Photo by Bella Cirovic, shetoldstories.com

"Jen Lee is a pioneer. She answers a call to search more deeply, to resolve questions with truth and integrity. And--lucky for us all--she shares what she learns from her journey through teaching and storytelling so that we can gain more clarity around what is calling us and how to explore that unknown terrain with confidence and courage."

--Elizabeth Duvivier, founder of Squam Art Workshops

Photo by Bella Cirovic, shetoldstories.com

"Here's the magic about Jen Lee: No matter how deeply I think I've gone into a topic, Jen can always take me deeper. Just when I think I have something figured out, she asks a question or offers a thought that gives me a new perspective and shows me what I was missing. I live a richer creative life because of her wisdom."  --Jenna McGuiggan, The Word Cellar

Monday
Aug162010

The Cupcake Cafe

At the Cupcake Cafe in Books of Wonder, NYC. Horizon Perfekt, xpro Lomo 200 film. The cupcakes in the top right corner have arms, legs, huge eyelashes, and have been known to dance up on their stage, just like the Rockettes.

These cupcakes are works of art.

Just as delicious as they look. (Uh, the cupcakes, too.)A few words about Books of Wonder:  this place will always be dear to me, ever since the celebration they held for Madeleine L'Engle shortly after I moved to New York. That was a seminal experience that I will never forget.  Just going there can make me teary, and seeing collectable editions of her books in the glass cupboard sends me over the edge.  All I could think on this trip was, maybe I could have my birthday party at the Cupcake Cafe, and would any of my friends come?

And a couple things about my panoramic camera:  the Horizon doesn't have a flash.  It doesn't focus.  It's fully manual, and I don't digitally enhance my scans of the negatives.  I don't use a light meter (I'm just working on memorizing relevant parts of these charts).  I've only had it a few months, and I'm just blissed out with the images I'm getting, even as a super beginner. These images (and many I've posted lately) were cross-processed, meaning they were taken on slide film and then processed in print negative chemicals, which can create cool color shifts, vibrancy, and other surprises.  Every time I go to the Lomography Gallery Store here in New York I fall more and more in love with the analogue photography world and Lomography's rockin' staff.

Yesterday I saw the Horizon album, and was inspired to order my first prints.  I can't wait to get them and to show them to all my pals, including Jason at Duane Reade, who happily caters to all my wacky processing requests.  We might have to celebrate.  With cupcakes.

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Reader Comments (4)

These are wonderful!

August 16, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterBrené

Jen,
I just read your post about Madeleine L'engle. It pierced my heart. I love that woman dearly. I have read her books many times and reread through my adult life - they are ever ready to hand out and recommend - my 15 year daughter is just starting to read Camilla - she is an inspiration to me too. Mentor. I like that word.

Thanks for sharing this.

August 16, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterRamona

you make me smile and laugh and miss you so! I would TOTALLY go there for a birthday party!

xoxo

August 17, 2010 | Unregistered Commenterstefanie renee

That first photo is one of my favorites to date. And cupcakes and books together?! That was a genius idea. I continue to enjoy learning bits and pieces about your process for both storytelling and photography and it inspires me so.

August 17, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterBeth H

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