San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
Speaking of observing the world around you, I spent a lovely afternoon during my last week of San Francisco exploring the SF MOMA. I played around with slow shutter speeds, resting my camera on benches or ledges and just seeing what developed.
The Styles of San Francisco
I spent most of Saturday wandering around the Mission and downtown photographing people. Actually, I left my apartment as a bag lady holding a box to ship back home, my camera, purse and shoulder bag full of clothing to sell. I ended up making $30 from Buffalo Exchange selling a Kenneth Cole bag I bought over the summer, an Ella Moss dress I liked but it always brought back memories as the dress I wore on my first date w/ my ex, and another dress that brought back unpleasant memories. Actually, the blue Ella Moss dress was dangerously breezy and light as I learned last summer while walking over a sidewalk grate (to the delight of an unsuspecting Chinese delivery man). There is something therapeutic about getting rid of physical "baggage" especially knowing that I won't be lugging them as literal baggage across the country. There was a moment of hesitation and a deep breath involved but I know that I won't regret my decision. I highly recommend cleaning out ones closet, often.Speaking of closets, I don't think San Francisco gets enough credit for their fashionable citizens or at least fashionable tourists that flock to the city. It's hard to make general comparisons between city styles since I've been in and out of NYC for the last 5 months but San Francisco really knows how to do casual well. I guess you can invest in better clothing when the temperature is around the same all year round and you can work the layering. It seems there is less pressure to conform in SF but I'll have to think about this further when I'm back in NYC. In NYC you have to wander around the East Village, Lower East Side, West Village, Soho, Meatpacking, Chelsea and Williamsburg to find an eclectic mix of fashions. Each neighborhood has its own group of people based on their age, job, etc. and a Williamsburg hipster will stick out like a sore thumb on the Upper East Side. Hell - when I moved to East 66th street, I felt my purple Uniqlo jeans and gray Converse made me stand out. Whereas in San Francisco, I believe because it's smaller, the hats, accessories and clothing associated with hipsters can be seen on middle aged men in North Beach, teenagers in the mall and young parents in Hayes Valley. A picture says a thousand words right?
Day 2: A Photographic Journey through San Francisco: Dolores Park
I woke up pretty early yesterday allowing me to spend the morning working in a café, researching the newest Ad Age A-Listers, working on a few blogs and responding to emails. Finally, I took a break from researching and decided I was due for another day of exploration. After having my first Nicoise salad of 2011 at La Boulange, I headed to the Ferry Building for another afternoon of photographic exploration. One brownie and a few photos later, it was time to get a different perspective so I hopped on the BART towards the Mission. I guess the Mission reminds me of Williamsburg, Brooklyn but prettier. While Brooklyn has the view of the East River, The Mission has greenery and beautiful, elaborate murals. Who wins?At some point while I walked around Dolores Park as the only sober person, I realized, it's probably not a good idea to photograph people smoking up. But according to my college psychology professor, weed doesn't cause violence. Dolores Park was completely packed at 4pm which made me wonder, do these people have jobs? Then of course, it instantly occurred to me that I don't really have one either. Soon.. I'm working on my Sputnik moment!
P.S. I've been inspired by the photographer Max Wanger who I found through Joanna Goddard at Cup of Joe and question how he achieves his look, hence my heavily light saturated photos. I might have to go on one more adventure soon with a fill flash.
Ocean Beach, Muni, & Embarcadero - Photography Journey Through San Francisco
Yesterday, the internet told me that Monday the 24th is historically known as the most depressing day of the year. Naturally, I refused to stand for this kind of talk and decided to go out of my way to soak up some vitamin D. Here's my photographic journey through San Francisco from Ocean Beach to the Embarcadero. After living in San Francisco for three months, I can happily say I finally had some time to explore. Sometimes words just can't describe a scene but when talking about how I felt, these words come to mind; peace, joy, happiness, euphoria, inspiration, sunshine, refreshed, creative, sand, nature, beauty, balance, harmony, love, luck, wholeness, adventure.. you get the idea.
For more photos, you can go to my flickr page here. Peace & Love, Molly.
My SF Life In iPhone Pictures
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| The Flight |
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| My very lovely room with lovely roommates and space you'd have to go to NJ to find. |
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| Too much regular nutella indulgence. Hopefully it will be like when I studied abroad in Europe and actually lost weight from all the walking.. |
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| Cappuccino done right. |
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| After sharing a lovely burger and moment with very wonderful new friends. |
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| The view a few blocks from my apartment. |
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| Even the dogs are enjoying life in laid back San Francisco |
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| A typical day at Miami Ad School. (kind of... sort of... in a way) |
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| A little less intimidating when you're at the top.. |
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| An overly dark picture of one of the items my mother sent me. Nothing like requesting a pair of 5 year old, gold heels. Might as well be bold in San Francisco. |
And finally, I'd give you more updates, but I need to do even more research on sex and condoms. Thank you Miami Ad School Project. It will only be fitting if our following assignment is for an alcoholic beverage.
Miami Ad School Account Planning Boot Camp
I've spent the last few weeks packing, schlepping my stuff from between New York City and my parent's house in NJ, and finally, settling into San Francisco - hence my lack of posts. Observations of NYC vs. SF to follow.. eventually. But in lieu of that, here's my application video for Miami Ad School. The concept was to show how I've used photography to observe and explore human behavior.Miami Ad School Application from Molly A on Vimeo.
A Quick Post
I've been in San Francisco for the last week and just started the Miami Ad School Account Planning Boot Camp. So I've been M.I.A. in the blog world. In a nut shell, San Francisco is amazing. I guess since I'm actually living here and it's my currently reality, I'm looking at it with new eyes then when I've visited in the past. I'm strongly considering moving here but since it's only been a week, I haven't made any decisions yet. The main obvious factor drawing me back to NY would be my family and friends, although I've met some awesome people here as well. Pictures and more observations to follow eventually. But I will say that San Franciscians are way more laid back than New Yorkers and believe it or not, crazier. Then again, my main SF experience so far has been the free Bluegrass festival in Golden Gate Park. I've never seen so many white, stoned, dreadlocked people in my entire life. And wonder what kind of effect contact highs have on children.
It's fantastic being with so many like-minded people in my program despite the fact that my fellow classmates are from all around the world. We all have an insatiable curiosity about people, are outgoing, creative and fun. It reminds me of when I studied abroad my Junior year, except everyone is mature, friendly and not at all clicky. I'm looking forward to learning a TON and getting put to work.
In lieu of giving ya'll an actual long posted update, I'm posting a "music video" I made last year just for shits and giggles. The footage was shot at Webster Hall at a concert using my iPhone and photographs were either taken by me, or are of me as a child. The music is Zero 7, Mr. McGee. Enjoy!
Racked NY
I can proudly say that a few of my photographs have been published. I shot for Racked NY a few weeks ago where I walked up to strangers, asked if I could photograph them and got the scoop on what they were wearing. I truly enjoyed having an excuse to walk around the city and meet new people but it wasn't easy. I haven't done that sort of thing since last fall and haven't really been photographing people since I took my portraiture class in the winter. Anyway, my subjects were all very nice. The anonymous commenters on the site are a whole other story. Man, they're mean. I started skimming through the comments only to realize they insult everyone - all the other photographers, every subject, you name it - not one nice thing to say. But such is life and now I know. Check out Racked for more street shots!
Shoot First, Ask Questions Later
While I lived in the East Village, I used to take my camera out on a stroll about every weekend, photographing interesting scenes and people downtown. Despite not having a full time job, I haven't had the time to do this for the last few months but realize how happy it makes me feel. Here are some shots taken in Soho and the West Village. Yeah, I forgot how great it feels to go through photos and have that "aha" moment when a great photo stands out. Even though I can see the image of the back of my camera, I can never really know that everything came together until pulling it up on my computer. And then, it will be the details that catch my eye - an interesting expression, color pattern, or lighting.. Everything comes together.
Mermaid Parade Coney Island 2010
Saturday, I went to check out the Mermaid Parade for the first time, camera in hand, with a bunch of awesome girls. I definitely think it's something every New Yorker should experience at least once. Um.. just make sure you wear sunscreen. I didn't entirely get my back and some lady at Java Girl (my coffee shop) said "Miss - do you know your back is super red and there are finger prints where you tried to put on sunscreen." Um.. thanks.
Colorado Part 3 - Street Performers, Scenery & Family
So here I go.. my observations. Right now, as I sit in my air conditioned apartment, after having been back in NYC for three days, I contemplate whether or there's a vast conspiracy with New York. I'm sure my sentiments will change back to their usual "I love New York." But I've started to wonder.. is there a conspiracy that brain washes New Yorkers into thinking that New York is the best place to live so we will put up with the living expensive, day to day bs of commuting on the hot, crowded subway, lack of access to real nature, lack of access to actually getting outside the city, seeing beautiful scenery everyday, etc.? It's just a thought. That will hopefully pass soon.. or maybe not. This comes on the heels of having looked at new apartments on the Upper West Side that are smaller than my current 5th floor walk up and pricier, having realized that I'm about to go into freak out mode with the money situation and need to get on the ball with applying to this program. Yeah, all good thoughts.
And in other news, going to Colorado and spending quality time with old family and those that I just met was (perhaps) a life changing experience. To be perfectly honest, I come from a pretty cool family and have some notable family members that have achieved great things on both sides. On my mom's side, I come from writers, store owners, creatives, etc. and on my dad's side, come from pioneers in religion, health, and people who endured a lot of hardships to move their family to a more promising place. It gives me a sense of pride, is encouraging and also makes me realize I have to shape up even more and get my ass in gear whether I decide to get an MBA, etc. Finally, I had a revelation with men as I watched my cousin get married to a great guy, met my other cousin's husband, and hung out and met various family members.. that who ever I marry will become part of MY family. I know that's obvious but it makes me re-evaluate my previous choices and gives me a better idea of who is good for me. If I realized this a while ago, half the guys I dated would have been kicked to the curb early on. And knowing this helps me get over relationships that didn't work out in the long run. Was all for the best.
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| Performer in Boulder. He was hard to watch.. scary stuff. |
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| 8:15 morning hike in Colorado Springs. We are champions. That was sort of some serious stuff. Of course there were people running on the trail. |
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| The Broadmoor |
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| My sister lounging in the Broadmoor like she owns the place. |
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| The coolest "family heirloom." A.O. Aaker - my great grandfather and famous doctor who died in a weird, tragic way, tripping over something and rupturing his spleen. |
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| My sister with two of the most adorable kids ever (well in top 5!) Luke is a genius, as he tells us.. and Marley is the sweetest girl I've ever met. I think she gave each of us about 7 hugs within the 7 hours that we hung out. |
Colorado Part 2 - The Wedding
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| My second cousin Cory and her new husband Chase |
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| The beautiful couple again |
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| Friends of the bride |
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| The view from the mountain top venue |
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| Cousin's friends |
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| My other second cousin and her adorable daughter Kate |
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| Another second cousin with her adorable and delightful son Neil, brother of the bride Kent, in the background |
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| Coloradians knows how to get down |
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| My second cousin Kent |
Colorado!
I probably should have warned my readers that I was going on vacation to Colorado for about a week. I went to a wedding for my dad's cousin's daughter, stayed with my mom's childhood friend, then we stayed with second cousins on the Aaker side who we've never met. All in all, it was a super, awesome, life changing trip. I have so many thoughts swirling through my head now about New York vs. the West, family, history, genetics, life, love, health, religion.. that it will take me a bit to process it all. For now, I'll throw some photos your way. Day 1 & 2
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| My dad looking like a politician while he's presumably talking religion and politics with my sister. |
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| Golden Colorado |
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| View from our big American car (rental). |
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| Family photo before Grooms dinner. I have flat hair. I'm not even sure I can grow my hair as long as my sisters.. |
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| Probably right before I got altitude/ motion sickness. Fun times. |
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| Doesn't really need a caption.. |
Kitten Pics
I'll take more glamour shots once I can clean the bugger's nose. But yeah, this one definitely has a personality. Still figuring out if it's a boy or a girl but according to some website, there's an 80% chance it's male since it's an orange tabby. I have a vet appointment either this afternoon or tomorrow morning. I just want to make sure it's healthy and eating the right food. Still hasn't entirely figured out the litter box but I now recognize the pee pee dance. Wow.. a dance only a mother would love. I've been hearing from more and more people that they had kittens as young as mine so I feel comforted knowing they turned out okay. It gets excited when it sees videos of other kittens and is even fascinated by it's own reflection. I feel bad that it obviously misses its brothers and sisters and I wonder if it will get lonely. Can I borrow Lola for a week? I feel like she'd make a good mother.
Latest Photo Shoot
On Friday, I photographed my first NYC roommate back when I was living on St. Mark's in the East Village. Even though we got along, we somehow never managed to hang out after living togeteher so I really hadn't seen her in 2 years. It was so great seeing her. We've both gone through so many transitions over the last few years and it was interesting to see where we ended up. She left the "corporate world" and took up her passion, dance. Whereas I was going from temp job to temp job and have since been at the same company for nearly 3 years. Anyway, I tried to capture the happiness she's felt with dance and the freedom. Of course I couldn't resist getting in some "beauty shots" cause she's obviously a beautiful girl.
Street Photography
I'm beginning to think my post last week was completely wrong. It's not me...
Anyway, here's some street photography from Wednesday night. I couldn't resist the opportunity to photograph drunk St. Patrick Day revelers but I ended up finding lots of people that were interesting on their own.. and not drunk. Case in point - the very friendly Vampire people..
Latest Photo Shoot
Here are some selects from my latest photo shoot on Saturday. It was an absolutely fantastic experience and I hope to photograph her again. I had the opportunity to meet some lovely ladies from Skidmore (my alma matar) who are a few years younger than me and hear their perspective on life, men, and our college experiences. My subject was playing a character. She is super sweet and down to earth. My photography project thesis has been narrowed down. I'm now dealing with the confusion, indecision and pressures that comes with growing up in a supportive, well off, environment where one can pursue anything they desire, rather than having to make a living. I definitely need a job and would have to pay for graduate school myself. But my liberal arts schooling and job that exposes me to all areas of advertising - strategy, creative, photography, have made me consider all options and question exactly where I would be happy.
