gratitude |

One of the reasons I make pictures is that doing so helps remind me of things that I find important. I think that I often take pics of what makes me feel alive and connected to the world at-large. VERY often these things are not people or events, but objects that bring up a memory of the past or of the experience that I’m having at the moment. This is usually true whether I’m photographing for myself or for a client.

This week, I found myself actively looking for stuff that I am grateful for- practicing gratitude, if you will. The more I looked, the more I wanted to capture with the camera. I decided to share them with you in a visual gratitude list! This is the first installment of what I plan to make a weekly post.

First off, I have got to say that I am extremely grateful for the camera phone I have. It’s a handy little tool to have when I’m on the go and don’t want to lug the monster camera around. Granted, the pics aren’t as high quality as I’d ultimately like, but I’d rather have them then not! The first two images where shot with my phone and edited with an app called Little Photo.

1. This colorful dude crossed my path on a zoo outing this morning! He was so pretty that I kind of wanted to steal all of his feathers and glue them on my back to make myself a peacock cape. I figured that wouldn’t be very nice, so I just took this pic instead.

2. Usually, I try to be a safe driver and NOT touch my phone while behind the wheel. BUT, at sunset yesterday I was on my way home from a photo session and was enchanted by the lovely golden-red light falling on the Santa Catalina mountains. Some days, I don’t even notice these strong, sturdy, quiet rocks and take them for granted. I love them and consider myself so lucky to see them daily. I’m going to make more of an effort to really SEE them, though!

3. Last year, around this time, I was asked to photograph the grand opening of Blue Banana Frozen Yogurt. This week, they invited me back to photograph their first birthday party! Many of the same employees that started with the business are still there. Considering that the majority of them are teenagers and have stuck with the job for a year, I take it as a sign that the owners, Linda & Rick, are good at keeping the workplace fun and happy. I consider it an honor that they wanted me to be a part of their special day again. Thanks, Blue Banana, and congrats on one year of awesomeness!

What did you see this week that made you feel grateful? Comment and let me know. If you have a blog and post your list, put a link to it in a comment. I’d love to check it out! If you want to read similar posts related to gratitude, you can find tons of them through Liv Lane’s weekly Bliss List blog link-up!

Thanks for reading,