Fine art, still life, and even food photography is often discredited by others in the industry.  They tend to believe it’s easy, and that these photographs don’t require a lot of time, planning or attention.  Well, I tend to disagree.

Take this cherry photo, how much time did I spend on it?

I no longer walk the same way.  My feet have purpose.

I no longer see the same things.  My eyes have vision.

I no longer touch lightly.   My hands hold your dreams.

Love was just a little girl’s dream.  Until I held you.

You shine a light so bright, it’s blinding.  Let no one in this universe dull your light.  Own it, and spread it.  Like the magic you carry around.  Touch with it.

Every year, our city holds a Circus festival,  along with a fair.  Always at the beginning of summer,  right after the school’s out.  That’s how we start our summer vacations.  There’s nothing quite like being in the rides day and night, with the live music,  street artists,  and happy crowd.  The kids love it!  Even if the rides are quite small compared to our local Six Flags park,  they do go back, year after year.  And of course,  the lights, the rides and colors make for great photo opportunities.

I’ve wanted to visit the Notre Dame des Neiges cemetery for a long time, but somehow the time was never quite right.  I guess I was afraid of not being able to capture the beauty of the place, the way I wanted it, in my own style.  Most of the cemetery photos I see carry that dark and heavy feeling, I wanted something lighter.  I don’t hang out much in cemeteries, or churches for that matter, but I can admire their beauty.  This cemetery is a truly beautiful one, delicately carved statues and rows of flowering trees, nothing heavy about it.

“A garden to walk in and immensity to dream in–what more could he ask? A few flowers at his feet and above him the stars.” 
-Victor Hugo, Les Misérables

I just love my garden!  I devote a lot of time to it every year,  it’s my happy place…   When my flowers bloom, it’s just like long-awaited friends coming for a visit,  I’m excited for each and  every little bud.  They fill me with joy and make this small patch of land a beautiful home.   I have plenty of flowers,  an eclectic mix of annuals and perennials.  Many bloom in spring while others last through October.  I try to add new flowers every year, though it’s going to be crowded soon.  There’s never enough flowers!!