We at the studio have been diligently working on completing our coffee table book, All Signs Point to Key West. We have also been drafting plans to purchase retail space.  We have fallen in love with the idea of shared community development and education.  We would like to create a space not only for photography but education and a maker space.  I have also completed my first canvas print to add o my lobster-trap frame. I plan to ask Mark at the Suite Dreams Inn to hang it in one of the suites. I will keep you posted on the success of our missions.  The quote that has kept us motivated is from Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson,  "I cannot recall a single time in my childhood in which I cared about the slights and misperceptions that came my way. What I do remember is, "Hmm. Well, I'll show them."

Pro-Tip: Use Adobe Lightroom to add life to your pictures.

The entire staff of the studio received a personal tour from innkeeper Mark at the Suite Dreams Inn. One could feel the old island vibe in every careful detail-down to the freshly laundered and comfy-looking bedding. Suite Dreams Inn - Guest House Bedroom Visitors may be tempted to extend their stays as they enjoy relaxing by the pool, admiring the orchids, lush greenery, and maybe sear up a steak on the grill!   Suite Dreams Inn Garden Pool

The Hemingway suite has a private pool and courtyard for weddings and parties (be sure to contact the Orion Photogenics staff for pictures).

We also visited Sacred Space Gallery, a gallery that only features women artists to check out our friend’s artwork from Sinking Sun photography. We were completely blown away by the amount of talent that was shared with us. Now that we are creating and selling our own artwork, I recognize how frustrating it is for people to pick up your items and put them back. Because I wanted things that I couldn’t afford, I chose to not make a purchase. I was not thinking about the energy I was taking from the artists.

We also continued to take photos for our All Signs Lead to Key West coffee table book. More on that later.

Pro-tip #1: Use a wide-angle lens to take photos of small spaces

Pro-tip #2: See yourself through the experience of others when taking pictures (or existing in the world). This helps the viewer experience what you are experiencing. It only takes a beat to see from another person’s point of view.

Elizabeth

We in the studio have decided that creating lobster-trap frames is a challenge that we are driven to meet. We spent the day-waking to sleeping-creating product for our Etsy store. We made one frame, printed one picture, and made two 5 x 7 blank notecards. The next day, Lee made a box for our cards, and I made another frame to give as a gift.  I have always had a lot of respect for individuals who run booths at a fair, but spending over 10 hours creating three things has really opened my eyes. Now I feel pretty crummy from all of the times I picked up items, looked at the price tag, and put it back. More respect and cash will be with me going forward.

 Pro-tip: Use canvas for a picture you are displaying in a frame. It just looks better.