amy mullarkey + photoblog

TEN FOR TEN: WATER FOR AFRICA

2009-11-10T00:39:00.000-08:00

LOGO by Pamela Bordlee. www.pambordlee.com

Ten for Ten has been generous enough to auction off two photos taken by my students who participated in a photography contest in Uganda at their upcoming event: Eat, Drink and Give Water Holiday Party

Tis’ the Season to Eat, Drink and Give Water...

Location:Space Studio at Hal Samples Gallery - Deep Ellum

Time:7:30PM Saturday, November 14th

The 1st and 2nd place winners, Ali and Jimmy, respectively, have both faced almost insurmountable challenges in their young lives. Both Ali and Jimmy's photos depict the challenges that many Ugandans face with accessibility to clean water. To learn more about Ali and Jimmy and to view their winning photos, please peruse the photo gallery below.

Here's Pepe!

2009-10-17T07:59:00.000-07:00

Pepe may just be one of the most energetic and charming people I have ever met! Talk about charisma! He is a new student at Sure Prospects Primary School in Entebbe, Uganda. Pepe was jumping up and down trying to get into my frame. Mission accomplished!

Uganda Update: Ten for 10

2009-10-08T10:24:00.000-07:00

While in Uganda I had the privilege of working for Ten for 10, a non-profit organization with a mission to provide clean drinking water to countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. One of the founders of Ten for 10, Bryan Batson (PMBA, '07), is a graduate of Southern Methodist University's Cox School of Business. Both Bryan and his fantastic wife Sheryl co-founded Ten for 10 along with an amazing graphic designer, Pamela Bordlee. Established in April of 2008, Ten for 10 has already been featured on the local news in Dallas and Ft. Worth and is now featured in the Cox School of Business' newsletter along with one of my photos that I shot in Gulu, Uganda. For more information about how you can help read the article attached and/or please check out their work at http://www.tenfor10.org.

THE STORY OF PATRICK RISALA: A REFUGEE FROM THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

2009-09-27T23:37:00.000-07:00

Patrick Risala suspects he will never return to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He spent too many years in the bush in hiding after his house was burned down, his son was murdered, his wife was raped and Patrick himself was tortured and left for dead, to ever want to go back to the place that was once his home.

Patrick has been a teacher of Social Studies and French since 1987. In 1993, Patick married his wife, Esperonce. Patrick and Esperonce are from two different tribes: Patrick is Hutu and Esperonce is Tutsi. For years they lived peacefully in the DRC. They had a lovely home on an extensive piece of land with plenty of livestock and farmland. Their peaceful existence ended on November 30, 2006.

In the middle of the night on November 30, 2006, Patrick heard a banging on the door. He opened the door and saw government soldiers. They told him that they had proof that he was a spy and they knew he possessed knowledge regarding the Tutsis' plan to take over the DRC. Patrick told them that he had no such information and that they were clearly mistaken. He told them that he was only a school teacher and he was not a threat to anyone.

Patrick asked the soldiers where they received their information. They said that they knew he was married to a Tutsi and therefore he must have information for them. At that moment, Patrick's first born son walked into the room and the soldiers shot him. Patrick's other son managed to run away.

The soldiers told Patrick that he could prove his loyalty to the Hutus by killing his wife. When Patrick refused to kill his wife some of the soldiers took her away and raped her. The soldiers did not kill Esperonce and she was able to escape with her two daughters leaving Patrick behind.

The soldiers continued to interrogate Patrick. They pinned him down and began to carve the word 'Mupererezi' which means 'intelligence' or 'spy' in Swahili on Patrick's bare chest. When Patrick still confessed nothing they told him they were going to cut off his fingers until he confessed. One by one they cut off Patrick's fingers on his right hand, sparing only his thumb. When he still would not confess they hit him over the head with a machete and the next time he regained consciousness he was in the hospital.

Patrick recovered in the hospital for awhile, but everyday he stayed in the hospital he was risking his life. A friend of his hid him in the bush and brought food to him there everyday for two years. Eventually, Patrick was able to escape to Uganda where he was assisted by the UNHCR. Patrick was elated to find out that Esperonce had made it out of the DRC alive with their two daughters and had been living in Uganda for over two years. The family was finally reunited with the exception of their son who was killed and their son who ran away during the attack. Patrick and Esperonce still hold out hope that they will find their son.

New blog

2009-05-26T01:19:00.000-07:00

Visit Amy Mullarkey Photography's new blog at: http://www.amymullarkeyblog.com

Uganda Update

2009-02-27T01:16:00.000-08:00

We now have 8 cameras donated and we only need 2 more.

As some of you know, I will be traveling to Uganda in April 2009 for a photography project I am working on that examines the educational opportunities for students with disabilities. I will be working closely with the Outside the Dream Foundation, a non-profit organization based in Kampala, Uganda. Outside the Dream provides Ugandan orphans, vulnerable children, and former child soldiers with an education. In short, Outside the Dream helps the children of Uganda realize their dreams. In addition, Outside the Dream is also involved in micro-enterprise projects. During my stay in Uganda, I will have the pleasure of teaching a photography workshop to students at the Awegys Secondary School in Kampala. We are in need of cameras for the workshop and I am happy to report that EIGHT cameras have already been donated, but we are hopeful to have at least 10 cameras (15 would be ideal) for a class of 40 students. The camera that we have chosen, the Canon Powershot A470 Digital Camera (multiple colors) for the workshop is available online at B&H Photography and the cost is $79.95 and it is tax deductible. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/542275-REG/Canon_2504B001_Powershot_A470_Digital_Camera.html#reviews

The donated cameras will be the property of the Awegys Secondary School and I will bring them with me in April. If any of you are interested in donating a camera, please write me a private message and I will provide you with more details regarding the shipping address and the tax deduction letter. Please feel free to write me with any other questions or concerns you may have.

Thank you to those of you who have already donated cameras to Outside the Dream!
Warmly,
Amy

The students of the Awegys Secondary School in Kampala are pictured here with Gretchen Seitbert, the director of the Outside the Dream Foundation.

Uganda

2009-01-21T02:10:00.000-08:00

As some of you know, I will be traveling to Uganda in April 2009 for a photography project I am working on that examines the educational opportunities for students with disabilities. I will be working closely with the Outside the Dream Foundation, a non-profit organization based in Kampala, Uganda. Outside the Dream provides Ugandan orphans, vulnerable children, and former child soldiers with an education. In short, Outside the Dream helps the children of Uganda realize their dreams. In addition, Outside the Dream is also involved in micro-enterprise projects. During my stay in Uganda, I will have the pleasure of teaching a photography workshop to students at the Awegys Secondary School in Kampala. We are in need of cameras for the workshop and I am happy to report that four cameras have already been donated, but we are hopeful to have at least 10 cameras (15 would be ideal) for a class of 50 students. The camera that we have chosen, the Canon Powershot A470 Digital Camera (multiple colors) for the workshop is available online at B&H Photography and the cost is $82.95 and it is tax deductible. The donated cameras will be the property of the Awegys Secondary School and I will bring them with me in April. If any of you are interested in donating a camera, please write me a private message and I will provide you with more details regarding the shipping address and the tax deduction letter. Please feel free to write me with any other questions or concerns you may have.

Thank you to those of you who have already donated cameras to Outside the Dream!
Warmly,
Amy

Otim Charles is a beneficiary of Outside the Dream's micro-enterprise project. He was abducted by the Lord's Resistance army at the age of 16 and was in the bush for 18 years. He grew through the ranks of the LRA and served as a Lieutenant when he was shot in the leg by the Ugandan forces. His leg was later amputated. He returned from the bush in 2004 and has eleven children.

Outside the Dream has financed his commercial poultry project so that he is able to pay his way through school while at the same time providing for his family.

Christmas 2008 in London, England

2009-01-08T03:31:00.000-08:00

Tony and I spent Christmas with his family in Milton Keynes and then spent the last few days in London with his sister Renee' and her husband, Paul. We had a wonderful time in the freezing cold!

Brian and Amber's Wedding in Maryland

2008-07-29T13:48:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to be able to travel back to the states to photograph a wedding this summer. I can only post a couple of the photos because they are on their way to the lab, but the photos turned out just like the couple who are in them...gorgeous! I will post more photos after Amber and Brian see them all. Congratulations Amber and Brian! Thank you to Kate, my wonderful assistant! I couldn't have done it without her! Check back to see photos of my first bride and groom in Germany...Ragna and Holger!

Photojournalism website: www.2amymullarkey.com
Wedding photojournalism website: www.amymullarkey.com

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Bill and Ruth CAUGHT ON TAPE!!!

2008-07-27T11:32:00.000-07:00

Check out this video of Mom and Dad at Vetter's in Heidelberg!

Bill and Ruth's Big Adventure Day 8

2008-07-25T16:47:00.001-07:00

Mom and Dad's last day in Heidelberg was fun, but a little melancholy because we knew they had to leave the next day. Once we convinced Mom that she didn't really need 10 hours to pack, and reminded her that there's beer at this restaurant we were going to, she was out the door (zoom!) and we were on our way. Tony and Dad climbed up some 240 steps to the top of the cathedral. And as if that wasn't enough, we took them for a walk up to the Philosopher's Walk. Dad had not one, but TWO ice cream treats after our walking adventure! I will never forget this trip with Mom and Dad. I hope we can convince them to come back. We were so very impressed with their high energy level and resilience! We love you!
She's BAAAAaaack! Hello Church Lady! So pretty in pink!
Mom and Dad in the Lutheran Church
Good morning, Tony!

Amy, Mom and Dad before lunch and before the big walk.

Up on the Philosopher's Walk. It's a hike!

Mom's delicious treat!
Wild Bill's delicious treat #2!

Bill and Ruth's Big Adventure Day 7

2008-07-25T16:31:00.001-07:00

The day of shopping. Our Bill had a difficult time shopping on the streets of Heidelberg, so I went to help him out a bit while Tony ate a banana split and drank coffee with Mom. We had a wonderful dinner and Dad bought Tony a liter of beer for the drive home. Ruth was a little upset because she wanted one of her own, but she soon saw the error of her ways. So it was back to diet soda pop for Mom! More beer for us!

Mom and Dad in front of the castle. Cute, but maybe just a wee bit tired.

YUM! Germans love their ice cream and so do we!
More beer, please. No, Occifer, I haven't been drinking.

Little man...

He is so handsome!

Awwww...I love that girl! No, not me, Mom!

Bill and Ruth's Big Adventure! Day 6

2008-07-09T11:49:00.000-07:00

We took the kids on a day trip to Rothenburg ob der Tauber which is about an hour and a half southeast from Heidelberg (by car, that is). We walked around the quaint little town, drank a cup a coffee (we were hungover what can I say?) and bought several Schneebellums (a traditional pastry of Rothenburg o.d. T.) that we consumed the following morning. Upon our return to Heidelberg, we made a bee line for the nearest bar and restaurant. Let these photos be a testament to the fun we had that day!
Just arrived...Bill and Ruth pose happily for the camera
Dream realized...Bill takes a minute to digest his surroundings
Heyyyyyy...

The Church Lady at Jakobskirche. The elaborate wooden Blood Altar is magnificient and Mom climbed lots of stairs just to see it.

We'll be right back with more of the Church Lady...
Tony, the Gentle Giant and Weebs.
In search of Edelweiss...
Weebs, shopping...
Tomatoes.
Weebs all bundled up! It was a bit chilly outside!
Mom, Dad and Amy.
A 'candid' shot of Mom and Dad.
Wooden kneelers at an old Lutheran church...ouch!

The lovely Church Lady...our Weebs.

St. Jakob.

We were here...

Goodbye, Rothenburg!

Back in Heidelberg...
Wild Bill and his Guiness
Just one more...why not?
Wild Bill was feeling a little feisty!

Our Tony...such a good sport for putting up with a bunch of Mullarkeys!

Bill and Ruth's Big Adventure! Day 5

2008-07-08T03:57:00.000-07:00

Day of Feasts!

We laid low on Sunday because we were invited to a traditional German barbecue at Villa Eva, the beautiful home of our landlady and landlord Eva and Klaus! But first, in the morning, we had a mouthwatering brunch at Cafe Rossi (http://www.caferossi.de) after which we were not certain that would be able to eat more food later that on the day. But, we managed to do just that.

At the barbecue Sunday evening, Mom actually drank some beer and Bill drank some beer and Ouzo that Klaus brought out to us. Eva served us two desserts, chocolate mousse and a sour cherry chocolate almond cake...yes, you read that correctly..YUM! Everything we ate was homemade and it was the most delicious meal we have had yet.
Bill and Ruth are learning German curse words at Cafe Rossi where we ate brunch! Tisk tisk...
Tony in his groovy Ray Bans...meow.
At Villa Eva...Turkey, Chicken, Pork and Lamb were served. Goot!

Tony helping himself to German potato salad.
Klaus serving Bill more beer...slow down Dad! (Just kidding...sort of)
Turkey, potato salad and a green salad (Before Ouzo - B.O.)
Yes, I'll take some beer, thanks!

Sweet Eva is dressed in red. A little camera shy!

Bill and Ruth's Big Adventure! Day 4

2008-07-06T04:40:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Bill and Ruth survived an ambitious itinerary of seeing the sites in three small towns and topping it off with MORE BEER and sausage back in Heidelberg. Just in case you didn't know, Bill is in heaven what with all this sausage and beer. Surprisingly, Mom has been putting us all to shame by drinking all three of us under the table! Ha ha!

We started the day off by driving to the quaint villages of Neckargemund and Neckarsteinach. We sat on the Neckar river and had lunch at the Neckar Terrasse restaurant. The view was fantastic and we were all having such a wonderful time that we forgot to get the camera out to prove that we were actually there. Next, we headed to Schwetzingen to see the Schloss gardens which were created in honor of the gardens of Versailles in Paris, France. We then headed back to Heidelberg to partake in the Afrikatage festivities by drinking a beer and eating some bratwurst while Bill sang "Heaven, I'm in Heaven..."
Entering the Schloss in the town of Schwetzingen.

Weebs, the tour guide. We were just along for the ride...
Wild Bill...
A bride in the gardens.Wild Bill and Too Tall McGraw

The famous photographer, Bill Mullarkey, takes a perfect pic of his peeps.
Another Wild Bill original...Tony's turn...Too peas in a beer barrel...
Yummmm...bratwurstWe begged her to stop drinking three at a time, but Ruth would hear nothing of it.The happy family after beer and sausages..."snawsages."
On our way back through Heidelberg to the car park.

At the end of a very long day, Bill and Ruth say...where's the party?

Bill and Ruth's Big Adventure! Day 3

2008-07-05T11:41:00.000-07:00

After a leisurely morning on our front porch, Mom and Dad walked all over the town yesterday in search of their next beer!

We first walked around our neighborhood in Westadt and stopped in at a church where Mom said some prayers and we lit some candles in remembrance of Kathy Lewis, Tony's sister.

Then, we walked all the way down the Haupstrasse to have lunch at the Dubliner, an Irish establishment, that serves delicious food and icy cold beverages. Mom and Dad ate Irish Stew and Dad drank a Guiness and Mom had a Coca Cola Light. We spent most of the day walking around the old town enjoying the romantic architecture and ambiance. Both the kids are really enjoying themselves and we're so happy that they are here having this experience.

Hanging out on our front porch
At a church in our neighborhood Weebs...praying.

The gang of Heidelberg...at The Dubliner on the Haupstrasse.

Bill and Ruth's Big Adventure!!! Days 1 and 2

2008-07-03T12:25:00.000-07:00

Mom and Dad made it safely to Heidelberg, Germany without any problems! The trip went smoothly and they have been out partying day and night. I can't get them to stop drinking!

Yesterday we let Mom take a nap while we took Dad on a long walk through the Aldstadt. We had a nice traditional German dinner and then took him for some ice cream in Neunheim. After a good night's sleep, Bill and Ruth were up to their old tricks again and were ready to party it up at the Heidelberg Castle. We went for a long walk in the castle gardens and then had another delicious dinner at a beautiful Garden restaurant near the Kornmarkt. As I write this, Dad is pretending to not nod off to sleep while Weebs is watching the Young and the Restless episode that we taped for her while we were out today. We predict that they will both be snoozing at around 9pm. I have to say that I'm very impressed with their energy level and endurance!

I'm not sure what is on our agenda for tomorrow, but I have posted some snapshots from our day today.

One the Rental Car shuttle at DFW. We got there with plenty of time to spare. Just ask Dad!

Mom, Dad and Tony at the Airport. Tony surprised us as our 'shuttle driver.'
We are walking up to our little Garden house!
At the Heidelberg Castle...

Inside the Heidelberg Castle. On our way out to go to an early dinner.
Optical illusion...

Mom and Amy...awwww
Before dinner and before the rain.

Our Feline Friend

2008-05-24T08:50:00.000-07:00

Amy and Tony Pics

2008-05-24T04:08:00.001-07:00

Having a glass of wine at Cafebar d'Aix en provence in Neuenheim.

Here we are enjoying some champagne on the terrace at Cafe Rossi in Heidelberg, Germany. Cafe Rossi is one of our favorite restaurants here. They have strong coffee and their menu changes every week.

I am with our mysterious feline friend who we have named Beatrice. She appeared out of nowhere a few days ago. Yes, we fed her. Oops!

Mallorca, Spain

2008-05-23T16:25:00.000-07:00

Tony and I went to Mallorca, Spain for 8 days. We rented a convertible, drove around the island and enjoyed the diverse landscape. We finally traded our pasty European skin for a nice golden orb of a tan. The weather in Heidelberg mirrored the weather in Mallorca and so we were lucky enough to continue the festivities once we returned. We also took a spontaneous trip to Interlaken, Switzerland for four days. Just gorgeous! I will post more photos from Spain and Switzerland when I have time to edit them! We want to go back to Mallorca, but there are so many other places we have to see. We think we will be going to Croatia in August. Can't wait!

Photographer and Heidelberg, Germany; Photojournalism and Heidelberg, Germany; Wedding photography and Heidelberg, Germany; Amy Mullarkey Photography; Amy Mullarkey

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

2008-03-15T17:25:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I forgot to post photos from Rothenburg. My parents are coming to Heidelberg in July and we think we will return to Rothenburg because my Dad seems fascinated by the town which is surrounded by an ancient wall. Rothenburg is about a two hour, or less, drive from Heidelberg depending on traffic making it a perfect day trip. Someone e-mailed me asking me to post more photos of me and Tony. Will do as soon as I get them off the other camera!

http://www.amymullarkey.com/

Photographer and Heidelberg, Germany; Photojournalism and Heidelberg, Germany; Wedding photography and Heidelberg, Germany; Amy Mullarkey Photography; Amy Mullarkey; Heidelberg Photos; Germany photos; Gemany information; Heidelberg information; Heidelberg Castle

Berlin

2008-03-06T02:46:00.000-08:00

Tony and I drove to Berlin from Heidelberg in January. We wanted to take the train, but the train was about six times as expensive as driving. We had a blast in Berlin and hated to leave. We plan on going back soon and driving to Poland as well.

Hiking in Heidelberg

2008-03-05T11:23:00.000-08:00

It's been a long time since my last post. I will be adding a lot of photos from our many adventures. We went hiking in Heidelberg today and the weather alternated from clear blue skies to brief snow showers. Gorgeous!

Strasbourg, France

2008-02-04T05:08:00.000-08:00

We enjoyed our trip to Strasbourg, France and plan on going back during warm weather. It was freezing, but we had a good time regardless. Strasbourg is about an hour and a half away from Heidelberg making it a good choice for a day trip if you don't have time to stay overnight.

Funny VIDEO of Amy skiing in Innsbruck, Austria

2008-01-28T12:18:00.000-08:00

On my way down the mountain I almost ran over the talented videographer Tony Lewis! Innsbruck, Austria is beautiful! Have a laugh at my expense! :o )

Nuremberg Christmas Market

2007-12-16T13:37:00.000-08:00

Tony and I went to Nuremberg and spent a few hours at the Christmas Market last week. We lucked out and got a room at a hotel right in the heart of the old town. It was freezing and we were both feeling a little under the weather, but loved what we saw of Nuremberg and plan to go back for another visit as it is only a couple hours away from Heidelberg. We both agree that Heidelberg's Christmas market is much more quaint as is the town of Heidelberg itself. We are leaving this Wednesday for England to spend Christmas with Tony's parents, sister and her husband. Happy Holidays!

Amy Mullarkey Photography Heidelberg, Germany

Heidelberg Christmas Market

2007-12-06T05:19:00.000-08:00

These photos of the Heidelberg Christmas Market were all taken under the influence of Gluh Wein mit Rum (Hot Wine with rum). A fun time was had by all.

Amy Mullarkey Photographer London Paris Frankfurt Worldwide
www.amymullarkey.com

Paris

2007-11-20T12:03:00.000-08:00

Tony and I celebrated my 40th birthday in Paris! What fun! We walked all over the city in the freezing cold because of all the train strikes. We had a blast, but unfortunately, I don't have a lot of photos to post becasue 1) the cold weather made my camera malfunction and 2) I don't enjoy taking photos while shivering. I still got a few, mostly abstract shots, that I posted here. I will post more later on this week. We stayed at a wonderful little hotel (Star Etoile Hotel) on a quiet street near the Champs-Elysees. We highly recommend the hotel and the two local restaurants right around the corner from the hotel ended up being our two favorite restaurants. Happy Thanksgiving!

Amy Mullarkey Photography London Paris Frankfurt Worldwide

Where we live

2007-11-13T04:12:00.000-08:00

November 13, 2007- Heidelberg, Germany

Our garden house in the woods. More photos to come. I promise...

Amy Mullarkey Photojournalist Photographer Wedding Photographer London Paris Frankfurt
http://www.amymullarkey.com/