Photography by Sarah Jurado

Twin Peaks

Sarah Jurado — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 10:20:29 +0000

The inspiration of Twin Peaks is HUGE, especially here in the PNW. I’m certainly not bringing anything new to the realm, not anything that a million tourists haven’t snapped. But that sweet [and bizarre] cafe + delicious cherry pie bring me great joy, and there’s nothing I love like sharing my favorite things. Here’s a glimpse of our impromptu drive out to North Bend today. I’ve got two shoots planned in the next month out that way, so expect more to come!

Devout fans who want to re-live the glory can watch Twin Peaks at CAIRO every Wednesday. No joke, flannel + items with shoulder pads are 15% those days. AMAZING.

And, just to bring it all full circle, CAIRO is hosting Hoquiam’s vinyl release party today [Friday, March 5th] along with our buddies Generifus and Mongrel Blood [Cameron Elliott + Spencer Moody!!]. Doors around 7. Grab some donuts at Top Pot and come hang out.

SEA to PDX

Sarah Jurado — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 01:04:00 +0000

What an incredible weekend. From Damien’s sold out show with the Robinsons + Jen Wood on Friday to a Sunday remembering Vic Chesnutt, there was music + food + joy + dear friends throughout. I could only capture so much of it, given the whirlwind that it was. Here’s a few bits from soundcheck at Portland’s Mississippi Studios to the heartbreaking evening at the Tractor last night.

February was so good to me, I can’t wait to meet March.

INSPIRATION. [to the max.]

Sarah Jurado — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 07:37:51 +0000

Some days are glorious because you expect them to be. A wedding, a birth, a promotion, a big event. Then there are the do-nothing days that sucker punch you with their goodness. Today was not shaping up to be a stellar day. Too many errands, random knee pain making me question my “I’m 30 yet still invincible” take on life, impatient, and possibly ready to chuck ‘creative suite’ out a window.

Then I got an email from my sister - an interview for school on being an artist. It is still a gift to me that I get to make art for a living, and to have her choose me as someone worthy of talking to [sibling or no!] was an honor. As I sat down + answered her questions, I reflected on why I first picked up a camera. At the time, I knew - LITERALLY - nothing about the technical side, but I was just so in love with the music community around me I HAD TO capture it. Cait’s interview timing was perfect. Rather than continuing to feel ‘less than’ [see: morning mental status] I could instead be stoked on how many amazing moments I’ve been a part of in the past few years.

A few hours after that boost, I got one of those calls that make freelancing so worthwhile - a middle of the night, deadline tomorrow, ‘can you go shoot this band’ moment. Yes! I can! In fact, I love to. I take photos of a lot of different things now; I am so lucky that that’s the case. But music photography will always be my touchstone + my catalyst. It has created a whole new life for me.

My interview with Caitlin, and a few imperfect but beautiful + treasured moments, below.

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ONE. I know you take a lot of photos of both live music and of wedding/families… is there a common objective theme that connects these, or are they your focus because they are two passions of yours?

Photography began, for me, out of wanting to capture the shows + parties I was attending. It was a love of music that ended up exploding into this whole new way to view the world and tell a story. I just wanted a keepsake for myself in the beginning, but as I progressed I fell in love with sharing those visions, with helping others covet + keep their best moments. This is absolutely as true for a bride as it is for a band.

TWO. What have your experiences photographing these cultural events been like (emotionally, physically)? how have these experiences differed in different locales? (Here, I am mostly referring to the music photography.)

Live music photography is an interesting animal. I’ll go out on a limb and say almost everyone [ok, everyone I know] who is a music photographer is also a fan. So there you are, front row for something you love, but you’re no longer just present or just listening to the songs. You’re metering, you’re framing, you’re cursing the tall dude who keeps creeping in front of you. You end up walking away with [let's hope!] some gorgeous moments permanently captured, but are you ultimately compromising the thing you loved in the first place? Are you losing that power of emotion?

Physically I lose a lot of sense of self while I’m taking photos. I feel like I’m an extension of my camera, not the other way around. That said, I sometimes reach too far or crouch too awkwardly, and have on at least one occasion been hit in the side by a cohort in the photo pit.

For the record, even as I question whether photographing a show makes you be less present for the songs, I have to acknowledge that I can hardly stand to see a show without my camera now. It makes me picture all the things I would’ve captured, if I’d only had it there.

THREE. What drives you to take photographs, as opposed to creating art by some other medium?

My photos are about wanting to share my story, or tell someone else’s as I see it. If I could paint, oh man, would I love to paint. If I could sing? Same thing. But I can’t. As it turns out, what I CAN do is take a photo. Even that skill… well, I didn’t explore or recognize it until I was in my late 20’s. I felt like art was something you had to have permission to create. I didn’t feel like I would be ‘enough’ to deem myself a photographer. Sometimes I’m really bummed at my younger self, that I limited myself for so long. Mostly I’m just grateful that I know my previous limitations were bullshit, and love every minute of it now.

Am I allowed to say bullshit?

FOUR. How does your photography reflect your own personality — how do you put yourself into your photos?

I actually try to stay out of my own photos. I don’t do a lot of ornate setups or costuming, at least not for 99% of what I’m shooting right now. I like a very photojournalistic approach - telling the story that’s already there, but just as I see it. I guess my narrative and my perception then enters in, but hopefully the person in front of the lens is the one driving it.

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Photo date: Vashon

Sarah Jurado — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 21:27:48 +0000

Someday I’ll retreat from Seattle proper to a little nook on Vashon. Until then, I’ll take day trips to sustain me.

Yesterday’s photo party with Dianna; film to come at a later date.

Refresh.

Sarah Jurado — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 23:37:25 +0000

A week ago today, I turned 30. If I’d had any concerns about approaching this landmark age, the past 7 days have swept them away. I’ve had a lot of fun, a lot of time with close friends + family, some terribly indulgent delicious food, and best of all, a host of new projects and clients. I’ve been playing around with old toy cameras and my new Fuji instax, shooting super wide, shooting shows, shooting friends, capturing little details. If this week is a reflection of the new decade I have ahead, then goodbye sweet twenties! You were a lot of fun, but this is dreams-come-true time.

Lately I’ve been sharing a lot of my inspiration + casual documentation on tumblr and posting images on flickr. A lot of the stories, songs, and sweet faces that have shaped February can be found on both. It’s been refreshing to give myself no rules on what I post, to have fun, to take a literal ton of photos without being too cerebral.

A glimpse of the results…

And, to top it off, a sweet new image of me + my party lens, by the magical Patrick Wright.

Thirty! You rule.

New Guard IV; one of the best nights I’ve ever had

Sarah Jurado — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 07:30:54 +0000

That’s a mouthful of a post title, I know. But last night was like my own little miracle. Full to the brim with lessons in the value of community, family, determination, hard work, laughter, and star anise cake.

Our New Guard dinners are still an unexpected gift to me. From a humble lunch date with Whitney, I never knew how far this project would go. It has won awards, been attended by a seriously intimidating list of talented humans, and been talked about by some of my favorite tastemakers in town. I don’t know what I expected - lovely evenings, for sure - but nothing so heartwarming and fulfilling.

Sunday I was in the middle of a shoot when I got word that Whitney was in the hospital, and wouldn’t be there for our fourth dinner. This is, basically, a deal-breaker. Whitney constantly takes on the lion’s share of the work, knows every detail about how the event comes together. I spoke for Joey + myself when I said that Whit is our conjurer, we just get to be an extension of the magic. Lo and behold, her mother [the esteemed Kim Ricketts, a force of nature herself] and her best friend/collaborator Maggie Savarino came and saved the day. Along with an army of help they recruited - Mari, Carrie, Mike, Hannah, countless more - they summoned every necessary detail from thin air. It helped that the event was held at Sole Repair, staffed by Grace Hoffman + her incredibly wonderful team. [Shout out to Hannah my sweet multitasking bartender extraordinaire!]

New Guard’s success last night speaks to the amount of people who love Whitney, who love this community of artists and chefs and musicians and madmen. I’m humbled to be a part of it, and I loved every minute I spent running around in my apron. It was the hardest I’ve worked in a long time, and at the end you could still find me dancing + giddy with my best friend. To the people I got the chance to chat with - Joe, Michael, Dan, Wynn, Katie, Amy, Laurie, Beth, Missy, Chad, Nikole, Tilson, my other Beth, Jen, Bethany, my Sportn’ Life family DeVon + Jen, so many more - I adore you. To those I didn’t get to chat with - I wish there were more hours in the night. I adore you all! And to my dearest Damien… I love that you stand by my side, even when that means hiding in a cozy booth with the band.

In addition to the many shout outs above, I want to share my deep appreciation for the evening’s talent, the reason we all gather to celebrate. Art by Jason Hirata, food by Joshua Henderson + Skillet, music by Kay Kay and His Weathered Underground. To even begin to talk about the wonder these people created would be a thousand words unto itself; and this is supposed to be about the photos. The fact that you worked so hard to print, hang, prep, cook, sing, perform, and all around awe everyone in attendance… that is why we all do this.

To Joey and Whitney… i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)

Wait until you see what we have planned for February…

Wish fulfillment

Sarah Jurado — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 02:11:33 +0000

January is proving to be quite kind. Friday night Hoquiam performed at the Old Firehouse in Redmond, the birthplace of many a band. And many a music lover, community activist, and well rounded human for those who spent their teenage years there. Whitney Ballen celebrated the release of her latest cassette tape, and hung a tent INSIDE the venue for the show. In the sweet glow of Christmas lights, six bands performed, and all proved the kids are alright.

Back at home, there have been friends dropping by to visit, lit candles, baked cakes. Lots of listening to Dolorean. Lots of joy.

Hope everyone’s January is equally magical. I’ll be sharing some sweet news soon about special Valentine’s treats for February!

Contrast

Sarah Jurado — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 21:46:29 +0000

Last week City Arts magazine hosted a show at the Triple Door. With an usual format + a killer lineup, we were honored to have Damien be invited to join. Plus, the Triple Door? Never pass up a chance to spend time there. Never pass up their Triple Split with local gelato for that matter either.

Rather than a typical format, City Arts’ “Song Show” has artists perform 4-5 songs with a live interview in between. The results were touching, hilarious, personal, and beautiful. In addition to Damien, our friends Jesse Sykes + Tomo Nakamara performed, and new friend Macklemore. I wanted to share my images of Jesse backstage + Macklemore onstage, a complimentary vision of two diverse performers on a night that showed the wide range of talent in Seattle.

Thank you to Mark for a wonderful interview + a gorgeous evening, and to all the friends + family who came out. You were there for us, not for the creme brule… right?

In all forms

Sarah Jurado — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 05:48:56 +0000

Home has so many meanings now. On tour, ‘home’ is whatever hotel we have that evening. When in Seattle any number of addresses qualify. Mainly it means where ever I find Damien, and where we find our family + friends.

We started 2010 with some of our favorite humans - New Year’s Day with our dear Dianna, then headed down to see the Swifts. We spent a few days watching Richard and Lance make some record cover, photo-ey magic for Damien’s upcoming album. And, of course, when we’re with those people, it does feel like home.

And, nothing could say home more than cuddling with a sweet new human. Thanks for hanging out, Esme.

Adrienne + Ryan

Sarah Jurado — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 10:54:54 +0000

My sweetest AJ. Where to begin? The girl is fun-loving, brilliant, impeccably dressed, and shockingly attractive. When she moved home to Seattle with her [then boyfriend, now fiance] Ryan, I knew she’d found the perfect match. He’s all of the above - possibly even more fun to run around town with than AJ, too, which I didn’t think was humanly possible. But the best thing about Ryan is the way he looks at her, with absolute love in his eyes.

And how could he not? She’s clearly a fox, and one of those rare people who do - no, I mean literally, truly - light up a room. This summer we’ll celebrate their love at a sunny San Diego wedding. Until then we have cozy winter engagement photos - a rainy beach day, a grey ferry boat ride, a greenhouse full of poinsettias.

Thank you my dears for an afternoon of laughter + exploring Seattle. A special thank you for the croissant french toast at Monkey Tree on Vashon. Hot damn.