the gift of Community

I belong to a fun, knowledgeable, creative group of photographers on Facebook that live in and around the Berks County area of Pennsylvania, appropriately named, "Berks County Photography."  I've mentioned them before on the blog.  Every week a theme is announced, giving its members some creative juices to jumpstart their inspiration and perspective for shooting that week.  It works like a charm, usually!  (Thanks, Rick!)  I would recommend every photographer become involved in a group such as this - especially for those who are "social butterflies" (like me; who enjoy meeting new people, learning new techniques, picking up new inspiration, etc.).  The theme for this week is "Community."  I attempted to photograph an ant hill in the playground mulch out back, but all I got was, well, mulch.  The ants were much too small against the large mulch chips.  Back to the drawing board.  

… Insert back story …

Last week I had chatted with a photographer friend (that I met on Facebook!) about the possibility of purchasing one of his gloriously beautiful photos of his home country of Ireland.  Now, anyone that knows me - knows I have been dreaming of visiting this wonderfully rich land of green, rolling hills; gorgeous seascapes; warm, friendly people for like - forever and a day!! … No, Mom, I am not going to Ireland - just yet anyhow. ;)  … Stay with me.  I'm getting to the point, eventually.  My friend, Ray Kellett of Ray Kellett Photography, did me the most distinguished honor of allowing me to order one of his AMAZING photos.  AND, order I did!  

Getting back to the theme of "community."  It came to me that these 2 ideas in action:  me purchasing the print of Ray's astounding art, supporting his photography with winning admiration PLUS my membership in the Berks Co. Photography group which inspires me to create art EQUALS community spirit of a common bond.  We photographers are a very fast growing group of people, or community of people I should say, that are enhanced by one another's loving support and friendship. I have learned so much from my friends.  Truth be told, I wouldn't even be in this business if it weren't for the community of photographer friends I have been so graciously surrounded by.  Life wouldn't be as rewarding, or enjoyable as it is if we couldn't share our art form with one another as a community.  I am equally enriched by my Irish photographer friend, Ray as I am by the photographer friends I have actually met firsthand.  All of us photographers are a community that LOVE our chosen art form, seek it out, and share it every chance we can.  What a wonderful group of friends I have.  I will continue cheering you on, because I know how much you love it.  I'm with you all the way!!  

And this is community to me.

Speaking of sharing photos. . . 

Ray, my friend, the package arrived safely TODAY!!     

Umm, Mommy, what are you taking pictures of now?!! 

Drum roll please …. 

This is a flush mount ready-to-hang 20" x 30" fine art print from SmugMug.com that will draw me nearer and nearer to my dream of visiting Ireland each and every time I gaze at it.  Thank you, Ray for sharing your wonderful talent and your beautiful country.      

So, who's ready to go?!!! 

Cheers to you, my photographer friends! 

You are great community! 

All the best,

Barb