Photographer Rosie Holtom took pictures of homeless people from London, dressed as they’d like the world to see them. Not only are they beautiful portraits, but there is such light and confidence that comes through in these. As communities, we need to be better about inspiring that in those who are homeless for whatever reason; there are incredible people shrouded in bold asks for money and curled up with a blanket on the streets.
via a New York Times slideshow and article about yoga in Israel among (un)Orthodox Jews.
44 Stock Photos That Hope To Change The Way We Look At Women.
I actually think about stock photography a little bit too much. Who do photographers look to cast, and why? What tone and feel do they ask each subject to strike, in hopes that it creates a stock image so appealing that it will resonate broadly with an unknown audience?
Stock photos everywhere build on stereotypes, especially those of gender. We see “traditional” roles tied to emotions, stature, clothing, race, and status symbols that don’t strike us as surprising, because it’s how we “normally” picture representations of circumstance. But, these boxes are false, because the false feels safe and comforting in a way. These photos represent certain stock image “risks” that we can only hope become mainstream and equally boring in the future.
From Touching Strangers by Richard Renaldi.
Here’s how this went last year.
And now, checking in on those resolutions made for 2012:
Do awesome photo projects
Started the Brooklyn Bathroom Blog and have been going on fun photo outings. Also bartered grantwriting help with a photography lesson. Definitely giving space for photography exploration, though I’d like to enjoy what I do in physical form instead of just digital, too.
Maintain strong connections with important friends and family
Very much so! I was proud of doing a better job than ever making space for people I wanted to spend more time with and spending that time in what I felt were meaningful ways. CARRY FORWARD the goal to continue this!
Continue to explore professional and personal growth opportunities
Did a lot of informational interviewing (aka chatting with people who do cool things about what they do), so that was exciting. Big victory too was developing and teaching four courses at the Brooklyn Brainery that have been successful as professional classes and also for me personally. I went to a few workshops and conferences to build professional skill sets, and jumped on various consulting opportunities that came my way. Oh, and I think getting a blogger profile with Huffington Post is a positive thing!
Function better in unplanned, last-minute scenarios or blips in plans
Yes. I like that this was a goal, and I think I overall executed. I got a bit less crazy when people were late, and went with the flow more in general. Accountability buddy Sam was a key part of this, and I hope to keep that partnership in place in the coming year.
Make this blog or another writing venture something more public, as long as I keep enjoy doing it
See two bullets up. Also, I think more people read this blog than I think, because people randomly mention a post that stood out to them in conversations. Also, on the point of “as long as I keep enjoy doing it,” I am 1) aware that this was not an example of good editing and 2) still very much enjoying writing, and have realized that I love it because I can write in the exact style I’d like and about the exact content that strikes me. For now at least, this is the primary type of writing that excites me. I will CARRY FORWARD a more polished version of this goal!
Wear makeup a little bit more, but never spend more than 120 seconds on it.
Fail. And fine with it. Though I have taken more time to put together ‘a look’, which accomplishes a similar thing.
Take more improv classes, and continue to formulate what I want to do with it as it relates to longterm goals
I took Level 3 at Magnet and was also on a team this Fall. I continued to guest on PreRecorded.com as it worked with my schedule. I think the aspects of improv that are most appealing to me are groupwork, listening skills, creativity, and sincere fun. I’d love to integrate improv that truly embodies each of those elements into my life this year. Also, I took a storytelling class this year, which was profoundly impactful both because of the people I met and the power of the craft. I want to grow stronger roots in that this year.
Become a member of a nonprofit board
Sadly, no. Silver lining #1: wouldn’t have had the fair amount of energy to give to it this year. I’m currently on my last planned year of co-chairing Young Friends of Tufts Advancement, which will hopefully free up some time for board membership. Silver lining #2: I spent a lot of time thinking about what my ideal role on a board would be, and what sort of organization that would work best at. CARRY FORWARD!
Cook more in cost effective, healthy, and fun ways
Embarrassed to say no. I think I didn’t accomplish it because I had no real driver and truly didn’t make the time for it. Chalk it up to city living?
Work on building a sustainable skillshare of some sort among friends
Didn’t end up doing, but mostly because of the wonderful community I found at the Brainery.
Get Anderson Cooper to come for dinner
Let’s just leave this one alone.
Cheers! Happy New Year!
An amazing photography series and cultural exploration.
(via Portraits of Albanian Women Who Have Lived Their Lives As Men)
Pacific St., Brooklyn
It’s Yom Kippur again, and I am reflecting on the last year. There’s certainly been a lot I’ve done well, a lot I haven’t, and some things I just couldn’t change. I would like to take this opportunity to ask forgiveness from those who I have wronged this year and to work on being more patient, thoughtful, and understanding next year. To my family and friends, thank you for your support this year; you’re awesome. To everyone fasting, have an easy fast. Gmar Hatima Tova. I’m feeling good about 5773.
