Inspiring People: Marvin Seiger

It is with great joy and honor that I introduce to you today my Great Uncle, Marvin Seiger. My uncle Marvin is a wonderful man, full of life, and love, and wisdom. He is an incredible photographer and a true inspiration to me. It has been an absolute pleasure getting to know him better this past week through his stories and pictures. Here are the questions I asked him.

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Tell us a little bit about yourself - where are you from?

I'm from Philly and spent my first 28 years there. I briefly attended Temple university at night and I also was on the original American Bandstand. I started out in retailing in the shoe department of Gimbels department store, the shoe part led me to the leather tanning end of the business. I became a leather marketer and have been in the style, marketing and management end since. I have made fashion and style presentations in 12 different countries, as well as appeared in dozens of tv talk shows. I have been a guest speaker in over 300 hundred sales meetings for companies like Doc Martens, Timberland, Tony Lama Boots, as well as spoke at various colleges. I am a past chairman of the INTNL leather show. One of my most cherished satellite positions was as an adjunct professor of marketing and style development at Pratt Institute, working with creative, young people was quite inspiring for me.

What kind of artist are you?

My " artistry " as such is mostly in conceptualizing and assessing a story within a situation, even in my professional business life. As an example in my photograph of the homeless " park friend ", we spoke for about 10 minutes and got acquainted before I took his photo, which in my opinion provided a sense of ease that I believe shows in his image, at least to me. It's just great when the photographer becomes part of the scenes environment. I also believe that the composition itself whether of a photo or of my marketing plans can trump technical aspects at times, of course those technical aspects are required to complete the picture in these times of digital!

When and how did you decide to become a photographer? 

In 1953 my sister, your Grandma Janice gave me an Argus 75 camera for my Bar Mitzvah and the idea just " clicked ", and because we were so poor I was only allowed to take $12 of the money I received to buy a darkroom set. I set up the darkroom under the stairs leading to the basement. From that beginning I have never stopped in my quest to get the next prize winning image!

How long have you been a photographer?

Well now, that makes it exactly 60 years to the day and I'll keep doing it till I get it right! Up until two years ago I was still working in my own darkroom while simultaneously moving into digital, which I have now switched over to entirely.

Did you go to school to study photography or are you self taught?

Not any formal schooling but I have taken various workshops which were all helpful. In addition to some of the most reputable, professional instructors I've had, just being among others with the same goals provides very thoughtful, intermixed feedback that's the catalyst in becoming a  " thinking " photographer as opposed to simply being a picture taker.

What type of cameras do you shoot with?

Oh boy, I've had all the good ones. Contax, Hasselblad and FUJI Medium Format. Currently I use a Cannon T31 and a Sony Nex6, a wonderful camera. Over time the most important thing I've learned is not necessarily the camera itself, it's the " glass ", the lens. When buying a camera that comes with a " kit " lens is not the very best quality it's because the are offering special pricing. They are of course capable for most people but its better to add individual high grade lenses that cost more, but if real sharp with the attendant contrast is your goal then these are the lenses that will take you there. My Nex 6 and it's kit lens is quite good but my extra lens A 1.8 50MM is sharper and allows additional contrast framing possibilities.

How would you describe your style?

Originally I was mostly interested in landscapes and such but eventually it morphed into cityscapes, then people, flowers, trees, desert growth, and then objects as mundane as old worn items such as rusted silver dinner wear, tools, slinky's, old shoes, ect. I also value the way the light addresses the object and especially portraiture's. It's the lighting and its tonalities that is the most important factor to dramatize pretty much every image. 

What is the one photo you are most proud of and why?

There are at least 3, but lets say if I had to choose just one it would be " Now Where'd My Elephant Go " or sometimes also known as " Follow That Elephant ". It took place in the Serengeti of Tanzania during a safari. It was at the bottom of the collapsed floor of the Ngorongoro crater, now inhabited with many wild animals. We were following a family of cheetahs though this dried lake bed when I noticed these deep elephant tracks. This image has been published and had also won some awards. It is the framing and composition that make it so special, especially as it winds away in an asymmetrical pattern and seeming to vanish gradually to the top right corner. The driftwood almost seems to have been placed there purposely, but it was not, at least not by anything on this earth. Stopping our Landcruiser I cautiously hopped out, keeping in mind of the wild lions, cheetahs and elephants in the area to compose and take the picture. Knowing what I was standing in the midst of and what we had been following and then imagining what it must have looked like as the elephant trudged through was the thing that made me part of the image I took. It was that kind of ethereal feeling that was actually more exciting as I was seeing the actual animals first hand that made it a more personal situation beyond the actual photograph for me.

What inspires you when you are shooting?

I mostly think of the composition and or the framing and how best to utilize the existing available light. Those are the 2 key elements for me.

Who are a few of your favorite photographers? 

Only a few years ago did I start including color, doing black and white almost exclusively. Black and white  is the best way of using the light tonally and so my influences are Brett Weston for people, things that are natural in razor sharp tonals, Ralph Gibson for his dramatizing people and portions of an object with his use of light contrast. Michael Kenna for his softened, blended and harmonized tones on landscapes and cityscapes. Then there is Nick Brandt for his closeups of wild animals getting stark in-focus contrast without the use of telephoto lenses!

Are there any new projects you're working on at the moment?

My current project is organizing a collection of softened, toned images, using mostly black and white for a competition that I have been invited to participate in, at the North Valley Art League Gallery For International Juried Photography. The invite originated from photo's they saw from the Black and White Photography Magazine's online gallery which has a group of my work.

Do you have any advice you'd like to give to an aspiring photographer?

It's the art of seeing that will create the best work. Think of framing that can focus on a central part of the story that's not necessarily in the center of the frame and focalize on the lighting that dramatizes the main subject. Some of that of course can be done today in Photoshop but the stronger image will always come from the original composition that comes out of the camera.

*Photo credit: Marvin Seiger

Inspiring People: Frankie M

My Grandma has and always will be such an inspiration to me. She has the most beautiful, kind heart, always putting her family and others before her. She is so loving, giving, wise, and an incredible artist. I could not think of a more wonderful person to interview to start off my new series on the blog - Inspiring People. It was such a pleasure getting to know my Grandma a bit better through this project, here are the questions I asked her.

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Tell me a little bit about yourself - where are you from?

I was born in Chicago; Illinois, so was my Father and two sisters. My Mother was born in Russia and came to the US at 10 years of age. For 14 years we lived on the west side (15th and Crawford). When I was 15 we moved to the north side (Budlong Woods) Foster and Lincoln. I went to William Pen Grammar School, Farragut High School, Von Steuben High School. Started college at William Wright Jr., College in Chicago, McHenry County College, WM Harper College, School of Interior Design, insurance classes, Art Institute, Indiana University, Real Estate School. I went to a lot of different colleges. When I was little I took dance and piano classes, when I was about 10 years old I became interested in art.

When I was in school I only worked part time jobs. I also went to Patricia Stevens for 6 years (where models were taught and given jobs.) I loved it, and when I worked for Albert Inc., I did all the work for Sears throughout the world, and was one of there models. I met your Grandfather when he got out of the army (Korean war). He was going to school to be a teacher and worked at a hot dog stand and at a shoe shoe. When I introduced him to my Father's business he fell in love with it and because I knew the business I worked with him. We opened the first Dollar Store in Joliet.

When your Mom was born we moved to Glenview, I got a job at The Stars of Glenview and also helped your Grandfather get a job there too. I worked at Robert Hall Village as their display manager for their 7 stores in Illinois. When we moved to Indiana I started to paint more and I also hooked several rugs. When I moved to Woodstock, Illinois I took stained glass classes at the local college. Over the years I have done several other projects. A man that your uncle Dean knew asked me to do a stained glass piece for him that he wanted to give as a present ( which I did). He gave me a picture that he took of 3 horses that I copied in glass: and I was paid for that.

What kind of artist are you?

I have no idea what kind of artist that I am. I just do what I like when I want to.

Are you self taught or have you taken any art classes?

I had special art classes in high school, for all four years, I also went to the Art Institute for awhile and McHenry County College for classes in stained glass. and there is more than one way to do stained glass and I only do it the way I was taught, ( I like that way better ). I also learned how to crochet from a book.

What sort of things inspire you when you're working on a new project?

For a painting I get inspired by something I see and think I can do something with it. For stained glass it's either something I would like to try, something new or sometimes someone will ask me to make something for them.

Are there any new projects you're working on at the moment?

I just finished a painting and have started another. Also there are small stained glass items that I have started and have not finished yet.

Who are a few of your favorite artists?

I have always liked Henri De Toulouse, Latrec, and Georgia O' Keefe. Maybe it's because the way they can paint what they see in a bright vibrant way.

Do you have a favorite piece of art that you've created? If so why is it your favorite?

Everything I do is my favorite, because when it's finished I usually feel it's always better than I thought.

What advice would you give to an artist just starting out?

After you take a few classes you should do and feel what you like; I use oil paint, but there are other mediums, but if you want to sell your art, have a good agent.

Anything else you'd like to add?

Yes, enjoy your hobby(ies). As a business you have to to decide what and how you are going to make it work for you.

Guest Blogger: Rachel From Our Havenhill

Hey Everyone, I'm very excited to announce that I have a guest blogger posting on my blog today! Meet Rachel, first time Mom and fellow blogger over at Our Havenhill. I feel so honored to have Rachel posting on my blog today, she is such a sweet and beautiful woman who has such a deep love for her family. Rachel's passion to be the best wife and Mother she can be is so inspiring to me! Rachel's guest post is about how Motherhood has changed her in such a profound way. I really enjoyed reading it, her words are beautifully written and I'm not going to lie they made me tear up just a little bit. I love reading stories about the impact Motherhood has on someone! Hope you enjoy, and make sure to stop by Rachel's blog to learn more about her sweet little family!

Hi, I’m Rachel from Our Havenhill. My husband Josh and I have been married 5 years now (together for 9 1/2 years!) and we welcomed our first child Lillian Eve into our hearts and lives on May 28, 2011. We also have a grey kitty Shadow at home who is Lillian’s “big sister”. I am so excited to be here as the guest poster at Jen’s blog today! 

Today I’ll be writing about how motherhood has changed me. Besides the obvious and outside changes, there are some subtle and some profound changes that aren’t visible to the eye.  Anyone can see (well maybe not just anyone since I don’t walk around in a bikini every day!) the physical marks that proudly proclaim to the world that I’m a mother. I have large deep purple stretch marks on my hips, my butt, my breasts, and my inner thighs. I was lucky and escaped having any on my stomach! I know that in time they will fade to a silvery white color, hopefully barely noticeable. They don’t bother me too much though.

Anyone can see my “mummy tummy”. I still have a little pouch of poochiness in my belly that doesn’t seem to want to go away! Granted, my baby has only just turned 5 months old. I know I need to give my body time. Like my Mom tells me: 9 months to grow the baby, give your body 9 months to heal! I try to keep that in mind.

 It is the changes INSIDE me that are the most profound. I am a MOM. I am someone’s mother. And not just any someone – she is the most wonderful, beautiful, sweet daughter that we could have ever dreamed of. She is everything we prayed for! I want to be the best for her. Previously I wanted to be the best wife I could be for Josh (who deserves the best wife in the world!). I STILL want to be the best wife to him, but that’s not my only goal anymore. My goal is to be the best wife and mother possible. They both deserve my best.

I now put another’s needs before my own without even thinking about it. I have always tried to put Josh’s needs before my own, but as a mother it is now second nature, and instinctive. It is second nature to stop what I am doing and breastfeed, even if she just nursed only 10 minutes ago. Now we put her desires and needs before our own.

Josh and I have always had the strongest bond and the most love imaginable for each other. Now that we’ve created a child together our need for each other and our concern for our family’s safety and welfare have increased exponentially! I always worry. But now I worry even MORE. I need my little family to be safe and happy. I worry if Lillian coughs. I worry if she has a rash. (Even if for only two minutes!) I worry if she looks sad. I have an almost crippling fear sometimes of anything happening to my loved ones or even me, now that someone depends on me so completely. I have always had these fears. What would Josh or I do without the other? We know how it would devastate each other and our families. But now it is unimaginable. It is terrifying. We need to always be here for our precious daughter.

My heart is so full of love and protectiveness towards my daughter. I know Josh has changed in the same way. Where previously we could watch movies or tv shows where a child is abducted or hurt in any way, now it physically pains us and brings tears to our eyes and makes us hold Lillian all the tighter and kiss her with all the love we can show. I can’t and won’t watch things like that anymore. I can’t even see commercials of starving children anymore without tearing up and feeling protective. It is so clichéd, yet I now know exactly what everyone who became a parent before me has been talking about. Before, it was only stories of abandonment or abuse of animal that had me feeling that way. Now it is the animals and little children of the world that have my sympathy.

My daughter has grown and increased the love and fierce protectiveness of my heart. I have always had the most to live for, and now I have even more to live for. The most! I am so blessed and happy and fulfilled! 

Meet Melanie: Oh Baby! Baby Blog

Meet Melanie, a soon to be first time Mommy and fellow blogger over at Oh, Baby! Baby Blog! Be sure to check out her lovely blog as she takes you through her journey of pregnancy and soon to be Motherhood!

Q: How would you describe yourself? 

A: I’m Melanie. My husband is my hero and my dog is my best friend. Together, we moved to Billings, Montana about a year ago to feed our exploitative, nature-thirsting drive. Our family will soon be joined by this active bundle of joy living in my belly! I can’t wait to go on adventures, discover life together, and take on the most important role of my entire life…as a mom.

Q: What are your favorite things to do? 

A: I’m a hiker, a camper, a reader, a writer, a photographer, a dog trainer, a researcher, a thinker, and a lover. I have a feeling that being a mom is about to trump it all!

Q: What are you most passionate about?

A: Growing, learning, and never giving up or standing still. As long as we are making progress and becoming our goal for ourselves, it doesn’t matter how long it takes us! Baby steps will get us there.

 Q: If you were ice cream what flavor would you be? 

A: I’d be organic blueberry sorbet (especially if you are what you eat, because I cannot get enough of it)!

Q: How did you find out that you were pregnant?

A: My husband surprised me one morning with a breakfast of flax seed waffles and organic maple syrup. Instead of giving him a big kiss and a thank you, I almost puked on him. I wanted it out of my sight immediately! From there, I got the bright idea to buy a pregnancy test.

Q: How did you tell your husband?

A: I told my husband at the laundry mat after we got done folding our clothes. I wanted to get him when he least expected it… and that is exactly what happened!

Q: What are some things that you love about being pregnant?

A: I love knowing that my baby is safe and sound inside of me. I love feeling those precious movements. Sometimes, they are so strong that I look around me half-expecting others in the room to have felt the mini-quakes as well. But they didn’t. Being pregnant is like having a secret between you and your baby. Others can only know if you let them in!

Q: What do you dislike about being pregnant?

A: Nausea and feeling like a walrus.

Q: What are some cravings you have had during your pregnancy?

A: A juicy steak topped with halved grapes! Mmm…

Q: When are you due?

A: October 21, 2011

Q: Do you know what you are having?

A: No, we will be surprised!

Q:What were you and your husbands reasons for wanting to keep the sex of your baby a surprise?

A: My husband and I have decided to have as little medical intervention as possible during the pregnancy as well as during labor. For that reason, we opted out of a mid-pregnancy anatomical ultrasound (which is when the sex of the baby can be seen!)

Q: What kind of environment are you planning for labor and delivery?

A: We are going for a natural, un-medicated birth with as little medical intervention as possible. We have chosen the path of midwifery and are combining Lamaze techniques and the Bradley Method for pain.

Q: What are some of your family traditions?

A: We give to the homeless. This is an important value we are excited to pass on to our child (to give to others who are less fortunate). And we always buy a live tree on Christmas!

Q: When did you start to blog?

A: I started blogging shortly after I found out I’m pregnant. Now, I am 34 weeks along and will keep writing as we learn new roles as parents!

Q: Have you always enjoyed writing?

A: Yes! Writing has been an important part of my life since I was a child. I love having words as a way to express myself during this incredible journey in my life!

Q: What do you love most about blogging?

A: I love to be able to share my experiences with other pregnant women who can feel overwhelmed with information. I also love to meet readers with the same interests and to network with other bloggers who share the same passion for writing!

Q: What advice would you give to an expecting Mother?

A: To be patient, pray often, drink lots of water, avoid stress, and eat healthy!

Chicago, Here We Come

In less then 24 hours from now my little family of three will be sitting on an airplane heading to Chicago! I'm so excited to take Chloe on her first vacation and for our family and friends to finally meet our little rosebud ( Chloe's new nickname that I gave her, I think its pretty cute!) Of course I am a little nervous about traveling for the first time with a 3 month old baby, I really hope everything goes smoothly!

In other news, I have a lot of blog posts that I plan to write when we get back home from our trip. Chloe's 3 month update, a breastfeeding update ( which I now plan to do every three months), A post about our vacation that will include lots and lots of pictures! And something I am really, really excited about is a guest post from fellow blogger and soon to be first time Mom, Melanie from Oh, Baby! Baby Blog, Go check out her lovely blog!

See ya next Friday!

Calling All....

I would love to start having guest bloggers on my blog, I don't have all the details right now since I'm pretty new to this, but it seems like it would be a lot of fun and a great way to get to know other Mom bloggers! I'm thinking the post could be about "getting to know you and your blog". Also I would love to be a guest blogger as well, so if you are interested in being a guest blogger or to have me be a guest blogger on your blog please contact me at jenniferlang86@yahoo.com or leave a comment below with your information!