Dodgen Photography Blog

Look for the Helpers

2010-01-18T12:03:00.000-08:00

When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.' To this day, especially in times of "disaster," I remember my mother's words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers -- so many caring people in this world.Fred RogersI am sure that it is no coincidence

Christina Katerina and the Box

2010-01-13T08:24:00.000-08:00

I can't write about cardboard box creations without mentioning one of my favorite books, Christina Katerina and the Boxby Patricia Lee Gauch.When Christina's family gets a new refrigerator, she gets a world of possibilities from the box it came in. The story follows Christina and her friend Fats, as they transform the box from a castle to a secret clubhouse to a race car to a summer mansion where

Cereal Box Houses

2010-01-11T08:25:00.000-08:00

Photograph from Bella Dia blogContinuing with our series of posts about creative reuses of cardboard, here is a simple box house idea from the Bella Dia blog. When I was a kid, I always looked forward to finding the prize in the box of cereal. Now the box can be the prize. I think mine would have a garage door cut in the side for my Hot Wheels. Go to Bella Dia for detailed instructions.

Seal Beach Playgroup

2010-01-08T11:32:00.000-08:00

I have the opportunity to photograph at Seal Beach Playgroup again next week. It will be my second year photographing there and I am really excited to see Miss Tina and all of the kids again. I love photographing at preschools - all the wonder, creativity excitement, and discovery. The children are so engaged in whatever activities the teacher has planned that they hardly even realize I am there.

Happy New Year 2010

2010-01-01T10:30:00.000-08:00

Photograph by Toby MelvilleWishing you and your family the best for 2010!Check out more celebrations from around the world on the The Big Picture.

Todd Oldham's House of Cards

2009-12-31T12:38:00.000-08:00

I love this idea from designer Todd Oldham's book, Kid Made Modern, inspired by the Eames House of Cards. Not only is it a unique take on the classic cardboard box house, but it provides lots of "canvases" for kids creativity and can be reconfigured again and again.

Max's Jet Box

2009-12-30T07:16:00.000-08:00

I knew when I walked into Max Gibbons' house for a portrait party that his family was hosting, I had found a friend. Upon seeing the jet plane that Max had built out of cardboard with his dad, I was reminded of the hours of fun I have had racing down the track, soaring through the sky and sailing across the ocean in cardboard boxes, first as a child and now with my children. I don't think any of

Not a Box

2009-12-28T23:14:00.000-08:00

What better way to start a series of posts about the creative reuse of boxes than with a book about a rabbit with a box and an active imagination.Not a Box is a simple and engaging book (think Harold and the Purple Crayon) that encourages imagination and thinking outside the box.

Save the cardboard

2009-12-27T14:00:00.000-08:00

Grown-ups often joke that children like the box more than the gift that came in it. While this is certainly not always the case, an empty box holds enormous potential for imaginative play and creative art projects. If your home is anything like ours, you have a bunch of new cardboard sitting around - from online orders, gifts sent by distant relatives, empty tubes from wrapping paper, gift boxes,

Giving Gifts

2009-12-23T10:47:00.000-08:00

Photograph by: Lynn JohnsonWords of wisdom from Mister Rogers:"If you like to make things out of wood, or sew, or dance, or style people's hair, or dream up stories and act them out, or play the trumpet, or jump rope, whatever you really love to do, and you love that in front of your children, that's going to be a far more important gift than anything you could ever give them wrapped up in a box

Plan Ahead for the Holidays

2009-10-18T11:07:00.000-07:00

As October begins, it still feels like school just started, but I am always amazed at how quickly the fall months go by. Soon Halloween will be here, and then the holiday season begins. Don’t forget to plan ahead and book a family portrait session for your holiday cards. In addition to the holiday cards that you can purchase through us, we can work with nearly any card vendor of your choice. We

Portrait Party at Rossmoor Park Postponed!

2009-10-09T12:38:00.000-07:00

Our portrait party scheduled for Wednesday, October 14th has been RESCHEDULED for Wednesday, October 28th from 9:00am to 11:30am at Rossmoor Park! Enjoy a relaxing morning in the park while Jeremy photographs your children playing, in his ususal, non-instrusive way.There is no cost, but make sure to RSVP at the event's website at:http://dodgenphotography.pingg.com/party1009

Meet Erin

2009-10-09T11:33:00.000-07:00

Hi! My name is Erin. I am excited to be the newest addition to Dodgen Photography! I will be helping Jeremy and Judy with the administrative tasks of the business. I would like to introduce myself as I will be contributing posts to this blog as well. I am a senior at Biola University, majoring in Psychology. I hope to work with families in a clinical setting after I

Oregon Photo Ops

2009-09-22T13:30:00.000-07:00

Jeremy is making one last trip to Oregon in 2009. If you live in the Portland area and are interested in portraits, here are a few opportunities:Thursday, September 24 at 3:15 pmGymboree Cedar Hills Shopping CenterCall 503-384-0542 to reserve a spaceMonday, September 28 at 9:00 am - 11:30 amPortrait Party in the ParkE-mail or call for detailsMonday, September 28 at 3:45 pmGymboree Lake Oswego/

More Fun and Photography at Gymboree

2009-08-11T14:31:00.000-07:00

I will be photographing a Gymboree Play + Music again next week. It is always a fun time and a great opportunity to get portraits of your young ones (five and under). They are so busy playing on all of the slides and climbers, tubes and tunnels that barely even notice me. These photographs are from my previous session at Gymboree in the spring. If you are interested in attending, or getting more

We choose the moon

2009-07-15T15:50:00.000-07:00

The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum has launched a new website to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the first moon landing and President Kennedy’s grand vision that made that achievement possible. The goal of the site is to allow visitors to experience the Apollo 11 mission in real time, utilizing archival photographs, video, audio and "real time" transmissions.The site is really

Judy Dodgen, Mom of the Year

2009-05-09T10:07:00.000-07:00

Motherhood is often a thankless job. If you are looking for a way to honor your mom, or a mom you know this weekend, get her on the national news, thanked by President Obama, and envied by Angelina Jolie. Check out the video of Mother of the Year, Judy Dodgen, or go to momsrising.org and "nominate" your favorite mom.Thanks to Jana for passing this on!

I (Heart) NY

2009-04-15T11:47:00.000-07:00

Photograph by Todd HeislerThe New York Times has a beautiful series of photo essays about some of the characters that make New York great. Each profile is accompanied by audio from interviews with the featured New Yorker. It is a wonderful example of the storytelling power of black and white photography.

Facebook Fan Photographs

2009-04-13T09:00:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned recently, I have been too busy to blog much lately. That is partially due to the fact that I have been posting so many photographs on our Facebook page. We have 37 albums so far. Check them out and don't forget to become a fan while you are there!

Fun and Photography at Gymboree

2009-04-10T13:02:00.000-07:00

I love photographing children involved in a favorite activity, in their environment. It is the best way to capture their personality, and much more fun than sitting in a studio (for everyone involved). That is why I enjoy photographing at Gymboree Play + Music. It is a perfect location, with its rich blend of activities, equipment and music, specifically designed to challenge and engage children

Photo Op: Photograph your favorite star(fish)

2009-04-01T16:39:00.001-07:00

Photograph © Andrew ReitsmaThe Aquarium of the Pacific is hosting a special photographers night on Tuesday, April 7 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm. "On this night, the Aquarium will be available to photographers for the sole purpose of getting their dream photos without having to worry about the general public either getting in their shots or being bothered by their equipment." Those who attend can also

Too Busy to Blog

2009-04-01T16:00:00.000-07:00

There comes a time in every bloggers life when he must write about being too busy to blog. Now is that time for me. For those who follow my blog, you know that I am, at best, an occasional blogger - posting every few weeks or so (I can't begin to fathom how people maintain a Twitter account). It is not for want of things to post - photographs from recent sessions, fun art projects, great art and

Heart-shaped paper clips

2009-02-09T19:13:00.000-08:00

Here's a simple Valentine's Day project that I saw over at the How About Orange... blog. Click the link for more images and the one step instructions.

We're on Facebook

2009-02-05T16:24:00.000-08:00

We recently set up a Dodgen Photography page on Facebook. You don't have to be a member of Facebook to see our page, but why not join and become a fan!

Livingston Park Grand Opening Pictures

2009-02-01T08:40:00.000-08:00

After eighteen months of planning, fundraising, and construction, the newly renovated Livingston Park in Long Beach finally opened last week. Nearly 1000 people attended the grand opening, fitting for the project which was a real community effort (lead by the dedicated Tot Lot Committee). It was so fun to witness our neighborhood come together in support of children, family, play and community.