Thursday, May 08, 2008

planted seeds and a favor asked.
















One of the seeds I have recently planted is an application to the immeasurably fantastic opportunity called Barnstorm XXI. In their words:
The Eddie Adams Workshop (Barnstorm) is an intense four-day gathering of the top professionals in photojournalism, along with 100 carefully selected students. The Workshop's purpose is to create a forum in which an exchange of ideas, techniques, and philosophies can be shared between both established members and newcomers of the profession of picture journalism. The Workshop is tuition-free, and the 100 students are chosen based on the merit of their portfolios.
I submitted my carefully chosen words, a recommendation letter, my twenty images just today. I am visualizing myself packing my camera bag, getting on the plane to New York, arriving - full of nervous anticipation - at this event of events for my chosen field this coming October. Here are the words I sent to the committee. The words - along with the images - that I hope will gain me admittance:
"My name is Leslie Sophia Lindell and I am a Professional Photographer. I do not think I can express in two short paragraphs the extreme joy I experience each time I say that. You see, it has been a long and satisfying journey to get here.

I was twenty years old when I packed my car and moved to Los Angeles on my own. I landed a coveted Assistant job in the Art Department of A&M Records. This is where I learned to shoot – TMAX 400 my drug of choice at the time. I spent the ensuing twenty years following my creative instincts – freelance video production, a move to Australia, gallery showing of my paintings, the birth of a son, return to the US, the Director of an art gallery, departure from the creative field altogether to raise that lovely son on my own and then – THEN – the invention of the digital camera. It has drawn me back in and my life is breathtakingly changed for it. Self taught, I have been shooting professionally for one year. I am deeply dedicated, perceptive, my eye serves me well. I can only hope that you agree and I am allowed the amazing opportunity to further my knowledge by joining you at the Eddie Adams Workshop/Barnstorm XXI.

Thank you."

the images:
twenty.
And here is where the favor comes in. Might you visualize this for me as well? Help me water and tend this effort? In any way you see fit. Perhaps a gentle nod in my direction, a big "hooray" at your computer screen, a raise of your next glass, or...any darn thing that you might think of? I would so appreciate it and love the idea of you being part of this dream come true.

And, don't you worry, I will let you know as soon as I do how successful we have been.

8 Comments:

Blogger Vanessa/NessieNoodle said...

I do say HURRAY! you totally deserve to attend something so fantastic. Good for you for taking the risk and applying. That is all it takes sometimes, to take that risk.
good luck, and CONGRATS ;)

12:49 PM  
Blogger Vivienne said...

definitley good thoughts coming your way (every time i see that gorgeous photo of yours on my wall).

i'm picturing the blog post that you write upon your return telling us all about it!

your work is beautiful and i so hope this opportunity will be yours!

1:15 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hooray for your dreams and vison.

With or without Barnstorm XXI ... "Hooray for your dreams and your vision."

Good luck with this planting.

2:01 PM  
Blogger KatBouska said...

Hi, I just wandered into your blog while browsing and I think that was a beautiful letter and the photography is amazing. I really don's see how you wouldn't get accepted. I can't wait to find out!!

9:58 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You are so going! I'm so excited for you! What a wonderful opportunity.

lets connect this weekend?
e

10:32 PM  
Blogger Rebecca said...

oh good luck! they're crazy if they turn you down.

7:55 AM  
Blogger EllyJane said...

i am so impressed by you.
what a vision to be proud of.
i am pouring my cyber water on these seeds.
hooray!

7:12 PM  
Blogger andrea said...

oh girl. they would be lucky to have you. luckyluckylucky people. you bet I'll be thinking good thoughts, saying prayers... you bet. your work is so absolutely spectacular. lovelove to you.

11:57 PM  

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