Blue Buddha Studios | How the Power of Belief Manifested Into a Brick & Mortar Business

My husband's first camera was an old Zenit given to him by his father. His first real job, as a young boy in Istanbul, was as an assistant to a renowned sports photographer for Cumhuriyet, one of the largest newspapers in the city. Later while studying abroad, he jockeyed for and landed a coveted position as an assignment photographer for Midi Libre, one of the premiere newspapers of Montpellier, on the French Riviera.

Upon making his way to the States, he worked fervently to complete his degree, then began the journey towards starting his own photography company. Brick by painstaking brick, he built a thriving and vibrant business, Kerem Hanci Photography, which leads the way in innovation, mastery and compassion. I couldn't be more proud of the endless hours of hard work he has put into capturing the hearts and emotions of his clients. It's a testament to his will and his passion for his craft.

Enter Jen Castle. Six years ago, as luck would have it, my brother met her, pined for her, finally won her over and married her and now I can officially call her my sister! Badass. Sister! When she first came into our lives, she was plunging into a new creative endeavor, which just so happened to also be photography. She and Kerem have walked their own creative paths side by side for almost 5 years now, sometimes intersecting, sometimes steering clear of each other, but always supporting one and other. From their love and support of each other, blossomed the perfect manifestation of a shared belief, acceptance, hard work and passion which led them to this extraordinary moment.

Blue Buddha Studios Grand Opening!

Last night, was the Grand Opening of their very own photography studio, Blue Buddha Studios. I must say I was overcome with emotion by the outpouring of love and blessings from our friends and colleagues who came to celebrate with us in the new space. I feel so incredibly thankful to be surrounded by such a beautiful and supportive creative community, the culmination of almost 2 decades of living and breathing our art.

Blue Buddha Studios is a full-service, boutique photography and video studios, with a loungey, relaxed atmosphere guaranteed to get the creative juices flowing and the imagination soaring.

What's more, I feel overjoyed to have a space to nurture and cultivate the creativity of our daughter and our friend's kids and the community's kids, expanding outward like a ripple, touching the hearts and minds of people we could have never imagined to reach. Affecting others through art. What an incredible journey we are embarking on!

                       

Our hearts have the power to believe and our minds have the ability to imagine. Together, exists the influence to manifest whatever our heart and mind desire! Dream Freely!

[Guest Blogger Series] The Metamorphosis of The Great "Outdoors" by Kerem Hanci

Hello Mommy Hiker readers!

My name is Kerem Hanci, I am Jennifer's husband and a blogger myself (if you would like to follow my Friday Photography Blog, you can do so here).

When Jennifer asked me to do a guest blog spot, I was honored and proud to do so.

I have always loved the outdoors, but, as to be expected, my definition of the "outdoors" has changed dramatically over the years.

When I was growing up, in Istanbul, we used to play soccer all the time.  That was outdoors.

I also have fond memories of family road trips up north to the Black Sea, where my twin brother and I played in the notoriously wild waves under the watchful eyes of my parents.  That was outdoors.

In our teenage years, my father would take us on hunting trips where we spent hours scouring the wet, snowy ground for a few pieces of dry wood to make a campfire big enough to cook our "sucuk-ekmek", a delicious dry, spiced, cured beef sausage sandwich.  That was outdoors.

Almost every summer, we would end up in Palamutbükü, Datça in the south of Turkey where my parents have a summer house.  We would spend entire days and nights on the beach.  That was outdoors.

Jen, Vivienne & Me in Palamutbükü this summer

When I lived in France, we used to take day trips with my best friend, almost every Sunday, to the beautiful mountains and plains surrounding Montpellier. That was outdoors.

Then I came to US, and the term "outdoors" took a whole different meaning when my wife and I started camping.  Even while travelling around the globe yearly, we still make it a priority to take advantage of the vast and wonderful State and National Park system of United States.

Playa Negra, Costa Rica

These camping trips make me appreciate the outdoors more than ever. Even on a cold fall evening, Jennifer and I usually opt for the chilly beach, instead of the warm restaurant steps behind us, counting the stars and listening to the roar of the pacific ocean...

Malibu, California

Being a photographer, gives me tremendous opportunities to observe and document nature at its best. Photo shoots take me to outdoor locals far and wide and whether it is cold or hot, it doesn't matter... I love being there.  Away from the city. Somewhat unplugged.  Any and all opportunity to be out under a blue sky or under a blanket of stars are welcome!

Bombay Beach, The Salton Sea

I never pass up an opportunity to get down on the floor for the pure pleasure of seeing and documenting the world from a different angle....

Bettendorf, Iowa

The thing is, since Vivienne arrived and brought an endless joy to our lives, our camping trips, our outdoor activities, even going to the park, has gotten way more interesting and fun.  This does not mean they are not challenging.  For instance, I would never again set our tent on the edge of a cliff looking down to Pacific Ocean from the high coast of Big Sur, at least for a little while! What you see in the following photograph, is the view from the door of our tent around 3am.

Big Sur, California

I am extremely happy and grateful that I will be able to share all these experiences with my daughter.  I know Jennifer will present a glimpse of all our upcoming adventures with you.

Let me finish by saying this:  I am very proud of Jennifer for first providing a vehicle for our daughter to be active, to learn to connect to nature.  I am proud of her for creating the Mommy Hiker community and starting this blog.  I know the work she puts into it along with her writing, producing and acting career and I am always impressed how she is so patient, educative and loving towards Vivienne while she is handling everything else.  And finally, I am so proud of all the moms and kids (and dads of course) who are part of this Mommy Hiker community.  I look forward to the photography updates of the weekly hikes you all are enjoying on Fridays.  I will make an effort to catch another one of those soon.  Until than, stay well!

Jen, Vivienne & Me in Big Sur, California