He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands…

Do you remember the thrill of the treasure hunt when you were a child?  Sometimes you knew exactly what you were looking for and other times you didn’t.  Either way the end result of finding the hidden treasure always yielded excitement.  As mentioned previously, I love going on walkabouts and photographing whatever interesting subject matter I find along the way.  Like most photographers, I of course love documenting my travels to new and exciting places when the oppurtunity arises.  Four years ago I discovered that I didn’t have to venture far for inspirational subject matter to document as there was ample beauty right under my nose in my own backyard.  Around this time I encountered baby birds, chipmunks, butterflies…all this small, beautiful life that completely enthralled.  At the time I photographed some of these critters while holding them in my own hands…that was a little tricky!  To see some of these images you may do so by checking out the gallery called Small Wonders.  Anyway when I photographed these little treasures it was so exciting and I felt like I was looking at the wonders of life through the eyes of my younger childhood self.  What is not to love about this feeling?!

Fast forward a couple of years, I still photograph the pretty little treasures that nature displays.  Only now, my sweetie Brian (a.k.a B) is willing to hold the little treasures that I find.  Also an animal lover and talented photographer, B is a wonderful source of inspiration, encouragement and support.  I really got lucky when he entered my world!  The photos shown below are fairly explanatory with the exception of the one with the little wooden box with the hydrangea sitting on top of it.  Inside the box are the remains of my cat Cleo whom I lost last August.  Losing Cleo was very difficult.  However,  I am grateful for every minute she was my sweet and loving companion.  Since I photographed Cleo throughout her life, I thought it only appropriate to photograph her in this manner.  Anyway, since this is going to be an ongoing project stay tuned for more images in the upcoming months.  I hope you like what you see!

 

 

Posted in:Ongoing Photo Projects | Personal Art & Still Life Photography | Portfolio
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Lover Of The Light…

Most creatives know there is a delicate balance between doing and being…making things happen and then merely being open to receive that which reveals itself to us.  My journey with photography began in the mid-90’s during the film era.  Countless hours and dollars were spent exploring and pursuing whatever it was that captivated me so that I could document and create interesting imagery.  Much to be expected, I shot a lot of crap but then there were several jewels amidst all the rough.  Five years ago I had a major realization that I didn’t always have to go out in pursuit of matter deemed worthy to photograph…all I had to do was open my eyes to the little animals that visited my yard, photograph my beautiful cats and last but not least simply open my eyes to the beautiful light that entered my home.  The images below are all of gorgeous light that have danced across the walls of my home…all with the exception of the last two shots which were taken outside.  All of these images were merely gifts given to a grateful recipient with an open eye and heart.  So if you are wondering where the rainbow ends I can tell you…it’s in my home!

 

Posted in:Personal Art & Still Life Photography | Portfolio
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Letting Go With Creativity

In a time where we are constantly being bombarded with imagery and information there are times when it seem as though are brains are not given permission to relax and disengage.  While I am grateful that the information revolution has opened up options to creatives, at the same time I find the path absolutely overwhelming.  And while “education” has become so free to access, there are only so many hours in the day to tack the endless task list.  Don’t get me wrong, I love learning and evolving as a photographer, but anyone who is a working photographer knows that a large majority time spent is tending to all that need attention instead of actually being behind the camera.  Then there is the ever present fear of “keeping up” with social media, changes in the market…the list is endless.  At the end of the day this can easily become static in our minds and creative hearts.  It’s so easy to get caught up in worrying about what everyone else is doing and losing sight of our own goals.  Sure a little bit of “friendly competition” can be a positive driving force, but what if it isn’t?  What do you do then to silence the inner critic for 10 minutes?  For me, I have found tremendous value in stepping back, unplugging from work, social media and letting my brain wander and be…even just for a day or few hours.  In the process of letting go of all of the things mentioned above, my brain and creative soul is able to open up and see things that I may otherwise miss.  It is in these moments I feel most centered, at peace and feel like I am pursuing one of my many purposes in life.  The images I am about to share came about from two different days when I “let go” and “opened up” to whatever was there to reveal itself to me.  You may look at these images and think they are really interesting or you may think you are looking at a bunch of crap you and you could do better.  Regardless of the case, that is not the point.  What really matters is that all creatives, artists, visual communicators…whatever the case…must find a process that works for him or her.  There is value in the process even when we aren’t creating our best work.  If there is no process, this means we aren’t creating anything…be it our best work or our worst.  It is only when we give ourselves permission to explore, make mistakes and fail do we find our true voice in our work.  Sometimes we just need to let go…

Posted in:Personal Art & Still Life Photography | Portfolio
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Santa’s Pub | Nashville, TN

It’s been a few months since my last Wanderlust blog post.  I honestly do not know where this year has gone!  I imagine I am not alone in these sentiments.  Anyway, ever since I became passionate about photography (15 plus years ago) and took my first class, I have loved going on photo walkabouts to indulge my passion.  Though I try to shoot personal work on a semi-regular basis, I admit the editing of such work often gets pushed aside by my paid work.  Such was the case with the photos I am sharing in this post.  Over a year ago my sweetie and I stumbled upon Santa’s Pub.  We were immediately curious about the place and knew we needed to document it before it disappears.  So last year we did just that and had a fun time getting the scoop on Santa’s Pub and it’s owner whose nickname happens to be Santa!  I would give you the story about Santa but instead am going to share the short film Brian Hallett (a.k.a. my sweetie and/or B) did on Santa’s Pub.  To view Brian’s short film piece simply click on this link.  Finally, although I am embarrassed to have taken so long to share these images, I always feel it’s better late than never.  I hope you enjoy what you see!

Before I forget, Santa’s Pub does have a facebook page.  You can check it out here Santa’s Pub Facebook Page.

Posted in:Portfolio | Walkabout Images
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In Passing…

Today while going for my usual walk in the neighborhood I stumbled upon this little butterfly. It was on the ground and appeared to be injured and/or struggling to hold onto life. Not wanting it to get run over, I picked it up and carried it with me for the remainder of my walk. Barely moving, I sensed this little creature wasn’t going to be part of this world much longer. I do not know the exact moment it let go of life. What I do know is that it is always sad to see the beautiful parts of our lives leave us. The photo above is a remembrance photo of a one of nature’s creature that will never cease to captivate me. The little lovely is cradled in the strong but gentle hands of my sweet love known as B. May everyone who views this image and sentiment have a wonderful week. Finally, may you never underestimate the power of seizing the moments…whatever they may be.

Posted in:Personal Art & Still Life Photography | Portfolio
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comment
October 8, 2012 - 9:59 pm

admin - Thank you, Adrian. You are very kind.

October 4, 2012 - 12:02 am

adrian - Gorgeous photo and sentiment!