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.