A Summers Daydream

Downtown Portsmouth, NH

This summer, amidst the chaotic whirlwind of everyday life, I embarked on a spontaneous adventure, an escape from the monotony and routine. With an inexplicable urge to break free from my comfort zone, I took a leap of faith into the unknown, setting my sights on the picturesque city of Portsmouth, NH.

As I embarked on this unplanned journey, I couldn’t shake the uneasiness that consumed me. My usual tendency to meticulously plan and organize every detail was abandoned. It left me feeling a bit disoriented, yet also exhilarated by the possibility of what I could capture through the two lenses I brought along.

The sunlit streets of Portsmouth welcomed my arrival a little before 9 a.m. I purposely set out early as I was in the mood for casual solitude, with no desire to be burdened by the energetic footsteps of a pedestrian hot on my heels. I knew this would most likely be the case in just a few more hours. It was a significant weekend, as Prince Charles was being crowned on the same day.

As I predicted, the atmosphere was infused with excitement, and a palpable sense of festivity lingered in the air. A few buskers were out, which, in my opinion, added an element of color and beauty to the foundational vibe at hand.

I roamed the cobblestone paths and eagerly sought out subjects for my street photography. Yet, amidst the bustling crowds and city life, it was the radiant display of flowers that truly captivated my attention. Bursting with vibrant colors and delicate petals, these charming flowers seemed to grace every street corner, transforming Portsmouth into a mesmerizing floral tapestry.

As I attempted to capture the essence of this enchanting scene with my lens, my anxiety began to dissipate. The beauty of the flowers served as a reminder of the simple joys that can be found even in the midst of uncertainty. With each click of the shutter, I felt a renewed sense of purpose and fulfillment.

While street photography was initially my goal, I found myself equally mesmerized by the architectural wonders and quaint storefronts that lined the streets. Every building seemed to tell a story, whispering tales of history and charm.

Throughout that unforgettable day, I embraced the art of photography with a newfound sense of freedom. The fear and self-doubt that had initially plagued me dissolved into a sense of liberation and creativity. I allowed myself to be guided by instinct, allowing the city to present itself to me in all its authentic splendor.

I invite you to immerse yourself in this pictorial journey, relishing in the beauty and stories that unfold within each frame. May it serve as a reminder that sometimes, the unplanned and uncharted paths can lead us to the most extraordinary and awe-inspiring experiences.

Wind & Wildlife

Wind

I was fortunate enough to spend a good chunk of the day with a photographer friend whose niche is wildlife photography. She knows the names of most birds, at what point they come out to play, and the best location to capture beautiful images. I’m a lover of Landscape, Street & Portrait Photography; however, I’m not going to lie, I’ve fantasized about getting up close and personal with Bambi, Thumper, Dumbo & Poo. So, I jumped at the chance to plan a photography adventure. It didn’t even matter that it was Friday the 13th; we were doing it!

Initially, we had planned to head to Salisbury Beach in Massachusetts in an attempt to catch the seals lounging about in the area. As it turned out, we got off to a late start at 11 a.m., instead of the desired window between 6 – 8 a.m. Due to my lovely scheduling mishap, we switched our plans and headed to the Parker River Wildlife Refuge in Newburyport, MA.

We walked the trails for roughly 4 hours on this beautiful day, and for the first couple of hours, I was convinced that the evil Friday the 13th spirits had abducted all the local wildlife. Come on now, I was equipped with a 200-600 mm lens on loan from my eldest sibling, and I wanted to take some super clear long-range shots!! All in all, the day did not disappoint. The beauty of the landscape, the fresh air, and the wind, which I later learned was the reason the wildlife was lying low, all aspects of the day were wonderful.

We did run into some luck later in the day when I captured my first Egret! She was beautiful, as you’ll see, even if she was adamant about masking herself behind the reeds!

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