I Married a Photographer

Struggling through personal battles as well as running a business has its challenges.  A few months back, Dean was very vocal about not picking up his camera again.  When faced with these tough times, what is the best solution?  On this topic everyone is so very different.  The best choice for me, is not the same for everyone.

So once we started on our most recent project (which will be debuting on February 12th) we really did our best to find new models, branch out  creatively, and apply technique and skill to all of our planned/posed shots.  About a year ago, Dean and I talked about our approach to photography, he mentioned that it is very difficult for him to feel satisfied taking shots of things that he ‘finds’.  I completely agreed, there is no originality in finding things even when you do photograph them.  It’s not really yours, anybody could have done that. True, but to play Devil’s advocate, not every person has the same perspective. A plain photograph taken of a forest could remain plain or with the knowledge of certain techniques and different lenses it has a better chance of becoming a unique and beautiful snowflake.

With all that said, I have a great feeling about this next collection of 4 photos.  It’s not many but they all make a clear and great statement.  I spent hours working on props and wardrobes, calling people to find new models or people who knew people who were willing to help, etc.  It was sheer chance that we  ended up with the models we did!  They all worked out beautifully!  Writing this, I have a huge grin on my face just imagining people’s reactions to our art.  As Dean said a couple weeks ago, “If I’m not going to be famous for my art then I’ll be infamous.”  He’s hit a sweet-spot!

Teaser

Event Information: February 12, 2010 marks the First Annual Dress Red Luncheon hosted by ACTION Health’s, Aging and Wellness taskforce at the Pine Barn Inn starting at 11am. Dr Robert Davis, Cardiologist at Bloomsburg Hospital will be the Keynote speaker. “Our aim is to set aside this day when people can come together where the prevailing message is that heart disease is a profoundly different disease between women and men,” says Dr. Larry Schardt, Chairperson of the Dress Red Luncheon. The luncheon will start at 11am with social hour to enjoy the photography of Dean Dorman & Marlin R. Wagner following with welcoming remarks and Keynote presentation. Lunch begins at 12 noon followed by a Red Fashion show and closing remarks. The Red Fashion Show includes a collection of red attire from a variety of local stores. “What better way to promote awareness and celebrate National Heart Health month than by supporting ACTION Health – and enjoying the camaraderie of others at this entertaining, fun event” says Lisa Makara, co-chair of the Dress Red Luncheon. Dressing in red attire encouraged but not required. Tickets for this event are $20.00 in advance and $25.00 at the door. Seating is limited. Men and women are welcome to attend. All proceeds benefit ACTION Health’s Aging and Wellness taskforce. For information or to purchase tickets call ACTION Health @ 570.275.9150. Visit our website: www.actionhealthpa.org
You can call me for tickets.

Lisa M. Makara, MS, CTRS
Director of Marketing and Public Relations
Bloomsburg Health System
549 Fair Street
Bloomsburg, PA 17815

570-387-2099 Office phone
570-336-0036 Cell
570-387-2316 Fax

I am proud to announce that DSP has been featured in Bloomsburg University’s Spectrum Magazine! To read the article  click on the link : Die Strafbar Photography

Thank you to all who support your local arts!

Clever Title

Using this topic to  approach art, more specifically DSP  and how we want our viewer to approach looking at our pieces.  Without hitting them over the head with a statement, we like to see them come up with the story.  How did that get there? Why?  I see Dean’s pride every time someone strongly reacts to a piece.

So Much the Children Play

One instance, a couple walked up to our stand in August, looked at “So Much the Children Play” the man chuckled while pointing it out to the woman who audibly gasped, grabbed her chest then gestured waving her hand, as if to say I’m done here! while turning her face away.  The husband looked at us and said, “She’s terrified of dolls. They really creep her out.”    Later that day Dean and I talked about all the viewers reactions, understandably so he was most proud of that one.

It is nice to get feedback from people but even better to see their initial reaction.  I love that our work isn’t spelled out for whoever may view it.  More like a puzzle piece less like a squeaky clean novel -where everything is neatly tied up at the end.  No one is left guessing.  We enjoy the guessing!

The title is a quote made famous by Timothy Leary who spoke openly about taking LSD and like experiences.  Timothy was almost completely shunned by his colleagues, family and friends for his taboo research on the aforementioned drug and it’s effects on the human body.  Though he was made up by the media to sound like a madman, he lead his life speaking freely of his findings with drugs in regards to religion, life, sex and humanity.  He put no end to his learning about LSD and what he could experience from it.  He died while tripping on acid.

Stagnation can be such a creative linchpin.  It isn’t as simple as boredom or as complex as desire.  Having that creative rut is something every person experiences, a dam in the flow of ideas. Spinning wheels to get out of a mud puddle just gets you more stuck.  Sometimes if you lift your chin and tilt your head ever so slightly, you can see a whole new perspective.

Since the busy month of August came to a close, Dean and I have been re-tooling.  Taking a break from the constant task-oriented ‘Fest mode’ to a more mindful approach to the photography business.  This was something we decided early in the summer.  We knew just how exhausted we would be after the long weekend events and looked forward to having time to approach things with a fresh angle.  So we took a trip to the city; where there is always artistic expression and inspiration.  It really doesn’t matter what corner you turn or how long you stay, there is always something to do and see.  It was a much needed creative break for Dean, it was leisurely with culture to take away.  Since living there, I rarely ever plan anything when we do make the trip because I know that within a 10 minute walk there is something to pique our interests!

If anything to take away from this writing it is this.  Self-exploration and internal reflection are integral to connecting with other humans.  Art is one way we can connect.

Food for thought: ‘I don’t believe in photography as art or a job or anything. I think of photography as a language and I think a language should be used to speak, to say what you have to say. So the only things I have to say about my life and what I know about the world, is the way I see it. So, it’s not about photography… I think people should just use photography to say things and not just photography for the sake of photography… The world is full of talented photographers. The problem is just so many of them just don’t know what to say, they think life is one thing and photography is another but they don’t realise that photography is just a way to reflect what you are.’ ~Antoine d’ Agata

Both days at the Bloomsburg ArtFest had a lot of foot traffic.  The weekend weather was muggy, and hot but the general mood was positive and airy.  Though I’d say most of us artists were sweating our tails off while manning the stands, we all stayed positive and chipper.

We were lucky to be located next to Abigail Kurecian who makes exquisite pottery (bowls, plates, vases -you name it!)  She’s really an easy woman to talk to and, whether she knows it or not, helped me a lot with getting into the art scene in Bloomsburg.  Our toasty days were filled with sales, conversation and art.

It was great to get feedback from our customers, hear what he/she ‘got out’ of the piece.  However, one conversation has my husband and I completely puzzled.  To give you a taste of how our day went, it was common for a group of people to stop by, look through our photos, discuss some things technical or not, then just sort of mosey along with their day.  In this one instance, a couple stopped by our stand, looked over some images, and then the following happened.   Standing by our framed images, the lady said, “That’s just like (unintelligible).”  The man asked her what she said and by this time Dean’s ears perked up.  He looked at the photo in question and made a mental note .  Again the lady repeated, “That’s just like (unintelligible).” The man said, “Oh yeah.  It is.”  Without another word, the couple strolled away.  Dean stood up to make sure he was looking at the same image the couple just left; he was stunned.  “Bullets for my Beauty” was the photograph they discussed.  After I returned from running an errand, Dean told me what just happened. I was in disbelief too.  What could this photograph be exactly like?  I can’t think of a movie poster, famous art work -nothing comes to mind.  I have no unoriginal association when I look at this piece.  So if you are reading this and can help, please do!

It is what you make it

On another note, it was 1 year ago today that I married a photographer!  That means one full year of wedded bliss and for the business manger in me, one year wiser!  Though we, at Die Strafbar Photography, have had a successful year, it was a learning experience.  We had our first vendor spots, which helped us identify with the community and other local artists in addition to maintaining relationships with former clients as well as making new ones.  Overall, can say that I’ve grown past some small issues and have better prioritized the business and what we have to offer.