http://westbirchphoto.blogspot.com/

I hope to see you all there!

I have been informed that some people, particularly the ones who use PC’s/Windows, see the logo at the top-right of the screen as intruding into the blog entries. If you use a PC, could you kindly let me know if this is, or isn’t, happening to you? I’d like to know either way so I can do something about it. I will sooner or later move to something more permanent to showcase my work on the blog, but for now this blog type will have to do–but I still want it to look good!

Thanks for any feedback!

This year started with my cat, Andy, who was very near and dear to my heart becoming sick with renal failure. It actually started a bit after my birthday last year, but close enough. My life at that point took a hard turn. I didn’t become that person that was constantly depressed, although I was pretty down at that point in life. Since I never knew how much longer I had with Andy, I had to cherish every waking minute with him, ensuring that no moment was lost. In doing this until his passing on April 12th of this year, I realized something else: that life is way too short to live doing things that don’t get you excited about living your own life. Andy had taught me little things can be huge, like sitting and staring out the window, even when there’s really nothing there to look at. The beauty of nature is out there and we can all enjoy that. Just take moments out of your day to enjoy living and not forcing yourself to do things that only make you a slave to yourself.

Yes, when Andy passed away, I was a complete wreck. Like everyone else who deals with any tragic event in their lives, I thought I would never get over it. I can’t say that I’m over his death, but I’ve learned to live with it. One way that helps me is having Anny, Andy’s soul sister. She’s incredibly important to me and my daily life because she’s carrying on Andy’s life in a sense. We have that very special connection Andy and I had.

It also took me a while to pick up a camera again. I just didn’t feel inspired to shoot anything. When I eventually did, it was as if I was reenergized. I saw it differently. I had different feelings when I picked it up than when I had picked it up before Andy’s death. After spending a lot of time trying to discover why I was feeling this way, I discovered that there was a special direction for my life. Photography was something that I was made to do. I believe that any one of us can do whatever we set our mind to do, hands-down. But we are all in sync with life and nature when we do one, and only one, thing in particular. Sure, we can be good, or even great, at several things, but there’s always that one thing that make us feel like nothing else in this world. For me, this was photography. And now I could feel like I have more focus as I move forward with this passion and creating a name and career for myself with it. I’ve always been a deep lover of people and felt that the direction my life was moving towards academia was going to be a waste for my “talent” for creating relationships with people. So I decided it was time to change routes in life. I needed to love myself enough to take a chance and spread the love and create lasting memories for people who care so deeply for one another that it should be bottled and sold as a secret formula to love. In doing so, I felt my world start to open up and my heart felt free for the first time in a long, long time. I’ve found my passion in life and was not afraid to chase after it. I never wanted to look back and ask what could’ve been. Now I will look back and see what has been done because I took that chance and followed my heart.

So this is my new life as a photographer. This is my first year as someone new who is not afraid of living life. This is my first year, in a long time, as being me to, and from, my core. And in this year, and many to come, I hope to work with many people in capturing that love that they can look at in the future and not only relive that moment, but be able to emotionally bring them back to that time in life. My connection with those people thus far does that for me when I look at their photos, and I hope that same feeling is had by those people. It’s my life’s goal to do so.

So if anyone reading this is on the verge of doing something but is unsure, I want to reassure you that following your heart is truly the only way to go. If you listen very carefully to it, and then spend time reflecting on what you’ve heard, I can almost guarantee you that you will not go wrong. Remember, the molecules that make up our heart is literally part of this earth and universe. Therefore, when in harmony with the universe, you can rest assured knowing you will not be steered wrong. You will live a life of love and pure amazement. Just close your eyes, open your heart, and listen. And don’t forget to stare out the window every once in a while. =)

As I’m mesmerized by their photos, here is a sneak-peek (or a teaser). =) I can’t really say, “The following are my favorite” because that would be a lie. There would be so many that are my favorite that there would be no point for a “sneak-peek.” It would be a full portfolio! Speaking of which, when I get through all of the photos, they will be posted in a portfolio on the West Birch Photography website. So please check often to see about the “full set” of photos. I actually had to tell myself, “Okay, this is THE LAST one you’re editing for the sneak-peek” because I wanted to go on all day with it. They’re just beautiful and I hope Kevin+Carissa will charish them for years to come.

Thanks for letting me and Lisa be part of your special day. We are truly honored to be let in to your family, even if for a limited time. We wish you two the best! With love.

Anyway, here are some shots from around the house when the light = love. In case you don’t know, I’m in love with light, especially the sun. Under certain conditions, it takes my breath away and I feel compelled to shoot nonstop. It’s like a drug.

I hope you enjoy them. =)

Oh, and a Happy Birthday to my father. Without him, my life would be in ruins. I wish to live my life like him. Through my photography, I hope I come close to his beautiful talent as an artist, although I know deep down that’s never possible. He’s my idol and someone who I wish to follow in the rough times in life. I love you, dad.