EYES WIDE OPEN

It was a beautiful day for a drive through the mountains of the Bay Area to Jacobs Farm near the quaint town of Pescadero, CA.  Nestled just a mile or two from the ocean and the famous California Route 1, the picturesque backdrop of Jacobs Farm fits right into the rolling hills, cliffs and fields of peas and artichokes that define San Mateo County.

Although my visit was quick, I had the chance to stop by Jacobs Farm’s roadside stand filled with herbs, eggs, and vegetables straight from nearby fields.  Additionally, I was able to stroll through their organic strawberry fields out back to see how their berries were harvested.  My souvenirs were a basket of sweet strawberries for the ride home and a few photos of the day that I am sharing with you below.

Week 1: Jump Right In—-no time for being a wallflower

I celebrated my 29th Birthday by starting a staff photographer and reporter job with the Los Altos Town Crier——a weekly newspaper in the heart of the Silicon Valley of California that’s been publishing news since 1947 and boasts a circulation of just under 19,000 home subscribers.  

To some, it might seem crazy for a young photojournalist to pursue a traditional pathway  when everyone else in the industry seems to be jumping ship to the freelance world either by force, firing or consequence of the changing media landscape.  My decision to become a community journalist for a small newspaper was not based on trends or calculations, but rather the realization early in my photography career that I loved documenting news.  I enjoy anticipating human action and inventing creative ways of framing individual moments as everything around me appears out of control.  Creating something beautiful, unique or compelling in an ordinary or perhaps extraordinary moment is the prize that awaits the photographer who finds allure in the chase.

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It was an early morning, but as you will see in the photos at the Lincoln Memorial and Tidal Basin, the lighting was as lovely as the couple I had the opportunity to photograph.  Hope you enjoy!

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During my early career I have been involved with the work of Running Start, an organization dedicated to inspiring young women to run for political office. 

For the past two years I have had the honor of being their official event photographer at the Women to Watch Awards held annually at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. 

You can take a peak at my favorite images below, as well as a clipping from a feature in The Hill on May 11. You can view the entire album of images from the May 9, 2012 awards at http://ellievanhouttephoto.photoshelter.com/gallery/5-9-2012/G00003oISqB7odVU. 

Special appreciation goes out to the Running Start Team—- Susannah Shakow, Jessica Grounds, and Allison Dunatchik, as well as Gabrielle Giffords, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Kirsten Gillibrand, Jacqueline Emerson (Hunger Games actress), Linda Carter, Capricia Marshall, Taryn Davis (The American Widow Project), Rocio Ortega, Natalie Randolph and the many other people who supported Running Start’s 2012 Awards.

The main ballroom of the National Press Club fills up with guests.

Former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords enters the stage to receive a Running Start Award with the help of her friends Reps. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-Fla.).

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.) and Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-Fla.) stand on stage at the 2012 Women to Watch Awards.

Hunger Games actress, Jacqueline Martin(far right) waits backstage to receive the Alumnae Tribute Award.

Taryn Davis, Founder and Executive Director of the American Widow Project accepts the Patriot Award.

Ambassador Capricia Penavic Marshall gives remarks to attendees after being award the Trailblazer Award.

Ambassador Capricia Penavic Marshall gives remarks to attendees after being award the Trailblazer Award.

Jacqueline Emerson, a Running Start alumnae and an actress in The Hunger Games enjoys conversation with guests.

Guests enjoy the music of Suspicious Package after the awards.

On Thursday evening I had the chance to document the Academy of Art University Graduation Fashion Show at the Cannery in San Francisco, CA. 

It was exciting to put my photography skills to work in a discipline that I have not photographed for quite a while.  I forgot how much fun seeing other designers work was and think my images reflect my design training & creative background as well.

Full set of images in the slideshow below or by clicking on image above.  Have fun viewing!