Global Fund for Women Regional Convening in Amman, Jordan, Day 1

Bowerbird Photography January 20, 2014

We have only been in Amman for a day, but after listening to stories from dozens of women from Libya, Algeria, Mauritania, Egypt, Turkey, Palestine, Iran, and Jordan, to name a few, we feel like we've been traveling in the Middle East/ North Africa (MENA) region for much longer. The story of the women's movement in the MENA region has, unfortunately, been given little voice, even though so much political and social change has occurred in the last few years. That's one reason why we feel so honored to have the opportunity to document a slice of the unfolding history of the women's rights movement here and to help tell the courageous stories of these women at such a crucial moment in history. Yesterday, we photographed a gathering of leaders participating in the Global Fund for Women's MENA convening to discuss strategies for building on the momentum for change to improve the rights of women and girls.

The event started last night with a reception at the Landmark Hotel, where participants were assembled with all the joyousness of a reunion of friends who have not seen each others in years. Here's a peek from the gathering last night :)

View from the hotel. Global Fund for Women Regional Convening in Amman, Jordan. © Bowerbird Photography, 2014. — View from the hotel. Global Fund for Women Regional Convening in Amman, Jordan. © Bowerbird Photography, 2014.

Global Fund for Women Regional Convening in Amman, Jordan. © Bowerbird Photography, 2014. — Global Fund for Women Regional Convening in Amman, Jordan. © Bowerbird Photography, 2014.

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam

Traveling to the Middle East

Bowerbird Photography January 14, 2014

First stop: Amman, Jordan. We are thrilled to be traveling to the Middle East later this week with the Global Fund for Women. Keep updated on our blog and on the Global Fund's social media sites, starting next week!

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam

The Global Fund for Women's 25th Anniversary Gala

Bowerbird Photography January 10, 2014

In October we had the opportunity to photograph and sponsor a wonderful event, the Global Fund for Women's 25th Anniversary Gala at Fort Mason. The evening was filled with inspiring speeches, among some standouts were by Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Leymah Gbowee and author Isabel Allende. It was an honor to join the Global Fund for Women in celebrating an amazing 25 years of difference-making.

We are also excited to announce that next week we will be traveling to the Middle East, on commission by the Global Fund for Women, to document many of the organizations they are working with in the region. We are beyond thrilled to be able to contribute to such an incredible social justice non-profit and to photograph their amazing work!

Nobel Peace Laureate Leymah Gbowee and Author Jane Sloane. The Global Fund for Women's 25th Anniversary Gala. © Bowerbird Photography, 2014. — Nobel Peace Laureate Leymah Gbowee and Author Jane Sloane. The Global Fund for Women's 25th Anniversary Gala. © Bowerbird Photography, 2014.

The Global Fund for Women's 25th Anniversary Gala. © Bowerbird Photography, 2014. — The Global Fund for Women's 25th Anniversary Gala. © Bowerbird Photography, 2014.

Musimbi Kanyoro. The Global Fund for Women's 25th Anniversary Gala. © Bowerbird Photography, 2014. — Musimbi Kanyoro. The Global Fund for Women's 25th Anniversary Gala. © Bowerbird Photography, 2014.

Author Isabel Allende. The Global Fund for Women's 25th Anniversary Gala. © Bowerbird Photography, 2014. — Author Isabel Allende. The Global Fund for Women's 25th Anniversary Gala. © Bowerbird Photography, 2014.

Stay tuned for photos from our trip to the Middle East :)

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam

Fashion Photos up on the Awamaki Website

Bowerbird Photography January 6, 2014

Last May, we traveled to Peru for several photo shoots, including a fashion photo session with a wonderful women's weaving collective called Awamaki. The images are now up on their store website and they look fabulous! We are so excited to be part of this amazing project and support these women's work :)

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam

M + B: Surprise Proposal in Napa Valley at Domaine Carneros Winery

Bowerbird Photography January 3, 2014

There is no better way to start off the New Year than to ask the love of your life to be your wife :) We have been holding on to this secret for several weeks now, but we can finally share this story with you all. Under a brilliant blue sky, B proposed to his girlfriend M on the steps of the gorgeous Domaine Carneros Winery in Napa Valley. We stayed incognito, studying a bird manual, while following behind them and toting huge zoom lenses. Of course, we would pose as birders ;)

We are so happy for them both! Congratulations love birds!!

Surprise Proposal in Napa Valley at Domaine Carneros. © Bowerbird Photography, 2014.

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam