"I still need the camera because it is the only reason anyone is talking to me. "-Annie leibovitz

So obviously I enjoy photography. Hence the title of my blog "Picture This". Maybe one day it can be part of my profession, but for now it is a hobby of mine. I mostly enjoy photographing architecture. I love architecture. I think buildings, whether it's a house or the empire state building, tell a story about that particular location. The era the building was built, the angles, the materials, the detail, everything describes the way of life when the building was constructed. I really want to start photographing people more though. Especially in the times we are in now, peoples expressions tell it all. Anyway, enough about my point of view...these are a few photographers who's work I love. Maybe you will too.

Eugene Atget was a photographer in the 1920's. Atget started off as a painter and then realized photography was his passion. The majority of his photographs were done in Paris. Atget loved Paris because of all of the detail and materials all around the city. I don't consider his work "artsy" but more just a raw view into what Paris was like when he walked the streets. The picture I pasted on here was taken in 1927 and it is of Notre-Dame. The thing I love about this picture is the obvious tree obstructing the view of Notre-Dame. I love the contrast of the black tree and how light Notre-Dam looks just sitting in the background. To me the tree is not an obstruction at all, but it makes the picture more interesting. Atget died in 1927. Unfortunately, he did not get to see the success his photography would one day have.

Ray was an American artist who was born in 1890 and died in 1976. He was known as a surrealist with his work. Very modern and unique for his time. He was also a painter and fashion photographer. He and Atget actually had studios on the same street in Paris. He traveled all over the world working on both his paintings and photography. During his life people didn't appreciate his work as much as they do now. Probably because it was so unique they didn't understand it. The picture I posted is titled "tears" and was done in the early 1930's.

photographer I love from more modern times is of course Annie Leibovitz. She started her career working for Rolling Stone. Her intimate portraits of celebrities made her very well known. She really gets involved with the people she is photographing and her pictures make you think you know the subject. Leibovitz also uses unique lighting styles and poses with her subjects. She continues to be successful to this day. She was also the last person to photograph John Lennon. He was shot and killed hours after ending his session with her. This photograph is taken of John Lennon and Yoko Ono.

So there are a few photographers who's work inspire me. They are all 3 very different but they all have one thing in common: emotionality. Whether it's and old building in Paris to 2 lovers holding each other, each photographer takes intimate and emotional photographs.

Equal rights for all, special privileges for none.-Thomas Jefferson

Today is just another step in the right direction for same sex couples to have the right to marry. This morning the first same sex couple was given a marriage license in Washington D.C.! Just a few blocks from the capital couples lined up to express their new right.

No matter what your political and/or religious views, I don't understand people who don't believe EVERYONE should get to enjoy the basic right of marriage. Marriage should be a right, not a privilege. It is something that we are supposed to consider sacred and significant in a person's life, so why shouldn't everyone get a chance to be stuck with one person forever and ever?


Most people who are opposed to same sex marriage are so because of their religious beliefs. I was raised in the Methodist Church. Can't you picture me sitting there singing with my angelic voice to the heavens? Yeah, me either. Even as a young teen I questioned just about everything that had to do with the Christian teachings. As a young adult I realized and accepted that I am not a Christian. I do believe in a higher power...what that power is exactly I don't know. But being raised in a Christian church I was taught that God loves us all as individuals, God does not judge, and that God is supposed to be an entity that gives people support and hope in their lives. So what kind of God would want to limit a couple's relationship and happiness together? And what kind of Christian are you for thinking that because you are heterosexual and a devout Christian, that you have a right over someone else? Who are YOU to JUDGE another person for the way they live their life? Isn't being a Christian about accepting people for who they are and loving them no matter your differences? I know very passionate Christians who are supportive of same sex marriage. I do not believe that makes them an less of a Christian. As a matter of fact, I think that makes them better Christians. I am not against anyone because they are Christian. I don't care what religion a person is. It just gets to me when someone says they are a Christian yet they continue to pass judgement on a person just because they have a different lifestyle. Doesn't seem very "christiany" to me. Yes, I am using "christiany" as a word. Don't judge me...or will you?

America is regarded as a country about freedom. So how does limiting American's show the world that we stand behind what this country is all about? Rights are supposed to be for every American. They shouldn't be given to certain groups of people because society views them as the "right" way of life. But I am hopeful that this country is moving in the right direction towards giving every American, gay or straight, the rights that they work for and deserve.

So honestly, how will it effect your everyday life if Bill and Dave or Mary and Sally decide to get married and adopt a couple of little monsters? It won't people! Everyone just get over yourself and realize you and your partner are no better and no worse than Bill and Dave or Mary and Sally. You both want what a majority of couples want, to dive into the sacramental world of marriage. Hey, maybe their divorce rate will be lower!

Now, if you offended by this post, too bad. I will not write anything to intentionally offend anyone. I told you when I started this blog contraption that I will blurt out my opinions. You have your's and I have mine. Ahhh America the beautiful.