My newest venture is teaching a Photography Portfolio Workshop at Chicago Botanic Gardens for eight weeks. Last Monday was the first class where I met a variety of talented aspiring nature photographers. I designed this class to help these individuals develop their own nature portfolio to show off. Each student has a theme or focus . They vary from, water, lines and textures, leaves ,fall flowers etc. They turned in their first assignment last night and I have already been blown away by the glory of nature and the talent of these students. They are each on their unique journey to express what they see to a camera lens. I feel humbled and privileged to help them in their next steps of this journey. My class is broken into two parts. First part, is technical instruction and critique, and the second hour is shooting time in the garden to develop their portfolio and complete their next assignment.
WhatI learned in the hour, was not mind blowing fine art, but was about myself……that my soul has not been quiet for quite some time and apparently does not know how. That morning started off with over preparation and plenty of time,but turned into traffic to the MAX, wrong turns,hurrying to my classroom, organizing my things and having 5 min before meeting the class. When the second hour of our time came to go out with our cameras and be inspired …. I found this hour WAY harder than the rest of my morning even compared to the stopped traffic on I-94. My iphone kept ringing, and buzzing with new emails. I just found my self listless, wandering and uncomfortable. I was uncomfortable to be silent, to be still, to let down and to just be.
My life for the last few months has been NUTS. Moving into this new space, painting, designing, advertising, efficiency, new sights, new everything!! Don’t get me wrong, I am NOT complaining. It has been more than I could have dreamed up for myself, yet…. in that only one brief hour at the garden, I panicked in the presence of quiet.
I am looking forward to the next seven weeks of this class, to stretch me, inspire me and to quiet me. I am looking forward to Monday where I am once again uncomfortable in the quiet where I know is home for me, to get reacquainted with nature and with myself. Funny how for me they are so intertwined….
A few from my wandering….
Had a lovely time celebrating the beautiful Emily and Paul this past weekend. The wedding took place on a quaint inn on a river. Here is one frame with more to come in the next few days! Can’t hide happiness!
Jenna and Nick have been dear friends of ours for years. It is always a special privilege to get those you love in front of the lens and capture the love and warmth they are giving to the world. We are so delighted to be living near these two again and are looking forward to many new … Continue reading
To celebrate our 2,000 mile move , we are having a moving sale! And not just any moving sale but 20% off of all wedding packages for those within 120 miles of San Francisco! Spread the word! It is first come, first serve and need to book by May 15! Email jessie@simplyjessie.com for all the … Continue reading
Kristine and Nathan’s day was an amazing Spring day in the Midwest The trees were full of colorful blossoms, warm temperatures and the leaves were the brilliant green of new life. Thank you to Jaclyn Simpson for being my wingman!
Forgive the silence of the last few weeks. It is hard to describe in words what these days have been…. a journey is the best way to describe this process. So many things have happened , our feet have been in so many places, our eyes taking in gorgeous landscapes and the expanse of our beautiful country. … Continue reading
As this blog posts, Eric and I have loaded up our small car with our gear computers, two cats and 2 weeks of clothing. We have turned our car and hearts West. We are ready to document this new adventure armed with rolls of film, field cameras, medium format and digital cameras as well. As I … Continue reading
The pictures are superb! I especially like the last one. (I wonder what kind of flower that is…)
I hope that things begin to quiet down and that you have many peaceful hours at the Botanic Garden in the coming weeks.
By the way, the open house was a lot of fun. I am looking forward to seeing the pictures from it.
Hi Les.
The last 2 pics are Dahlia ‘Snowbound’. They are HUGE big beautiful blooms.