July Newsletter
July Photography and Events
What Happened and What’s Coming
A Note:
On the anniversary of the devastating floods of 2023, I again woke to the state I live in flooded by rain water. Again, our communities have to assess the damage and destruction, again go through the tiring process of cleaning up their homes, again being knocked backwards in their progress. This marks the third such flooding in the span of a year. Rainstorms in the northeast are more frequent and carry more water, hurricanes are developing earlier and stronger, and heat waves are becoming longer and more intense.
The evidence of our changing climate is right in front of us, all around us, across the globe and yet, the debate of its existence carries on. Scientists this week confirmed the first species extinction from rising sea levels in the US.
Things aren’t okay.
We’ve had decades of information given to us on how to prevent these changes, even guidance on how to reverse the effects. But, we continue marching forward on the same course we’ve always been on, unwilling to deviate from our trajectory. The pursuit of consistent comfort, the convenience at all costs, the “not my problem” mentality needs to be curbed. It is our problem, all of our problem.
“At dawn, when you have trouble getting out of bed, tell yourself: “I have to go to work — as a human being. What do I have to complain of, if I’m going to do what I was born for — the things I was brought into the world to do? Or is this what I was created for? To huddle under the blankets and stay warm?”
So you were born to feel “nice”? Instead of doing things and experiencing them? Don’t you see the plants, the birds, the ants and spiders and bees going about their individual tasks, putting the world in order, as best they can? And you’re not willing to do your job as a human being? Why aren’t you running to do what your nature demands?
You don’t love yourself enough. Or you’d love your nature too, and what it demands of you.”
We must put in the work. We must do the tasks nature requires of us. We must love ourselves enough.
A big, unsolicited thank you to Ryan Holiday for his tireless study of Stoic philosophy.
Upcoming Events:
July continues the summer market series where I’ll be in the two markets, Champlain Island Farmer’s Market and Capitol City Market and, one annual craft fair. Come visit me and say hello!
At the end of the month I will be making a trip back to my old home of Seattle. If you happen to order a print during this time, please be patient and I will get it sent out as quickly as I can upon my return.
Markets and Events
Special July Event
Dreamwalker Farm Craft Fair
Crafts, Food, and More!
Sunday, July 14th | 9am-3pm
108 Allen Rd, Grand Isle, VT
July (and future) Outings
I enjoy planning photography outings, I really do. The research and exploration of a new area gets me excited and diving deeper into a familiar location strengthens my memories. The previous photo walks of this year have been nice. I’ve found new destinations, learned the histories of areas, returned to places I’ve enjoyed before, and generally filled my notebooks with ideas. However, these adventures have been predominantly solo.
While reflecting on why this would be, I was left scratching my head. Why would something so in line with what people have expressed desire for be left unutilized? Not a market goes by that someone doesn’t ask if I offer classes. Is there a nonchalant dismissal to something that is free? Does free mean “without value”? Should I charge for the walks and offer instruction? I continue to scratch my head.
Photography is a practice. You may be able to learn all the technical details from manuals, books, and YouTube videos but, the artistry comes from the practice. And, truly enjoying the practice. My goal with the photo walks was to make the practice easier. To answer the question of, “where should I go today to take pictures?” To celebrate with others the practice of this art. Most of all, just be outside in the nature that we all love.
The research for these locations took time. Time I also need to plan my larger photography travel plans, create campaign work for clients, fall foliage preparations, and of course all the day to day work to create an income. And I get that most everyone else is doing their version of the exact same. I do truly love talking with other excited photographers and spending time out in nature but, I simply can’t continue to dedicate as much time each month to unattended events.
I plan to continue creating photo walks but, in a more organic nature. They won’t be monthly or, really, on any kind of schedule. When I find a location that is of great interest and worth exploring in depth, I will put together an outing. That being said, if you want to go practice with me and have a location in mind, reach out! I’d also love to hear from you: what kept you from joining in the past? Would you prefer 1-on-1 sessions or small group guided outings with instruction for a fee?
As always, shoot me a message if you want to meet up!
View images from previous Photo Walks
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