Beauty of the Beast
My favorite Disney movie in their renaissance era was Beauty and the Beast. It’s because I’m too pragmatic for love at first sight and an effortless happy ever after. I’m grateful that Belle and the Beast grew to love each other through their story.
I’m delighted that the musical version of this story exceeded my expectations and proud of the production that Lovegood showcased. The songs have been on loop in my household throughout the three-week run and we’ve quoted our favorite lines repeatedly.
Happy 17th Birthday Kadie!
The Zoo Without Our Zoo
Jenni encouraged me to take day off in the middle of the week so we could go on a date. With the kids in school, we enjoyed staying at each exhibit for as long as we wanted, or at least until the animal did something photogenic.
The weather was a cool autumn temperature. None of the animals were active but the smaller crowds also helped us stay with them without blocking other patrons.
Astoria Column
My parents were my ride to a wedding that I was the photographer. None of us had visited Astoria Column before, so we arrived early to enjoy the tourist attraction.
My dad surprised me by climbing the 164 steps to the top of the column, happy to take on the challenge. Though I managed to snap photos of the view, my palms were sweaty looking over the edge.
The winding staircase was dizzying on the descent but had a beautiful symmetry to it. Every 20-30 steps, there was a plaque naming people who reached that point.
I’m glad they were able to ride with me to the coast. We don’t often get to travel together so I treasure each opportunity I get.
Eric and Gretchen
A coworker invited me to photograph her wedding in Astoria. She had enjoyed my photographic style for company events and I’m grateful she thought of me. Their wedding was low-key and casual but I could feel the warmth of the friends and family gathered to celebrate. The weather was windy, but the blue skies gave a beautiful backdrop at the Astoria Column.
Everlasting Lessons
The story of Tuck Everlasting impressed me with how it handled immortality. I’ve found that immortality to be easily pigeon-holed into a superpower when it comes with drawbacks. I enjoyed how this play subverted my expectation and made death a necessary part of life’s journey.
A Pan and Hook
This production required less photography before the show as it was Lovegood’s experiment at something bigger than a class show, but smaller than a main stage production.
So I didn’t do the typical headshots, costume parades, and souvenir photos I did for the previous three shows. However, it was Jenni’s acting debut, with dual roles no less.
Just So, Colorful
The lighting for this production stepped up and used color to distinguish locations, moods, and character intentions. It also gave a bold color splash for my photography.
Soaked In SpongeBob
After Fiddler on the Roof, the director asked if we would be interested in SpongeBob. I’ve seen the memes and have heard of the character. I even watched an episode for research, but I didn’t see the appeal.
But the musical for SpongeBob has become one of my favorites.