About 3-4 years ago I began to use a digital camera.  I knew nothing about the technical side of photography, but always owned a camera and loved being behind the lens.  I remember that I didn’t have much work at the time that first year I got my Nikon D40, so I decided to make use of all my spare time and teach myself to take pictures the way I envisioned them.

Everyday, early in the morning, I took the dogs out with me to feed the horses.  I brought my camera, too.  It was at that magical hour or two after sunrise that I learned all about light and how it gave meaning and depth to anything I photographed.  I could take the same exact picture three hours later, but it wasn’t the same picture.  At all.  There was no life, no energy, no feeling.

I finally understood why it was said that photographers were always on the lookout for that “perfect light.”  It was necessary to convey emotion.  It was the thread that wove itself around subject and its’ soul.

I have been photographing people primarily for the past three years, but this morning I yearned to go out with my camera.  To be in the golden light as morning was waking up.  Pies were in the oven, my daughter asleep, the animals were enjoying the freshly fallen snow.

I wanted to go back to where I started this journey.  To remember my roots.  To discover how far I have gone and how much more of this amazing life I have yet to discover.

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

Emotions. Life can be summed up as a series of unending emotions. What I strive to capture in my work as a photographer are the emotions of my subjects. It doesn’t matter if I’m shooting people, animals or plants. Emotion exists.

The following images portray a variety of emotions.

Sadness. Letting go. Adoration. Contemplation. Bliss. Joy.

What stirs your soul?

Post inspired by the Shutter Sisters.

The four images above were taken an hour or two before their beloved horses had to be laid to rest.

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

It is so easy to get comfortable with a certain way of doing things. In regards to photography, post processing in particular, I have found myself seeking new ways of bringing to life the images I take. I visit hundreds of blogs. I sample hundreds of tutorials. I read hundreds of “how to’s.” But in the end I found myself slinking back into a familiar way of presenting my work. Maybe it’s my “style” or my “signature” – a way for people to recognize my images. For them to be able to say, “yep, that’s Darlene.”

But I want to grow. I want to feel expressive in a multitude of ways. I don’t want my post processing to be my signature. I want the emotion conveyed in the images to say “this is Darlene’s work.”

The following images are from a session I did towards the end of November. I’m still working on them. The good thing about taking so long is the images and I are evolving together. I am stepping outside my “photography comfort zone” with the intention of being open to many forms of expression. These images below have been treated with a vintage look. The hardest part about this change is when I put the original image and the vintage image side by side. I have to let go of the fact that the colors are different, especially skin tones. But what I’m loving is the energy shift. It really brings to life the feeling of the moment.

The direction of this post was inspired by the latest post on Shutter Sisters.

This image represents such a sacred moment.  I just love the synchronicity between Lea and Spartacus.

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

For several years now I have known that one day I would photograph Lea playing with her horses.   The thought would come and go, there was no dwelling as to when and where.  I just knew it would come to pass when the timing was most significant.  About two weeks ago I knew it was time, so I contacted her.  Last Sunday I arrived at the farm she is care taking and for the rest of the day it seemed a magical spell was hovering.

There are many people who own horses, but sadly there is a scarcity of true partnership between human and horse.  As you will see unfold in the following pictures, partnership and a deep, unconditional love permeates from Lea and her horses, Spartacus and Xena.  Please notice the sweet contentment in Lea’s face in all these images.  None of these are posed or rehearsed.  There were few words spoken between us.  We were both in the midst of what is most passionate to our souls, and so there was no need for words.  I hope you enjoy this beautiful dance as much as I did.

And Lea, for you I gift you with a look through the window I spent hours peering through on that day.  It was an honor to witness the beauty and the pain.  I shall hold this day forever in my heart.  I was deeply touched.

Spartacus

Xena

Lea

People can talk to one another about all these things and remain distanced and lonesome.  In partnership with a horse, one is seldom lacking for thought, emotion and inspiration.  One is always attended by a great companion.  – Charles de Kunniffy

Horses afford us the luxury of enchantment.  They fuel the imagination of children and nurture the youthful souls of adults.  -Melissa Sovey-Nelson

I am not only free to be myself with a horse, I am encouraged to find my brilliance.  -Melissa Sovey-Nelson

Our youth is raw, wild, both fearless and fearful, and fiercely independent while secretly in need of contact.  Horses are ageless and non-judgmental companions who teach me responsibility yet help me find my wings.  When it is difficult to express my feelings, I’m still okay when I am with horses, all I have to do is just be.  I love them and they know it.  -Melissa Sovey-Nelson

We are spirit, the horse and I . . . vital and animated, essence and substance, specter and apparition, boldness, enthusiasm and ardor.  -Melissa Sovey-Nelson

We are sprites, the horse and I – mythological figures empowered with magical gifts and the stuff of childhood tales.  Often diaphanous or forced to be in the shadows, we appear with deliberate intent when messages need to be delivered.  -Melissa Sovey-Nelson

Forever choreographing in daydreams whenever music stirred me, my visions have changed to the percussion of hooves and of rolling muscles lifting and pushing in cadenced performances together.  We are dance partners even when we are apart.  -Melissa Sovey-Nelson

We all hunger for the enigmatic, the veiled unexplainable which is beyond human understanding.  Some of us satisfy this appetite with the archetypal majesty and power of the horse.  -Melissa Sovey-Nelson

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

I had the honor and pleasure of photographing Mike and Beth’s wedding in one of the most gorgeous places in Maine – the Pemaquid Lighthouse.  There couldn’t have been a more beautiful day.  Clear blue sky, soft breezes and a gathering of such lovely people.  I loved the simple yet elegant details that were carefully chosen to mark this special day.  Beth is an artist and all the pottery vases were made by her.  The rehearsal dinner tables were dressed in Vintage table clothes Beth collected over the years, and all the flowers were hand picked from her parents gardens.  I had such a great time documenting their day, and so without further ado, please enjoy the following sneak peak of their amazing story.

The location, as I said, was divine.

Waiting for his bride.

The Procession.

Such emotion goes hand in hand as two people join lives.  So beautiful . . .

Mike’s first look at his beautiful bride as she walks towards him.

I just love this moment between Beth and her parents.

Tender Moments . . .

“Isn’t she lovely, isn’t she beautiful . . .”

I promised Beth if she layed on her belly on this huge rock that the result would be a wonderful picture.  Of course, it helped to have such a beautiful subject!

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits