Film (and Painting) Series [Making Hay]

I read somewhere that you need to give yourself 36 hours of time away from what you’re doing in order to come back to it and be inspired. I don’t know who said it. I can’t even remember where I read it, or if I read it at all… but this thought has been in my head the past few weeks. And, I agree with it. Sometimes you have to come back to something in order to get it right. This is where I find myself with my school work and with my business. It’s been constant (and believe me, I am thankful for them both)… but it’s been a constant cycle of giving. But what happens when you have very little left to give?

I needed some time away from them both to be inspired again.

A 3-day holiday weekend would be the perfect opportunity to recharge and refocus my energy so I can continue to give to both arenas that I love. You may remember these two images below — well — they’re back. I spent a good chunk of my weekend with them. I consciously made an effort to work for myself this weekend. Two things were off-limits —  I would not write lesson plans this weekend and I would not edit pictures this weekend. Instead — I went out to dinner, I ran errands, I caught up on Top Chef, The Voice, and Smash, I went to the VMFA to support to my students who were recognized for regional art awards, I took time to look around the museum, and I saw the incredible Elvis exhibit (LOVED it!), and spent more time in my studio than on my computer. It was a nice change – a needed change. I can feel a difference in my attitude towards planning lessons for my students, and excitement for the next season in my business.

Part of my time spend in the studio was at home – I turned a guest bedroom into a small artist studio with shelves GALORE and large table to work on. I mentioned before that I am taking my first Graduate Painting class… and that I would never call myself a painter. So,  I am starting with what speaks to me — and adding paint. I really love my “Making Hay” images so I  scanned the negatives, and digitally printed them and began to paint. Below are some quickly taken Instagram photos documenting the process. I am not in love with the piece… I actually think it’s quite ugly. But I also know it’s unfinished, so I don’t have to like it. Yet. This is a new process for me – I HATE altering my photographs. This is completely out of my comfort zone… and really goes against everything I believe in as a photographer. (which I realize is quite a big statement) I take pictures in a way that I DONT have to alter them. BUT, I’m going it a shot… we’ll see where it takes me.Because we had Monday off from school, I was able to go in and work in the darkroom — this is by far, my favorite space to work. I finally got a chance to PRINT my hay images WITHOUT a computer. I had the whole afternoon to myself in a nice, quiet, student-free darkroom. The prints are beautiful and just the way I envisioned them to be. I love them. They’re rich, they’re tack sharp, there’s depth, the tonal range is beautiful and there’s a tremendous amount of detail… I love them. The image below doesn’t do it justice, but you’ll have to take my word. They’re stunning. I knocked out 3 different images and made some duplicates along the way. I still have a few more prints to go to complete the series, but this will be the last picture I show you until we have our exhibit in May. Then you’ll have to see them in person!!!

I’m on the right track now – I have these personal projects in the works that allow me some time to give to myself, and now I can serve my students and clients with a fresh perspective. I’m reminded just how important it is for artist to be creating in order to create for others.

I will continue to work behind the scenes in my business for the next 2 weeks or so, but then we’ll be back in action! I am LOVING my 2012 brides!!! The first wedding of the year kicks off in March! I am SO looking forward to the warmer weather and getting the Spring Session started! If you’re a current Junior, keep up with us because our Senior Sessions will be beginning soon! And… if you’re one of my students reading this… buckle up – I’ve got some lesson ideas for you!

Finding Your Valentine

Alfred Eisenstaedt is one of my favorite photographers, quite possibly my favorite photojournalists. I love his style and technical execution. He was quick, he knew when to react, and how to anticipate the action. You must have a lot of patience and wait for you moment. I do love that about photography. I am even more impressed with Eisenstaedt because clearly he was not shooting with a digital camera. He had to get it right at that moment. He is looking down to see his subject, not outward like most of us are accustom to. The camera is held below the chest and can be very discrete in a crowd – which is great for a photojournalist. However, the medium format camera he had also is a little backwards – if he looked right, then it went left and if he moved left then it went right. Tricky.. I owe one of these cameras. It is also one of my favorites, but it not always easy to operate on the fly… with so much movement, trying to anticipate which way the subject will go, and get the right exposure, and don’t forget to focus it can be a bit of a challenge. Again, this is why I love his work – the technical aspect is beautiful.

So on this Valentine’s Day, here’s a “love” story worth sharing…this image may be one of the more recognizable kisses – by the two most unrecognizable people.

As the story goes, On August 14, 1945 –VJ Day– Eisenstaedt followed a sailor running through the crown of people and on his way he was kissing just about everyone – from babies to grandmas in Times Square. WWII was over — victory over Japan! Eisenstaedt caught the white shape out of the corner of his eye and turned to see the sailor kissing the nurse. He took the shot. 1/125 of a second – and he got it.

Eisenstaedt got it right.

                                                                    (Source: life.time.com)

I hope you find your Valentine today, although, I don’t recommend kissing your way through a crowd. BUT, the sailor found the nurse, and it is still one of the most iconic images today.

 Although a few people have come forward claiming to be the ones.. there is no way to prove or disapprove the statements. What a story to have! Happy Valentine’s Day!

Read more: http://life.time.com/history/the-best-of-life-37-years-in-pictures/#ixzz1mK16mIoF

As most of you know, I have been working at Lee-Davis High School for the past few years in their Fine Arts Department, but this year, I split my time between Lee-Davis High AND Patrick Henry High School. I travel clear across the county every other day, which like most things.. it has its pros and cons. The money I spend in gas every week is not something I look forward to, BUT the days when the clouds are white and puffy and the sky is bright blue over the never-ending fields of yellow… I tend to find myself grateful for the opportunity to see something so beautiful. We all know that red lights all the way down 360 will never evoke the same sense of wonder.

Another wonderful experience I have had a Patrick Henry happened just the other week.  I was able to participate in their Annual Empty Bowls Dinner hosted by Patrick Henry’s Art Club. This is the fourth year that it’s been held at The Montpelier Center for Arts & Education and it is an event that is COMPLETELY community oriented! I get overwhelmed just thinking about all the people who helped create this whole event – it was truly spectacular. Proceeds from this year’s event benefited W.H.E.A.T (Western Hanover’s Emergency Action Team) and A.C.E.S (Ashland Christian Emergency Services). I love that the students, people, and businesses of the community came together to support their own neighbors and families through this event. We need these types of experiences more often!

It starts with ceramic bowls -over 250 of them to be specific. These bowls are made (thrown, glazed and fired) by PHHS students, faculty, and local artists. Every person who buys a ticket to this dinner is able to choose one of these hand crafted bowls. Guests pick out their bowls and make their way to several stations of soup. The soup was either made by someone in the community or donated from a local restaurant like The Iron Horse and Homemades by Suzanne. Patrick Henry’s FCCLA made all the desserts and Starbuck’s generously donated the coffee.  Art students were everywhere to help orchestrate and man the soup stations, and both the jazz band and chamber choir performed throughout the evening. Many people may not know about The Montpelier Center for the Arts – it’s a bit off the beaten path. But it’s a beautiful space – a combination of charming and contemporary features.

And that evening, the center was buzzing!!!

The event was completely SOLD OUT!!!!

Here’s a look inside before the doors opened – a ballroom outlined with “windows” separates the space. Student artwork hung around the perimeter.

The jazz band warming up and can goods that will be donated.And…. ALL OF THOSE BOWLS!!!!

Guests line up to be the first ones to choose their bowls! It was so much fun to see everyone pick their bowl. As you can see, it’s hard to pick ONLY one!!!There were NINE soups to choose from for dinner – boy, did it all smell AMAZING!The FCCLA students were generous with their desserts. It is safe to say, that everyone ate well that night.Another great component of this event was the LIVE auction. Local artists created and donated pieces specifically for this event. Guests battled back and forth for these items after dinner and all the money want to the local organizations.

I want to also take a moment to recognize the three ladies below (from left to right) – they were really the ones running the show. Ann is the director at The Montpelier Arts Center and Jen & Jenn are two DYNAMITE art teachers at PHHS – this event was their idea!!

Empty 2012 was a HUGE success — and I would HIGHLY recommend you make it out to next year’s dinner. Mark your calendars now. It is a humbling experience and wonderful way to really see how a community works together!

Happy “Soup”er Bowl Sunday!!!

]]> http://mchasenarratives.com/2012/02/05/personal-empty-bowls/feed/ 0 Empty Bowls mchasephoto Empty Bowls Empty Bowls Empty Bowls Empty Bowls Empty Bowls Empty Bowls Empty Bowls Empty Bowls Empty Bowls Empty Bowls http://mchasenarratives.com/2012/01/31/sarah-the-dress/ http://mchasenarratives.com/2012/01/31/sarah-the-dress/#comments Wed, 01 Feb 2012 01:56:19 +0000 mchasephoto http://mchasenarratives.com/?p=1310 Read more]]> Richmond Virginia Portrait Photographer

Sarah [The Dress]

Either you LOVE bridal sessions or you HATE them… and I’m not talking about photographers… I’m talking about brides. I have yet to have a client who was wishy-washy on whether to have, or not to have, a bridal session. Personally, I think they’re WONDERFUL! Any excuse to be in that gorgeous dress just one more time, sounds like a good idea to me! I had several bridal sessions last year… some before the wedding and some after the wedding. In both cases, this session gives the bride options. Who doesn’t like options!?! Before the wedding, a bridal session is a complete run through of their look, and most importantly, lets them see how it translates on camera. They try their hair, accessories, and make up (and of course, those fake eye lashes) with the dress to see the entire look. It’s very helpful and can relieve some stress the day of the wedding. Some brides who wait until after their wedding day, enjoy completely changing the style of their look. Same dress, but by finding a different venue than the wedding and altering the hair and make up they can achieve a different portrait than the wedding day. Both are great options AND give you another chance to be in that dress!

I am so excited for Sarah to see a few of these images! Bryan & Sarah wed in December – you can check out their wedding HERE - and Sarah’s dress is beautiful!!! It is so elegant. Regal would be the word. And, when we spoke, it was important to find a venue to match. We made plans to meet at the Historic Mankin Mansion which is known for its beautiful brick work. And although, it was a rainy afternoon – the lighting and ambiance of the space was great!

We’ll start with one of my absolute favorite shots – Sarah, you carry this look so well – stunning!

 I love these – you look radiant!

We did sneak outside for a bit – I love the addition of the fur. Keeping the winter theme and adding some more glamor!

Beautiful!

Film Series [Making Hay]

 It’s been about a month since I shot my latest series – which has yet to have an official name – for now, I call it “Making Hay” which may end up being the name. We’ll see. But, what I can tell you – is that I am SOOO excited about these images! If you didn’t see the first post of these series — read this FIRST. The images are beaaauuutiful! I am so excited to print them. Last week I made contact sheets and it’s probably one of my favorite parts of the process. This is when you go into the darkroom and lay out all your negatives at once and see them in their smallest form. It gives you an idea of what images are working and which ones aren’t. Let me just tell you… they are working!!! Tiny little black and white squares of beauty. I didn’t know what to do with myself. Do I print them big? Or small? Lots? A few? Border? No border? On what and when!?! Most importantly, when!?!?! I shot 3 rolls of 35mm film & 5 rolls of 120 film. 8 rolls total – so about 120 images. YES!!!  Narrowing it down will not be an easy task!

Technically speaking – December through about eh, beginning of March is “off-season” in the world of wedding photography and even in some portrait photography. It can be so cold outside and the weather doesn’t always cooperate… so a lot of the time, work is done behind the scenes for commercial photographers. Don’t get me wrong, some wonderful sessions can take place in the dead of winter – buuuut, most don’t. So, this is the perfect time for me to get in the darkroom. I have a weekend here and there that can remain open and I plan to get in some much needed studio time. Originally, this shoot was done so that I can show new work with my students in May (which is still the case). However, I have really enjoyed shooting for myself.. more so now, than ever. I’m beginning to find what I’m drawn to most in my work and develop my process and fine tune the results. It’s very exciting!

I am beginning to realize just how much I enjoy being a practicing artist and that it’s essential to my work at school, my clients, but most importantly, to fulfilling myself and my soul. I give (mentally and emotionally) to my students at school all day, and then come home in the evenings and give to my clients. I’m thinking, creating, and brainstorming all day long… for others, and I’m finding a need to give some time and energy to myself. Please don’t get me wrong – I love the creative process – but I want to experience it for myself as well! I know I’ll be a better photographer for my clients, and teacher for my students, when I have time to create for myself. I have a couple personal goals for this year that all relate to being a practicing artist – this series is one of those goals. I’m shooting for myself – and I hope to do it more than once a year! The second part of that goal is to also exhibit my work — as an artist, I do want people to SEE what I do….. which leads me to TODAY.

TODAY, rather, THIS EVENING – I have three photographs at Gallery Flux in Ashland.

I know these are not NEW pieces – I did them in 2012 – but they are certainly lovely! The pictures don’t do them justice – they’re 10” x 13” silver gelatin prints… just lovely, lovely, lovely!  I’m excited to be in the show!

It’s going to be a great exhibition with lots of local artists. Please come out if you’re in the Ashland area! Another local show is in the works – and as soon as I know more – I’ll let you know!

OH! I forgot to mention – I’m also taking a Graduate “Painting” class until May. This was not necessarily a personal goal – because I am not a painter. But, I am looking forward to seeing how it influences my work. It is also allowing me to carve out some time and space to work for myself. So, we’ll keep the quotes around “painting” and see how I can work my photo magic in more of a painterly way. It’s definitely going to be a busy Spring! But doesn’t it sound EXCITING!! I’m up for it!

Newborn [Thompson Family]

If you follow the blog – then you have seen Robyn & Billy several times over the past two years. I met Robyn when I began teaching at Lee-Davis and we became fast friends. I love them both dearly. They are amazing individuals, but as a couple, they are rock solid.  I would consider them a power couple. They  seriously kick butt as a team! I love watching their interactions and hearing them speak about each other. You can hear the joy, the love, and the commitment they have to one another. It’s so special. I have loved capturing their story over the past year and a half… and really their story is just beginning.

When Robyn and I got together this past May, she told me that they would be expecting their first child this December. I was over-the-moon excited for them. This beautiful, strong, power couple was about to have a precious little one. I knew that I was not the only one in their life waiting anxiously for her to make her debut towards the end of December. And, just like her Mama, she arrived fashionably late. On Dec 31st around 6pm – their sweet little girl came into the world.

I am completely honored to share this session with you.

And by the looks of things – she already has her Daddy wrapped around finger – he was willing to pull out all the stops for his girl, letting us use his vintage amp and most prized guitars. Which I absolutely LOVE in black and white! Hope you do too!

Look at that full head of hair! Soo beautiful! 

This was one of the few moments where she slept – so we took advantage of it!

Love this! Congratulations – could there be a better way to start the new year!?! 

It has been party central around here the last two weeks! We got through the holidays and jumped right into celebrating my Dad’s 60th Birthday and followed that weekend up with a party for the youngest member of the family! This post is specifically for my sister, but I thought you might enjoy seeing a few as well. Landon’s 1st birthday was a full house of friends, family, and little ones, but this year they decided to make it just about family. Sometimes that’s just the best way to go about it. I didn’t pick up my camera as much as I usually do – just because it was nice to be in the moment and not be “on the clock”  I love this little guy. He is such a sweetheart and has such a personality! We’re only a few days in, but so far, the terrible two’s are going well! Fingers crossed!

One of my sister’s friends made these — aren’t they super cute!?!She also make the cake balls – cake pops – cakes on a stick… whatever they’re called… they’re soo good, and dangerous! You can’t have just one.Landon’s showing me his teeth! Oh, so stinkin’ cute!Then we opened presents! These were a few of my personal favorites… from the MOUNTAIN of gifts. Sit n’ Spin!

But even with all the new toys — the one item that got the most action…….the Elmo balloon!

Hours of entertainment just to hit and chase it around.. it’s good to be 2.
Happy Birthday Landon!

Featured [HELLO LOCATION]

It was so exciting to come home yesterday from school and read that one of our 2012 Seniors was being FEATURED!!! Hello Location is a website for photographers, or anyone, looking for a great place to shoot — anywhere in the United States! They launched in 2011 and recently they have added a section called Hello Overflow – featuring behind the scene and bloopers from sessions. I knew that I had PLENTY of those! Late one night, I decided, I’d give it a shot! I was floored when I found just yesterday that we were chosen as the VERY FIRST feature! I immediately called Hannah and her Mom so they could see! What fun!!

Thank you Blythe, and the whole Hello Location team!!!

To see more of Hannah’s Senior Session – click HERE.

2013 Seniors — you could be featured NEXT! More information about Senior Sessions will be out VERY soon. Be sure to check out our 2012 Seniors from last year  on our FACEBOOK page!

This past Saturday was probably one of the BEST weekends that I’ve had in several months. I still can’t believe we pulled it off!  A little bit of background information just so you know how this surprise party all came about – so my brother attends the University of North Dakota (why you may ask?!?). They’re the top ranking public school for aviation, particularly for helicopters. But anyway,  he came home for Thanksgiving and we began discussing Dad’s birthday. Jackson always misses it because he has to go back to school, which is usually not a big deal but this year my Dad was/is turning 60 and we really wanted to all celebrate together. So… we devised a plan. We would throw him a SURPRISE party the last Saturday that Jack was home.

We recruited our sister, Kim, and our step-mom, Diane to help us orchestrate this whole event. I did some research on several venues and knew immediately that The Barrel Room at New Kent Winery and Vineyards would be the perfect atmosphere for this party. My Dad & step-mom are quite the wine enthusiasts. Their two dogs are named Ries and Zin – can you guess the reference? Anyway.. I knew it would be perfect! As soon as I booked the venue and knew the feeling of the space, my party planning senses kicked into full gear! And just like I would recommend a wedding planner for any of my brides, I knew I needed someone to help bring my ideas to life without the weight being all on my shoulders. So, I asked the best party planner I know – my mother. She is the BEST! No really, this could be her full – time job. I could not have done this without her.

With the venue in place and the vision unfolding, we needed to set the stage for my Dad. So I put my graphic art skills to the test and I created a fake gift certificate and we gave it to him for Christmas. The gift certificate was a “Special Event” for a  ”Couples Wine Tasting” at New Kent Winery — bologna!! But it worked like a charm on Christmas morning.  Here’s a much smaller version of the certificate – not bad, right? The picture wasn’t with it – I just liked it so I put it with it for you now. Prior to Christmas, I also made invitation for the guests – each with hand stained wine glass rings. With the invites in the mail and the certificate in Dad’s hand, we were really going to do this! If we could just keep the surprise a secret.

I was even more excited when I heard that my Dad’s sister (my aunt) and her family were going to make it into town for the party. I really love that side of my family and we don’t get to see each other as much as we’d like – so it made even more special that they were able to be apart of this. They came down Friday and we gave them a little taste of Richmond. We attended First Friday’s Art Walk and ate a favorite local restaurant. It was a great weekend just at that point – artwork, family, and a lot of food. Perfection! We got up the next day and headed to the winery by midday to get the fun started. Let me show you what we did!

The Barrel Room is where they keep the wine. It’s a smaller space with low ceilings, a very intimate environment. It would perfect for our 30-person guest list.

There were 2 LARGE wooden tables parallel to each that we covered with table runners made of pages from old books – poetry & cooking books specifically.

We kept the centerpieces simple – Mom and my sister created the flower arrangements. Thank you both!!!

We had moss-covered books in a variation of heights with red votives to add a warm glow down the middle of the tables. I just LOVE the moss.

On the back table, we spray painted and wrapped wine bottles with twine to give some height and interest to the table. I just love how the colors and texture photographed!

It was a feast for your eyes and stomach!

Each tray had foods specifically chosen to accompany a certain bottle of wine. I was a lover of cheese before this party, but now, I have experienced some REAL cheese.

I don’t think I can go back – sorry Kraft. 

And what’s a birthday party without cake!?! We had wine flavored cupcakes from Carytown Cupcakes – and they were INCREDIBLE.

This one was my personal favorite – to eat and photograph. He’s filled with chocolate ganache! SOO good!

This crate is also significant to me for a couple of reasons. My mother bought this for me for Christmas. It  may be a little hard to read, but it says, “G. Cramer Dry Plate Co.”

Dry plates were used in photography before the invention of roll film. Plates (glass or tin) were coasted with a gelatin emulsion and could dry before an image was exposed  in a camera – this was a big step up from the wet plate process. ANYWAY, I love these older photographic techniques, and for that reason alone, I would want this crate. But, what makes this even more special, Cramer is my Dad’s Mom’s maiden name. George Cramer is my great-grandfather. So… maybe… this photo thing has been in my genes all along.

Cool, right?!? It was the perfect display for these cakes!

After a little over a month of planning, and some close calls, my Dad finally made his entrance! And his expression was the best! He had no idea!!!

Although he wasn’t having a romantic couple’s evening – we did do a wine tasting! I would highly recommend the White Merlot – Mm! – OR the Governor’s Choice Chardonnay Reserve.

Here’s my Dad working the room, talking (and more than likely explaining something), and using a lot of hand gestures… now I know where I get it from.

A few family photos — Abigail & Diane and Jack & GregUncle Tom & Jack and Kim & Greg

Look! I made it to the party!! Thank you Uncle Tom for taking this – Aunt Cindy & myself

Group shot – and of course, we can’t all look at the camera and smile.. that would be too easy!

 I would definitely say that the surprise party was a HUGE success! We had a couple of close calls (..Jackson..) but we pulled it off. It was just like I hoped it would be – a wonderful memory for my family. It feels good when you get to create those moments for the people you love.

Happy Birthday Dad. Enjoy 59 for one more week!

Vendors

Venue | New Kent Winery & Vineyards

Photography | M. Chase Narrative Photography

Food | Whole Foods

Cupcakes | Carytown Cupcakes

Flowers | Vogue Flower Market

Featured [The Richmond Times Dispatch]

I grew up in the Richmond area, and I have lived here my entire life. Growing up, The Richmond Times Dispatch was, in my mind, the main news publication. I mean, 15-20 years ago, you didn’t go online to read the news.. there wasn’t an app… and you couldn’t download it to your e-reader. This was the good stuff – in black and white. It contained the latest and greatest, and not just local happenings but events happening around the world were found here. To me, especially growing up, if it was in the newspaper then it must be a BIG DEAL. There’s definitely a part of me that feels that way. If it’s in writing, and especially on paper, then it’s a big deal. Anything can be online these days.. but not everything is actually published.

So to me… THIS is a BIG DEAL.

Christmas Day. Celebrations Section. Front Page. IN COLOR.

Those sassy red shoes & ribbon tied cake are both from this past December’s wedding. I am completely honored to be featured alongside several veteran Richmond wedding photographers.

The following week – January 1, 2o12. My most recent bride & groom were interviewed for the “I do, I do” column.

It featured several pictures from their wedding day and one from their engagement session.

Fun Fact: At school, the darkroom & classroom where I teach is in the J-Hall. J3 to be exact.

I love that not only is my NAME in the paper, but it seems very appropriate that it’s on page J3.  

I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again — none of my success this past year could be without the amazing clients that trust me with their stories.

Thank you, thank you, thank you! 2012 is certainly off to a great start!

If you’d like to read these articles in their entirety – here are the links:

Sweet Deets

Sarah & Bryan “I Do, I Do”