We're Moving

Sarah Cross Photography is packing her bags, putting all whatzits and gadgitz into a tightly packed package and is heading to a new address. We are gRowing!!

So thank you for your faithfulness during the first chapter my life online. I'm super excited about the new things to come and doing my best....to keep the dream alive.

So come on by the new place and say hi. We'd love to have you!

www.sarahcrossblog.com

image from babyccinokids.com

a Solstice Grove and a return to the yurt

Solstice Grove is a bit of a magical place. It’s located not far outside of Fairfax in Marin. Hidden within a grove is a family of yurts, cabins, a big house and moss covered trees. Tribe.net describes it as "a community of ecological, sociological, technological, and cultural activists and enthusiasts". It’s a community among the forest and a retreat once blessed by the Dalai Lama himself.

I first discovered Solstice Grove through the Seven Circles community, a community that leads Native American ceremonies and celebrations throughout the year. On that trip, I first met Astrid who then introduced me to Solstice Grove with a tour. We have since been in contact when she asked if I would like to kitty sit for her while she travels.  Blessed with the opportunity, I packed my bags.

I arrived in the rain from stress born in a world miles away. Driving through a dreary rainy day in a rental car that smelled like smoke and getting a ticket at the toll because I was without cash, I was happy to be leaving that and other stress behind. There was a warm welcome from Astrid at the door after I knocked to sound my arrival. A foreign sound to this door as Astrid explained that only the police knock and everyone is welcome in. Although she's never seen the police there.  It’s a community house. So I happily entered, taking off my shoes and joining Astrid in the kitchen where hot tea and and warm food were waiting. 

After Astrid left, I quickly made home for the yurt, a tiny little wooden bubble of peace and happiness hidden amongst the forest in the grove.

Inside the Yurt I named Bert, is one bedroom with a finished wooden slat door, three large windows placed evenly throughout the circle’s white wall between two mirrors, a skylight, a woodburning stove, a simple altar with animal inspiration and intention cards, and books beneath, a comfy bed and a small old metal desk. It is simple but hardly bare with thoughtful adornments and a pretty white cat named Luna.

Astrid has created a space that feels clear and and calm. It is perfectly conducive for spending time with one's self.

So I slept. It was about 2 in the afternoon. I stoked the fire while the rain danced on the circular skylight at the center of the yurt’s circle. And then I laid my head down and slept.

I spent the rest of my time at the grove exactly how I wanted. There was so little to “do” but I had the world to do. Sit with the fire and listen to it crackle. Stare at Luna and watch her purr. Then gaze at the la luna in the sky once the rain clears. Listen to the crickets. Wash up outside in the dark. Maybe meditate. Maybe walk in the woods. Maybe pray. Maybe sleep. Maybe head to the big house and get some work done. Maybe stretch. Maybe be.  The possibilities go for miles when there are miles to breath. No barriers but the ones you create.

Now to bring it all back to my real world, it was obviously an inspirational experience to retreat for a day or two. I highly suggest it. I only took a few picture with my phone camera and my favorite new app that seems to aid in communicating the experience. I hope you enjoy the images and...welcome to Solstice Grove.

HOT Scottish Southern Missouri Hippie Wedding with a Campfire

Ah, so I'm digging deep into the my favorite weddings bank while still on the portfolio journey and ran across possibly my all time favorite experience shooting a wedding...The Scottish/Hippie Wedding.


It was a perfectly soaking wet humid July day in 2008. The hottest day of the year...and Gabe and Shiela were having a wedding. This match made in heaven met at Sherwood Forest Camp, the same camp I attended growing up and then worked at. I have known Gabe's family since before I met Gabe. And then Gabe met Shiela...who traveled from Scotland to work at the same little camp in southern Missouri with underprivileged children from St. Louis. This alone defined her as a special person in my book. We were all soo happy when they decided to "make it official".


I really didn't know what to expect photographing their wedding. But I knew it would be fun. It was held at Missouri Outdoors, a campground off the river. All the guests actually camped overnight before and after. Sheila's family traveled from Scotland for the event and seemed like a perfect match for Gabe's colorful, tie-dyed, let loose and easy going family. The whole weekend was a celebrate of the union.


The heat however, made a huge impact on the experience...and on my photography. The generators failed, things were burning, my boyfriend passed out with heat exhaustion and by sunset, my lenses were were fogging with humidity. But alas, I was able to catch a few moments from the day.

Gabe and Shiela, you two are amazing! 

 

  

 

Mavericks Surf Competition: Half Moon Bay. February 13

Yesterday Zeta and I packed up and drove down to Half Moon Bay early in the morning for the largest surf competition round these parts. The competition consists of 24 surfers riding the biggest big waves, monstrous walls of water built force that range between 20 to 50 ft. The contests is called when the conditions are right resulting in all 24 competitors flying from around the world within 48 hours. Chris Bertish, South African Maverick first place winner of the $50,000 prize, flew 36 hours to compete. 

Our day was filled with luck. I luckily got the last BIG lens on rental in the city and they even had a 2x extender (300 mm 2.8 with a 2x Extender making it 600mm). We luckily found next to perfect parking. we luckily missed the large surge that took out the stage, vendors, sight seers and news people. And we luckily lugged the cooler up the cliff without tumbling down backwards so that I had something to stand on next to my tripod and fat lens so that I could have a go at shooting a wave or two. Luck continued with the arrival of our friend Mark who we shared lunch and laughs with...as well as shared the weight of the cooler on the long walk back to the car. 
Both Zeta and Mark had a go at shooting too...which made it even more fun. Here are few from the day. Enjoy! 

                                                          Our view of the surge that made Maverick history.

Viewers attempting to see a wave high above the ocean via the airforce fence.

 

Jay and Silent Bob.

talking shop

 Zeta tumbling down.

Lake Merritt + Astrid = Awesome

Ahh....headshots.....headshot shoot that turns fashion...I love! 

Astrid arrived at my home where we began our fun shoot. It amazes me what natural (or unnatural) backgrounds surrounds us without having to lug around a big set up. Walking with Astrid into the overgrown and undervalued backyard behind the apartment building with camera in hand, I instantly saw the textured backdrops surrounding us. I was soo happy we were on the same page about shooting. She was ready to jump into bushes and sit in broken chairs. Perfect! We then headed to Lake Merritt which I've been hankering to photograph someone around. It's could use more positive attention and lots of love. So let the love shine!

I used to dread headshots. Right out of school I worked in a studio that was part of a larger camera store. Lighting was generic...as were the headshots. They were more like mugshots and working under a 75 year old senior photographer...I had little say except on his days off. Those are the days I brought out the red back drop!

I used only natural light with Astrid and kept it very simple. That's the KISS method. (keep it simple stupid...my professors would be so proud).  Along the same note, these images were barely touched in post processing. Lightroom basic adjustments and walah! These are just a few of my favorites...but there were so many to choose form. Thanks Astrid for another fun day! Can't wait for more!!!!! 

Hs Lordships | Josalie + Vincent

Continuing on in my wedding portfolio journey, I find myself completely overwhelmed with soo many beautiful images from the wedding of Josalie and Vincent photographed with Sandra Reid. Josalie and Vincent were filled with a superb amount of character, energy and love towards eachother. As was the rest of the family. It was a super fun and entertaining day. Thanks Sandra for putting me on as second shooter! Choose your favorite and let me know.