Personal Thoughts
I've worked as a staff photographer at a local newspaper, and learned how to run a darkroom. I've published my own tabloid and magazine, and shot photos for them. I've joined community clubs, placed myself under organizations such as Professional Photographers of America, Photographic Society of America, to name a few. I enjoy shooting weddings, social, and news events, and I really enjoy capturing a bit of AMERICANA and NATURE.
There are special times when the world seems to put forth a great moment of beauty and inspiration. Once in a while, I'm privileged to witness this event and capture it on film. Occasionally, the results obtained are worthy of sharing with others. Too often in our busy lives we forget to "look and feel" our surroundings. As I try to shut out the "noise" of our fast paced society - my focus (and hopefully my camera) will tune into the Creative handiwork of our Heavenly Father. When you see my PORTRAITS I hope you gain a sense value for the scene and a feel the moment in time when the photograph was taken.
Someone once looked at my photographs and said, "you take pictures of everyday, ordinary things." I had to agree with them, it was the polite thing to do. However, when you look through my eyes, into the view finder of my camera, what you see does not appear ordinary. At least not to me. Granted, it takes quite a few photographs before one stands out and speaks to me, but when it does, it is loud and clear.
Everyday and ordinary, but in itself, extraordinary! Beauty is all around us, in every flower and leaf. In the insects and animals. You can feel it in the warmth of the sun and hear it in the whisper of the trees during a breeze or in the sound of the ocean. Look closely at a leaf or dragonfly wing and see the veins that carry life. When you walk under a tree, do you think about the birds and insects that inhabit it? Do you want to touch the bark and examine the leaves? Smell the fraquence of the honeysuckle surrounding the tree trunk and listen to the chatter of the birds and crickets. Life is all around us and many of us NEVER take time to focus on this experience.
I love to photograph old rustic barns and fences. I always think to myself how much history is in the old buildings we see scattered along side the road. At one time, these buildings housed families or animals, they provided shelter and a place to call home. It's so deep, what I feel when I capture a moment of yesterday, what used to be part of someone's life.
Recently, I found an old abandoned store on a street I'd passed many times, but never noticed. It reminded me of my Aunt Landis who had a country store in Ocala, Florida. Her and my Aunt Jean lived in the back of the store and I can remember visiting her when I was a little girl. She had large jars on the counter with penny and nickle cookies in them, and a huge register, which we weren't allowed to touch. But I can remember helping to stock cans on the shelf, and scooping ice cream out of a cooler. Behind the counter, the wooden floor had lost some of the knots and you could see to the grass and the chickens that ran under the house. Good memories. Rustic, but real. Filled with happy thoughts. It brings me to a place of peace and contentment when I allow myself to absorb the atmosphere of yesterday.
In Alabama, I photographed a cotton field ripe for picking. In the background was what once could have been someones home. How many lives were invested picking cotton or other produce that we depend on? I don't ever want to take another's labors for granted. I hope through my photography, their efforts are remembered and honored.
Nature is a testimony to the greatness of our creative God. Psalm 19:1 states that "The heavens declare the glory of God; they skies proclaim the work of his hands." I stand in awe of the massive abilities of my heavenly Father who creates everything we encounter not only to show us how much detailed love and compassion He has for us, but also to remind us that He cares enough about every small thing in our lives, and is able to guide us over every mountain that is too large for us.
There are times when I look around me and see the despair and hurting souls, not only in human eyes, but also in the gentle eyes of animals. My heart grieves for them when they hurt and I desire that others would show them the respect and care that God placed in our hands.
When I walk among the natural world and observe the unique, the inspiring, and the majestic works of a wonderful Creator, I want to capture the essence to share with others. All around us there is proof of His detailed and unique love and concern for us. To me, nature truly does testify about His glory.
I pray that these images touch your heart and remind you of the glorious beauty that surrounds us.
Barbara Scott
