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.
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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. Paris whispered a memory to me, a forgotten echo from my photographic apprenticeship in the 1990s. Back then, a current trend ran the black and white darkrooms – a splash of color, a solitary whisper of red or blue, breathed life into the monochrome world. I reveled in it, until the spell faded.
But here in this Parisian scene, a lone red scooter ignites a spark. The black and white photograph surrenders its hues, becoming a canvas of stark contrasts. Yet, a crimson vibrant ember glowing amidst the desaturated dreamscape remains. Parisian soil greeted my touch, and in that first instant, a current surged through me, a recalibration. Like a rusty gear finally slotting into place, a forgotten melody taking hold, my soul hummed with a newfound resonance. The very air thrummed with the legacy of art, of expression, a chorus of individualism. Every detail – the elegant script of street signs, the chirp of a perched black bird, the sky's canvas painted with streaks and clouds – became infused with a captivating intrigue. My black and white photographs, each a rapid click of the shutter, became a desperate attempt to capture the vibrant interplay I witnessed. High contrast, stark and beautiful, played out between the ancient architecture and the pulse of life. My feet ached to keep pace, my camera a frantic echo. As a photographer, the Jean-Talon market in Montreal, Canada, truly mesmerized me with its unique charm. What's not to love about a classic farmers market, especially one with a French touch like this? Late summer cast its warm, golden glow over the market, creating a delightful atmosphere filled with the freshest ingredients and the most vibrant blooms.
I was particularly drawn to a specific set of images in this series, where soft shades of orange and pale sea green melded in perfect harmony. These color combinations have always held a special place in my heart, and I couldn't resist sharing them with you. The Jean-Talon market proved to be a wellspring of inspiration for me as a photographer. Every corner held hidden beauty, and the vendors showcased their freshest merchandise with impeccable design and artful placement. As I wandered through the market, I found myself yearning to capture it all through my lens. The market's magic was irresistible, and I hoped that my images could convey even a fraction of its enchantment to those who viewed them. If you ever find yourself in Brooklyn, I highly recommend taking a moment to explore the local grocers. Each market has its unique flair, and there is an undeniable artistic touch present in every one of them. I am consistently fascinated by the stylized displays that can be found throughout these markets. On a recent visit, I was captivated by the impeccably stacked vegetables in the crisper area. It was like witnessing a work of modern live art in its purest form. The stock person had masterfully created an artful arrangement that transcended mere functionality. As I admired the display, I couldn't help but feel that by choosing to bring one of these vegetables home, I was not only acquiring a delicious ingredient but also taking a small piece of vibrant Brooklyn art with me.
How can something so irresistibly cute, delightfully fuzzy, and wonderfully chubby find its way into the heart of nature's most breathtaking cores? Picture this: the vibrant center of a fresh, fragrant, and resplendent blossom, where a new rhododendron unveils its beauty. And right on cue, there it is—a diligent and devoted bee, its fuzzy form buzzing with purpose, meticulously collecting the delectable nectar nestled within the blossom's core. This sweetest and most enticing spot, brimming with nectar, eagerly awaits the bee's arrival.
Despite their ubiquitous presence in the gardens of Maine, they remain an exhilarating challenge for a photographer like myself to capture. The moment I lift my camera, they flit away, never pausing long enough for a portrait session. They are ceaselessly occupied, perpetually in motion, never halting to strike a pose. With its fashionable appearance, adorned in a yellow fuzzy stole and adorned with a shimmering body, the bee epitomizes both style and functionality. Ever active, tirelessly motivated, and profoundly eager, it indulges in the bountiful goodness nature has to offer. But amidst this dynamic dance, I cherish the fleeting encounters I do manage to photograph. Each photograph becomes a testament to their tireless work and the profound beauty they contribute to our natural world. It serves as a reminder of the invaluable role they play in pollination.. So, I persevere, patiently awaiting the elusive moments when a bee pauses just long enough for my lens to capture its remarkable presence—a testament to the remarkable creatures that grace our gardens with their industrious grace. I must confess, I haven’t always been fond of bees. However, through education and increased awareness of their indispensable role in our world, my sentiments have blossomed into respect and admiration. I find myself driven to create gardens that beckon bees to flutter, sip, and thrive. Bees, we truly need them! The Maine Botanical Garden in Boothbay Harbor, Maine, has created a captivating space where an artist, Thomas Dambo, breathes life into gigantic wooden trolls known as the Guardians of the Seeds. These magnificent and friendly giants, crafted with whimsical charm, stand as inviting figures throughout the garden, serving as protectors of nature's seeds and enticing visitors to embark on an imaginative journey. With their awe-inspiring presence, the Guardians of the Seeds captivate hearts, embodying the profound connection between art, nature, and the human spirit, as they harmoniously coexist within the serene ambiance of the Maine Botanical Garden, inspiring awe, wonder, and a sense of joy.
As a photographer, when I traverse the garden with my camera in hand, I seamlessly transition between two distinct modes. Firstly, there is the serene observer within me, the one who gazes, breathes, and immerses in the captivating beauty that surrounds. In this state, my heart rate gently slows, my breath finds a tranquil rhythm, and I find solace in the sheer magnificence of nature's tapestry. It is a deeply introspective experience, where the very act of witnessing the world around me becomes a source of internal healing and awe-inspiring wonder.
But then, like a sudden burst of energy, a wave of excitement engulfs me, and I transform into an enthusiastic paparazzi of the floral realm. Every blossom becomes a star on its own elegant haute couture runway, and I, the zealous photographer, capture each petal with zeal. With a gasp of delight, my camera swiftly finds its place against my eye, and the symphony of one hundred shutter clicks ensues. It is a thrilling dance, where I am driven to freeze these breathtaking moments in time, preserving the essence of their beauty forever. Allow me to transport you to one such enchanting moment. Picture the scene: the perfect play of light, casting a gentle glow upon the delicate white petals. They sway gracefully, as if in harmony with the warm sunlight that bathes them. The air carries a soft and fragrant humidity. In this setting, my lens and me have a difficult time to find focus, capturing the essence of this captivating interplay between light, petals, and atmosphere. These are the moments that truly stir my soul as a photographer. They remind me of the profound connection between nature and the creative spirit. It is in these instances, where the perfect convergence of elements occurs, that the power of visual storytelling comes alive, allowing us to share in the beauty that surrounds us. |
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. ArchivesCategories |