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Citygarden – “Kindly Gepetto” by Tom Otterness, originally uploaded by Nikon66.

You should definitely check out this photographer’s work. His photos of the Citygarden in downtown St. Louis are just incredible. His shots are absolutely inspiring!

IMG_6817-1, originally uploaded by gina.banina.

I was lucky to get some fantastic shots of the fireworks this weekend. I think this may be my favorite of the shots.

This past Saturday the Cherokee Open House event took place. For those unfamiliar, Cherokee Street is home to numerous authentic Mexican restaurants, various art spaces, a few indie printing presses, and unique shops.

In the past four years I have witnessed the growth of the Cherokee Street community and development of the surrounding neighborhoods. This past Saturday everyone had opportunity to see just how fantastic Cherokee Street is and how far it has come.

Some photographs along Cherokee Street and within its fine businesses…

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Vino., originally uploaded by gina.banina.

I spent today out and about in St. Louis enjoying the incredibly beautiful day. First brunch at Merriweather’s, a restaurant inside of the Missouri History Museum. Then shooting photos around Forest Park. Then wine at Duff’s on the patio. I cannot imagine a more perfect way to spend a Sunday in St. Louis.

IMG_4358-1, originally uploaded by gina.banina.

Self-portrait Sunday will be a new blog feature.

Bettie Page So Happy!, originally uploaded by lapd5150policemotor.

Bettie Page was a cultural icon. She was the beginning of sexual- and self-expression for women everywhere. Bettie showed the world that sex is nothing to be ashamed of and is quite normal (and can be wonderfully wild at times too). She broke down barriers for women in terms of sexuality and expression and we should be grateful to her for it.

May she rest in peace.

Yesterday afternoon was the opening reception for Man-Made, a national juried photography exhibition at the St. Louis Artists’ Guild.  Two of my photographs were featured.  (I blogged about the show previously).  I was thrilled to have so many of my friends show to support me.

The other photography in the show was for the most part outstanding.  I was honored to be presented with an award for one of my two shots.  I was given a certificate and a check.  I have learned if a presentation is held during one’s opening reception then do not have a cup in your hand or food in your mouth (yeah, I was looking awesome… LOL).

If you were unable to attend the opening reception, the photography will be on display until January 9th.

I have been invited by the St. Louis Artists’ Guild to participate in a juried photo exhibition called Man-Made.  Two of my photographs will be featured, Motion and Madness.  The opening is Sunday, November 23rd, at 1 p.m.  It is free and open to the public.  If you are unable to come to the opening, feel free to view the exhibition anytime between the 23rd and January 9th.  I hope you are able to make it to the opening, though!  Directions here.

Evidently Aztecs believed this bird’s beak was created from rainbows.  Toucans were considered messengers of the gods. I saw this beautiful bird at the St. Louis Zoo this Summer.

The blog “The Inspired Room” is doing a contest of fall porch photographs and so I give you these two that I shot this month in the Central West End: