Illumination

It's finally finished! My music room is freshly painted, has new doors and photos of Ireland on the walls. The dark, heavy draperies are gone and the room is full of light. I can actually see my music easier! Now the "drama" I felt when I walked into the room is replaced by a feeling of lightness.

One more step in my evolving life has been achieved. My goal has been to leave behind the drama of the past 26 years of a high stress job, and create a life of relaxed joyfulness. Having the physical things around me reflect this come a long way in helping make the changes on the inside.

I've also begun taking photography classes that are opening up my eyes to a new way of looking at things. Aside from the technical aspects of digital cameras and studio lighting, I am being taught how to bring out the best in my subject matter by really looking at the image I am composing. I analyze everything in the shot to bring out the elements of the subject that best reflect the essence of it. There is no magic in creating a great photo. No "smoke and mirrors." Only light.

A week ago I had my first opportunity to put into use my new-found knowledge when photographed 16 dogs at a local training facility. I then spent the next week using PhotoShop to perfect the images. It has been wonderful to see these photos evolve into portraits. I think that I was able to make the personalities of these dogs really shine through! I've already had some heart-warming responses from the owners of these dogs. It has been an "enlightening" experience.

In the end, I guess that the best way to move into the light, is by helping others to do the same.