Tom Ambrozaitis

I posted this a few weeks ago but decided to repost it now so I could put the other outtakes with this first image. Spent an afternoon with Tom who talked to me about WWOOF, organic farming, and social work.

Erika Jacobs

I couldn't help but photograph Erika with her buck painting (done by herself and Marco Avolio) in her fur hat and checkered jacket. We did this right before the Tribute to Women portrait, but decided this wouldn't quite fit into that series. It's a good look for her though in my opinion.

The Shrine Down the Hall

A very quiet but powerful portfolio by war photographer, Ashley Gilbertson, of bedrooms of fallen service members seven years after the Iraq war began: 

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/03/21/magazine/20100321-soliders-bedrooms-slideshow.html?src=tptw

A Seven Day Tribute to Women: Jennifer Cheung

My mom is a superwoman. When she was my age she moved away from everything and everyone she knew to start a  new life in Canada with my dad. She persevered and worked diligently to learn English and start her career here. With her hard work and determination, she has built a life and a foundation for our family in this country over the years. She is a selfless woman who makes countless sacrifices for the benefit of our family, and always puts the needs of her kids first. She is upfront, straight forward,  and never hides how she feels or what she thinks. In the same breath, she will offer both criticism and praise, and always insists that you earn the latter rather than have it handed to you. My mom has always put up with my antics, and supported my endeavours. And she has  raised me right. Cheers to you, mum. :)

China's women struggle for a foothold in power
BEIJING - Chairman Mao famously said women hold up half the sky, but in today's China, the half that matters, the economy, often remains out of their reach. (http://www.internationalwomensday.com/)

*Thank you for following my tribute to some of the amazing women in my life. I hope you've enjoyed meeting them. - Carmen

A Seven Day Tribute to Women: Vera Santillana

Vera is a vocal person - she sings, she cheers, she debates, and she advocates. She is never afraid to voice her opinions, and if ever you find difficulty in that area, she isn't afraid to step in and voice yours as well. She is a strong team leader who can get behind any project or cause she commits to one hundred and ten percent, and has the ability to motivate anyone to do so as well. Vera has a wide range of interests, and is passionate about each one - from music, to international development, to environmental sustainability. Vera is one of my main go to people for advice and support, and though she spends so much time being vocal she always makes time to listen. Cheers to you, V. :)
 
EU to tackle gender pay inequality

Men are still paid more than women in Europe but the European Union is promising to narrow the gap. (http://www.internationalwomensday.com/)

A Seven Day Tribute to Women: Donna Griffith

When I first met Donna last year, I was struck by her warm demeanor and quiet confidence. Though she is a talented and successful photographer who is well respected and admired by both colleagues and clients, Donna always remains humble. More often, you will hear her promoting the work of some of her colleagues, friends, and even assistants (thanks Donna!). She is self assured, but never boastful. She has carefully formed opinions and is conscientious when she speaks, whether it be about photography, design, feral cats, or cottaging. Cheers to you, Donna. :)  

Battle over wages: the male-female age gap
Women have often been given a bad deal when it comes to work, whether we like it or not.That, to me, is encapsulated in the fact that despite there being an Equal Pay Act in place in the UK since 1970, women still earn on average 17 percent less per hour than men for doing the equivalent role in the workplace, according to figures from The Fawcett Society. (http://www.internationalwomensday.com/)

A Seven Day Tribute to Women: Rosie Lye

Rosie is a renaissance woman who excels at anything she sets her mind to. Since I met her over ten years ago she has become an MRI technologist, a wedding planner, and most recently, a mom. On any given day she will be all three and more, but she approaches each area of her life with fervent determination and conviction. Do not try to tell her she can't do something, because she will prove you wrong each time. A very hands on person with a tenacious character, she will always find a solution to any challenge she comes across. She is a welcome addition to my family, and I am proud to call her my sister-in-law. Cheers to you, Ro. :)

Is a woman's place in the home? 1 in 4 say yes-poll
NEW YORK - Women head governments, run companies and comprise about half the world's workforce, but a global poll shows that one in four people, most of them young, believe a woman's place is in the home. (http://www.internationalwomensday.com/)

A Seven Day Tribute to Women: Erika Jacobs

 

These days, Erika is constantly thinking about her photography and her business. She is her own toughest critic, which is why these are both progressing and doing well. A very creative individual, she is also analytical, critical, and never fails to speak her mind. She is confident, competent and confident about her competency. Erika never shirks from any challenge, and if for some reason she doesn't know how to do something she will make it her mission to find out. Some days I feel like I am perpetually seeking her input and advice on my own work (which I highly value), but she never flinches and always makes herself available. Cheers, and happy birthday (!) to you, Erika. :)

Bigelow makes Oscar history as war drama triumps

LOS ANGELES - Hollywood finally entrusted a female director with an Oscar on Sunday. (http://www.internationalwomensday.com/)

A Seven Day Tribute to Women: Amanda Facciolo

 

Amanda spends most of her days talking, talking, talking – to new clients, potential clients, friends, family, boyfriend, artists, strangers. In between all off this, she somehow manages to fit in a lot of listening as well and always gives you her full attention. This is what makes her successful at what she does, especially when it is coupled with her infectious personality and positive attitude. Amanda has been busy for the last few years growing her business, Photobook Canada, writing for Hip Hop Update, and being awesome. She can sell anyone on anything she is enthusiastic about, which lucky for me often includes her friends. Cheers to you, AF. 

"Raven Mothers' struggle on Swiss corporate ladder

ZURICH - Women hold the top three jobs in Swiss politics for the first time, but mothers who have careers are still criticised in a country where women only have been able to vote in national elections since 1971. (http://www.internationalwomensday.com/)

A Seven Day Tribute to Women: Carly Spragg

I'd like to pay tribute to International Women's Day (and to women every where) by posting a portrait a day this week of some of the particularly remarkable women in my own life on this blog.

Carly is one of the most determined and disciplined women I've ever met. You need both of these traits to complete a masters degree, a half iron man competition, and numerous marathons, which she has done in recent years. She's a natural leader and inspires people around her to feel passionate about their own endeavors. Also, she never fails to make me laugh, which she has been doing since we met at age 10. Cheers to you, C Spragg. :)

International Women's Day (8 March) is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. In some places like China, Russia, Vietnam and Bulgaria, IWD is a national holiday. (http://www.internationalwomensday.com/)