Portlandia

I'm in Portland, OR through Monday but wanted to share one of my favorites from this past week in Big Bear. This week was more rejuvenating then I even know how to explain. So lucky to have such a great group of friends to lean on in an industry as big as this one.

One World Childrens Fund : Not Words but Deeds

If you guys are looking to drink a cocktail and want to help donate to the One World Children's Fund stop by their cocktail event on Thursday, January 27th at CIRCA in SF. Proceeds from the silent auction will be going to One Word too and I've donated a portrait session- so if you're thinking of booking why not go grab a cocktail and see if you can give the proceeds to children in need around the world instead?

One World has been fortunate enough to have met generous companies and people throughout our 10 years.  CIRCA just so happens to be one them. On Thursday, January 27th from 6-9pm, CIRCA will be donating 15% of drinks proceeds to One World.  Also at the event are fantastic silent auction prizes from the Presidio Golf Course, San Francisco Fine Arts Museum, Photographer  Meg Perotti, artist Gurpran Rau, Restaurant First Crush , Polk Street Boxing Gym, Club One Gym, and many more! So grab a friend (or two), meet us at CIRCA after work, get a drink and relax knowing you're giving back to good cause. *No RSVP necessary but for more information please contact ashlee@owcf.org.

Hanging out at the water-cooler until January 31st

One of the things that I miss most about having a "real" job is the water-cooler. I miss running into friends in the kitchen, asking how their weekends were, laughing about an episode of American Idol or commiserating about how terrible our current project is....For me,- on a daily basis- having people to relate to and bounce ideas, thoughts, and emotions off of is so important and sometimes working for myself feels very lonely! I have to work to create a network of people who I can trust- who understand my business and understand my need for socializing! I have to take time to pass by the water-cooler and not close my office door and subsequently cut myself off from the rest of my "company." That is why, I'm taking the next few days and heading out of town with a bunch of really amazing female photographers (and friends) to regroup, refresh, plan,  dream, giggle, create, sleep, play in the snow... etc. etc. I'll have my computer and will definitely still be working (lightly) and e-mailing but just in case you find things running a little slower than normal .. look for me by the water-cooler.

I was testing light for a portrait shoot I did today and I took this self-portrait. I look messy and tired but I like it.

Breathless, we flung us on a windy hill, Laughed in the sun and kissed the lovely grass. - Rupert Brooke

Little Meg | Harrison Family

I am so jealous of little Henry. He truly lives in the land of make believe - his eyes are so wide with imagination and the sweet innocence of true bliss. He has two of the coolest parents I've met and is going to be a big brother soon- life could not get better for this little kidd-o!

Even heroes have the right to dream.