I’m currently working with my long time friend, from Yannaode, on a project related to hydro-fracking. Along with a network of other photographers which includes another life long friend and international photojournalist, the National Geographic Travel Magazine published Autumn of Autumn Marie Photography, we aim to collect as many images of people who stand against fracking. The website is going to act as a visual petition and will provide information on what hydro-fracking is and the negative effects on the environment, our homes, and our health. The site is currently under construction… but we have managed to secure the domain www.faces4earth.com. Keep checking back for updated information.

“Raining about water”

Rain falls at the Walk about Water event in Callicoon, NY on April 18th. WALK ABOUT WATER is a 90 mile walk by 5 women from the Neversink Reservoir, NY to Salt Springs State Park, PA in an effort to raise awareness about the dangers our water sources are facing. Needless to say… the weather graced us in Callicoon by providing some of that blessed water from the sky. Though growing chilly… a devoted group withstood the weather and escorted the team of five from the Delaware Youth Center to the bridge leading into Pennsylvania.

It’s Sista’ Rose’s 5th birthday. And though my oldest pup has never had to deal with the stress of living in a shelter… I’d like to dedicate this project to her who has been one of my babies since she was 5 weeks old. (Her mother stopped feeding her otherwise I never would have taken her away so young.) So here it is. This is my idea and I’d like to get some input.

We often hear about horror stories in the news of animals abused or neglected. My emotions for any animals lacking love in their life run deep and I often find myself sending money to help a little cat or pooch I’ve never met before even when the economy has had me down, I’d like to turn my head in a slightly different direction though for a summer project. This summer… I would like to dedicate some time to scowering New York State for shelters and taking images of some of their longest residents that may have been stuck in the shelter for years. Usually these animals are ignored because maybe they bark a little to much when people first meet them or then appear aggressive when they are trying really hard to get you to notice them. Maybe the puppies in the kennel all the way at the end has caught their eye. Maybe it’s because they can’t live with cats or children. Or maybe their Petfinder photo just does them no justice. But I really believe there is a home out there for everyone. Maybe this is just a publicity stunt and maybe there’s a chance I won’t be able to raise funds to help little critters along the path, but I really don’t see anything wrong with getting these hopeless seeming cases some needed attention.

Of course, this tour will start with my “home field”, The Sullivan County Spca, but anyone that may know of any Shelter Babies who haven’t felt the warmth of snuggling up to someone’s feet at night, who hasn’t had the freedom to run outside any chance they get, or go for a ride and feeling the wind in their ears should feel free to share. I’ll be looking for some shelter veterans through the state of New York and possibly even NEPA for a Pennsylvania tour as well. These potential pets will be published on my blog and featured on social networks for maximum exposure.

Click on the images above to see Nature & Travel album updates on facebook.

Attempting a big update of my photo albums on facebook. I’ve been putting it off far too long.

In late January, Rob & I drove to Stanton, Va to pick up nearly 40 pups and one beautiful adult boxer to bring to the Sullivan County SPCA in Rockhill, NY. I’ve been playing with ideas for photography fund raisers to benefit the shelter for a while now. I took the easy way out in the mean time by volunteering to drive the 400 miles to get the sweet little babies, and back. But January is well behind us… and though I do plan on making the drive again, as the shelter has a transport every month… now I am back to searching for the perfect project. I’m open to suggestions.

Traditionally, a boudoir is a lady’s private bedroom, sitting room or dressing room. Boudoir Photography is an intimate photo session of a woman (or even a couple) in lingerie or the nude. For us at Diamond Cut Images, Boudoir is probably going to lean toward implied nudity.

Primary photographer is Female and all assistants for this subject are according to the clients gender preference. We hope to create tasteful images of an intimate nature for your significant other or even just yourself. It’s a wonderful way to see how beautiful you truly are and learn to appreciate yourself… and really… that’s what makes this project very important to us. Most people, throughout their lives show signs of self conscience behavior and we think this may be a fun and interesting way to help some see all the beauty within.

Sounds like it’s just for the ladies but we are more than happy to cater to couples aswell.

So… look out for this upcoming project. We will soon be looking for a few adventurers of all shapes and sizes, ages and races, etc etc…. who will be willing to act as our “test subject” in exchange for photos and a potentially unforgettable and life changing experience.

This project will only be open to ADULTS… of course. And please… no request for a pornographic look. This is not our purpose. Classy, cute, or artistic is our aim. You can look great without overexposure of certain body parts or appealing to a persons Playboy infatuation. If this is your desire… you’ll have to call someone else… because unfortunantly… in this area of our work… the customer isn’t always right.

Prices for this subject will be determined after the “project period” is over.

-DCI