People
With All His Heart
This is my friend Bill. On Saturdays, when I can, I stop by to visit with him at a local senior care facility. Yesterday, for the first time in all my visits, I brought my camera along.
When I asked if I could take his picture, his eyes lit up, he smoothed his hair a bit, removed his glasses and asked for his horn. (It’s kept in a case on the nightstand next to his bed.)
Bill loves his family, he loves Jesus and he loves playing music. I believe he’s mostly self-taught. Because of his condition, he doesn’t play with the same proficiency he once did, but, as you can see, he plays with heartfelt passion.
While playing, his expression looks pained, but in reality, it’s the look of concentration – on breath control, notes, tone, technique… And, more than anything, you see the portrait of a man intent on persevering; a man playing with all his heart.
He gave a mini-concert that brought compliments and encouragement from the passing care-givers. (God bless them.)
Larger images of these photos can be seen by clicking on them.
Morning Walk
The Girl with Golden Locks
The pursuit of truth and beauty is a sphere of activity in which we are permitted to remain children all our lives. ~ Albert Einstein
This photo was mostly an accident…something I just stumbled into. Didn’t realize what I had until I was browsing through a batch of photos from the day. The sweet, little girl in the big field grabbed my attention.
I cropped the original, tweaked the contrast and exposure, enhanced the colors, added an effect to soften the foreground and background…and found an image I love.
If it appeals to you, by all means, share it with others.
Click the image to see a larger version.
All of the photos I post are available for purchase. If you’d like to buy one, click on the blue “Buy this Online” bar below for a variety of print and frame options or contact me for digital purchase and licensing options.
Carried Away by Love
Weddings seem perfect for black and white images. (White dresses, black tuxes.) This picture struck me as a good candidate. As you can see, I decided to leave a slight touch of color in the bride’s bouquet.
On their way to together forever, Aaron & Hannah McEnaney were married on June 4, 2011.
(A larger version of this photo may be viewed by clicking on it…especially if you have a large monitor.)
The Bride’s Bouquet
I had the honor of playing the role of Wedding Photographer at our son’s wedding. I took a ton of pictures and this is one of my favorites.
It was an outdoor wedding at the country home of the bride’s parents. The reception was held immediately following the ceremony in a tent on the property. (After a few posed photos of the wedding party and family.) At the head table, the gal’s bouquets were displayed in vases placed directly in front of each gal.
I decided to snap a closeup of the bride’s bouquet. While I was focusing and framing the shot, I noticed the groom having an intimate conversation with his bride. I don’t think they realized I was including them in this shot.
Even though the majority of the image is filled with gorgeous flowers in the foreground, your eyes are drawn to the blurred couple in the background.
I think this photo captures them…their couple personality…perfectly. (If you knew them you would think, “That is so them.”) Purposely keeping them out of focus conveys the intimacy of the moment and stirs the imagination. What do you suppose this groom is whispering to his bride?
(Click the image to see a larger version.)