September 23, 2009
September 17, 2009
My Godsister…
has a pet parrot named George
who loves to curse in Greek.
She plays in the Roller Derby,
knit me a hat and a purse last Christmas,
and makes the best chocolate chip-zucchini cookies.
My Godsister gives me lots of good music,
most recently Ziggy Marley.
She named her guinea pig after Arlo Guthrie.
Arlo only eats organic veggies.
She will soon have her own website for her paintings,
and they are something else, I tell you.
She tried hard to dress “normally” when she met with her daughter’s teacher last week.
I don’t know if it worked.
My Godsister’s daughters a think that Hannah Montana is really lame.
and their clothes never match, but in a really good way.
They all like to listen to Cat Stevens and watch reruns of the Muppet Show.
She gave me some seeds from her garden the other day,
heirloom flowers-some from Arlo Guthrie himself.
I don’t know if Monsanto would approve of this.
My Godsister has a phone from the 1950s in her house.
It still works, but the ring is really, really loud.
I am mesmerized by her life…
August 29, 2009
What do you say to someone who has loved, really loved your child for the last three years? How, exactly do you thank them?
LoLo, we left a few pieces of our hearts beneath your oak tree this week. I think that they just might stay there forever…
August 24, 2009
Want to hear it?
I still love film best…
August 20, 2009
What Love Looks Like. {Los Gatos Family Portrait Photography}
Posted by joannmanolisphotography under portraits[6] Comments
I was so honored when Nicole contacted me all the way from Europe several months ago about a family portrait session. She, her children, and her brother would be in the country visiting her parents and she asked if I could capture some images of their family together. The answer, of course, was a resounding yes! Nicole and her family were so incredibly gracious and her two little ones were as sweet as they look.
If someone were to ask me what what love looks like, I would show them these next three images…
Beautiful mom + happy children + stunning location + late afternoon sun +Love = a photographer’s dream come true!
I was so taken by how sweet and gentle Nicole’s brother was with his nephews. I later learned that he’s a preschool teacher.
The whole gang
And of course, I couldn’t help but to do my favorite thing…shoot right into the setting sun! Could I have been any luckier on this day?
Nicole, I was honored to be contacted by you, but even more honored to have been able to spend time with you and your family. Each one of you radiates so much beauty and joy. Thank you for including me in this evening…I loved it!
Love,
Jo Ann
August 18, 2009
Today is a good day. It’s my mom’s birthday and I can just smell late summer in Bath, Ohio where we gathered to eat pie and celebrate. I miss her so much…
Happy Birthday, Mom…I Love you.
August 5, 2009
Away I go for a few days to enjoy some late summer sunsets, trail runs, and river wading. I know I’m overdue because I’m actually debating on whether or not I should bring my camera along. I’m leaning toward leaving her behind. She has been so good to me, after all…and just may appreciate a break as well.
I’ll be back in action on Monday, August 10th and will be answering all e-mails and voice mails then. Thanks in advance for your patience and understanding.
With Much Love,
J
August 3, 2009
Yesterday was my second consecutive Sunday of not turning my computer on. So hard to do with deadlines looming, clients waiting, and ideas, thoughts, colors, and dreams floating around in my head…but, I did it and it was magical I tell you. This is my new creed, a day unplugged with my family and loved ones receiving my undivided attention…with the exception of an hour or so alone on the running trails or maybe in yoga class. Other than that, I get to enjoy the precious things.
We had the most glorious afternoon visiting friends in their new home. We played with trucks, hung out on the lawn, and ate a yummy dinner in their gorgeous fruit tree-filled backyard. As I watched the sun dip down, I had to pull out my camera and snap a few quick ones of the delicious light. Most are of my tree-climbing almost-5-year-old which I’ll save for Yia-Yia…but I did grab a shot of my favorite tree in the yard. I’m trying to figure out why I’ve gone 36 years without tasting these little gems. Everyone else said that they were too sour, but I found them perfect and mouth-watering. How lucky am I to be able to taste my very first ones right off of the tree?
I send you love right off of the tree today…
July 29, 2009
Featured on Snippet & Ink Wedding Blog!
Posted by joannmanolisphotography under weddings[6] Comments
How lucky am I? One of my weddings has been featured on Snippet & Ink, one of the most fabulous wedding blogs around! Kathryn of Snippet & Ink has impeccable taste and has created such an amazing and inspiring resource, you must check it out. Kathryn regularly features images by some of the most talented photographers in the industry. Just being included in the same blog as these women and men is an honor to say the least. Thanks, Kathryn!
Although I’d love to take most of the credit, it really belongs to my amazing friends and clients Annie and Jonathan for creating such a stunning event and for being the perfect subjects. Annie and Jonathan’s wedding so perfectly reflected both of their personalities and their very sweet love for each other. Annie & Jonathan, I love you guys! I’m also grateful to my wonderful brother-in-law and talented photographer Kevin for second-shooting for me. Some of his work is featured in the post as well.
Oh, and how could I forget my dear Amy, for introducing me to Kathryn’s gorgeous blog and encouraging me to submit my work. As someone who struggles with the whole confidence thing, I am indebted to her for her inspiration and gentle push toward pursuing my dreams!
CLICK HERE to check out the post.
xxoo,
Jo
July 24, 2009
7 days of living here, 4 horses, 1 dead black widow, 1 barn owl, 2 beautiful farm boys, 1 fabulous mom, 1 dad who will be excited to see these, lots of cool hats, 1 awesome greenhouse, 10 amazing acres. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world, I got to visit the ranch and photograph this beautiful family a couple of weeks ago…
M and family, thank you for welcoming me into your magical lives…the experience is still with me. I look forward to coming to visit again soon! All my Love, J
