kristenkiddphotography:

I have discussed dire circumstances at hospitals in Honduras in my previous posts. I want to take a moment and reflect on the beautiful people and culture of Honduras. I had the pleasure visiting this wonderful country shortly after a coup and during the Independence Day Celebrations. Nationalism was at high during that time and it was exciting to be a part of celebrations and discussions that involved a nation in transition.

Today is Giving Tuesday . I hope you’ll consider making a donation in someone’s honor as a christmas gift. Please consider this project which is very near and dear to my heart.

For many of you, I personally know what your family portraits mean to you. I have had the joy of providing you with those images and seeing your faces light up and hearing your kind words about how you treasure each moment. Yet, there are so many who will never know that joy.

So many have expressed the depth of gratitude you feel in having a beautiful portrait with a loved one who has recently passed away – capturing the ephemeral. I know that gratitude too, having loved ones pass on, but looking fondly and often at times we shared together. So many will never have this basic gift.

It would be an honor if you will consider helping me provide the gift of one family portrait to isolated and impoverished families in Honduras. Click the link to read more details. Please share this post liberally. Happy Giving Tuesday!

Finally, thank you so much for taking the time to digest this, amongst all of the adorable puppies, kittens, babies and inevitable shouting of opinions that I’m sure inundates your newsfeed.

Click on this link to read more about the project and donate with the click of a button. https://www.crowdrise.com/photographyforacause/fundraiser/kristenkidd

In my journey toward making the family portrait project in Honduras come to fruition, many shifts have developed in it’s germination (as with all things that must grow). First, the project has been retitled: Retrato/Portrait. The date of completion is Jan/Feb 2017. Thank goodness for this too, since I have a lot to prepare yet and a long way to go raising funds. Finally, a gallery has expressed interest in displaying the copies of the family portrait images in exhibition.

Today I want to share the Bio, Artist Statement and Description of Work I wrote as a proposal to the gallery. I believe that this shines such a poignant light on what it is I hope to accomplish. I want to share it as well, because as someone who has already donated or someone who may donate in the near future, I believe you deserve the same level of insight as a gallery that would host my work. Of course, having said that; click on this link if you’d like to donate with the click of a button. https://www.crowdrise.com/photographyforacause/fundraiser/kristenkidd

Lastly, I want to give special thanks so my brother, Jacob, who, with tremendous passion, has helped me vet the nuances and language of this project. Also, thanks to my husband, David, who tirelessly listens to my visions and conundrums; patiently offering advice (or not; dependent on what I need at the time).

Without further delay:

Biography
Kristen Kidd is a photographer and advocate living in Lansdale Pennsylvania. A native of rural, southern Virginia, she began photographing her family’s highly cultivated, though miniature, farm at the age of 15 when she picked up her father’s vintage Olympus. The desire to photograph flora and fauna soon gave way to an inclination toward people. Beginning with her early experiences photographing nursing home residents, with whom she volunteered and her mother worked, the desire to capture the dynamics of social complexities grew. Accordingly, Kristen has built a dual career track, on the one hand advocating for individuals with intellectual disabilities while, on the other, developing her photography skills and a rich portfolio of images of people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures. Her interest in Honduras began on a volunteering expedition with the local nonprofit Mujeres Amigas Miles Apart (MAMA) Project, during which she brought her camera and captured the journey as an amateur while assisting in medical brigades and building a community center. A second trip with the same organization brought her back as a photojournalist on behalf of MAMA. In recent years Kristen has built a business that is established on the principles of embracing equality, diversity and community. These core values ground her projects in an enhanced awareness of the critical issues facing our world and, she hopes, suggest the intentional steps we can take to “be the change we wish to see in the world.”

Artist’s Statement
I am given the distinct pleasure of photographing families, couples, and individuals in their greatest moments of joy. Yet, I am acutely aware that these family portraits – experiences and objects that my day-to-day work positions as basic rites of passage – are an unattainable luxury to a vast percentage of the world.
The vision for this project stems from the deep rooted memory of what it meant to the individuals and families that I photographed in Honduras. To see their faces illuminated on the tiny screen of my camera brought them such joy. They relished the confirmation that their likeness was saved in space and time. They asked for nothing in return. The joy of knowing they were preserved, somewhere, served as elation enough.
These families will never know preserving a memory of their family in a moment in time. When loved ones pass on, they strain to remember faces when we hang portraits, scroll Facebook and flip through albums. I want to consider what happens when we take an object that is intrinsically a part of our society, an icon; such as the family portrait and we place it in an environment in which it is a privilege, typically left only to the elite. I want to wrestle with what it means to the viewer who receives this image of their family juxtaposed to the viewer who receives these images to behold on display in a gallery setting. It is worth considering this because it’s good to give and because it’s good to reflect, with gratitude, on the gamut of what he have, what we take for granted and what is valued sharing in the human experience.
The family portrait, be it casual snap shot, polaroid, disposable camera or an image preserved on archival canvas, captured by the most revered photographer of our time; it is not food, water or shelter, but it is the one possession that most people agree they would consider running back into a burning building to save, once all loved ones made it out safely.

Description of the work
“Retrato/Portrait” will capture what is likely to be the only portrait that these families will ever have in the remote regions of Honduras. Up to 400 families will be photographed on Fuji Film Instax 3.25”x4.4” instant film. One image will be provided to the family and second image will be retained by the photographer. The second image will be brought back, mounted and framed for a gallery exhibition.

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Yet, beyond all of these gorgeous moments, I was focused in on these men. I considered family origins – my roots. My grandfather, as a boy, ran the streets of LA. As a young man, one of his many jobs was to tend carnation fields. I imagined him so many years ago (He turns 90 this year.) working hard for himself and his family to have what I now have. I considered the three generations of journeying through constant work, hope, pain, poverty, discrimination, assimilation to stability, security, safety, more hard work and prosperity. I envisioned the dichotomy, the gap, the chasm that lay between where I was, on vacation looking at pretty flowers, and where he was, working so damn hard for everything he has. A few yards of distance. An entire world apart.

I felt grateful for my history, grateful for where I stood at that moment and hopeful for him.

The post appeared first on Lux Summit Studio.

The post appeared first on Lux Summit Studio.

Upon taking these images I couldn’t tell you the difference between a sea lion and a seal. When I descended the steps into La Jolla cove, I was enamored by the wildlife, as I am by all wildlife. I was in awe of these creatures and appreciative to have the opportunity to coexist so closely.

Though, it was a bitter sweet encounter due to the vast number of visitors and their complete lack of empathy for another living creature’s personal space. I quickly became uncomfortable as I watched countless people approach a family of sea lions, hover inches away and even try to touch them. One aggressive bull spent his entire day herding his family into one adorable pile and then chasing tourists away and barking loudly. Most people laughed. I didn’t think it was funny. I sensed his level of anxiety and could not fathom why people didn’t draw the parallel that they themselves would be enraged if they were laying on the beach with their family and a constant parade of people came by, invading their personal space and trying to pet their children.

I thought the seal conservancy organization said it best, “Although harbor seals are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the reality is that many tourists unfortunately don’t understand the effect it can have on the seals when they engage in behaviors such as posing close to the hauled out seals for a selfie. Such seemingly innocuous actions can result in premature births, abandoned pups, and even pup mortality. The City’s Ranger does a wonderful job educating visitors about our seals, but he isn’t on-site 24 hours a day.” This sentiment could be echoed for any species of the family unit.

In researching to write this piece, I came to understand the complexities of the events surrounding the relatively recent emergence of these creatures at La Jolla Cove. What has transpired in recent history in San Diego is a classic dilemma of the relationship between human existence colliding with the natural world. According to several sources, the sea lions are viewed as a problem. The seals, who have long called these surrounding shores home for mating and birthing, are not viewed as a menace. The main difference being that sea lions are potentially more aggressive and have created a stench in the area that drives local business owners mad. It has been confirmed that the stench stems from the urine and feces that the sea lions generate from hauling out onto the cliffs where the ocean cannot quickly wash their excrement away. Seals, having smaller flippers, cannot climb the cliffs. Therefore their waste is washed away. According to KPBS Radio News the problem began when the city put up fences along the bluffs and cliffs which then invited the new guests to feel welcome without the presence of human interference.

It wasn’t long before these new visitors overstayed their welcome and many solutions were introduced, but thus far, to no avail it seems. It turns out that my frustration with the hoards of people blatantly disrespecting the personal space of these creatures was the result of one such solution. The theory being that to provide direct access to the sea lions by visitors would ultimately drive the sea lions away. Not a terrible theory, but they seem to be a more stubborn creature than we give them credit for.

I don’t want your take away from this piece to be, “Don’t visit La Jolla Cove. There are aggressive sea lions and it smells bad.” My experience was a rich one and the issues at hand are complicated and only a microcosm of a much larger issue concerning our constant struggle to coexist with the natural world. Go to La Jolla, to Childrens Beach and Casa Beach. Experience our clash with nature, but do it knowingly and respectfully. If you keep a respectful distance and simply coexist, then you will have no issue with these animals.

Don’t hover over a baby and somehow expect you won’t get bitten from an angry and stressed parent. Don’t cover your face and exclaim how terrible the stench is. Guess what, you go see wild animals, they typically defecate and it can smell. For the love of God, don’t feed them (are you kidding me people, do I really have to say this?) Honor the right of these animals to bask on the same shores you do without harassment. They have the right to enjoy the beautiful, pristinely blue waters, sandy shore line and dramatically stunning landscape as much as you and I. Go to La Jolla Cove and be respectful of the gift that nature has laid at your feet.

The post appeared first on Lux Summit Studio.

The staff are friendly to all visitors and passionate about their work. On Saturdays there is a noon tour and it requires no reservation. Show up 15 minutes before the tour starts. Pay the admission and join in. They recommend coming in the winter as that is when wolves are happiest and most active. We visited in February. It was five degrees and well worth it (with our three layers of carefully selected winter garb) to see the wolves in their prime. Following the tour we were welcomed back to the park office where we were treated to coffee or hot cocoa.

Located near Lancaster, it’s an easy day trip from Philadelphia. I recommend our itinerary which included packing a lunch, followed by wine at the fantastic Waltz Vineyards (great view and vino) and dinner at Bube’s Brewery and Catacomb Restaurant. All of these destinations are within 20 minutes of one another and definitely take the cake for must see adventures in the area. Catacomb restaurant is located floors below the brewery in what was once a speak easy. Enough said, right?

Another option is to stay at the Speedwell Forge Bed and Breakfast which is located at the Wolf Sanctuary. Guests have access to the wolf sanctuary during their stay which sounds to me like a magical way to sip your morning coffee, in the presence of awe inspiring wildlife. The bed and breakfast is apparently rated one of the top 10 in the U.S.. Therefore, personally, it screams Valentines adventure at some future date. For now, though, We stayed in an airbnb (which we swear by) and had a wonderful experience.

There are endless options for places to stay and things to do in the Lancaster area, but I say, just this once, skip the Amish and spend some quality time with the wolves.

The post appeared first on Lux Summit Studio.

I have discussed dire circumstances at hospitals in Honduras in my previous posts. I want to take a moment and reflect on the beautiful people and culture of Honduras. I had the pleasure visiting this wonderful country shortly after a coup and during the Independence Day Celebrations. Nationalism was at high during that time and it was exciting to be a part of celebrations and discussions that involved a nation in transition.

Today is Giving Tuesday . I hope you’ll consider making a donation in someone’s honor as a christmas gift. Please consider this project which is very near and dear to my heart.

For many of you, I personally know what your family portraits mean to you. I have had the joy of providing you with those images and seeing your faces light up and hearing your kind words about how you treasure each moment. Yet, there are so many who will never know that joy.

So many have expressed the depth of gratitude you feel in having a beautiful portrait with a loved one who has recently passed away – capturing the ephemeral. I know that gratitude too, having loved ones pass on, but looking fondly and often at times we shared together. So many will never have this basic gift.

It would be an honor if you will consider helping me provide the gift of one family portrait to isolated and impoverished families in Honduras. Click the link to read more details. Please share this post liberally. Happy Giving Tuesday!

Finally, thank you so much for taking the time to digest this, amongst all of the adorable puppies, kittens, babies and inevitable shouting of opinions that I’m sure inundates your newsfeed.

Click on this link to read more about the project and donate with the click of a button. https://www.crowdrise.com/photographyforacause/fundraiser/kristenkidd

The post appeared first on Lux Summit Studio.

These views are traced by poets and song writers. They are the subject of books. Here each peak becomes its own character and we feel, in an immense wave of relief, all of our crushing self-importance dissolve into the dirt. Here, in the vast identity that is Nature we come to terms with the limitations of our knowledge and control. We shake hands with it, make peace with it and ask for its friendship, but we forget. As soon as we descend the mountain, as soon as we answer the call and enter back into the clock work of our existence, where we are needed, where we are important, the importance of what we just witnessed seems a mirage. Yet, it calls out to us in faint whispers and we return, begging Nature to remind us of the big picture and where we stand in the frame.

The post appeared first on Lux Summit Studio.

The Cape May Brewing Company in Cape May New Jersey was one of the only breweries that showed up on my search for beach breweries at the Jersey Shore. I recommend anyone stop in any day of the week between 12 and eight, slap down $11, try out a generous sampling of four beers, get a tour and take home a pint or “can-styled” glass. The people are friendly, the beer is good and they even make a mean root bier that will bring a smile to tiny tike, prohibitionist, or run of the mill designated driver.

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I stopped in on a rainy day and even when the sun was nowhere to be found the open atmosphere, large windows, space, the bright, cheerful employees and patrons greatly compensated for the dreary state of the outdoors. I traded in one downpour for another and had a great time sampling each beer with a new friend. My heart be still for the Sir Ryan the Pounder with its maltiness and the McFee Stout which boasts three magic words in its description: Coffee, Stout and Irish.

If you find yourself in Asheville go have a seat under the ever watchful gaze of Henry VIII, order an IPA and send a cheers his way for one more thing one more king got wrong.

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Austin is a party on a Thursday afternoon. It’s a warm stroll having touched down from a chilly town far, far away. It’s a pirate greeting you at the threshold of a bar, but not a Disney World/Pirates of the Carribean kind of pirate, but an ironic one, as only Austin could produce. He’s just dedicated enough to the role to grow an outlandish beard and riddle his body with tattoos, don a pirate tee-shirt (think tuxedo tee-shirt, but a pirate.), but not serious enough to run an attraction at any major theme park…thank God. Austin is that same pirate insisting you pop in and the first round’s on him. It’s the subsequent and inevitable rounds you gladly pay for after, because the fun colonizes. It’s the music pulsing your ears at all times. It’s the strangers that fast become friends for just that moment in time. You hop in a photo booth together. You share a shot. You talk sports. You hop on the bar and dance and suddenly, it is over. The clock has struck midnight. The bar is a pumpkin and you must move on, but the ball – the brief snippet of time where chaos and kindred spirits collided; that was Austin.

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