Festival of Faith and Writing

I had a really fun photography assignment last weekend. My Alma Mater, Calvin College, puts on a great conference every 2 years called the "Festival of Faith and Writing". It's rather big--2500 attendees-and they get some really fabulous writers who are there speaking and leading workshops. It's a 3 day celebration of words, literature, and the process of writing....all from the perspective of faith.

For anyone who loves words--either writing them or reading them--the weekend is an absolute pleasure. It's a chance to hear (and meet!) well-known authors, and learn how they work and how they are influenced and some of their life stories. As an English major, and a lover of words, this is my kind of conference. I wasn't planning on attending this year--because of the cost, and because of having to figure out child care for 3 days.

And then I was asked (by my neighbor, who happens to be on the planning committee!) to photograph the conference! Score! I could go, do work, a work that I love, and also soak up the thoughts falling all around me!

So here are a few pics from the weekend (I took hundreds)....there are only so many ways you can photograph a person standing behind a lectern :) I'll indicate who is in the picture underneath each one. I'm including here the main speakers...but there were many many others who were there doing workshops, including my favorite poet Luci Shaw.

Prof. Felch introducing Poet Scott Cairns.

Scott Cairns.

Wally Lamb ("She's Come Undone" and "This Much I Know Is True").

Wally Lamb signing books. He was such an animated guy!

Eugene Peterson (who wrote "The Message" and many many other things). He wasn't so animated while speaking...

...But had a great smile while signing books.

Kate DiCamillo ("Because of Win Dixie" and "the Tale of Desperauex" yes the one that was made into a movie) She was a hoot.

Scott McCurry, the photographer who, yes, took THAT photo that he is signing. What a thrill to meet him and be around him for a bit--the person who took probably the world's most recognized photo. And he has many other amazing images, and some books also...hence his presence at a Writing conference. His images are still on display at Calvin's art gallery through Saturday---GO if you can! I felt kind of intimidated taking photos of the photographer---he asked me a bit about what I do, and even wanted my website address. Eekks!



Richard Rodriquez ("Hunger for Memory" is a book he wrote, but mostly he is a journalist who writes essays)

Rodriquez from afar.

Prof. Hettinga introducing Mary Karr. This shot of him just makes me smile :)

Mary Karr ("The Liar's Club" and "Lit") She was super funny.

The 5 year olds

As promised, here are a few more images from the 5 year old photo shoot from a few weeks back. These girls are not only beautiful, but also very sweet, and very eager to have their photo taken. A dream! A big thanks to these 2 for their positive photographic influence on Rowan, and to their mommas for loaning them to me for a few hours!

My 5 year old

This post is about a month overdue. My oldest, Rowan, turned 5 in late February. We finally got out to take some photos last week. Rowan has never been big on getting her photo taken--so I tried to make it fun by inviting a few of her friends (who are also 5) who actually love for me to take their pictures (another blog post with some of those photos will follow eventually--they were all too cute!) Amazing what a little peer pressure will do. I'll tell ya, I kept asking myself who this child was that I was photographing....are you kidding me? Who are you and what did you do with my Rowan? Seriously, check out some of her poses (and I offered little to none instruction on any of these).

To read a birthday letter I wrote to Rowan, go to the family blog here.

love

Most of my favorite photos are not "perfect" photos. The lighting isn't just right, the focus might be a little off, the composition not quite what I had intended....but they are still my favorites, just because they captured a moment that I loved and I want to remember.

I took this self-portrait of me and Rowan today. We were playing outside while Piper took a nap, and it was a rare time when no other neighbor kids were out playing, so Rowan and I had some great one-on-one time. She was actually letting me take some photos of her, but mostly we were just talking and enjoying the warm sun (finally!) that has been blessing us this week. We were sitting on the grass together, and she snuggled up to my shoulder---I quickly grabbed the camera, told her to look towards it, and snapped. It's not perfect, but I love it. We're looking towards the camera with the same expression. Content together. I love her sweet face, nestled up to my shoulder. I want to keep her there.

I want to remember her right now, at 5, and how free and beautiful she is. She took my camera for awhile and snapped away....taking pictures of the mailman, the curb, the neighbor's houses. I watched her intently---in her striped leggings, flouncy skirt, and peace-sign tank top, carrying a too-heavy camera, exploring her world. And I loved her more than my heart could bear.

Yep, most of my favorite photos are not perfect. I try to remind myself of that when I take photos for other people. It's not always about technical perfection...it's about capturing real moments and real emotion that bring us right back to a place in time.

This photo will always take me back to today, in the sun with my girl, happy to be her mom.

Brothers L and I

You never know what you're going to get with an 8 month old and a 3 year old---and boys at that! These brothers were not only adorable (as you can plainly see in these photos) but they were also a joy to be around and photograph. The session was laid back (also in part to a laid back momma, that goes a long ways!) and these little guys were cooperative, happy, and sweet to be around. The baby's skin was so yummy...I had a hard time stopping taking pictures of him, and a hard time deciding which ones to include in this post!

S and C: Waiting on Baby

Colin and Stefanie are expecting their little boy any day now! Colin is my cousin, we are close in age, were in the same grade in school...and I have always had a very special affection for him. He is kind, gentle, and has a quick smile and positive energy. He and Stefanie make a great pair, and we all can't wait to meet their new little guy! He's sure to be a cutie!

I love photographing pregnant women. I just love pregnancy and have always admired the way a woman's body changes and bulges to accommodate this small creature inside---I think that a pregnant body is simply beautiful. It's a privilege to capture this special time in a family's life....and capture that mommy glow that is beginning to emerge. Colin and Stefanie, you guys are gorgeous, you were so easy to work with---and you're going to make fabulous parents!