I have to say it...

HOW ABOUT THAT OCTOBER SNOW STORM?!
It was crazier than I expected. I drove in it for a bit, literally dodging falling branches from trees. Then we lost electricity at my apartment from 8pm Saturday until sometime early evening Monday. I had been making some samples of photo-settings for ceramic jewelry, and then the after the lights went out, candle light was not enough for my perfectionist eyes. I did get a few variations completed though, so all was not lost.
I did get a few pictures from my window with my tilansdia and the snow falling in the background, maybe I'll upload them to help document the weekend.

We also took a good amount of pictures at my Grandparent's 50th anniversary party. Now, my job is to edit them and organize them in a photo book, and order the book from a decent online provider. Being the photographer of the family means "working" at every gathering. I felt like I was doing a wedding photo shoot....but I'm glad I'll be the key orchestrator in creating this memory book for my family. I'm sure it will be something to cherish in years to come.
Andddd, I can add this as another service offered to my website :)

An Update of This Week.

Busy week.
A lot has happened.

I won 3rd place in a juried show at Kutztown University titled: Peace, Love and Kutztown. This was nice for me, and I'll get a small gift certificate useable at the different vendors at school.
This is the photograph (yep, I've posted it before):

Fields and Wires 1

I taught my first lesson at LN Elementary school. It went really well, and my cooperating teacher was very enthusiastic about the results. Little moments of success in the classroom help me to feel that I am headed in the right direction, which is important for me. Of course there are things that need improvement, but when is there nothing that can be improved??

 

found via google

 I have become obsessed with Pinterest....

I'm beginning a new photography project based on portraits. I'm nervous and excited about this. I think I want to use dramatic studio lighting... so that means I need to cart around dramatic studio lights. Always annoying.. but usually worth it :) If anyone is interested in modeling/sitting for portraits, do let me know!
I'm also doing a lot of work in ceramics. I'm becoming addicted to making coffee mugs... at least they will be perfect Christmas gifts.

Irving Penn Quote

Sensitive people faced with the prospect of a camera portrait put on a face they think is one they would like to show the world. ...Very often what lies behind the facade is rare and more wonderful than the subject knows or dares to believe

- Irving Penn

Images, As Promised :)

Here are some of the images from my recent shoot with Alyssa, and recent engagement shoot with Lisa and Josh!

((Technical difficulties...tomorrow, maybe you'll see them?!))

Josh and Lisa.

Lisa and Josh.

Alyssa and Gunnar.

Gunnar and Alyssa.

Billie and Alyssa.

Billie, Alyssa and Gunnar.

Billie, Alyssa and Gunnar.

People!

I have had two opportunities to photograph people so far this month. I did a type of environmental portraiture/pet photo shoot with my friend Alyss and her horses. And I had an engagement session with a couple at the same location where I will photograph their wedding in September.
I haven't photographed people in awhile, so it has been very refreshing to get back into it. I'm currently away from my main computer, but I will post some samples of the two shoots soon!

And, as always, you can view those images and many more on my website: ashleeferraina.weebly.com

In other news, it's midterms week. So I'm very busy. Lesson plans (for elementary, middle and high school!), artist presentations (presenting myself), papers, papers, creating assessments, arts and crafts projects......stressful and tiring. But, once it's all finished I (hope) I'll feel very accomplished.

You can also see sample lesson plans, full lesson plans...anything art ed. related, on my other blog: resourcearted.blogspot.com

(I have both sites linked over my sidebar always!)

And now, for optical stimulation, I'll post some various images of "inspiration" I've been loving on the internet

Billy Buttons! I love these flowers and want them everywhere I go!

Some Pennsylvania Landscapes

A few from my shoots this weekend.

I am planning a photo filled weekend for myself!

I will be editing previous photos.

Shooting more for a series I'm working on.

Anddd, I have a consultation with a bride on Sunday.

I've already talked to the lovely bride to be on the phone a few times, and I am very much looking forward to meeting her and her parents. 

It's been a busy week of art for me. Working on my own creations. Going to the Elementary School and working with the adorable K-3rd graders. Lesson planning. Talking about art. Writing about art. Dreaming about art things. Exhausting. But lovely.

I'll post some of my photography work here today. Some new, and some old that are on my mind :)

Field and Wires

Kaelyn & Mike's Wedding

Birds

Planking

Plank Piece, Charles Ray, 1973

And you thought Facebook invented planking...

Friday

Despite the rain, and the fact that I was practically sleep driving on the way to school this morning (not safe, don't try it), I'm happy today.

First, had a lovely day in ceramics. I was finally able to find a texture/pattern/design method for embellishment that I feel connected to. It seems to reference my photography and my personality. This was very calming for me.

Second, going to POPPED FESTIVAL today! I can't wait to the amazing bands including: Cage the Elephant, The Joy Formidable, Company of Thieves, andddd the main reason I HAD to buy myself a ticket... The Shins.

the shins

Third, going to a friend's wedding tomorrow. That is always a happy day.

And fourth, being in love can always put a smile on your face.

Sample...

I was able to print some pictures, cut them out, and attach them to some nickles. This was the first actual trial, so there are some bugs to work out...but I'm getting more excited about the possibility to turn these into jewelry!

Power tower and power wires

Just Some Stumbling...

 I'm digging this artist right now...some of these little sayings, I have felt myself saying recently.

 Source: david-kramer

Bored with your shoe laces?
 click here :)

Home Improvement

Trying to make the apartment a bit more homey and easy to live in...

This is my current make-shift closet in an extra shower. Yes..we have 2 showers in one bathroom....
Hopefully this will be the "before" shot.

And this is a little something I threw together..

Create Create Create

Back to school today.
I'm excited to be in the digital photo lab with my huuugggee mac screen and wonderful printers.
I'm not excited to be getting homework and writing papers.
I'll have to make the best of it.

An image I shot and have been editing.

I have to admit, I'm nervous about this semester. I'll be faced with a lot of difficult Art Education classes, long days, and I'm commuting.
I'm trying to stay positive and motivated.
At least I am motivated to make art and craft objects.

......I'm working on making my photographs into jewelry! Stay tuned! Get excited..I am!!!

Lost & Taken

Mmm I love adding textures to digital photography..and now that I found this site I can go crazy with some new inspiration.

Question: Is it unprofessional/unethical to use these textures in my photography, and possibly sell the prints?

oohhh yeahhhh... here's the link :) lostandtaken.com

Everlasting.

I must confess...I have a soft spot in my heart for the movie Tuck Everlasting. While I was visiting my friend Melissa at her new home in South Carolina, I noticed the movie was playing on TV.
Her boyfriend was forced to watch it with me.
And then, of course, a lengthy "would you drink the water?" conversation followed.









Not only do I think the story line is adorable. I also loved the cinematography.

Stay Creative :)

Found at MobyPicture

Terrarium

I've been wanting to bring some plant life into the apartment...so I started looking at some DIY terrariums on CraftGawker.
Here are a few I really like....

Find the directions for this^v at the hipster home

next.

simple, yet elegant by radMegan