Holga Experiments

© 2010 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

This is one of my first experiments with the Holga. The funny funky plastic fantastic film camera. I'll post more images tomorrow. I really enjoy the very unusual quality that it gives. I can tell I'm going to be Holga crazy for a while. What took me so long?

Turkey Vultures

I found out what the birds are below. They are called Turkey Vultures. They feed exclusively on dead animals. They have no feathers on their heads which gives their faces a brutal appearance. The reason for this is, so that no bacteria takes root on their heads which are frequently inside the carcasses of dead animals. So, I guess they didn't nab the neighbors dogs the other night.

© 2010 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

Everything in Florida grows vigorously. Look at this bird. I suppose it's a healthy hawk of some kind, can't be sure. The wing span must be about 3 feet. They fly over head frequently and sometimes quite low. The other evening was simply beautiful. I was outside enjoying the weather when I noticed high above me maybe 50 or so of these hawks swarming about.

© 2010 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

Eventually they started swooping down in copious numbers. I wondered what they were doing? Hunting for food? They were circling over the neighbors house when suddenly I heard their dogs barking and shrieking, making an awful racket. I wasn't able to see what was happening but all I could think is that the birds were after their small dogs. Either after the dogs themselves or their food. There's a preserve not far from here called Grassy Waters. I've been contemplating going there to photograph. My only deterrent is that they have alligators and I heard they are frisky this time of year. It is not a zoo where there are protective barricades. This is a natural habitat. Scary for a northern girl like me.

Happy Halloween and Youngs Farm

© 2010 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

Behind the walls of this quaint little farm house there exists some very yummy food stuffs. Especially the home made fruit pies, tea cakes and cookies. I played on this farm through most of my youth. I was lucky to have plenty of brothers and sisters to join in with me. My favorite game was hide n seek in late summer when the corn stalks would grow incredibly tall, way beyond my size. It was really thrilling because we couldn't see one another only hear one another. The sun would set, it was growing dark and the bats would be out flying around. You could just make them out against the deep blue sky that was not yet black. My older brother told me the bats would make a nest in my hair if I wasn't careful. Of course I believed him. It was scary because the bats would swoop down low and dart about right above my head.

© 2010 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

This is what the farm looks like at Halloween. Straight ahead at the farthest trees is where I lived. This farm is on the north shore of Long Island in Nassau County. Very close to the Long Island Sound as well. It's a beautiful area known as the Gold Coast. I was very privileged to grow up here. 45 minutes from Manhattan and yet so bucolic. The flavor of the area has changed somewhat but because of the strict zoning laws has remained very much the same. Some farms in the area have had to close and have become vast open spaces with mega mansions scattered about. Almost surreal looking because there are hardly any trees. Quite a few horse farms still exist and driving around the area is still very pleasant. I have very fond memories of crazy, wild Halloweens of my youth.

© 2010 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

PWP Professional Women Photographers 35th Anniversary Exhibition

© 2010 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

I am so pleased to announce that my photo above Fleurs Melancholique #10 received an honorable mention for the 35th Anniversary Exhibition of the PWP: Professional Women Photographers Association. The show was curated by Elinor Carucci and Stephen Perloff. This image will be featured on their website for 6 months starting November 15th.

Minneapolis Photo Center

© 2010 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

My image above Cowboy #2 will be featured at The MPLS, better known as The Minneapolis Photo Center, in their exhibition, Alternatives: Unconventional & Uncommon Processes. The show was curated by photographer Keith Taylor. The exhibition runs from November 5th thru December 27th. A group of select images from the exhibit is available on their website. When I finally get around to updating my website, which I plan to do soon, I will have more images from this series online.

Center Gallery 2010 Hot New Pics Show

© 2010 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

I am very pleased to announce that my photograph above, Winters Melancholy #3 will be in Center Gallery's "2010 Hot New Pics Show" curated by Linda Robertson. The show will run from October 29th thru November 19th.

Out on the Ocean

© 2010 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

Being out on the Ocean was dazzling, but the diving was a bust. The Ocean was choppy, currents were strong and visibility poor. We all decided that the gulf coast would be a better choice for under water adventures. I'll keep you posted on that. I must say though, the color and temperature of the ocean was hard to beat. The Intracoastal water way was very busy with activity. Lots of jet skis, some kayaks, fishing boats, etc. It was a beautiful day. That's some of Palm beach in the background near the Ritz Hotel.

Being Thirteen

© 2010 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

Remember being thirteen? What a crazy awkward experience that was. I like this image of Victoria on a lazy summer night. It captures everything tranquil and wondrous about being thirteen and lazy summer nights in the Northeast.

One of the thrilling prospects of living in Florida is that the pleasure and joys of summer will not end immediately. How wonderful. This weekend we are going out on the water to dive some wrecks. Nothing too deep, apparently there are a few right off the coast. I'll have more info after the experience.

Pop Art ala Alexandra

© 2010 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

This is a painting done by my daughter Alexandra of her sister Victoria. It's so Pop, I love it. Alexandra is attending Art school and majoring in print making. This is a piece she did last semester and I'm finally getting around to sharing it.

Victoria in Cassis France

© 2010 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

I came across this photo of my younger daughter Victoria in the South of France. I have always enjoyed this image. It captures a certain time in our lives so perfectly. While living in Geneva we often traveled to France for its obvious pleasures. It was literally in our backyard. Cassis is a lovely medieval fishing village with a rocky pine tree shore line referred to as the Calanques. There are some breath taking views from the hills along the shore or from a boat. Jumping from the rocks into the sea is a favorite pass time as well as snorkeling the caves. Memories can be wonderful things. They do sometimes tug at the heart for all kinds of reasons.

Hard Drive Problems

Last week I was traveling with an external hard drive containing a large portion of my images. Why was I doing this? Because I had a lot of work to do and I assumed I would get it all done while traveling. I have done this before, so why would this time be any different? I've gone through security, the xray machines and never had a problem. I always have the drive with me securely wrapped in bubble and in a protective case.

I know the first thing you are thinking is, of course I wouldn't travel with it if it wasn't backed up. Well, yes and no. This is a hard way to learn a lesson in professional work flow methods. It was not all backed up.

When I got home my Mac couldn't read the drive. Having recently relocated to Florida I had no technical support system in place. I decided to go to the geek squad at best buy. Still feeling confident that this couldn't be a big deal, but anxious none the less. They barely knew what they were doing at best buy. They were not set up for mac and they gave me no feeling of confidence in handling this problem. There was a lot of confusion. I decided not to leave it with them for retrieval, imagining all kinds of horror stories. They suggested I buy a black widow box, crack open the hard drive and try to retrieve the info myself. I did as they suggested and the mac wanted to initialize the drive when it loaded up. That would have wiped out all the images and data, so that was a bust.

I went to the local camera shop here in Delray Beach and they were much more helpful. In the end they suggested I get in touch with the manufacturer of the drive and see what or who they recommend, which I did. The company they suggested for retrieval is called ESS Data Recovery Inc. They offer several levels of service mainly in terms of time and money not based on the size of the drive. I took the standard option (7-10 days) for between $400 to $1900.00 retrieval costs, especially because there was a cap on the service of $1900.00. Their emergency service has a $250.00 estimate charge and runs between $2000.00 to $5000.00 for retrieval. Well, I received the estimate today, and, of course, its for the maximum amount of $1900.00. So I would have been charged $5000.00 if I had taken the emergency service. I don't know, but something seems wrong here. I'm at their mercy though. They claim the good news is that they feel they can retrieve between 85 to 100%. I have to wait and see. Tense, no! What a drag.

The moral of this story is back up, back up, back up!! I'm truly bummed, depressed and feel very stupid. I've learned this lesson the hard way.

California

I am in California and unable to post. I will be back next week.

September 11th 2010

It's hard to believe that 9 years have passed since the bombing of The World Trade Center. I don't think any of us will ever forget that day. I would like to offer my heartfelt wishes to all the families, friends, co-workers and acquaintances of the people who lost their lives. As Americans our lives have been forever changed by the events of that day.

Summers End is Approaching

© 2010 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

Summers end is approaching. Labor day weekend, although late, is around the corner. The end of summer is always a sad experience for me. I know you can imagine all the reasons why. I'm sure I'm not alone in this. The bright spot, of course, is that the kids go back to school. Yeah! I wish the lizards went back to school. I know you think I'm on a lizard kick and maybe I am. Cute as that little fellow above is I still find it tough when they jump out of my towels or off my chair.

© 2010 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

I'm still finding it a challenge to get everything done. I suppose relocation is a big deal and I should give myself a break. There was so much activity this summer also. People visiting and kids coming and going. I've slacked off on my marketing efforts and I still have to give the website an update. I've read some good mysteries this summer. There's a book store in town called Murder on the beach, catchy title no? They are very helpful and knowledgeable. If you tell them the type of mysteries you like they will suggest other authors. So, its time to organize for the fall. I bet some of you are ahead of me on that one. Let's all enjoy what's left of the lazy hazy days of summer.

Lizards and Geckos are Everywhere

© 2010 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

Lizards are everywhere in Florida. I'm really trying my best to get used to them. They are very quick and manage to squeeze into the tiniest of places. I tell the kids to please close doors behind them so that the lizards don't find their way indoors. I know you can imagine how successful I am. Here in Florida people say that an abundance of lizards indicates a healthy yard or garden and insures a reduction of insects or pests.

© 2010 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

This morning, as I was having my coffee, I glanced outside the living room window to see the largest lizard I've seen so far. It was a brilliant green, exquisite color and climbing the palm tree out front. From nose to tail I would say it was about 18-20 inches long and a little chubby. Well, not chubby naturally, but thick in the middle. Shall we say very substantial compared to the rest. It must be eating lots of garden pests. I briefly came across an article about a massive influx of Iguana's in Florida. I must get back to it. I read a brief headline stating the Iguana was introduced in Florida by careless pet owners who set them free. I remember when I first arrived here, someone, I can't remember who, told me "anything that is brought into Florida survives in Florida". Food for thought.

PX3 Prix de la Photographie Paris

© 2010 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

The image above and several others from my series "Cowboy Diaries" were awarded an honorable mention from this years PX3 awards in Paris. I had no idea this had happened. I suppose with relocating to Florida from Geneva I somehow missed this one. I am really pleased. If you go and visit there, click on my image and the series will appear. It's one of my favorite series, which I think will be part of my new website update soon to come. I'm so pleased to get a nod of recognition from such a prestigious organization. Another image from this series was exhibited earlier this year at The Center for Fine Art Photography in Colorado.

Night Swim

© 2010 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

Last night my daughter and I went for a night swim. It was utterly luxurious. The palm trees were swaying, the stars were visible between the clouds, the sky was a midnight blue and we could hear the crickets still making their night time sounds. There is something mysterious about swimming at night. I think its connected to our ability to see or not. It increases our sensitivity. Our vision is impaired and sometimes we imagine things that aren't really there, it can be very stimulating, exciting or totally scary. We had a lot of fun. These are some of the joys of living in a tropical climate.

Art of Photography Show

© 2010 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

My photograph above has been chosen for the Art of Photography show in San Diego this month. The show was curated by Natasha Egan associate director at The Museum of Contemporary Photography at Columbia College. The opening is August 28th and the show runs through November 7th 2010. I am very honored to be amongst the final artists chosen. I was amazed that 13,692 artists submitted work and Ms Egan selected only 113 finalists. What a daunting task that must have been. Well, I'm happy. Thank you Natasha.

Tropical Rain

© 2010 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

The rain comes and goes here in Florida. You can find yourself in a torrential down pour one minute and blinding sunshine the next. Well, I suppose, what else can one expect from a tropical environment?

I really must find the time to update my website. It's such a huge undertaking. It always seems there is so much to get done and so little time to do it in. Living life, the dailiness of it all takes up much too much time. Perhaps I should opt out of sleeping. Maybe then I can get it all done.

Lido Key Sarasota

© 2010 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

We spent the weekend in Sarasota visiting our daughter who attends Ringling College of Art. It was an easy drive from the east coast to the west coast. We took 710 to 70 and the entire trip took only 3 hours door to door. The highways are more people friendly and not like the interstates with speeding cars bearing down on you. People drive extremely fast here in Florida. I suppose because its flat, there is lots of room and quality roads. Great if you have a sports car. They drive fast in Switzerland too, but somehow it doesn't feel quite the same. Less treacherous.

© 2010 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

The photos above are of Lido Key Beach. An island connected by a bridge to mainland Sarasota. There a quite a few of these little islands or keys and all are lovely with their own special character. There was no oil anywhere to be seen on the beaches. I understand that only the Florida Pan Handle has been affected by the spill in the gulf.

© 2010 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

The beaches aren't very crowded either. Well, it is summer in Florida after all, not a big summer destination spot. Having said that, the heat I find tolerable. Sometimes the humidity can be overwhelming, but its less so on the east coast. All and all this relocation to Florida is working for me.

Americana on Lenscratch

© 2010 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

I don't know how I forgot to mention on the Fourth of July that everyone should have a look at the lenscratch blog for a wonderful collection of images curated by Aline Smithson. Americana was the theme as interpreted by various artist photographers. The naturally cohesive assemblage came together beautifully and I think it would make a wonderful book. I am very happy and honored to be amongst such a talented group of gifted artists. Thank you Aline.

Lichtenstein Moment

© 2010 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

© 2010 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

A woman's work is never done. So true, so true. I couldn't resist this shot of my cleaning efforts on the stove top in Geneva. I was vigorously cleaning the stove top when I was struck by the patterns left behind by the soap. I ran, got my camera and immortalized the very Lichtenstein moment. I just love it.

Lazy Hazy Days of Summer

© 2010 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

© 2010 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

© 2010 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

© 2010 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

Its official. The lazy hazy days of summer are upon us. I haven't posted for a while because I've been busy doing the things people do in the summer. Mainly swimming to get away from the heat. It sure has been hot here in Florida. The amazing thing is that it is even hotter in the North East. Hard to believe but true. The photos above were taken at the Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach. Such a lovely place.

Happy Fourth of July

© 2010 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

Wishing everyone a very happy holiday weekend.

Fourth of July Weekend

© 2010 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

It's the Fourth of July weekend here in America. Independence Day. The day that commemorates America's independence from Great Britain and the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. It's a weekend celebrated with firework displays, parades, barbecues, picnics, concerts, sports, ceremonies, speeches and most popular of all, plenty of beer. Next to Thanksgiving, I think it's one of the most popular weekends. I've never been in Florida for the fourth of July and the weather today is not cooperating. Of course, it may not last and the fireworks aren't until tomorrow night, so here's hoping! I wish everyone a happy fun filled fourth.

Teenage Rock 'n' Roll

© 2010 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

Well, we're here in Florida only two or three weeks and our house is filling up with teenagers. I'm happy because I was worried that Victoria would be lonely since she doesn't know anyone here. Silly me. There is pool activity, beach activity and of course, tons of computer, Internet, "whatever" activity. Last night the kids were blasting their music and dancing around the pool. We are making and unmaking beds, finding room for everyone since some kids have traveled here from as far away as Boston.

If we do stay in Florida, I realize we will have a desirable winter destination home. I love all the activity but it is tough trying to get work done. I'm pretty lazy right now. I should be marketing my work, updating my website, and myriad other details. But I'm taking a cue from the kids and enjoying life.

Floridian Life Continued

© 2010 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

I'm really enjoying Floridian life. The heat is intense this time of year but it doesn't seem to be bothering me. It helps to have a pool of course. There is always a terrific ocean breeze. It's big sky country down here with lots of huge, beautiful, cumulus clouds. There is quite an assortment of birds. I didn't realize that Bluejays and Cardinals lived this far south. But there are quite a few of them in the garden here. We all seem to be enjoying the outdoor lifestyle. So far, so good. Maybe we will stay.

Poolside

© 2010 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

I'm enjoying this Floridian lifestyle.

Early Morning in Florida

© 2010 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

The early morning sun blasts through the wooden window shutters with such strength and determination I'm spell bound.

Florida

© 2010 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

We made it to Florida. We're on the other side of the Atlantic. Jet travel never ceases to amaze me. One minute you are in one country, speaking a particular language, thinking and dealing with life's necessities in that particular culture and in several hours you are transported to another country, culture and language. Sometimes its very confusing. Other times it is completely inspiring. Sometimes both. The photo above is a romantic shot of our new garden gate. It happened completely by chance. It was early morning, very humid and my lens was not the same temperature as the outside so it completely fogged up.

Travel Time

© 2010 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

We are getting ready to return to the States. We are flying to New York first and then on to Florida. I'm excited to leave Geneva but sad too. This is the dilemma of international living. Always this yin and yang pull from one home to another. I don't think its something that can be resolved, just a reality one has to live with. I found this old photo above that I made by combining an image of palm trees with one of my water color paintings. It seemed to suit my anticipation of Florida. The variety and possibility of these combinations are endless and so much fun to do. You can get quite a bit of texture and discoloration from the water color paper which you may or may not like.

Early Morning on the Jura Mountains

© 2010 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

Morning a Little Later

© 2010 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

The fridge.

© 2010 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

Absolutely positively the last one..................for now!

Another One

© 2010 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

I just can't stop!

Digital Fun

© 2010 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

I just love doing these digital manipulations. I find them not only fun but beautiful. There was a period in my early 20's when I was making a lot of quilts. These remind me of quilts. Or, I suppose it would make great fabric too. The above are autumn leaves.

One Year Celebration

© 2010 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

I can hardly believe that an entire year has passed since I started this blog. I've been thinking of changing the tone of the blog. The blog has been very personal in terms of expressing my thoughts about life, photography, art, and my travels. I am wondering if you would find it more useful for me to cover the contemporary photo and art world in much better detail and share things that I find inspirational from artists to books. I'm letting some ideas roll around in my brain. Please feel free to send me your thoughts as a comment below or email me. I am more than happy to hear from you all. It is with tremendous gratitude I thank you for sharing this past year with me.

Happy Mothers Day

© 2010 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

I was woken this morning by the sound of the door bell ringing. I answered the door and found a young woman standing there with a large bouquet of flowers. She hands them to me, says "bonne fete" and dashes off. It took my sleepy brain several minutes to realize it was Mothers Day. I had forgotten. It isn't Mothers Day here in Switzerland but it is in the States where my children are. How very sweet of them indeed. Thank you Alexandra and Victoria.

© 2010 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

I would like to wish my lovely mother a Happy Mothers Day. I miss her terribly and always will. Heaps of Mother's Day wishes to my sisters, sister-in-laws, friends, fellow photographers and artists and to the faithful followers of my blog, a very Happy Mothers Day to all.

Laconnex, Switzerland

© 2010 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

Spring has definitely sprung here in Geneva. The Wisteria is blooming everywhere in and out of the city. We were invited to dinner at friends in the tiny village of Laconnex. The village is only 20 minutes to a half hour going south west out of town. It is so close to the city yet one is definitely in the country. I always find that such a wonderful experience here. If you drive sometimes as little as 10 minutes you can be in the country. The population of Laconnex is 696 people. Our friends have purchased and renovated the villages "laitrie" which is where they would process milk products and convert them into cream and butter years ago. The wisteria outside their entrance way is spectacular and the scent in the air divine. We shared good food, fantastic wines and many memories.