shannon leith :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: photographer of everyday life based in pasadena, california

shannon leith :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: photographer of everyday life based in pasadena, california http://shannonleith.com/ en Copyright 2010 Sun, 07 Mar 2010 13:24:19 -0800 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification say hello to cosmo! i've had him for about an hour and i have already photographed him and am now blogging about him.
can't help it!

so many serendipitous things happened today as i prepped my life for my new bird.
i'm naming him cosmo, and i realized i was wearing my favorite griffith observatory shirt.
norah jones' light as a feather song was playingas the people rang my doorbell to bring him over...
and i guess those are the only two things.
but!
to me, big deal.

i put the cage together at 7am this morning,
they basically provided one little diagram drawing with lots of arrows. very complicated. my roommate shaina took this photo----- it felt like prepping the nursery for a new baby. ha!

i have had quite a few people tell me this cage is too big. lets just say this: would you want to live in a teeny little box if you were cosmo? ditto. that's why i got him a giant one. and.... i since i work from home, by myself, he is now like my co-worker. i want him to be happy. and this is my first pet. gotta go big.

i wonder if he will see all of my fake birds, paintings of birds, carvings of birds, photos of birds, welded sculptures of birds, bird dishes, bird napkins, and bird stationary as his friends or his enemies?

]]> http://shannonleith.com/2010/03/say_hello_to_cosmo.html http://shannonleith.com/2010/03/say_hello_to_cosmo.html pink house Sun, 07 Mar 2010 13:24:19 -0800 the artists way & friday art days fyi, sometimes i feel like i'm going crazy.
one of those days is today.
it was nice to have my breathing, centering time this morning,
but it still feels like my body wants to be about 10 miles ahead of where i'm letting it be.
whew.
wow.

don't even know where to start!
i do want to tell you about a few things.

#1----------- i have been noticing that i have essentially stopped creating new art for myself. its all for others. i had a clarifying moment about a week ago where i realized this. yes, i take photos for myself, but they're all on hard-drives. new goal, make more tactile work. make books. get things printed, get things framed. dig up deeper layers of what is IN the things that i decide to photograph. why do i like aerial views so much? why am i obsessed with things being shielded or blurred in the foreground? why am i so obsessed with lines? things like this. so now i have friday personal art days. for just me. starting today.

#2-------- did you know that a) polaroid went out of business and b) that it came back into business and c) that they are already sold-out, but d) i got 2 packs?

#3-------------- my current favorite nourishing thing in my life is my room. my space. my haven. my underwater haven. surrounded by lovely color and texture and a lack of chaos.

#4------- the artists way is the best book to cross my path in years, i am now finished with it, and plan to do a few blog posts that let you in to my journey. it was honestly liberating. it also felt like i had this raw quality to my spirit...... i felt very turned upsidedown and shaken out. it was an intense process. i'm still in it, even though i'm finished with the book. do i recommend the book? yes.

#5----- apparently people lately have been telling me that they like my writing "as much as" my photos. i do not know what to do with this news.... but hey. yay writing.

#6--------------- i am curating an art show! you are invited!! its going to be fab!!!

#7--------------------------- my response to numbers 1-6, is these. enjoy,,,

]]> http://shannonleith.com/2010/03/the_artists_way_friday_art_days.html http://shannonleith.com/2010/03/the_artists_way_friday_art_days.html pink house Fri, 05 Mar 2010 15:20:06 -0800 genny & tyson ::::: engagement session at the getty VILLA

okay.
genny and tyson, everybody!!
(GENNY YOUR EYES!)

hanging out at a statue that had a please touch sign next to it.
YES.
(tyson. that STARE, man. hello, rocker.)

i need to tell you about this one. they got a map to see where to explore next, i was waiting for them off in the corner, thinking that i didn't like the lighting. then i reminded myself that there could be something here------- took this photograph, and then made them stay here for 5 minutes because i loved it so much. this type of thing always happens. i get stuck in my own comfort zones and then the world tells to break loose and change it up a little. love this image.

who's obsessed with genny's shoes besides me?

the getty villa was honestly such a lovely place for a fun day of exploration and relaxing.
a lovely breath of fresh air complete with art and nature and architecture and tan umbrellas.
genny, tyson, you rock the house.

p.s., just went to genny's facebook to post a link of this post..... and was inspired by her little side box. i love this girl. 2009 Goals: To be in nature more often. Hike more. Get a beach cruiser. Do more to help others. Read more books. Be a loving friend. Have a more "green" lifestyle. Eat lots of veggies. Solve crosswords in a more timely manner.

]]> http://shannonleith.com/2010/02/genny_tyson_engagement_session_at_the_getty_villa.html http://shannonleith.com/2010/02/genny_tyson_engagement_session_at_the_getty_villa.html engagements Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:18:05 -0800 ding ding ding ding ding

i have been saving this photograph for a long time and today is the day.
enjoy,
shan!

]]> http://shannonleith.com/2010/02/ding_ding_ding_ding_ding.html http://shannonleith.com/2010/02/ding_ding_ding_ding_ding.html pink house Sun, 21 Feb 2010 13:54:18 -0800 lovefeast twentyten

rachel and rosanna are crazy about february.
its a monthlong celebration of love and happiness and red and pink and white.
i, being both of their friends, get a showering of parties every feb.
its magic.

get inspired by rachel's decorating strategy,

photos where i'm testing the light always turn out the best. love this one,

ro and i's favorite pose,

me and my SWEET SIS! love this girl! >>> read her blog if you want to laugh yourself to sleep every night,

homecoming princess 2002,

ro and rach have informed me that carnations are only good in february. agree 100%. i'm into these lovers,

fyi, i get scared in front of the camera sometimes. like this time!
trying so hard to have a natural smile. are you kidding me right now? hilarious.

]]> http://shannonleith.com/2010/02/lovefeast_twentyten.html http://shannonleith.com/2010/02/lovefeast_twentyten.html daily life Fri, 19 Feb 2010 18:01:21 -0800 measure it,

it is becoming very clear to me that tiny things can make my life really really really fun.
for instance,
i was frustrated with my measuring cups.
they were ugly.
they were plain.
i didn't like getting them out of their drawer.
when i saw these plain white ceramic ones from cost plus i flipped.
the letter spacing is a bit wide on the 1 cup one....
but i accept him.
i honestly was so inspired that i made cinnamon rolls and liked it.

real glass things make me feel like a real person on a mission.
a mission to live life everyday in a way that makes sense to me.

simple, and lovely.

]]> http://shannonleith.com/2010/02/measure_it.html http://shannonleith.com/2010/02/measure_it.html pink house Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:37:07 -0800 natalie & alexander ::: wedding at the hacienda in santa ana first of all we're going to need to talk about how altogether gorgeous natalie is.
alexander said he was first attracted to her dark hair and her eyebrows.
a man who notices eyebrows is a MAN.
ah!
eyebrows matter.

and natalie has beautiful ones.

their wedding was held at the hacienda in santa ana------------ honestly a dream.

nina wiskus did the flowers--------- so pretty! freshlafleur.com

family photos like this are worth framing. it would never get old.
i just like it. xander, your parents rule!

night ceremony!
so hot.

this wedding embodied sweetness and fun.
when xander and the guys busted out the mustaches i could barely hold myself together. an absolute crack up.
when xander then proceeded to completely cry as natalie walked down the aisle, i also could barely hold myself together.
so happy for the two of you :)
>>>> more can be seen here! click for a slideshow!
love love love :)
shannon

>>>> venue= the hacienda in santa ana
>>>> flowers= nina wiskus

]]> http://shannonleith.com/2010/02/natalie_alexander_wedding_at_the_hacienda_in_santa_ana.html http://shannonleith.com/2010/02/natalie_alexander_wedding_at_the_hacienda_in_santa_ana.html weddings Tue, 16 Feb 2010 23:03:56 -0800 fashion. think what you will,

rose came for the weekend.
she rotated two pairs of pants: these purple ones, and some magenta ones.
we went on a whirlwind adventure to five different valentines parties over the course of three days.
i dont think i've ever celebrated valentines so intensely.
have you ever had heart-shaped meatloaf?
i now have.
the joy of having friends who value february.
so much love, people!

]]> http://shannonleith.com/2010/02/fashion_think_what_you_will.html http://shannonleith.com/2010/02/fashion_think_what_you_will.html daily life Tue, 16 Feb 2010 01:20:59 -0800 lavendar, (happy valentines day!)

i love lavendar,
more than roses.
the smell the look the color.
the ability to cook with it.
etc.!
happy valentines day :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :):) :):) :):)):):):))))))))

]]> http://shannonleith.com/2010/02/lavendar_happy_valentines_day.html http://shannonleith.com/2010/02/lavendar_happy_valentines_day.html daily life Sun, 14 Feb 2010 09:42:03 -0800 taking a deep breath, the farmers market, & craigslist finds.

i would call myself an extrovert,
but lately, my newest phase of life has given me lots of space to breathe.
lots of time to myself.
lots of time to sleep in,
lots of time to enjoy things like meals.
well.
this week has been different.
so many random meetings and lunches and parties,
...........i found myself absolutely drained by yesterday afternoon.
physically and socially tired.
feeling socially overwhelmed was new for me.
but i'm getting so used to a slower pace and i think my body was liking it.
yesterday when i finally had a slice of time to myself,
i went to the post office (favorite!) to mail a disc to a client,
and then saw that the south pasadena farmers market was happening.
walked around for an hour,
and got lots of vegetables-----
a heart-shaped berry tart,
and some flowers.

(never knew that lavendar had such intense ROOTS.)

and see the rug?
craigslist,
$100,
absolutely in love with it.
its called a sweater rug.
the world thought it would be impossible to buy a rug with a $100 budget,
but i did it. proud of myself. :)

coffee table,
$10,
thrift shop called treasure fair in pasadena.
i see shopping as a way to exercise faith.
i love waiting for the right items.
these are completely right.

]]> http://shannonleith.com/2010/02/taking_a_deep_breath_the_farmers_market_craigslist_finds.html http://shannonleith.com/2010/02/taking_a_deep_breath_the_farmers_market_craigslist_finds.html pink house Fri, 12 Feb 2010 15:24:21 -0800 kate and tim::::: san gabriel mission engagement session photographing kate and tim left me feeling nourished.
they are both wise and deep,
told me the world's best awkward-moment stories,
talked about marriage in a way that was honest and mature.
they know that it wont be perfect,
and they see it holistically.
agreeing to take both the good and the bad of the person.
all of who they are.
what a breath of fresh air.
literally felt like being fed.
so good.

]]> http://shannonleith.com/2010/02/kate_and_tim_san_gabriel_mission_engagement_session.html http://shannonleith.com/2010/02/kate_and_tim_san_gabriel_mission_engagement_session.html engagements Thu, 11 Feb 2010 23:26:07 -0800 announcement::::: limited edition prints & an art opening!

one of my goals for SUCH A LONG TIME has been to have prints and books of my photographs available for sale. i love design, i love real, i love tactile things you can hold. therefore, to only have my work online is somewhat underwhelming for me. the internet is good for lots of things, speed, accessibility, efficiency, instant gratification, and its free! but!!!!! i love curling up on my couch and looking at books. i like hanging art on walls.

so here is my art, available to you to hang on your wall.
via my brand new etsy store!!!!! finally!
etsy.com/store/shannonleith

something else that is important to me is gallery shows.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
i'm having an art show at my YOGA STUDIO!
Saturday, February 13th, 730pm
MISSION STREET YOGA,
1017 Mission Street, South Pasadena, CA 91030.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

they have an absolutely incredible space,
painted bright orange and magenta, so it was clearly meant to be.
you are invited!
there will be music and art and wine and treats.
i would love to hang out, and meet you if we haven't met yet.
let me know if you're coming by leaving a comment below!

displayed at the art opening will be a sneak peek of my new book that i'm working on publishing! you will be one of the first to see it. i will also have the limited edition prints for sale live and in person :)

cannot wait!
email me if you have questions! yes@shannonleith.com

]]> http://shannonleith.com/2010/02/announcement_limited_edition_prints_an_art_opening.html http://shannonleith.com/2010/02/announcement_limited_edition_prints_an_art_opening.html polaroids Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:18:43 -0800 shelley & tom ::::: orange county engagement session at the RSM lake

shelley and tom------------------
romantic and elegant with their picnic of cheese and fruit and pellegrino,
carefree and fun with their skateboards and converse,
self-proclaimed apple geeks with their iphones.

i was able to take lots of deep breaths during their session. i love when they're like that. this was so them.

their session was just plain fun.
we went to the Rancho Santa Margarita lake and they had their picnic and then longboarded and skateboarded around the lake while i tried to catch up with them. :) so good! cannot WAIT for the wedding that is coming up!

---- shan!

]]> http://shannonleith.com/2010/02/shelley_tom_orange_county_engagement_session_at_the_rsm_lake.html http://shannonleith.com/2010/02/shelley_tom_orange_county_engagement_session_at_the_rsm_lake.html engagements Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:28:41 -0800 vacation in morro bay, CA

i took a vacation this week.
it was kind of beautifullly forced upon me,
because i won the trip through a raffle at my church!
out of 800 tickets mine was magically chosen.
rosanna and i had been wearing neon orange all weekend,
and when they asked who i'd be bringing on the trip i said:
the other girl in orange!
everyone cheered.

well,

we finally got around to coordinating our schedules to go on the trip,
and,
oops!
we both wore pink pants the whole time.

i have a fascination with tourist photos,
and i love giving people my huge camera and letting them work their own magic.
usually the photo is unflattering, awkward, and awful,
and i never make them re-take it.
i love just living with what comes out.

besides eating at taco temple,
we also watched lots of trashy TV and visited the elephant seals.
the guy next to us (70 years old) was flirting with a 40 year old lady,
so instead of ruin their MOMENT i took this one myself.
no seals, which is probably good since it's mating season.

so!
middle-of-the-week vacation,
the life of photographing weddings :) :) :)

my friday is your monday.

]]> http://shannonleith.com/2010/02/vacation_in_morro_bay_ca.html http://shannonleith.com/2010/02/vacation_in_morro_bay_ca.html daily life Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:06:28 -0800 our private JPL tour :::::: ie: nasa. we honestly planned our outfits days in advance.
we had to look GOOD.
professional & lovely,
something that wasn't a dead giveaway that we were fanatics.
unfortunately we had no clue that at JPL everyone just wears jeans and polo shirts...
so our heels and skirts and headbands and makeup definitely gave us away as trying a bit too hard.
but i'm okay with that,
because we had a blast.

a few weeks ago, our neighbor David gave rosanna, rox and i our own private tour of JPL.
lots of people have asked me what JPL is...
and in case you're in that camp, think NASA!
space!
Jet Propulsion Laboratory!
think, DREAM COME TRUE IF YOU ARE ME!

so we all woke up at 8am,
got our JPL outifts on,
and freaked out as we drove there.
but then we stopped and wondered,
would the tour be.... GOOD??
would we actually get to see things?

when the first thing we saw was these guys in all white suits MAKING a spacecraft,
we knew that YES. this would be good.

ro cried when she saw them. see the glisten???

here's david!!!!!!!!!!!!! our dream neighbor! we felt like we were with a celeb when he pointed out the spacecraft that he had worked on. so, cool.

when i learned that about operation FREESPIRIT i flipped my lid. i never knew that the mars rover named Spirit was stuck in sand....... the poor guy. FREE SPIRIT!! and see that green mound right below? that's where they're testing different methods of getting Spirit out! i was going to buy a shirt or a mug, but unfortunately i kind of disliked the design. okay.... hated it.

small stop for a quick roommate picture. i think we have never all looked so serene and professional. but hey. we had to act the part. sophisticated and totally not FREAKING OUT ABOUT THIS! jpl?? no big deal.

we got to see david's office, which is about a 2 mile walk from the parking lot, and down in the basement of a random building. i couldn't make this stuff up,

(wish i had a wire collection this beautiful.)

sigh.
no more words.
just smiles.
:)
shannon

]]> http://shannonleith.com/2010/01/our_private_jpl_tour_ie_nasa.html http://shannonleith.com/2010/01/our_private_jpl_tour_ie_nasa.html daily life Fri, 29 Jan 2010 12:28:57 -0800