When (not) in Rome

Courtney Lauber March 2, 2017

I have been getting a lot of questions lately about my whereabouts. This is nothing new to me, my wanderings have often been inquired about from various family members and friends because I tend to trail off. Something has come to my attention though. People think I'm in Rome.

I have kept much of (probably 96%) of my work to myself and those that I work with. However, over the past few months I have uploaded and shared a number of photos on social outlets - namely Instagram. The work that first started all of the inquires was that of Italy.

These photos were taken back in 2009 and apparently I did not make that clear enough on my posts. Friends who saw me out and about were borderline shocked that I wasn't abroad. Even after that batch of photos stopped I would see people and they would ask me how Rome was.

I am not in Rome.

I was, but that was back in 2009.

Anyway I am glad that there are those of you who have enjoyed my shots from Rome and I'm excited to share my next location with you. Most likely, you will see them on my Instagram first (shameless plug).

-CS

Sonder Explorations Colosseum

Shooting with Chisa

Courtney Lauber January 25, 2017

"Hey love just a heads up I'm right up the street snagging some food at Piccino Pizza. Let me know when you're close"...

Plans don't always go according to plan. People get busy, schedules get hectic, and sometimes the coffee spot you wanted to go to closed ten minutes before you got there. In retrospect it would have been smart to check online, but regardless Chisa and I got to shoot together elsewhere.

Chisa Fabiola Mendoza Fuentes is this gorgeous girl you see here. I met her long ago in a film course at CSU and have been causing trouble with her ever since. However, not long ago she invited me over to her families house to celebrate her cousins birthday. I was the only new guest in the house, but they welcomed me with smiles, food, funny stories, and hispanic culture.

I am forever grateful for that kind of hospitality and care.

Hello and Welcome

Courtney Lauber January 10, 2017

I'm happy to finally announce the official grand opening of Sonder Explorations. As many of you may know this has been an exciting journey thus far and will only continue to grow. If you have not yet read the "about" section and would like a little more explanation to the wording of this company here you go...

Sonder n.

- the realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own - populated with their own ambitions, friends, routines, worries, and inherited craziness - an epic story that continues invisibly around you like an anthill sprawling deep underground, with elaborate passageways to thousands of other lives that you'll never know existed, in which you might appear only once, as an extra sipping coffee in the background, as a blur of traffic passing on the highway, as a lightened window at dusk (According to The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows).

Essentially, I have had this feeling many times as I'm sure you have as well. It has always fascinated me to the point that I wish I could have a closer look into the lives of others, an exploration. However, in the vastness that is the experience of life I believe that many things can ignite the feeling of sonder. A coffee cup whose handle has been held by numerous people in various situations and times. A historic building that has endured time and events unseen in the present. A belonging of sentiment that has been in someones life for a very long time or part of family possession. All of these things can stir up a feeling of sonder and even a curiosity.

My hope is that you will join me in these explorations and that, if I may, can share the sonder with you through the arts.

-CS