Henri Cartier Bresson part 2

On the way to the MoMA from my hotel, I stumbled upon a park that has lived in its spot on E. 53rd Street since 1967, Paley Park. It had rained that morning and the sun was just beginning to come out again. I stopped to finish my coffee in the park before continuing on to the museum, something a little out of character for me these days as I’m always rushing somewhere or another. Something about Paley Park, though, was so inviting and so surprising, a little sanctuary in the middle of a bustling city. I struck up a conversation with the groundskeeper who gave me a little info about the history of the park and some of its more noteworthy visitors and patrons. Nice guy, great smile. It wasn’t until I was about to leave that I was inspired to take a few pictures to document that experience. Normally I would take a photograph of a person associated with a particular space to remember it. People tend to exhibit more character and aura than inanimate objects for me and I always call myself more of a portraitist. This time, it was totally the place, its longevity, its ‘old soul’, the ‘sun after rain’ lighting and its incredible design and symmetry that I am always so drawn to. I often take photos of inanimate objects, but rarely show them, sometimes never even look at them again. While I took these ‘portraits’ of this little moment in time and this incredible park and a few more grab shots on the way to the museum, before seeing Cartier Bresson’s exhibit, it was absolutely the Cartier Bresson exhibit that taught and reminded me to revisit and take pride in the simpler things.
xRebecca

Paley Park

Henri Cartier Bresson

The other weekend, I was in New York photographing the wedding of Anna and Michael (will post a few favorites when the film comes back from the lab) and had a chance to visit the Henri Cartier Bresson exhibit currently up at the Museum of Modern Art. For our readers who are unfamiliar with his work, he is absolutely one of the greatest photographers in the history of photography and I beg you to visit any museum or gallery that has his work up and get an up close look at his prints. If you can get to NYC before June 22nd when the exhibit ends, block out a minimum of two hours to make your way though the exhibit.

The thing about Cartier Bresson that I find to be so impressive is that his unique perspective, his ‘eye’, is clearly present in every single photograph. There is an artist communicating in each shot, no matter what the subject. In a modern world that tends to be so wrapped up in visual tricks and gimmicks, Cartier Bresson’s work proves that simpler is indeed, and more often than not, just better. Below are a few of my favorite Cartier Bresson photos. This display is merely a drop in the pond from Cartier Bresson’s highly prolific career.

photo by Henri Cartier Bresson

photo by Henri Cartier Bresson

photo by Henri Cartier Bresson

photo by Henri Cartier Bresson

photo by Henri Cartier Bresson

Robert Redford speaks out about oil spill and clean energy

I’m proudly posting on behalf of my husband, Daniel, who works with the Natural Resource Defense Council (NRDC). On Friday he directed a spot with Robert Redford and today, it’s online and will soon be on air in the DC market and possibly some national news shows. After this disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, the message is clear: clean energy should be the future of America. Take a look at the short video here, and if inspired, click the ‘Take Action Now!’ button to the right of the video, to tell your senator how you feel. I just did!

Laura

Taleene & Spencer

Congrats to Taleene & Spencer! Their beautiful desert wedding took place on May Day in Palm Springs, CA at the incredible La Quinta Resort. Here’s an early look at some of my favorite photos. Thanks so much to Cathy and Dorry from Celebrations of Joy for creating such a beautiful environment to photograph in. I can’t begin to describe how much I love working with you both!

xRebecca

Docuvitae Picture Day in the Park

Looking for great family photography? Looking for a deal? Please sign up today and join us for our Picture Day in the Park at Douglas Park in Santa Monica between 10am and 2pm on Friday, May 21st. Detailed info below.

Also check out The Pump Station’s website here and blog here. And, a few of our favorite photos below from last year’s Picture Day. Hope to see you there!

A Moment In Time, Worldwide Photo Shoot

May 2nd, 2010. 8:00am.

from Laura:

Laura's daughter, Willa, watches her favorite 'doggy' shows on youtube with Dad on Sunday morning.

Willa engrossed in the 'doggy' shows.

From Juli:

Ocean view from Hermosa Beach

From Rebecca:

Power lines and palm trees in Palm Springs.

From one of our favorite clients and fellow photographer, Jen Pollack Bianco:

photo by Jen Pollack Bianco, Artist Paul Pletka painting in his home studio in Santa Fe, NM.

Did you participate in this past Sunday’s Worldwide Photo Shoot? Have you looked at the New York Times ‘LENS’ Blog to see what people all over the world were doing at 8am on Sunday? Check out the submissions here.