Monday, March 5, 2012

Dreamscape

I hope you're not getting tired of anemone shots. The weather has been so utterly craptastic here all winter that opportunities to get out and shoot something new have been few and far between.


On a happier note, I had the wonderful opportunity today to begin helping out a group of Palestinian women who make the most beautiful textiles, combining traditional embroidery with more modern design. They're looking to put out a catalog to begin selling their products internationally and have asked for some mentoring-style help in learning how to photograph the items. 

After an explanation of the program and how it seeks to empower local village women who would otherwise not have very many opportunities to earn a living and support their families, followed by a delicious traditional Palestinian lunch (yellow lentil soup, a type of chicken musakhkhan (I think), and lots of homemade pickles, followed by cookies and a chocolate cake the women in a cooking and baking workshop had made the day before (they also host meals for both small and large groups, if anyone is interested contact me for more details)) we talked some basic photography - composition, natural light, the basic building blocks of a good image. While I'll be returning next week to shoot some of the production process for the most part they'll be doing their own photography using a small point and shoot camera, so I kept the discussion focused on simple methods and techniques they'll be able to implement on whatever equipment they have available. Their textiles are really lovely, and I was very touched when they insisted on giving me a beautiful embroidered bag that was just the right size for that wide-angle lens that was sitting bagless in my camera bag (and then I was completely taken aback when the director insisted on giving me another bag as well after that, what a treat). Of all their projects, one of the ones that stood out the most was a joint effort with an Israeli women's organization to produce desk accessories (memo pad holders, etc.) that combine swatches of Palestinian embroidery with recycled cardboard accessories made by the Israeli women, all in the name of peace and mutual understanding. 

All in all, a really special way to spend a day (once I finally managed to meet up with the friend who'd invited me and head to the village just outside of the city! My GPS went utterly insane when it entered Jerusalem today and sent me on an hourlong wild goose chase all over East Jerusalem, complete with bumper to bumper traffic, competing directions from passers-by, and my ever-increasing frustration as I saw my much needed bathroom break growing farther and farther away! When I finally found the meeting point - an hour late - my GPS was STILL telling me to keep driving, that I'd be there in another 12 minutes!).

Visit Ruby Tuesday 2 for more red images from around the world.
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20 comments:

Felisol said...

who can get "tired of anemones"? Tired of life, perhaps, but never of flowers.
Your pictures always add something special.
What a praiseworthy mission you went out on.
Somehow I think women are best at peacemaking. Working one step at a time, not to create big headlines, but to do sensible things together with reasonable women.
I wish you the best of luck.
On the other hand; I have never met a GPS that was trustworthy. Turn left, turn right, I hear that foreign voice long after we have arrived home.

Carletta said...

The anemones are lovely!
What an exciting 'teaching' opportunity. I think it's wonderful that you were able to share your photography knowledge in this way for such a worthy endeavor.
My husband actually does have a wonderful sense of direction and he gets frustrated when he knows which way we should be going and yet the GPS is insisting something different. :)

Ralph said...

This field has the feel of an impressionist artist, the mix of textures, greens and of course the ruby flowers. Nice!

Of course, your meeting with the women was meant to be, the friendship you make is nor dependent on the GPS - your heart guided you to the right spot...

Kim, USA said...

I love these field full of flowers. I am so done with winter and I like to see a lot of colors. ^_^

Crab Apple

Magical Mystical Teacher said...

I'm ready for as many photos of anemones as you want to post!

Mariachis with Red Accents

Dianne said...

your photos are always welcomed, doesn't matter what the subject is

the project with the Palestenian women sounds wonderful! further proof that women should run the world :)

Leah H. said...

Great shot! Those flowers are so lovely!

Visiting for RT 2- hope you can stop by:)

http://www.sweetposh.info/2012/03/the-mega-blocks.html

Lola said...

Love anemones too - that shot reminds me of A Monet painting!

Happy RT2!

Cheryl said...

I really love your photos of the red anemones. I don't think I knew that's what they were. Where are these textiles going to be sold?

Robin said...

Wherever they can be Cheryl, they're looking for channels now.

Unknown said...

The anemones almost look like the Californian poppies!
You are doing some great things -what an opportunities!

Leora said...

Nope, not tired of your lovely anemones! Keep photographing until you need to find another subject. Are you tired of my birds? ;-)

Good luck with your project with the Palestinian women.

Daryl said...

I could never tire of photos like this .. they're made to be looked at ..deeply ... quietly ..

Liz said...

These are lovely.

My RT2

Mel_Cole said...

oh red poppies! I love them too. Hope you could visit My Ruby Tuesday 2 entry.

Handmade in Israel said...

Another wonderful photo and a delightful tale! Your meeting sounds wonderful... and the food sounds pretty good too!

Kate Coveny Hood said...

I never get sick of your anemones! And I want to see those textiles - will you be linking to them at any point?

jewaicious said...

This beautiful photo reminds me of a Monet painting, and I love how impressionistic it looks.

Lovely and heartwarming story, also

Robin said...

I hope to Kate, if I have somewhere to link to I will - they're not online yet.

Laura said...

Robin what an awesome project to be part of!!! Your photo is lovely too, of course. No flowers here...but the snow is finally melted. Wishing you a belated chag sameach...I think the first time I ever left you a comment was during Purim...time passes so quickly. Enjoy the beautiful weather and flowers.