Monday, February 22, 2010

ARCHIVES: Muncie Gras Past

While working at the Star Press I had the opportunity to produce a multimedia short to promote the entertainment section, All Access, at the annual Mardi Gras inspired Muncie Gras festival. Since I didn't film one this year (because I no longer work there) and with the festival just around the corner I am feeling a bit nostalgic. Below I've posted the videos from '08 and '09. Both starring friends and volunteers who were brave enough to trust me during my "inspiried" anxiety.
 

Muncie Gras '09 from Melanie Maxwell on Vimeo.



Muncie Gras '08 from Melanie Maxwell on Vimeo.

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Saturday at Eastern Market - Detroit, Michigan

Eastern Market is honestly one of my favorite places on the planet. Since I've moved back to Michigan (and have been granted Saturdays off!) I've been making more frequent trips. Interestingly enough, I did my first-ever photo essay at Eastern Market. It was terrible. I think it has since become a photo essay that I will work on for life, as I will always be collecting photographs of my experiences there.

Farmers and vendors come from all over the state and set up their stands in the sheds where they sell produce, baked goods, grains, plants and many other items for much less than most grocery store prices.
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I couldn't resist photographing at this table, everything was bathed in beautiful, warm light. I managed to snatch up some of those red potatoes and a basket of onions, $1 each!
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This vendor sells firewood. He was also caught trying to sell some charm to my mom, the wag of her finger told him who's boss!
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Pretty red tulips on the left, Mom and Mark on the right.
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I took this while we waited in line for my favorite restaurant in the village, Russell Street Deli. It's the kind of place where if there isn't a line out front, then they must be out of the day's fantastic specials. (See photo of my meatless ruben below, not a Saturday special, but special for my stomach!)
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Friday, February 19, 2010

Blue Skies

Here are a couple of shots from yesterday afternoon. Nothing like a little warm light and blue skies to cheer a girl up!

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Thursday, February 18, 2010

Good, Cheap, Veg Eats

One of the many perks of living in Ann Arbor is the city's diverse offerings in dining. Every time I am faced with choosing a place to eat, I get into an argument with myself. You name it and Ann Arbor's got it. It's basically the opposite problem I used to have where there was no need for an argument, because there were no options! Today was like any other (with exception of a beautiful blue sky!) There I found myself, standing on the corner of Liberty and Fifth street, with a rumble in my stomach, daring myself to make a decision. Where to eat? Good question. After an inner fist fight, I came to a simple conclusion: Earthen Jar, an all vegetarian Indian buffet, just a mere 50 steps away.

I know this is supposed to be a "fancy" photo blog, but hey, I didn't have my "fancy" camera when the inspiration hit to take these pictures so we will have to suffer through with unfancy iPhone photos for the sake of good food. I am sure you understand! ;)

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All of this for $6.35. Which is a pretty good deal. I mean, come on, you can lose your retirement eating out in this city.
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I mean really, where else can you go and hear the same Bob Marley song EVERY SINGLE TIME you are there. I think they just play it on a loop.
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Monday, February 15, 2010

Black & White and Leading Lines

Winter's got me seeing straight lines. I can't seem to help it. I've always been drawn to a clean aesthetic and you could say I have a thing for repetition. So it came as no surprise when I started noticing a "pattern" in my snow feature photos for AnnArbor.com.

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Saturday, February 13, 2010

Hot Red Tights

I met Martin and Kelly through my super, independent-woman friend and co-worker Chrysta. We met up yesterday evening and shot their engagement photos in downtown Ann Arbor. Kelly is a costume/fashion designer, so of course they had to dress in style for their photos! Big thanks to the pair for trudging through the wet and snowy streets, especially Kelly in those impossible shoes!

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Friday, February 12, 2010

ARCHIVES: Winter on another continent

This winter weather has me thinking about warmer temperatures, and not because I am cold and impatient for summer. I actually enjoy the winters months, much more than I enjoy sweating during the summer. It's the gray tones and lack of sunshine that has my mind drifting to a warmer, sunnier, winter I experienced in May of 2009. Well of course we all know that winter is not in May, unless of course, you are in Africa! Here are a couple of links and a photo from my five-week long trip to Africa. Perhaps it will help your mind wander over this wintry weekend?

Read about it here!

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Video here:





Bloggin'

Hello blog world! I might be a little late to the game but I figure there is always room for one more! Welcome to my photo blog, where I hope to post and talk about the things I am doing, seeing and most importantly photographing!

Since I have spent my morning off from work learning how to manipulate Blogger (thanks Chris Bergin!) to my own design, I haven't taken any new photos today. So instead, I will take the opportunity to show off my cat Lucy. Here she is in all her lazy glory.

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