BrendaMiles's Blog

First Comes Love…

Brenda Miles — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:23:04 +0000

Then comes Marriage…and we all know the third line!
John & Irene are dear friends of mine. Our little tribe has watched their romance from the very beginning, which believe it or not has internet roots, through the rocky patches, to their lovely wedding last August 31st (very auspicious date — my parents share their anniversary and they’re going on 58 years!), to their beautiful new babe Jaya Sky, born July 25th AT HOME (you go, mama!).

Little Jaya is 10 days old in these photos we created at my Corpus Christi studio this past Tuesday. This is just a sampling…Enjoy!

Bicycles in Paris

Brenda Miles — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 16:28:06 +0000

In October of 2006, I took my first trip to Paris…my friend Peg & I spent 8 days exploring the city, mostly on bicycles. Rented a little flat we found on craigslist (i LOVE craigslist!) in the 3rd arrondissment (sp?) and enjoyed some wonderful weather along with the usual rain for that time of year. First thing we did was Le Tour Eifel; what fun! This photo was taken on a bike trip to the Monte Mart district, known for its sex shops, and also the scene of one of my all-time favorite movies; “Amelie.” I spied this couple enjoying the rare sunshine and warm temps as we were cycling along the boulevard; quickly changed lenses and got a few shots off without them noticing me. Love the visual humor; I like to think that Robert Doisneau would approve – and as serendipity would have it, there was a Doisneau retrospective exhibit that very week we were there…merveilleux!

Introducing…Juliet

Brenda Miles — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 15:56:59 +0000

This “maternity” photo was taken on July 12th, 3 days before she was born. One week later we did the newborn session…

Born July 15th (one of 15 babies born in Corpus Christi on the 15th) — she is four days old in these photos…I love newborns. Sleepy and pliable. The “pod” she’s laying in is from a palm tree; very appropriate for a Corpus Christi baby. Had to climb an extension ladder some 15 feet, saw in hand, and liberate it from the tree — I think it was worth it! We (her mama and grandmother) had fun fashioning a sling from the cheesecloth in the other photos…I really like the one with their hands, staging the shot…Enjoy!

Sometimes, all you need is Grace

Brenda Miles — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 19:49:27 +0000

Having made a recent move, I’ve been going through archives of work; recently found files from my original website, created in 2002. Thought it’d be fun to share some early work, and some of the stories behind the images. This first one, “GRACE,” was one of my first forays onto the digital playground. The hopper actually has the word on it (a brand?) and sits in a field just outside of Blanco Texas, on the way to Lukenbach. Shot it with infrared film, pre-digital days. Then photoshopped the figure in from another image, and colored it digitally. Fun!

Quote of the Day:
Cradled in Grace
We journey through storms & sunshine
Towards the everlasting love & light
of the Divine

–Letters of the Sacred Brotherhood

The Girl’s Got Moxie

Brenda Miles — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 04:15:28 +0000

Andrea has a dream; and needed some head shots to help her realize it. This is my favorite of her that we created that day. I wish for her all the unseen forces of the universe behind her efforts.

Quote of the Day:

I’ve come to believe that each of us has a personal calling that’s as unique as a fingerprint – and that the best way to succeed is to discover what you love and then find a way to offer it to others in the form of service, working hard, and also allowing the energy of the universe to lead you. –Oprah Winfrey

Mysterious Vintage Photo with a Rock Star

Brenda Miles — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 19:59:07 +0000

Can you name the famous people in this photograph? I restored it several years ago from the original 8×10 photo. It was shot by my friend Lilo, who is originally from Germany and is now an American citizen. As I understand it, she was always hanging around Berlin with a camera…she just happened to look around and snap this. I find it fascinating…of course Bowie is immediately recognizable, but the others in the photo look vaguely familiar to this baby boomer; and is the blonde woman singing? They all seem to be attentive to her as if she was performing…and what’s with the lily; I get the feeling of a cemetery. A funeral, perhaps? Hoping Lilo will respond with a comment and enlighten us. Regardless, it’s a wonderful study in human drama; perhaps they were even filming a scene!

http://www.westlightstudio.com

ClassicQuote of the Day:

One need not be a chamber to be haunted;
One need not be a house;
The brain has corridors surpassing
Material place.

–Emily Dickenson

Ooooh Baby!!!

Brenda Miles — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 22:42:56 +0000

This is Jayden…beautiful happy child! I came to his (first time) parents’ house to create portraits for them; and because of the already searing San Antonio heat before 9 a.m. and no acceptable background outdoors, I created a studio “on the fly” inside the comfort of their home. Note to self: ALWAYS carry a black sheet when in “itinerate photographer” mode!

http://www.brendamilesphotography.com

Quote of the Day:

If you can give your son or daughter only one gift, let it be enthusiasm. –Bruce Barton

Vintage Dresses, Strings of Pearls, & a Handsome Boy

Brenda Miles — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 22:36:23 +0000

Recently we had a big time at the Corpus Christi studio playing around with my vintage dress collection…this family is passionate about preserving memories and recording their personal history. Being architects with requisite sophisticated tastes, they have an appreciation for the look of displaying family portraits on their walls…and I’m honored to be their personal chronicler!

http://www.brendamilesphotography.com

Me by John

Brenda Miles — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 20:08:30 +0000

John Watson, photographer extraordinaire, collaborated on some images in my studio one night; I was basically the model for John and recently found this image on my hard drive…had some fun with it using textures and adding a collage element. Hmmmm….

The Boyz Next Door…

Brenda Miles — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 19:57:35 +0000

My next door neighbors are a lovely young family with three boys and and a fourth (sister?) on the way…I asked the boys to serve as my models and they happily obliged. This is the result…could one ever find a better combination of interesting names? They fit well; boyish charm is present in spades! Of course, the idea is to offer this same portrait on canvas, poster-size, for any clients wishing to have an unusual, unique portrait of their kids. Are your wheels turning???

http://www.brendamilesphotography.com