aleks gajdeczka is a documentary photographer, a protector of childhood, a lover of nature, a drinker of whiskey, and a fun (but rather impulsive) person.
based in southwest colorado :: moonlights in austin, texas :: available anywhere.
Early one Sunday morning in June, I arrived at a Megan's house for our 12-hour Day in the Life photo session, and was greeted at the door by her radiant, shining smile and her three gorgeous children. Two of whom were holding guinea pigs. I knew it was going to be a good day.
Read MoreWhat began as a challenge to myself morphed into an incredible journal of would-be forgotten moments that instead are lingered upon (already! after only a few short months!) and cherished.
Read MoreImmediately, I was swept into the rhythm of their afternoon. C and I chatted while she held the baby in her arms, and before we knew it, the big kids were tearing through the house, home from the pool and bouncing off the walls -- literally.
Read MoreBut more than that, the experience most of all got me thinking . . . Why do we get uneasy upon seeing a naked baby's body?Do we find it dirty in some way? Shameful? Or worse... sexual? What message are we sending the next generation by perpetuating this concept?
Read More
There's nothing quite like summer in Austin, Texas. When you find some cool water and a mosquito-free breeze, it feels like winning the lottery.
I grew up in suburban DC, and nearly all of my fond childhood memories took place in the summertime. Eating popsicles on the curb with my neighborhood buddies. Learning to dive at the pool. Doing cartwheels through the sprinkler. Watching Baywatch all afternoon in my parents' dark, comfy basement.
And yet, I have so, so few photographs to bring me back to those long, happy days. But history doesn't have to repeat itself, right? My children will not have this problem when they page through the large, beautiful books I put together for them.
And I want nothing more than for YOU to have beautiful, vivid, storytelling photographs of YOUR favorite summer traditions.
Toward this end, I'm offering a fantastic contest on my facebook page. Here's the deal:
I'm giving away one FREE “school’s out” documentary photo session, which includes up to 60 minutes of documentary coverage of your favorite summer tradition, an online viewing album featuring a minimum of 20 hand-edited images, and a $100 gift certificate redeemable toward prints or digital files.
Awesome, right?
Here are the terms & conditions:
1. Offer good for a summer session covering the tradition you describe in your comment on the facebook post.
2. Session must be held within 20 miles of 78704, or is subject to a $1 per mile travel fee.
3. Session must be held on a weekday between July 17 and August 5.
4. Winner must be willing to sign a model release.
5. Winner will be chosen on Saturday, July 15.
See below for how to enter!
How to enter:
1. Like the giveaway post on Facebook (LINK)
2. Comment with your favorite local summertime tradition that you would love to have documented through photos
3. Tag a friend
4. Like Aleks Gajdeczka | Photographer on Facebook
5. For an extra entry, share the Facebook post
I will HAND PICK five favorite entries, and randomly select a winner from those five. YOUR COMMENT COUNTS!
Good Luck!
More on Family Storytelling Sessions here.
Is there anything more breathtaking and humbling than a newborn baby?
I met Charlie when she was a mere one day old, and already the world's best baby. This little nugget apparently doesn't cry at all, and she couldn't be any cuter.
But Charlie isn't the only small wonder that her parents are in charge of -- she's the tiny baby sister to great-big-one-and-a-half-year-old Violet.
I was lucky to be invited for a special Fresh 48 session, to document the first meeting between baby Charlie and big sister Violet -- the emotional pinnacle of mothering -- and it was divine. Violet, despite her tiny size and early toddlerhood, showed nurturing, tender instincts right away. Sweet mama Lisa was beside herself with joy and every other postpartum emotion that makes this period so beautiful and draining all at once.
Welcome to this world, Charlie. We're so glad you're here.
For more on Fresh 48 sessions, contact me here.
