Summer Wrap-Up

This summer was full of workshops, weddings, fires, and interns. Jonathan Kingston traveled from Bend, Oregon and taught some Photoshop classes in the gallery/studio. About 8 people attented it as an intensive workshop over the weekend.

Brooks intern Brandon Hauser assisted as second shooter and was on hold for tech-support whenever I needed him. A nature boy at heart, he loved climbing mountains and shooting the fires (see photo below). He was also great at lifting heavy objects and turning heads at weddings. My relationship with Brandon was part boss, part mentor, part friend, and part mom. Brandon is now graduated and just got a job in Alaska. Good luck Brandon!

For those of you who didn't hear, Ketchum was under siege for 2 weeks, as forest fires forced 3,000 people to evacuate their homes and businesses. The town had 1,700 firefighters camped out a the base of the mountains, and thanks to them not a single life or structure was lost. Thanks firefighters!!

Finally, the biggest wedding of the summer was downsized from 400 people to just 40 close friends and family at the parents' house because of the fires, and the family donated all the food from the reception to the firefighters. They were served filet mignon and vishyssoise, and they said they loved the steak, but why was the soup cold?

Birthday in Bali

In early May, I went to Bali for my 41st birthday, and was accompanied by my friend Shanti and her friend Maria, who is the Fashion Editor for Women’s Health Magazine. 

Shanti, Maria, & me

We spent part of the time with friends Christina, Brad, and their new baby Charlie, and then stayed a week out at Mick's Place, a resort that's recognized as the perfect Balinese getaway for weddings, surfing, and yoga. I couldn't leave the infinity pool. 

this was actually shot FROM the infinity pool!

we hit the clubs for my birthday after pizza and chocolate cake!

I faded early at 4 am - couldn't hang with the professionals

the rice terraces near Ubud

body washing before cremation ceremony

Shanti went to high school with a girl named Tara who, fortunately for us, happened to marry the Prince of Ubud. Ubud is a town in the center of Bali, known for its scenic fields, small villages, and ancient temples. Because of this connection, we spent time with the royal family and even got to experience a cremation ceremony and a purification ceremony that came complete with a body washing.

Some people mourned openly during the cremation ceremony and overall, it seemed like a very healthy tradition to take part in. The mood was surprisingly light, with people taking time to eat, drink, talk on their cell phones, and of course show of their new clothes, which made it seem like more of a social gathering than anything. You’ve got to love a country that prides itself on men wearing skirts and flowers in their hair.

For more photos check out thiakonig.com/bali
Click here for pictures of Tara’s house (which she rents out for weddings)

Vegas, Baby!

This past March, I was flown to Las Vegas to help out as a second shooter with my photog friend Michelle, who shoots large VIP events. While she was busy getting the VIP "grip and grins", I had the freedom to be more artistic and "behind the scenes" with my shots - just up my alley!

We stayed in the center of the action (at least for the Champ Car races - which made a loop around old downtown) at the Golden Nugget Hotel, which had a shark tank in the middle of the pool, with - get this - a water slide running through the middle of the shark tank! Only in Vegas, baby!

Big and Rich - now a huge fan!

We shot everything from galas, street concerts, celebrity poker games, to motorcycle stunts, and champ car races. The champ car races were the noisiest and smelliest experience to date. Uh, does anybody have any earplugs?

We were given backstage passes to a Big and Rich concert leading us to the front row where all the action was ( I am now officially a huge fan). Unfortunately I didn't have the same access to the champ car races, which forced be to sneak into the pit and play clueless when an official kicked me out. I snuck in 3 times, so good thing they were all different officials, or my act wouldn't have worked.

Downtown on Freemont St is a 3 block long canopy/video screen, that hosted the most amazing "slide show" I've ever seen.....

The incredible thing about photography is that you can dive into a scene and immerse yourself in it; the challenge is always to capture something people haven't seen before. It's almost like a game I really get a buzz off of. Click here for more pics of Vegas!

Vegas: 4 days of shooting, 3 pairs of earplugs, 2 tickets to "O", and one $50 bill lost on 21.

Studio Opening

Photos Do Not Bend is a unique combination of a fine art gallery and a full-service studio. As a gallery, we specialize in traditional silver gelatin prints (the kind that are printed by hand in an actual darkroom from film) and alternative processes of photography (such as infrared film and manipulated Polaroids). Come by for gallery walk 6-9 pm on seleted evenings.

In addition to shooting special events and portraiture on location, custom framing is available for both the fine art on the walls, and the assignment work that is created for you.



Photos Do Not Bend opened seven years ago as a gallery, but as time went on, I realized it had the potential to be more. In January of 2007, I started to rock the space as both a gallery and a studio. In order to have the ability to switch back and forth, I designed some equipment that would make it an effortless reality.

I designed a piece of furniture on wheels that is a print bin for the gallery on one side, and holds studio equipment on the other.  With the pull-down paper, and this print bin on wheels, I'm able to switch back and forth from gallery to studio, and back again in ten minutes. 

As a gallery, it’s a showcase for my personal work as well as for other guest artists that I host from time to time. As a studio, no matter what the weather is doing outside, we can shoot. We specialize in small precious objects, such as babies and children.

What I love about this gallery/studio is that it’s a place where I can hold court; it’s a home for my work. Even if no one buys a print, my hope has always been that it’s a place where I can inspire people.



Photos Do Not Bend is a versatile place, a forum for ideas where we often host workshops, and even some late night parties where we bring the community's artistic minds together. Come in and buy some photographic art that speaks to you, or get inspired to go off and shoot your own work.

Vacation rental in Sun Valley

Escape to Sun Valley and this soul pad retreat with character. Nestled away near a park so it's quiet (birds sing even in the winter!), yet walking distance to town. Beautiful new maple hardwood floors, granite countertops, and accented with art and treasures from over 20 years of globetrotting. Welcome home!

The living area and stairs up to the master bedroom. Pellet stove, surround sound, WiFi. Plug your own iPod in to the dock and enjoy your own music.

When was the last time you slept in a waterbed? This ain't your college waterbed, though, as this has waveless baffles and a support floatation mattress on top (and a memory foam topper for good measure!), Egyptian cotton 600 ct. sheets, and an organic cotton duvet with a down comforter. Warm and snuggly in the winter, and so comfortable, you won't be able to get out in the morning. Ok, for a hot tub and morning coffee, maybe? Or a powder morning! There is grass cloth on the ceiling to give the feeling of being in a tropical jungle treehouse. Watch the snow fall on the trees without getting out of bed.

There is nothing better than your own private hot tub on the upper deck, right off the master bedroom. Your white robes are waiting. You can see the milky way and the Sun Valley firework shows right from the tub. Don't forget the candles.

Soothe your soul or your aching muscles after a fabulous day skiing on the hill

Yes, that's a Jimmy Hendricks print on the wall. The downstairs maharaja/rock star room has a private patio for snow entry and covered gear storage if you like.

Private covered patio - store your ski gear in the winter, or your bikes in the summer.

Dining area and kitchen.

Granite countertops, sharp knives, spice drawer, dish washer, microwave, coffee maker, etc.

New Years Eve dump a couple years ago!!

Looking towards the park. Thank god someone else shovels the walkways.

A shady, cool respite in the summer.

I hope you enjoy my home as much as I do!

to see the listing and check the availabilty calendar in Vacation Rental by Owner (VRBO.com) click here

Here are some comments from guests so far....

"We had a great time and truly enjoyed staying at your beautiful condo. We all enjoyed looking at the pictures, art, and travel momentos on the walls and around the condo. The kids were also entraced by the lave lamps. The weather, skiing, food, and shopping were all good and made for a nice relaxing trip -- just what the doctor ordered. Also, thanks for the extrtas that you provided while we were there - the gift cert to the Roosevelt Grill, the wine, the wine bottle opener, etc. all very nice touches."- Ken & family

"Thank you SO much for sharing your lovely home with us! We had the best anniversary ever - and that is priceless!!" - Sincerely, Chris & Tim!

Thank you SO much! We had a great time - your hospitality was greatly appreciated! - Darcy & Sara

"Dear Thia,

Mark and I feel so blessed to stay in your home during our vacation. Everything was perfect! We appreciated all your special touches. We will definitely stay again (if available) as Mark and I love this area! Thanks so much......." - Renee and Mark

"Thia - Thanks for everything. We had a great time in SV & we LOVED your condo! Thanks again!" - John & Krisha

"Thia - Thank you SO MUCH for letting us use your 'totally groovy' soul pad. We had a great time in Sun Valley and I'm sure my mom and aunt enjoyed their dinner with you. Thanks again! Minnesota Madigan

"Thia - We had a great time staying at your fun 'soul pad'. Meeting you also was a treat!! We will definitely stay in touch. Remember - you're Maddies wedding photographer!! Thanks for all the extras, too!! Liz

Thia,

Thank you!! We had a great time & your place was perfect for our little family. The location was so close to everything & that was really nice. We enjoyed the YMCA, the shops, the symphony, bike rides, the art festival & your hot tub! ; )

The kids left a little art work for you that they made at the festival. Enjoy the rest of your summer!

- The Flamm Family

Thia,
    Thank you SO MUCH for the hospitaity. We had a great time & look forward to another visit. Stay in touch & let us know if you ever make it to Seattle, you've got lodging.
Wishing you the best!
 - Rachael & Michael

SUPERB CHILL PAD
My hubby and I so enjoyed the condo. Very comfortable, cool vibe, perfect walk to stretch the legs for groceries, a movie in town, to catch the shuttle for a lift to the lifts or just for fun! Clean, comfy, fun, great music selection, cool art, and superb landlord. Not only would I suggest this rental to others - we will be back!
 - Rachael & Michael

Thia,
Thanks so much for everything....your help, enthusiasm and beautiful home were perfect for our family vacation. Wish we had moe time to get to know you better AND have you take our portraits! We very much hope to see you again next year and will try to make that happen.
Cheers! Steph, Scott, Dave, Justin & Audry

Thia - Thank you! We had a great week. Thanks for arranging to have lots of fresh snow! Your place was perfect for us - Holly
This has been perfect for our family! We thank you so much!! Come visit us in N.Y. - Skip (Holly's husband)

contact the owner by email thiakonig@gmail.com or by phone 208 727 3686

See the listing in VRBO.com

view from master bedroom upper deck & hot tub - added 3/10/11

More pics of the Soul Pad

We've made some improvements to the Soul Pad since the original photos were posted on VRBO a couple years ago, and I wanted to share some of them with you. 

I lined the upstairs patio with bamboo 

to go along with the master bedroom theme "jungle tropical treehouse"

your own private hot tub - feels like a tree house from the master bedroom!

Top left is the master deck, and bottom left is the private patio, 

off of the downstairs bedroom. 

Around the right is the front door.........

AND, in addition to the patio, and hot tub deck, is the front area with huge 'boy' bbq, and sky chair. There are some other camping chairs available for eating outside under the trees, or to take with you to symphony and concerts.

Visible through the glass sliders in the downstairs bedroom, 

I turned the covered private patio into a 'sanctuary garden'. 

Use it to store all your skiis, bikes, toys - whatever you came here to play with. 

Use the patio chairs for extra dining chairs, 

or move them both up to the upper deck for coffee for two in the morning sun   ; )

Guest are LOVING the new stove!!! SO COZY in the winter. 

It's on a thermostat and has a self starter, so it couldn't be easier! 

In 10 min it's blazing!

I love stained glass, especially cobalt blue. Thus the beautiful unique glassware. 

the kids (and the kid in you) will love the lava lamps

the Soul Pad is in the perfect location to go out and have fun, 

and it's a great space to welcome you back home

"Thanks again for everything Thia! You really went the extra mile to make us, especially my dad, feel special on his 60th. We had a great time and really felt at home in your place. Thanks again and have a fun winter! "    - Alexa

"Thia, Emily and I had a great time honeymooning here in the soul pad! Thank you so much for your hospitality - everything was perfect!" Best, Steve (and Emily!)"

"Thanks Thia! We had an unbelievable time. Your 'soul pad' was perfect. I might need to move to Ketchum. We'll definitely be back and hopefully can stay here again. We loved it. -Tyler"