(S)Tumble :: CT

Last month, I put together a video tutorial for the first time. The topic was one I’m very familiar with — shooting waterfalls — and the waterfall itself was a pretty spot close to home. But talking to a camera was difficult. It wasn’t being in front of the camera that was intimidating… Just… Trying not to be an awkward mess while talking at an empty room felt impossible. Lol So big high five to all you content creators out there who do it everyday and make it look easy. And a huge thank you to Matt, the owner and video editor over at Light & Landscape, for making lemonade out of the lemons I gave him. 😅

If you want to see said video and be uncomfortable on my behalf, and maybe learn something about waterfalls, hop on over to the publication’s website and subscribe!

This is a photo from one of the stills I took at the river that day.

Ribbons :: VT

“This grand show is eternal. It is always sunrise somewhere; the dew is never all dried at once; a shower is forever falling; vapor is ever rising. Eternal sunrise, eternal sunset, eternal dawn, and gloaming, on sea and continents and islands, each in its turn, as the round earth rolls.” -John Muir

Yin Yang :: NH

“I will love the light for it shows me the way, yet I will endure the darkness for it shows me the stars.” – Og Mandino

Now that the weather is warming up, I’ve been spending as much time hiking as I can. Saw this gem on a day trip to New Hampshire. ❤

Warmer Days :: VT

Warmer Days :: VT

Pandemics make travel difficult, obviously, so I’ve been going through my archives looking at shots I either never edited, or didn’t *like* the edit on at the time. I actually can’t remember if I released this before. But if I did, I know I wasn’t happy with it. Finicky perfectionist artists, amiright?

Anyway, today I sat down to edit and felt excited as the image took shape. So, now I present to you…maybe again…a photo of boats!

Colorfalls :: NY

Colorfalls :: NY

“My mind is a raging torrent, flooded with rivulets of thought cascading into a waterfall of creative alternatives.” -Mel Brooks

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.

 

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.

Tumble and Drift :: CT

Tumble and Drift :: CT

“I realized then that even though I was a tiny speck in an infinite cosmos, a blip on the timeline of eternity, I was not without purpose.” -RJ Anderson

One of the most powerful things you can do for yourself is to rule out who you’re not, so that you can focus on who you are meant to be. In doing so, you find a voice you didn’t know you had, the motivation to work towards your goals and the strength of character to weather any storm.

For me, that has often involved saying yes to opportunity, or following a blooming interest. Sometimes you find you’re not all that passionate about xyz afterall, and that’s ok. You haven’t failed, you’ve learned a lesson, and in doing so you’ve taken one step closer to finding your passion and purpose in life.

And once you discover what path you are meant to walk? The possibilities are endless. Cultivate with that purpose a strong sense of morals and ethics and you will be a significant force for positive change in this world.

Traverse Through Tranquility :: CT

Traverse Through Tranquility :: CT

 

Today I’m choosing to focus on what I have in life, as opposed to what I’m striving for.

-I’m grateful for my crazy, fun, loving family (especially the time spent with my 90-something year old Grandfather <3).
-I’m grateful that I have mashed potatoes, which I plan to demolish today.
-I’m grateful for a roof over my head, and my health insurance that allowed me to get my broken finger looked at this week. lol
-I’m grateful for my friends who make me smile even if the world feels a bit heavy some days.
-I’m grateful I have the resources to travel, to take photographs and to pursue my dreams of running a photography business.
-I’m grateful for the support of my photography peers and the people who take the time to spare a kind word or purchase a print (it means so much, y’all!)
-I’m grateful I live in a country where I, as a woman, have the freedoms to do those things.
-I’m grateful for the security we take for granted everyday, and for the freedom to speak my mind.  (Thank you to all of the Vets out there! <3)
-I’m grateful we live in a diverse country where I can meet people who introduce me to new foods, culture, ideas and religions (because seriously…tacos, pho, pączki, aloo gobi, sushi, paella… I can keep going, but you get the delicious delicious picture!).
-I’m grateful that this past week, I was able to help some friends who lost EVERYTHING in the wildfires out in California.  They need so much right now, and my contribution felt like a drop in the bucket, but I recognize it was a blessing for both of us to give and receive nonetheless.
-I’m grateful for my cranky horse, and my difficult dogs. lol  There are lessons to be learned from everyone and every animal you meet, and they remind me of the value of patience, compassion, forgiveness and a loving heart.

Happy Thanksgiving!