Leslie Rhodes

Polaroid Walk

June 14, 2013 by Leslie Rhodes · Leave a Comment

Last Sunday I met up with some talented film photographers in the MD/DC/VA/PA area to talk shop and shoot some Impossible Project. It was the first time I had done something like this and I had a great time. I admired everyone’s film gear i.e. Polaroid 180, Polaroid 600 SE. We talked about workshops, our current projects, and really anything film related. We walked around fells point shooting the market and stopping people for some shots. It was good to get out there with other film junkies and meet new people. Here are some shots from my sx-70 with px680 using a ND Filter. This was the first time I had shot with this film on my sx70 and I love how different they came out then my usual polaroid work:)

Thanks Rob for putting this together and special thanks to The Impossible Project for the film:)

Listening To: Barcelona Nights by Ottmar Liebert

Filed Under: impossible project, polaroid · Tagged With: polaroid walk, sx-70

The Streets of Fells Point

May 21, 2013 by Leslie Rhodes · 1 Comment

Blogging over at Tea and Toast today on my first attempt at street photography.

Head on over there!

Filed Under: Baltimore, Black & White, contax 167mt, Street Photography · Tagged With: 35mm, film, street photography

It’s Ok

May 20, 2013 by Leslie Rhodes · 1 Comment

I always tell my kids that its ok to feel sad and to have rough days.

because I do.

We tend to forget that they are little people too and they aren’t going to be happy go lucky every day.

because I’m not.

But I encourage my kids to shake it off, always stand up a little bit taller and have confidence.

because I try to do the same thing.

If you missed the big announcement, I’m taking clients again! email me for pricing at hello@leslierhodes.com. If you don’t already, follow me on facebook!

listening to: queremos pas by gotan project

Filed Under: Black & White, Kids · Tagged With: 35mm, film, kids, lifestyle

The Small Details

May 17, 2013 by Leslie Rhodes · 4 Comments

It’s the small details that I love about kids.

The ones that you don’t usually notice.

And the light. Yes, the light is what makes the pictures even more amazing.

My life is crazy busy at times and, unfortunately, I don’t stop to notice the small things about my kids.

The one ketchup spot I forgot to wipe off or even the crazy outfit they are wearing because I’m just so happy they have clothes on and we are getting in the car.

That’s why I love my camera and film because it forces me to slow down and actually notice those small details.

And if you are wondering, yes, I’m taking on clients again! WOOHOO! I’m so excited. It was so nice to take a year break and focus on personal work, which I still will be doing, but I’m ready to have your awesome kids in front of my camera!

Email me at hello@leslierhodes.com for pricing

Listening To: Jump In The Line by Harry Belafonte

Filed Under: contax 167mt, Kids · Tagged With: 35mm, film, kids, lifestyle

Mini Me

May 15, 2013 by Leslie Rhodes · 7 Comments

You are a child’s role model and I couldn’t have proven it more until I saw these pictures last night.

I had forgotten that I had these of my mini me shooting.

Seriously, could she be any cuter?!

and of course, she has to practice shooting and who couldn’t be a better model then her little sister!

Chloe loves that Minolta, and just like her Mami, she carries it around with her capturing the world through her eyes.

Listening to : Fightless Bird, American Mouth By Iron & Wine

Filed Under: Baltimore, Black & White, contax 167mt, Family, Kids, Leslie Rhodes Photography, Personal · Tagged With: 35mm, film, kids, lifestyle

Monday Morning Thoughts

May 13, 2013 by Leslie Rhodes · Leave a Comment

Woke up feeling refreshed and motivated this morning.

Maybe it was the relaxing weekend I had with my family.

Massages, shopping, girl time with my mom & sister and a canoe ride. Yeap, it was a perfect weekend.

I also reflected on motherhood and the sacrifices we make as a mother for our children.

We give up a lot. From hobbies, interests and even careers.

But, their worth it.

The sleepless nights, the chaos in the house, and the moments when we just break down.

I wouldn’t change it.

Because now my life wouldn’t be complete without them.

Listening to: Sweet Memories by Melody Gardot

Filed Under: polaroid · Tagged With: impossible project, polaroid, px, px70, sx-70

Never Stop

May 4, 2013 by Leslie Rhodes · 3 Comments

This morning I got up and ran/walk a 5k with my better half! We encouraged each other when we thought we couldn’t run anymore, when we were so out of breath and wanted to walk to the finish line. But we made a promise that we would run to the end together.

When we first signed up for this 5k, I was really surprised that he wanted to do it. He doesn’t work out and he has never really showed any interest in running. Yes, I doubted him and was worried (that mommy in me kicked in).

He proved me wrong and taught me a lesson.

Never stop reaching for your goals and dreams. Even if it sounds ridiculous to the people around you. Even when you doubt yourself.

NEVER STOP!

KEEP REACHING!

because all that hard work will pay off and you will make it to the finish line!

p.s. he is signing up for his next 5k in June:)

listening to: Never Want to Change by Coldplay

Filed Under: Personal, polaroid · Tagged With: family, polaroid, sx-70

Road Less Traveled

April 23, 2013 by Leslie Rhodes · 3 Comments

windows rolled down. map open on the passenger side. favorite song blasting as the wind blows through my hair.

i’ve always loved driving. maybe because it means i’m going on an adventure. the destination is somewhere different then my everyday and change of scenery is much needed.

my son and i made a pact recently.

we pinky promised to the thumb.

spit on it.

did our gangsta handshake.

and sealed it with a kiss.

we will be saving up for a VW bus.

say what? yeap, we hope to find one that both of us can gut and make it our own. but, we had to convince my better half that he was not allowed to help. this is something my son and I want to learn on our own. His response was ”oh boy, this should be interesting!” more motivation to get one and prove to him that I am totally capable of working on an engine.

this is the thing, when I get something in my head, and I say it out loud, 80% of the time I execute it. Period. even if it takes me a couple of years, i will do it.

but why? I want to take my kids on adventures with me. just pick a place on a map and go. for now, they will be weekend getaways or day trips but they will be our memories.

sometimes we get stuck in doing the same thing everyday. Don’t get me wrong, routine and stability are important, but we let time pass and then we start saying “I wish I did this” or “If only I had the time, courage and money.”

i don’t want to live my life in the what “if”. I just want to be wild and free!

Inspirational Links:

Allison Travels

Foster Huntington

This American Girl

Vintage Life Photography

listening to: Video by India Arie

Filed Under: Personal · Tagged With: family, film

Farm To Table

April 15, 2013 by Leslie Rhodes · 4 Comments

aren’t they the sweetest?? these cows were more scared of us that day.

little chubby hands with a hello kitty hat approaching a big animal would scare anyone! Well, these cows anyway. I’ve never seen cows so terrified in my life.

We were visiting these beautiful creatures and their farm to show my kiddos where their food comes from. Farm to Table. It was a very empowering experience for us. To meet the kind people who work really hard everyday to provide yummy food.

If you buy locally, take a trip and find out who, what and where your food comes from!

*i was only allowed to take pictures of the cows out of respect for the farmers but for the record, this farm is beautiful and so are the people that live there*

Listening To: Where Are You Now by Mumford & Sons

Filed Under: Personal · Tagged With: 35mm, family, film

Natalie

April 2, 2013 by Leslie Rhodes · Leave a Comment

“She is clothed with strength and dignity, she laughs without fear of the future.”

— Proverbs 31:25

I’ve been reading a lot about encouraging mother’s to get in front of the camera and I think that’s so important. When I took Keira’s pictures, I asked her beautiful mother, Natalie, if I could capture her as well and she was all for it! We had a lot of fun and after a couple of shots, Natalie got comfortable and gave me a beautiful laugh.

As mothers, we forget to jump in front of the camera and capture ourselves too. But it’s really important that we take pictures with our kids so we can remember these times with them. I have to be honest, I have a REALLY hard time getting in front of the camera. A lot has to do with the fact that I am always behind the camera but I want more pictures of me and the kids. But to be even more honest, it also has to do with the fact that I am still not comfortable in my skin after having babies but im working on it. BIG TIME! Not only so I can be an example to my girls, that we should be confident in our beautiful bodies, but for myself. Because behind that camera is a strong woman who is confident in her skin and what’s to be an example to all the mother’s out there!

On that note, Spring is here and Mother’s Day is around the corner! Get out there and take pictures with your kids whether it be with your phone or a professional. Invest in taking pictures. It’s worth it. If you are interested in taking some with me, email me at hello@leslierhodes.com. Session fees start at $400.

Listening to: Electrical Feel by MGMT

Filed Under: Black & White, contax 167mt, Family, Leslie Rhodes Photography · Tagged With: 35mm, family, lifestyle, portraits