Joy

“the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying” –dictionary.com

Joy is an outpouring of the meaningfulness of my art.

There is a Japanese concept fo finding purpose in life called “Ikigai” which exists at a crossover of what you are good at, what you love, what the world needs and what you can get paid for (I’m thankful it’s not what you DO get paid for because at the moment that’s not very much! HA!). –savvytokyo.com

Through experiencing photography as my Ikigai, there is joy, within and coming forth from me.

These recent images illustrate the emotion of JOY for my soul. I hope you feel it too.

Lens: Lensbaby Twist 60 Optic

Lens: Lensbaby Edge 35 freelensed

Lens: Lensbaby Velvet 56

Lens: Lensbaby Burnside 35 reverse freelensed

Lens: Lensbaby Velvet 56

Lens: Helios 44-2

I am part of a group of photographers, Share Six, who blog 6 images on the 6th of each month with unique monthly themes. Next up is the talented and creative Wired to the Moon . Please click HERE for her interpretation of this month’s theme. Then, follow around the circle for even more beauty and creativity. ❤

Join us for this month’s theme by posting your “Joy” images on our Facebook page at Share Six and to our Instagram gallery by tagging #sharesix and #sharesix_joy. A new theme will be posted on May 6th.

I’m honored to be a Lensbaby Ambassador. Please ask any questions you might have and use my code wwillson for 15% off their website!

Revive

It’s that time of year.

The light lingers a bit longer each day. The sun’s warmth thaws the earth. Signs of life break through their encasements and unravel with their faces held high in beauty.

In order to perceive these subtle yet dramatic changes one must lower to the ground, lay in the dirt. It’s through this process of humbling, observing, and capturing I find myself joining in the processes: choosing to revive.

All of these images captured with the Lensbaby Composer Pro with Twist 60 optic and Macro filters. I’m honored to be a Lensbaby Ambassador. Please ask any questions you might have and use my code wwillson for 15% off their website!

I am part of a group of photographers, Share Six, who blog 6 images on the 6th of each month with unique monthly themes. Next up is the talented and creative Sharleen Stuart Photography . Please click HERE for her interpretation of this month’s theme. Then, follow around the circle for even more beauty and creativity. ❤

Join us for this month’s theme by posting your “Revive” images on our Facebook page at Share Six and to our Instagram gallery by tagging #sharesix and #sharesix_revive. A new theme will be posted on April 6th.

Abstract

Nothing like starting off the year with a creative challenge. Thankful for this group of artists who keep me working, broadening my vision, exploring what me and my camera can do.

I recently purchased the Helios 44-2, a vintage Russian lens known for its bokeh and flare. As with anything “new” it takes time and practice to discover its potential, so I bundled up and took a brief walk in a local park. With the theme of “abstract” I added Intentional Camera Movement (ICM) to “paint” the winter scenes with my lens.

I am part of a group of photographers, Share Six, who blog 6 images on the 6th of each month with unique monthly themes. Next up is the talented and creative Sharleen Stuart Photography . Please click HERE for her interpretation of this month’s theme. Then, follow around the circle for even more beauty and creativity. ❤

Join us for this month’s theme by posting your “Abstract” images on our Facebook page at Share Six and to our Instagram gallery by tagging #sharesix and #sharesix_abstract_22. A new theme will be posted on February 6th.

Autumnal

A need to breathe. A morning at one of my favorite places.

I am part of a group of photographers, Share Six, who blog 6 images on the 6th of each month with unique monthly themes. Next up is the extremely talented and creative Jan of Wired to the Moon. Please click HERE for her interpretation of this month’s theme. Then, follow around the circle for even more beauty and creativity. ❤

Join us for this month’s theme by posting your “Autumnal” images on our Facebook page at Share Six and to our Instagram gallery by tagging #sharesix and #sharesix_autumnal. A new theme will be posted on January 6th.

Transform

The word, “Transform” connotes change. From one state to another. A development. Here in the Northeastern United States, the brisk air ushers in a seemingly incongruent shift of brilliant colors and waning light. The balance of vibrant life and somber rest experienced through the leaves.

Dolly Sods, WV with the Lensbaby Sol45 with macro filters

Michael State Forest, PA with Lensbaby Sol45

Lensbaby Edge 50 with OMNI seahorse crystal

Lensbaby Burnside 35

Lensbaby Edge50

Lensbaby Sol 45 with macro filters

I am part of a group of photographers, Share Six, who blog 6 images on the 6th of each month with unique monthly themes. Next up is the extremely talented and creative Katherine of Cobert Photography. Please click HERE for her interpretation of this month’s theme. Then, follow around the circle for even more beauty and creativity. ❤

Join us for this month’s theme by posting your “Transform” images on our Facebook page at Share Six and to our Instagram gallery by tagging #sharesix and #sharesix_transform. A new theme will be posted on December 6th.

Documentary

Where my photography began… little known fact: I was a high school yearbook photographer. I took my dads SLR (yes, with film) and captured high school life as it unfolded. The authentic moments still fuel my creative heart. The storytelling, the layers, the emotion, the balance of light and focus all combine for art that causes questions and wonder.

I am part of a group of photographers, Share Six, who blog 6 images on the 6th of each month with unique monthly themes. Next up is the extremely talented and creative Ceri of Ceri Herd Photography.

Please click HERE for her interpretation of this month’s theme. Then, follow around the circle for even more beauty and creativity. ❤

Join us for this month’s theme by posting your “Documentary” images on our Facebook page at Share Six and to our Instagram gallery by tagging #sharesix and #sharesix_documentary. A new theme will be posted on November 6th.

Quote

“My life is shaped by the urgent need to wander and observe, and my camera is my passport.” — Steve McCurry

The past couple of weeks I have found myself doing just this… wandering, observing, breathing, capturing, appreciating, refreshing.

(See below for a couple of videos of my wandering…)

A couple of iPhone videos of my strolling through the sunflower fields…

I am part of a group of photographers, Share Six, who blog 6 images on the 6th of each month with unique monthly themes. Next up is the extremely talented and creative Sharleen of Sharleen Stuart Photography.

Please click here for her interpretation of this month’s theme. Then, follow around the circle for even more beauty and creativity. ❤

Join us for this month’s theme by posting your “Quote” images on our Facebook page at Share Six and to our Instagram gallery by tagging #sharesix and #sharesix_quote. A new theme will be posted on October 6th.

Floral

Ah, August, the time of year when all of my favorite flowers are in bloom. Here are just a few…

I am part of a group of photographers, Share Six, who blog 6 images on the 6th of each month with unique monthly themes. Next up is the extremely talented and creative Janet of Wired to the Moon.

Please click here for her interpretation of this month’s theme. Then, follow around the circle for even more beauty and creativity. ❤

Join us for this month’s theme by posting your Floral images on our Facebook page at Share Six and to our Instagram gallery by tagging #sharesix and #sharesix_floral. A new theme will be posted on September 6th.

Summer Sun

I missed the blog circle last month as I was on an adventure to Southern Utah (and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon). Absolutely breathtaking, and brilliant sunshine. At times, harsh, at times, much welcomed. Always seeking the balance of light and shadows…

I am part of a group of photographers, Share Six, who blog 6 images on the 6th of each month with unique monthly themes. Next up is the extremely talented Sharleen of Lynne Grant Photography

Please click here for her interpretation of this month’s theme. Then, follow around the circle for even more beauty and creativity. ❤

Join us for this month’s theme by posting your Summer Sun images on our Facebook page at Share Six and to our Instagram gallery by tagging #sharesix and #sharesix_summersun. A new theme will be posted on August 6th.

Light Inspired

As a photographer, at times it’s the subject that inspires, draws me to capture. But ultimately, it’s how the subject appears that creates the vision. The shadows, the depth, what is seen but also what is unseen – they exist because of light.

Some images culminate in my mind by the addition of light. I have found the Lensbaby OMNI creative filter system to add a dream-like or reflective quality that I envision.

This system includes wands of various shapes that one places in front of the lens (either hand-held or through a magnetic ring system) to provide bokeh, color, and additional light. Here’s a few ways to use them to enhance the light in your images.

Shapes

One way these filters can be used is to replicate the shapes present in the subject. Here I used the crystal from the Color Expansion Pack to repeat the lines of the petals preparing to unfold.

Here you can see the crystals are on the right side of the image mimicking the shapes of the buds leading the eye back and then paralleling the buds.

Repetition

Another way to utilize this system is to create a simulated mirror effect which will add layers and depth to the image.

Here the crystal is on the bottom left of the image which creates a repetitive effect of the blossoms.

The seahorse crystal adds layers of petals leading the eye from the petals to the top right of the image.

Color

The Rainbow filter appears as if it’s a rectangular piece of thin plastic but when placed in front of the lens it creates a rainbow or multicolored effect.

The rainbow wand adds a magical and dreamlike feel to otherwise relatively monochrome images.

Light. It’s ever-present, ever-changing, ever-inspiring. It’s also essential for a photograph to exist. Taking the existing light and manipulating it by placing creative filters and crystals in front of the lens can enhance the story, mood, and wonder of an image. Give it a try! And comment below with any questions you may have! Here’s to being Light Inspired!

I am part of a group of photographers, Share Six, who blog 6 images on the 6th of each month with unique monthly themes. Next up is the extremely talented Sharleen of Sharleen Stuart Photography

Please click here for her interpretation of this month’s theme. Then, follow around the circle for even more beauty and creativity. ❤

Join us for this month’s theme by posting your Growth images on our Facebook page at Share Six and to our Instagram gallery by tagging #sharesix and #sharesix_lightinspired. A new theme will be posted on June 6th.