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sneak peak!

I shot an engagement session a few weeks back in the quirky, Fells Point, in downtown Baltimore.  It was the first time I incorporated video into my photography, and I think I’m in love.  I love how short documentary films capture the sweet + real moments in an artistic way.  I love how they tell stories in a way that photography cannot.  Don’t get me wrong, I love photography, but I also love the idea of a cinematic story — both are oh, so beautiful in different ways.  And incredibly captivating + emotional when used together.

As for my first engagement film, I thought it would be neat to create a “Save the Date”, but by way of a film — so here it is, a sneak peak of Zaved + Nafisa’s engagement shoot.  More photos from the e-session are soon to come!  As for film standards, this film is not perfect.  I need to be more effortless + smooth in my filming — something which can be worked on with more practice.  And practice would be nice right about now because the ideas in my head are overflowing! Overall it makes me happy to watch after the hours of editing.  It’s also super sweet to see two people so in love.

Thanks to my brother for the use of his camera, and my husband for his creative eye.  Make sure to increase the volume.  Music by the lovely Basia Bulat.  [Note: The still photography may look somewhat stretched — I am working on a way to fix this.]

nostalgia.

One of his best works yet.  Powerful.  It’s a short film about life and remembering what it was like to be a child — it’s about the transition from babyhood to adulthood and the changes that life pushes our way.  Changes are inevitable. Better yet, Nostalgia features my rolly polly Dharacakes as, “Weebie.”

Matthew 18:2-5 [The Message]
“For an answer Jesus called over a child, whom he stood in the middle of the room, and said, “I’m telling you, once and for all, that unless you return to square one and start over like children, you’re not even going to get a look at the kingdom, let alone get in. Whoever becomes simple and elemental again, like this child, will rank high in God’s kingdom. What’s more, when you receive the childlike on my account, it’s the same as receiving me.”

glee.

Not sure if any of you watch Glee, but I just had to post this spoof my brother filmed, directed and acted in.  It’s pretty creative and entertaining.  He filmed this as an intro/opening for the Indian dance group, Jashn, for the Ajooba Dance Competition they were in at UMBC.  If you haven’t already figured this out, I’m a big fan of my little brother’s work and I know, that only by the grace of God, Josh is one talented dude.

papa day 2010.

Papa Smith and Dhara (3 months old)

[An older entry.] Gregory celebrated his first Father’s Day this year.  My daughter has a wonderful father.  He is dedicated to her well being — especially her spiritual well being.  Every morning before he leaves for work, whether she’s still asleep or not, he lays his hand gently on her and prays for her.  What blesses me most is knowing that the love she experiences from her earthly father translates into how she will come to understand love from her heavenly Father who loves her in the most perfect way.

Here are 10 things I love about Dhara’s daddy:

1.  The way he prays for his daughter.

2.  The way he believes in faith for his daughter to become a woman of God.

3.  The way he spends time with her.

4.  The way he laughs when Dhara is in her delirious-sleepy-smiley-stage right before she hits the sack for the night.

5.  The way he swaddles her so precisely.

6.  The way he would rock her to sleep when she was a wee one.

7.  The way he praises her.

8.  The way he waters the garden with her against his chest.

9.  The way he provides for his baby.

10.  The way he simply loves.  It reminds me of Jesus.

We celebrated Father’s Day a few days late by going to our old stomping grounds of downtown Baltimore to have a sushi dinner and watch the 48 Hour Film Project at the well-known and historic, Charles Theater.  It felt nice to take a walk on our old street.  I love living in the country, but I also loved living in the city.  There is something so alive about a bustling city filled with lights, historic markers, interesting people, and great restaurants.

The 48 Hour Film Project was an interesting experience.  We watched 12 short films and rated our top three.  It just so happened that my film major of a brother, Josh, helped film an Indian one.  Great job Josh!