I’ve lost count of the times I’ve photographed this dying tree. In some ways, it’s become my muse. On misty mornings, while faster things work to be settled, the birds, the air, the traffic from the highway, this tree is resolute. How is it weathering this? What changes has it made? Is it somehow thriving towards the end, despite the sharpness of the natural spire, that grows thiner and less dense each year? My gaze hits it often in mornings I feel frantic, needing to know it hasn’t fallen in the night. That, despite the decay, it’s still standing, doing its thing.
Low Pressure
Freedom and possibility within layers of pressure.
Grateful to look out my window and see metaphor.
Details #5- At Odds
My art is currently suffering from a lack of creative direction. Past work has been incredibly meta, leaning into the unsettled feeling of the world. I have a deep belief in balance, movement, and duality, so allowing both/and these last few years has been huge for my vision.
But it feels like my creative posture is getting bad. Or rather, my mind is feeling atrophy sitting in this meta state. We can feel all the hard feelings, but in the end, what are we going to do with them?
I could just be tired. Enough sleep hasn’t come easy, and right now when I take time for art, it falls flat. These two things together make it seem like the world is ending. It’s ridiculous and thankfully I recognize my own bullshit here.
But the fact remains that sitting (with feelings) for too long is bad for you. So, what does standing up look like?
This week, if you hadn’t noticed, I opted to either explore my photography archives or shoot something new, with an intention of detail. SO rather than spend my free time in the news, scrolling, or consuming some piece of new information, a break from the headiness of modern life seemed warranted.
Sheng Family
This is Sheng, family of 5: husband, wife, grandmother, child, and pug. They're in a fun season of life, with a shy little guy who likes bubbles, balloons, and snacks (don't we all?). I had a great time at Larrabee State Park with these folks.
Thanks for letting me photograph you, Sheng Family!
Jacob
So this is Jacob, and my first set of "official" photos after a looooong hiatus. We took to the streets of downtown Bellingham for a short but uber successful senior session. Jacob is a friendly, but quiet fella who likes to ride invisible flying bicycles. You'll see what I mean in the slideshow ;-) He's a gifted theater performer, an excellent student, and plays a mean Scrabble game. Downtown Bellingham, with its subdued excitement, seemed like a fitting location for this guy.
I've decided this place is basically a portrait photographer's dream. There're so many fantastic backgrounds, both natural and manmade, and it seems completely possible to find a location to suit just about anyone. And the light , oh my word, the light!!!!!
Looking forward to stretching my photography muscles and getting out there more to explore! Interested in coming along? Fill out the messaging form on my contact page and I'll be in touch!