Michigan Lakehouse

Amanda Carlson March 15, 2020

Last fall, me and three others decided it would be fun to get outta Chicago for the weekend and stay in a lake house for a more nature-y weekend, which I would always say is a good idea when presented the opportunity. We packed all our bags but more importantly, Dennis brought his good speakers. Oh, also just wanted to mention none of these photos are edited. I really appreciated the “real life” raw feel to them. The Leica M8 had such a nice color range, it makes the photo really feel like you captured a memory, not just a photo.

And the road trip begins!

Soooo we may or may not have originally wanted to go with like 15-20 people, so we basically had this huge place with like 10 different colored bedrooms lol.

It was a beautiful house. We got there late, so when we woke up we got to see a view of the lake! An immediate sense of peacefulness.

Yomi offered to make breakfast, which was SO good by the way.

Yomi also plays harp, which was the first time I think I’ve ever got to try playing a harp too.

Doing stuff like this was such a nice break from the busy day-to-day lives we live in Chicago. Plus it’s really nice to not get phone service once in a while.

We felt golden hour started to form. Clouds in perfect formation for an epic sunset.

The best hour of the day.

We watched the stars that night and woke up to say goodbye to our fun weekend getaway.

We roadtripped back to Chicago with a clear head ready to begin life again. Looking forward to more nature adventures this year!

The Great Pacific Northwest

Amanda Carlson June 12, 2019

The Pacific northwest (PNW) is a very special place in the world; adjacent to the Pacific Ocean, surrounded by mountains, and bordering Canada. A place where picture perfect sunsets in the summer is a daily thing, a place where you get a new perspective of rain. A place where thunder and lighting storms don’t exist, and a place you can go to feel humbled by nature when life starts moving too fast. The Pacific northwest is a place I called home for almost two years.

During my last month there, my best friend from home came to visit for a road trip to the west coast. We started our trip out in Seattle, walking around Pioneer Square, seeing the Pike’s Place fish market, and taking a view of the Olympic mountains from the park.

We rented a bright orange Mini Cooper and started our trek to the west coast of America. If you’ve been to the Pacific Northwest you already know, but you can’t drive anywhere outside of the city without getting gorgeous views of all nature around. Even the highways in Seattle are overflowing with lush green, that get trimmed a few times a year because of how much growth falls over the highway.

Our first destination was a stop in the Olympic National Park, which is home to mountains, but what is more special than that is it’s home to one of just a few rain forests in all of the United States. We drove and made stops along the way just to appreciate the scenery around us.

We spent the night in Forks, which is a small town close to the coast, that’s most famous for the movie Twilight. Which means literally every place we went to had Twilight themed things, including the names of the Subway special sandwiches. Our airbnb was a quaint little cabin along a river, which was the most relaxing sound to hear.

The next morning was our only full day on the coast, so we woke up early to make the most of it. Ruby beach was our destination, which is one of my favorite beaches in America. When you enter, the beach is full of rounded stones and pebbles, but the further you walk down, it turns into the purest form of sand. As you stare out into the ocean there, its easy to be taken away by the waves and the rocks. But as soon as you turn around, you’re reminded of where you are in the world, where all you can see is forests of pointy evergreen trees and logs. Breathing in fresh misty air on the beach is a feeling I hope everyone can experience at least once in their lifetime.

Next on the agenda was Cape Flattery, which is the northwestern most point of the contiguous United States. Cell phone service goes out, roads become more windy, and the excitement builds. The rain starts falling a little it harder than usual as we pull up to the parking lot. It’s a short hike with some uneven terrain but a lot of wooden walkways and tree root steps. The Pacific Northwest has given me a new perspective on rain than what the midwest has given me — the rain is light, it’s mild. It’s not like the heavy buckets of water with lighting and thunderstorms that I’m used to. The rain in PNW adds a bit of life to everything. Our hike was full of shiny, glossy leaves, that reflected all of the light in the most gorgeous way. The sound of the light rain hitting each leaf is one you could meditate to.

After running through the forest, we finally see the coast. The trees start to open up and our excitement took over. The cliffs here are untouched and unfenced, which makes for an unobstructed view of the various rock formations, wildlife, and water. It is a place I would recommend everyone to go to, because its absolutely unforgettable.

As we started our trek back home right before sunset, a bald eagle flew past our car which was really a great ending to a mini road trip.

I’ve moved out of PNW, but it forever will hold a special place in my heart, and it will always feel like a second home to me. This trip shows just a micro-fraction of the beauty this pocket of the country holds, and I am so thankful I got to spend a portion of my life growing here. And who knows, maybe one day I will call it home again. Until then, I will be back soon to visit the mountains and everything else there is to offer.

500px

Amanda Carlson August 12, 2018

My experience with 500px has been nothing short of amazing. They put me on as a brand ambassador, which means we have a relationship where I am someone who represents their brand, someone they can lean on when they need new content and art for things, and also it's a source for me to get my name out there. I've been doing photography my whole life, but I'm not anywhere close to where I want to be, so having a platform like 500px with such a huge audience is great for an artist like myself to get my name out there, and just seen by more eyes.

Here are a few articles worth reading with some works I've done with 500px. One was for International's Womens day and the other was for the new nationwide campaign announcing their partnership with Peerspace.

International Womens Day:

https://iso.500px.com/international-womens-day-500px-ambassadors-women-in-photography/

500px x Peerspace Nationwide campaign:

https://iso.500px.com/peerspace-series-amanda-carlson-explores-self-reflection/

BTS video:

I'm thankful for the exposure and creative respect I get from them, and I'm excited to see where my creative journey will take me!

Japan

Amanda Carlson March 14, 2018

Although I live in Seattle, I consider Japan a home away from home. While I'm half Malaysian and have actually made Japan more frequent in my calendar than annual doctor's visits, culture shock is still prominent. It is a country where full self-expression is encouraged (and expected), where cleanliness and controlled chaos can be found walking among others in busy streets.

Fashion here sets precedent for new global trends and it's married to traditional cultural values that still remain of utmost importance, like showing respect. Behavioral nuances such as respect are woven into the fabric of Japan's culture so much so that you can even see the influence of this cultural differentiation even in the cuisine.

Making my way through the city as an outsider, I was able to find enjoyment in the otherwise mundane moments we take for granted.

*Happy Girl, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 2017. Shot on Leica M8 with Voigtlander 1.4 35mm*

*An afternoon bike ride, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 2017. Shot on Leica M8 with Voigtlander 1.4 35mm*

*The daily grind, Tokyo, 2017. Shot on Leica M8 with Voigtlander 1.4 35mm*

The first thing I heard were the constant announcements I couldn’t understand.

*Little Moments, Tokyo, 2017. Shot on Canon 6D with Sigma 1.4 50mm*

Looking around were people wearing face masks, minding their own business and busy on their way. It was around 5pm, so rush hour was in full effect; employees orchestrated the swarms of people like water flowing into a funnel into the already overly packed train; a collective disregard to personal space.

In Japan, cleanliness and attention to detail does not go unnoticed.

*A rare sight in Japan, Tokyo, 2017. Shot on Leica M8 with Voigtlander 1.4 35mm*

Walking down the streets you may be shocked to find an absence of litter, no garbage cans, and vending machines for cold and hot drinks everywhere. Early in the mornings we would observe shop owners cleaning every single leaf off the sidewalk that has fallen the night before. Cleanliness is an act that everyone feels an obligation to participate in.

Tokyo is a streetwear photographers paradise. I was lucky to spend the first few days and nights there. Apparel is not simply worn to stay warm or to be practical with whatever place of employment they were hustling off to, their look is a full expression of themselves. Tokyo style is a hybrid of trends that combine with unique personal touches creating an air of effortlessness which is so intriguing.

*Supper on a Rainy Night, Shinjuku Tokyo, 2017. Shot on Leica M8 with Voigtlander 1.4 35mm*

I felt like I was a little kid again in a big city with everything new and exciting. There were beaming bright lights around every corner, playful typography among the seas of various signs and my favorite-- bunches of ramen and sushi shops everywhere!

*Lost in Translation, Tokyo, 2017. Shot on Leica M8 with Voigtlander 1.4 35mm*

*The Ramen Source, Tokyo, 2017. Shot on Canon 6D with Sigma 1.4 50mm*

*More noodles, less talk, Tokyo, 2017. Shot on Canon 6D with Sigma 1.4 50mm*

*The perfect ramen, Tokyo, 2017. Shot on iPhone X*

Little toy vending machines selling cute trinkets for 200 yen became instant pit-stops.

*Long noodles, Kyoto, 2017. Shot on Leica M8 with Voigtlander 1.4 35mm*

*Taiyaki, Tokyo, 2017. Shot on Leica M8 with Voigtlander 1.4 35mm*

Kyoto was next. The JR train, which is one of the bullet trains that run throughout Japan, made this extremely accessible. The warm and flourishing sights of the countryside were a stark, yet welcome contrast to the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.

Kyoto is one of the quietest cities I’ve been to.

*A quiet bus ride, Kyoto, 2017. Shot on Leica M8 with Voigtlander 1.4 35mm*

Walking to the Airbnb while rolling my suitcase felt like a disruption because the noise of the wheels against the pavement was loud. It felt almost serene to be able to reflect on otherwise minuscule details with stronger attention because of this sound awareness. Even the food shops felt slow paced in comparison to Tokyo.

*Chicken Ramen, Kyoto, 2017. Shot on Leica M8 with Voigtlander 1.4 35mm*

*Peace in the city, Kyoto, 2017. Shot on Leica M8 with Voigtlander 1.4 35mm*

The next day, I went to the bamboo forest. It was a sacred area, filled with tombstones and shrines.

*Shine sunsets, Kyoto, 2017. Shot on Canon 6D 24-70mm*

*Eternal peace, Kyoto, 2017. Shot on Canon 6D 24-70mm*

It is blanketed in bamboo as high as the eye could see.

*The depth of bamboo forests, Kyoto, 2017. Shot on Canon 6D with 24-70mm*

The surroundings are enough to get lost in, so it was exciting to stumble upon new little things all along the way. Every detail about Kyoto is in complete opposition to Tokyo. From the ambiance and environment of Kyoto, I can still imagine sitting on the side of the road just listening to the gentle wind in a state of meditation.

*Tranquil Mountains, Kyoto, 2017. Shot on Canon 6D with 24-70mm*

Osaka was next. The first steps taken off the train from Osaka was immediately immersed into a river of people and shops. Once I got out of the street of shops, I was greeted with neon lights covering every single building, and food shops everywhere. Osaka was full of life, full of moments.

*Osaka, 2017. Shot on Canon 6D with 24-70mm*

On the last leg of the trip, the journey continued back to Tokyo. I got the chance to shoot with a lovely model, Mizuki. While our communication was more visual than verbal, I'm happy that the positive energy was captured in a successful shoot.

*Mizuki, Tokyo, 2017. Shot on Canon 6D with 24-70mm*

*Mizuki, Tokyo, 2017. Shot on Canon 6D with 50mm*

*Mizuki, Tokyo, 2017. Shot on Canon 6D with Sigma 50mm*

I’m thankful for the opportunity to travel and document the wildly diverse parts of Japan. It’s one of the most unique countries in the world and I'm already in anticipation of when I can visit again!

*In Another World, Osaka Aquarium, 2017. Shot on Canon 6D with 24-70mm (shot by Evan Luza, edited by me)*

*Sunrise over Japan, 2017. Shot on Leica M8 with Voigtlander 1.4 35mm*

First Gallery Show!

Amanda Carlson May 3, 2017

Chicago is such an amazing city with numerous gallery spaces, and a real appreciation for the creative community. One gallery you may not know of is YO:U salon. A modern hair salon, decorating their space with a new local artist of the month every month. During that month, there is one night where them and the artists host an art show to showcase and sell their work. I got the opportunity to have my first gallery show there in April! I shared the experience with another local Chicago photographer, Evan Brightfield, who captures amazing aerial shots of big city's that one could never see from being a tourist in foot. I also shared it with Sara Niezgoda, owner of MIKADO; modern handmade jewelry and home goods. I felt only love and support from all those who came, and feel so thankful to have supporters for what I love doing and what I'm passionate about.

Feel free to check out these other artists and recap video of the event! The video was created by VIEWS media, who exceeded my expectations in their video work!

YO:U salon:
www.hairbeingart.com

Evan Brightfield:
www.instagram.com/evan_brightfield

Sara Niezgoda:
www.mikado-design.com
www.instagram.com/mikadojewelry

Kenya

Amanda Carlson January 25, 2017

I was on a journey to become a stranger in a foreign land. Gazing out the plane window, seeing the curve of the earth with the moon and faint stars lighting up the sky. When looking down, small clouds on large plains, with small winding rivers having split second shimmering reflections from the moon gave me my first impression of Africa as a huge, foreign, beautiful place. We (my good friend Sara and I) arrived in Nairobi in the early morning. Driving past Nairobi National Park, Kibera (Africa's largest slum), and the overall environment of the roads and homes around us, I knew there was going to be much learn, and many be experiences during our time there.

The first day there, we were volunteering at a girl's shelter. The shelter was made for these girls to learn, and spend time there to have a safe place from their abusers. They were honestly the brightest young girls, who just needed opportunity for them to really blossom into young women.

When it came to lunch time, all the girls hurried into the kitchen, and came back with what looked like white large beans. One girl offered that I tried some, which I did, and I must say I was not a fan of it. It turns out it was maize, which is corn, but not the kind of corn we eat in America. America has sweet corn, yellow with smaller kernels. Maize is a bit bigger, whiter kernels, and its the same corn that farmers feed their cattle. It was clear that things there were eaten to be full, not for nutrition or pleasure.

Our second day, we took a day tour of Kibera. Kibera is the largest, continuous slum in Africa. There's about 2 million people who call Kibera home. It is a flow of unstructured huts, smiling friendly faces, and home to many people, gangs, disease, and the list goes on. The extreme poverty there leaves residents with a budget of around $1 a day. Unemployment is very common, along with HIV and cases of AIDS, rape, and assault. About 80% of women are raped before they turn 18 years old. Prostitution is common, but seen as a way of life to support your family. If you can't feed your family, and your only way to get food is through prostitution, then its a way to support your family. A majority of people there are living without electricity, running water, medical care, and education. The way it was explained to us, was that Kibera is broken down into three different areas, the high class, middle class, and poverty. None of them would be considered an acceptable way of living in US standards. Being there was like nothing I have experienced before, mud everywhere mixed with garbage, feces, but at the same time it was organized chaos. Everyone had their own home, there were shops that sold clothes, food, snacks, etc. People were smiling and friendly regardless of their living conditions. We got to go inside a family's house, which consisted of a small, maybe 8'x8' with a small bed, chairs--just the essentials. There are 7 people who lived in this home, and this is a common thing, if not bigger families.

One of the highlights of this trip was going to the Masai Mara and going on a safari. It was a butt lifting off the seat bumpy drive to get there, but once we did it was unlike anything we've experienced before. There are over 40 different tribes in Kenya, and the Maasai is one of the biggest ones, which is the tribe we visited.

We were greeted in the Maasai village with a welcoming dance and song that consists of rhythms and harmonies sung by the song leader, and others will add to it. The lifestyle the Maasai take on is a complete 180 from anything else I've experienced. Living with no electricity or running water, in a village of 200 people where all the men come from the same grandfather. Where they use chickens as a form of currency, drink cows blood regularly, and men can have up to 5 wives. A place where the male warriors must kill a lion as proof of manhood, and where male and female endure a painful circumcision and a teenager with a ceremony that will lead them to manhood and womanhood. It was eye opening to understand this lifestyle from bring there and sharing stories with them. The way they use the resources around them and live off the land truly feels ancient, especially in comparison to how advance technology is now. Our Maasai friend, Eric, was telling us their means for transportation is walking everywhere. He would visit some of his family in Tanzania every so often, and was casually explaining the walk there is about 24 hours...of straight walking!

The next day was from dawn to dusk safari. The first thing we saw was a kill-- a hienya killed a cow. At first it was a bit surreal, like literally stepping into a scene from a National Geographic documentary. But once that wore off, I stepped back from the scene in front of me an really took a look around at what was happening, and how it was the circle of life. The hienya killed the cow because it was hungry, and the cow was too weak to get away. Once the hienya was full and stepped away, then all the vultures came in, along with all the other random animals who saw there was new food available. When the hienya came back, all the vultures knew to immediately back off. The respect for the other animals is embedded into their instincts. During our game drive, we got lucky and had an epic safari, which means seeing the "super seven", consisting of the lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, rhino, cheetah, and wild dogs. When leaving the Masai Mara, a feeling of peacefulness swept across me. Watching the sun go down, seeing zebras and gazelle running along one another; seeing the lions with their young and the wildebeests staying in their pack and migrating for miles and miles; the giraffes eating the top braches of the trees while the African elephants walked with their young across the plains. Witnessing these animals coexisting on the same land, without constantly wanting to hurt one another (only when necessary when hungry), was one of the most beautiful sights and feelings I've had the pleasure of witnessing.

Overall, Kenya was one of the most memorable, interesting learning experiences I've been on throughout the travels in my life. If you have any questions about anything, please reach out to me with any questions at all, there is so much I did not touch on and I would love to talk about as well. 10/10, would recommend going and experiencing what Kenya has to offer!