Let's Talk "Letting Go" & Eight Ways to Help Speed Along the Process
Oct 16, 2015
Kiss Me...
Oct 13, 2015
I've shot with Tatiana twice now, and both times were far beyond successful. It seems artists these days have become harder and harder to come by. In an over-saturated market of 'aspirings' and the ever growing use of social media, anyone can call themselves a model, makeup artist, photographer...as a result, its rendered singling out the creatives that truly have the "extra something" much more difficult. That extra passion, the willingness to create something beautiful, the effortless nature they exude... Tatiana is everything you could want in model and more - she's the girl who understands the garments and the mood of each specific editorial, the girl who poses with little direction, who listens intently and responds positively and quickly to the team's remarks. She does not complain as her hair gets tugged and she does not roll her eyes as we discuss (sometimes ridiculous) extravagant posing options or props. Her willingness to produce outstanding work consistently trumps the possibility of 'comfort.' Our previous shoot together involved smoke bombs - they were incredibly hot to touch and made our eyes water and throats close up. Yet the photos were beautiful, and Tatiana, whose face was smothered in various colors of smoke, and whose hands I'm sure almost burned off from a jar containing a smoke bomb, looked as if she was most comfortable - dreamily basking in the magic of the mist, surely she was a well sought out prima ballerina in her previous life.
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| Photography - Mouna Tahar Makeup Artist - Milan Seki Model - Tatiana Tikhomirova |
Back it Up (With Lots of Factual Evidence, Research, and In-Text Citations, Please.)
Oct 9, 2015
Location:
Stanford University, 450 Serra Mall, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
comments: 3
It seems everyone and their mothers has an 'opinion' these days and with the plethora of rapidly growing social media outlets, it's easier than ever to share them. Every single day I scroll through new social justice movements and countless rants via Facebook and Tumblr (neither of which I ever bother contributing to, if I'm being honest). Now, I'm all for educated debating - which I practiced in high school clubs and well throughout University - so why, you ask, do I sense some annoyance? Easy-peasy. Everyone is willing to have an 'opinion,' but it seems so little people are willing to actually do the research and back up their ideas with facts. Back up research? Yes. And I don't mean read through Facebook comments and come to a conclusion. I'm talking scholarly articles, books, news, literature, whatever. Just have a little bit of evidence to support your conclusion(s).
This week, in a class I wont disclose via the interwebs (slight fear that my professors might stumble upon this one day...surely unnecessary paranoia is my middle name), we discussed the never-ending debate on religion. Before I continue, I'd like to add (for the sake of my class' defense), this is a first year course. I am a fourth year. Yes, I needed an elective credit and yes, I heard this is a bird course.
Continuing...I don't enjoy first year course all that much, at least as far as UofT first semester goes. First year tutorials are shit, and, unfortunately, discussion has become 'who can word barf the hardest, longest words and contribute the least substance and factual evidence within the span of an hour?' And what's the worst part about discussion with these types of people? They think they are right about everything. *AKA: close minded minds wont change. All you can do is shut your mouth, save your breath, don't bother, and spend your energy doing more productive things.
I've said it millions of times and I'll say it again; I am no scholar. I know that I am not the most knowledgeable person in any specific subject, I know that my opinions are solely my own, and I also know that if ever I were to debate something, I would probably have a little something-something to back my ass up. If I don't, I know a simple "I don't know very much about this topic, therefore I cannot contribute" would suffice. And, as unfortunate as it is, that is a lot more than a lot of people can say. Perhaps it's the "ME" syndrome, or the simplicity of posting all your ideas for your friends and the world to see. Anyways, all I'm trying to say is I can accept any opinion and belief you may have, as long as you can have a good argument (Hint: "I think this because that is right" is not an argument) and have some level of factual evidence behind it. It's easy to fall into the pattern of discussing things you don't know too much about - we're all guilty, and if I've done it, please call me out! So...do your research, and if you have, hurrah! We'll be good friends. I like you a lot. Let's discuss politics, foreign affairs, religion, whatever - I'm happy to. xo
Oh, you're probably here to know what I'm wearing haha!...these were taken at the Stanford campus quad.
HM skirt | Thrifted top | Dorothy Perkins sandals | Chanel watch
I'll Figure You Out
Oct 2, 2015
Any-who, I'm a determined little one - and I wasn't going to waste this pretty little number I so desperately (strategically, anyone?) saved for the Fine Arts Palace, no matter how many adjustments to my camera's ISO and Aperture I needed to make. I'll disregard any hellish lighting and painful wind for a good shot - behind or in front of the cam. This most likely stems from the fact that I've never been one to plan outfits weeks in advance when I pack, I simply throw a few most-worn pieces of similar shades and hope for the best for those 'living out of the suitcase' weeks (This outfit being the exception.) The moment I spotted this skirt, with its brilliant floral design and that dazzling poof that makes you want to go back to 1953 down town New York, I knew I had to make it mine. Move aside, shoppers - I'm gonna style the hell out of this one.
Fast forward three weeks (and then some). The skirt sat - safely, I assure you - in its pretty little wrapping on my desk chair - as I contemplated what on earth to wear with it. At the end of the day, no matter how many pinterest inspirations I stared at (surely glaring down the same photos for hours would spark my creativity), I was stumped. What on earth do you wear with a ginormous midi? A few options here: One, something equally baggy - a tucked in, button up, sheer shirt and statement jewelry otherwise only appropriate for evening (beautiful in theory and on sky-high models, terrible on average-height me). Two, a bralette (my mom would not approve, I'm sure.) Three, a very basic crop top. Luckily, easily accessible at your nearest Forever 21.
Ah....XXI basics, you've saved the day, yet again.
Sweet dreams you night owls (me).
L'Atiste Midi Skirt | XXI Top | Francesca's Boutique necklace | Style&Co Shoes (Macy's) | Tommy Hilfiger watch | Fossil bag
Slowing Down Time
Sep 26, 2015
Location:
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona 86052, USA
And so, let's take a step back and a bit of a breather.
comments: 1
I (as I'm sure the majority of the world) have always considered myself to be a well balanced individual. So its come as a bit of a surprise to finally realize, perhaps my thoughts were all along, a bit flawed.
Allow me.
Exhibit A:
For the past two weeks, since the inevitable start of term, I have hidden myself away in various secluded spots in the city, and worked myself to near exhaustion. I rarely see anyone, I rarely do anything other than practice flute, grad applications, and term assignments. I've received more "where have you been?" and skeptical "why haven't I seen you since your return?" messages than I can count.
And then, there's Exhibit B:
Mouna circa the middle of term last year - out and about almost every night. Always someone important to see, something new to do. Feeling on top of the world with the most fabulous friends a girl could ever ask for. Stressing away on Sunday nights about whether or not she had missed a reading.
This, my friends, is obviously not balance. And as much as I mistake stress-free evenings and daily visits to the otherwise neglected gym as a healthy life balance, I have, in all honesty, left barely any room in my schedule to go out with my friends and far too much time for filling out schedules in my darling new gold day planner to the very last minute.
A little journey, if you will, back to Arizona - sometime in late August, with a scorching sun and much appreciated dry heat. Hiking the day away with close friends and an even closer water bottle.
I've always loved long hikes. I enjoy spending the time alone: contemplating my next composition, setting up my tripod, walking several miles to see not even a quarter of my location, with (most importantly) never a single bar of connection in sight. Yes, this is important. I believe you can't fully enjoy these types of experiences if you're texting and tweeting every spare minute about how "so beautiful oh em gee!" the canyon is. Yes, you'll see some snaps of the grand thing on my instagram, but they were photographed on the spot, and posted way later - from the comfort of my bed, with all the extra time to spare (pinky promise).
It's nearly two in the morning now, so I'm off to bed! Until next time ♥
Photos taken on Nikon D5200 and my handy dandy iPhone 5S
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