The things we leave behind..

There is a house I pass everyday on my way to work, that burned down and was subsequently bulldozed. I noticed a few weeks ago that someone had propped an old broken doll head on a stake in the ground, right by the road.

I have passed by it several times, and have been simultaneously creeped out and fascinated by it, and definately thought it would make an excellent photo! It just reminds me of a movie poster for a scary movie or something similar.. and those who know me know that I'm nothing if not a bit macabre! It makes me sad though, makes you think of what it once was, did a little girl love this doll? It has a story, which is why I am so fascinated by this little piece of creepiness.

This doll was left behind, whether by force or by whatever reason, and it has turned into something new entirely, something that I had a hand in creating, which is pretty sweet if you ask me. :)

I also have been leaving something behind, my self consciousness and general lack of guts. I would normally chicken out of standing by the side of a very busy road and taking pictures of some crazy piece of nostalgia. I can't help but wonder what the people driving by were thinking seeing me trampling through the ditch, brambles and yes, poison ivy, to get this picture. What would I think if I saw it? My biggest fear is of people laughing at me, due in part to my past. To be completely honest I have passed up several photo oppertunities because I was too chickenshit to stand in public and take photos.

But tonight as I came upon this area I couldn't pass up this chance to get a really great photo, I had my camera with me, the sun was setting, making the light really nice - and above all I decided I didn't care if people were laughing at me, or staring at me as they drove by, because it was worth it to have this picture. I'm proud of myself!

I also got a quick picture of Staci, a good friend of mine who happens to be a co-worker, tonight as we were closing down shop at work. One thing I didn't notice until post was that our other co-worker Bill was giving her the ol' bunny ears. This shows me I might not be paying enough attention to what I'm seeing through my viewfinder when I take on the fly photos like this, which I'll try to improve. Luckily, in this picture it worked out, and added a certain cute factor that I really appreciated after I noticed it.

Coming up the rest of this week I have a shoot scheduled tomorrow with my friend and co-worker (noticing a theme here?), Jessica. She's a professional wrestler (No lie, she's pretty bad ass!), who works with independent promoters in NE Ohio and also other places around the US. She agreed to be my portraiture guinea pig, and I am totally excited to take her pictures!

I also have a shoot set up with Staci (same Staci from the pic, yep!) for later this weekend, which I am also extremely stoked about, this girl is absolutely the single most photogenic person in the entire universe, seriously! I can't wait to take her pics too, as she was also gracious enough to allow me to practice on her.

Well, that's enough from me for one night, check back for the results from the shoots!