More Moka Pots!

September 01, 2025 by Donna Hopkins

It’s Labor Day weekend, and I am noting the unofficial end of summer by playing like a kiddo.
Cutting and pasting, mixing colors, turning things around just to see how they might look differently. Thank you to artist/painter Kenny Harris for the inspiration to espresso myself.

Taking these pictures is harder than it looks. Securing the paper to the wall (this requires thumbtacks and a level). Moving things around in the garage to make a little studio. Dragging the table that used to be my son’s desk into the light. Trying different lenses to figure out which one produces the least distortion and allows me to get somewhere near straight (just in case you are interested, the 50 mm lens worked best). Twisting the top and bottom halves of the pot to get the view that kind of lines up but does not show the logo on the pot. Making sure the handle wasn’t reflected in the pot. Trying out different color combinations.

Trying to place other things in the frame that might add interest to the composition—like cherry tomatoes or strawberries or a small coffee cup—none of which worked to my satisfaction. Checking to see if morning light or afternoon light might give a more interesting result. Dragging the tripod out of the closet and trying to remember how to use the Live View feature. And then figuring out how to best process a photo that could work in many different ways.

In Living Color

August 31, 2025 by Donna Hopkins

“Living in the moment
is learning how to live
between big moments.
It is learning how to make the most
of the in-betweens
and having the audacity
to make those moments
just as exciting.”
—Morgan Harper Nichols

I cannot recall exactly how I came across the work of painter Kenny Harris, though I think it was by way of a substack newsletter. I was immediately drawn to his whimsical paintings of Moka Pots, those little Italian espresso makers, with various reflected colors, shapes, and patterns. Studying Harris’ entire portfolio, I was struck by how many of his paintings had a kind of photographic style. But where pictures often depict sharp edges and contrast, Harris’ paintings are soft and muted so that the subject often blends seamlessly with the background. Many of his paintings are devoid of people and yet full of life; the scenes function as invitations, welcoming the viewer to create their own narrative. In some respects, Harris’ work reminds me of the paintings by Edward Hopper. His work provides me with inspiration and fresh thoughts on how to portray the fleeting things in life as forever things.

I am attempting to create my own little series of Moka Pot prints, using my camera, some colorful paper, and a lot of experimentation. This is my first attempt. More to come . . .

First Apples

August 30, 2025 by Donna Hopkins

*Apple Nestled in Freshly Cut Grass | Grelen Orchard | Somerset, Virginia | August 2025*

*Greenhouse Ferns | The Market at Grelen | Somerset, Virginia | August 2025*

In the greenhouse, I take pictures of the garden essentials. The soil, the clippers, the pots. It’s hot inside; perspiration slides down my back as I try to hold the camera steadily. There is a slight breeze from an indoor fan. In the background, I hear two ladies talking to my husband and about how much they love this place. I love it, too. I make a note to sign up for a holiday wreath making class at this nursery.

*Pruning Shears | Grelen Nursery | Somerset, Virginia | August 2025*

I have walked miles in orchards and tried many different approaches to taking pictures of apples and peaches. All with mixed results. The best pictures depend on a certain degree of happenstance where the light is gorgeous and the fruit is lush. Where the orchard is quiet and the grass is soft. Where someone has left behind a ladder or maybe a basket. Where the fallen fruit has begun to decay. Where abundance spreads like a canopy in the sky above and a blanket on the earth below.

*Waves of Color | The Market at Grelen | Somerset, Virginia | August 2025*

*Cameo Apples | Grelen Orchard | Somerset, Virginia | August 2025*

*Stacks of Terra Cotta | The Market at Grelen | Somerset, Virginia | August 2025*

*Potting Mix | Grelen Nursery | Somerset, Virginia | August 2025*

Shoreline

August 29, 2025 by Donna Hopkins

Here’s what I love most about taking pictures. It gives me a reason to get up and get out into the world. It gives meaning to my life. It may not be a grand purpose in the scheme of things, but I treat my photography practice with reverence. I know the work I have done to care for others is important and necessary, but the making of these pictures is my passion. It is my life’s work. And I can’t imagine not doing it. But to keep going, sometimes I need to rest. I have stepped away gracefully. I have stepped away unknowingly. I have stepped away sadly. And I have separated from the work I love angrily, fearfully, and fretfully, too. I’ve worked hard to not shame myself for these detours and to wait patiently for the next turnaround.