On Photographer Worship: Nich Hance

Came across Nich Hance the other day via 01 Magazine Blog and found myself kind of smitten. Turns out, we are also flickr friends. For me, these images are Songs of Travel and given my bug for such things I can't help but enjoy. I'm also a sucker for an individual amidst beautiful landscape... and horses! His landscapes are beautiful and located on his website, well more varied work can be found on his flickr. Take a look.

In light of the Oscar Nominations today, I'd like to just give a quick shout out to the King's Speech. I saw this film while in Arizona... and let me put it this way:I wanted to see this movie because everyone was raving about it and I can't much think for myself sometimes and am swayed by hype. The truth of the matter is, the plot seemed potentially boring to me and as my coworker said "It looks like a big screen version of a PBS movie."

You know, and that it was, BUT, it was everything that is amazing about a PBS movie and everything that is amazing about truly capable actors with a fascinating story to tell. The art direction was also a dream. The unsung hero of the movie for me was the wall in the background of Geoffrey Rush's office. Amazing. I wanted to know more about this wall.

I felt fully engrossed in the story and wanted nothing more than to see Colin Firth succeed (as I always do.) The truth of the matter is, when you get such a cast of great actors there is high potential for disaster, but when it is right, it is right. This movie was very right and I'd recommend it to most anyone. I challenge you not to enjoy it just a bit.

On Take Me There - Tulum, Mexico

I haven't mentioned this yet, but I'm headed back to Mexico at the end of this month. So, rather than curb my urge, I think our recent trip to a warm climate has but exacerbated my need to get there as quickly as possible. The destination is Tulum, a place I went and loved before.

In research for this year's trip, I came across this post about a hotel apparently in Tulum, but the post does not say where. It's too late now, we've booked a beautiful cabana right on the ocean... but I'm still wondering where this is??

Updated: Coqui Coqui! Owned by a model. Ugh.

The Selby did some amazing photos here.

On Inspiration Friday

On Photographer Worship: Vivian Maier

The Internet is all a flutter over Vivian Maier, the recently discovered street photog genius/nanny from the North Shore of Chicago. If you haven't watched the following video, I recommend it! The story is truly fascinating.

So, given the ruckus, I wanted to stop on over the Cultural Center to give the show a look with my own eyes. My brother was in town this Tuesday and given his similar interest in all things photographic, I thought it would be a perfect activity for the two of us. To say we were both pleased by the experience would be an understatement.

The show was quite stunning... but for me, not so much of what was being shown, but for what is going to be shown in the future when all the photos are developed. It is clear this show is just a taste and a taste that has been done on the cheap (all the mattes are cut crooked)... but it tasted so good. You can't help but wonder how a woman with such skill, understanding and unique perspective managed to go unnoticed for her entire life. Additionally, she spent her entire life taking pictures and the vast array seems so... well, vast. But, what a treat to have access to her now. My hope is that someone throws some real cash behind this to get all her work developed and mounted in a proper setting. I think the potential is there, but in the meantime I recommend following the blog as her work is revealed and stopping into the Cultural Center if you are in Chicago and have a chance. Oh, and this goes without saying, but the little scans posted on the internet do not in anyway do justice to the prints.

On Eating Well: The Mission - Scottsdale, AZ

One of my highlight meals in Scottsdale was a restaurant called The Mission which serves "modern latin cuisine." We just happened across it as we were getting a brief driving tour of Old Scottsdale, somewhat of a tourist trap. Thanks to an attractive exterior and the ease of finding reviews on iPhones we decided to give it a go. We dined al fresco on the front porch near an open fire. We had table side guacamole made for us and I had butternut squash tacos and a mango jicama salad. Yum.














For me, this was the kind of restaurant in the Southwest I would hope for. Lucky us to find it!

On Hiking in the Desert

It seems in the past year or so I've had the distinct privilege to spend time in places that have unique and inviting terrain. Places that encourage exploration and appreciation of natural beauty. That being said, before this weekend I haven't actually spent much time in the desert. I went to Phoenix when I was young, but since then seem to end up in places that are a bit more lush. That's why I was pretty set on taking advantage of hiking opportunities while we were in Scottsdale. There is actually something I find aesthetically pleasing about the southwest and desert living, so I wanted to get up close and personal.

The first day we did a shorter hike unsure of our abilities, but on day two we managed a 5 miler through the McDowell Mountains.

Can I say I now have a particular affinity for "hiking"? What I like about it is the need for follow through. There is no quitting or you won't make it home. I love that. I also love appreciating the space in which we were in and just being able to touch, look and listen. It was really wonderful. Should I live in a warmer climate during these months, I would certainly ditch the indoor track for such hikes.