Kristine Ambrose Photography

Country

2012-01-26T11:28:00.000-08:00

KristineAmbrose.com
Joslyn Fink for NEXT Models.

London

2012-01-23T15:36:00.000-08:00

KristineAmbrose.com
CourtneyK. for NEXT Models

The Girl Goes Walking

2012-01-23T15:22:00.000-08:00

KristineAmbrose.com

Alanna Vicente, FORD Models

a fluffy, sweet confection whipped from spun sugar and gathered or wound around a stick or cone-shaped paper core.

2012-01-19T09:54:00.000-08:00

www.KristineAmbrose.com
Taylor McClure - NEXT Model Management

White is the Color of Pure Snow

2012-01-10T11:21:00.000-08:00

www.KristineAmbrose.com
Alanna Vicente for FORD Models.

Basilica del Voto Nacional, Quito, Ecuador

2012-01-05T13:55:00.000-08:00

www.KristineAmbrose.com

Galapagos Color Digital Gallery

2011-12-14T12:53:00.000-08:00

Galapagos color digital gallery
To photograph The Galapagos in color, I brought my Canon 5D digital camera. Heavy and delicate on the panga rides, I was extra careful and always kept the camera covered until we arrived to an island. With its high pixel ratio, this camera produced colorful seascape photos that captured the intense blues of the sea and radiant reds in the animals. Enjoy.

Galapagos Black and White Film

2011-12-14T12:51:00.000-08:00

Galapagos black and white 35mm film gallery
The Galapagos Islands are most notably photographed in color. To gain a different perspective, I chose to shoot Ilford black and white, 400-speed film with two, Nikon FM2 cameras. The lens mostly used was a zoom Nikkor 80-200 with a Nikkor 28cm for back up. The reason you can see fine detail is a combination of settings used and high quality film. The ISO was set at 400 with a high aperture ranging from 11-16 and shutter speed ranging from 250-500. Enjoy.

Galapagos: Nature Gives a Cuddle

2011-12-14T12:44:00.000-08:00

Written by Kristine Ambrose with Daniel Murray

Panicked. I scream and feel my heart begin to race. Frantically I flip my fins and look up out of the water. “Hey! Help! Hey, Hey….” I see my partner, Dan and eight of our new friends far away with their heads in the water, snorkels straight up. No one is coming to my rescue and a three hundred pound sea lion has her face in mine. Shaking, I see more sea lion fins and feel their presence beneath my feet. I am nestled in the Sea of San Salvador Island about a hundred feet from shore. I take a deep breath, and another, and another. The sea lions come up for air and loudly yelp around me. Realizing I have no other choice, I submerge my head and begin to enjoy. These animals have no fear of humans and love to play. They practically kiss my face, circle around, and dive below me with incredible speed. A warm welcome.

On land, approaching the animals has rules. For their safety you must keep your distance. You can get close but no touching. We found a newborn sea lion, the mother and fresh placenta on the white San Cristobal beach. I carefully knelt down close. The baby made high-pitched pleas for milk, the mother tried to accommodate and the male bull loudly voiced his concern. As much as I wanted to pet the pup, one human touch and it’s cast out and left for dead. I turned away and looked at the beautiful view. We were the only humans in sight.

The crew aboard the Evolution prepared an eight-day trip to nine islands. Six hundred miles off the coast of Ecuador with no Internet or phone, I completely disconnected. My maiden cruise. I approached our first night with apprehension. Our cabin was on the lowest deck under water, with one small locked portal for a window. Dan believed we had the best bed aboard as waves sloshed outside, “It’s like being in the womb.” I crawled into bed. Nervous. When my head reached the pillow I felt myself being rocked to back and forth. This was the deepest sleep of my life.

Mornings on The Evolution greet you with delicious coffee, breakfast and a gorgeous view of a new island to explore. Each day a new adventure. Pangas transport you to the islands for hiking, snorkeling, and animal watching. Espanola Island introduced us to the waved albatross. I looked in his eyes and knew he wanted his portrait. Posing like a model, all three feet of him, he stared into my lens and waddled by me. I followed as he introduced me to his family, sitting next to his baby recently hatched in early fall. My new models took this seriously. I laughed to myself in complete disbelief of this extraordinary photo session. I could have sworn they took a bow when I finished.

Island hiking was hot. Snorkel excursions were chilly. Post snorkeling offered a special treat, a Jacuzzi on the bow of the yacht. “Hammerheads prefer to travel in packs so visibility issues may have prevented us from realizing we were surrounded. I dove as deep as I could and saw the tail of something big disappear. When I reached the surface, a hammerhead appeared beneath me and I froze.” As Dan was explaining his experience, I visualized him in the murky water surrounded by a school of deadly hammerheads and the theme music of ‘Jaws’ playing in the background. “They don’t want to eat humans because the sharks have ample food in the Galapagos.” My first thought was, “What if the shark mistakes you for something tasty? Then, what do you do”? I sat this excursion out.

I have never had a great interest in birds. But during the trip I changed. One of my favorite animals is The Flightless Cormorant. This large bird lost its ability to fly. To get a good picture of this bird, stand up and imitate a bird flying. With your arms stretched out, start flapping up and down. Now, bring your arms in to your sides, bend at your elbows with your hands out at your shoulders. Flap only your hands. This is a Cormorant. Because the bird lived without large predators, and plenty of fish to dine upon, it now hunts in the sea with hefty webbed feet. Their wings are like little hands. Call it a coincidence or a cool connection between human and bird, our last night on board called for charades. Reluctantly, I reached my hand in the hat. I pulled out the slip of paper and it read, The Flightless Cormorant. Hah! I got this one!

Prior to the trip I heard of the famous Lonesome George and his “star quality” but nothing prepared me for his presence. Being the last of his kind, he is cautiously protected as if stalked by paparazzi. He moves in a slow dance. His head sways and his paws swoop. He is ‘Mac Daddy’ cool. While George roams his protected labyrinth, hundreds of other Galapagos tortoises venture freely throughout the Highlands of Santa Cruz Island. We joined them over lunch. They wonder slowly through the grass. Eating is meditative. Chomp. Deep breathe. Swallow. Move one foot. Repeat. Every breath is deep and slow, “Life is easy. Simple. Go tell everyone.”

“More sharks! The sharks sleep with sea turtles in a cove!” I hear this as we head out for Black Turtle Cove. “Will WE be swimming with them?” The answer is no. “Thank you”. The Mangrove branches hide this secret place. The motor turned off. We lie down in the bottom of the panga and duck our way through. Once on the other side we remain silent and wait for the sharks and tortoises to surface. Our timing was perfect. The sea tortoises slink by the sharks and the sharks rise from the bottom in droves of ten to twenty. Circling our panga, the sharks move with grace and we see distinctive colors including their white tips. The tortoise swims past a shark without a fear of being dinner.

Prior to the trip I didn’t understand the excitement about tortoises and birds amongst travelers. How much can really be said about iguanas? After experiencing the islands my life has changed a little. I recognize natural selection. I see it in every plant. Every fish. Every bird. And every animal. I now talk about the tortoises and birds’ extraordinary personalities and habits incessantly. When you visit the Galapagos, please listen to your guides and follow the animal protection boundaries. Book a cruise on The Evolution. Reserve cabin D2 for the best sleep of your life and let nature give a cuddle.

Contacts:

Quasar Expeditions: Yachts include The Evolution, The Grace

http://www.galapagosexpeditions.com

Headquarters:  Quito, Ecuador

Address: Jose Jussieu N41-28 y Alonso de Torres, Quito, Ecuador

Contact Phones / Fax:

Tel: (593-2) 244.6966 Tel: (593-2) 225.7822 Fax: (593-2) 225.9305

Toll free USA: 1.866.481.7790

Toll free UK:  0.800.883.0827

Worldwide:  +1 415.369.0869

Contact Email:

info@galapagosexpeditions.com

Air Travel

Exito Travel

http://www.exitotravel.com/

800-655-4053

The Charles Darwin Foundation

http://www.darwinfoundation.org

Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island Galapagos, Ecuador Tel: (593) 5 2526-146/147  Fax: (593) 5 2526-146/147 Ext 102

CDF support office in Quito: Av. 6 de Diciembre N 36-109 y Pasaje California Post Box 17-01-3891 Quito, Ecuador Telephone: (593) 2 2244803 Fax: (593) 2 2443935

General inquiries: cdrs@fcdarwin.org.ec

Model & Photographer Nina Smidt

2011-09-13T11:19:00.000-07:00

At a recent photo shoot for Model Environment, Nina shot these behind the scenes photos. Thank you Nina. She is a great Behind the Scenes Photographer.

My Chemical Romance

2011-08-03T12:42:00.000-07:00

Photographed on the rooftop of an apartment building in Hollywood.

Full Moon . Santa Monica Pier

2011-07-29T12:55:00.000-07:00

Have a beautiful weekend.

Published Feature in Electronic Gaming Monthly Magazine

2011-07-13T15:45:00.000-07:00

www.EGMNow.com

The August issue of EGM features the Game Designer Jenova Chen, of 'ThatGameCompany'. It was by coincidence EGM asked me to photograph a game designer that I recognized. They could not have chosen a better photographer for the gig. Oddly enough - (because I am not a big gamer), I had played his game Flower when it was released a few years ago. I loved the game so much, I used it as background to a photo shoot in 2009. See the game shown below, on the plasma, behind actress Kathy Christopherson.

In the game you fly through the air, make flowers grow and to me, it's relaxing. Read the article above if you have the time because I am not doing Jenova any justice. He is quite brilliant. This issue will be on newsstands by July 17th.

His new game 'Journey', is being released now.

The photos EGM published were taken with my Nikon T90 Film Camera. I also shot digital but they chose the film.

Kathy Christopherson below with the game, Journey, played in the background.

Some Think I'm Literal.

2011-06-16T12:56:00.000-07:00

Behind the Scenes of a Photo Shoot from Kristine Ambrose on Vimeo.
What is your opinion?

My friend, Matt Linnell, filmmaker, gave me this gift. He filmed my latest photo shoot and created my reel above. I could be his biggest fan. He asked me what song to use, and I suggested, "Waiting for My Man", by Vanessa Paradis.

I love how she transitioned an original Lou Reed song focused on a drug interaction, into something completely different. Her artistic interpretation & process inspires me.

In photography I attempt to interpret a subject into an unfamiliar form. In this photo shoot, the model Riyanna is very sexy but I chose to focus on her movement & formulate a type of creature in the garden. I would rather the sexy part of her be a second thought when looking at the photo.

Likewise, when I photographed the Burlesque series, I focused on the ladies' 'brute athleticism' rather than their sexual appeal. True athletes when they perform Burlesque, most patrons view them with an alluring eye and I rather see them as intelligent athletes.

Deconstruction of a subject is my favorite process and I hope you see that in my work.

You may view this video and think it is quite literal, when to me; it’s abstract and all about process.

Matthew Linnell Portfolio

Kristine Ambrose

Earth, Wind and Fire, Nokia Live

2011-06-03T16:13:00.000-07:00

Wednesday Night I photographed these guys at Nokia Live. They were beautiful and jammin. Loved it.

For my celebrity and concert photography, go to www.Retna.com.
www.KristineAmbrose.com

Glee in concert at Staples Center

2011-06-03T15:55:00.000-07:00

Photographed Glee on Saturday night. Original cast. Excuse the water marks. Enjoy.

To purchase celebrity and concert photography go to www.Retna.com.

ReThink Eco Fabrics - Favorite Shots

2011-05-26T13:19:00.000-07:00

RollingStone LA . Color Digital

2011-04-21T12:11:00.000-07:00

More on RollingStone Los Angeles:
Bottle Service in the Rotunda
http://kristineambrose.blogspot.com/p/rsla-22011.html

www.RollingStoneLA.com

RollingStone LA . Black & White Film

2011-04-21T11:45:00.000-07:00

More on RollingStone Los Angeles:
Bottle Service in the Rotunda
http://kristineambrose.blogspot.com/p/rsla-22011.html

www.RollingStoneLA.com

Juanes Performance . Live at the Staples Center

2011-04-20T11:29:00.000-07:00

Photos can be purchased on www.Retna.com
View Professional Portfolio on www.KristineAmbrose.com

Behind Scenes of a PhotoShoot (ReThink Eco Fabrics)

2011-04-06T12:16:00.000-07:00

View Professional Portfolio on www.KristineAmbrose.com

Vintage

2011-04-03T09:54:00.000-07:00

Photo shoot credits:
Make-up and Hair Styling: http://www.jessicametivier.com/
Styling: VOK showroom Kris Pettit and Violet Marut
Model: Riyaana Hartley
View Professional Portfolio: www.KristineAmbrose.com

Manika Music Video Shoot in Venice

2011-03-30T15:40:00.000-07:00

Photos on sale at www.Retna.com.
Behind the Sand with Manika. Video shoot in Venice in March.
View Professional Portfolio: www.KristineAmbrose.com

Her and I did a mini photo shoot by the bathroom wall near the basketball court.

Manika and her back up dancers spotting Manika's love interest in the music video on the basketball court.

Director Travis Payne shows the girls.

She gets to go on a date with him in the video.

AND then, he watches her sing in concert at the beach.

Travis gives the lowdown.

(Part of her bio: So talented, Manika caught the eye of music manager Frank DiLeo (Michael Jackson’s manager) and revered-music coach CeCe Sammy (Pop Idol, United Kingdom). In fact, Manika has been taken under their wing. Manika’s project is now managed by this team working with top-tier talent. )

Jason Ritter, Ben McKenzie & Debra Wilson are Young Storytellers

2010-12-14T18:29:00.000-08:00

The 'Biggest Show' is the culmination of a screenwriting mentor program developed and executed in the Los Angeles Elementary Public schools by the Young Storytellers Foundation. On Thursday, December 2nd, crowds piled into Crossroads in Santa Monica to see these actors perform four scripts written by fifth graders. These four scripts were chosen from among dozens of scripts written by kids who were mentored for eight weeks by adult screenwriters. The screenwriters donated 1-2 hours of their time each week mentoring a fourth/fifth grader in developing a script to be performed on stage. This mentoring process happens every semester and there is plenty of room to volunteer. The foundation is looking for screenwriters who would love to donate their time. Just FYI - if you are not a screenwriter, don't let that stop you from volunteering. With limited writing experience, I mentored a child (Matias) and it was a rewarding experience.

Actors to perform in The Biggest Show included: Ben McKenzie (Southland/TNT), Jason Ritter (The Event/NBC), Debra Wilson (MadTV), William Mapother (Lost, In the Bedroom) Radha Mitchell (The Crazies, Surrogates), Stuart Pankin (Curb Your Enthusiasm) Scott Weintraub (Dinner for Shmucks) and JR Reed – Master of Ceremonies – (Tenacious D)

After mentoring in the program, the directors have asked me to photograph the Biggest Show every year. Below are highlights from this years show.

To Donate: www.YoungStorytellers.com
A Message from Ben Stiller: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9APwJvQeZk0
www.KristineAmbrose.com

My personal experience as a mentor to Matias.
http://kristineambrose.blogspot.com/search/label/mentor

Kyoto Japan . All Film . All the Time

2010-11-04T13:22:00.000-07:00

Japan is abundant with smart people who never litter. We saw 3 pieces of trash on the ground in two weeks travel and rarely saw trashcans. Where does it all go? Fascinating. Walking outdoors in Gion (Kyoto) felt a bit like walking inside your home because it was so clean and perfect. Even though this part of my trip was surreal, I decided that documenting Zen cleanliness would have to wait till next time.

Instead, I decided to put my camera away until I was immersed in Japan and could flow my thoughts through the lens. The last three days of the trip, I picked up my camera. The people of Japan had done their best to give me a sense of calm, zen and spirituality. It was time to shoot. Hopefully you will see this in the photography.

The pictures I shot below were taken in Kyoto with my Nikon T90 Film camera. I played my favorite trick on the film. Film speed was 800, shot at 640 ISO and when developing I pushed it twice. When shooting a subject I breathed hot air on the lens and took a series of 4 shots from very smokey to almost clear.

These pictures only look as good as this blog can deliver. The preferable way to view them is on prints, in a frame, on a wall, with a small light focused on the center. My goal is to print these on a soft premium paper and frame them in a light bamboo. More to come.

Enjoy the photography. To view my entire portfolio go to www.KristineAmbrose.com

Movember Inspiration . The Mustache . Film or Digital . You Tell Me.

2010-10-30T09:45:00.000-07:00

This post is dedicated to the Movember participants. Good Luck to all of you! These photos are for inspiration. It takes more than one month to grow this kind of mustache however I wish you all the best fund raising luck you can get.
................................................................................
About the Photo Shoot:
For most photo shoots I use my Nikon T90 Film camera and my Canon 5D Camera. Nicholas was my subject and I was accompanied by a very smart team listed below. In my opinion, I can use the film shots more in my portfolio instead of the digital. The first seven shots below are film and the final shot is digital. You tell me. What do you like better?

This shoot is a new level for me as a photographer. I purposely worked with angles and layers in the set up of the shot to create points so the eye moves softly across the photo.

To get the film shots: The film was 800 speed, set at ISO 640, overexposed aperture, shutter at about 125, lights were dynalites and we used bounces. When the film was developed, I pushed it twice.
I probably did one other thing to the film but now I forget. Oh well, I think forgetting is the best part because it all comes back to me once I have my camera in my hand again. See my full portfolio: www.KristineAmbrose.com

Very smart Team Credits for all images:
Grooming - BBeautiful By Britni Nicole
Photographer Assistant (amazing with light) - Nestor Omar Leslie Miranda
Styling - Jonny Tucker
Location - Thank you Kathy and Richard

More information on Movember: http://articles.latimes.com/2010/nov/04/news/la-heb-moustache-cancer-men-20101104

Silversun Pickups

2010-09-08T10:56:00.000-07:00

Silversun Pickups performed at The Joint - Hard Rock Hotel in July and I was hired to photograph them. Bands playing at the newly designed Joint were meant to be photographed with black and white film. The band lights hanging from the ceiling and around the stage are worth about $30,000 each and set off a powerful beam. For some reason these lights bounce off of the film and make the photo beautiful and mysterious. I also photographed the band with a digital Canon 5D and they turned out great. However, in my opinion the digital turned out completely different than the film shots.

Take a look at the digital. They are the shots in color below. To my eye - digital is still very different from film. Gives a different feeling to the observer.

See additional photos: www.KristineAmbrose.com

37º Celsius

2010-07-21T10:07:00.000-07:00

Black and White Film in the Summer

Reef

Dive

Protect

http://www.kristineambrose.com/Albums/form/index.html

One Chord Grooves

2010-05-18T17:46:00.000-07:00

Ever since I picked up a camera twelve years ago I have enjoyed showing movement in a frame. I directed the model, Alanna, to dance and create swirley turn around moves. She did it over and over again as I stood up high on a small platform. I was looking down on my tall subject and thought it would be perfect for her to kneel and continue dancing. While she got very dizzy in her performance, I shot my film and digital cameras quickly. She added in her guitar and made some of her Delta Blues/Rockin out moves and it worked. See the series on my website. www.KristineAmbrose.com

The right combination of continuous and slow shooting captured these still moments. I now look at this portfolio and think of beauty, movement, innocence and art.

Influences for this shoot include: John Lee Hooker, The Dead Weather, Pink Anderson, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Dario Argento, HoneyBoy Edwards, Blind Boy Fuller

The people who made this shoot happen:
Alanna Vicente: Model, dancer, stylist, musician, www.AlannaVicente.com
Jessica Metivier: Make-Up, www.promakeupblog.com
Nestor Miranda: Photographer's assistant. Couldn't have made my lights work without him. Thank you!
Jewelry: Bare Jewelry, http://www.barecollection.com/collections2.htm
Location: Thank you Christian. We will be back! We heart Bar Melody and your mac and cheese.

See additional photos: http://www.kristineambrose.com/Albums/portraits/index.html

New Photo Shoot - Carissa at the Beach

2010-04-28T14:28:00.000-07:00

For more photography pictures of Carissa - go to www.KristineAmbrose.com

Thank you Carissa for a beautiful morning at the beach!

What a World, What a Life, I'm in Love

2010-02-05T09:41:00.000-08:00

With a Four Cheese, Mac and Cheese dish topped with Bacon

Yesterday I walked into 'Melody Bar and Grill' on Sepulveda across the street from In and Out Burgers near LAX. One of my friends said I should speak to the owner to lock down his bar as a fashion shoot location. Sometimes the stars line up and fate shines down on your day. That happened to me when I talked to the owner at noon yesterday. The lounge area is beautiful with long burgundy old school booths, antique lamps, tin ceiling, long mirrors and old wooden walls. The bartender introduced me to the owner and I pitched myself to shoot in this location. Right then, he asked me if I had my cameras with me because he is being reviewed in Venice Magazine and needs photos of his food. Bing bang boom I photographed his yummy and beautiful food and also locked down this location for a bigger shoot. Of course, he let me sample all the dishes and fed me lunch as well.

Shown above, his four cheese, Mac and Cheese topped with bacon. The owner, Christian, is holding the fork in the bottom photo. He is a fabulous hand model. Christian used to own Ma'kai on Ocean in Santa Monica and two years ago bought the Melody Bar to bring more of his dreams to life. He serves up this amazing dish of Mac and Cheese along with: New York Strip Steak wrapped Asparagus, Spinach Salmon Salad with candied pecans, Humboldt goat cheese and grapes and much more.

I have heard that one of his best nights is Wednesday when he promotes "Musicology" night. It is a blend of famous guitarists jamming. You never know who is going to show up and play guitar so it is always a surprise.

Next month I will post the photos from my fashion shoot in Melody.
9132 South Sepulveda
310-670-1994
Parking available in back lot

www.melodylax.com

www.KristineAmbrose.com

Neo-Burlesque . This is Harlow Gold

2010-01-08T15:44:00.000-08:00

Fueling a Hot Ticket of Neo Burlesque in Los Angeles is “Harlow Gold”

Growing up in Baltimore, my mother started me in ballet lessons at the age of five and I was hooked. Ever since my first class I fell in love with all kinds of dance and still to this day love to watch a good show. In all my lessons from childhood and tips from my booty shaking dance friends, one thing I have not been able to master is that super energizer bunny movement that the pros can make with their hips back and forth. When I watch a music video and see the girls in action with the choreography, it blows my mind. You have probably seen this type of dance movement in MTV music videos for Beyonce & Shakira, during The Grammy’s and in many commercials. In Los Angeles we can see all these moves and much more in person, up on stage in an intimate setting. Many of the ladies who perform in the music videos, on the music tours, at the famous award shows and choreograph for the stars perform Burlesque.

Los Angeles is the home to the Neo Burlesque Show. It’s part of an evolution of Burlesque that began 100’s of years ago. Costume, dance, tease, humor and beauty create this Burlesque scene. Costumes are tight and form fitting created with soft materials, shiny delicate beads, flowers, ornaments and sequins. The ladies remove pieces one by one in a slow tease.

Lucky for me I live in L.A. On a Sunday night in December I walked into Bordello and watched the red velvet curtain rise to a few of the best dancers in Los Angeles. Tracy Phillips & Dominic Carbone are the Harlow Gold Choreographers and their resume shines a long list of film, commercial and celebrity tour choreography including Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, The Grammy Awards and concert tours for Spice Girls, Marilyn Manson, Prince, and Gwen Stefanie. All from the famed “Forty Deuce” and equally as world-renowned are the dancers including Carolina Cerisola, Eboni Nichols, Zepha and Kelleia Sheerin aka ‘Hooptease’.

The Bordello Bar is red and intimate. Stage views are perfect from most locations. You will feel as if you walked into an original Bordello in the year 1900. The show was everything I wanted it to be in terms of advanced dance movement. As a dancer myself I have an enormous amount of respect for these ladies as they make it look extremely easy. I recommend paying a little extra for the reserved seating up front. During the dancers numbers, they slink up on your tables and give you a few shakes to remember. When they jump up, pick up your glass and relax in your chair, you are in for a show.

Sundays . 9:00pm . Bordello Bar, 910 East First Street (on the corner of Vignes and First)
Los Angeles, CA 90012

(213) 687-3766, Reservations: bunnyhopprod@sbcglobal.net, Advanced tickets if you want to use a Credit Card: http://harlowgold.eventbrite.com, Cash only at door.

http://www.kristineambrose.com/Albums/form/index.html

http://www.kristineambrose.com/Albums/random/index.html

Musician . Beautiful Music

2009-12-09T11:38:00.000-08:00

Alanna has been a model for over ten years and has worked with the best photographers in New York and Los Angeles. Recently she moved back to Venice from New York and asked if I would want to photograph her to publicize her music. She then showed me her updated portfolio. Wow. Amazing work.

My initial reaction to her request was apprehension. She has a top rate portfolio, which I saw and immediately thought – I have to give her something amazing. On top of that, she is my friend and I always want to give my friends my best work.

Ok. So, I was nervous but what the hell - I have to photograph not only the easy subjects but the more challenging ones as well. It’s the only way I am going to grow as a photographer.

It was on.

The photo shoot was on a Friday, at my home studio. I cooked of course. Cooking the food is standard for my photo shoots. I made spinach and cheese quiche from Stef's mom's recipe and the ladies loved it. Thanks Stef and Mom.

The music was perfect for the photo shoot. Alanna suggested we plug in her good friend Miike Snow to Pandora and the station worked its magic. The station played Miike, Phoenix, MGMT & Passion Pit. Since we were going for a more Avant Garde look in the styling - the music was appropriate. We now LOVE Miike Snow.

To listen to Alanna - www.alannavicente.com

To view this photo shoot portfolio . http://www.kristineambrose.com/Albums/portraits/index.html

Photo shoot credits:
Make up, hair, styling - Britni Nicole . http://www.bbeautifulbybritninicole.com/
Additional styling - Alanna
Video - Val Papp and I
We will miss you Val - send us pictures from your new home in Paris!

Watch Behind the Scenes Footage

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdnsQs34amA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1b-lwHMq5Ag

Blow Dry and Art

2009-11-05T13:26:00.001-08:00

I promised you some inside tips on downtown ArtWalk - here they are. In the first photo above you see the lovely Gina sipping wine at the french cafe across from the Salon on Main. Not sure of the name but we ordered a cheese plate and wine and it was yummy. The cheese plate was huge - not the little crumbs that (forgive me Gjelina) Gjelina gives you for an appetizer. The wine was french and we were very happy. If you come down for ArtWalk early - you may want to stop by this place and pretend you are in Paris.

The guy in the hat is the owner for one month of this gallery that is next door to the french cafe. Only one month! His website is cherrymeltdown.com. In order to get it for one month for ArtWalk he had to negotiate with the owner. Cost? $1 for the month if he painted it. It WAS a dump but after the paint job - waa laaa another gallery for ArtWalk. The art is worth seeing. You can literally stumble out of the French place into this guys gallery.

The last photo above is the building my work is in - bottom floor, salon, get a haircut, facial, manicure and see it.

Extra food bonus - these restaurants look amazing and they are right in this area:
- Blossom Vietnamese Restaurant (I'll be at this one eating), 426 Main, 213-623-1973
- Warung Cafe, Asian Tapas, Sake, Soju, Wines (Looks yummy), 118W. 4th Street, 213-626-0662

Just a final note about this area. It was a trip how many artists I met within a couple of hours last night and saw their work. Its definitely worth a trip downtown. It may get you hooked. ArtWalk is the second Thursday of every month.

Please comment below if you have any suggestions for ArtWalk. Oh and its free.
Links.
www.Nunage.com
www.KristineAmbrose.com

Thank you Zeno Supper Club in Venice

2009-10-30T11:50:00.000-07:00

Cheers Zeno - Thanks for hanging my work at your party and in your offices.

JOIN US THIS SUNDAY FOR

OYSTERS, BEER AND CHAMPAGNE

WITH CHEF LEE ANNE WONG AND ZENO PLACE FRIENDS

DJ MERRILY WILL BE SPINNING

AND VARIOUS LOCAL ARTISTS WILL BE SHOWING OFF THEIR STUFF!

DATE: SUNDAY NOV. 1^ST

TIME: 5PM- 9:30OM

LOCATION: 2304 ZENO PLACE

Between VICTORIA & BOCCACIO

PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN DINNERWARE and CUP

$20 FOR FOOD AND DRINK!!

http://zenosupperclub.com/

www.kristineambrose.com

La bella Donna Incinta con la sciarpa

2009-10-14T16:01:00.001-07:00

Recently I visited the National Gallery of Art in DC. I love how paintings are titled from hundreds of years ago. For example they use long titles such as "Portrait of a Man holding a Cane" or "A woman with her Children."

I titled this photograph above "La Bella Donna Incinta con la sciarpa" translated into English -
The beautiful pregnant lady with a scarf.

Please enjoy other photographs of her on my website at http://www.kristineambrose.com/Albums/youyours/index.html

Cheers to the delivery of Peanut. Should be any day now.

Q Models . Los Angeles

2009-09-24T12:51:00.000-07:00

Working with Jamie Rocked. Thank you to Britni Nicole for makeup, hair & styling, Jeanie Madsen for clothing, styling and funny story's, Jeff Weiss for gems and Leslie for assisting.

We played MGMT, Phoenix and Black Eyed Peas on Pandora. Lunch was Brazil nut crusted salmon, arugula pesto pasta and ginger tea. Chocolate Chip cookies for sure next time.

Location was at my home studio. It was about 100 degrees so we were cooling off with the water hose in the backyard. Reminded me of growing up in Baltimore. When you don't have a pool....

Good Luck Jamie, we hope to work with you again and more models from Q. Special thanks to Q Models Los Angeles. Muah -Big kiss. Muchas Gracias!

www.qmanagementinc.com/
www.KristineAmbrose.com
www.bbeautifulbybritninicole.com/
www.jeaniemadsengallery.com/

Soft Fabric- Beautiful Dresses

2009-09-08T15:11:00.000-07:00

Sonia Kasparian has been a lead designer for Quiksilver, Nike and now she has her own line of clothing designs – but more of that later. Today I am writing about her side project of custom designing wedding dresses for brides in Portland, Oregon.

We have been friends forever and I am one of her biggest fans. She focuses on the bride, her shape, form, boobage, etc etc. She is an artist and sculptor by night and it is apparent in all the dresses she designs. Each dress custom painted on the bride. Well, it seems like that when you put them on your body. Feels good to slip into fabrics custom cut for you that make you feel and look like Princess Grace or Lady GaGa (whomever you prefer).

I am hoping in the future to photograph her dresses, whenever we have the time, but for now take a look at her pictures of some designs.

Go Sonia! Love - K

Baby Has Squishy Feet

2009-08-13T12:56:00.000-07:00

This cutie had a blast during our photo shoot. She insisted on eating oranges.

Santa Monica PIer Anniversary

2009-07-27T18:26:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday Night, we had an opening at Jeanie Madsen Gallery directly across the street from the pier. Showing was some of my pier photography.

The rest of the photos can be viewed at http://www.kristineambrose.com/Albums/form/index.html.

My goal for this project was to obtain views of the pier to create a few perspectives. One was to try and capture what it may have looked like back in 1909, another was to give it a mysterious feel and finally to capture on the camera lenses something that normally does not register and click with us such as a helicopter flying by the flag.

I was mentor to the great.....Matias

2009-05-28T13:13:00.000-07:00

After the show ended, the actor who portrayed Maximilian in Matias' script last night at the Edison Big Show referenced the simple script with beautiful dialog and compared him to David Mamet. Go Matias! I was mentor to the Great... Matias, as you probably have read in this blog. His script was acted out along with 9 others and it was hilarious. Matias and I sat next to the stage and watched the two actors and narrator nail the script. My face turned blood red and we could not stop laughing.

The script is about two Spanish men sailing around the world starting in Cuba and ending in the Panama Canal. The two characters that Matias created, Matias and Maximilian encounter many challenges along the way.

After the show I chatted with Matias' father. He was amazed that Matias (the writer) made the two characters his alter egos. The character 'Matias' being the brave man and the character 'Maximilian' being the shy, scared man.

I highly recommend this process. To get involved contact www.youngstorytellers.com.

Young Story Tellers Write

2009-05-21T09:01:00.000-07:00

On our last day of writing before our big show, I asked Matias what he is going to name is script. Matias chose me as a mentor from a pile of names in a hat on our 3rd week into the program. I was a little nervous as I had no idea how to write a script and hesitant on how to guide him in this process. After our first brainstorming session together, I knew we were meant to write together. The coolest part of this process is how much I learned from Matias. He is in fourth grade but has this ability to create and write beyond anything I expected.
To make this easier for him, I decided to type his script into the program as he told it to me. We make a great team. His script is seven pages long and really funny.
After I asked him about his title to the script, we both sat there for about 5-10 minutes thinking. I really wanted him to create the title so I tried not to give any suggestions. The title he chose is "Nothings Impossible but Some Things are Hard"
The Big Show is next week and we will see this script along with 7 other scripts acted out by professional actors. www.youngstorytellers.com.

Steel Pulse . The Show

2009-05-14T08:13:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite things to do as a photographer is be in the "Pit" right in front of the band all by myself. In the "Pit" you are the person in between the band and the audience and have the opportunity to get as creative as you want with your photography. I usually do not take a flash with me and try to stick with only black and white film. Digital always works with flash but whats the challenge in that? The focus is probably the hardest part with film. You have a rockin musician in front of you moving very fast across the stage, a manual focus and not much light. This is where the fun comes in. Trying to get a decent photo in focus and not screw up too much. The best part is when you get the film developed and find creative shots that you couldn't have captured with a digital camera. Yes.

Usually in the "Pit" you are joined by other photographers from newspapers and magazines but this time I was all by myself and it was sweet. In that area of the concert, between the band and the audience, you catch all the power coming from the band and almost feel like you are part of the act. Its an incredible way to see a few songs from the band. I don't recommend being in the "Pit" for the entire concert. I usually go backstage after a few songs and relax, shut my eyes and take in the beautiful music. In this case - it was magical because it was Steel Pulse.
My good friend Frank Thomas invited us to this concert to meet his close friends Steel Pulse. It was an honor to see this band up close who I have admired since I was 19. Since they have been around and playing together for over, I think - 20 years?, they are a really tight band. Brilliant musicians and beautiful lyrics.

Work With a Great Crew

2009-04-30T09:58:00.000-07:00

The idea was to create scenes that portray thought. Any thought really – nothing in particular - but overall – give the essence of thought. First step was to ask a talented actress to be in the scenes. Kathy Christopherson agreed and gave me her all. Kathy was perfect because I gave her only one direction a few weeks prior to the photo shoot and when I started shooting, she gave me just that and provided a beautiful show for my camera and me.

I felt kind of special because the hair stylist, make-up artist and clothing stylist threw down 110% for me as well. The result is on my website and in my portfolio.

The entire day was unique and I hope my photo shoots in the future are this much fun.

Recently I re-watched the movie “Easy Rider”. It seems that Jack Nicholson, Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper had a freaking blast MAKING that movie. Well – that’s what I want in my photo shoots. Lets all just make it “Easy Rider” whenever we have a photo shoot and see what turns out.

See behind the scenes photos from Stef McDonald here. http://tinyurl.com/dymzop

See the portfolio here. http://www.kristineambrose.com/Albums/portraits

My First Gallery Show

2009-04-29T14:41:00.001-07:00

Last month I saw Jeanie Madsen at one of those swanky Hollywood Party's. For me to go out on a Monday night is extremely rare. My friend Deborah dragged me out the door and even though it felt like an outer body experience - it payed off.

Jeanie hales me down at the party and tells me she is taking over a gallery on Ocean Blvd in Santa Monica and wants to hang out and talk about my work going into the gallery. Really? Me? That is so cool.

AND.. this is why, when I don't feel like going out on a Monday night - I need to push myself to get my butt out the front door and get my *** over to Hollywood. Note to friends - when I say no - it really means yes. Well, yes after I am already at the party.

Bing Bang Boom - My work is now in her Gallery and she is sosooooo sweet. Her and her sidekick Mary are the coolest chicks - well... ladies. They redesigned the gallery and made it so homelike and warm. I feel like curling up with a big blanket and laying down on their couch - to look at art all day on the gallery walls.

So - go go go!!

JEANIE MADSEN GALLERY

1431 Ocean Ave

Santa Monica CA 90401

310-406-7344

Coachella and I

2009-04-24T15:37:00.001-07:00

The VIP pass was good for use of the bathroom but other than that - I stayed in the crowd. It was a better place to be for dancing and seeing the energy on stage. A few important views shown here. Many generations at this festival I guess because of the large array of bands. It really was over the top with talented musicians and I am happy I got to have my part. Cheers.

Reverse

2009-04-12T12:44:00.000-07:00

San Francisco is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Its alleys around Union Square bring back memories of Florence, Italy. The two cities for me have this in common - a lot of room to walk non-stop past 2am, plenty of wine, incredible food and endless photo opportunities.

San Francisco is so unique and creative that sometimes, when I visit, I feel I am in a creative parallel universe and want to put the weekend in reverse so I can relive it all over again.

I attempted to do that with my pictures. This one in particular attached to this post. Your eye could not possibly see this view - I created it. It's a puzzle.

This week I am off to the Coachella Music Festival.

Baby is Flirting

2009-04-08T09:25:00.000-07:00

Baby is flirting with me. Mama and baby over for a photo shoot the other day. I fell in love, again. Meet my new boyfriend.

A Talented Photo Retoucher

2009-04-06T13:57:00.002-07:00

Supermodels and actresses in editorial are sometimes retouched. Sometimes too much. As I grow as a photographer with my portraits, I realize that some need retouching. Ultimately I want to obtain work in the editorial world and in order to do that - I need some of my portraits to be perfected. Milly doesn't change the photo - she enhances it. Its so subtle that you can barely tell she has worked at all on the photo. For example, say a corner on a shirt is pulled up and barely noticeable - she will notice this little item among other little items that changes the photo slightly. Once she corrects, and you look at the photo - you barely see a difference but unconsciously - you see it and it makes the photo more pleasing to the eye.

I don't use retouching for most of my photography however when I need it on a portrait - I utlilize Milly. She is also really sweet. I highly recommend.
http://www.millysretouching.com/

The Nasa Shakeout w/YST

2009-03-31T16:44:00.001-07:00

At our first meeting with the kids last week, the mentors had assignments. Mine was the Nasa Shakeout. In front of everyone in class, I had to demonstrate and lead the kids and mentors in this exercise. Stand in the middle of the circle, arms up over your head, yell 3-2-1 and shake and scream down to the ground with your hands. The kids love it and its a good way to loosen up the room. The other exercises included a lot of dancing, singing and jumping around.

4th and 5th grade screenwriters

2009-03-20T13:05:00.000-07:00

Young Story Tellers of Los Angeles asked me to document an eight-week screen writing process with my cameras. Y.S.T. runs a mentoring program with 4th & 5th graders all over Los Angeles. Screenwriters, actors, etc come in for an eight-week program to mentor. I got to know the mentors this week at Lazy Daisy Cafe across the street from our school - Edison. They want me to be a mentor so I can get a real feel for the process while shooting. Hmmmm. OK. I am not a writer however they say it’s more about telling a story and we all can tell a story – right?

The mentor group includes a medical student, a few actors, a few screenwriters, and me. One of the mentors is hilarious and I really cannot wait to see how he guides his kid with a script. He has done this for many years and the most important reason he does this is to watch how the kids fall in love with the writing process and the surprise in the kid’s eyes at the end of the eight weeks when they have their BIG SHOW. The other mentors also told a few really positive heartfelt stories about the kids and as I listened, I began to shape my ideas for documenting this process.

Will write more after next weeks meeting but for now, check out their website at www.youngstorytellers.com.

Negative Polaroid Type 55 Film

2009-03-10T16:44:00.001-07:00

This picture is from a negative Polaroid Type 55 film. Shot with a Leonardo wooden pinhole, the Polaroid holder fits into the back of the camera. It’s a little tricky because there is no viewfinder in the camera and you can’t see what is in the frame. It’s a guessing game.

The camera is square and takes the picture through a tiny pinhole. I expose the negative by lifting a wooden shutter. The film is a sheet including a positive and a negative. After exposing the negative for 20 seconds I close the shutter and pull out the Polaroid from the back. The positive and the negative tear apart from one another and the negative is developed. Because of its vibrancy, its best to use the negative for the end result.

Polaroid stopped making this film in the summer of 2008 but luckily I have 60 sheets stored in a secret place.

"Ladies and Gentlemen"

2008-12-05T10:31:00.000-08:00

Visited friends last week on the east coast. Isabel, (Neila's mom) asked to have a photo shoot of Neila in the bathtub. Didn't really expect anything except to have some fun. The entire time in the bathtub she was laughing and performing her usual theater. Neila and I are pretty close and it was cool to see her look straight into the camera without smiling. For one moment she looked straight at me, very serious and didn't smile. Like she took one second to give Honey (that's me) a thought. Her eyes looking at mine through the camera stopping time.

Rebecca and Thomas Mex Surf Spot

2008-10-20T14:44:00.001-07:00

In August I photographed a wedding in Baja, Mexico. Rebecca and Thomas brought more than 100 friends & family down for lobster, and surf. We had a blast.

Rebecca and Thomas have a favorite surf spot in Mexico.

R & T: Our favorite surf spot is K38 in Baja, Mexico. It is a super fun break that can get big and hairy in winter, but mellow enough that you can get longboard-able rights, even on your wedding day. It's also sentimental, because it was our first surf trip together, the place we got engaged and the place we got married:)

Rebecca teaches us ladies how to surf.
For group (summer) or private (anytime) surf lessons check out www.surflikeagirl.net.

Grammy We Love You.

Annie Little Photo Shoot

2008-09-12T13:00:00.000-07:00

Annie Little and I embarked on a morning of photos in Venice at the beach and in the Canals. Since Annie is a good friend, I thought all of you would like to know a little more about her. Here you go..

Where can we see you next Annie?
I have a guest appearance coming up in January on the TV show Scrubs airing on ABC. I believe it will be the third episode, and they start up again in January. But, right now you can see me in the Hershey's Bliss commercials and print ads, and this fall I will be in a Kay Jewelers commercial with Jane Seymour. She designed a new line of jewelry for Kay called "Open Hearts." Also, I will be in the new Bud Light campaign "freezing" with a cup of coffee! You'll know what I mean when you see it.

Any advise for auditions?
... hmmmm. Well, a good rule of thumb is to just be authentic, and don't be a victim. The best tips I ever got for taking meetings or auditions were from my acting coach Stephen Book who wrote The Actor Takes a Meeting. He's got great advice for interviewing in the entertainment business, and it also applies beautifully to real life.

What are you working on now?
I just wrapped on the Bud Light commercial, and I'm about to embark on a three day Fitzmaurice Voicework workshop. I love taking classes and studying. I always want to be growing and improving my craft so that when I'm out auditioning and working I feel sharp and on my game.

Thanks again Annie! It was great to work with you.
Kristine

Mike V Shoot

2008-07-15T13:42:00.000-07:00

Last month I was hired to photograph Mike Vallely and his band, Revolution Mother. Andrea Feldberg was the photographers assistant for the day. I shot most of the pictures with film on my Nikon T90 and a small percentage of the photos on my digital Canon 10D. I am always amazed to see the difference between film and digital.

Thanks to Andrea for being a very wise photographer assistant.

Proyecto Laguna Interview

2008-05-13T15:08:00.001-07:00

My learning curve on humanitarian work soared when I worked with Tracy and met Jen in Diria, Nicaragua. Get an inside view on how two women are helping an impoverished community in Nica turn around. After reading this interview, if you would like to donate funds to the organization, its easy, go to www.proyectolaguna.com. They are a 501c3 charitable foundation - all donations are tax-exempt.

To see additional photos of the people in Diria please go to www.KristineAmbrose.com.
You can reach Tracy at: Nica - 505-697-4667, US - 804-915-7547 or tracy@proyectolaguna.com

Kristine: When I worked with you Tracy, in January, I learned quite a bit about improving an impoverished community. What would you say is the most important aspect of your job being Founder/Executive Director of Proyecto Laguna and Jen, being Director of Community Development, in terms of healthy growth for Diria?

Proyecto Laguna Founder /Executive Director, Tracy Finch:
When we decided to start this project in January 2007, we discussed the problems of education in Diria with the local government, school administrators and parents. We found that many children were not attending school simply because they did not have shoes to wear. We made it our first priority to get as many kids in school as possible. Recently, we also learned that the schools did not offer any type of medical attention. We immediately hired a school nurse who works at two schools two days a week. We have been able to expand her offerings, especially in the very rural areas, to include
prescriptions and helping children with severe medical issues. We also learned that two of the rural schools had no water. We set up a plan for an ox cart to deliver water to fill the tank at one school weekly and are starting a similar program now at the second school. From the start we wanted to assist people to improve their own lives. We ask them what they need and work with them on how to reach those goals. So, the most important aspect of my job???, to continue to offer hope to children, to teach them that they can work hard to develop their own strengths and obtain a brighter future.

Director of Community Development, Jennifer Schwinn:
I think healthy growth is a very important factor in our project. From the start we have focused on working within the community to meet the communities needs. As foreigners we don’t know how to make things work in this community. So, we meet with parents and school administration and they help us set goals. They help us apply for grants. They help us hand out school supplies. We feel it is important to have community buy in, if not the project is not sustainable and we are only creating an unhealthy dependency. I hope that if Proyecto Laguna someday is not in Diria the people will know how to set a goal, how to find charitable organizations, how to write a grant, and how to follow up on that grant. If we can teach them how to take the future into their own hands we have done our best. I think the most important thing to minimize is the amount of dependence the community has on our project and increase the amount of responsibility, independence, and pride they have in all of the projects they accomplish.   

Kristine: I found it an eye opener how your organization raises funds and utilizes the people of Diria to make whatever it is you need to purchase with these funds. For example, I saw you interview many cobblers of Diria to make shoes for the 650 kids who attend the schools. Can you explain how this process works of putting the funds back into the community by hiring the community to do the work?

Tracy: One of our main principles is to practice sustainability within the community. We could just go to the market and purchase shoes but we have found that by hiring local workers we not only receive better quality product but also know that we are supporting families. Last year we also started an initiative of local seamstresses to sew over 700 backpacks that were then distributed at the beginning of the school year in January. We have found that most adults in Nicaragua want to work; it is just hard to come by. So they take a lot of pride in their work and in the fact that they can now provide for their families. Our hopes are that we can expand these programs so that other foundations can purchase our backpacks, shoes and hopefully uniforms so that the cobblers and seamstresses can work year-round.

Jen: My answer is similar to Tracy’s. When we decide to hire a local cobbler to make shoes for the children instead of buying shoes from the market we benefit in more than one way. First of all the quality of the shoes we receive is improved dramatically. In our first year of operation we bought shoes from the market and they fell apart within the first 2 weeks. When we use local cobblers the quality of the materials is improved and the cobblers are part of the community and feel a responsibility to make shoes that will last. Another benefit is that the money we spend stays right in the community we work in. We pay the cobblers for the shoes and they use their pay to buy beans down the street, to have a local seamstress make their daughter a dress and to buy tools at the hardware store in town. The money we are spending on shoes is recycled through the town over and over. The shoes we buy from the cobblers are slightly more expensive than shoes from the market, but it’s worth it.
Similarly we have had local seamstresses sew backpacks and as our funding increases we will have them sew uniforms.
We are currently working with our seamstresses to set up a brochure with examples of their work on backpacks and uniforms. We are going to present this to other organizations who purchase these items to see if we can help provide more work to the seamstresses. This will keep the money coming from NGO’s within Nicaragua, instead of using it to pay for items made in China.

Kristine: What, at this point is the greatest need of Proyecto Laguna for the schools and kids?

Tracy: Our biggest plan during our first year was to get as many children in need registered with us, to get them the supplies they needed to attend school and to make sure they were attending. This involved having the parents sign a "contract" with us understanding they have responsibility to keep their kids in school and for the kids to set goals for the year. We now have over 650 children registered and receiving supplies twice a year. They all benefit from the school nurse we have hired and the supplies given to teachers and classrooms. The children who have been financially sponsored by donations (for only $100 per year) receive shoes and uniform on top of the normal benefits. Now we see the greatest obstacle is the lack of basic nutrition. We all know that a child cannot learn properly on an empty stomach and that brain and body development suffer from lack of vital nutrients. So we are currently working with the parent groups to write proposals for construction of kitchens at our two main schools. The schools currently do receive some rice, beans and oil from the government but these supplies always run out long before the next shipment. We will continue to try to raise enough funds and partnerships with larger foundations to supplement the food supply once the kitchens are built.

Jen: I agree with Tracy and will add to that answer. Another great need, maybe most important of the communities of Diria is water. These communities have no access to water and haven’t for over 10 years. Unfortunately the ground water is so deep that the costs of a well are well over $50,000. We don’t have this kind of money but we are continually seeking out organizations that dig wells and trying to find a solution to this problem.
Our greatest need currently is to improve the children’s nutrition. Many children in Nicaragua do not eat breakfast, and often lunch is not available at the school. I have spoken with children whose only source of nutrition is the school lunch, and when there is no school lunch they don’t eat at all. Working with the parents group we set a few different goals in relation to nutrition. We are working toward building a kitchen at the school. Currently a mother from each classroom comes every day to pick up dried beans, rice, corn, and oil, and the next day returns with the school lunch. Often mother’s forget it is their turn or have to work and can’t prepare the food in the kitchen. Sometimes food goes to a mother’s home and doesn’t return the next day. If the mother doesn’t bring the food the children don’t eat that day. With a school, kitchen preparation of the school lunch would be much easier. It would only take 3 mothers a day to prepare the food for all the children in the entire school. It would be easier to control how much was being used daily and make sure the food was reaching the mouths it was intended for. It would also be much easier to control hygiene. A school kitchen would also take a burden off the mothers who currently are responsible for buying wood to cook the food over witch is expensive for them. The second part of this plan is the school gardens program. Proyecto Laguna is currently with the Ministry of Educations school garden program. In this program the Ministry of Education provides lectures and information, a local NGO (us) provides funding and support, and the school provides the manpower to start a garden that will provide fruit and vegetables to the children to add vitamins and minerals to the very basic food provided. The school also uses the garden to teach the children about natural science. We are currently in the process of getting this all set up. One of our schools is ready to start planting, and the other two are just starting the Ministry of Education lecture series. The third part of our plan for improving nutrition is to apply to other organizations that provide nutrition to schoolchildren. There are a variety of NGO’s that provide food products. We are hoping that if we can get a school kitchen built we can also get another organization to commit to donating food so that there can consistently be food available to all of the children. In this same vein, there is an organization working in Managua that provides milk and peanuts to children every day. One of the major problems in Nicaragua is that the food children eat does not have an adequate level of protein and good fats for proper brain development. This organization provides a small glass of milk and a peanut cookie to the children every day to make sure their brains can properly develop. We have been looking into trying to get them to expand to our schools. And, of course, if we can’t bring this organization into Diria we will seek out funding to do the project directly ourselves, which is a just a little more difficult.   

Kristine: I was touched by many of the kids and families I met while working with you and how giving the people are to visitors. Do you have a special story to share?

Tracy: There are of course, like with any job, many days that we get very frustrated. I always remind myself of our ultimate goal, the children. Anytime we are at the schools, many kids come out to kiss us and hug us, I swear, that makes all this work worth it to me. Last June, the administration from the largest school asked me to attend a meeting and they impressed upon me that it was vital that I attend. They normally don’t have me attend this sort of meeting and it was highly unusual. Since it was of such high priority to them, I just had to attend. I even had to bring my four year old son who had a fever at the time because they were so insistent! When I walked through the fence, I saw about 300 students waiting to surprise me for my birthday! They each made a card for me saying how much they appreciate our work, each gave me a kiss and hug. Needless to say, I was bawling my eyes out. They even had a piñata, pottery, flowers, and a nice lunch. Remember, these are families that live in dirt floor shacks with no electricity or water. They are truly giving people and so appreciative!

Jen: I have so many. There is a family that I visit perhaps once a month. They are very poor, plastic sheeting for a roof, dirt floors, and beds made from sacks strapped to wooden frames. Four generations live together in two rooms. Every time I visit this house the great grandmother fills my arms up with pinolillo and whatever fruit is in season: oranges, mangos or jocotes. She always says thank you and gives me something to take with me. It is her way of thanking me and giving back.
At one of our schools, The Anne Frank School, I have developed a close friendship with one of the families (Manuel’s family). One day the father in the family took me on a 3-hour hike to show me where a well could possibly be put in. It was really sweet of him to take time out of his day to do that for me and along the way he showed me the different rural communities and we talked about life in the country in Nicaragua. When we got back to his house, sweaty and pretty worn out, his wife had made a big lunch for us. While we were gone she had killed a chicken, fried it and cooked rice and beans (over a wood fire) with a tomato salsa, they even bought soda. While she set up lunch I sat outside with Manuel and taught him how to use my camera. He LOVED it. He had a lot of great questions and took some good pictures and was very excited. As we were playing with the camera the scrap metal truck went by and Manuel ran out to sell some scrap metal he’d been collecting. He made 6 Cordoba. He then ran to the little store and bought 6 packs of chips and gave them all to me with a big smile on his face. I shared the chips with everyone at lunch and it was a really moving experience. This family does not have a lot of extra. The father is a repairman. They live in a house with dirt floors made of scrap wood. They are not the destitute poorest of the poor but they definitely don’t have anything to spare. And they are so generous. Not only did they sacrifice 3 hours and a chicken for me, but also Manuel, who had been saving scrap metal for who knows how long, spent the 30 cents he made on me to thank me for showing him my camera. Their generosity is amazing. And when I left their house that day they insisted that I take 5 eggs from their chickens. They explained that their chicken made “love eggs” which were better than any other type of eggs and I needed to try them.

My first day of blogging

2008-05-06T12:32:00.000-07:00

This past January, I traveled to Nicaragua to work with an organization called Proyecto Laguna to help raise funds for the schools in a town called Diria. This is one of the photos I shot while at the beach. I will be posting the photos from the project up on this blog in the next few weeks. Visit www.proyectolaguna.com to learn more about this organization. I photographed the families of Diria and the environment around their village. Proyecto Laguna printed these photos for the families so they could hang them on their walls. The organization is also able to auction off some of the photography at events to earn additional funds for the schools. Take a look at a few of the photos at www.kristineambrose.com.