“One of the huge mistakes people make is that they try to force an interest on themselves. You don’t choose your passions; your passions choose you.” –Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon

Thank you to everyone who has stopped by to read my blog and for your support this past year.

The quote above has proven true for me.  I have had a passion for photography and nature since I was a little girl.  The interest has continued throughout my life in greater and lesser degrees.  In 2016 I took the plunge and started this blog which has given me a wonderful outlet to pursue my passion.  It has been a fun thing to do with my brother who started his blog at the same time.

“A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination, and hard work.” –Colin Powell

Pursuing my passion of nature photography has been fun work.  New Year’s Day is a good time to think about specific goals, the “hard work,” I want to accomplish in the coming year.  There are three things that have helped me to consider how to pursue my passion.

Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Madison, Wisconsin

Professional photographer Troy Freund critiqued the above photo a few years ago after the Edgar G. Mueller Photography Contest. He said, “You were intentional.”  That comment has stayed with me.  I want to pursue photography with intention. Everything in my photos should be there for a reason.  Every element in the photo should contribute to its overall success.  I can use negative space to communicate as effectively as a photo filled with things in nature.  I plan to improve my photography and writing skills by taking a class or two.  These intentional goals will hopefully improve the quality of the blog.

“In previous ages the word ‘art’ was used to cover all forms of human skill.  The Greeks believed that these skills were given by the gods to man for the purpose of improving the condition of life.  In a real sense, photography has fulfilled the Greek ideal of art; it should not only improve the photographer, but also improve the world.” –David Hurn, photographer

 Troy recommended the book On Being a Photographer by Bill Jay.  Jay interviews photographer David Hurn who made the above statement. I started this blog to improve my writing and photography skills and to have a place to share those things with others.  I also wanted to add value to others by promoting the Horicon Marsh and sharing my experience of nature with those who may not be able to visit in person.  The blog is a place to educate people who are interested in learning along with me about photography and nature.  Readers can learn from my successes and mistakes.

Art should also improve the photographer.  A person’s passion, whether it’s photography, wood working, painting, or something else, should also improve the person doing it.  Photography has helped me to be a more observant person.  Photographing nature has given me a deeper appreciation for the variety and beauty of nature and the Artist who created it.  God reveals He has a sense of humor when I see birds with unusual color patterns and observe their sometimes comical behavior.

Mulling over how to be intentional in the practice of our passion, considering how our passion can add value to other’s lives, and realizing our passion also improves ourselves in the process, can result in exceptional and fulfilling art.