There will always be weeds

I took this image yesterday, not knowing how I was going to use it or what I was really going to do with it.  I just happened to notice the weeds and how they fit into the larger picture.

This morning I was having a discussion with a dear friend and business associate.  We were discussing a problem she was having when I thought about the image I took yesterday.  I said it out loud:

"There will always be weeds." 

We both thought about it for a minute, and realized that yes, weeds are always going to be underfoot.  There will always be weeds in your garden (just as there will always be bugs at your picnic or rain in your day.)  What's important is to quickly deal with the weeds and bugs and then focus and enjoy the surrounding beauty. There's always a bigger picture for you to see.  You just have to see past the little annoyances.  Oftentimes, those little annoyances help you appreciate the good stuff all the more!


(P.S.  I'm excited to announce that this image is the first of a Signature Series called Lessons From the Lens©.  These images will be available as fine art prints on textured portfolio paper or heavyweight giclee canvas.  Stay tuned for more details.)

Wet & Wild

Twenty to thirty foot waves were forecast for today, so I grabbed my camera and my daughter to keep me company.  Instead of heading to the North Shore and fighting traffic, we headed to the Waianae coast.  It was a beautiful drive and the waves were thunderous.  I watched one guy taking pictures with his point-and-shoot just as one of the waves splattered over him.  Fortunately, he was far enough away that the force of the wave didn't do anything but get him seriously wet, but I kept my eye on him.  (Not that I was going to go after him if he got eaten by one of those monster waves.... )  Later,  I caught up with him and we joked about how he was getting a little up close and personal with some of those waves. 

Old and New

My daughter had friends visiting from college, so one evening I asked if they'd like to do a portrait session.  I thought it would be fun for them and it would give me a chance to play around a bit.   They did their own hair and makeup and we pulled out some clothes and jewelry.   Kylie had pulled her hair into a pretty bun, and when I saw how she looked I knew exactly how I wanted to photograph her.  I had her put on my daughter's vintage dress (the one that's shown on my website homepage) and here was the beautiful result.  I love the fact that this is a modern-day 20-year old, but she looks timeless.

       
And here was another fun one from the session.  She was checking her texts during a break and I simply asked her to hold that pose.