Beauty is all around us — and to truly see it, we need to open our hearts as well as our eyes.
Ansel Adams said, "A great photograph is one that fully expresses what one feels, in the deepest sense, about what is being photographed."
Photographer Linda Hogan expresses how I, too, feel when taking photos, “There is a way that nature speaks, that land speaks. Most of the time we are simply not patient enough, quiet enough, to pay attention to the story.”
For as long as I can remember, I've loved being outdoors and feeling grateful for the beauty of nature. When I go hiking or walking, I go without expectations of taking the perfect photo — instead, I want to savor the joy of being outside, moment at a time. When a scene stops me in my tracks, I feel compelled to photograph it. At that point, it's all about the emotional connection between the scene and me. If I can capture that feeling with a good photo, then I have succeeded. But — photo or not — success comes from observing, feeling and being thankful for the moment that nature offers.