Light Wanderer

My Minneapolis Morning @ Mill City Farmers Market

2011-08-20T10:15:00.000-07:00

Whoever said the midwest is flyover country is really quite wrong. Everywhere I look there seems to be a new little gem that pops up. My newest discovered treasure: Mill City Farmers Market. I know it's nothing brand spankin' new, but it is to me and in the words of The Cure: I am in love..except it's Saturday, not Friday...you get my point...

What a sweet little corner of the world where music fills the air and amazing smells tickle your nose! Unique food artisans, organic veggies, stunning flower bouquets flanked by the charm of the Mill City Museum, the towering and protective Gold Medal Flour silos and the cool smoothness of the Guthrie Theatre.

My Minneapolis morning led me from the Nordeast (Shout out to NE MPLS!!) side, over the Stone Arch Bridge, right to where all the frivolity was taking place. I walked around on this perfect morning and soaked it all up. As I sipped a lovely helping of a ridiculously refreshing Arnie Palmer, made of a flavorful tea and homemade lemonade at The Chef Shack - whose Beef Tongue tacos were the best tacos I have ever eaten (super tender beef tongue, smooth avocado, sweet corn and the freshest tomato salsa on a flour tortilla), I listened to a great strings duet, chatted with one of the local farmers, bought some beets for roasting and some zucchini for a curried zucchini salad. Amusing how such a seemingly hustle and bustle place can actually emit so much happiness and serenity.

Perhaps my new Amish friends, who grow some mean heirloom tomatoes, bring in a little country calmness to the city. Another hypothesis: all the veggies and other foods, along with the flowers, artwork, textile products and pottery have been handled with love and care that the energy spreads like wildfire. It's like it creates a little halo that hugs each person that comes through the market; I firmly believe it's transmitted at a cellular level. Furthermore, how can you not feel like it's Christmas Morning in August when a very precocious little boy of maybe 10 years of age asks for "5 dollars, please" for the aforementioned heirlooms tomatoes and proceeds to wish you a "very happy day and wonderful blessings for your week!" As if his big brown eyes hadn't been enough to melt your heart!

So Mill City, you have created an incredibly memorable spot on the planet...I will be seeing you soon!!

A little sweetness is all it takes...

2011-08-17T12:36:00.001-07:00

Well, it has been a while...sometimes, a little sweetness is all it takes.

A sweet face to make you realize there are great moments in life.

A sweet smile that fills your heart with joy.

A sweet laugh that makes everything right in the world.

Sweet little eyes filled with so much warmth and love that they could melt an iceberg.

A sweet little angel brought into this world by two other angels on earth who couldn't be more deserving of such an amazing little boy!

"Per me i veri angeli sono le persone che in certi momenti compaiono all’improvviso a dar luce alla vita." ~ BANANA YOSHIMOTO

(Translation: For me, the real angels are the people who in certain moments appear all of a sudden to give light to life.")

Nation's Capitol

2010-05-18T14:53:00.000-07:00

Last week, I spent some time in our Nation's Capitol. What an incredible city, a reflection of many things our country stands for as well as a symbol for what is possible if one tries.

Spending time looking at the memorials and monuments, one gets a tremendous sense of the history and sacrifices. I visited the Korean War Memorial for the first time and then the Vietnam Memorial for the second time. Both were impactful and humbling. All the names listed on the wall at the Vietnam Memorial, the statues reflected in the etched faces on the glossy marble wall at the Korean Memorial were solid reminders of the selflessness of so many people that have defended us and will defend us in the generations to come. These simple photos are dedicated to them.

This trip not only was a wonderful reminder of my values, but also an extreme learning experience. I met new people, observed new places, and even had a moment to learn from Mother Nature herself through a family of ducks who were walking through the Washington Mall just steps from the Lincoln Memorial. Enjoy my first attempts at video editing and the story of a very determined Little Duckie!

Gorgeous Minneapolis St. Paul Wedding - Congratulations Chelsie & Jonathan

2010-04-21T11:35:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I was given the honor to document a gorgeous Twin Cities wedding. The Bride and Groom - stunning; the wedding party -charming; the families and friends - brimming with love and pride.

While each wedding tells it's own beautiful story and even the simplest and most humble weddings are so memorable, I must say, until now, I have only photographed one other wedding where that sense of family unity, happiness and mutual admiration has been so very thick in the air. It is beautiful to experience and even more thrilling to make photos that way.

The wedding ceremony was held at the very elegant Nazareth Chapel followed by a festive reception at Spill the Wine in Minneapolis. I swear everyone seemed to be smiling from ear to ear without end in sight. So, on that thought of joy and happiness, I wish a heartfelt congratulations to Chelsie and Jonathan!

Appetite for food (photography)

2010-04-16T17:35:00.000-07:00

I just received my latest edition of "Cucina Italiana" Magazine. What a joy it is to page through those glossy pages, one by one. Slowly and surely, my mouth begins to water just from the stunningly luscious photos. Immediately, my stomach growls and my brain wanders to inventory what I have available in the pantry. Once the inventory is completed, I can make the decision on what to begin preparing ever so carefully.

As I select the ingredients and gingerly start combining, experimenting with flavors to make the recipe my own, my craving, beginning to satiate thanks to each step bringing me closer to satisfying my appetite, changes to the desire of photographing the new creation.

Food styling and food photography is a another wonderful, mystical, delicious world! And, I need to become a part of that world. I intend to become a part of that world.

So, today I begin. My first attempt. No tripod (naughty me!), no special light. Just the food, in this case Nutella Chocolate Mousse with (real) vanilla whipped cream and a friendly little blackberry to top it all off!

Baby steps, or should it be baby bites in this case! : )

Lymphoma Research Foundation "Love to Find A Cure"

2010-03-05T15:46:00.000-08:00

The Lymphoma Research Foundation hosted "Love to Find a Cure" at the historic Minneapolis Depot with the help of numerous sponsors and local Twin Cities restaurants like Spill the Wine and The Blue Door.

As I walked around meeting the attendees, some who had a loved one with Lymphoma or found themselves as survivors or striving to become a survivor, I was moved by the energy and compassion of the people gathered that evening. From the generosity shown during the silent auction and live auction, to the subtle gestures of gratitude and concern, and visible emotions, it was a humbling experience from start to finish.

These amazing people gave so much to help those they know, but in the majority of cases, they gave to those they don't know.

Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, affecting over 70,000 people according to the booklet, Leukemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma Facts, 2009-2010. The Lympoma Research Foundation has funded over $37 million dollars to be used towards lymphoma specific research.

Special thanks to Dana Hendee and Marty Berglin for giving me the opportunity to take part in this meaningful event.

Congratulations to all those involved in helping to eradicate this disease. Please visit the LRF website if you would like to help out.

Big Brothers Big Sisters: a tribute to two special people

2010-01-13T10:59:00.000-08:00

I had the opportunity to document some moments during the filming of this inspiring short documentary film on the power of compassion and human generosity. Through the program of Big Brothers Big Sisters, John and Mohammed were paired up and were able to create a future they never imagined.

Special thanks to Marty Berglin of Willow Creek Films. www.WillowCreekfilms.com

Big Brother & Sister from Martin Berglin on Vimeo.

High Fashion Shoot

2009-09-21T08:20:00.000-07:00

Documenting the fantastic artistry of Stephanie Molin, Make up Artist.

Wee Details

2009-07-18T17:14:00.000-07:00

Sometimes the smallest details can
evoke the most heart warming
feelings later on.

Like a sparkly broach or remembering what shoes you wore on a special day.

They were more than accessories. They were a part of the story.

All images Copyrighted by Karen Tobler Photography 2009

Ravishing Reds

2009-06-15T14:33:00.000-07:00

Red draws attention, increases enthusiasm and can lessen mistrust.

It was the color of choice for sailors in historic times as it was believed to be a color of protection.

It is the base chakra color, the first or root chakra - located at the base of the spine. Symbolizes groundedness, trust and belonging

It is considered to be an important color in many countries, used on flags, shrines and as the garments worn by kings and religious figures. Red is also known as a color of luck, vibrance and when added to gardens provides a cozy feel.

Tranquility

2009-05-19T10:07:00.001-07:00

"To be calmly active and actively calm — a Prince of Peace sitting on the throne of poise, directing the kingdom of activity — is to be spiritually healthy. Too much activity makes one an automaton and too much calmness makes one lazy and impractical. Peace is the enjoyment of life; activity is the expression of life. A balance between the activity of the West and the calmness of the East is needed." - Unknown -

People Watching

2009-05-13T08:03:00.000-07:00

“We sometimes encounter people, even perfect strangers, who begin to interest us at first sight, somehow suddenly, all at once, before a word has been spoken.” - Fydor Dostoevsky

When I am out with my camera, which is more often than not, I can't help but notice people more. I am always wondering who they are, what they are thinking about. Whether or not they are funny or happy or miserable people. I bet if I had the "you know whats" to ask I would be surprised.

A camera makes it ok to stare, I guess. You're aren't quite as maniacally creepy when you have a hefty sized camera in hand.

Some people are so intrigued by me walking around with a camera, they actually ask for a picture.

Take these kids, for example. They literally jumped in front of my lens. I was shooting at the Walker Art Center and they popped out of nowhere.

Scared the living daylights out of me.

There I was, vigorously concentrated on framing and composition and out of thin air I get these two in my picture.

They were a riot! Made my day, really.

Every time I look at this following picture I want to reach for a blanket to take a wee nap. It has a peaceful quality.

Here is this gentleman: taking a little snooze in front of his shop. Checkin' out for a bit, getting some shuteye, a cat nap, forty-winks, if you will. But, is he?

You aren't quite sure if he is resting, praying, meditating or just being there taking in the warmth and sounds that surround him. This little intermission from his workday could be accidental, or perhaps this is a cherished ritual.

This is the part of photography that I love, the story. It's even more interesting when you have the opportunity to create it in your own mind. You can layer it anyway you like. However it speaks to you is how you are able to relate to it; and, it becomes a part of you.

The eyes have it!

2009-05-06T11:13:00.001-07:00

These simple monochromatic images have one thing in common: the eyes captivate the viewer. There is no color to distract....just the eyes.

Eyes are the primordial element of a portrait.

They can convey sensuality, longing, sadness, amazement.

Tranquility or mystery.

Grace and kindness.

Or child-like innocence.

A beautiful eye makes silence eloquent, a kind eye makes contradiction an assent, an enraged eye makes beauty deformed. This little member gives life to every other part about us; and I believe the story of Argus implies no more than that the eye is in every part; that is to say, every other part would be mutilated were not its force represented more by the eye than even by itself. ~ Joseph Addison

Limber in the light

2009-04-24T14:45:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time I used to dance and knew perfectly a pas de deux from a fouette jete. It was as second nature as breathing. Until I expeditiously grew to 5 feet 9 inches by 4th grade and was speedily informed I was too tall to be a dancer. Nevertheless, anytime I witness a performance it takes me back to those bygone days if but for a moment. Then, reality sets in and I am confronted with the notion that now I am as flexible as a redwood tree and that I am no longer the elegant little twerp prancing around a stage. Good God did I feel my bones cracking and my muscles pulling just looking at these talented performers. I sprained an ankle just standing there watching them leap and come down gracefully en pointe.

As I was writhing in agony while feeling the ghost pains of my shattered cuneiforms, I felt the blazing compulsion to take a picture. Behold, the prima donna...

I was also amazed by the sinewy muscles of these dancers. Talk about physical fitness. Perhaps another photo to illustrate what I mean should there be any bouts of disbelief going through your mind. After all, most people associate ballet with tutu's, sparkles and swans, oh my! What ballet truly is can only be described as an intense love hate relationship between a story and the telling of that story through extremely controlled, deliberate, imaginative movements that build and destroy a dancer's body and spirit at the same time.

The sinewy-ness of this performers shoulder astounds me.

Note the incredible picture of ELVIS (taken by an incredibly talented photographer Orin Rutchick http://www.mplsphotocenter.com/ ) in the background. I love the contrast of the two. How unexpected!

"There is only you and your camera. The limitations in your photography are in yourself, for what we see is what we are.”

- Ernst Haas

Does this mean I am Elvis??

All Photography Copyrighted by Karen Tobler Photography. All Rights Reserved.