Vivid color inspires me. Dark and ominous shadows intrigue me while dancing light draws me closer. Combining these elements to capture forever one moment in time, what is called the art of photography, has peaked my interest and stolen away hours of my precious time. The thrill of getting the perfect shot, holding in my hand the depth of emotion on the face of a hurting mother or a hungry child, the fluttering wings of a hummingbird, or the radiant colors of a sunset has nearly become an obsession. As I traveled the world from September 2011-August 2012 I took well over 10,000 pictures and am very proud of a select few. But nothing compared to the story that follows.
During the month of June I was in Honduras working at a home for street kids. The property was largely overgrown with shrubs, unruly weeds, and stinging nettles, not to mention numerous trees and a plethora of randomly placed rocks and boulders. It was green but it wasn’t very attractive.
I would venture out to the yard for a moment of peace and quiet every day after dinner, and it did not take me long to realize that wild grasses and flowering weeds were a feeding ground for several species of local wildlife. I spotted a Red Tanager, a couple of Orioles, a family of Red-headed Woodpeckers, four different varieties of hummingbirds, and too many butterflies to count. That set me on a mission. I wanted a picture of a hummingbird. Not just any picture, a good picture. I was on the hunt for a good, clear, focused picture of a beautiful little hummer. They are evasive little critters! No sooner would I get my camera focused and they were gone. Needless to say, after hours of sitting in the weeds stalking birds I had nothing to show for it. To say the least, I was frustrated, but I was determined not to give up.
I awoke on the morning of June 3rd to a tent covered with handmade birthday cards, a Dora the Explorer birthday banner, and a packet of instant coffee. I wanted two things for my birthday –a picture of a hummingbird and a real cup of coffee. I trudged out to find my spot in the weeds, hunkered down with my camera, and began the long and steady process of waiting.
I heard the flutter of her wings before I ever saw her shimmering emerald green body, but there she was hovering above some tall prickly orange flowers. As I lifted my camera she just seemed to stare at me. And when the shutter closed she cocked her head, seemingly perplexed. She was gone before the camera left my eye but her image is saved forever on my hard drive.
That day I got what I wanted for my birthday and so much more. After snagging a great picture of the hummer I took a walk down to the creek with some of the boys. Along the way I was gifted a glimpse of a stunning crimson red dragon fly, a green parrot, an iridescent blue Emperor Morpho butterfly, a tri-colored butterfly drinking from the creek, and a beautiful black and red butterfly that landed right on my leg.
But the finale came when the forest opened up into the river. As I emerged from the trees I could hear the water rushing over the rocks and as I moved further out into the open a rabble of more than 30 yellow butterflies flew up from the rocks and floated on air as they danced in circles around me. I couldn’t help but smile and thank God for the gifts He had prepared for me. I have never felt so celebrated in my entire life.
I hope you enjoy viewing the gifts of His creation as much as I did.
