Pratt Family 2011

One thing I love about Colorado is you never know what the winter weather will bring. Last Saturday in the middle of January I had the pleasure of photographing the Pratt Family. This was more of a party than a day of work because little Addie had just turned two and was pretty much the star of the show. A little shy at first but she quickly came out of her shell. How could you resist those piggy tails?! And having only one shoe on the train tracks didn't stop that ear to ear smile. The mid-50° temperatures where perfect for spending some time in Downtown Louisville, where not only do they have so many fun buildings and benches but they have an outdoor skating rink too. (Maybe next time we'll do photography on ice!) Here's what you get when you play with a two year old right before her birthday party!

(Click the image to see it larger)

The only things certain in life...

The end of the year is (not so) slowing approaching. The news channels are filled with congressional debates over Democrats and Republicans, deficits and budget cuts. If these economic times have not deprived us of employment, we will soon be finding our last paycheck of 2010 shortly followed by a beloved W4 form.

As Benjamin Franklin said, "The only things certain in life are death and taxes." And here's to hoping this years taxes don't make you feel like this:


© Ashley Williamson 2010

The Fountain

I'm a movie fan and I've seen a some that I love and some that I hate and a lot that fall somewhere in between. One movie that I have always been a fan of is The Fountain. I've talked to a many who haven't cared for it or just haven't gotten it so here's my brief synopsis.

Hugh Jackman plays the male lead in three different stories. In one he's a scientist whose wife, played by Rachel Weisz, is stricken with cancer. Through out the movie he's conducting research to try and find a cure for her.

His second character is a conquistador who has been sent by his queen to ancient Mayan society where he searches for the tree of life in order to free her from captivity.

And in a third plot he is traveling through space in a bubble with an ancient tree towards a nebula that wraps a dying star.

It all sounds a little...."artsy fartsy," right? Well it is but it's also a great story about life, death, love and the prospects of eternity. And if you want something off of main stream films this one is worth watching.

The movie (mostly the third plot line) inspired me to make this photograph similarly titled, "The Fountain."



© Ashley Williamson 2010

This is what a fish bowl, some painted poster board, small twigs and some faux foliage (the leaf on the tree I stole from my house plant) will get you.
(Also, a thanks to Christine Nowicki Kelce for being my studio assistant.)

Splish Splash

I haven't posted any new product work in a while and thought I've been a little overdue. After some time in the studio and in front of a computer, here's what I've been up to: a contact lens.


© Ashley Williamson 2010

The Meddaughs

I've known Keli for a couple of years now and taking pictures is one of those things we had talked about for a long time. Well we finally found time to get together and get it done. They're such a fun bunch of people and I think this picture says it all!

Brittany and Vanessa

My very dear and very best friend, Brittany is moving to Nashville to finish up nursing school in August and her sister Vanessa is moving to Florida the same time. There will be a lot of people who are going to miss them, other than myself, and before their departure they asked me to take some photos of them.

So, I happily agreed and we met in a fantastic little park in Longmont. Little did I know before scheduling the shoot that it was supposed to be 100°F that day. But luckily we went early in the day just in time to share the park with some day campers and to avoid too much heat.

Collaborative Efforts

Fish, fish, fish. I couldn't stop thinking about a fish in tank. From there a thought crept in of a feather floating in the air. Water and air: I couldn't figure out what it meant and what it was supposed to be as a photograph, other than the elements. I don't know how I decided that every image in my head should be tied to a product but I just wasn't getting to an end. I was talking about it with a friend and then out came the suggestion, "Element skateboards." And that was final piece I was looking for.

I like the idea of advertising something without using the actual "something." The idea for my photograph is exactly that. Water that's not exactly water, fire that's not exactly fire, etc.

Also, this project was a nice reminder of how sometimes an outside opinion or second set of eyes can show you something you never saw. Much like taking a break from your own work can bring a fresh insight when revisited late.

So opinions and suggestions always welcome.