I'VE MOVED!

no, not THAT move - brian and I are still homeless, and just 10 days away from leaving on our adventure!

in the meantime, I'm so excited to share that ashley kelemen photography has a brand new home, with a shiny new blog! head on over to check out the new site here, and make sure you update your blog reader with my new address: http://ashleykelemenphotography.com/theblog

BEARD SEASON.

in celebration of our sabbatical from life, brian, my normally baby-faced husband, decided to grow a beard. I wasn't that into the idea, as I'm not generally a fan of facial hair, but after 6 weeks I had to admit I totally loved it. he looked like a sexy lumberjack. yup, I just said sexy lumberjack.

he had to shave it because a full beard would be a little too warm for southeast asia (not to mention the horrible tan lines) but here's hoping this becomes a yearly tradition!

photos taken on fuji 3000b instant film with the polaroid back for the contax.

PITTSBURGH

we spent new years in pittsburgh, visiting friends who had recently moved. now, I have to be honest: pennsylvania in the middle of winter did not sound particularly appealing, but the idea of spending time with these friends was enough motivation to get me there, and I'm so glad it did. I was completely shocked at how much I liked this city. it has a feeling of history and a gritty past, perfectly offset by development that is keeping it fresh and fun. I can't wait to visit again when there are leaves on the trees and we can spend some time outside!

pittsburgh has several of these inclines that were used to commute in and out of the city in a time when that was particularly difficult (now they are more focused on scenic views and a bit of history). we took one up for a fantastic view of the city while I enjoyed the novel feeling of being completely surprised & delighted by my surroundings.

QUIET TIME.

we are having nothing but absolute downtime here in ohio, one of the perks of staying with my parents :) lots of reading, movies and relaxed photo taking. that also means that I have virtually nothing to say online right now - not a bad thing as we prepare for this trip, which should provide blog fodder for a year! I should have a couple family sessions to share here before we leave, but until then, here is some tasty film goodness. the soft & creamy tones get me every time...

FIRST SNOW.

this has been the warmest winter I can ever remember in the northeast. not that I'm complaining, but 60 degrees on christmas just feels wrong to me for some reason. then, driving back from visiting friends in pittsburgh for new years, the snow finally hit. we literally watched multiple accidents occur because the snowfall was so heavy, but the fear didn't stop me from opening my window and taking a bunch of photos (most of which were of absolutely nothing since the snow was so thick) and trying to catch flakes in my hands. I'm such a little kid.

oh and yes, my hand really is that pasty. I'm just gonna burn up in southeast asia...

A NEW YEAR.

I have no complaints about 2011. it was an incredible year for me in every way. it's a little scary, actually, to feel this lucky, but I figure I should consciously appreciate this feeling while I have it. Brian and I hit our financial goals in order to be able to quit our jobs, pack up our lives and jet off on a big adventure. I hit a whole new level with my photography (while knowing I've got a long way to go, but appreciating the journey) and was confident enough to take the leap into making it my full-time career. I get to spend every day with this man who loves and adores me (the feeling is mutual) and we get to plan this trip together with the glee of two little kids building a fort in the woods. seriously, what did I spend time complaining about?

I still think I can do better.

this trip to southeast asia is going to be life-changing. I cannot wait to explore these incredible countries & cultures. it's almost hard for me to talk about, I'm so freaking excited. then when we return and would normally enter into the confused depression that is typical of people returning from a great journey, we get to start a new life in a new place with a new perspective. and for me, the anticipation of getting this business off the ground is huge. I have so many ideas and thoughts and goals. after asia, I'm going to hit the ground running in a big way.

I've got no excuses for being unhappy or grumpy. ever. which brings me to 2012. I resolve:

. to take nothing for granted and appreciate the billion ways that I am lucky
. to either lose the measly 15 pounds that bother me, or shut the hell up about it and be happy
. to spend the time and energy to make & find beauty around me (visually and mentally)
. to kick ass with this business, because it's just me and there is nobody holding me back

bring it on, new year.