Champagne Region of France Inspires Me

By laura / March 23, 2022 / Comments Off on Champagne Region of France Inspires Me

The Champagne region of France offers beauty all around. I begin my morning by wandering around the Eglise Saint André Church in Orquevaux, which is located in the Champagne region of France.  A genuine smile greets me at the front door as the French language quietly lingers in the air.  I only hope to understand…

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Latin American Artist Otto Hernandez

By laura / March 15, 2022 / Comments Off on Latin American Artist Otto Hernandez

Every photograph is a doorway into the soul of an artist, a glimpse into their creative process, their struggles, and their triumphs. My mission as a photographer goes far beyond capturing beautiful images.  I am dedicated to telling the stories behind them.  Through my lens and contemplative interviews, I bring the world of art to…

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Build Community Through Storytelling in France

By laura / March 2, 2022 / Comments Off on Build Community Through Storytelling in France

I’m in France so I can build community through storytelling. It may have taken me longer than most to find my true passions, but once I began searching, I realized I was doing them all along.  A powerful moment happens when you realize you’re doing meaningful work that you were called to do.  One of…

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Chateau Orquevaux Artist Residency

By laura / February 24, 2022 / Comments Off on Chateau Orquevaux Artist Residency

Chateau Orquevaux is located in the heart of the French countryside. The majority of my stay will be at Chateau Orquevaux, which is located in the Champaign region of France.  After nearly four hours of driving from Charles de Gaulle, I pull up to the chateau just in time to attend the champaign reception.  This…

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Charles de Gaulle International Airport

By laura / February 22, 2022 / Comments Off on Charles de Gaulle International Airport

Mid-morning fog welcomed me to Charles de Gaulle International Airport in Paris, France. After exiting the aircraft, I follow my fellow passengers to baggage claim.  Next, I follow the signs which direct me toward my rental car.  Hopefully I wasn’t tricked into any unnecessary upgrades due to the language barrier.  The language barrier is real…

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California Artist Helen Steele

By laura / February 17, 2022 / Comments Off on California Artist Helen Steele

California Artist Helen Steele came into my life for a reason. Sometimes people come into our lives for reasons unknown at the time.  I met California artist, Helen Steele just a few short weeks ago during our artist residency at Chateau Orquevaux.  Although I knew her for only a brief moment in time, Helen impacted…

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International Travel Through France

By laura / February 15, 2022 / Comments Off on International Travel Through France

International travel looks different than it used to. Luckily, it’s not that different.  International travel requirements seem to change on a daily basis so it’s important for me to focus elsewhere.  My travel journal is a documentation of my personal experiences through the French countryside and beyond. My parents hug me good-bye after we pull…

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Solo Travel Through France

By laura / February 8, 2022 / Comments Off on Solo Travel Through France

My solo travel adventures through France begin today. Chateau Orquevaux is the final destination for today, but a lot will happen between then and now. It’s important for me to begin this travel journal with a grateful heart.  This solo travel experience wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for the support of my incredible family,…

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Leica M6 35mm Film Camera

By laura / December 22, 2021 / Comments Off on Leica M6 35mm Film Camera

German engineering attracted me to Leica and convinced me to buy a Leica M6. My Leica M6 never disappoints.  This 35mm rangefinder film camera helps me get back to the basics of why I fell in love with photography in the first place. My goal as an artist is to teach you how to see.…

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Fine Art Photography Degree Is Not A Waste

By laura / December 15, 2021 /

Negative comments about my useless fine art photography degree are nonstop. “Why would you be interested in learning about film photography when it’s on the brink of extinction?” they ask.  This is a question I hear and contemplate nearly every day. Twenty years later, I’m still photographing film. I love it as much as I…

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