Reconnect.

I sometimes think of this job as insignificant, a frivolous expenditure, and then I'm kicked back into reality quickly when I get an email asking for a quick copy of a picture for a funeral from a shoot from ten years ago, or, what happened on Saturday.
Years ago I was the official Photographer for MQHA, the Maritime Quarter Horse Association.  It was fun, the opportunities that were born from the time standing along the rail with my camera in hand were plentiful, the friendships long lasting.  I went to shoot Jodi at her Parents farm in Intervale, and we caught up and laughed at Charlotte, her pup.  After the shoot her Mom invited me in to see something she said she just had to share.  So i sat down and watched a video of my pictures of her horse in the show ring. And I smiled through the tears, because that, is exactly how important this work is.  Nearly 10 years have passed since I took those pictures,  all this time later, I can't explain how special it is to be welcomed into the home of a friend for a glass of wine and a little cry, to sit and watch Lacey Blazer.  Thank you Jodi, for inviting me out to capture your family, and for the opportunity to reconnect.  

 

Right Where I Left Off?

 Hi All

So here's an attempt at picking up where I left off, six years ago.😨

Minimalistic Style.  Classic Clean Lines.  Black Text and White background. 

I never stopped taking photos, I've never stopped being a photographer, I don't think one actually ever does.  Even without a camera in your hands, you still see things in your minds eye that are pictures.  

I wanted to start sharing again.  I wanted to start writing again.  I think I fell into the ease of letting facebook and instagram do all "the work" for me.  I'd add a well researched quote and slap a bunch of pictures together and say "hey, I'm still here, look at me"

I haven't figured out the logistics, do I go back over the last 6 years and start sharing special photos from shoots?  Maybe.  Do I just pick up where I left off and keep that awkward block of time open? Maybe.  Do I blog a few times, grow tired of it, and overwhelm myself with unnecessary details, and stop again for another 6 years?  Entirely possible.  I guess we will see.

Andrea & Jamie | Engaged | Moncton

These make me happy.  These pictures and these smiling faces.  To say I'm looking forward to their wedding would be an understatement.

I'll admit at the time I was nursing a pretty large muscle hangover, I was sore from a weekend of fishing, canoe paddling and hammock mishaps, and this cloudy day was great invitation to lay on the couch and do as little as possible, but these happened instead, and I'm so glad they did!

A Hike

Sometimes, I like to do things for fun.  Its easy to get wrapped up in work and responsibilities and not take the time for fun.
I'm sure there is an inspirational quote in there somewhere, but, lets just look at pictures instead.

After these adventures I look back at my pictures and see that I take tons of photos of the getting there, the doing the work, the preparing, but almost never of the moment of full satisfaction, you know, where you are at the end of the trail, have a warm fire, a cup of something hot in your hands, and a face sore from laughter.  I guess I'm learning to take that time to savor it, to not interrupt it with fiddling with my camera. 

Check out some photos from a recent hike to Hayward Pinnacle.  It's a part of the Dobson Trail, it's a mighty hike, challenging, ball busting at some points.  But, we made it.... eventually.

This was fascinating.  It was a chilly morning, this was the frost coming out of the ground.  So pretty and delicate.  It was a first for me.

 This is relief.  A section of flat trail on the way up.  It was a nice break from the climb.

The last little push before the top.  This is the pinnacle!

 This, I imagine is where the some sort of mythical creature lives.  A rock completely covered in ferns. 

 This is what I call satisfaction.  This little saw cuts so well, and it's fun to use.  Made that pile in a very short time. 

 We cooked eggs on the kelly kettle

 The only picture I took of the view.

Gallagher Ridge II

There is something about watching horses in a pasture that does my heart good.  

These lucky ponies have acres to roam, and I think if horses could smile, that they would have permanent smiles on their faces.  

If I ever return to this earth as a horse, please, let me live in Gallagher Ridge.

Everyone loves a good blooper shot... here's a few favourites!