February 10, 2020

I Love to Travel ... and Take Selfies

February 10, 2020/ Cindy Brown

Like a lot of folks I know, I love to travel.

This past year, my wife Sharon and I, took a trip to Oaxaca, Mexico so I could attend a photography workshop and we could enjoy the Dia de los Muertos celebrations.

Yes, I took lots of photos with my real camera, but the cell phone camera was always there ready for a selfie.

Here are a few favorites from the trip.

This selfie was taken in front of a vegan restaurant in Mexico City. We took a taxi across the city, so we could see the Frida Kahlo house. The only problem … about 1000 other people had the same idea.

After a harrowing day at the Mexico City airport and harrowing evening desperately searching for a hotel (because our pre-made reservations fell through,) we ended up in the lovely town of San Augustin, Etla.

To our delight, San Augustin was home to the Centre for the Arts, an art museum and school.

Here’s a link to the CASA website.

We made lots of new friends in Etla. These friends are from Idaho.

Back to San Augustin. This was taken right after the overnight Day of the Dead celebration. Yes, they partied all night. We did not.

More new friends. These two are Influencers!

Yep. We really were there for Day of the Dead.

In Oaxaca City with new friends from New York.

In the zocalo (main square) in Oaxaca City.

Yes, you could say that i’m a wedding and event photographer willing to travel.

February 08, 2020

CEO of Happiness Speaks at Merit’s EPIC Conference

February 08, 2020/ Cindy Brown

One of the perks of photographing corporate events is leaving inspired after listening to a motivational speaker. After all, who can’t benefit from a great motivational speech.

Merit Financial hit the inspirational speaker jackpot when they brought in Chris Gardner, author or Pursuit of Happyness, and inspiration for Will Smith’s character in the movie of the same name.

My challenge as a photographer was to capture at least one signature shot showing Gardner with storytelling context, like the one above.

After that, I knew I needed some tighter shots of Gardner gesturing, so you can see he’s making a connection with his audience.

After the speech, I wanted photos of him interacting with his audience.

Chris Gardner with CEO of Merit Financial

And, of course, evenone there wanted posed photos with Gardner.

If you’re looking for a corporate event photographer who’s hell bent on telling the story of your event, then give me a call or shoot me an email.

404 298 6263
cindy@cbrownphoto.com

January 07, 2020

Dia De Los Meurtos in San Augostin, Etla

January 07, 2020/ Cindy Brown

Day of the Dead in San Augustin Etla Mexico

DO20191031-1103-Etla-0377-2.jpgDay of the Dead in San Augustin Etla Mexico 2

DO20191031-1103-Etla-0574.jpgDay of the Dead in San Augustin Etla Mexico

Day of the Dead in San Augustin Etla Mexico 3

Day of the Dead in San Augustin Etla Mexico 4

January 04, 2020

I took the challenge and did a "Decade in Review"

January 04, 2020/ Cindy Brown

One of my favorite inspirational coaches is Marie Forleo. I don’t listen to her as much as I could, but when I do, I’m always glad I did. For one thing, she always makes me laugh. She’s actually pretty silly, a lot of the time.

But, mixed in with her silliness, laughter and good humor are some true gems.

After watching her video about doing a Decade in Review, I decided to suggest doing it to my wife and two friends. We had taken a trip to our tiny cabin in the mountains, and it seemed like a good way to spend an evening after a day of hiking.

The act of looking back at our actions over the decade of the 2010s proved incredibly powerful. We learned as individuals and as a group. (You find out quite a bit about a friend when they share answers to questions as compelling as these.

The first section of the Decade in Review was all about what you’re most proud of and included these steps:

“Over the past 10 years, what have you done that you’re proud of?

What are the obstacles you’ve overcome?

What are some of the results you’ve created in your career or life since 2010?”

— Marie Forleo

Our small group made it through the first question. We came up with lists of things, large and small, that we were proud of.

Me with Mom and Sharon in 2016. I took Lots of selfies with Mom. She loved to look at them after I took them and would ask me to take another if she wasn’t happy with the way she looked. here’s one of my favorites.

For me the years between 2010 and 2017 were some of the most meaningful of my lifetime. During that time, I walked with my mother along her Alzheimer’s journey. At times, it was difficult, at other times enlightening, and always love-filled.

My mother and I grew closer together than we had ever been.

Spending time with my Mom during those 7 years, gave me more satisfaction than almost anything else I’ve done in my life.

Looking towards the next decade, I know to pay more attention to relationships, than to career, awards, money, travel, etc. Because, I’m certain that it’s the way I interact with the people I love, that once again, will be most significant when I reach the next turn of the decade in 2030.

I plan to be here and happy, and hope you will be, too.

January 03, 2020

Classic Black and White at Emory Med School Alumni Event

January 03, 2020/ Cindy Brown

Even though a lot of photographers consider event photography boring, I actually find it quite challenging. I use all the skills of a photojournalist that use when photographing a news event or wedding.

Although, in most instances In have less to work with in the way of action or emotion than at a wedding or news event, my goal is always the same: tell the story with visuals that surprise and delight.

Here are a few classic black-and-white edits from an Emory Medical School Alumni event that took place at The Estates on Piedmont in the fall.