Relic :: NH

Relic :: NH

“Do it for the ‘gram!” – People who ruin it for the rest of us.

This fall, Melissa and I took a trip to lower VT/NH for some foliage shots. We stopped at a quiet spot for sunrise, then schlepped over to Madame Sherri’s. It’s been on the list of places to see for a long time and we were finally checking it off.

We get there and the place was over run with people. Knowing this is a popular and unique location though, I was willing to be patient and wait my turn. Everyone has the same right to experience this spot, right?

But then a college-aged looking girl started climbing the stairs and perched over the top arch. The arch that clearly has a crack in it. The arch that looks likely to fall first.

Maybe it’s the nurse in her. Maybe it’s the mom in her. Either way, Melissa called out, suggesting that it wasn’t safe and that she would come down the steps a bit.

The girl’s mother, who was taking shots of the girl on her cell phone, turned to us and said it was fine. And heck, she’s the girl’s guardian so who are we to disagree?

But truth be told, it rankled. In part, because no one wants to see a kid get hurt if that thing crashes down. But also, if someone is up there when it does eventually crumble, and they get injured, Everyone will lose access to the ruins.

So many people these days have an entitled, short-sighted attitude. While I fully support an adventurous mindset, I also believe in safety and conservation; those things don’t have to be mutually exclusive, but the I-do-what-I-want mentality really throws a wrench into things.

Ultimately, the girl came down off of the stairs safely, but how many people will see her post on social media and think to mimic her? We all have a responsibility to set good examples. If we aren’t willing to speak up when we see something dangerous and to preserve our special places (environment, planet, etc) now, then what are we leaving for our children? Once the places or access is gone, it’s gone.

If you’re interested in prints this gift-giving season, let me know.  You can find a gallery’s worth of options here.

 

Prismatic :: VT

Prismatic :: VT

There is nothing quite like fall in New England.  Now the leaves have fallen, and the days are getting colder, but I’ll cherish the memories of sunrise hikes above the hills of Vermont.

If you’re interested in prints this gift-giving season, let me know!  You can find a gallery’s worth of options here. You can contact me at seespotsphoto AT yahoo DOT com.  I’m offering 10% off if you purchase before the end of the day.  I’ll donate that same 10% to one of my favorite charities, Heifer International who works on reducing world poverty with sustainable agriculture and business practices.

Waters Meet :: WA

Waters Meet :: WA

“Speak the truth, even if your voice shakes.”

Earlier this year, I learned of the sudden passing of Karen, a fellow photographer. As I said to another friend, it’s always the good ones we lose too soon.

You see, besides being a lovely person to chat with, Karen was an advocate for the environment and an artist to her core. She started a magazine that was a way for artists to celebrate nature. The idea was that people will care about things they are invested in, things that they love…so she tried to showcase the beauty of nature to inspire others to love it the way she did. To advocate for it the way she did.

She used her talents and time to make a positive difference in this world. It was, in a word, inspiring.

How many people see something they wish were different, better, safer but don’t speak up? How many people think their voice doesn’t matter? They’re only one person? Imagine if those same people stepped up and worked toward change instead of turning away from our problems. Imagine if they used the skills and talents at their disposal to tackle problems and make things better.

Karen was a great example of what could be, and she will surely be missed.  I’ll honor her memory by reminding myself to speak up, even if its difficult, about the things that matter. ❤

This is a photo of one of the many incredible waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest.  If you’re interested in prints, let me know!  You can find a gallery’s worth of options here. You can contact me at seespotsphoto AT yahoo DOT com.  I’m offering 10% off if you purchase between now and Tuesday.  I’ll donate that same 10% to one of my favorite charities, Heifer International who works on reducing world poverty with sustainable agriculture and business practices.

 

Traverse :: CT

Traverse :: CT

“Every man’s life ends the same way. It is only the details if how he lived and how he died that distinguish one man from another.” -Ernest Hemmingway

Found this hidden gem in CT one rainy day this fall, and had the place almost entirely to myself.  It was so damn peaceful. ❤

If you’re interested in prints this gift-giving season, let me know! You can find a gallery’s worth of options here. You can contact me at seespotsphoto AT yahoo DOT com.  I’m offering 10% off if you purchase between now and Tuesday.  I’ll donate that same 10% to one of my favorite charities, Heifer International who works on reducing world poverty with sustainable agriculture and business practices.

 

Supporting dreams with Small Business Saturday, Etc.

Light Bright :: CT

Yesterday, I thought to myself, “Self, I should promote my business for Black Friday.”  Then I took my dog for a three mile hike and spent time with loved ones instead.

Thanksgiving is truly my favorite holiday, because it’s about spending time with the people that make our hearts feel full.  And eating until our pants bust. 😛  I feel Christmas is just too damn commercial these days.  But, if I must shop, I try to support my entrepreneurial friends in their endeavors.  Then, I’m not falling into the trap of predatory marketing…I’m supporting someone’s dream.

I urge you to spend some time browsing your friends websites, etsy, craft fairs, etc to see if there’s any goodies you want to pass on to your friends and family this gift-giving season.  Musicians, crocheters, painters, jewelry makers, etc.

And if you happen to own a small business, I urge YOU to leave your website in the comments.  Lets help support each others dreams this holiday season. ❤

For those of you interested in purchasing prints of my photos, there is a whole gallery’s worth of options here.  You can contact me at seespotsphoto AT yahoo DOT com.  I’m offering 10% off if you purchase between now and Tuesday.  I’ll donate that same 10% to one of my favorite charities, Heifer International who works on reducing world poverty with sustainable agriculture and business practices.

Idyllic :: ME

Taken on a girls’ trip to Maine earlier this year. 🙂

Friendships are some of the most meaningful bonds we can have, especially if we take the time to tend the relationship as we would a garden. I’m blessed to have an amazing tribe that I can share these sort of hikes and memories with.  Thanks to my girls & guys for all of the awesome memories. You make my life that much sweeter!

Echoes :: VT

Echoes :: VT

“Stars, too, were time travelers. How many of those ancient points of light were the last echoes of suns now dead? How many had been born but their light not yet come this far? If all the suns but ours collapsed tonight, how many lifetimes would it take us to realize we were alone? I had always known the sky was full of mysteries—but not until now had I realized how full of them the earth was.” -Ransom Riggs, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children

Last weekend was a new moon, and the close of what is generally considered to be milky way season for the year so I decided to go out with a bang. A long drive, a night hike through the woods with the dog, being serenaded by a chorus of wild animals, singing loudly to scare off any bears, telling the dog that, no, we were not chasing that Fisher cat…. You know, just another beautiful night under the stars. ♥️

Floating Along :: OR

Floating Along :: OR

 

When I was younger, I used to think that adults had it all figured out.  Now, I’m certain that adulting is a mix of taking guesses and muddling through the situations you find yourself in.  Going with the flow, if you will.

This shot was taken in Oregon, on the way to Tamanawas Falls.  It was a dang lovey hike, and the perfect way to start my visit to the Mt. Hood area.

The Restorative Effects of Landscape Photography

The newest article on the restorative effects of landscape photography is out in the current issue of On Landscape. Big thanks to Matt Payne over at F-Stop Collaborate and Listen podcast for his interview of William Patino. That was what sparked this article. Also, big thanks to David Pasillas, James Crouch of The Eye of the Mind Photography and Jennifer over at Art Therapy Nest in NY for helping me shape this article.

Give it a read, and let me know what you think! 😊

Falling :: CT

Falling :: CT

One good thing about all of the rain we’ve been having? The waterfalls are flowing nicely!