Magic Fairy Dust

It's time for some spring magic! May the butterflies sprinkle you with fairy dust! :)

Leap of Faith

And we're off! You know the old saying "when it rains, it pours". I always thought that had negative connotations (of course that was probably just me projecting my suspicious nature on an otherwise innocuous phrase), but I have discovered that it can in fact be a good thing. After months of toiling away in my own little world, quietly creating & cultivating my own style of art, it seems the skies have opened and suddenly my works are out for everyone to see. It is slightly intimidating to leap from a serene private artists life one day into a bustling, vibrant whirlwind that is the art scene. I am an observer. I study my surroundings, taking in minute details that usually escape unnoticed. I like to work in the background, sharing a view of ordinary days in unexpected ways through my art. It is a scary day when I have to present my vision to the world. I am letting go of my creations, and laying them before the critics. It is exposing my inner soul. But, the moment has come. It is time to put myself out there. Time to take a leap of faith.

There are new horizons to conquer. There are new experiences to be had. It is time to venture out and see what the future holds. I embrace the upcoming challenges and I'm looking forward to new endeavors. A change of scenery is always a welcome change.

Hello Again

It's been a while. A long, long while! Winter is not for me. Every year I swear "this will be the year". This will be the year that I face Jack Frost head on, stare down the cold, and put on a brave face. But alas, the season of shortened days and blustery winds won again. I went into hibernation like a bear, settling in for an extended nap, stirring only occasionally to make sure I was still breathing.

There is something about the lighting that actually feels cold. It is like the world is hidden behind a repressive cool filter while the sun slinks low in the sky. There is always a darkened cast in the air that keeps the true colors of the world under wraps. It is during these winter months, which simply drag on and on, that I come to understand meaning of the expression "feeling blue". My creativity is stifled and my energy is gone. I start a countdown, waiting impatiently until warm days are upon us. Long days that give way to brilliant lingering sunsets and evenings enjoyed on a patio, enveloped in a soft breeze heavy with the scent of orange blossoms.

Today, though, is a new day. It is bright, sunny and warm. The grass is sending out new shoots that are reaching skyward to greet the world. The trees are covered in tiny buds, slowly unfurling to reveal their soft leaves, pure and untouched. Once again, spring is making an appearance, and a new beginning is in sight. The sun is climbing upward and a bright golden light reigns over the land. The tiny creatures that populate the garden are waking up and creating a buzz.

I find myself reunited with an old friend. We have set off on new adventures, searching for nothing in particular. Yet, we always find something that calls to us, demanding our attention. We couldn't be happier as we head off on another journey together. My camera. Me. Spring. Ahhhh.....

Time to be an exhibitionist...

Over the past few months, I have been fortunate to have some of my pieces displayed in an online gallery called "Light Space & Time".

I used to watch all the Hollywood award shows and snicker when the nominees would say it was an an honor to just be nominated in the company of the other great actors. After having my art selected and seeing it included in an exhibition, I have a better understanding of what that answer really means. It is an honor to see my work displayed next to the creations of such talented artists from around the world. To know that someone has seen my work and deemed it accomplished enough to acknowledge as a finalist in a competition is truly gratifying.

This photo entitled "Dark Star" was highest finisher to date in an exhibition. It received an Honorable Mention in the "Animals" exhibit in August.

 See the photo featured in the exhibition here: 

http://www.lightspacetime.com/animals-photography-digital-category/

"Stratum Sunrise" is featured in the October "Countryside" exhibition after receiving a Special Recognition.

 See the photo featured in the exhibition here: 
http://www.lightspacetime.com/countryside-2012-photography-digital-category/ 

"Or Not To Bee" also received a Special Recognition in September's "Botanical" exhibition.

See the photo featured in the exhibition here:  
http://www.lightspacetime.com/botanicals-photography-digital-category/ 

This photo, done in a style to pay homage to the incredible flowers that Georgia O'Keefe made famous and simply called "Georgia", was the first piece I entered in an SLT competition and I was lucky enough to have it chosen as a Special Recognition winner in the May "Nature" exhibit. 

 See the photo featured in the exhibition here: 
http://www.lightspacetime.com/nature-photography-category/ 

Election Morning

Election day arrives in Arizona.

Happy Halloween

Haze

Why are there days that insinuate from the very onset that the horizon may hold many challenges. The sun is shining brightly, the birds are singing, it is simply a beautiful day. Yet the air rests heavy upon my shoulders, like an oppressive cloak shielding my eyes from the warm summer glow. I know better than to give in to the cloud. In terms of problems that plague the world, I have nothing about which I can complain. So I forge ahead, tapping into my well of creative whims and make a decision to harness  the emotions. Instead of allowing the haze to envelop me, I channel the nebulous energy into a tangible emotional snapshot in the form of a moody photograph.  

Lonely Arizona

Regalia

This male swan glided past me with such a resplendent air that I simply had no choice other than to watch in awe of his handsomeness.

New Arrivals Brighten The Season

These fuzzy swans herald the arrival of spring!

Spring is definitely my favorite time of year. While it may be cooler than I prefer, (I am a true desert dweller, I really do love it when the temps reach the 110's! Yes, really!) it is the optimistic time of year. It is a brief moment when all things are possible.

I know it is very cliched to say, but with the arrival of spring, it truly is as if a new beginning is laid out before us. The temperatures begin to climb so we all start to head outside. We trade the stale air of our closed up dwellings in search of the sweet aromas that have alighted on the soft breeze. We watch in wonder as the birds dance on air while trying to impress their potential mate. We discover the tiny blades of grass that have pushed their way to the surface. We gaze upon the emerging blooms as they unfurl atop the proud stalks that wave them like a banner. We explore the gardens filled with a kaleidoscope of colors with a mild trepidation, making sure to stay out of the way of the buzzing creatures who are staking their claim on each pollen-filled blossom. Yes, spring is truly magical.

A young sprout greets the day with open arms.

It's true. There are flowers in the desert.

A major part of the allure is the joy I get in witnessing all the quiet moments of new life that are developing before my eyes. I sit transfixed when the diminutive babies of the backyard begin making their first appearances. I'm not picky, I love all of them...furry, feathered, or covered in scales.

This little guy was too young to have any fear. He ran up to greet me as I entered his home.

It is difficult to see, but this mama was protecting her chick by shielding it behind an outstretched wing.

Mom stashed this juvenile mockingbird in the protective camouflage of the tree.

When it was time for breakfast, mom came back to make sure her baby would have plenty to eat.

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Magic is in the Air

Prom is a rite of passage in so many young lives.

Beautiful dresses sparkle in the soft lighting as music fills the air. 

The soft scent of flowers perfume the air while the showy petals decorate wrists and lapels.

The sweet smiles radiate from the faces of youth and eyes light up at the thought of what lies ahead and endless possibilities. It is a magical night, one last split second of innocence. 

Art is such a subjective term. What constitutes "art"? Art is around us all the time; however, in our rush to get through our daily lives we often overlook what is right before us. I believe everyday moments are perfect opportunities to create a personalized memento that is more than just a portrait. When I photograph people, I want to take the time to see beyond the obvious, go deeper that smiles and capture the essence that makes the person unique. 

We surround ourselves with art in our homes that fulfill us emotionally. We need a connection to the art that makes us feel something. We should look at our need for art from a different angle. 

My question is why does that piece need to be generic; a store-bought trinket that while pretty, does not hold a special place in our heart? Instead, we should envelop ourselves in genuine pieces that we hold dear and tell all visitors who we are and what we we cherish.

When is a photo more than a framed reminder of the time we got together and had a picture taken? A photo that tells a story, reminds us of "that time" and is finished with a delicate touch that transforms it into art.

 

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This Is Just The Beginning...

I am so proud to have one of my photos selected for Special Recognition in an International Art Competition. This is a real honor and very exciting!

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A Sure Sign of Spring

One of the most important days in anyone's life is graduation day. It doesn't matter whether it is from high school or college, it is a day to celebrate all hard work that has gone into such an amazing achievement. With the whirlwind of activities that surround the ceremony, time can fly by in a blur. This is one of those moments when it is so important to keep the camera clicking to make sure that no detail is overlooked or forgotten.  

Bring The Inside Out

I was recently involved in a “Portraits” art project that dared to delve beyond skin deep, looking for the true meaning behind the image. As a photographer, the goal is always to create beauty but a meaningful image should do more to draw the viewer inside. It should reveal a real person filled with palpable emotions. I selected just a few of my favorite past images that communicated honesty, pure of heart and soul.

Hollywood Noir  

Dark secrets, mysterious figures, and spine-chilling intrigue. Do you really see what is laid out before you, or is there something hidden, veiled behind the shadows. Living life under cover of darkness while dancing in and out of the light creates a perfect camouflage. A simplistic yet effective layer of protection from those we don’t want to let in. Why is there is a hesitation to reveal our true selves? It is human nature to want to hold tightly to what we cherish most: our true identity. Shadows create the ultimate mask. 

Multifaceted

The teenage years are always complicated by divisive outside forces. The struggle to develop into a strong, independent soul is often a battle fought deep within, hidden from view. Getting to know someone well is never easy, especially when they often don’t even know themselves. During quiet times, if you look very closely, the two sides fighting to create one beautiful person will reveal themselves in a single instant. 

Speculative

It would be nice to believe the old saying that “the eyes are the window to the soul” was true. However, I'm not convinced this is always the case. Do we really claim to know what others are thinking simply based on a picture? Are we, as the viewer and not the confidant of the model, simply projecting our beliefs upon someone else? I've worked with this model countless times, yet I'm still not certain what was going on behind the curtain in his mind. I am personally just grateful for the opportunity to capture the charismatic expressiveness of it all.

Sanguine

 Living in the here and now, being present for every moment we are given; these are lessons adults can learn from children. A butterfly floating along on a breeze is fascinating to baby. A dog licking their face can send a toddler into fits of laughter. The sound of a child’s giggle is contagious and evokes a smile from even the most cynical adults. It is essential that we capture these memories and hold onto them forever. The twinkle in a child’s eye is pure joy and exuberance that radiates from within, reminding us all of the simple beauty that surrounds us.

Devoted

Photographing animals can be tricky. Imagine the situation from their point of view. A stranger comes in and suddenly wants to be their best friend. That in itself is reason enough to be wary. Then, the stranger produces a large unfamiliar object that makes noise while flashing a bright light in their eyes. The desire to run away can be overwhelming. I understand this fear and do everything in my power to make the setting one that encourages playtime while creating a bond of trust. When I am confident that the animal believes my intentions are pure, I start shooting and the magic begins. What made this moment special were the deep penetrating feline eyes. I felt as if I was looking into an old soul. She was not looking back at me; instead, she was looking right thru me.  

Pop Fly

I love birds. They fascinate me. (You know, the whole "flying" aspect that represents freedom, the majesty of gliding in the sky...I can watch them forever.) I even have an affinity for the much-abhorred pigeon. I believe all creatures deserve respect and no one is more important than any other. This belief allows me to see beauty where many overlook it. If you've read any of my previous posts, you also know that I am drawn to bright colors and like to celebrate the joyful moments that occur everyday.

Hello

This flower looked like it was smiling at me as I walked by so I had to snap it's photo!

The Wedding Invitation

It used to be that as soon as the invitation arrived, you knew what to expect. There will be a traditional ceremony in the chapel, time spent waiting around while the formal portraits are taken, and then off to a nearby restaurant for a reception. Ho hum. But...times have changed. Weddings today are as unique & individualized as the couples themselves. Indoors, outdoors, formal or casual; anything goes! Anything, except conventional & stodgy that is! Today fun & festive are the only rules. When meeting with the photographer, it is critical that candid photos are included as part of the finished product. It is only through these genuine photos that true emotions and honest moments are revealed & captured for eternity. I hope you will accept your invitation with joy and RSVP the following "virtual" reception. Enjoy!

Pop Corn

When is food more than something to eat? When you take the time to do more than look at an object; when you delve deeper and actually study it, the beauty that had been overlooked becomes unmistakable. Suddenly, the playful curves of the husk that had so valiantly protected the corn as it grew twirled in front of me as if they wanted to dance. The kernels cascaded down the cob in complete disarray, not following the straight and narrow at all. It called out to be photographed and to show that even food can have a touch of whimsy. Please enjoy the journey of a humble ear of corn on it's way to becoming "Pop Corn".