Los Reyes de Albuquerque

Paul Ingles, of Good Radio Shows, and I have started working on another project together, called Musica de la Gente – funded by the NM Humanities Council. We will be documenting the story and music of Los Reyes de Albuquerque. Roberto Martinez, co-founder and eldest member of the group, and his family are at the forefront of presenting, preserving, and perpetuating traditional New Mexican and Mexican folk music. On December 21, 2008 they performed an incredible Holiday Concert at the National Hispanic Cultural Center.

The Heart Gallery of New Mexico

The power of photography is hard to deny when pictures have resulted in homes and families for thousands of children, once considered "hard to place". The Heart Gallery of New Mexico became a project of the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) in 2001. Since then, photographers have tried to replace the file head shot with images that truly capture the spirit of each child waiting to be adopted. Those images are then exhibited around the state in hopes that the eyes of those in the frame will connect with the open heart of individuals willing to expand their family. It's working!

This year I photographed Karina,11.
To learn more about Karina, go to Karina's page on the Heart Gallery website

Click HERE to learn more about the Heart Gallery.






Watch a video produced by StoryPortrait Media on the Heart Gallery:


The next Heart Gallery opening in Santa Fe will be January 30th, 2009 at the Gerald Peters Gallery.



The Country Roads of Eldon Edgar Moore

We share our personal stories and words of wisdom to remember and explain our own lives and possibly inspire the lives of others. Some of Eldon's stories of farm life and football, work and love are now documented for relatives, friends and future generations.

I'd like to share a short 10 minute edit of the multimedia piece. The images were captured in the Flint Hills in Council Grove, Kansas. The interview was recorded early in July.



"Celebrate today!"

Ryanna's Bat Mitzvah

To stand in front of friends, family and mentors and welcome in adulthood is a powerful act. And, what an honor to witness a young woman so optimistic and strong be present and centered in her new role in this world. Such was the case at Ryanna's Bat Mitzvah. I don't think at 12 I had any idea of my potential, of my ability to make a serious contribution to the lives of others and the planet. Some are wiser than others at a young age and Ryanna is one of them... most likely because of her faith, her parents, her community and her individual, unique spirit. I hope she stays forever young.

Emily and Brent

Congratulations Emily and Brent!!
What a day!

Steve Northup – Living Treasures Photographer

Steve Northup began his photographic career in 1962 when he joined UPI (United Press International) and worked in Miami and at the Siagon bureau for two years during Vietnam. He also worked for the Washington Post and was a staff photographer at Time Magazine for 20 years.

Steve photographed for the non-profit group, Santa Fe Living Treasures, for years in his hometown of Santa Fe. Making over 70 revealing and reverent portraits of elders whose lives and works contributed to the richness of the Santa Fe community. With a second Living Treasures book due out this coming Summer, featuring Northup's portraits, Steve has retired from this position.




Thank you Steve for your contribution and inspiration!

Saluting America's WWI Heroes

Over the last couple of years, Jeff Lowdermilk has made it his mission to connect with a very personal past. His grandfather, George A. Carlson, an American Infantryman from Denver, wrote a detailed WWI diary – allowing Jeff to retrace his footsteps. The journey for Jeff has been one of national and personal significance. Jeff was in the Muese-Argonne region of France for the Armistice, November 11, 2005, when he made the commitment to publish a book, honoring not only his grandfather, but all American soldiers who made the sacrifice for freedom. Saluting America's WWI Heroes, an historical story that allows us to connect with a very important past, was the result. StoryPortrait Media produced this short promotional piece for the book. Please visit Jeff's website, www.jefflowdermilk.com to purchase the book and learn more about the triumph of Armistice Day.

The 90th Anniversary of Armistice Day is November 11, 2008

Scherer Institute of Natural Healing

My good friend Mella Carroll Hunter graduated from the Scherer Institute of Natural Healing in Santa Fe, NM and received her license to practice massage in NM. This composite photograph was a graduating gift of appreciation from all of the students in her class to the school.

It's wonderful to trade services with such an amazing woman. I recommend her with all of my heart! To contact Mella for massage, Reiki or doula service, email her at: email.mella@gmail.com or visit her website: www.hunterinspiredhealingarts.com

The Moore Family Farm – Council Grove, Kansas

I spent July 13 – 16th off of J Avenue, a dirt road that winds through lush, rolling prairie in the Flint Hills of Kansas. The days were filled recording some of Eldon Moore's life stories, lessons and philosophies and photographing the landscape and people that have shaped his life. Here is a short sampling of some of the images combined with one of Moore's favorite John Denver tunes.

Watch the Moore Slideshow.

It was an honor to listen to memories and dreams that have been and continue to be guided by faith and rooted in the land.

"The springtime is the time of hope and faith.... Watching young plants come up in long rows is very exciting. It springs forth the idea that there will be a harvest and things will work out well. And, there is nothing like the smell of freshly plowed dirt. It makes you reminiscence about all the things that have happened and that might happen..." Eldon Moore.

New Mexico Jazz Scene Featured on NPR

Paul Ingles, of Good Radio Shows and Cedar Creek Studios, has just produced another great piece for NPR. Albuquerque: A Scene Blooms in the Desert was aired tonight on NPR's Homegrown: Unexplored Music Scenes. StoryPortrait Media images from the Jazz of Enchantment project, produced by Ingles in NM in 2005 – 2006, can be seen on the NPR website. In addition to portraits, StoryPortrait Media produced a multimedia slideshow/ video, combining images and audio, and designed a website to archive the Jazz of Enchantment work in perpetuity. Check out the NPR story and the full Jazz of Enchantment project with the following links.

Read the NPR Story about the Albuquerque Jazz Scene.
Watch a slideshow about the Albuquerque Jazz Scene.
View a video about the Albuquerque Jazz Scene.
Visit the Jazz of Enchantment Website.

A walk in the Valles Grande

Ciela at the Chalkboard

The Old Crozet School House

Wayland Orchard