners are clipped after you are done sewing the two pieces (right sides facing each other) together is key to have a nice pointed corner when you turn the fabric right-side out. Also, learning how to tie a bowtie takes a minute…so save time for that.

Looking good! Make your own bowtie! I used a simple pattern found on pinterest here.

Motivation

Get Up & Go!

I’ve been feeling unmotivated lately. Maybe it’s this summer heat getting to me, or maybe I over-did it again with life. The constant excuses I make for myself amazing me. I don’t want to/feel like doing this because…you know what I’m talking about. Well I’m here to tell you that today is different. I wanted to take control again, instead of letting little things effect me so much. Today I told myself, “Just get up and go!” Go out into the world and be active. Riding my bike and sweating out the negativity.

If you’re taking the time to read this, think about the excuses you make, and what’s holding you back, and just get up and go!! This is your life, so just go live it. Ride your bike on the wrong side of the sidewalk, and find yourself some obstacles.

DISCOVERY

“Take a book, return a book”- I found this adorable free library-, which I’m sure I’ve rode past before without notice. There was another one a few houses down. I adore this concept. So I filled out the guest book, and found a good book to borrow. If the person who made the library is reading this, thank you for your kindness. You put a smile on my face today, as I’m sure many others will experience themselves.

I’ll be in the Shire if you need me.