Final Thesis Shoot

Today I am starting to print images for my thesis show next month. Looking at all of these images made me realize what a difference a few months make. Before I started my thesis project I barely knew what goes into our meat, the time it takes to grow pumpkins.... countless pieces of knowledge. Spending time with Sidra, John and Martin-Lane has taught me not only about food but how a family can work and live together in the same space, provide for themselves as well as those around them. I am grateful for all they have shared with me.

Thesis - Saturday Night Dinner

Thesis - A Busy Long Night

Simplicity

As my thesis winds down its time to start editing for my show in February. As I look over the past 5 months of shooting I am happy and sad all at the same time. I am happy that I have gotten to know such an amazing family and had the opportunity to spend a great deal of time with them. I am sad to see all the images that wont make it past my computer screen. Only so many images can be printed for the show so they have to be the best of the best. It's hard to see images I really enjoy not make it. Above are two images that I really liked but won't be included in my show.

Thesis - 1st Home Lunch

Grow....Cook....Serve

I recently got to see how Sidra and John have put their work into practice even in winter months. Despite the weather getting colder they have found ways to continue to grow herbs inside. The herbs are growing very well and are already being used at the dinners and lunches.

A Thesis Halloween

I spent Halloween photographing Sidra, John, Caroline and Martin-Lane. It was a night filled with warm wholesome food, tons of white face make-up and more candy than anyone should eat. It was interesting to see how much Martin-Lane loves Halloween. For her it is a bigger deal than Christmas. Although this holiday is very important to her the candy is not. Being vegan she chose not eat most of the candy she collected. At the end of the night she gave most of it away to another child who was unable to trick-or-treat.

Thesis - Work & Play

As I've spent more time with Sidra, John and Martin-Lane I've gotten to see much more than the meals they prepare. I've gotten to see their everyday life; including practicing for ballet class, homework and games of fig hockey, just to name a few. By photographing this part of their lives I hope to show people that they have fun and still have responsibilities just like anyone else.

Growing at Scott Montgomery Elementary

Recently I was able to photograph Sidra, John and Martin-Lane working with some students from Scott Montgomery Elementary School. They continue to take care of the pumpkins planted outside of the school. As part of the care, students helped apply coffee grounds to the soil. The grounds are an excellent source of nitrogen for the pumpkins. As usual the children loved the apples John & Sidra brought with them from home.

Thesis - Hard Work

I've been trying to convey in my images the hard work it takes for Sidra and John to do what they do. On this day I could really see how tired they were from hosting a home dinner the night before. Some days, like this, are really hard for them but in the end its all worth while.

Home Restaurant - September 17th

I had the opportunity to photograph another home restaurant recently. The people were different but the feel was very much the same. The home restaurant was filled with lively music, warm candles, savory food and laughter. The care that goes into each of their dinners is something very special and rare among dining establishments. It was so easy to see why people love coming to Sidra, John and Martin-Lane's home.

First Home Restaurant

Recently I had the pleasure of attending my first home restaurant with Sidra, John and Martin-Lane. It was very warm and intimate with 10 people in attendance. The company as well as the food served made the night enjoyable.

Creating a Pumpkin Patch....

I had the opportunity to photograph Sidra, John and Martin-Lane as they worked on one of their community projects. They have started a pumpkin patch at Scott Montgomery Elementary School and if everything goes well the students should have pumpkins come Halloween. When I asked John what he is hoping to teach the students, he said, "On one level just how simple food comes. On another level if you watch this thing come to life then you have more respect for life and the life of food and you won't take more. It's simple, you put seeds in the ground, you water it and it comes. It's nothing magic. On the other hand though its like wow, that's how it takes to grow a pumpkin. It's a lot of work. So you have a lot more respect for it."

Figs...Figs...Everywhere

Yesterday I spent the day with Sidra and her family. Their fig trees have been bountiful with fruit requiring them to pick several days a week. Although they have had the trees for almost 11 years, their daughter, Martin-Lane, was excited with each new fig she found.

Thesis Shoot with Sidra Forman and Family

This past week I spent a lot of time with Sidra Forman and her family. Sidra is a chef, writer, florist and gardener; just to name a few of the many things she does. I documented what their life is like as they prepared for a catering event at their home. Sidra and her husband, John, are dedicated to using fresh, local and healthy food; not only for their guests but also themselves.