Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Women We Love: Andrea Hubbell

Andrea Hubbell always wanted to be a professional photographer, but pursued architecture in college because she “never thought I could actually make a living at it.” She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Florida and her Master’s of Architecture from the University of Virginia.

She loved her education “until I realized that working as an architect is not the same as being an architecture student,” she says. “You’re creative for a very small amount of your time, and the rest of your working life is spent on tasks I really wasn’t fond of.”

That was the moment she decided to take her love of photography and turn it into a business—launching Andrea Hubbell Photography.

“After a few years of feeling unsatisfied, I finally realized that a change needed to be made and that this was the best possible time for me to go out on a limb and start my photography company…before we had kids and life got even more complicated,” Hubbell says. “Luckily I had the full support of my husband, Brian, to give me the courage and strength needed to take such a risk. I’ve never looked back ... it was the best decision we’ve ever made.”

She loves that each day is different. “Some days I am out in the field photographing a fabulous interior for an architect, others I am home in my kitchen preparing and styling a recipe for Bella Eats, or an editorial,” she says. “I have the opportunity to meet and photograph weddings for really fun and interesting couples. I’ve been sent to a farm to photograph ducks and to West Virginia to photograph a renovated inn. The days that I am behind my camera are my favorites, but I also enjoy a quiet day of editing, which is how at least 50 percent of my time is spent.”

For the first year of her business, Hubbell worked from her home. It was sometimes difficult to turn off the computer, put down the work and spend time with her husband and her dogs, Hank and Lucy, and cat, Mia.

“This year I am going to be renting office space and I am so excited to have more separation between home and work,” Hubbell says. “I think that having an office separate from my home will help [her find balance] a great deal [more]. That and managing my time more efficiently so that I really do have space for working out, cooking with my husband and hiking with my pups … three activities I’m prioritizing in 2012.”

Her most rewarding professional experience is telling the stories of subjects that cannot speak. “Capturing the essence of a place or the taste of a dish in still photographs is challenging,“ she says. “Some of my favorite interior shoots have been spaces that, at first glance, don’t seem that special or are a completely different aesthetic from my own. But with time spent inhabiting that place little details about the lives lived there pop out and scream to be captured and it is those smaller elements that begin to tell the story. The most rewarding compliments I’ve received are from viewers who tell me they felt as if they were there, or could sink a fork into a dish on their computer screen.“

Hubbell says the best advice she heard—and probably from nearly everyone in her life—is to just say no. “Learning to say no to photography projects that aren’t the right fit was hard, especially in the beginning when I wanted to take everything that came across my plate so that I could pay the bills,” she says. “But, saying no to the wrong projects leaves space and energy available for the right projects that will follow.”

Hubbell offers the following advice for any woman thinking of entering photography: “Practice.”

“There isn’t a magic trick or camera out there that photographers are keeping secret from you, I promise! It has taken years for my photographs to look like they do, and they are constantly evolving. Keep looking, questioning, and shooting…it is the only way to develop your eye and your point of view.“

7 Things You Might Not Know About Andrea Hubbell …

1. Who is your favorite author and why? J.K. Rowling. And not just because I love the “Harry Potter” books, but because I am incredible inspired by her story and what she has created. She dreamed up an entire other world with such detail and craft … I would love to have a mind like hers.

2.  What is your favorite thing about Charlottesville? The food! This community is so supportive of local farmers and chefs. There are so many food stories out there just waiting to be told.

3.  What is your favorite hobby/pastime? I love to read. I am so excited by a long day of travel by plane or car, because I know I will have hours of uninterrupted time to immerse myself in a story.

4.  What is one of your hidden talents/skills? I make a mean grilled ham and cheese sandwich.

5.  What is your guilty pleasure? I love Cheez-its. There, I said it.

6.  Where did you grow up? Titusville, Fla. The Space Coast.

7.  What is the greatest invention of your lifetime and why? The iPhone. It has changed the way we live and work. It has put the latest news at our fingertips. It has made it possible for a grandmother in Florida to see her granddaughter in Virginia daily. We never knew we needed it, but would be lost now without it.

You can see more of Hubbells work on her photography blog at http://www.andreahubbell.com/blog.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

4 Under 40 Awards Ceremony 2012

Visit our YouTube channel to see the winners of the second annual 4 Under 40 Awards Ceremony if you weren’t able to attend Quadruplicity this year (or even if you did)! Nominations will open later this fall for our third 4 Under 40 Awards!

Monday, February 13, 2012

Culpeper Bridal Show

Several hundred prospective brides, grooms and mothers-in-law visited Germanna Community College in Culpeper for the annual Culpeper Bridal Show, cosponsored by the Culpeper Star-Exponent and Charlottesville Woman magazine. Featured were photographers, caterers, florists, jewelers and more. I brought my daughter so she could take some photos and have some fun, too. The culminated with a bridal fashion show. Here are some of her photos from the event. For even more information, visit the magazine’s site.

—all photos taken by Juliet Karnes

Monday, February 13, 2012

Simple Life: Homemade Deodorant

Editor’s Note: The Simple Life column runs the second Monday of the month

By Lisa Jones

The ingredients on most beauty products would hardly qualify for “simple” status.

To exactly what degree various chemicals get absorbed into the skin is fodder for much feverish Internet debate but I don’t like the idea that anything as ugly sounding as “isodecyl neopentanoate” gets into my bloodstream.

Of particular concern to me is the aluminum found in traditional deodorants/antiperspirants. I tried going without deodorant at all and while most of the time that was fine, sometimes a girl wants a little stench fighter. When my husband mentioned I smelled “earthy” I realized it was time to look for an alternative.

If you are not familiar with coconut oil, you are in for a treat; is it fantastic for everything from dry hair to stir-fry. It is edible, silky smooth and smells like vacation.

Add baking soda (it absorbs odor in the fridge, why not in your armpits?) and corn starch (for some wetness protection) to the glorious coconut oil and you’ve got a deodorant you could eat if you had no textural aversion to something that is both gritty and creamy.

Here are the concoction ratios:
1/4 cup of corn starch
1/4 cup of baking soda
5-6 tablespoons of coconut oil

I prefer extra virgin unrefined coconut oil because it retains a bunch of the goodies—including the yummy coconut smell—that are processed out otherwise. Refined coconut oil is practically scent-free, if you’re not going for that eau de Honolulu.

Mix all ingredients together, warming the oil in the microwave for a few seconds if it has solidified. If you want a specific scent, add a couple drops of your favorite essential oil and store the mixture in a small mason jar. Apply a pea sized amount to your pits.

The one difference from traditional products is that although this does contain corn starch, there will still be some wetness. This is not an antiperspirant so you are still going to sweat but the smell is completely managed. For me, is a fine trade off for something that is chemical free. I am a-OK with my body cooling itself in the manner intended, I would just rather not stink the place out in the process.

It also holds up like a trooper through my Bikram yoga class (that’s the one in a 105-degree room) so you can go ahead and consider me an expert in this one, very specific and very random area.

Lisa Jones is a freelance writer and a yoga fanatic with a serious travel addiction. You can find more from Lisa at her blog Just here. Just now.

Friday, February 10, 2012

Midlife Athlete: Basic Running Gear

Editor’s Note: Midlife Athlete will publish on the second Friday of every month

By Jennifer McDonald

Last month, I talked about a basic running plan that will help get you started. As a runner, you’re going to need a few very important pieces of gear, so here’s a list to get you started:

• Good sneakers—Don’t cheap out on your footwear and definitely don’t buy shoes just because they’re cute. Go to Ragged Mountain Running Shop (RMRS) or Charlottesville Running Company (CRC) and ask the folks there to help you find the sneakers that are right for you.

• A good running bra—Regardless of your size, your girls need to be properly supported. Locally, RMS and CRC have good ones. For larger sizes, try Title Nine (up to a DD cup), Moving Comfort (up to an E cup), and Her Room (for larger cups). Get bras that are made for high-impact sports because you need as much as you can get. For even more information about running bras, visit my recent blog posting.

• Running socks—You need socks that are made of synthetic fibers, NOT cotton because you will get blisters from cotton socks. I prefer SmartWool socks and have had zero blisters since I started wearing them.

Those are the must-haves. Here are some things that aren’t as vital, but still quite helpful:

• Running clothes—Sure, you could run in your old sweatpants and T-shirts, but I can assure you that you’ll be much more comfortable if you wear athletic clothes made from technical fabric. Cotton is NOT your friend―it chafes horribly, especially when wet from sweat. You can get gear from the running shops, as well as Target, Dick’s and even Old Navy.

• A running watch—I wear a Garmin that measures my time, distance and speed, but those aren’t necessary. You can just as easily track your time on a cheap digital watch or your phone.

• Music—I prefer to run with music, because it helps me stay focused and on pace. I have a little iPod shuffle that’s lightweight and I bought athletic earbuds that wrap around my ears and stay in place.

• BodyGlide—Most runners experience some chafing, so BodyGlide is how you deal with it. The difference is huge and will improve your running experience. Available at local running shops.

When you’re feeling self-conscious about your weight, you might be tempted to wear extra-large workout clothes to hide your body. Don’t. All that fabric will flap around and get in your way. Go for a slightly snugger fit—you’ll be able to move unfettered.

I wear black running leggings with a skirt on top for modesty. My favorites are by Sweet Spot Skirts because the skirts wrap around, so as I’ve lost weight, I’ve simply tightened up the snaps a bit and haven’t had to buy smaller sizes. Plus, not only are they super cute, they’re also reversible, so it’s like you’re getting two skirts in one.

So those are the basics on running gear. Next month, I’ll talk a bit about where to run —treadmills, the track and outside—and about the differences among the three.

If you have any questions for me, feel free to leave a comment here or go to my website to find my contact information.

Disclaimer: I am not employed by any of the companies mentioned, nor was I asked to review their products.

Jennifer McDonald is a freelance writer and running enthusiast. You can find more from Jennifer at her blog Jen On The Edge and Jennifer McDonald writes.

Page 1 of 45 pages  1 2 3 >  Last »