In the quiet serenity of Wendy Constantine’s world, trees stand as silent witnesses to a life shaped by the gentle dance between nature and art. As the director of product design at Pearson, and residing near Boulder, Colorado, Constantine’s artistic journey has been a winding path, meandering through childhood memories, academic pursuits, and a profound connection with the tactile allure of analog processes. Through her body of work, particularly the captivating series Reverie, Constantine invites viewers into a dreamlike realm where the intersection of analog and digital, intention and spontaneity, gives birth to images that whisper rather than shout.

Constantine’s roots delve deep into her childhood, where a converted chicken coop served as the cradle of her existence just outside Baltimore, Maryland. The journey continued to the Bay Area, where redwoods and cypress trees left an indelible mark on her soul. The image of wide trunks, windblown branches, and the filtered sunlight through leaves became the palette of her earliest memories. This love for trees became an enduring theme, shaping her worldview and finding expression in her art.

The pivotal moment, however, occurred during her college years at UCLA in the late 80s and early 90s. The threat of the art department’s elimination sparked a rebellious act – climbing a tree in protest and drawing from its branches. This act, a defiance etched in memory, marked the genesis of Constantine’s journey into the realm of visual expression. Her college years also introduced her to the art of photography, armed with an old 35mm film camera gifted by her father. This humble tool initiated her into the discipline of shooting with intention, a theme that would echo through her later work.

Calhoun County, AL – In a recent conversation with the Calhoun Journal, Lauryn Moore, the creative force behind Paw Prints Pet Photography, shared her remarkable 14-year journey in the world of photography. Over the years, she has skillfully captured the growth and milestones of families and children, collaborated with businesses in marketing and branding, and become a familiar face at local daycares and preschools, freezing moments in time for families to cherish.

However, Paw Prints is not just a pet photography venture; it’s a heartwarming tale of love and support centered around two remarkable characters: Caroline, the lovable labradoodle, and Noah, an incredible young boy facing unique challenges. Beyond the lens, Paw Prints is a platform to contribute to Caroline’s care and training and support Noah’s medical journey.

Through each session and every click of the camera, Paw Prints aims to capture the essence of furry companions while making a tangible difference in the lives of Noah and Caroline. Each photograph tells a story, each moment becomes a cherished memory, and hope is encapsulated one snapshot at a time.

Dogs, being unique individuals with distinct personalities, are the stars of Lauryn’s lens. Silly photos that capture the quirks and traits of each furry friend are her specialty, alongside timeless portraits. Paw Prints is set to host a special event on January 20th at 286 Old Hwy 202, Anniston, AL 36201, where pet enthusiasts are invited to the PawPrints Launch Paw-ty & Open House at B Inn B Kennel Club.

The event promises an afternoon of tail-wagging fun, furry celebrations, and exciting activities, including discounted Mini Sessions for capturing precious moments with pets, giveaways with paw-some prizes, treats for pets and humans, an opportunity to meet the team, and explore pet products from local vendors.

Paw Prints by Lauryn Moore Photography offers flexibility in its photography sessions. Full sessions can be done in the studio with a variety of props and treats available. Alternatively, sessions can take place in the comfort of the pet owner’s home or at selected sites, ensuring a relaxed and enjoyable experience for the furry clients. Lauryn has worked with dogs of various temperaments and sizes, from aggressive to shy and hyper to calm.

Each photography full session with Paw Prints costs $300, which includes 25+ hand-edited shots per session. Families with multiple dogs can add each additional dog for only $50. Paw Print operates as a subdivision of Lauryn Moore Photography, focusing on children and family photography.

Join Paw Prints on this meaningful journey where every photo contributes to a cause, and every wag of a tail tells a story. It’s an invitation to create lasting memories, connect with fellow pet enthusiasts, and celebrate the launch of Paw Prints by Lauryn Moore Photography. The event runs from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, promising a paw-fect opportunity for a furry good time.

To contact Lauryn you can email at laurynbrookmoore@gmail.com or visit her facebook page.

Bison are people too…

Ok, not really, but I always find it kind of comical when people say that, especially about their pets. Your dog has emotions, feelings and a personality, but he’s not a person. Your pup is probably even better than most humans… still not a person.

Nevertheless, when we see animals displaying emotions similar to people, it makes us laugh, makes us wonder, gives us a sense of connection to the lower species.

Of course, many mammals, both human and otherwise, utilize tears as an eye lubrication system. Rabbits, goats and sea mammals such as whales and dolphins lack tear ducts, but for the rest of us, tears are a critical feature if maintaining proper eye function. In direct winds, especially cold ones, eyes dry out quickly and forces your eyes to tear up to relubricate.

However, people also shed tears to express various emotions such as sadness, anger, grief, awe, and even happiness. It’s unclear if animals can do this as well, however no science has been able to prove one way or the other.

This bison was captured in Utah shedding a tear in an amazing video from wildlife photographer Chris Henry. And while this fellas is mostly likely just trying to keep his eyes moist in the cold, you can’t help but feel like he just might be getting into his feels.

Talk about a stunning shot:

A number of commenters provided potential reasons for the melancholy mood of the bison, and they were nothing short of hilarious:

“Bros seen some sh*t in his life. Reflecting.”

“Even the animals feeling inflation.”

“Homie needs a hug.”

“Poor mans family got eaten up.”

“Ponder why it shed a tear… cause his son went to college.”

If you love wildlife, and more specifically great wildlife photography, check out Chris Henry’s page… it’s incredible.

Among the more buzzed-about shows at the top of this year’s fresh slate of winter openings is Silverlens’s solo show of photography by Filipina artist Wawi Navarroza. Navarozza has already made a splash in the Southeast Asian art scene as an up-and-comer, and Silverlens has offered the artist her first outing in the United States, showing a selection of portraiture made over the past five years, titled “The Other Shore”.

The artist draws from her experience moving between cultures—she’s lived in Manila, Madrid, and Istanbul. Shifting between bricolage self-portraits and still life photography, her choices in color, props, and poses reveal cultural signifiers that tell the story of how she encounters the various cultures she lives in. Below, check out a small selection of photos on display at Silverlens, open now through March 2.

Wawi Navarroza 2 Rocks, 2023. Courtesy of the artist and Silverlens.

Wawi Navarroza Portals / Double Portrait (Self-Portraits), 2023. Courtesy of the artist and Silverlens.

Wawi Navarroza Pretty Savage / Anthurium Minoa Theodora Sforza, 2023. Courtesy of the artist and Silverlens.

Wawi Navarroza The Fire Youʼre Made Of (Ignis Mirabilis, Self-Portrait After the Fire), 2023. Courtesy of the artist and Silverlens.

Wawi Navarroza Brave New World, 2023. Courtesy of the artist and Silverlens.

Wawi Navarroza Todo Lo Que Tengo / Bottomless / Bereket (Self- Portrait with Vessels), 2023. Courtesy of the artist and Silverlens.

Wawi Navarroza La Bruja II / Vagus (Self-Portrait Rebirthing the Self),, 2023. Courtesy of the artist and Silverlens.

Wawi Navarroza The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter/The Self-Portraitist (After Alcuáz, Self-Portrait), 2023. Courtesy of the artist and Silverlens.

Wawi Navarroza The Heap/Viva La Vida (Portrait of A Female Artist at 40, Self-Portrait), 2023. Courtesy of the artist and Silverlens.

Follow Artnet News on Facebook:
Want to stay ahead of the art world? Subscribe to our newsletter to get the breaking news, eye-opening interviews, and incisive critical takes that drive the conversation forward.

Well it’s a new year and the Christmas holidays are behind me.

I spent Christmas morning with Jo and her family and had both the small Sony A7 and Canon G cameras ready for anyone to pick up to get photos of gift opening around the tree and there now is a file on my computer marked 2023 Christmas.

I am still waiting for the calendar to return for Shaun’s parents. Remember I had chosen photos from our vacation on Washington’s Fidalgo Island. I expect to get a call from Walmart any day now telling me I can pick it up. I also took family photos of Jo, Shaun and their children on New Years day and will make a couple 8 x 10 prints of them to include with the calendar.

When I wrote about making the calendar I mentioned that I might print my own instead of getting a calendar and I asked Jo if she wanted to do the same thing with their calendar.

For this next year we each will choose a photograph that we have taken and I’ll print it. I’ll use 11 x 17 print paper and put an 8 x 10 photo at the top and a calendar with squares for each day at the bottom. It’ll be fun choosing a photograph for our calendars each month.

My printer is a Canon P-900 that can make prints up to 11 x 17. I had been using an Epson 3880 that printed 16 x 20 paper, but after years of print making and some unwanted lubrication by my two male cats (that have now been banned from my house except for breakfast) that well used printer will soon be in the Pritchard dump.

I lucked out finding a great deal on the used Canon P-900 with extra ink at the last Vancouver Used Camera Sale. It’s fun printing the photos I take.

As long as I have lived here I have been able to print my photographs. Before digital I had a darkroom lab in my basement with four enlargers: two for 35mm film, one for medium format and another for 4 x 5 film. Fortunately those time consuming printmaking days are gone. Printmaking with digital technology is so much better and gosh so much easier.

I have two printers, the Canon and a little Epson 4 x 6 printer. For Jo’s daughter Evinn’s birthday party I set up that little printer, took pictures of guests and gave them prints.

That was fun for everyone and I think a real hit at Evinn’s party.

Technology is really getting exciting for anyone that enjoys getting a photograph that they can hold in their hand. For Christmas Jo got a small Kodak wireless, battery-operated printer that can work with Wi-Fi using either her camera or her iPhone. That printer only makes 4 x 5 prints, but it easily fits in a small pack or purse and works anywhere.

Sure a photo file can be sent with the Internet, but gosh, taking someone’s picture and giving them a print is neat. I know we have been doing that with Polaroid for years, but a Polaroid is more expensive and the image is only on the Polaroid and not saved on a memory card.

I remember when the only way to give someone a photograph was by handing them a print. Don’t get me wrong, I really like and prefer digital, but it’s fun to give someone something they can hold in their hand and hang on the wall in their home. That’s why I like calendars and print my own photographs.

Nashville based photographer Mark Denman wrote, “When the world asks, ‘What was it like?’ only the photographers can say, ‘See!’”

Stay safe and be creative. These are my thoughts for this week. Contact me, John Enman at www.enmanscamera.com or emcam@telus.net.