 I have spent most of my life hesitating, waiting to say yes until I have analyzed all the possible outcomes, especially failure, regret, and embarrassment. Mostly, I don't want to waste time. Time is my love language, my currency. If I do this, will it just be a waste of time?
I spent the better part of a decade in Northern New England, redirecting my life and career to live here and re-establishing myself as a photographer. I spent many days, hours, and weeks traveling through small towns and nature byways like this one. New Hampshire looks a lot like this photo when you are driving through it: wide, clear roads, lots of trees, and big open skies. In the first years of travel, establishing myself as a photographer with local business owners, I traveled thousands of miles throughout New England. As I met more people, they often said they had been here their whole lives but had never been to this town or that area. I found myself fortunate enough to say that I had explored this area or that mentioned town. I write all of this to say that I'm glad that even though I may have been extremely hesitant and downright scared to pick up and move across the country, I am glad I did it—for the experience, the try, the community, and the peace. Yeah, lots of peace.
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 As an artist and photographer, I have learned to use the camera as a study tool. I can perceive something, whether it's a vast cityscape or the tiniest detail within it. I am captivated by these sights. I need to freeze them, to arrest the moment. I want to halt its progression and isolate it from the relentless flow of time. It's like holding a glass cube, orb, or marble that I can examine repeatedly, a timeless object of curiosity on my mental shelf. Other times, I rely on my camera as a security blanket. It emboldens me, sparks my creativity, and diminishes my fears. On this particular day, we visited Montpelier, Vermont. My husband took me to all his favorite spots from his adolescence: streets, bridges, rivers, and coffee shops.  I share all this to expose my vulnerability. I adore my husband and was excited to explore one of his beloved towns, a place that significantly shaped his identity. When we first met, he would regale me and our friends with enchanting tales of Vermont and its people. It was a different world, a place where people cared for one another, looked out for each other through harsh winters, and did it all out of love for their community. The stories of Vermont and the concept of neighborliness held a meaning I couldn't fully grasp, but I wanted to understand.  I share all this to expose my vulnerability. I adore my husband and was excited to explore one of his beloved towns, a place that significantly shaped his identity. When we first met, he would regale me and our friends with enchanting tales of Vermont and its people. It was a different world, a place where people cared for one another, looked out for each other through harsh winters, and did it all out of love for their community. The stories of Vermont and the concept of neighborliness held a meaning I couldn't fully grasp, but I wanted to understand.  I find this goodness and kindness both inspiring and intimidating. As I walked the streets of Vermont, I felt challenged to cultivate my own compassionate nature. I was surrounded by everyday heroes, a town where individuality was celebrated and judged by no one and cared by all. It was a place where people had endured long, cold winters and found ways to make life enjoyable.
Maine wasn't even on my radar until I was in my thirties and met a great friend who would eventually become my husband. He had moved from Vermont to Maine and had traveled extensively throughout the Northeast before we met. His stories of nature, clear smogless skies, stubborn rocky coastlines, and trafficless roads captivated me.  The next decade was a whirlwind of photography, great jobs, odd jobs, and road trips across the northern US. I love exploring, finding local gems, and indulging in regional specialties. One such discovery was the Trevett Country Store in Boothbay, Maine. Tucked away on West Barters Island Road, this quaint country store offers everything from essentials to seafood delights, including fresh Maine lobster. The outdoor seating area provides a serene view of Back River, a picturesque scene that encapsulates the essence of Maine. Since my initial discovery, I've sought out opportunities to return to Trevett Country Store. The combination of delicious lobster and breathtaking views makes it an irresistible destination.    Maine has an allure, a blend of fresh air, locals, and stunning natural beauty. It's a feeling that lingers, a hint of something special in the fresh air, a crisp personality, the assurance of vast green forests nearby, and the deep, clean blue waterways teeming with life. All of this exists in Maine and is highly valued by its residents.
 New Orleans, the Crescent City, enticed me in my mid-20s. I followed the tourist trail, soaking up the French Market, Bourbon Street's revelry, and the swamp's mysteries. But one night, a different kind of enchantment seeped out from behind a diamond-cut window and an iron gate. It was jazz – raw, intoxicating, and overflowing with joy. It was love at first sound. Preservation Hall became my sanctuary. I stayed until they closed, night after night, enthralled by the musicians. They weren't just playing; they were breathing life into the music, the sounds echoing off the worn floorboards. This is where photography entered my story. Every detail – the talented musicians, their instruments, the signs, even the chairs – whispered tales of countless melodies played and lives touched. I felt compelled to capture it all, to document this temple of jazz and its soulful inhabitants. Preservation Hall isn't just a venue; it's a living testament to the enduring power of music. Here, amidst the brick walls and the rhythmic pulse, I feel a deep sense of belonging. It's as if this small space was where I was meant to be, creating, capturing moments, and losing myself in the music's vibrations.     This passion for preserving this legacy fuels my photography. I want everyone to experience the magic of Preservation Hall, the feeling of being transported by music. My photographs are an invitation to step into this world, to feel the energy, and to understand why this place holds such a special place in my heart.
Perhaps, someday, my ashes (I could only hope) will rest here too, a final testament to the music that gave my soul its rhythm. But for now, my lens continues to document the magic of Preservation Hall, ensuring its story lives on. Join me in experiencing this scene, a silent echo of a vibrant past.  Just after a birthday celebration of my own, I stumbled upon an unexpected scene at Kennedy Park. Where there's usually the joy of community games, an eerie silence reigned. The only sound was the wind whispering through a cluster of balloons clinging to the fence.
These colorful remnants, survivors of an unknown celebration, swayed defiantly. A testament to a party long gone, they echoed a spirit of joy and resilience that resonated with me. As a photographer, I'm drawn to the curious whispers within everyday moments. This image, for me, embodies the lingering spirit of celebration. Perhaps it sparks a similar sense of hope and fun within you.  For those of you new to the City of Lights, there's no better way to start your love affair with Paris than getting lost in its charming streets. Today, let me whisk you away to the iconic Pont Alexandre III, a bridge that gracefully stretches across the Seine. Take a deep breath, savor the Parisian air, and let the city embrace you.  Let Me Light Your Way by Liz Davenport A Photographer's Paradise: The Right Bank On this particular stroll, I decided to focus on the Right Bank's captivating sculptures. The first sight that stopped me in my tracks? The magnificent gilt-bronze statues by Emmanuel Frémiet. Renommée des Sciences (Fame of the Sciences) and Renommée des Arts (Fame of the Arts) exude a timeless grace, their forms a mesmerizing blend of power, fluidity, and raw energy. Gazing down from their pedestals are contrasting yet complementary figures: La France Contemporaine (Contemporary France) by Gustave Michel and France de Charlemagne (France of Charlemagne) by Alfred Lenoir. These sculptures embody the rich tapestry of French history, whispering tales of past and present. And then there's the lion. A masterpiece by Georges Gardet, its presence is both powerful and strangely comforting.  The Lion of the Right Bank by Liz Davenport The Inseparable Dance:
Science and Art The very essence of the Pont Alexandre III right bank celebrates the beautiful relationship between science and art. These seemingly disparate disciplines intertwine here, each dependent on the other. Science provides the foundation – the knowledge of bronze, the tools, the understanding of scale. But it's art that breathes life into the form, imbuing it with beauty, emotion, and narrative. For aspiring artists, this bridge serves as a profound reminder: Why choose between science and art when you can embrace them both? A sculptor needs the scientific understanding of their medium, but it's the artistic vision that transforms it into something extraordinary. Paris embodies this philosophy perfectly, showcasing the exquisite results when these two forces collide. So, the next time you find yourself in Paris, take a walk, explore, and let the city inspire you. And who knows, maybe you'll find your own artistic muse waiting on a bridge, captured in the interplay of science and art.  Looking at the sun up through a filter of foliage is a visual gift. Sunlight, golden power beams and filters through a vibrant tree. Each leaf, a brushstroke of nature's palette, dances with wind and light. This vibrant interplay of color, movement, and science is a constant source of inspiration, and I captured this for us, fellow art enthusiasts.
Ask anyone who knows me – the tried-and-true holds a special place in my heart. That's why classic cars make me weak at the knees. The gleam of the chrome, the plush embrace of the upholstery, the very colors sing a nostalgic tune. Owning one someday feels like a golden sunset on the horizon – a promise whispered on the breeze.  For now, I capture their essence through my lens, documenting every detail that fuels my daydream. Windows down, hair in the wind, cruising to the sounds of Preservation Hall Jazz... that's the picture of retirement bliss I hold dear.
  As twilight surrenders to night, the garden whispers secrets beneath a luminous moon. A perfect orb hangs heavy in the velvet sky, its silver glow bathing the begonias in a dreamlike wash. Peach, orange, and a blush of pink unfurl their petals, of each blossom.
 Portland bloomed for us, not just with friendly faces and a charming Victorian by the bay, but with a tiny sign of hope. It wasn't planned. I was photographing a client's art haven when a miniature coffee plant stole the show. Eight inches of emerald vibrancy, nestled amongst canvases and curios. A gift for my coffee-obsessed husband, then a home roaster on a quest for mastery. We christened him Akpe, "thank you" in Togolese, a whispered gratitude for all we found in this new life. Years have unfurled, and Akpe has mirrored our growth. His leaves, once a dark caress, now brush our shoulders. Delicate white blooms, phantoms against the emerald canvas, promise the future harvest. This isn't just a photograph; it's a memory captured in light. Akpe, our silent companion, a symbol of new beginnings and the quiet magic that unfolds when we least expect it.  |
Liz DavenportAs a photographer, I am attracted to time, adventure, and the unique. This stems from a desire to capture moments that are fleeting and capture experiences that are one-of-a-kind. The world is full of endless possibilities and as a photographer, curiosity drives me to explore and document these instances through the lens of my camera. By seeking out new adventures, I hope to be able to capture moments that are unique and timeless. Whether it's the intricacies of a bustling city or the serenity of a remote landscape, I am constantly intrigued by these words so much so that I have recognized them to be so dearly valued in my personal life. Unique. Adventure. Time. Archives
July 2024
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