New Hasselblad

Photos © 2011 Ash Adams

Last Christmas, things were lean for the Adams' (I was in grad school, we were living in NYC, etc), and so we were budgeted to a $30 maximum for gifts. (I bought Brian a sweater from Urban Outfitters that he loves and still uses, he bought me several moleskins that I'm still using and loving.) So this year, without letting each other know that we were doing so, we both went big. (It has, after all, been a very big year for us as a couple!) In my opinion, Brian won the spend-off. He bought me one of the most amazing gifts I've ever received: my very own Hasselblad.

It should be noted that before I met Brian, I had about 10 years of photography experience under my belt, including classes throughout high school and college and participation in a couple of shows here and there. But as far as medium format was concerned, I had only ever worked with my Holga (a present from my sister in 2006). So for the past several years during our relationship, I've ventured away from my 35mm ways and have been seeing square images everywhere. In these moments, if I was feeling desperate enough, I'd grab Brian's Hasselblad and take the frame. (If you know Brian, you know that he always carries his Hasselblad, so to steal it even for a second usually gave me pause.) And so, a show I've been working on has been creeping toward completion. So. Slowly.

I say this to reiterate how perfect Brian's gift to me is: to me, it is a an act of supportive encouragement and a gift of freedom. I am now free to shoot as much as I like, whenever I like. And I have been. Oh, I have!

My apologies for the many many photos in this post; Brian and I have just returned from a vacationing week in Florida, so I had plenty of time to shoot it up! Happy holidays, everyone! More Hasselblad photos to come!

Merry Christmas, from Alaska to Florida and Back Again!

Christmas Tree Photos © 2011 Brian Adams
Beach Photo © 2011 Beth Skabar

Merry Christmas from the Southeast, everyone! This week has been a fun one with my family in St. Petersburg, FL, where we've been enjoying loved ones, the sun, and each other. From beaches to sunset walks to late nights with cousins and siblings, it's been a truly memorable and enjoyable experience for both of us. Alaska is a long way from my family, so spending so much time with them over the holidays has been nothing short of amazing, grounding, and reaffirming, especially now that we are counting down the days before our family expands even more. (I consider this to be Elliott's first Christmas, too!)

After our celebrations today and tomorrow here, we will return to our tree in Alaska late tomorrow night/early Monday morning where the festivities will continue in Anchorage with Brian's wonderful family. It's so great to have such a long Christmas holiday! It just keeps going!

Meg Mackey

© 2011 Brian Adams
Brian and I are big fans of Anchorage's music scene, which is more or less a tightly-knit (but loosely-wound) group of really fun, talented people. That said, it's always refreshing when someone new comes on the set, and especially when they join forces with the other musicians we already know and love.

Last weekend, we were pleased to photograph a Ms. Meg Mackey in preparation for the release of her first album next spring, which, if the demos are any indication, is pretty rad. If you like smoky female vocals and heart-throb lyrics, you will swoon for this lady.

Accompanying her are a few local musicians that we already love: James Dommek Jr. of The Whipsaws, Martin Severin of the Jack River Kings, and guitarist and sound-extraordinaire James Glaves.

Rock on, cool cats, and welcome to town, Meg!

On the Road Again, Part I: Bethel, AK

All Photos © Brian and Ash Adams

After making the drive back to Alaska, Brian and I traveled a little bit within the state--to Homer, Fairbanks, and other drivable places--but between pregnancy, working on the film, holidays, other work, and life, we haven't gotten on a plane together since we arrived in August. So we were thrilled to fly to Bethel, Alaska this week to work on an assignment for Stern and photograph for the book. We both love rural Alaska; there's no light or cold quite like it. (And good places and people always equals good work, so stay tuned for Brian's beautiful images!)

AIGA's Newest Board Member Is...

© 2007 Brian Adams

Ash and I wanted to say congratulations to my brother, Roland Adams, for becoming the newest board member of AIGA's Alaska Chapter! Roland is an amazing designer who loves Alaska from the bottom of his heart, so I know he is going to continue to do great things for Anchorage's art and design community. Congrats brother, brother-in-law, and soon-to-be uncle!