Eileen M. Roche

Holiday Party

2011-12-27T02:20:00.000-08:00

Hang paper snowflakes, add good friends, mulled wine, and a banana suit. A wonderful welcome home for the holidays!

Leftovers

2011-12-27T02:14:00.000-08:00

I was a bridesmaid for my good friends Cassie and Ian in October, so I had to find another way to photograph their wedding! This is what I woke up to the morning after.

Maternity Shoot with Aeh & Anda

2011-12-27T01:49:00.000-08:00

I was home in October and knew the next time I came through, I'd be meeting the newest addition to our family, so I wanted to get a couple maternity shots of Aeh and my little brother (soon to be a big brother), Anda. Newborn photo shoot with baby Millie to follow!

Jenny+Mike's Wedding in Folsom, CA

2011-12-27T01:18:00.002-08:00

Jenny and Mike were married in August at the Lake Natoma Inn in Folsom, Ca. The two met through mutual friends while studying at Sacramento State and UCDavis, respectively, but it wasn't until five years later that they started dating!

An interior designer by trade, Jenny was involved in every aspect of the wedding decor and made the centerpieces, boutonnieres, and even bouquets and necklaces for her bridesmaids. Maybe we'll find her on Etsy or Ruffled soon!

Cassie + Ian Engagement Photos

2010-10-29T09:49:00.000-07:00

When my good friends Cassie and Ian announced their engagement, I was honored to be asked for a portrait session. We had a fun time running around on their favorite beach and the graffiti covered bunkers above the Golden Gate. We ended the day with a sunset over the bridge and, in true Cassie+Ian style, a bottle of red wine.

Kieran+Tess Engagement Photos

2010-10-27T15:52:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I was contacted by one of the Urban Golfers: "In December I cut my hair, and in March I got engaged!" he said.

Kieran and Tess wanted to take photos involving some of the things they love about San Francisco (farmer's markets, the F train on Market Street), but they met at Stanford and were also interested in taking some photos on campus.

We decided to meet bright and early at the Ferry Building on Saturday morning. We perused fruits and flowers before hopping on the train and doing our best to avoid tourists on the way to the wharf.

That evening, we meet at Stanford to goof around on campus. Rain clouds threatened us all day, but in the end made for a beautiful sky.

A Band of (Ex)Street Kids

2010-10-19T22:43:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year I had the opportunity to spend a month with the incredible children and directors of M'Lisada, a home for former street children in Kampala, Uganda.

The organization is truly spectacular: director Bosco Segawa was a child living hand-to-mouth on the street when he gained access to some brass instruments. He recruited other children from the slum to help him form a band. Now, fourteen years later, the organization provides shelter and school fees for 75 ex-street kids and offers music, dance, and acrobatics programs to another 75. The brass band is one of their main sources of income.

View more of this project:
Photo Philanthropy
San Francisco Open Show October 21
Dial House sometime in the next month....look for an invite soon!

Clementina St Landmark

2010-09-22T21:52:00.001-07:00

Foggy Sea

2010-09-06T22:46:00.001-07:00

Foggy Sea, originally uploaded by eileenmarieroche.

Heather+Gabe

2010-07-20T23:05:00.000-07:00

Heather and Gabe's wedding photos are available here.
Sign in with an email address for $5 off print orders!

Father's Day Island, Courtwright Reservoir

2010-07-05T16:05:00.001-07:00

Graduation Party

2010-06-06T23:24:00.001-07:00

(photo by To m Roch e)

Colby+Willus

2010-06-06T23:14:00.001-07:00

Colby Portraits

2010-06-06T23:08:00.001-07:00

ROCHE+ROCHE Landscape Architecture

2010-06-06T18:02:00.001-07:00

See more work or contact Roche + Roche Landscape Architecture here.

Heather+Gabe Engagement

2010-06-06T17:27:00.001-07:00

See all the photos from Heather and Gabe's Engagement Session here.

Hello, Folly!

2010-06-06T16:53:00.001-07:00

Dubai at 2am

2010-06-06T16:08:00.001-07:00

Kampala, assorted

2010-06-06T15:36:00.000-07:00

Point A to Point B (This Is Africa)

2009-12-30T13:35:00.001-08:00

Drivers are turning off their engines; it would be faster to walk through this Tijuana to San Diego-style traffic jam. After 40 sweaty, carbon monoxide-filled minutes, we decide to do just that. Now we are weaving our way around the last minute shoppers - overflowing from the sidewalks into the street - stopped mutatus, and somewhat less stopped bodas. I do my best to keep Rachel's yellow pack in view without trampling small children or the makeshift banana-and-sunglasses stores underfoot.

Until this moment, "bus station" meant a cold building with uncomfortable benches, a timetable above a ticketing window, and signs announcing the appropriate area to calmly - albeit boredly - await transportation to your selected destination.

This is absolute chaos. Big charter buses and smaller, mini-van type vehicles face every possible direction, fill every possible space. People stream past - shopping bags, potatoes, suitcases balanced on their heads. A bus is leaving - re-parking? - attempting to relocate in some way. The driver make no effort to ensure people in the crowd are not run over. We are cattle and will move out of his way. At least, we will try...until a man with a wooden pushcart blocks the way and we are stuck with five feet - now four feet -now three feet, between the grill of the relocating bus and the side of another. I gasp - expecting blood and gore.

The bus stops, the cart moves, and miraculously, no one is dead or on the ground, but the crowd has swallowed Rachel and Morgan and for a second I am a kid lost at the zoo - shouldn't I stay put and wait for mommy to find me?

Then I remember that I am only semi-dependent here and start searching for a bus headed to Mbale. It doesn't take more than a few seconds to find the word scrawled on cardboard on the dash and a mzungu face through the window.

Rach's pack is already on the floor of the bus - under what will be my seat in the aisle. I put mine in an empty area up front. I confirm its placement with the driver. He approves.

The ticket guy wants 25,000 shillings to go to Mbale. "No. It's 15." Rachel is arguing with him. They go back and forth - he wants 20, because of the holiday. Rach calls him out on trying to charge foreigners more. He shows us his ledger to prove that others are paying 20 (but, not 25). "(It's) not because you are mzungu," he says, "that's just business."

My bag is being moved. Its spot has been hijacked by a roller suitcase and TV-sized box. The driver is telling me I must take it back with me. 6000 cubic inches across our laps for 5 hours? Rach is having none of that. I politely but firmly argue my pack's legitimate claim to the area before he turns away.

Now my bag is off the bus. Where is it? I stand to see it sitting outside the door - hordes of people still streaming by. Ensuring that bag is on this vehicle when we leave is now my sole mission in life. To the back of the bus, to the front, back outside the door. This happens approximately four more times before it ends up in the exact location I originally chose for it.

As soon as we have twice the passengers and luggage we should, the bus ambles its way out of the lot and, eventually, out of town. I spend the next four and a half hours surveying the Ugandan countryside. In a rookie move, I left my book and headphones in the pack I so vigilantly watched arrive at the front of the bus. I didn't realize there would be five people and their Christmas gifts in the aisle...

Someone wants to get off here.

Someone in the far back corner.

We pull over on the side of the road. Locals are at the window instantly - selling water, bananas, live chickens. Luggage is passed forward and the man climbs over the seats toward the front.

Thirty minutes later: repeat scene. New town, new chickens. Again, passenger is in the back row. Again, no one in the aisle gets off the bus to clear the a path.

I am passed a suitcase.

A shopping bag.

A child.

I decide I'm going out the window in the event of an emergency.

Oh well, as the mzungus here say: TIA. This Is Africa.

Why I'm in Uganda.

2009-12-29T20:54:00.000-08:00

I know many of you are wondering what exactly it is I am doing in Africa.

A few weeks ago, I decided to spend a month living in Kampala, Uganda. As a personal project, I wanted to document life through the eyes of the children living at the M'Lisada children's home.

My friend Rachel, who put me in contact with Bosco Ssegawa, director and former street kid, wrote this beautiful description of the program:

As I step off the boda on the tarmac and onto the eroded dirt road kids in ragged clothes and big smiles run and slip their hands into mine. They escort me to the orphanage I am partnering with, only really communicating through smiles and the swinging of arms.

Inside the orphanage I wander around the side where I find two teenagers playing a silver tuba and trumpet that look as though they have made a tour around the world before they made it to this orphanage. It is school holiday, so kids are running around everywhere, but these two boys are practicing. I explain to them my dad’s affinity for the tuba and how random outbursts of “Tuba Love” are relatively normal. They stare at me, failing in their attempt to mask the fact that they believe I might be crazy.

Two younger boys come and welcome me with warm hugs, grab my hands and help me find my way to the office. I am greeted by five twenty-something men, the founders and administrative staff of the orphanage, “Welcome Madame Rachel”. I am still coming to terms with being a Madame…

This is by far the coolest orphanage I have encountered – an orphanage for street kids by street kids. Everyone that works there and lives there once lived on the street - begging, collecting recyclables, fetching water, pick-pocketing or working as a house boy/girl.

When Bosco was 11 his mother, went to town and never came back. He heard through relatives that she had died in some vague accident. His dad was already gone, Bosco was left alone with his two sisters to look after. He spent his days collecting plastic bottles and fetching water for what amounts to about fifty cents. While scavenging in the Nsambya slums he came across some boys playing brass band – he was enraptured. It became his goal to be able to play as they play. It turns out these boys were practicing for a local school, so he asks the teacher if he could learn. The teacher refuses, the band is only for students (and street kids are rather stigmatized here). But he persists. He really wants to play. Eventually the teacher submits, and allows him to play as long as he pays 500 shillings(twenty-five cents) each lesson. Bosco agrees, and works harder to collect money in the slums so that he can raise his music fee and feed his sisters.

Eventually Bosco invites more street kids to join him in class, and eventually convinces a visitor to help him get a home to establish their own band. This visitor buys them five instruments and a two room house. One room for the boys and one for the girls. After raising his sisters, Bosco is hyper aware of girls issues, especially those struggling on the street. The house becomes a center and in time, a man from the UK buys them a larger house that is the orphanage and music school today. They write for corporate sponsorships and have band uniforms from MTN and coca cola and fundraise through concerts and playing special events. The house currently sleeps about 75, but another 75 street kids come on any given day to play music, sing, dance and eat. They are now a big family, calling the older boys Uncle, and me in my subsequent visits, Auntie.

What blows my mind here is Bosco at 11 thinking not just about himself, but about other kids on the street. Bosco could have just learned music on his own, and not think about bringing in other kids from the slum. When he was given a house, he didn’t have to invite others to stay. At 11 years old, he was thinking beyond his own needs about those of his community. All 75 kids living at the center have school fees paid for by fundraising and private donors. The staff all work for free in exchange for housing and food. And about once a month, the kids do community work. The community no longer looks down on the street kids as they once had. Bosco has built something quite remarkable.The music program fills a very deep hole in the lives of street kids. It fills them with passion, dedication and drive. The kids are not forced to get their instruments out and practice, it is what keeps them going. As we finish up the tour, Bosco takes me around back.

The band has gathered in secret to surprise me. The moment we step around the corner they start into a rousing rendition of Silent Night. It begins slow and traditional, but after the first verse, the tuba steps in on a double beat, the choir sings faster and louder, the conductor’s body jolts full of energy and they all begin to dance to what will forever be my favorite version of Silent Night. I have the goofiest smile across my face and start dancing with the kids that remain on my arms.

Lindsey and Avi Engagement and Wedding

2009-11-19T17:07:00.000-08:00

Lindsey and Avi are happily married! It only took two engagement sessions, four parties, three days in Tahoe, four trips around the alter of a Sikh temple, and one white dress.

See photos and order prints here: http://www.pictage.com/689683

Aaron and Samantha's Wedding

2009-10-29T12:11:00.000-07:00

Photos are up: click here.

Purple Haze at West Fest

2009-10-25T16:24:00.001-07:00

Purple Haze at West Fest, originally uploaded by eileenmarieroche.

This morning, hundreds of guitarists gathered at West Fest in an attempt to break the record for biggest guitar ensemble playing Purple Haze by Jimi Hendrix. I don't think they broke the record, but it sure was a party!

I didn't have time to stay for much more of the festival, but the weather was great and I'm sure the show was too.

Click to see the album.

Purple Haze in the Haight Ashbury

2009-10-24T20:06:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow at West Fest in Golden Gate Park, thousands of guitarists will gather in an attempt to become the world's largest guitar ensemble playing Purple Haze. This afternoon, I went out to a little practice session in the Panhandle.

Purple Haze, Golden Gate Park, originally uploaded by eileenmarieroche.

Saturday

2009-10-19T21:00:00.005-07:00

Went to a roof party this weekend...

Affectionate husky:

Hula hoop:

Beautiful night:

Meet Earl

2009-10-09T15:47:00.000-07:00

Ten years ago, he was sleeping on the streets of SOMA. He had a cozy camp set up at the spot where Clementina crosses 8th Street and runs into Sumner.

He’s still on Clementina, but now he lives and works at Pacific Clutch and Brake, a hole-in-the-wall shop that services elevator brakes all over the city. It started with an offer of $20 to clean the bathroom and the floors and it soon turned into a full time job and bed. He’s now a certified machinist and a Clementina Street historian.

Windows

2009-10-06T13:09:00.000-07:00

Aventine Photos Posted

2009-10-05T22:44:00.000-07:00

Click here to view photos from the Aventine, Friday 10/25/09. Passcode: Tom87

Folsom Street Fair

2009-09-30T17:49:00.001-07:00

Click on the photo to see the complete album.

found in my camera...

2009-09-25T17:22:00.000-07:00

I've been busy editing wedding photos and writing for D Guides this month and have been really bad about posting! Below are a few shots from walks through China Town, SOMA, and Upper Haight.

Story time at the Civic Center

2009-09-09T16:34:00.000-07:00

@SF_Weekly: As Pretentious Finnegan's Wake Book Club Dissolves, One Reader Attempts Final Act of Unsurpassed Pretention http://url4.eu/OieT

Highland Dance

2009-08-23T13:15:00.000-07:00

Anda at the Scottish Games

Avi and Lindsey's Wedding Photos

2009-08-07T17:40:00.000-07:00

Pre-register to view photos of Avi and Lindsey's engagement party, Sangeet, Mendhi Party, Sikh ceremony, and Wente ceremony and reception!

Lindsey and Avi Engagement Photos

2009-08-07T10:47:00.001-07:00

We finished Lindsey and Avi's engagement photos last night - one session in Golden Gate Park and one in the hills above Tiburon with Riley the Terrier mix. Thanks, Linds and Av, for being troopers on that cold hilltop! I'm glad we could get some shots of the whole family!

Preregister to view photos of the engagement party, Sangeet, Mendhi Party, Sikh ceremony, and the Wente ceremony and reception!

That bridge everyone takes pictures of

2009-08-07T09:37:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, I'm the one billionth person to photograph the Golden Gate Bridge. But, I saw the full moon reflecting on the bay last night and knew it would be a photography sin to keep driving by. It also seems fitting that my 100th post on this blog is this iconic San Francisco landmark - possibly the most photographed bridge in the world.

Women in Photography Competition

2009-07-31T20:49:00.000-07:00

Click here to view the winning entries for the Women in Photography 2009 Photo Competition. My photo received an honorable mention in the "Children" category.

Wyoming

2009-07-24T22:38:00.000-07:00

A quick edit from our trip so far:

Weekend Explorer - I'm going to Wyoming!

2009-07-19T20:01:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, I'll be headed to Yellowstone and Grand Teton NP to co-host an episode of
Weekend Explorer with Jeffrey Lehmann.

Here is our tentative itinerary:

Day 1 - Guided fishing, mountain biking, property shoot, and covered wagon cookout

Day 2 - Yellowstone, property shoot, Chuckwagon dinner show

Day 3 - Grand Teton NP, Jackson Hole

Day 4 - Whitewater rafting, Horseback riding, possible balloon ride

Click here for local air times!

Follow me on Twitter for daily updates and check this page for photos!

See show clips below:

Crossing the bridge

2009-07-12T18:59:00.001-07:00

Embarcadero, originally uploaded by eileenmarieroche.

On my way back into the city last weekend.

Dolores at Night

2009-07-12T18:58:00.001-07:00

Dolores at Night, originally uploaded by eileenmarieroche.

From our BBQ at the park on Pride Weekend.

Click on the photo to see more.

Ambassador

2009-07-05T15:11:00.000-07:00

See photos from First Thursdays at the Ambassador here.

Pride 2009

2009-06-28T19:26:00.000-07:00

SF Chronical article and photos here: Gay Pride Parade @ SFGate.

An Indian Engagement

2009-06-25T00:12:00.000-07:00

A few photos from Lindsey and Avi's engagement party. Congratulations, you guys! We're in for quite a celebration this summer!

Urban Golfers

2009-06-18T10:17:00.000-07:00

Greg called me on Friday wondering if we could do a photo shoot around the city the next day. Unfortunately, we had to make it a midday shoot (worst time for photography). We spent 2 hours fighting the clock and the light, but were able to tee off under the Golden Gate, stop traffic on Lombard, make friends in Dolores Park, and enjoy beers on Haight Street. Thanks to Greg, Kieran, John, and James for a fun day!

Photos from Iran

2009-06-15T16:56:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share this link of photos from the last day or so in Iran:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mousavi1388/show/ (via Twitter user @StopAhmadi)

With foreign correspondents "politely asked to leave" and local media silenced, Twitter and YouTube have become the best source for updates from Iran. Today, Twitter agreed to postpone maintenance scheduled for tonight, recognizing the key role it is playing in this revolution.

Article about Twitter and the protests: http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1905125,00.html

Prelinger Library

2009-06-10T20:27:00.000-07:00

What are you looking for?
DIY magazines from the 60s? A century's worth of maps of California? Old cigarette ads? The history of candy? How about a 1950s book on puberty?

Whether you come armed with a bizarre research topic or just want to peruse, the Prelinger Library in SOMA is worth a visit. Celebrating its 5th anniversary this week, the private library was founded by Rick Prelinger and Megan Shaw Prelinger and houses over 40,000 books, periodicals, government documents, and ephemera.

Strengths include North American landscape (cultural geography, travel and tourism, car culture), housing and city planning, advertising and consumerism, and media and technology. It also has a vast collection of government documents, maps, and historical text books.

The Prelinger promotes browsing and serendipitous discovery, but also has over 3,000 ebooks and visitors are encouraged to take copies home on their USB Drives.

The Prelinger Library is located at 301 8th Street, just south of Folsom Street. Drop in Wednesdays from 1pm to 8pm, or call for another time. More info here: Prelinger Library.

Twitter

2009-06-09T10:28:00.000-07:00

It was a matter of time, right? Follow me here: SF Photographer Tweets

Ski Peak, Memorial Day Weekend

2009-06-08T22:56:00.001-07:00

The father/ daughter dance: climb a mountain and ski down!

20090523_Ski Peak_0303web, originally uploaded by eileenmarieroche.

Artillery

2009-06-02T21:18:00.001-07:00

Spotlight on a brand new shop on Mission Street

A giant green bird stands watch outside the newest addition to the 2700 block of Mission Street. Artillery A.G. is intended to be a haven for local artists - a place where their product can meet consumer.

The shop has everything from hand-designed T-shirts to octopus-cast earrings and provides a bit of gallery space as well.

Co-owner Ivan Lopez works on one of his many unique designs at an easel by the door while browsers roam.

Hipsters shoppers on Valencia Street: hop over a block for this one-of-a-kind apparel and art made by local painters, graphic designers, and jewelers.

For more info about the store and their upcoming art shows, or to submit your own work, visit: Artillery A.G.

Bay to Breakers

2009-05-17T21:59:00.000-07:00

B2B themes for 2009: swine flu, water-dance parties, keg confiscation.

Great article on the history of B2B:
SFGate: Bay to Breakers known for costumes, antics

Asian Heritage Celebration

2009-05-17T21:58:00.000-07:00

A few shots from Saturday's Asian Heritage Celebration at the Civic Center.

Bikes!

2009-05-14T09:24:00.001-07:00

It's Bike to Work Day! a few shots of the morning commute on Market and 9th.

More info: Bay Area Bikes
SF Streets Blog

Cherry time

2009-05-04T21:39:00.000-07:00

I know San Francisco has nothing on Tokyo, but we had a few nice blossoms of our own recently...

Baker Beach

2009-04-19T21:43:00.000-07:00

80 degrees brings everyone in San Francisco to the water....

Palace of Fine Arts

2009-04-19T21:32:00.000-07:00

The last stop on Rachel's SF Sites Tour was "that golden dome we saw from the hill."

The Palace of Fine Arts was originally constructed for the 1915 world’s fair held in San Francisco. The professed purpose of the event was to celebrate the completion of the Panama Canal, but many in the city considered it an opportunity for San Francisco to exhibit its recovery from the 1906 earthquake and fire. During the exposition, the exhibition hall housed Impressionist paintings. Now, throngs of young scientists flock to the Exploratorium interactive science museum.

Flower Conservatory

2009-04-19T21:29:00.001-07:00

The San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers sits near the Panhandle entrance to Golden Gate Park. When it opened in 1879, it was the largest public conservatory in the Western Hemisphere and California’s first community greenhouse. Divided into various rooms it houses more than 1,700 rare and exotic species from around the globe.

For more information: http://www.conservatoryofflowers.org/index.htm

The Netherlands in San Francisco....

2009-04-19T21:17:00.000-07:00

So, why, exactly, is there a Windmill in Golden Gate Park?

At the turn of the century, the “park” was still covered in sand dunes. In order to convert this area into the largest botanical garden of the time, the developers needed a more effective way to supply water to the area. The windmill was able to take advantage of the winds in the area and pump water to the irrigation system.

The project was initially met with a great deal of skepticism, but the North Windmill, as it came to be called, ended up being so successful that by 1905, plans were underway for a second, larger mill on the south side of the park. The mills supplied enough water to plant over 2 million trees from all over the world in Golden Gate Park and establish one of the world’s greatest man-made parks.

By 1913, electricity took over and a motorized pump was installed to provide water to the park. The windmills became obsolete and feel into disrepair. For decades, they sat idle and neglected. In 1980, the North Windmill was renovated and the tulip garden was planted. Almost thirty years have passed and the structure is again in need of repair, but the site is one of the most picturesque in the city.

Sutro Baths

2009-04-16T17:16:00.000-07:00

Last week, Rach and I did a little San Francisco site-seeing and I was inspired to learn more of the history of the places we visited….

Did you know that there are ruins at Ocean Beach?
If you head west on Geary Blvd long enough, it becomes Point Lobos Ave. Louie's Diner and the Cliff House sit on the hill overlooking the water, and there below them, at the very edge of the continent, are the remains of the Sutro Baths.

In 1896, former SF mayor Adolf Sutro opened the world's largest indoor swimming establishment. Visitors had a choice of seven pools that ranged from ice cold to a steamy 80 degrees. During high tide, water would flow directly from the ocean into the building’s six salt-water pools.

The pools were surrounded by slides, trampolines, swings, and diving boards. During its 70 years in operation, the Sutro Baths offered ice-skating, amusement park rides, coin and photography collections, swimming competitions, fairs, trapeze acts, contortionists, dwarf boxing and high diving canines!

In 1966, the Baths closed and before the building could be demolished, it was destroyed by a fire. All that remains now are some cement skeletons and a dark tunnel.

BYOBW

2009-04-15T13:41:00.000-07:00

Oh no! I missed the Big Wheels race again!
BYOBW photo gallery on SFist

San Diego Sunset

2009-04-14T19:16:00.000-07:00

A quick weekend trip to San Diego for some sun! Torrey Pines State Reserve near La Jolla is beautiful from the beach, or the cliff-side trails, but especially colorful as the sun gets low.

"Seeing Ourselves"

2009-03-23T11:40:00.000-07:00

Late last year, I invested $20 in a Holga 120N (basically, a plastic toy camera) and promptly feel in love with the simple technology and unexpected results. The Safe Haven Family Shelter in Nashville gave homeless families Holgas to document their lives and the results are currently on display in at the Frist Center for the Visual Arts.

Seeing Ourselves

Seandra is a 3-year-old SpongeBob SquarePants devotee, who was determined to take a picture of someone inside a bubble. She also happens to be homeless. Her photograph is just one of many in an exhibition called "Seeing Ourselves," currently on display at Nashville's Frist Center for the Visual Arts. The photos are from a community outreach program with Safe Haven Family Shelter, a nonprofit homeless center for families in transition.

The Frist outreach program initially began with writing workshops at Safe Haven, but the coordinators soon decided that photography was a better alternative. It allowed these families to document the uncertainty of life in progress, to express themselves and provide a humanized portrait of what it means to be homeless. Perhaps it even provided some escape. For about a month, Nashville photographer Allen Clark led a series of photography workshops for both children and parents alike, emphasizing life in the moment.

For equipment, Frist distributed a batch of Holgas, mass-produced Chinese toy cameras, first introduced in the early 1980s as an affordable option for working-class families. With poor, plastic encasing, Holgas often produce distorted images, which many photographers have actually grown to prefer.

Andee Rudloff, educator for outreach, explained the choice of Holga cameras: "They produce beautiful flaws," she said. The images present an intimate portrait of homeless life, which viewers have repeatedly concluded is far from what they had preconceived. "What's been enlightening about this exhibition," Rudloff continued, "is that [the people are] just like you and me. There isn't a certain look that a homeless person has. We're all flawed, but in a beautiful way."

Feet

2009-03-17T20:28:00.001-07:00

Feet, originally uploaded by eileenmarieroche.

Anda's new shoes.

Academy of Sciences

2009-03-09T23:06:00.000-07:00

I went back to the new California Academy of Sciences last week and added a few shots to the web album:

See the original post here: http://eileenmarieroche.blogspot.com/2008/09/academy-of-sciences.html

Shoot from the hip: Worhol and Yves Saint Laurent

2009-03-02T12:05:00.000-08:00

I technically wasn't supposed to be taking pictures in there, but I think the only time that's stopped me was at Lindsey's dress fitting - and that was only because I love Lindsey.

Mardi Gras Party at the Ambassador

2009-02-25T02:00:00.001-08:00

Click to see web album:

Mardi Gras at Ambassador

Italy: More Venice

2009-02-24T21:44:00.001-08:00

I have to give my brother credit for these next ones. Playing with shutter speed in Venice's Jewish Ghetto:

Jewish Ghetto , originally uploaded by eileenmarieroche.

Italy: Just another Piazza

2009-02-23T21:51:00.001-08:00

Campo di Fiori - there is nothing extraordinary about this Roman square, especially in the shadow of its well-known neighbor, Piazza Navona. But, its Italian normalcy may make it my favorite. Outdoor cafes on cobblestone, a lone guitarist playing for coins, roasted chestnuts from covered carts... just like any other Italian piazza, but charming nonetheless.

Italy: Venice's Sandy Beach

2009-02-16T21:05:00.000-08:00

Lido is a thin strip of beach and town just a short vaporetto ride to the southeast of Venice. It is said to be the very place that made sunbathing a recreational activity. On the island's private beach, big spenders can rent a cabana for the day or the season. For inexpensive enjoyment of the island, a 3 Euro bike ride is a great option.

We visited the beach on a brisk December morning, so there would be no cabana renting and swimming in the Adriatic Sea for us, but the recent aqua alta had washed up a lovely surprise: shells of color and splendor that, in my previous experience, had been reserved for plastic fish tank replicas.

Valentine's Day Pillow Fight

2009-02-14T23:43:00.000-08:00

Just another reason to love this city!

Italy: Pizza in Florence

2009-02-13T14:58:00.000-08:00

Most people can't discuss Italy for long without mentioning food. Amazing food.

On our last day in Florence, we worked up an appetite with a bike ride around the Arno River. After returning our rented wheels at Santa Croce, we managed to walk exactly two blocks before the smell of wood-burning pizza ovens brought us to a halt.

Our party of five pressed itself into a table for three and promptly ordered a pie each and beers to match (American habit).

As we licked our fingers, our waiter put on some Motown and came over to tell us of his love for Michael Jackson music. Maybe not an your typical Italian experience, but a memorable one nonetheless.

Boccanegra, Via Ghibellina, 124r, Florence

Italy: Venice at Night

2009-02-12T11:52:00.001-08:00

They say you haven't really experienced Venice until you've gotten lost. Some night-time wanderings:

Italy: Antiques in Venice

2009-02-08T21:59:00.000-08:00

Wandering through the San Polo area on our last night in Venice, one narrow alleyway gave to a large piazza with tents set up for an antique fair.

Rummaging through other people's snapshots, jewelry, luggage, and even fur coats has a charming appeal when you're in Venice at Christmas time.

Italy: Firenze's Duomo

2009-02-04T22:54:00.000-08:00

I have a thing about heights....I love them.
Take me to the tallest building in the city: I just want to look down.

The Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, commonly referred to in Florence as the Duomo, is Italy's largest. No elevators pulling visitors to the top of this height: a narrow staircase leads to the interior of the dome for a close-up view of Vasari and Zuccari's frescoes. You then climb between the outer and inner layers of the dome until you arrive at the top. 404 steps in all.

Walk thru the Mission

2009-01-31T21:44:00.000-08:00

At Nikki's request...

A recent walk through my neighborhood (with a few old ones thrown in for good measure).....beautiful, dirty, and just plain random.

January in San Francisco

2009-01-18T22:53:00.000-08:00

As I felt it was our duty as Californians to get out and enjoy this unseasonably warm weekend, Joe and I went on a bike ride on Sunday. After dodging the tourists on rented bikes crossing the Golden Gate, we headed out the Marin Headlands. To get there, you take a one-lane tunnel under two miles of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, it spits you out on Bunker Road where you are surrounded by lush rolling hills. Down the hill to Rodeo Cove, a cliff-enclosed dark sand beach, where you can peacefully sit and watch the surfers and try to forget about the imminent ride back up the hill.

Suburban Night

2009-01-11T23:47:00.003-08:00

I did a little neighborhood watch this weekend while visiting my parents in Salinas. I would have loved some Hido-esk fog and mist, but the weather has been oddly summer-like these past few days.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-02T23:43:00.001-08:00

Sparklers, originally uploaded by eileenmarieroche.

Making of a Mural III

2008-12-17T09:15:00.001-08:00

Still painting...

Making of a Mural II

2008-12-12T23:01:00.000-08:00

After the design is finalized and approved by the owners of Rancho Grande, the group is ready to start on the door.

Making of a Mural I

2008-12-11T20:47:00.001-08:00

The Youth Arts Class at the Precita Eyes Muralist center is currently working on a mural at Rancho Grande on 24th Street.

First, the kids brainstormed themes that they would like to see represented on the mural. Then they visualized their ideas with pencil and paper.

Fundraiser: Precita Eyes

2008-11-28T21:40:00.000-08:00

This month I've had the privilege of photographing Precita Eyes as they prepare to paint a new mural on a roll down door on 24th street. Eventually, I will post photos of this project... Until then, join us at the Precita Eyes center on Saturday to view the work of local talented artists that are involved with the group. Art and drink sales will help a few of the artists bring a mural project to Palestine and Lebanon in January.

Antonio's Streets

2008-11-11T22:45:00.001-08:00

Every surface is a canvas in The Mission and the neighborhood demands respect for street art. When I moved here, I started my own informal documentation of the pieces I come across, but Tony Guz has me beat. Nice collection!

IMG_0529.JPG, originally uploaded by mybrooklynisbetter.

Prop 8 Rally

2008-11-07T22:25:00.001-08:00

That was the vigil. This is the rally. 15,000 + on a day's notice.

I lost my phone out there but, it was worth it.

Prop 8 Vigil at City Hall

2008-11-05T21:38:00.000-08:00

Over 2,000 people gathered at SF's city hall tonight for a rally in opposition to Prop 8, California's ban on same-sex marriage.

Castro Celebrates

2008-11-05T08:50:00.001-08:00

Obamanos!

2008-11-04T21:15:00.001-08:00

A few favorites from my evening at Yerba Buena Center Election Night.

Balmy Avenue

2008-10-30T08:22:00.000-07:00

I'm so obsessed with the murals in The Mission - I can't believe I haven't posted anything yet. Here are a few of my favorites from Balmy Avenue, an alley off of 24th.

From Tyche Hendricks' article in the SF Chronical:
This narrow city block, lined with garage doors and the back fences of Victorian houses, is a vivid environment, dense with three dozen murals. The first mural was created in 1971 by kids from a local tutoring center. In the 1980s, a group of artists calling for peace in Central America collaborated on a series of 26 murals portraying peasant struggles for land and dignity. Many of the Mission District's best artists have painted here and the scenes have changed over time. Today the walls offer "Icons of Mexican Art" and "The Five Sacred Colors of Corn," among others.

Magic Hour at Dolores Park

2008-10-20T21:58:00.001-07:00

The Golden Gate's under-appreciated (but not ugly) step-sister.

Soap Box Races

2008-10-20T09:49:00.003-07:00

The Red Bull Soap Box Durby took over Dolores Street on Saturday. Thirty-three teams, selected from over 100 applicatations, raced their doughnuts, trees, baseballs, TransAmerica buildings, and frying pans down the hill. While one team broke the record by reaching 38.5 miles-per-hour, the judging was based not only on speed, but on creativity and showmanship. The goal of most teams was to make it down the hill in one piece, but the People's Choice Award, tallied via text message vote, had a direct correlation to the quality of the wipe-out.

Roller Durby

2008-10-13T19:58:00.001-07:00

Roller Durby this weekend: Bay Area Bombers v. Brooklyn Red Devils. I admit I was disappointed by the WWF-ness of it all, but a good time nonetheless... who doesn't love watching people on skates flip over railings?

Matcha Tattoo

2008-10-06T21:10:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, the Asian Art Museum hosted "Matcha Tattoo."

Apprentices of the revered Japanese master Horiyoshi III came from as far as Osaka and Tokyo to give presentations and demonstrations on traditional Japanese hand tattooing as well as modern techniques.

In Japan, tattoo artists and enthusiasts battle stigma that predates the Edo period and the Asian Art Museum's recognition of the craft as an artform is not taken lightly.

Kazunobu Nagashima flew from Tokyo to exhibit his tattoo work by Shige. The piece, which took 96 hours to complete, won the 2007 Taiwan International Tattoo Convention. Here Nagashima demonstrates the way in which the figures shift form and expression as his body changes positions.

Hells Angels Vigil

2008-10-03T15:43:00.000-07:00

The CCSF Guardsman used one of my photos to illustrate the vigil for Hells Angels leader Mark Guardado held in Daly City on September 15. His shooting was one of 8 that occurred in San Francisco's Mission District last month.

See it here:
http://theguardsman.com/2008/09/sept-13-hells-angels-vigil

Leather Week

2008-10-01T23:05:00.000-07:00

Well, I definitely live in San Francisco: I went to my first drag show this weekend.

The pageant - a competition for Miss Desperate Diva 2008 - was a lively fundraiser for the AIDs/ Housing Alliance SF and kicked off the Folsom Street Fair weekend. You will not believe the legs on some of these "girls."

Sunday was the Folsom Street Fair and the event was rather risque for this oh so family-friendly little site I have going here. Below are a few of the tamer images...

Academy of Sciences

2008-09-29T00:51:00.000-07:00

The Academy of Sciences officially returned to its home in Golden Gate Park on Saturday. Families queued on Kennedy Avenue, some as early as 5:30 in the morning, for a chance to see the facility and its inhabitants admission-free. After a Native American blessing and butterfly release, the academy welcomed the first 4,000 visitors of the day.

One of the greenest building of its kind, the Academy is expected to earn LEED platinum certification. The roof is landscaped with native plants which provide insulation, prevent storm run-off, and create a habitat for local animals. Vents open automatically to allow for natural air circulation. Sky-lights in the ceiling allow sunlight to flood the halls and floor, creating a forest-like atmosphere.

Popular exhibits included old-time favorites from the original building, such as the Swamp (home of Claude the albino alligator), and the aquarium, as well as new additions: Rainforests of the World, the Philippine Coral Reef, and the Living Roof.
View article on The Guardsman

Schmap

2008-09-26T12:07:00.000-07:00

Has anyone heard of this? From what I can gather, it's Yahoo Maps with photos and travel guides.

They are using one of my photos of Barcelona's Placa Reial for the latest edition. You can check it out here: http://www.schmap.com/barcelona/activities_laribera/#r=none&mapview=Map&tab=Places&p=80066&topleft=41.38447,2.17273&bottomright=41.37277,2.17876&i=80066_7.jpg

I also forgot to mention that Everywhere Magazine has decided to suspend publication. Not sure when they will pick things back up, but it was disappointing news.

They did publish a few words I wrote about Guadi in their latest issue, though. It's actually pretty comical how much I wrote and how little they used! http://everywheremag.com/articles/576

Photogenic City

2008-09-26T00:17:00.001-07:00

Duke Girls will revolt if I don't get some NYC pics up soon... here are two of my favorite night shots.... much more to come!

Chihuly Exhibit at the DeYoung

2008-09-23T00:05:00.000-07:00

If you can get yourself to the DeYoung Museum this week, do it. The Chihuly exhibit closes soon and the exhibit is unlike any art installation I've seen. Glass is all about lighting and this exhibit shows it. Each room is distinct - some allow for an individual admiration of each piece, most provide an overall experience of bold, dramatic forms exploding with color and light.

The final days of Chihuly at the DeYoung are near... make sure to buy your tickets for this weekend in advance as they will likely sell out.

Guardado Vigil

2008-09-14T23:00:00.000-07:00

Hundreds of Hells Angels are in San Francisco this weekend to mourn the death of Mark "Papa" Guardado, president of the San Francisco chapter of the Hells Angels shot in San Francisco's Mission District last week. A standing-room only vigil was held tonight at Duggins Mortuary in Daly City tonight.

Slow Food in Bloom

2008-09-11T23:09:00.000-07:00

A couple more shots from the Victory Gardens in front of San Francisco's City Hall. I've been meaning to post them... taken at the start of the Slow Food Festival on Friday, August 29.

The tiled globe below is a Cool Globe: http://coolglobes.com/sanfran.php
There is currently a display at Crissy Field. More on that later!