Archive for May, 2010

My good friend Emily is starting to become my favorite bucket buddy . . .

When she says “jump?” I say “yes please.”  and vice versa.  We are always finding new adventures to go out on.

Last night she informed me that she had won tickets on KCRW to the “Angus and Julia Stone” concert, performed at the Hollywood Forever Cemetary (yes, you read that right) and would I like to go?  I of course said yes!! . . . and then quickly followed with, “who the hell is “Agnus and Julia Stone?”  Despite my ignorance, I decided not to look them up.  I felt it’d be more fun to leave it as a surprise.  So I packed my little black Canon G11 point n shoot and headed for the cemetary.

I’m so glad I went.  See I’m a bit of a hippie when it comes to music.  Yup, I have a folk side.  Always have and I’m not ashamed.  I embrace my inner folkdom and once this band began it’s first note, I knew I had a new crush.  The two primary musicians (you know, the ones mentioned in the band name) are brother and sister and instead of eating cornflakes every morning while growing up, I believe their parents fed them sheet music with cups of soul.  First of all they play a ridiculous amount of instruments!  During the coarse of the show, Julia played the guitar, piano, harmonica, and the trumpet, oh and she sings.  Her brother Angus stuck to the guitar as his primary instrument but he also played a bit of the trumpet during the set, also sings, and is rumored to play a mean trombone.  What!?  My god.  I feel so inadequate.  And their lyrics . . . haunting.

They were amazing.  Even if you don’t like folk, you cannot deny their talent and love for music.  It was a pleasure to watch them play as well as interact with each other.  They truly love what they do and that kind of passion is always intoxicating.

Of course, in this technological age, I can always count on an eager stranger to record and then immediately post to you tube.

So here is one of the many songs from their set last night.

Yes, it is a play on words a play.  Though this was not exactly the Broadway stage musical, it was close enough.  This playbill starred seven colorful and playful characters, celebrating seven first birthdays, with seven excited mothers, and all produced upon a green grassy stage . . .

Why was I there?  I was hired to document this first monumental birthday extravaganza.   You see, their moms are all part of one of the coolest “mommy and me” groups I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with.  For those not familiar with “mommy and me” groups, they allow the opportunity for new moms to gather and compare tips, literature, and gossip while their babies learn to play and socialize with one another.  Because these moms created the group at around the same expectancy date, their children now celebrate their birthdays together, with only a month or two separating them.

Anytime I get to shoot for these moms, is a pleasure.  It’s a joy for me to observe each family’s personality take shape and grow as their children do.

What I love the most?  Recording a child’s raw truth and new personality as he or she learns how to relate or interact with their parents. This birthday party was no different.  I was only there for a few hours but it was enough time for me to observe how these moms and their children all interact with each other.  It’s a strong group, headed by an army of like-minded, independent women.  Their children are so lucky.  And I, can’t wait to see them all again in year 2.  Happy birthday everybody!

For more information on Jen Castle Photography and Los Angeles baby portraits, please go to: www.jencastle.com

He went out to get me a splint for my finger (cause I’m a giant klutz) and came back with these.  He’s always buying me impromptu flowers.  It’s one of the many reasons why I love him.  Thanks baby . . . this blog’s for you.

I love you too!