My intent these last two weeks was to generate a new blog post. Initially, I thought I would recap 2020. Reflecting on my adventures for the year and how I navigated through the Covid-19 Pandemic, I realized it had been a rich year. One of time spent with family and friends, exploring new sights across the country, revisiting some previously visited, a trip to Jamaica, and finding a little corner in North Carolina that offers a sense of home and an environment promoting personal growth and peace.

Admittedly, I haven’t felt well these past few weeks. Nothing in particular that I can put my finger on nor symptoms to suggest an illness. I have just not felt up to par. Sharing an overview of my adventures in 2020 a bit overwhelming in the moment. After giving thought to meeting my objective, a decision was made to opt for oversimplification in generating a post. Focusin on a single photo from years gone became my goal put into action.

The below photo as taken in November of 2009. While not considered a new piece of work, it has always been a favorite. This is the first time it has been shared. Of all the photos I have taken over the years, I have treated this one as though sacred…”set apart”.

At the time this photo was taken, I was enrolled in a photography class at Portland Community College. The instructor, Sharon O’Keefe, a gifted photographer, was overflowing with knowledge to impart upon her students. She guided me in opening my eyes to “seeing” what I might not have otherwise; leading to the capture of images I might not have otherwise. On more than one occasion I recall Sharon saying, “Once you share a photo it’s not yours any longer”. Each viewer creates his or her own assessments, thoughts and perceptions of an image. Thus it’s not yours anymore. So…I am sharing something that I value through a collection of pixels. Please be kind toward it!

The photo was taken just outside the parameters of Union Station in downtown Portland, Oregon. Union Station is a magical place for an evening/nighttime photo shoot if you are ever in the area. Be sure not to miss going inside the train station as well. It is intriguing to photograph both inside and out.

I very vividly remember the night the photo was taken. I made the 20 mile drive from my suburban home to Union Station just to spend time with my camera in the hopes of capturing an image I would be pleased with. Time seemingly passed quickly and I probably stayed in the area longer, later into the night than I should have, but man am I glad I did.

Just before heading back to my vehicle in a nearby parking lot, I zeroed in on a metal sculpture which is incorporated into the below image. The camera was mounted on a tripod with the tripod head contorted in ways seemingly awkward and quirky. Me, I was focused on getting just the composition I wanted for an image that spoke to me and what I was “seeing”. I shoot perhaps half a dozen images with the featured one being my favorite.

After being restrictively archived for a number of years it has now been unveiled for public viewing. It is my wish that this images speaks to you in a way that makes you delight in the fact that I finally decided to share it. I would be interested in knowing what you see or how it speaks to you.

It is in the “seeing” that a whole new world opens up to those willing to be venture into it. May you be inspired to “SEE”!