Pictures! And stuff!

[blueraven95]

I know I haven't been around for awhile and I'm so sorry. Work and school have taken precedence, and I've barely even had time to check headlines, and I'm really missing you guys. For the most part, I haven't had any time to pick up a camera, but one of my super awesome, kick-ass sisters moved to England two weeks ago, and I took a break from all the work to say goodbye, and take some last photos until who-knows-when...

Since some of you have seen pictures of her for years, I thought I would give you a retrospective. If you'll indulge me, I'm going to start with some older ones, and then some new stuff.

This is Ariana, from almost 10 years ago, the first time she really let me take her picture:


and here she is a few years later (sorry, I don't have exact years...)

This one was particularly special, because it was during a rather rough time, and she wasn't smiling much, let alone laughing.


I honestly don't know when I took this photo - I barely remember it!


These are from last year (I think):




The "wow" shot:


and now the new stuff. These are all from the Saturday before she left - we were, for the most part, sitting outside and drinking a cup of tea, and she suffered my camera. Our conversation ranged from Oprah to spirituality to love and sexuality to politics and education. So, pretty much par for the course with us :-)







I know this isn't the best shot, but I think it's my favorite:


and one last obligatory art shot:


If you've made it all the way through this, then awesome! I can't tell you how proud of Ariana I am. She's a smart, articulate, self-aware person, who speaks up for what's right, even when it may not be totally in her best interest. She's creative and inquisitive, and she has a huge, sparkling personality. This is the first time I've lived more than a couple of hours from any of my sisters (for those wondering, Sarah moved to Boston at the beginning of September, but we didn't get around to taking pictures), and I'm missing both of them kind of a lot - more than I expected.

[Dyedinthewoolliberal]

1. Did her eyes change color?

Or are those lenses? I was going to comment on those green eyes, but in the first photo they look brown to me................... :bounce:

[blueraven95]

4. her eyes are really hazel

but they've gotten closer to green as she's gotten older, I think. Honestly, I didn't even notice it until you pointed it out...

:hi:

[Mira]

2. This is making me feel all happy - a post about loving your sister, and showing

us her beautiful self. She looks spunky, smart, and like a fascinating person. Your photos make me feel like I know her.
Thank you for this!

[blueraven95]

5. aww, thanks Mira!

She's an awesome person. :-) I'm hoping the photos convey a little bit of who she is. Portrait work is some of my favorite...well, really people as subjects, it doesn't have to be portraits specifically. I like getting to see people, even people I know really well, through a lens. It's interesting how they change.

:hi:

[Celebration]

3. Wow, wonderful tribute!

I think that made me totally get it. I love stories, and this is one of the best, and all documented with photos. It gets a big :thumbsup: from me. Beautiful, inside and out.

We miss you, but I think you have your priorities straight.

[blueraven95]

6. Thanks, Celebration!

Honestly, after not taking any pics for so long, I was a little afraid they would come out awful, so I'm glad you enjoyed them. I was a bit rusty - I generally do manual focus, and I had more than a few that were a bit more soft focus than is useful. :blush:


I miss everyone too, but what I'm doing offline is really interesting and exciting, and has the potential to shape my future (as silly as that may sound). I'm going to try and stop by a bit more often, though.

:hi:

[CC]

7. She is still beautiful

and going to England huh? Wow. Good to know she is doing well, brave enough to fly no matter how far away and laughs. Your photos are great and one day even she will be glad you took them. You sound like you have a sibling version of empty nest syndrome. Be sure all of you have a really good phone plan, it can make everyone feel closer. Imagine the days before cell phone, computers, internet and skype then make use of all often. :hug:

[blueraven95]

10. Thanks, CC

I know England is far away, but I didn't expect it to feel so, so far away, if that makes sense.

I hope things are going well with you. :hug:

[Callalily]

8. What marvelous, marvelous

photos. Ariana's personality truly shines through.

Yeah to sisterhood!

[blueraven95]

11. Thank you Callalily

Sisters are the best, truly.

:hi:

[Mz Pip]

9. These are wonderful portraits

I remember the ones you posted before. I really like the one with the hat. :-)

You have done a terrific job of capturing so much wonderful personality.

Welcome back! Hope you can stay for a while.

[blueraven95]

12. Hi Mz Pip!

Honestly, my job is easy. My family is just bursting with personality. :D


I'm hoping to be here more, too. :hug: