Kristen Kidd Photography

Exposing Life As It Develops

Pueblo A Pueblo (PAP) is a celebration of Mexican heritage that occurs April 27 - June 16th throughout Philadelphia.  At this particular event Pueblo De Pueblo joined with Music and Mosaics Concerts at The Philadelphia Magic Gardens. Here I watched ancient meet present as Aztec dancers performed ritual dances, followed by modern lyrical stylings meshed with simplistic drums.  Having some roots in the Hispanic community it was eye opening to see that this is a part of myself and to understand that part a little better.  PAP broadcasts itself as an educational and entertaining experience.  I was not disappointed.  It held a great balance of illustrating the Mexican community origins and present day vibrancy through the lively performances coupled with some explanation of the history.  

All this was enjoyed as I carried a six pack around (the Music and Mosaic Concert series is BYOB) and absorbed the awesome creation that is Isaiah Zagar’s Magic Gardens.  Equally enthralled patrons wandered dazed, drink in hand, studying his master piece.  Amid this hung, on the top to bottom mosaic covered walls, the inspiring photography of Laurence Salzmann.  This coupling of Zagar and Salzmann along with all the performances of Pueblo A Pueblo felt like savoring the chocolates from inside the box itself after that box has been bedazzled to high heaven and if you’re wondering whether or not that’s a good thing - it’s a very good thing.  

I stood outside the doors of the Rotunda, on the steps of the Capital Building and was permitted to go no further.  From where I stood I could hear the chants, cheers, and clamoring yells resound.  The guard told me the Rotunda reached maximum capacity and no one could go any further and added, “This is a highly unusual circumstance.  We never get this many people for a rally”.  

What led me to this moment was the promise made and forcefully broken by Governor Corbett.  In his candidacy he promised a strong commitment to protecting the needs of the government’s most vulnerable citizens; namely those with intellectual disabilities and autism.  Below is what has proceeded to unfold following his election.  This information was taken from a letter to the editor written by Jim McFalls, Executive Director of KenCrest Services (an agency that provides services to individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism.  It has been providing services for over 100 years and was voted Philadelphia’s number one place to work in the Philadelphia Inquirer’s 2012 edition of the Top 100 list.).

“As part of his “reduce the welfare rolls” initiative, the Secretary of DPW has decreed a 6% across-the-board rate cut. His decision ignores the fact that, unlike most people applying for welfare as a temporary safety net, people with ID and autism have lifelong, chronic disabilities and need lifelong services…

At this moment, the difference between what the state is paying and the cost of the services they want KenCrest to provide is $2.3 million…

The state is ultimately responsible for the care and treatment of its citizens with ID and autism. If the state will not pay private provider agencies for the actual cost of these services, then the people being served will have to go back to the state, who will have to figure out a way to provide these services themselves. The fear is that the state will place these people back in institutions, a direct path to lawsuits. It is also true that it costs the state approximately twice as much to provide these services in one of their institutions as it costs agencies like KenCrest in the community.”

On Wednesday a rally was assembled by several providers, amassing hundreds of employees, clients who receive services and their families.  They came in numbers, wielding signs they made to express their disappointment, frustration and anger.  They raised their voices in protest and hoped to be heard.

To Philadelphia, With Love (Photo 1): I know New York does it bigger and better.  Portland does it cleaner and hipper.  Yet, there’s something very real about Philly.  She’s that girl that doesn’t get gussied up for the party, because there’s nothing to prove.  She knows her short coming.  She knows her beauty.  There’s no need to try to be anything more or less, because, damn it, it’s good enough and better isn’t going to be done with lipstick and rouge.   So, I submit to you:  Photo one, in a developing series about all the things I love about this city.  Street performers make their mark here.  They stand in sanctioned “performance areas” in Market East station.  I’ve seen a preteen play Bach on the violin, any number of would be’s, wanna be’s and will be’s, and I’ve seen this guy, with a tray, shelved in plastic, turn out a chain or rhymes with the stunning appeal of a diamond bracelet on Jeweler’s Row.  The kids, arrested by the fact that anything can be made into music and someone can capture a crowd, can cause a good scene - they hang on his every word and beat.  

To Philadelphia, With Love (Photo 1):

I know New York does it bigger and better.  Portland does it cleaner and hipper.  Yet, there’s something very real about Philly.  She’s that girl that doesn’t get gussied up for the party, because there’s nothing to prove.  She knows her short coming.  She knows her beauty.  There’s no need to try to be anything more or less, because, damn it, it’s good enough and better isn’t going to be done with lipstick and rouge.  

So, I submit to you:  Photo one, in a developing series about all the things I love about this city.  Street performers make their mark here.  They stand in sanctioned “performance areas” in Market East station.  I’ve seen a preteen play Bach on the violin, any number of would be’s, wanna be’s and will be’s, and I’ve seen this guy, with a tray, shelved in plastic, turn out a chain or rhymes with the stunning appeal of a diamond bracelet on Jeweler’s Row.  The kids, arrested by the fact that anything can be made into music and someone can capture a crowd, can cause a good scene - they hang on his every word and beat.  

As a wedding photographer I have the job of beautifully illustrating the events of one of the most important days in a couple’s life.  This is a great joy for me.  However, every now and again, I am a guest and that responsibility is lifted from me.  

It’s not easy to leave the tools of one’s trade in the tool box though.  In these instances I’m given another unique opportunity; to tell the story of all that unfolds before the walk down the isle.  Ordinarily, as a wedding photographer, I show up just as the bride is about to put on her dress and say I do.  At Mauro and Marla’s wedding I had a front row seat for all the sweat, laughter, anticipation and exhaustion of a DIY nuptial.  

In this position, as a mere spectator, the focus becomes, simply, that moment and not achieving the most beautiful shot or best angle.  It is, in fact, I am where I am and I see what I see.  That in itself lends to interesting moments that cannot be a priority when your job is find the most poignant shot of every second.  

Above are some of my favorite “side moments”.  Click on the top image and you’ll be able to see a larger version and click through the rest.  If you want to see more, click here for a link to a photo set with all the images from the wedding.

Montgomery County Pa doesn’t have too many wineries, but what they lack in quantity they make up for in quality.  For instance, the Country Creek Winery in Telford boasts a handful of no frills, but well done wines.  The atmosphere is light hearted and down to earth.  Chickens walk about (Drive slowly or you’ll have a new hood ornament.).  A Creek runs by.  A Vietnam Helicopter is docked on a flat bed outside (Why the hell not?  Actually, there is a reason. Friends of the owner take it to the local schools and talk about history with the students.)  It’s all a sight to behold and a taste to take in.  

I’ll certainly be back in the near future as they frequently book musical performers in the spring and summer as well as offer dinner from a local restaurant.  I highly recommend stopping by when you find yourself in the area.  

(Click on top photo to enlarge image and view clickable slideshow.)

It’s Peeps time again!

tumblrbot asked: WHERE WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO VISIT ON YOUR PLANET?

Peru.

Monster truck rallies should be experienced at least once in one’s life and preferably with tire shaped earmuffs.