Fair Trade

Purple lace dress $25, rings - H&M *photos of me by Shannon

Back in May, my friend Shannon and I trekked down the the Schuylkill River trail in search of a decent location for a portrait photography assignment. I admittedly went into a bit of a state of shock as I was editing these photos and realized that not only were they taken back in May, but that nearly a month had passed since. In between classes, final projects, internship applications, over a dozen interviews, and even seemingly normal tasks like grocery shopping, I've felt extraordinarily busy. Luckily, it's been more of a manageable state of constant occupation as opposed to a more overwhelming one. Sadly, other than shooting projects for the photography class I took last term, my camera has barely seen the light of day. I've resolved to remedy that this summer, and perhaps I'll even end up enjoying myself more if I seek out activities that are worth documenting. 


My absence on here is partly due to my devotion to increase my time-management skills, my lack of which proved detrimental to my sleep schedule this past winter. I pulled far too many all-nighters because I left my work until the last minute, a habit I'm determined to change. I haven't been taking as many photos, and when I do it's either on assignment for the newspaper or as part of my photography class. I've also purchased a handful of books over the past couple of months that I have yet to touch. I've lightened my course load over the summer term, seeing as I'm already ahead of schedule, and left some time to just relax. And while I've been the worst, most inattentive blogger ever, I have been tweeting up a storm. Sometimes I manage to tweet some pretty clever things (sometimes).

My already inhumanely short summer break of one week was cut even shorter due to a number of interviews and obligations. I spent last Monday working my way through Midtown in Manhattan, and even if I don't end up working in New York come this fall, at least I'll know that I have some serious interviewing experience under my belt. I stepped into an elevator and my jaw hit the floor when I saw literally dozens of some of the most internationally recognized fashion brands listed on the wall. I was also tempted to stop on every floor and leave my resume with the receptionist and shamelessly beg for a lowly internship position. And despite experiencing a minor quarter life crisis as I anticipated the arrival of my 20th birthday at the end of last month, I've never been more confident in my choice of major, and ultimately my future career. I'd call that a fair trade.

The Great Gatsby

 Unless you're living under a rock, I'm sure you've seen the trailer for The Great Gatsby. The costumes and sets look absolutely stunning, as if we'd expect anything less from director Baz Luhrmann. But at same time I find myself hoping for something that is not too...Baz Luhrmann-y? I've always imagined the story as being depicted in a way that's more subtle, perhaps even with an air of melancholy; but perhaps that's the route that was taken with Paul Rudd's version from 2000 (I love you Paul, but this just didn't cut it). I'm also excited for the inevitable resurgence of twenties-era inspired fashion by the time this film premieres in the winter: yes, please. Join me in fawning over all of Carey Mulligan's headpieces and watch the trailer here.

Rooms Filled with Light

The Drums

Over the course of the past few months I've had the opportunity to photograph some rather spectacular bands. Unfortunately I've also submitted to overwhelming laziness and have just gotten around to editing photos that have been sitting in a folder since the beginning of March. Thank goodness I don't do this for a living, otherwise I wouldn't have been able to eat for about two and a half months. The Walkmen put on a brilliant 3 hour long set on March 4 at Union Transfer; their show here in Philadelphia was part of a series of celebratory shows that honored their 10th anniversary as a band. Washed Out played at the same venue on April 19 and Fanfarlo was here to promote their newest album on March 8. The Drums were at Union Transfer as well back on April 23, and despite it being the most difficult show I've ever had to shoot (backlighting, smoke, more backlighting, and more smoke) it was a great show to watch. Every so often I have to remember to put down my camera, stop thinking about catching the best light, and just enjoy the music.

Washed Out

The Walkmen

Fanfarlo