We choose the moon

The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum has launched a new website to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the first moon landing and President Kennedy’s grand vision that made that achievement possible. The goal of the site is to allow visitors to experience the Apollo 11 mission in real time, utilizing archival photographs, video, audio and "real time" transmissions.

The site is really well done and a wonderful way for children (and adults) to experience this moment in history.

The site is live now, with the launch of Apollo 11 scheduled for July 16 at 9:32 am (EST), exactly forty years after the first launch. There will real time updates throughout the mission, which you can even receive on the website or via Facebook, MySpace and Twitter.

Judy Dodgen, Mom of the Year

Motherhood is often a thankless job. If you are looking for a way to honor your mom, or a mom you know this weekend, get her on the national news, thanked by President Obama, and envied by Angelina Jolie. Check out the video of Mother of the Year, Judy Dodgen, or go to momsrising.org and "nominate" your favorite mom.

Thanks to Jana for passing this on!

I (Heart) NY

Photograph by Todd Heisler

The New York Times has a beautiful series of photo essays about some of the characters that make New York great. Each profile is accompanied by audio from interviews with the featured New Yorker. It is a wonderful example of the storytelling power of black and white photography.

Facebook Fan Photographs

As I mentioned recently, I have been too busy to blog much lately. That is partially due to the fact that I have been posting so many photographs on our Facebook page. We have 37 albums so far. Check them out and don't forget to become a fan while you are there!

Fun and Photography at Gymboree

I love photographing children involved in a favorite activity, in their environment. It is the best way to capture their personality, and much more fun than sitting in a studio (for everyone involved). That is why I enjoy photographing at Gymboree Play + Music. It is a perfect location, with its rich blend of activities, equipment and music, specifically designed to challenge and engage children five and under. The children, if they notice me at all, are generally having so much fun that they are not concerned with forcing their fake "cheese" smiles.

I will be photographing at two Gymboree locations in a few weeks. If you are interested in attending, or getting more detials, contact one of the Gymboree locations below:

Cedar Hills Shopping Center
Tuesday, April 28 at 3:30 pm
Call today to reserve your space, 503-384-0542

Lake Oswego/Bridgeport
Friday, May 1 at 3:30 pm
Call today to reserve your space, 503-670-1683

Photo Op: Photograph your favorite star(fish)

Photograph © Andrew Reitsma

The Aquarium of the Pacific is hosting a special photographers night on Tuesday, April 7 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm. "On this night, the Aquarium will be available to photographers for the sole purpose of getting their dream photos without having to worry about the general public either getting in their shots or being bothered by their equipment." Those who attend can also enter the Aquarium's photo contest. The grand prize is an Animal Encounter of your choice.

Tripods, lighting equipment, and screens to block reflections are allowed (but not required) on this day only. Tickets are limited (to provide everyone the best opportunity) so be sure to contact the Aquarium ahead of time if you are interested in attending.

Thanks to Susan for passing this along.

Too Busy to Blog

There comes a time in every bloggers life when he must write about being too busy to blog. Now is that time for me. For those who follow my blog, you know that I am, at best, an occasional blogger - posting every few weeks or so (I can't begin to fathom how people maintain a Twitter account). It is not for want of things to post - photographs from recent sessions, fun art projects, great art and music I've seen and heard...lots of ideas in my head and in my list of bookmarked websites, but no time to write (I can't begin to fathom how people with three or more kids get anything done). With that said, I was sad when I just realized that after posting at least once a month for fourteen months straight, I didn't post anything in March. Oh, well! Here's to new beginnings.

Heart-shaped paper clips

Here's a simple Valentine's Day project that I saw over at the How About Orange... blog. Click the link for more images and the one step instructions.

We're on Facebook

We recently set up a Dodgen Photography page on Facebook. You don't have to be a member of Facebook to see our page, but why not join and become a fan!

Livingston Park Grand Opening Pictures

After eighteen months of planning, fundraising, and construction, the newly renovated Livingston Park in Long Beach finally opened last week. Nearly 1000 people attended the grand opening, fitting for the project which was a real community effort (lead by the dedicated Tot Lot Committee). It was so fun to witness our neighborhood come together in support of children, family, play and community. We are thankful to be a part of this community.









I don't think it was planned to have the local flock of parakeets fly over just before the ribbon cutting, but it was so fitting - like releasing doves, but with a sound that foreshadowed the children at play.