• Avian

    Solitude and Community

    Geese at Dawn

    Solitude is important in my life. Community is important in my life. Time alone nurtures my inner spirit, clears out the cobwebs, and heals. Yet, spending time with others also nurtures my spirit, helps me see life through others eyes and community also heals. Spending time alone shooting photographs helps me become a better photographer. Shooting with and sharing experiences with fellow photographers helps me become a better photographer. Why shouldn’t I embrace both solitude and community.

  • coffee shops,  Documentary/Street,  People/Portraits

    Gathering Places

    Gathering Place

    Not everyone drinks coffee or tea at coffee shops. These shops, both small mom-and-pop and corporate, have become gathering places for conversation, study groups, romantic meetings and business deals. It’s a place for perking up in the morning and relaxing in the afternoon. People will go out to eat then stop for a coffee and conversation before going home. If you find a favorite one you will find yourself building a community of fellow coffee drinkers. I have a accumulated a family of friends from visits to these shops. Some of those will be life long friendships. Yep, coffee shops are a gathering place.

    For these children it’s also a time to play. I  like the comparison of the mother in the background talking with her hands while the children are playing a game with their hands.