Me: Babe, what are we naming the trees? Him: Oscar, Alfred, Freddy… Me: Okay, that’s the name of the photo now. Him: No, those are the trees. Me: So what are we naming the photo? Him: I don’t know. Me: That seems like an even worse name.
Naming photos is probably one of the worst parts of being a photographer. lol
In February, we treated ourselves to a helicopter ride over Rhode Island (one of the only states we can travel to at the moment) and ate way too much delicious food–fancy grilled cheese sandwiches, cocktails and fresh lobster bisque. Honestly, it was a little chilly to be sitting outside eating food, but with COVID being what it is, we were happy just to get out of the house. Despite the cold, we had a lovely day. The bird’s eye view of things is pretty spectacular, and I’m feeling relaxed after our belated Valentine’s date.
For those wondering, we used Newport Helicopter Tours in Middletown, RI. They have plexiglass dividing the us from the cockpit, so we had our own space. Masks, of course, are still required and the cabin was cleaned between each set of guests. Our pilot pointed out notable spots, gave us some history about the area, and was an all around nice guy.
On Saturday, we treated ourselves to a helicopter ride over Rhode Island (one of the only states we can travel to at the moment) and ate way too much delicious food–fancy grilled cheese sandwiches, cocktails and fresh lobster bisque. Honestly, it was a little chilly to be sitting outside eating food, but with COVID being what it is, we were happy just to get out of the house. Despite the cold, we had a lovely day. The bird’s eye view of things is pretty spectacular, and I’m feeling relaxed after our belated Valentine’s date.
For those wondering, we used Newport Helicopter Tours in Middletown, RI. They have plexiglass dividing the us from the cockpit, so we had our own space. Masks, of course, are still required and the cabin was cleaned between each set of guests. Our pilot pointed out notable spots, gave us some history about the area, and was an all around nice guy.
Another one from the archives. It was a beautiful, foggy sunrise and after I’d taken my grand landscape shots, we wandered a bit to see if anything caught our eyes. The dog was happy just to sniff around while I took photos of this and that.
Suddenly, the dog’s ears perked up and my other half called over to me. “Did you hear that?”
Do photographers EVER hear things when they’re lost in their creative flow? The obvious answer was no.
But, he swore up and down that he caught a glimpse of something BIG in the woods near the pond. And being in moose and bear territory, we decided it was time to shove off.
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!
Being a small business, I’m a big fan of supporting local entrepreneurs. ESPECIALLY this year, where so many people are economically impacted by Covid. So, I strongly encourage anyone shopping this year to consider supporting local artists, authors, musicians, crafters, breweries, etc. in their communities.
Through December 1, 2020, I’m running a 20% off sale on four sizes of paper prints: 8×10, 11×14, 11×16 and 16×20. You can see my landscape gallery here.
8×10: Normally $25, NOW $20
11×14: Normally $33, NOW $26.40
11×16: Normally $34, NOW $27.20
16×20: Normally $75, NOW $60
**Shipping, if needed, will be an additional cost. Custom cut mats available, cost based on print size.**
If you’re interested in purchasing a print or seven, contact me at seespotsphoto@yahoo.com and we’ll chat! Want something other than paper? Canvas? Metal? We can make that happen too!
(Above: One of my favorite photos taken last year, pre-covid, on a trip through VT to Montreal, CA)
Like most things American, this holiday comes with grim historical context. Colonization, at its core, is brutal and pretending otherwise does everyone a disservice. That said, I am not a historian and will not wax on about it, though I encourage you to research if you’re not familiar with the complexities of America’s past. However, what I can speak to is my experience with the holiday, and why it means so much to me.
I am not a “stuff” person, so holidays centered around capitalism are lost on me. I think commercialization takes away from the importance of what a holiday should be–a time to appreciate and celebrate your loved ones and a time to reflect on life. So Christmas is not my jam. (Sorrynotsorry!) But Thanksgiving?? Its a holiday where we are expected to EAT TOO MUCH and spend time with loved ones. And those are two things I excel at!
It’s also a time where people are encouraged to shift their perspective, and focus on the blessings in their lives, and I can definitely get behind that.
So this year–despite it being 2020, the lost year–I would like to give thanks. My entire routine was upended and my anxiety, understandably, has been through the roof. But despite that, I find myself grateful. If I hadn’t been forced to stay home, I wouldn’t have learned to bake. I wouldn’t have worked with my brother to start a weekly video call for our extended family all over the country, and gotten to interact with my aunts, uncles, cousins and grandfather as much. I wouldn’t have taken up biking, which it turns out, is MUCH better for my knees than running. I wouldn’t have learned how much I enjoy photographing the birds at my bird feeder. I wouldn’t have focused on my garden, and in turn, realized how much better food can be when you start with fresh ingredients. In the grand scheme of things, these are little joys. But in a year with so much sadness, and anger, and fear, I’ll take what I can get.
This Thanksgiving is going to be different. We’re not having big family dinners, laughing all day together jammed into someone’s house–and that sucks. But I know I’m not alone in my situation. Many are sacrificing now to keep their loved ones safe, and I’m hopeful it pays off. Better days are on the horizon, and I’m looking forward to celebrating twice as hard together once its safe.
Many thanks to all of the people who have spared me a kind word and supported my creativity over the years. You’re the best. Stay safe and Happy Thanksgiving. ❤
Looking for other bloggers, book reviewers (if you can read, you're in!) and photographers who want to join forces to save the world! (Or something like that.)
Nirvana :: RI
.
“Though my soul may set in darkness, it will rise in perfect light; I have loved the stars too fond… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…1 year ago
Rocky Road :: CT
.
It’s been a minute since I’ve posted. Sometimes life just demands your attention, you know? But… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…1 year ago
