Chasing Openhearted Dusty Dreams

My goal of a blog of week was short-lived, but not because of anything other than the simple fact that that funny thing called life keeps happening.

Today, however, I want to honor my grandfather. Sure, he was a bit of a cranky man, but he was also the nucleus of my familial leanings toward photography. He was a WWII war veteran, but his time wasn’t spent fighting. Rather, it was spent documenting his surroundings (Burma and India) with his Graflex and processing his film in an army tent. That’s pretty badass, if you ask me.

It wasn’t until my 30s that I developed a close relationship with my grandfather, and the focus was always on film, photography, and printing and processing. When I decided to go to school for photography, his interest piqued. Photography became the common ground we could stand upon and the place where the sordid waters of our past became placid. Talking film lit a spark in his eye that I had never seen. It brought him back to a time where he could capture things from a perspective that was purely his own. As it turned out, my number one critic became my head cheerleader. In some funny way, I was living out his dream. Who knew? Not me, that’s for sure.

In the last couple of years, in the shadow of my beloved grandmother’s passing, my grandfather’s passion for film faded and his crankiness resurfaced. Still, I am grateful for the time I had to talk with him and reminisce about a love we both shared. I am grateful that my heart was open enough to allow that in, because truth be told, that is where the healing and letting go began.

It’s time to chase the dream again and honor a man who’s enthusiasm for photography began in an old, dusty army tent. Sweet travels, Saba Bob, may you rest with your lady love.

Love and shutter clicks,

Sarit

It’s Almost 2012: Do Epic Shit

It’s not too late to post one more piece, damn it! This year has been insanely interesting. My photography has taken quite a spin: pinup, events, portraits, social movements, you name it. I’m looking forward to 2012.  My intentions this coming year are this:

• More art; Less Bullshit.
• Laugh more
• Finish updating my new site!!!

I got into this mess to create art and use my camera as a visual voice. My focus on the conceptual has been nil, despite the fact that’s what drives me. I want to sing to the world in 2-dimensioanal flurries; I want to include you, dear reader, because those flurries are nothing without the inspiration and support of those around me.

Thank you, everyone, for supporting my madness throughout the years. Have a blessed and hilarious 2012.

With love and shutter clicks,

Sarit

Safelights, Magic, and Jazz

I picked up a camera when my heart was breaking. When I couldn’t figure out what to do with my life anymore. This time, I decided to make a career out of something I’d been playing with since childhood. Something I learned from my dad when he was printing in the darkroom he’d built when I was a kid. I learned to shoot with his Olympus OM2, a camera I still revere but do not own. I learned to watch images appear slowly in the warm glow from the Safelight, enthralled by this apparent magic.

Later, when I decided to go to school to hone my craft, I found myself intoxicated by the smell of developer and fixer, regardless of the poisoness fumes. I was still smitten with the “magic,”" even though I was knowledgeable of the truth. At this point, my photography became my voice. My means of communicating with the world from which I often felt detached. The truth is, my memories of my dad are antiquated and fading fast. The positive relationship I remember truly ended when I was 7 and has been spotty and dysfunctional ever since. With him, there is hope, as he and I both are trying to mend this relationship. Still, both parents left me feeling orphaned and isolated, making my writing and photography the only true means of honest connection.

When I shoot now, I shoot with my heart wide open, hoping to create a real connection with those I photograph. I’ve built a remarkable family though via my marriage to Joseph and my friends, who have supported me and encouraged me to keep pushing forward. I’m beyond grateful.

Recently, while working with Janice Littlejohn during the jazz clinic and benefit for her documentary But Can She Play, I was shown the power of determination stemming from the desire to follow dreams. Janice is a true force of nature, highlighting women in the arts, supporting women in the arts, as a woman in the arts. Hello, sisterhood! I learned a lot during those two days, particularly regarding dreams.
We all have them; we all need to honor them; we all can play. And most of all: We can’t ever give up. There’s just no room for that.

Creative Swirls

It occurred to me that I should probably write more often. I mean, what’s the point of a blog if I don’t use it, right? My goal: to put forth a blog a week, small, medium, or large.

These days, I have great intentions in terms of what I want to shoot but little time to do it. Life is clearly in session. I have stacks of magazines waiting to be torn apart for my body image project, a couple shoots lined up, and a new LiveBooks Scaler site to rebuild. As I do that, I’m also planning on scanning the myriad negatives I have sitting around so I can add more meaningful work to my site.

I’ve recently added Google+ to my social media madness, but I haven’t really used it to its full potential. Facebook, Twitter, etc., still seem to be the primary places to post new content, et al. Still, Google+ is quite an interesting social media forum, and more than anything, it strikes me as less shallow and more meaningful in content than Facebook. In fact, I’ve was added to this amazing list of photographers to “circle” on Google+. It’s both and honor and exhilarating, to say the least, particularly since I suck at self-promotion. Fortunately, those close to me continue to push me to self-promote, promote me themselves, and encourage me to keep going, regardless of economical denigration and creative congestion.

I continue to write recovery blogs for Visions, which feeds my need to be of service and helpful in the community, particularly to adolescents in turmoil and their parents who are trying to help them. Ah, youth. I’ve also begun contributing to FeministFatale when my activism nerve has an itch. Really, there’s never a day where I’m not in some creative space, though I do wish more of it was behind the lens. I’m ardently working to make this happen.

Recent shoots include a jazz clinic and benefit for the documentary But Can She Play, which truly warmed the cockles of my heart. It combines all that I love: women in the arts and Jazz. Pics to be posted soon.

With love and shutter clicks,

Sarit

“Oh, the Times, They Are A-Changing!”

Lovely friends and fans:

There are couple things going on. First, thank you to everyone who’s “liked” my Fan Page. Of course, If you haven’t yet, please give it a look and a “like” if you’re inclined. You can also follow me on Twitter.

Second, I’ve been talking and talking about my body image project for some time. It’s time to get that rolling. I will be putting together my set and then contacting those who have volunteered to be a part of this so I can start shooting. I intend to fire up my lights come June. Maybe sooner if I play my cards right. If you aren’t aware of this project, it is my effort to bring attention to the limited views we have on beauty. I intend to do so by bringing attention to the varied and wonderful sides of women who are simply tired of having to face the unattainable requirements of the beauty industry. If you are interested in being a part of this project, please Email Me. with “body image project” in the subject line.

Ironically, the next piece of info is regarding my pinup stuff (note, I retain my body-image advocacy here as well!).  If anyone is desirous of modeling pinup and would like to purchase a shoot, please Email Me with your ideas and questions. I will be posting package information soon. Keep your eyes peeled.  Note, packages will no longer be offered through Lucy B.

Your pinup options are limitless, whether you’re interested in simple backdrops or a location shoot, I’m game. I will work with you directly to ensure you have an amazing experience whilst getting fancied up pinup style! To add to the fabulousness, Missy Lowe will be doing her magic with makeup and hair.

There are wonderful things in store and I look forward to playing in the light!

With love and shutter clicks,

Sarit

Take That, Fitness World!

That’s what my lovely model said, anyway!

Mishel is an incredible force of nature, embodying true beauty and strength. I absolutely adore her determination: deciding to be a fitness/figure model and going for it…in her 40s! Now, after years of pushing herself in a world of dieting and body-image madness, she came looking for a feminine, empowering pinup experience. I feel fortunate that I was able to provide her with such an experience. Nothing like a bunch of strong women working together to gain freedom from objectification and embracing femininity their way.

Here’s a sneak preview. As you can see, we encapsulated a broad spectrum of mood, going from light to dark. Truth is, women are multi-faceted. So, why not celebrate it all!?

(MUAH: Missy Lowe , Lingerie: Lucy B)

With love and shutter clicks,

Sarit

Fun at Jon’s market

I had the fun opportunity to do some promo shots for Melanie Reno and her upcoming Female Storytelling show called “That Time of the Month.” We wanted to do something in the style of pinup but with some added irony and humor, so we dolled her up with full pinup makeup and a flower in her hair, but left her in comfy clothes because, well, she was shopping for tampons and meat, of course! Us ladies know how hard it is to get dressed up in some constrictive getup when we have cramps! It was a fun way to talk about the forbidden (why a woman’s period is under the verboten umbrella, I’ll never know), bring it into the light and add some humor.

Her show will be at The Talking Stick in Venice, CA on 4/17 at 5:00 pm. It’s a monthly extravaganza of female storytellers, some serious, some funny.

Hope to see you there, it’s sure to be a blast!

With love and shutter clicks,
Sarit