Regret - Cam Parsons

Starting this tintype portrait series has opened my eyes to a lot of regrets I have about my work over the past few months. Staying up till 4 am for numerous nights in a row, mixing my own emulsions, coating my own film, and dumping almost every last penny I have into my art; this has proven to me that to have consistent quality work takes this much time and effort 24/7, not just when finals roll around. So, to sum up what could be a page long rant: Cam was lazy, and things are gonna change pronto.

Enough with the self-degredation and on to the fun stuff! Check out my evergrowing tintype portrait series here, and check back frequently!

Regrets: Paige L. Hill

Regrets, No regrets! We are who we are because of the paths we have taken or have chosen or the ones that have been force upon us. There for to you I say, “I have no regrets”. Would that I could change some things… yes we all say that. Would you change your path? Who would you be? Would you be happier now? Would you be healthier now? Would you be richer now? Who is to say? We are who we are. No Regrets!

Anna Keiser: Regret

Xavier G., 2012

Now, don’t get ahead of me now. ‘Tis the season to be regretful…for some people. I try my best to live by phrase to never regret anything. However, there is a distinctive time where I do remember feeling regretful. Like I said before, don’t get ahead of me now.

It was in July 2011 and I had just found out I was pregnant. It was pre-telling my parents, and things were swirling over my head. I was not regretful of getting pregnant, but instead I was so ashamed of myself for bringing something so incredible into the nasty world that it is.  Freaking out because I was a student that had to work, barely having any time in the first place. Feeling selfish because now I knew I would have to rely more on my parents, and only God knows how they are going to take the news.

I told my parents the day they got back from their summer vacation that I was pregnant. They were supportive right from the bat. That quickly helped my attitude (but I did have hormones against me).

Fast forward to now, my baby has become a miracle in my life. Having a baby teaches you all the things you never knew about life. Experiencing something you produced from your body, learning how to use their hands, standing for the very first time, walking along the walls leading to many other wonderful things that you never even realized that you did one time in your life.

So whenever I’m feeling down, its easy for me to look at my son and say “I have no regrets” because there is always something beautiful in the experiences we have.

Ryan Bilawsky: Regret

Ah yes, regret. A feeling that I have become quite familiar with over the years, especially on the weekend mornings after liquor guzzling bar nights. After you have woken up and can feel the fuse of your soon-to-be explosive headache getting shorter and shorter.. you start feeling that regret coming on, along with a fine scent of whiskey and disappointment. Now, where is the Advil?

Regret: Kevin Reeve

For a select few photography geeks, historical processes have nearly been lost to time.
It would be regretful to let these processes die.  
There are a crazy few who brave the toxic chemicals to keep hand-made photography alive.

Cam Parsons: Tintypist or Heisenberg?

Coating the plate with collodion!

Not a scene from Breaking Bad. It's photography!

I had the good fortune to capture on video the zany antics of two such photographers. Cam Parsons and Charlie Carmen, Denver photographers, created a DIY wet-plate collodion studio. These are video "stills" from my upcoming short film "Collodion" which will be released shortly on my website kevinreeve.com.  Stay tuned for updates, don't regret not watching!

Regret: Christi Bode

Oil painting, Self Portrait, 2005

I regret the small stuff.  This may or may not be a manifestation of some of my obsessive traits.

Crusty stale bagels for breakfast
Wearing high heels while lugging 30 pounds of lighting equipment
Pairing two different white socks together with varied ribbing and knowing that it’s there all day long
Listening to Metallica in rush hour traffic

Listening to Katy Perry in rush hour traffic
Walking into a bathroom stall with no toilet paper
Leaving my Tide To-Go pen in the car when I dribble a 1mm dot of coffee on my shirt

We all come from different backgrounds, environments and experiences that make us who we are today.  I’ve faced my own demons and have my own unique set of battle scars that not many can understand.  I own my decisions and recognize several were made from a different state of mind.  The one thing I regret?  Neglecting my art for so long. I am now alive.

*harp strings and chirping birds*

Regret-Michelle McClelland

            The darkest of moments lead you into mouth of regret, gruesome with all the horrific nature that brought you to that lonesome place.  Everything you had consumed by the lustful nature of just one more hit!  

            A deep inhale and then a moment of calm before the heart races and for that fragmented part of time everything was going to be okay, all the worries manifested into a quickly dissipating mist.

            Quickly springing to your feet........feeling invincible, ten feet tall as it were, the streets were the playground with no limits of time or  rules that could contain us; but a game of roulette perused with each and every line, it was a chance of life or death and that was often forgotten.

            Once something to be proud of, but somehow it all slipped away.  Friends would die, jobs would be lost, addictions became the priorities and darkness quickly overcame any light. The bottom had finally hit, completely alone, broke and desperate!

http://www.cocainehelp.com/
http://addiction.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Crack_Addict_Behavior

Ashley Ecklund | Regret

When one is full of regret they feel as though the world is happening around them.
They can't seem to rejoin it. There is a bubble that consumes the person and it swallows all the hustle around the soul and blocks it out. Regret is friends with lonely but they are like the weird kids that sit in the back of the lunchroom. Nobody talks to them and there is just something strange about them that makes others avoid them. They live in a cold dark place, hand in hand, while the rest of the world gets blocked out.

Cam Parsons - Shadow

I have always royally sucked at anything athletic, but nothing makes me more pumped in the winter months than basketball season. The sweat, determination, and drama are always a great way to pull me away from the bitter winter weather.

Check out this sweet highlight reel of Sprite's Slam Dunk Contest.

Shadows: Christi Bode

Welcome to the dark side of Human Resources: drug testing.  It’s all fun and games until HR hands you a clear plastic cup. Go ahead and give us your excuses for smelling like Domestic Don Juan.

"I ate 3 dozen poppyseed bagels this morning."

"I washed my clothes in the latest eco-friendly laundry detergent."

"My friend pushed me into a big bush of pot."

As the number of medical marijauna users in Colorado is rising exponentially, this is leaving employers dazed and confused.  Generally, it has been presumed that employers can fire workers for using, medicinally or not.  Until the state law is settled, former employees are not protected constitutionally under federal guidelines and will most likely lose an unemployment claim. Please refer to page 8 of your Company Handbook.    

Regards,
Corporate Christi

Shadow: Thomas Palos

As the morning sun light comes blasting threw the tress and into the window it makes shadows in certain areas on the floor, allowing the sun to warm up the other spots like a pan on a stove. Felix Jones tries to get out of the shadows, but he doesn't mind and just lays down anyways to warm his fur up. Jones comes and lays in this spot every morning before he goes and sleeps for hours. 

What a life...

Ashley Ecklund: Shadow

Street photography can be so interesting. The smallest details really inspire me personally. Especially midday, when the shadows vary so much because of reflections and refractions caused by buildings.  The way shadows fade oddly, in a way that wouldn't be possible in direct sunlight. 

Shadow- Michelle McClelland Post

  Deep down within the darkest parts of my soul lies the shadows of doubts, despair, and fear always seemingly louder with every passing day; and at those moments when it seems too much to bare it's just easiest to rip them away

distorted-euphoria-photography.com

Shadow: Anna Keiser

What is a silhouette but a shadow that is coming forth? Both shadows and silhouettes alike are intangible. You can only touch the surface of them. While these shadows are standing and facing you, it's not the shadows that are the subject, rather, it's the light creating them.

Shadows: Kevin Reeve

Bourbon shadows. ©Kevin Reeve

“There's no app for a Bourbon buzz on a warm day in a cool, dark bar. The world will always want a drink.”

-Gillian Flynn

There is an allure to Bourbon that doesn't exist in other whiskeys. Don’t get me wrong, I love Scotch whiskey, Irish whiskey, Canadian whiskey, Tennessee whiskey, blended and single barrel whiskeys. Get it? I like whiskey. But there is a savage refinement in a high-proof Bourbon, like getting slapped in the face by the gloved hand of a beautiful women. Then asking for another...

Bottoms up! - Kevin

A review of one of my favorite Bourbons, Pappy Van Winkle 20 Year! 

Shadow: Paige L. Hill

In the shadows of my mind, I can be anything I would like to be.

I could be a princess with the prettiest ball gown in all the land.  A magnificent tiara to sit a top my head, showing off my beautiful long cascading hair as it shimmers in the spot light. 

Elements: Cara Eglinton

While I sit and listen to the peaceful sound of water as it pours into the stream below I am relaxed and calm. However, when I look at it a see a force that is so powerful that is sculpts it own way through nature and doesn’t let anything stop it from getting to its destination.

Water moves around, over, under, and though anything in its way. Water isn’t just another element, it is a calm and peaceful part of nature that can have a fatal attraction if not approached with the utmost caution.

Vison: Cara Eglinton

As I wondered through the park reminiscing on all the wonderful days I had with my father, I saw a man with a familiar face. He was an elderly man who frequented the park often.
As I was walking past him we said hello to each other and I couldn't help but mention that I see him often at this park. The man introduced himself, his name is William, he used to take walks everyday with his wife through this park until last year when she passed away. He then began to explain to me the details of the last walk they took.
He told me how they sat on this bench and enjoyed the cool fall air, and how he looked at her and told her that she was more beautiful than that fall day. Her name was JoAnn, she was 76, and they had been married for 53 wonderful years when she had passed away that evening on October 22, 2011. He then told me how he walks through the park everyday and stops just for a moment to stare at the bench where she sat for the last time, and in his mind how he could see her sitting there just as beautiful as she was that day.
I thanked William from sharing his story with me, and took this picture of the bench on the other side of the bridge where he goes everyday to remember his wife.

Cam Parsons - Vision

As photographers, we are stripped from our normal three-dimensional world, and forced into a flat, and seemingly boring two-dimensional world. But in this 2-D state of vision, we make this one eye be our lens to the world. And when you personify that trait of a photographer, the cyclops is kinda the perfect self portrait for a photographer.

(Check out this RadioLab short to discover how even our complex eyes are still only seeing a sliver of how things really look.)

Vision: Thomas Palos

As I run the last lap I can feel the sweat running down my face, my heart beating rapidly I lay down in the grass to take a rest. My vision is always blocked out on what is going on around me after a long run. I recover myself by sitting up and looking straight out into the distance as I wipe the salty sweat from my eyes. My vision becomes a bit more clear, but when I come to face it, there is always something blocking my vision.

Vision: Kevin Reeve

Colorado's ballot and the move to legalize marijuana. Image ©Kevin Reeve

Vision of the future: Marijuana on the ballot

In this brutal election season, we are besieged by the freakishly inevitable campaign advertising assault.  In our Clockwork Orange-style television death-march to Election Day, we Mile High mountain-folk haven’t heard much about the Colorado initiative to legalize marijuana in Colorado, on the ballot in November. Medical miracle? Harmless plant? Gateway to Junkieville? Voters will have the final say.

Which way swims the fickle savage that is the Great Red Shark of American Virtue?  Will the voting public 'legalize it' or continue the war on drugs?

Have a vision of the future? Help decide, VOTE!

Vision- Michelle McClelland Post

"It is within my imagination I find true vision and beauty that surrounds me"

 I forgot somewhere along the way how magical my vision of the world was as a child. I suppose this is just something we lose as we become adults and our minds fade away the unrealistic possibilities and the what if's. But on some amazing occasions we are left to remember those brief moments of wonderment and laughter by sitting back and watching the spark of a child and the imagination that comes leaping from them.


Some other great examples of Shadow play http://www.bestfreewebresources.com/2010/08/30-examples-of-shadow-photography-taken-at-perfect-time.html 

Vision: Paige L. Hill

Staring at the wall, I can just see it now. The place I’d rather be. Out there, way out there, in the mountain tops. Hearing the sounds of nature all around, feeling the cool breeze on my face, smelling the fresh air. Some place where there is no signal, totally off the grid. Just me, my thoughts and I. Places like these allow me to fine tune my vision for whatever project. 

Vision: Ryan Bilawsky

"The only thing worse than being blind is having sight with no vision."

-Helen Keller

Vision: Christi Bode

Amtrak Station, Glenwood Springs, CO

There is something to be said about stepping into a different environment and seeing the world with a fresh set of eyes.  I am more observant and begin to notice the details of my surroundings; everything around me is compelling content for a new visual essay.

I embarked on a 2 day, 22 hour roundtrip train ride from Denver to Helper, Utah this weekend.  Travel by train takes a backseat to other modes of transportation in America, but it truly is a hidden gem.  My curiosity brought me on board the California Zephyr, a daily route that weaves from Chicago to San Francisco.  Every seat felt like first class; nothing compares to watching the landscape transform from the window of a train.

I made some new friends, too! I heard many stories and learned some lessons, including: why Canada is the best country ever, how being 85 years old is the new 30, and Helper, Utah is a place out of "The Hills That Have Eyes".  Follow more of my journey on my blog.

-- Conductor Christi

  

Anna Keiser: Vision

Nighttime skyline of businesses across from Sloan's Lake in Denver.

After a long night of work at the local McDonald's, my vision becomes a bit blurry. The city lights are bright and make me squint. I believe that artists have a vision in everything they create, such as the architects that built the strip of businesses on Sheridan. With a long exposure and some movement, you get a vision of something completely different.

Ashley Ecklund: Vision

What always interests me about photography is the differences in how we see as humans, and how the camera sees. Our eyes have a brain that help them interpret what information they pick up. We also have a high dynamic range, meaning we can see detail in a higher contrast of hilight and shadow. The camera is limited, it only has so much dynamic range and so much depth of field. However, sometimes these limitations are beautiful. They offer opportunities for special visual experiences that wouldn't be possible with our incredible human eye. This image is of the same subject, but the depth of field, framing, and focus are different. I love how some simple camera adjustments can make a completely different look and feel of the same subject.

(Check out this ADORABLE victorian themed little bistro in Capitol Hill where this was taken: Fleur Bistro. They have great options for brunch. I had the Veggie benedict and it was fabulous at a good price too!)

The Element of Revenge- Michelle McClelland Post

Here you will see an image of one of the first marshmallow camp outs that practice human shish kabobing and roasting heads over an open camp fire; now a  family favorite in many marshmallow homes. No kid can resist the sweet and salty taste as well as the crunchy texture.       

   

Their once was a peaceful kingdom in a faraway land. But one day greedy, hungry men came from outside of the kingdom and devoured the peaceful villages and everything within them. Saddened to find out their beloved king was thrown into a large cup of hot milk and chocolate, the marshmallow people ran in fear of being eaten, and became lost with out their beloved king! Soon their hearts filled with anger, hurt, and confusion they found themselves pondering the elements of revenge. They no longer stood in fear but rallied up and hunted each and every man that took part in destroying their peaceful land and robbing them of their families.

Ashley Ecklund: Elements

Fire: the element of destruction and warmth. A contradiction in itself. Needed for both life and a vehicle for death. A single flame flickers with the slightest of breeze with the threat of going out. Multiplied however, fire is all-consuming and powerful. The metaphorical flame within us as humans can flicker and struggle to stay lit if we so choose. However with a little coaxing, the fire can burn brightly and passionately, igniting  the drive to succeed. The drive to be. 

Elements: Thomas Palos

In the depths of the world there is a dark side to everything. Halloween brings out fear and excitement for all ages. Why not be scared by one of the most powerful elements of the world, fire. Fire brings out skulls and nighttime. Fire can burn things down and help light an area when scared to death by something unthought of. Happy Halloween!!

Elements: Cam Parsons

Brainstorming for this assignment really sent my brain on a journey. Thinking about how everything on this planet can be broken down into such a limited number of elements. From the rocks on the ground, to the microscopic cells that make up my body. Kind of an overwhelming thought, right?

Elements: Christi Bode

Dried creek bed - Parker, CO

An abandoned rusting doll stroller lays on the edge of the dried creek bed.  Impressions of Teva sandal footprints vanish off into the distance.  Canine fecal matter in piles of pyramidal magnitudes decorate the sandy path.  I look up and take in my surroundings; I am neither in a litter box or the Dust Bowl of the 1930s.  Cookie-cutter houses line the large open-space, guarded by a wooden fence surrounding the perimeter; they are protected from the wild jungle down here in the sand.  This sand feels anything but inviting.  Taking off my shoes wasn't an option.

I picked up the remainders of the rusty stroller and threw it in the trash.  Sand is a delicate element of the environment and needs to be treated like gold.

Sincerely the Treehugger,
Christi B.