Somebody got a new camera...

I've been thinking about replacing my medium-format camera for awhile, and while I was on the road a few weeks ago I stopped off in central Ohio to do some antique hunting and found an old Yashica TLR that I scooped up. I was already planning on stopping in St. Louis to see my dear friend Lara and meet her new baby boy, so I took the opportunity to try out the camera on her daughter Charlotte, who is one of my favorite subjects. Though it's not easy to capture a super active 2-year-old with a camera meant for more, shall we say, cerebral subjects, I was really happy with the shots. Being able to capture one of my oldest friends in 'mom' mode has been something I've really enjoyed as her family has grown and these are a nice little addition to the collection.

Return from the road

I recently returned home from an extended-stay in my hometown in Illinois over the holidays. Unfortunately, my aunt had passed away on the evening of Thanksgiving, and my family waited until I was able to come home for Christmas to hold the service at the cemetery. Julie, my aunt, had Down's Syndrome and lived in an institution for most of her life. They held a memorial service for her at the home which was attended by many of the other residents and Julie's caretakers, but it was only me, my mother, grandfather, and step-grandmother at the graveside service back in Springfield. It was a rainy, but not too cold, day, and she was buried next to my grandmother and my uncle Jeff. Here are a few shots from the day: