I loved Susan’s idea – to mark the occasion by re-creating a few of their wedding portraits, with the addition of two pretty new faces.

Susan is one of my oldest friends – we go all the way back to kindergarten (or maybe even earlier?)! Standing with her when she married the handsome Tennessee man you see here meant a lot five years ago, and capturing how her sweet family has grown since then was really special. Thank you for the opportunity! xoxox

- HBA

Garden of the Gods, Sunset, Colorado Springs, CO, 2012

Last week, I posted medium format photography images from Acadia National Park and Ogunquit, Maine in Part 1 of this series. In today’s Part 2, I’ve posted fine art photos made in Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado, when my family spent a weekend there in December 2012. It was a cold, windy day, but that couldn’t ruin our time in such a beautiful, unique place. Enjoy!

Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, CO, 2012

Garden of the Gods, Detail, Colorado Springs, CO, 2012

Garden of the Gods, Family Walk, Colorado Springs, CO, 2012

Still one of my favorite places, ever.

-HBA

In 2011, Nathan and I spent a week in New England, including Ogunquit, Maine, and Acadia National Park, where the images below were made.

For prints or licensure, please contact me at holly@hollybaumannphotography.com.

Ogunquit, Maine, Coastal Sunrise

Ogunquit, Maine

Nathan, Acadia National Park, Cadillac Mountain Summit

I love shooting with film…it is great for my technical discipline as a photographer. On the go, I meter with my in-camera meter on my D700 or with the Pocket Light Meter app on my iPhone. Both are relatively reliable, but not perfect. I discussed the Pocket Light Meter app more in-depth in my previous “Best Camera” series.

More to come!

-HBA

How to Protect Yourself If You Were Scammed

• Place a fraud alert on your name and SSN.
• Notify local authorities. When I spoke to the WI AG office, they explained that since all of my communication and interaction with Mr. Reinhard occurred online, they have no jurisdiction. They advised me to file a local police report.
• If any photographer out there actually shot a job for Mr. Reinhard in Wisconsin, or anyone in Wisconsin “purchased” a book on catholicphotobook.com, they should contact the WI Attorney General Consumer Fraud Division to file a complaint, which would allow them to investigate Mr. Reinhard.

Original Post

Shortly after my post yesterday about the images I was commissioned to make by Bernard Reinhard of “Media 3, Inc.” of a Catholic Cathedral in Cheyenne for a “Catholic Photo Book,” it became clear that I was scammed, along with the other participating photographers and any individuals that paid to “pre-order” a copy of the book.

When writing the post, I realized the link to http://www.catholicphotobook.com was disabled. I thought that was odd, but continued with my post, since I thought maybe it was under construction or whatever. A few hours later, I was contacted by another photographer who noticed the same thing. I called Mr. Reinhard and left a message inquiring about why the website had been taken down (of course, my call hasn’t been returned).

By late evening, I was getting more and more concerned. I started doing a little bit of research, and in just 15 minutes, learned the following:

• Media 3, Inc. has no website, Twitter account, Facebook page, or any other web presence.
• Media 3, Inc. was registered as a business only about 2-3 months before Mr. Reinhard approached me about shooting this project. 
• His “office” address is a generic office-park rent-an-office in Wisconsin.
• Mr. Reinhard is a convicted sex offender and white collar criminal (i.e. check fraud, etc.).
• He was denied a real estate license because of his criminal record.
• Upon calling his “contact” at the Conference of Bishops, they confirmed that they have no relationship with Media 3, Inc. or any involvement with the alleged “Catholic Photo Book” as a beneficiary.

Unfortunately, not only did I already shoot and deliver images to Mr. Reinhard, but I also provided him with my address, SSN, and photo. I’ve since placed a fraud alert on my SSN, and contacted the Wisconsin Attorney General Consumer Fraud Division.

Here is how I will avoid getting scammed like this in the future:

• Never shoot without 50% down. I should know better, but this seemed like a “good cause” and I didn’t make a fuss when Mr. Reinhard said he’d pay upon publication or June 1, whichever came first. 
• Always confirm clients’ web address and business registration before signing a contract and providing a W-9. Normally I do this kind of due diligence; I find potential clients on Twitter, Facebook, and web early in the process and start following them, but in this case, I was in the middle of a stressful interstate move for the second time in 6 months, and just rushed through the entire process.
• Pick up the phone. I normally call potential clients immediately upon receiving an inquiry to work through contract terms, but again, I was preoccupied with other things (my son, moving to AZ). I never called Mr. Reinhard, and we completed everything via email. If I’d waited until we’d spoken before signing any paperwork or sending a W-9, I’d probably still be waiting.
• Confirm the shoot with alleged “partners.” The Conference of Bishops, Catholic Charities (the alleged beneficiaries of the “book sales”), and the Archdiocese might all have been able to tell me that they were unaware of this project, despite Mr. Reinhard’s claims, if I’d reach out to them before shooting instead of operating on trust alone.

This is a sad situation, and not just because I won’t get paid. Someone used the good name of worthy causes to exploit others. Other people out there offered their personal information (or money) to Mr. Reinhard. Hopefully they will find this post and be able to protect themselves.

On the upside, I saw the inside of a magnificent cathedral that I might never have seen otherwise, and have beautiful images as a result – that I still own. Shooting, practicing, and building my portfolio is never a bad thing!

Chalk this one up to a learning experience.

- HBA

We love this house for many reasons, not the least of which is that it is perfectly suited for our new Greene and Greene Gamble House table replica; additionally, the house boasts carefully crafted molding, ample built-ins, and is paved entirely in hardwood.

Reminiscent of my life in Boston, the house has radiant heat. We love snuggling up against the kitchen radiator and watching each other cook on cold blustery days (of which we’ve had many). When the boiler in the basement sends hot water running through them, the cold, metal radiators creak and groan loudly. So loudly, that we have to warn guests, lest they think the house is haunted or being invaded.

(I can hear some of you laughing about a photo of a radiator…but if you are a Phoenix native, and many of my readers are, they are something you only see in books.)

An antique thermostat hangs in the dining room. Usually, guests think it’s on display as art rather than being functional. (It is, in fact, functional.)

We love the glass doorknobs and vintage trim, which also make me wistful for my life in Boston, where they are commonplace.

More than one visitor has remarked that the kitchen cabinet hardware (below, top right) reminds them of their grandparents’ house growing up. (Including me. If you know what I mean, you know what I mean.)

And the coolest little detail of the house?

Nathan and I would never have known the purpose of the little metal-lined, double-doored box next to the side entry (above, left), until my parents visited and exclaimed, “Wow, you have a milk door!” Once upon a time, the milkman left his deliveries inside! I wish that still happened. We just keep Eiger‘s leash inside.

We are so grateful for the opportunity to spend six months inside such a lovely home and in such a lovely neighborhood. Now, we return to Phoenix, where our home isn’t quiiitteee as charming, nestled, as it is, in the land of the stucco suburb. But we are grateful nonetheless.

- HBA

Natalie is a treasure, and I couldn’t have wished for a better person for my little brother, who is one of my best friends, to marry! For starters, just look at that million-watt smile:

Natalie’s maid-of-honor is her sister, Melissa, a soon-to-be-bride herself!. She and the other bridesmaids did such a lovely and thoughtful job on the details. I loved the bridal-gown cupcake-cake; such a fun and unique idea, custom made by a talented family friend. My own sister, Heather, who recently co-founded Creativity Among Chaos, crafted the pretty goodie bags (below, middle) for guests.

The mothers were glowing!

I love this sweet shot of Natalie and her beautiful mother:

Who also has a great sense of humor, as seen during a game:

We’ve warned Natalie that Ryan’s family is a little crazy, but she seems to fit right in! (Thanks to one of the guests for taking this photo when I handed her my camera, so I could be in at least one photo from the shower!)

Natalie is one of five gorgeous girls in her family! The lone boy is one of my brother’s groomsmen. I am looking forward to meeting him at the wedding, along with Stephanie (not pictured) who lives out of state. Stephanie attended the shower briefly via Skype.

Natalie, welcome to our family. We love you and can’t wait for the wedding! One of the reasons that Nathan and I are so, so, happy we are moving back to Phoenix is the opportunity to spend more time with you and Ryan!

xoxo - HBA

We are so excited about returning to a place we love, full of people we love. And I am looking forward to reconnecting with old clients, and getting behind the camera more frequently.

We are leaving Wyoming a bit earlier than expected because our premature son, Rawley, hasn’t been able to breathe without oxygen at this high altitude (6,000 + feet). We are grateful Nathan’s employer was able to relocate us once we explained that this would be the best thing for our family after consulting with Rawley’s doctors. Nathan will be working on the newly announced USAA expansion in North Phoenix!

Call me (480.321.7466) or email me (holly@hollybaumannphotography.com) anytime save the date for your upcoming commercial or personal project! Looking forward to going “home” and seeing you all there soon. Who wants to go hiking?

- HBA

In the first textbook, Oklahoma: The Sooner State, my images appear on the cover, inside cover, and Contents page. In the second textbook, Oklahoma: Uniquely American, my image appears on page 4, with other images comprising a spread entitled “Panorama of Oklahoma.”

Thank you to publisher Tom Quaid of Oklahoma History Press for including my images and providing me permission to post the tear sheets below.

Cover, Oklahoma: The Sooner State. Publisher: Oklahoma History Press, Copyright 2013. Image Copyright Holly Baumann Photography, 2012.

http://www.oklahomasoonerstate.com

From Oklahoma:Uniquely American. Publisher: Oklahoma History Press, Copyright 2013. Image Copyright Holly Baumann Photography, 2012.

I always say my husband is the most well-rounded person I’ve ever known. When we met, I was still working in public policy, flexing my social-justice/social-worker muscles, and doing portrait and event photography on the side. I wasn’t shooting architecture yet. Since we met, I’ve learned about so many things from Nathan, including jam bands, skiing, farming, boating, motorcycles, cigars, construction, coffee roasting, card games, horse track betting, Dean Koontz, mountain biking, architecture, and design.

Nathan’s specific interest in the arts and crafts design movement is evident throughout our home, dotting our walls and bookshelves, specifically the works of Frank Lloyd Wright and Greene and Greene. The latter, a team of architect-brothers, designed the entirety of the exterior and interior, including furnishings, of the Gamble House in Pasadenda, CA (once owned by the family behind Proctor & Gamble).

He shares this interest with (or perhaps attributes it to) his brother, Ross, who is a furniture craftsman, working full-time in his trade for Prairie Woodworks (PW) in central Illinois.

Almost 15 years ago, Prairie Woodworks began constructing a replica of the Gamble House Dining Table, but only built the table’s base before the project fell apart for a number of reasons. Since then, the base has been sitting in a corner literally collecting dust, too valuable either to discard or finish without an additional commission. Knowing this, Nathan told me when we were dating that he intended to buy the base from PW and hire Ross to finish the table for him someday.

Fast forward to our first year of marriage, when Nathan and I toured the Gamble House together on a trip to LA. Once I saw the dining table in person, and understood more about the philosophy of its original designers, I began to share Nathan’s excitement about finishing that lonely, half-built table.

The values underpinning the arts and craft movement resonated with me. The designers believed that when their commissioning clients witnessed the artisanship, time, and attention required to construct their designs, they’d develop more of an appreciation for the working class. Their deep love and respect for nature is evident in their designs, and in their chosen materials. They took pride in every detail, spending great amounts of time on each project.

• “Craftsmanship is a marriage between the hands and the soul.” Motto, Mark Adams School of Woodworking

Fast forward again to 2011, when I visited the table in person for the first time on a trip to see family in IL. At that time, it would have been easy for one to miss, buried under a pile of clutter in a corner. Truly a diamond-in-the-rough. 

Ross is a craftsman. We knew he could rescue “our” table and make it into a beautiful family heirloom. But not the kind of heirloom that goes untouched; rather, one that years from now will show the signs of loving wear, daily use, countless meals and memories with friends and family. 

Ross unburied it, and began to work his magic.

In mid-2011, he ordered the wood to began constructing the table top. But for a while, it sat in a bay along with materials for other clients’ projects.

By early summer 2012, the major pieces were cut, and the detail and trim work began.

Nathan and Ross worked together on a design for our table that would allow us to comfortably seat at least ten people (my request). This makes our table longer than the original, requiring two removable leaves (the original has one).

We saw the unstained table, with all of its major pieces including the leaves completed, on Labor Day weekend, 2012.

The table is constructed of mahogany, and the inlay detail is ebony.

During the fall of 2012, Ross and his co-worker began cutting pieces for the chairs. Ross explained to us that chairs are the most challenging thing for a woodworker to construct, because they are so complex.

Ross and his partner added some unique design details to our chairs not found in the originals, including some silver inlay and a groove on the arms of the Captain’s chairs.

On December 23rd, 2012, Ross packed and loaded the table and chairs into an enormous plywood crate that he built just for this purpose. With that crate hanging off the back of his truck, he drove straight through from IL to Cheyenne to deliver his creation to us in person.

Nathan and Ross unloaded the pieces late that night in the freezing cold.

On Christmas Eve, Nathan and Ross assembled our table.

The tabletop slides apart in a unique way to allow the leaves to be added.

Nathan and I chose a stain that closely mirrors the original (with maybe a bit more red). The chairs were upholstered in a high-grade leather, in a color that closely matches both the table’s stain and the upholstery of the original. We didn’t want the upholstery to compete for attention with the table itself.

I looked over Ross’s project notes while he was in Cheyenne. He spent a total of 129 hours finishing the table and 125 hours constructing the chairs, not counting the hours spent driving to and from Cheyenne and assembling it. How many families are as lucky as we are, to own a piece built so carefully, over so much time?

Our Cheyenne home, built in the 1920′s when so much time and attention was still spent on a home’s details, is the perfect showcase.

Ross told us that he and his co-worker agreed that this table and chairs are the best pieces they’ve ever built, which is saying something, since they build furniture and cabinetry on a daily basis. We couldn’t be prouder of Ross! And all of us are glad that such a high-quality piece of his work is staying in his family.

This table represents the confluence of so many of our values. Not only does it come from the hands and soul of someone we love, and from a school of design that we appreciate, but it will be a centerpiece, a fixture in our home – forever. I know we’ll spend many nights around it, candles burning down, empty wine bottles piling up, laughing into the wee hours of morning. It’s the stuff memories are made of.

- HBA