Cathryn Farley Photography Blog

Happy Leap Day!

Cathryn — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 19:38:20 +0000

I had an opportunity to hear an amazing woman speak last night. Annie Griffiths, one of National Geographic’s first female staff photographers, spoke at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. It was absolutely amazing to see the images she has created over the years, and hear her share the stories behind them. Even more astounding, she traveled and worked with her children. She had an energy that was captivating and a spirit for life that was very contagious. She shared so many brilliant ideas but this quote from her sums it up:

“Get out of your comfort zone.
It will all work out.
Follow your heart,
and work your little tucas off.”

So in honor of leap year, on this leap day – do something that takes you out of your comfort zone. Follow your heart and work your little tucas off. IT WILL ALL WORK OUT. Happy Leap Day!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Cathryn — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:27:08 +0000

Traditional thoughts of Valentine’s Day conjures images of Cupid. Pink & Red hearts. Chocolate. Roses. All symbols of love perhaps? Perhaps….

For me, Valentines Day has evolved a bit form the expectation of a dozen roes and a heart shaped box of chocolates. It’s an opportunity for me to express my love and gratitude not only to my husband – but to everyone in my life I cherish. My children. My mother. My sister and my in-laws. My friends.

I truly cherish my relationships with each and everyone of these people. They have all touched my life – and I am grateful. This is my heart – my symbol for Valentine’s Day:

Recognition

Cathryn — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 20:50:36 +0000

I have been exposed to corporate America for a while now, and my overall experience is employee appreciation is rapidly diminishing. Most companies seem to ask more of their employees and give less in return. ‘Be lucky you still have a job in this economy” is the theme.

I had the opportunity to see and capture first had a Company that does not fit in to the stereotype. Grundfos serves it’s employees. I joined the National Sales Team at their annual event in Palm Springs last week. The entire team and their spouses were invited to spend the week in Sunny California! They worked of course. Team meetings, presentations, breakout sessions etc. But they were also given opportunity to relax, bond and feel appreciated. Their president actually held a session with the employee spouses thanking them for their commitment and support to the organization. WOW.

The big deal was the awards banquet. In fact, one of the employees referred to it as the Oscars. I’d say it was more like the SAG awards. Same concept. Everyone got to dress up and make acceptance speeches. The difference was SAG awards are like the MVP Grundfos awards because you get to eat, drink and be recognized by your peers.

The experience was refreshing. Employee recognition goes a long way.

Namaste

Cathryn — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 18:22:18 +0000

Namaste is derived from Sanskrit and is a combination of two words, “Namo Aste”. “Namo” means ‘bow’ and “aste” means ‘me to you’. Therefore, Namaste literally means “bow me to you” translated as “I bow to you”. The gesture Namaste represents the belief that there is a Divine spark within each of us that is located in the heart chakra. The gesture is an acknowledgment of the soul in one by the soul in another. “The spirit in me respects the spirit in you.”

I”m sharing this with you for two reasons.

First: The beautiful and very talented Ruthann Zenter, owner of the Zen Zone, is featured in the images below. Ruthann has several gifts. Her friendship, yoga practice, creativity and wisdom are all attributes she shares endlessly. I have learned so much about how to be a better person, creative spirit and business owner from her. And for all of those things I am grateful. My spirit most definately respects the spirit in you – Namaste Ruthann

Second: My photography take on “Namaste” is a bit of a stretch, but this is how I interpret what I do. As a photographer, it is my job to reflect the spirit in the beautiful people I photograph. There is a light, a beauty, and a talent in each of us. I strive to capture that thru my photography so I can share it with others.

And so, Namaste.

WHAT IS YOUR EARLIEST HUMAN MEMORY?

Cathryn — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:12:34 +0000

I think I was 3 or maybe 4 – my mom and I were making cookies in the kitchen. The phone rang. 1970ish phones were still attached to the wall – the ones with the spiral cords that would curl the funky backwards way if the were stretched out to far. I was sitting on the counter next to the upright, batter filled mixer. I flipped the mixer switch and cookie dough flung all over the kitchen.

Merry Christmas

Cathryn — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 23:07:28 +0000

Santa and Mrs. Claus made an unexpected appearance this year. Instead of taking Rudolph and the crew out for a spin, he hitched up Clyde and Dale – his two trusty Clydesdale horses.

A Day at the Park

Cathryn — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 17:48:51 +0000

A day at the park with a 1 year old certainly eliminates the need to hit the gym. Oh my. As a mom, you have to be ever vigilant with your kiddo at the park. As a photographer, you not only have to keep up with, but also stay ahead of your child at play. So many fun moments and expressions to capture – if you fall short at all the moment is lost. I was exhausted after my shoot with little B, but kept up long enough to capture him at play!

Be Inspired…

Cathryn — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 22:39:57 +0000

If you want to be – or need to be – INSPIRED. I have an idea! Go hang out with one of these guys. The personal Trainers at Bodies are the best of the best when it comes to personal training. Here’s why:
1. They know what they are doing – they are all certified PERSONAL TRAINERS!
2. They are nutrition experts – with classes, tips and tricks to help you change your habits from bad to good!
3. They have flexible schedules.
4. They are AFFORDABLE. Seriously.
5. They ASK you what YOUR goals are. Then positively motivate you to get there.
6. They NEVER yell at you.
7. They hang around with me
8. They are locally owned.
9. They personalize YOUR training for YOU.
10. They put on an Amazing 5k last month called the HALLOWEEN HUSTLE. Check it out here: Halloween Hustle on You Tube

Go with the flow…..

Cathryn — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 16:27:19 +0000

In General, It’s good to have a game plan. Thoughts, agendas, schedules, to do lists. I generally like to have my thoughts together (it makes me look a little less flighty). But, things never seem to work out like we expect. Sometimes worse – sometimes better. This shoot was an organized one, but mother nature threw us a massive dose of winter chill and some serious wind. We could fake warm – but the wind was providing serious changes in the hair department. On our journey to find a wind free zone we stumbled along a new store and begged for reprieve. The owner was kind, and adventurous – she let us invade her space!

Travel

Cathryn — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 18:44:40 +0000

Without a doubt, my favorite thing to do is travel. I love exploring different cultures, eating exotic foods, and of course, documenting my journey thru photography.