Athena as a Photographer

Roller Derby :: 2012 Calendar :: February

2012-02-01T21:43:00.000-07:00

Hellgate Rollergirls Hemogoblin & Booya Bootay

HEART

2012-01-24T15:32:00.000-07:00

More from the Community Medical Center project

I've been sorting through photos from the fall

2012-01-21T17:49:00.001-07:00

...as I watch the snow outside my window.

Roller Derby :: Happy January 2012

2012-01-01T10:37:00.001-07:00

Hellgate Rollergirl

Roller Derby 2012 Calendar

with Joan Jolt & Juggshermaut

Discovery Ski Area

2011-12-28T10:19:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for me this winter you might find me here....Discovery Ski Area!!

A photo filled Christmas at the Southgate Mall

2011-12-20T19:00:00.000-07:00

I don't know what holiday you celebrate, but the mall celebrates Christmas!

MOM

2011-12-16T11:00:00.000-07:00

More from the Community Medical Center project

happy december

2011-12-01T08:12:00.001-07:00

Bitty Bitch and Kitty Bellicose

More :: Photos :: Portland :: Roller Derby Regionals

2011-11-29T08:14:00.000-07:00

I'm headed to Canada for the first Roller Derby World Cup! I've got my bags packed, my renewed passport came in last minute, my very expensive plane ticket is on my credit card and I have a mind full of Green Lantern energy! I will be seeing some of the girls below (shot at West Regionals in Portland last month) in Toronto and on Team USA. There will be 13 countries participating in the Blood & Thunder World Cup event.

The best flat track derby girls in the world! Yeah, I'm very excited to be going. If you know me, even just a little, you know that I love strong determined women. What will I'll come away with after being in a room full of them for four days?

belle RIGHT Hooks #1619 on the bench with her fellow Golden Girls

Deridre "Boo Boo Radley" Sage #5 for the Denver Dolls

Jet City Hug

Rose City cheers

Scald Eagle #50 for the Rose City Rollers

Ivy Profane #500 for the B.ay A.rea D.erby Girls

Urrk'n Jerk'n #00 for the Rocky Mountain Rollergirls

Black Star Heroine #63mg

2012 Hellgate Rollergirl Calendar :: Photos :: Outtakes :: Fun

2011-11-21T13:20:00.001-07:00

2012 Hellgate Rollergirl Calendar is coming out December 2nd! The calendar signing launch will be at the Green Light (301 Higgins Ave) from 5-8pm, First Friday Hours.
There will be two calendars, an 'Action' calendar (8.5x11 folded) including images of Hellgate Rollergirl derby bouts over the year and a 'Studio' calendar (11x17 flat) including images of the Hellgate Rollergirl team ladies glammed up in horrific, sexy or hilarious moments in the studio.

Q: Where can you purchase them?

A: Local Missoula businesses, HGRG bouts, Dec. First Friday maybe others, or email HGRG's and order.
***If you are thinking holiday gifts don't wait for the bouts to buy them, they're not scheduled until after the new year and, hell, the calendars could be gone by then.

Q: What do they cost?

A: Action $10 and Studio Shoot $15

Q: Where does the money go?

A: 100% goes to the Hellgate Rollergirls to pay for their housing (the warehouse), hosting (bouts and parties), extra panties (the thing with the star, that the jammer wears, silly) and hopefully some travel for out of state bouts!!!

I can't wait for you to see the calendar!!!

WORK HEALS

2011-11-14T11:30:00.000-07:00

Great, new, very rewarding work for Montana State Fund via Partners Creative. Here are a few of the shots they used for their new campaign.

If I can't shoot Jenny with her amazing hair hold a motoX helmet I want to be shooting this....I love this stuff!!

Roller Derby :: Nationals is going on this weekend

2011-11-11T17:41:00.001-07:00

I'm not in Denver (sadly) but some of these girls are. I got a chance to see the best of the best fight it out for spots to Nationals last month in Portland. Tonight I was thinking about them and wanted to post a couple of photos before the weekend of WFTDA TV watching and the fight for the number one starts....Oly Oly Oly...Oi Oi ;) heheee

Atomatix #03 for the Oly Rollers

DeRanged #27 for Rocky Mountain Rollergirls

Rocky Mountain Rollers closing in

Julie "Angela Death" Adams #19

Rose City Rollers winning hug

CONQUEROR

2011-11-02T08:20:00.000-06:00

More from the Community Medical Center project

happy november

2011-11-01T08:10:00.001-06:00

HOTT MESS

Halloween :: a moment that remind me of Edgar Allen Poe

2011-10-31T14:21:00.000-06:00

SURVIVOR

2011-10-23T23:25:00.001-06:00

NEW WORK :: Community Medical Center and I have matched up again. Here is the first of our three part series that is part of a six part series that's part of some more series...yes, we love working together. This is a very rewarding project for me. I've met wonderful people along the way and was able to take some images that I'm very proud of. I want to thank everyone that was involved from the small meetings to the big back & forth of the creative process, and especially the model for opening up herself and letting us into her space.

I was able to do a time-lapse capture of the "down with the old & up with the new" - thanks Nick :)

happy october

2011-10-01T07:54:00.001-06:00

Full Nelson

Athena Photography popping up at the mall :: Southgate Mall

2011-09-18T09:06:00.003-06:00

I've been known to mix my still photography with some motion...you might say, I'm finding my creative path with video. Where does moving pictures belong in Athena Photography? Well, my answer to that right now is through small short clips edited together to make energetic and authentic pieces of motion fun. I like to be low profile, low fuss and full of real life.
An agency here in Missoula, Partners Creative, came to me with a job, some direction, goals, and requests for some photo/video action for the Southgate Mall campaign. After mixing my day with photos, time-lapse, and video clips I handed over the footage for Partners to edit and voila here it is!

1 iPad 2 and an iPod classic - Dad purchase with daughter help

1 iPad 2 for Kevin - biggest gift given by Athena to a boy...ever!

1 thought of getting an iPad for myself

3 bras (black, neutral, and a fashion pink/purple one)

1 Orange Julious

3 Cafe Dolce meals

2 pairs of sunglasses that will work for late night cruising in the Ural motorcycle

1 Fan for my rental in the Wilma

1 step stool for those times when I need an extra foot over my model

3 more meals at Cafe Dolce

2 pairs of black polish-able work shoes for Kevin

1 hairdo with Anna

1 pair of black work pants

2 scoops of gelato at Cafe Dolce

...all the things I have been to the Southgate Mall for since this job....haahaa...all that advertising really worked on me :)

I'm being Auctioned off :: Photo Session :: Missoula Art Museum

2011-09-15T11:55:00.000-06:00

me-- joyful, creative, spontaneous looking for the curious, timeless, confident, and uninhibited. What do you love-- your long hair, your big belly, your father or daughter, your off road truck? I love my ambition, attraction to contrast, pops of color, old items, avocados, and photographing on location. I hope to meet you over a healthy donation followed by collaborative drinks. Find me at MAM on September 15th for a closer look ;)

A portrait session by Athena photography will be auctioned off tonight at the Missoula Art Museum for their Artini Fundraiser called Facetime! I'm very honored to be selected and to be a part of this event. I'm loving that community feel, community support and community love!

Missoula :: River City Roots Festival

2011-09-09T09:26:00.000-06:00

See you next year at the River City Roots Festival!!!

happy september

2011-09-01T08:02:00.006-06:00

Tricksie Fiend

Photos of a HoTT MeSS

2011-08-29T08:30:00.001-06:00

8 wheels
1 skate tool
3 first aid kits
1 pair of socks
1 pair of laces
16 bearings
2 stoppers
1 pack of smokes
1 can of PBR (Pabst Blue Ribbon)

Combined the wheels, skate tool, stoppers, laces and bearings together then add socks. Separately prepare smokes and PBR to taste. Mix all into a HOTT MESS and skate hard, use first aid kit as needed.

Blonde an' Bitchen education at D-Bomb school

2011-08-19T08:40:00.022-06:00

I smashed myself between, Aspen, the dog and Booya's bag of blue corn chips as the borrowed van pulled away from the Hellgate Rollergirl's "inferno" warehouse. The van headed west with me, the dog, their coach, and five excited rollergirls to derby clinic in Spokane, Washington.

Blonde an' Bitchen and her sister D-Bomb (I wonder if most people put their names in that order...hum) taught the six hour clinic to about forty padded up gals. The two sisters are from the Oly Rollers, my second favorite team ;) and a huge motivation for me going. I was too star struck to say much more than thanks for having us...I'll have to work on that.

hockey stops

snowplow stops

toe stop runs

blocking

hitting

working the out of bound girl

working together to get the girl out of bounds

deep walking

high jumping

leg lifts and .....

...chin splits!

and the end reward...soaking in the river... trading sweaty arm pits for mossy ______ for the long ride home.

p.s. thank you Sweet-Tart

posting photos for the Old Post :: Missoula's pub restaurant

2011-08-16T19:10:00.000-06:00

Things I found out while on this job...

I still like whiskey over beer.
Chicken wings are really good after a shooting in a bar.
Some people rather have the back of their heads photographed than any other part of their body.
Tungsten light feels good.
Three out of four Missoulians would rather meet a famous musician than a famous actor.
Menu favs...

                               favorite appetizer :: dip sampler
                               favorite salad :: drunken goat salad
                               favorite plate :: fish tacos
                               favorite dessert :: huckleberry root beer float
                               favorite drink :: long island ice tea
                               next dish to try :: fried banana peppers

Thailand :: Vacation

2011-08-06T17:22:00.001-06:00

Kevin and I try to go somewhere warm for vacation every year with our friend Scott. This year our pick was Thailand.

Likes: Panang curry, Pad Thai, pints of whiskey on the table, jasmine rice, satay peanut sauce, bubble Tea Tapioca Pearls, Thai iced tea, sweet condesed milk, coconut milk, coconut palm sugar, lemongrass, mango, and so much more...
Dislikes: fish sauce flavored chips, straw mushrooms (I know, all mushrooms, but those straw ones were sneaky and trying to get into all kinds of dishes)

Likes... the downtown temple. Walking through it on my way back from the market with a banana leaf bundle of sweet rice or an iced coffee held in a plastic bag with a straw stinking out of the top is one way to feel like a local. If the local thing took to long I could always jump in with this guy.

Dislikes... temples on top of hills requiring hot hours of waiting. The tourist tax ticket that we paid for but no one ever collected. Trying to find MY shoes in the shoe sea at the entrance.

Likes: The casual setting of the fighting gym, the intensity of the fighters, the respect for the ring, the low volume of attendance, that it was walking distance from our hotel, all the cheering and yelling.

Dislikes: the ticket price, the dead roach in our Scott's food, do you think it was crushed before or after it landed on the pork fried rice?

Island life

Likes... great food at cute beach restaurants, fans above beds, funny named coves, welcoming waters, discovering waterfalls with homemade bars and a very happy man tying knots in rope swings, boat taxis, swimming around a small island and not getting eaten by a shark.

Dislikes... that I left my tripod plate at home. That we could stay another week.

PIRATE DOGS....RRRRRR

• Two extra tight suit, four shirts and four ties, all custom made, 14,000 baht.

• extra night in the hotel, 1200 baht

..... suit shoot on the beach, priceless

...until next year.

Hellgate Rollergirls vs Venomous Vixens : : Roller Derby : : Coeur d'Alene

2011-08-03T07:10:00.004-06:00

happy august

2011-08-01T10:02:00.002-06:00

kitty bellicose

Rollergirl :: Lifestyle :: Bunny

2011-07-18T10:59:00.005-06:00

Recipe :: Modern Vintage

- one part lady

- smidgen of punk

- little bit rocker

- dollop of glam

- whole lot of rockabilly

Mix or stir she will still come out the same....fabulous!

big sky montana holds a big photo of mine

2011-07-11T09:22:00.003-06:00

Another new discovery...the feeling of walking out a store, looking up at the beautiful sky, and then noticing that my image is on the bulletin board in front of me.

It was a job I did for Community Medical Center here in Missoula, MT. One from a series of three shots for their Emergency Department and Community Physician Group campaign.
Here they all are...

Lots of fun, and just the kind of work I want to be doing (you know, if I can't shoot rollergirls or myself - Ha!)
I loved working with the CMC team and thank them for picking me to be a part of it.

on-lookers beware!

2011-07-08T10:51:00.000-06:00

I love to add people in my shots when I find them lurking around or watching with great intent. This little girl came by on her bike twice asking questions, so in she goes!

And this boy, he was gawking at my model lady with his friends, so in he goes!

post marked :: fourth of july

2011-07-04T09:44:00.001-06:00

"My favorite firework purchase this year is THE CHICKEN BLOWING BALLOON.
It's a cardboard chicken that whistles like its crowing and then blows a balloon out its butt
like its laying an egg" - Steven Cassorla with Roller Coaster Fireworks Outlet in Battle Mountain, NV

top 5 things to bring to your 4th of July event

√ Explosives

happy july

2011-07-01T01:04:00.001-06:00

Lola Botomizer

big moments from small things

2011-06-21T09:35:00.000-06:00

I have a new favorite thing...getting published! These are small moments, but they feel really good.

This first one is my friend Shelley. She and I decided to combined interests one day and it worked out for us. Runner's World ran this shot in the currant July issue.

If you are into the vegan thing or curious about it, you should check out more of Shelley on her blog The Uprising for recipes, info and lots of Shelley wit.

And this one, yes Pippin wins again. Pippin, the French Bulldog, captured the AMSP Bulletin editor's eye for the spring quarter issue bundled with the PDN mag. Good dog!

More on Pippin...you got it, follow this fun pup on Twitter at pippintracy

but, the real creative behind this dog is Jen Tracy of Jenco Creative. You will know you're at the right website because you'll see another Athena and Pippin photo.

Thank you Shelley and Jen for making it all happen. I really enjoyed my photo-shoots with you and my paper keepsakes too.

photography work :: MCDC annual report

2011-06-15T18:21:00.008-06:00

Highlights

This is the third year I've done Montana Community Development Corporation's photography. Every year I enjoy meeting these small Montana business that have received loan money from mcdc. I leave every photo shoot feeling invigorated with the buzz of "I think I can, I think I can, I am I am." Each person has started small with MCDC with just their ideas and now are building a strong business. Look them up on their mcdc website and read their mission statement when you get a chance.

Darby Smashing up the Montana roads

2011-06-06T20:47:00.001-06:00

Spring...I don't know if I have ever photographed in the spring...well, this year I'm really getting after it. I started my spring shooting with Darby Smash, Hellgate Rollergirl number 77, if you are looking for her on the derby track.

Darby grew up under these mountains, so it was only fitting for us to skate there. The cold temperature, rain and snow exited as we entered the valley making way for ideal conditions.

Next on the list...Hott Mess springing into action and Hell Bunny Honey taking the smooth way through the park.

happy June

2011-06-02T12:26:00.002-06:00

Hellgate Rollergirls vs Rimrock Mafia Rollers : : Roller Derby : : Missoula, MT

2011-05-27T18:29:00.002-06:00

Missoula, Montana - Hellgate Rollergirls * All-Star Team *

Billings, Montana - Rimrock Mafia Rollers

Hott Mess in the Hellgate locker room

DJ Colin Hickey

Pistols & Crystals - Rimrock Mafia

Metal vs Mental

Darby Smash and her monster shadow :0

Whit Vengeance, but I'm changing her name to Wit Vengeance because everyone thought the "e" fell off her first name - HA!

Lucky and Krazi looking down at Rimrock Pennyweight

Dreadly Nightshade waiting to start the jam

Darby Smash collecting points for the Hellgate Rollergirls 144 to 101 win over Rimrock

Checking out mom's derby butt...heehee

My favorite part of the bout, reading booty shorts

photographing Misato...

2011-05-22T17:56:00.001-06:00

If I was a rollergirl, I would want to be Misato.
I met this camera candy girl at a Hellgate Rollergirl bout. She was a ref and my friend Andy and I couldn't stop looking at her. She has great style and is a fantastic skater. When I was in Spokane a few weeks ago, Misato and I had a little outdoor lifestyle shoot together. Here are some of the shots from that shoot.

Thank you Misato....

weekend events to come

2011-05-18T09:21:00.000-06:00

Friday Night Saturday Night

Snake Pit vs Pretty Deadly :: roller derby in Coeur d'alene, Idaho

2011-05-11T22:43:00.000-06:00

Well, I branched out a little and photographed a bout without the Hellgate Rollergirls, OMG, I know, shocking. I missed my girls though, I didn't know what team to root for. It felt weird not to yell behind my camera, not to cry tears of pride (I can't go to parades because they make me cry from pride) and not to be worried.

Misato, one of the hottest rollergirls on the track, coached the Snake Pit ladies through the night in her snake shoes and snake dress.

I love this skating rink...super hot!

How cute is that...lil eff-er

Thank you Coeur d'alene for being a great host, I love your rink!

more :: pinup photo shoot :: a girl named Bunny

2011-05-08T21:03:00.000-06:00

roller derby in missoula, montana ••• Dolls vs Mollies

2011-05-04T20:02:00.002-06:00

Hellgate Rollergirls Ellie Mental and Cruella D. Crill fighting for lead jammer

2,600 people came to see the Brall'n Mollies vs the Dirt Road Dolls play the Adams Center in Missoula, Montana. We truly do have the best group of fans!

It turns out no one is naked in the locker rooms

I'm so proud of these derby girls, I just can't say that enough...

the next match...May 20th...the Adams Center in Missoula, Montana @7pm

Hellgate All Stars vs Rimrock Mafia

Missoula vs Billings

happy May

2011-05-01T12:41:00.001-06:00

pinup photo shoot with a girl named Bunny

2011-04-26T22:09:00.001-06:00

celebrating a bunny and some eggs

2011-04-25T00:45:00.003-06:00

on deck 06

2011-04-11T09:48:00.014-06:00

The Montana Skatepark Association is hosting their 6th annual ON DECK skate art auction on May 21 at The Brink Gallery in Missoula. I finished and turned in my skate deck last week, only a day late instead of the 2 weeks late like I've done in the past - ha!

Rollergirls was my theme this year, image that!

I'm proud to be one of the selected and happy to be able to help raise money for the skateparks in Montana. Watch for this year's skateboards to be uploaded online and come see the show at the Brink.

6th Annual Skate Deck Art Auction

Opening / Reception: May 6 (5-8 pm)
Auction: May 21 (5pm – ?)

The Brink Gallery
111 W. Front St. – Missoula, MT

Check out their MSA Facebook page too...they list an artist of the day...lots of cool art coming from all over.

as winter ends V02

2011-04-07T09:02:00.000-06:00

learning new sports

old cars in new parking spots

looking up

mustache march

ural not gonna believe how much fun it is

some days need more than water

winter growth

stopping to look

as winter ends

2011-04-01T23:28:00.003-06:00

winter is ending...so, I'm posting a few memories as it leaves...

David Marx showed me around his mountain in-between saying hello to every snow bunny, ski patrol, local tele power hound, hot doggers, and the afternoon liftys.

Ross Peterson gracing me with one of his clasic powder turns...

Kevin Scott finding fun on little places

kids I don't know

happy april

2011-04-01T01:46:00.010-06:00

friends going to great places

2011-03-26T01:51:00.003-06:00

click on the book to see some pages!

My fantastic friend, visual artist and educator Eileen Rafferty has just published the first edition of Butterflies and Anvils, a quarterly photographic journal filled with inspiration and art. She features an artist every time. This time, it's the wonderful Elizabeth Stone, another fantastic friend, visual artist and educator. The journal is available through Magcloud and you can purchase it through this link: http://www.magcloud.com/browse/Issue/168106.

It was just a thought in her mind.... now it's real.

crosscountry skiing in Montana

2011-03-01T08:25:00.001-07:00

"There is a privacy about it which no other season gives you.... In spring, summer and fall people sort of have an open season on each other; only in the winter, in the country, can you have longer, quiet stretches when you can savor belonging to yourself."
- Ruth Stout

inspiration

2011-02-06T18:53:00.000-07:00

When does an inspiration board become a collage? Well, if I went to far...lie to me.

I have a big year coming up and I wanted to start within...
...and that led me to do an inspiration board (duh)...and in the end, I found it was full of strength, contrast, ideas, creativity, nostalgia, and a sense of calm. What a great thing to do at the start of a new year. (break some copyright laws and sniff some glue -ha!)

hey mama, does the torn edges and magazine mix bring you back to the good old days? can you hear the scissors? can you smell the pop corn covered in olive oil and brewers yeast?

mamas on wheels

2011-01-28T09:10:00.004-07:00

Here in Missoula we have a fabulous magazine made for moms called Mamalode. The two ladies below asked me to document their adventures with the Hellgate Rollergirls as they learned to skate fast, stop safe, and what it means to be in the circle of pain. You can still get this article on the magazine stand or you can click here and go to page 37.

http://bluetoad.com/publication/?i=52505

Thanks Elke and Dori for including me and suPer thanks to Darby Smash (hot roller mom) for making it happen.

holiday leftovers

2011-01-17T19:31:00.000-07:00

1 cup holiday cookies
2 cups water

Soak the cookies in water for 60 seconds. Blend for 30 seconds. Strain through cheesecloth. Take the cookies out of the cloth and blend again with 2 more cups of water for 30 seconds. Strain through the same cheesecloth. Throw cookie grounds in your mouth. Drink milk.

almond power

2011-01-07T17:17:00.003-07:00

I'm inspired by Hailey King. She photographs her world of baking, in a soft intimate way, making me wish I lived with her. In her honor, I thought, I would share how to make your own almond milk. I can't believe how impatient I am when photographing still life. I don't know what to do with something that can't pop out it's hip or bend the elbow more...oh well.

My mother is one of the most healthy food makers, food preparers, and label readers out there. She influences her bothers, maybe her sister, maybe my sister, her mother and defiantly me with her organic this and her no-growth-hormone that. I spent the holidays with her and now...I will be making my own almond milk.

1 cup almonds (organic - duh)
2 cups water

Soak the almonds over night in water. Mix almonds and water in blender for 30 seconds. Strain through cheesecloth. Take the almonds out of the cloth and mix again with 2 more cups of water in blender for 30 seconds. Strain through the same cheesecloth. Throw almond grounds and cloth away. Drink milk.

california hanging out and playing - part one

2011-01-03T12:51:00.000-07:00

A ballerina needn’t be a saint and a skater isn’t always a sinner.

2010-12-24T11:17:00.009-07:00

Bamphetamine - 2011 "Gritty" Calendar

These roller radicals blossomed in just barely a year, growing into a bouquet of vigorous wildflowers, capable of standing beautifully alone.

Here are some images from the two calendars the girls and I made together for 2011 designed by Dave McKay Design (layout and design...not shown here). There are only a few calendars left. They can be found at Betty's Divine in Missoula, MT, or through the Hellgate Rollergirls by emailing them at hellgaterollergirls@gmail.com

More calendar images can be seen on Athena Photography.com

Bitty Bitch & P.O.'d Box - 2011 "Gritty" Calendar

Night Mare - 2011 "Gritty" Calendar Psyco Bows - 2011 "Gritty" Calendar

Lola Botomizer - 2011 "Pinup" Calendar

Tricksie Fiend - 2011 "Pinup" Calendar Hell Bunny Hunny - 2011 "Pinup" Calendar

Harpy Marx - 2011 "Pinup" Calendar

I started working with the Hellgate Rollergirls in their first year and this is partially why it has been so enjoyable. A friendship is beautiful to witness but seeing the introduction, formation and trust building between these girls has been mesmerizing and inspirational. I photographed the Rollergirls 2010 calendar, these were the days, and I began to notice that these Hellgate Girls weren’t just amicable and polite, but that they had a generous bond and camaraderie with each other. Something often not found in just a regular group of friends, they had a deeper care. They continue to be a cohesive unit of stability and encouragement… they just happen to skate around a rink wearing fishnets. And they beat the crap out of their opponents.

After shooting their calendar piece, I began to shoot practices and battles. I witnessed their progression of skating skills and their growing collection of battle wounds, and also saw their organization and authority advance as they came together as athletes. They developed together, yet as independent women.

I get goose bumps and a lump in my throat when I tell people how proud I am. These girls are finding themselves again or discovering themselves for the first time. The comments that they’ve shared with me are infectious and leave me energized. Roller derby has given them power: a power of confidence, a power of determination. It has given them power to get up after they fall again and again. (Not to mention, roller derby has given them all great legs!)

Hott Mess - 2011 "Pinup" Calendar

Hellgate Rollergirls, thank you for filling my year with your courage, love and toe stopper stands. Happy holidays and I look forward to the new year with you!

back to cleaning

2010-12-05T09:07:00.000-07:00

My idea of housework is to sweep the room with a glance. ~Author Unknown

Don't cook.
Don't clean.
No man will ever make love to a woman because she waxed the linoleum - "My God, the floor's immaculate. Lie down, you hot bitch." ~Joan Rivers

missoula vs spokane

2010-11-24T09:27:00.003-07:00

November 6th, 2010
Missoula's Hellgate Rollergirls hosted Spokane's Toothless Annies for a very exciting roller derby bout. The Missoula crowd of 1500 cheered for their derby dolls as they fought their way around the track. The energy was high, the girls really wanted it and the fans loved it.

cleaning what doesn't need cleaning

2010-11-22T09:41:00.000-07:00

perfect piles

2010-11-17T17:45:00.000-07:00

I'm finding........ there is so much to do....... when I'm arranging my life...... to better suit me.

2011 calendars

2010-11-04T07:59:00.003-06:00

Of all the things I've done in 2010, I'm most proud of the Hellgate Rollergirl calendars. I have a special place in my heart for those girls, which I will share more of in a future blog post. But for now, I want to celebrate the release of the calendar.

Pinup calendar cover

Bitty Bitch, that's Brae's rollergirl name, and I got together to dream up the 2011 calendar, we left our meeting with two calendars in mind. The first one is a 'pinup style' 11x17 flat calendar. The classic, Vargas pinup calendars with their white backgrounds and sexy girls were our inspiration. We asked Dave McKay Designs to take our ideas and step them up with his clean, simple and effective design. I'm really grateful to him for putting his magic touch on the Pinup calendar, but also for busting out on our 'gritty' themed calendar too. The Gritty calendar is a 81/2 x 11 folded calendar with a darker edger feel to the photographs and design.

Gritty calendar cover

This project really turned out to be a community collaboration, which warms my heart even more. Here is a list of the local talent: Hellgate Rollergirls modeled, I photographed, Dave McKay designed, Josh Quick did the HGRG logo, 12 business sponsored each month, Allegra and Pyramid printed the calendars while walking me through the process, and now derby fans will buy the calendars.....oh, love community.

The girls will be signing and selling the calendars for the next two months. I will be at their release signing tomorrow night, Friday, Nov. 5th at Break Espresso from 5-8. 432 N. Higgins, see you there!

Cover Shot!

2010-10-03T18:56:00.028-06:00

This week I found out that my image was chosen for the cover of the 2011 Rocky Mountain School of Photography catalog. I love this image of Pippin and Jen and I'm proud to have it on the cover. Jeanne, the owner of RMSP, gives one of the best image critiques at the school. I'm very flattered to have her thumbs up. If you asked Jeanne five years ago, if she thought she would ever have a dog, let alone a dog wearing Fifi & Romeo designer clothing on the cover, she would have said no. I guess she couldn't resist that cute Frenchy too. Also, I would like to thank my agent Page, without her this image might not have crossed Jeanne's desk.

Every year, somewhere, somehow I get to visit my friend Jen. We talk non-stop, eat sweets, run around having fun - and then pause for a photoshoot. Now that I think of it, it's the only time I see Jen pause. The photo above is our last shoot together, somebody forgot to tell Pippin that it was Jen's photo shoot. As any French Bulldog lover knows, they steal the show.

Here are some past Jen photo shoots you might remember.

2010-09-15T05:01:00.002-06:00

Hellgate Rollergirl - first bout

2010-08-22T12:52:00.014-06:00

The Hellgate Rollergirls had their first bout on August 6th in Missoula.

They did it.
They made it happen.
They got together, formed a league, trained, bought lots of fishnet leggings, had fundraisers, and now their first bout.

I love these girls and it was so wonderful to see them all so happy!

Hellgate Rollergirls - Angels vs Devils from Athena on Vimeo.

rockin' rollin' car show and pin up girl contest

2010-08-16T02:02:00.001-06:00

Here are my favorite PHOTO BOOTH pictures from the event the Hellgate Rollergirls and Hot Rod Lewies put on last weekend. Sunny and hot, stressful a tad, and super fun. Thanks to my hard working assistant 'Texas', beautiful girls, handsome cars, and reapplying some Secret deodorant (I know mom, it's bad for me) I made some photos I'm happy with.

visiting jen

2010-08-03T22:02:00.001-06:00

Jenifer Tracy is one of my great friends. She is creative, fun and very charismatic. I admire her ability to always evolve, both internally and externally. When meeting Jen, the first things you will notice about her are... she's pretty damn cute, high energy, and everything she touches has style. She is living and breathing visual candy. Check out more of what she touches at JENCO Creative.

I got to spend a little time with her this spring to do our annual photo shoot. My camera is so lucky.

After photographing Jen, I couldn't help taking shots around her space.

“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” — Coco Chanel

JENCO Creative

Art Retreat II - Las Vegas

2010-07-08T15:32:00.002-06:00

At the moment, I am between dogs. With my released responsibly and decided to travel. Lacking the ability to turn off my camera, my travels quickly turned into elaborate art retreats. As seen in my previous post, my trip to France left me with a feeling of joi de vivre, (as well as leaving me with a slew of throw-away phrases). I’ve shared my images from visiting the City of Romance, now I’m ready to share my images from…the City of Sin, VEGAS.

Surprisingly, I wasn’t very sinful, but there will be many opportunities in the future to make up for my innocence. My absence of immorality didn’t come from a lack of trying; I was up early and to bed late. I was with five other photographer friends for two days and two nights. Our early mornings and late nights were spent together feeding off each other's inspiration to create our own work. But in the day, we would shoot separately; apparently we only like to see each other in dimmer lighting.

Self-Portraits and Plots of World Destruction

I am a terrorist, didn’t you know? Neither did I, but that is what I was told every time I attempted to take a self-portrait on my trip. I am pretty sure it was my thrift store sweater and vintage suitcase, standing in front of my non-aerodynamic equipment and laughing with my friends that tipped those high-detecting sleuths off. Kudos to you, security guards of Las Vegas, you prevented a series of photographs to be taken that clearly had malicious intentions of annihilation.

I managed to get one shot before they discovered my underlying plot of cruel purpose.

Two Models, a Hot Dog Bun, and avoiding the Terrorist Task Force
A photographer needs something to photograph, and models need their pictures to be taken. It’s pretty wonderful how that works out sometimes.

DAVID
To avoid clashing with the authority, I had David meet me out on an empty lot of dirt. David has a great spirit, is handsome, and really easy to photograph. I asked him to bring jeans, a white t-shirt, Converse shoes and hot dog buns. Insert joke here about hot dog buns :)

JESS
Jess brought charisma and youth. She was wearing super high heels, a short skirt, long thick fabulous hair, a big smile, and a fun attitude.
We roamed around downtown like vagabonds in search of a perfect spot. I thought being a faux terrorist was bad, but when running around with an attractive 20 year-old, you seem to gain even more unwanted attention. I am usually not chaotic when it comes to my shoots. When I am on the JOB I get permits, rent space, and go through all the boring proper procedures. However this time, I said in my 'art - retreat' voice, “fuck it, let’s just grab these shots and then run like hell.” This is what we did and I couldn’t have had a better model to work with.
Sure we got chased out of every spot by security guards wearing tight starch shirts over bustling bellies. But we had fun, and as I was the first female photographer she had ever worked with, I am pretty confident I set a pretty unique standard.

Spark

2010-06-24T14:02:00.002-06:00

a girl's take on france

2010-06-09T07:27:00.014-06:00

France, I have never been so quiet in all my life. Sadly, I don't know French and appropriately, the French speak French, even if they know English. I spent my days silently watching others converse. I would notice their earrings dangle, the length of each eyebrow hair, the shape of their lips wrapping around the filter as they inhaled. After the frustration of not knowing what was being said around me passed, I started to feel lucky. I've never had the opportunity to be so observant.

A week before the Iceland Ash Cloud affected France, I was on a plane across the Atlantic, headed for creme de cafe, crepes and crispy apples at the market. I arrived in Aix en Provence, south France, were I gave myself two weeks to indulge in the French culture and engage in what I was calling a photography retreat. This is the closest I've ever been to an artist in residency. I had my place to stay, money for food, lots of time, and my one prop...

...my blue dress.

getting early morning bagettes

waiting until it's safe

surrounded

stepping outside for a little sun

Thank you KALI, thank you thank you !!!!!!

and now...A Boy's Take on France!
While I was busy looking inward, my good friend, Forest, was down the coast line an hour and thirty minutes, looking outward. What he found were images that reflected emotion, consciousness, perspective, and his experiences as a whole as he traverses across France.

Check out his energetic photographs on Forest Woodward's blog.

a girl's take on france

2010-06-08T23:01:00.005-06:00

COMING SOON....(later today)

film, old processes, 4x5 or bigger cameras, hours in the darkroom = yummy photos

2010-06-03T07:29:00.000-06:00

Me by Joshua Meier.

@ the Missoula Art Museum June 04 - September 19, 2010

Hellgate Rollergirls

2010-05-22T22:19:00.008-06:00

I love my roller skating bombshells!

Click Play below to see them in action

Check out more photos of the girls from their 2010 calendar

2010-05-15T23:08:00.002-06:00

I feel my head swirl between my pig tails. I'm still trying to find my way in this big world of photography. So many opportunities, goals, desires, and responsibilities are in front of me. This year feels fast. I don't know what I mean by that and if it's good or bad. All I know is that this year feels fast. As I breathe and pause for a minute, I wonder, what roads I will take this summer, this year? What is coming my way? Who am I now and what will I be? ummm....spring

Doin' it with Ethan

2010-04-22T06:45:00.005-06:00

I have a friend, Jen, who has a friend, Ethan, who has a show called Doin’ it with Ethan. I could be wrong, but I really think this guy is going places. He is witty, fun and catty on the mic. And he is a real natural at interviewing people of all types.

I went to LA to photograph him for his web "TV" site launch. After having some of the best mini tacos I have ever had, from the taco stand, we set up in front of the loft windows and started doing it with Ethan. Ethan got sassy with his mic, flippin’ it, tuggin’ it and putting it in his crotch. No, he’s not shy. I love his over the top personality and this over the top look to match. Thanks to Jen my very lovely art director, assistant, producer, and talent coordinator, I couldn’t have done it without you.

DOIN' IT with ETHAN

France

2010-04-16T01:18:00.003-06:00

Aix ne Provence, Antibes, and Nice

Likes:

• Kir (creme de cassis mixed with white wine)

• Dogs off leashes

• Pink toilet paper

• Mustard colored buildings with warm light on them

• Boutique food markets

• No togo cups

Dislikes:

• The ladies at the bus station giving out miss information.

• My Mac crashes everyone's WiFi....what is with that?

• My fusion salad........curry, pasta, olives, avocado, and lettuce.

• Renting blue bikes

moments i landed on - in the land of enchantment

2010-04-03T23:30:00.005-06:00

Touchstone Bed and Breakfast - Taos, NM.

I stayed in two rooms and photographed in three during my stay. I had small moments between meetings, meals and internet cafes to take these photos. This room called the Royale had the best light coming in. All day I would find reasons to pick up my camera. I'm surprised I came home with these photos, I really thought that I would be editing through Lotaburger photos. When I first arrived at the B&B I saw, still standing, Blake's Lotaburger at the driveways entrance. I imagined my self-portraits and thought everyday I might go out and get one, but I didn't. Instead the Royale, Frida and Tony rooms kept me entertained.

Touchstone Bed and Breakfast - Taos, NM.

Snowboard Taos

see you next time Lotaburger

Yummy food and great atmosphere = the Love Apple

waiting for Jen to wake

2010-03-22T09:22:00.005-06:00

I wake up early and sometimes others don't.

waiting for Jen to wake

BELIZE ME

2010-02-28T18:15:00.275-07:00

I had a great time. Kevin and I stayed on this little island of two bars, one snack shack, one dive instructor, and it took 8 slow minutes to walk around the whole thing. For those of you who have been to Missoula, Montana....Tabacco Caye Island is the size of Caras Park from Higgins to Dragon's Hallow, max.

Devon, our dive master instructor and Captain Jack (two handsome black men) took us out on a little blue boat for a 60 foot deep dive. We saw a scenic view of the coral reef, nurse sharks, spotted eagle rays, hawksbill turtle and other things with names I don't know. Later in the day after our three beautiful Belizean meals (included in our cabin stay) we would follow our new Australian friends to the bar for island flavored drinks and local beer. I drank more in that week than the whole of 2009, so that means I had about 10 drinks..haaahaa

I woke up with the sun every morning (5:30am). I photographed self-portraits while Kevin and the Australians slept in. Here is my Forest Woodward inspired photo. Can you believe this is the view right outside my 8 minute island hut?

The second week we spent in the jungle. Our experiences included caving, Maya ruins, tarantulas, kinkajous, a smart boy named Abraham, fun girls from the east-side of the US, butterflies, oranges right off the tree, and a jaguar named Junior.

Tobacco Caye Lodge - Barbara runs the place and she's smart, "layed back" and very caring. Great food here too.

Reefs End Diving - Devon and Eric are both safe and fun dive masters

Hun Chi'ik cave touring - Abraham is a kind and very knowledgeable guide

Treck Stop - A great place to stay if you are looking for a step up from camping. They are hidden across the way from the Xunantunich ruins. And if you like to frisbee golf they have a 9 hole course.

Du Plooy's - We splurged on this place by accident. And I'm glad we did.
Belize photos - Tony Rath has great photos of Belize.
Belize Zoo - Great rescue zoo. They had adorable lodging and good food. Teachers, take your student here!

Thank you

Comment here....let me know where you have been in Belize....

Hellgate Rollergirl Calender Shoot

2010-02-13T23:03:00.046-07:00

Pat Benatar's Hit Me With Your Best Shot was playing and it was Betsy Friday's turn to make-out with the empty 7up bottle called, Jeff Yoman, the name of the cutest boy in our class. I don't remember if he was dating anyone, but if so she wasn't at the rollerskating rink with us that night and wasn't at Tara's birthday slumber party either. Shana and I went outside to smoke a clove cigarette. Looking through the window, as our young lungs learned to inhale, we watched as one girl passed the bottle to another.

I had the pleasure of photographing these ladies, the Hellgate Rollergirls, earlier this year for their calender. It was two full days of shooting for me and I enjoyed every minute.

winning weekend!!!!!

2010-02-08T23:19:00.010-07:00

Dave and I holding hands, yes, but really we are holding the BEST IN SHOW award!

saltStudio won the Montana Addy Award on Saturday night for the OPI poster project that I was involved with. Anyone that has been following me knows what a great time I had on that project. It was a honor to photograph the inspiring individuals below, work with Dave, travel with Eileen, and see ALL of Montana. I'm so proud of those photographs and proud I could help bring in the gold for saltStudio.

more winning moments...................................................................................

Cig Harvey likes me!!! Cig Harvey likes me!!! Cig Harvey likes me!!! Cig Harvey likes me!!!
Not as much as my friend Susanna Gaunt, but she likes me!

I entered the Uncommon Portrait contest that Cig Harvey judged. There were two groups of winners. I made it in the second group. Second place maybe the first loser, (what does that make a group of second placers?) anyway, I'm pretty happy that my image got a head nod from Ms Harvey and made it past the waste basket. Congrats to my silver friend Eileen Rafferty, good to have you in the circle. PDN is next girls!

Self-Portrait

2010-01-14T09:33:00.006-07:00

I'm presenting a self-portrait vignette for this video. I love the morning light that never lasts long enough. And the man-made lights with their variety.
** Music by Doctor Rosen Rosen
** Images and editing by Athena

Individually Grouped

2010-01-08T06:05:00.003-07:00

I like to live a full life. A life of friends, jobs, careers, projects, home tasks, hobbies, play, adventures, and a bit of trying something new. I'm truly experiencing the journey AND the destination. My favorite quote to live by is "Water find new path" - Memoirs of a Geisha. Much of my life is happenstance mixed with determination. I head in one direction, and then due to obstacles or opportunities my path finds a new direction. I chose the day before the opening of my show as the focus of my video. It is a very fitting day to give you an essence of who I am and how I can fill my time.

** Music by Doctor Rosen Rosen

** Copy by Brett Peters

** Images and editing by Athena

playing with my sister

2009-12-28T12:43:00.004-07:00

This is Christina, she is my younger sister. She is a Sagittarius like me, who likes to blend in sometimes and get noticed other times. I was in high school when she was four. I had my Pentax camera and she had a black eye, chicken-pox, and a old lady wig....we had a great time.

it's my birthday!

2009-12-19T13:22:00.005-07:00

a Dog and His Girl

2009-12-09T19:26:00.003-07:00

I've been very busy with my show ....a Dog and His Girl.....check on the link to see what I've been doing.

to Portland and back

2009-11-24T07:49:00.002-07:00

to Portland and back from Athena Lonsdale on Vimeo.

I went on a photo retreat, I guess you could call it, with my friend Eileen. We went to Portland and to the Oregon coast for a week stay. This video is my spin on the Portland section of our trip. Traveling with Eileen is always enjoyable. She is a good match for me. The trip was filled with creativity and I want to thank Eileen for being somewhat of a muse for me. I look forward to the next trip.

00-K

2009-11-20T01:33:00.012-07:00

00-K from Athena Lonsdale on Vimeo.
I had a couple requests to post this video....sorry to those who have already seen it.

Looking up and looking down

2009-11-05T16:47:00.002-07:00

Portland reminds me, again, interesting things can be found just by looking up or looking down.

I worked in Government Camp, Oregon at High Cascade Snowboard Camp. On rain days when we couldn't or wouldn't snowboard, we would take the campers into Portland for the day. One day, someone on the street pointed high at an apartment window and told us we needed to go in there. We entered the building, climbed stairs, followed whitish walls, and where glad we didn't have too much in our wallets. The older woman's door was ajar, she welcomed us in and lets us roam. Two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, a bathroom all over-filled with Elvis Presley. Elvis dolls, belts, beads, bathmats, tissue holders, tapestries, tongue depressors, lamps, luggage, Elvis lollipops, Elvis lives behind her unmarked door in downtown Portland.

Communication

2009-10-20T22:53:00.006-06:00

Communication

the imparting or interchange of thoughts, opinions, or information by speech, writing, or signs.

to or too = 2
for = 4
you = u
your/you're = ur
are = r
be = b
be right back = brb
talk to you later = ttyl
nothing much = nm
just chillin = jc
never mind = nvm
right = ryt/ rite/ ri
probably = prbly/ prob
ta ta for now = ttfn
back to homework = bthw
what = wat/ wut/ ?
just wondering= jw
just kidding = jk
what the fuck = wtf
oh my god = OMG
laughing out loud = lol
great = gr8
love = lv

I grew up on a commune in the Southwest. My phone line was shared by three other homes, none of them being my best friend's. Shana lived a mile up the mountain from me. She lived with her parents and brothers in a one room adobe home without electricity, running water, personal space, or a phone. If I wanted to see what she was up to I would hike a mile and see.
And to this day, there is no cell phone service.

MAC Group Shoot (part two)

2009-10-17T21:50:00.007-06:00

My first year of high school was spent in a big California public high school, the kind of schools they make movies about.

I remember one night, my new friend and I quietly made it back into her house as the clock turned midnight thirty. We changed out of our Friday night party gear and sat on the couch amongst the covers recapping the evening we had together. Our stories were cut short by a ping on the window in the other room, her bedroom. A boy from the party was there. She tried to tell him to go away, that we were doing our own thing, that she didn't want him to wake her parents. He kept at it, he wanted in. She gave up, rolled her eyes at the inconvenient situation, and he walked around to the front door. On her way to the door, she asked me with a bit of hope and of genuine hospitality if I "wanted him". My answer was quick "no thanks". She quietly opened the door and guided him back to her room.

MAC Group Shoot

2009-10-13T23:35:00.000-06:00

When I was this small, I trusted a girl to hold the bathroom door closed for me while I peed to the side of my leotard as my hippie mother taught me to do. The girl opened the door mid stream, laughed at me, and then ran from her door duties to go tell the rest of the class that I peed my pants. Oh, to be young again.

Big thanks to Marcy, Bill at the MAC group, Joe Lavine, Ingrid, and Jeanne for making this shoot happen. Medium thanks to Mary and Forest for your help, food, and entertainment. Small thanks to myself for finding the light and bringing the 600R.

Cinematic Lighting Class with Bruce Dorn

2009-10-12T01:03:00.001-06:00

I found a stillness, just for a moment, a bond with time. For once, there was just me, just me, in my thoughts, just me. I closed my eyes and drifted off. The stale bar anchored me in place. The voices of the morning deliveries slowly faded. My hand was firm around the smooth glass as the light pushed me further into my denial. Her offerings of another fix of solitude renewed the worlds existence. I was back and the moment was over. I confirmed with the lady, I would indeed have another.

Bruce Dorn came to RMSP to teach me a Professional Studies class. It was so nice to be a student again. I loved fighting the students for shooting space and accidentally defending my photos in critique. I made all the mistakes I said I wouldn't. It goes to show that acting like a dumbass is just part of how it goes. I had a great time and learned lots, so thank you Bruce! And, thanks Jeanne for letting me take the class.

a clip from my class with Bruce Dorn from Athena Lonsdale on Vimeo.

He's Gone

2009-09-14T10:20:00.005-06:00

He left cuter than he arrived. Cyrus died the morning of September 13th at 10:42 am. I will miss him beyond what I can express. He was my world for 13 years. Cyrus took his last breath while wrapped in my arms and eyes to mine. I'm so sad to have him gone.

More Skate Like a Girl

2009-08-26T06:55:00.004-06:00

kickflip 50-50
Laura Sliva

VOTE FOR MY BOOK

2009-08-16T09:10:00.003-06:00

Cyrus (my Dog) the phoDOGrapher and myself put together a book of our work and submitted it to Blurb for their big contest. I hope you have some time to check it out and vote if you like it. I don't know what the votes will get us, they have a judge for the grand prize.....hummm sounds like marketing to me....it's working....Cyrus and I have got our competitive spirits out and we are playing the game! So if you want to cheer for us we would love it!
Thanks for the VOTE!

Beauty and the Beast

2009-08-11T22:56:00.004-06:00

Skate ladies first and today the skate boys. Mobash hosted the Beauty and the Beast Tour, boys from Anti Hero and Girl. The boys were a little more testy than the girls I photographed the day before. They must have had pent up travel issues. Maybe I was pointing my camera at too many Beasts and not enough Beauties?
On a side note, their filmers had really nice Leica lenses....

So, after looking through my anti-photos I found this beauty, our local hero, Ray Hertz

Skate Like A Girl

2009-08-11T07:47:00.009-06:00

transfer tail slide to the deep

so cute - love her

alley oop fakie 5-0

Here is Frederique Luyet at 52 SkatePark here in Missoula. I went out there to photograph a hand full of girls from Skate Like A Girl and had a real positive girl experience, the type that we read about or that movies like to portray. They rode well, were excited about each others achievements, promoted each other, and their photographer played and exchanged advice with me. lots of fun and a feel good time. I hope you can catch them on their tour.
Skate Like A Girl

Fighting the Heat of Summer

2009-07-28T21:18:00.005-06:00

Traveling Nowhere Soon

2009-07-27T11:12:00.004-06:00

I'm still adding to my Traveling Nowhere Soon series that I started a little over a year ago. Here is my latest addition. If you haven't seen the others in the series click here .