The Story Behind "Golden Serenity"
Hi, my name is Jamie. I am a nature photographer who tries to make fleeting moments into works of art. Since I was a child, I have dreamed of two professions: exploring undiscovered places on our planet and being a professional artist. But time and place stood in the way more often than not.
Even though rooted in my routine, the urge to preserve images of beauty remained as urgent as ever. If anything, my affliction made me more persistent and determined. For me, a photograph isn't just a mere photo. It's the act of getting there, the stories behind each shutter click. Other challenges followed, and my determination never seemed to tire.
On this trip to the Dixie National Forest, I was on the hunt for fall colors. I was determined to capture the trees performing their magical formation to fall. Living in the desert, imagine how hard it is to not only pin down the exact changing of the season but also find a suitable spot and then be able to show up at that exact moment. I lost count of the occasions where I've either been too early or too late for this wonderful sight.
The weight of another potential missed opportunity hung heavily on my heart, but fate had other plans. My extended family, visiting nearby, who were much more familiar with the area than I was came to my rescue. They had several different locations I might try and told me exactly how to get there. The next day, my husband and I set out, hopeful and eager to find each one of these spots.
After pulling off the side of the highway with a short stroll along Duck Creek, I was brought to a small meadow that completely took my breath away. Golden-yellow aspen leaves, white trunks, and vivid green grass stretched as far as the eye could see. The sunlight skipped through the leaves and danced on the forest floor, casting perfect light. Excitement overtook me, and I quickly set up my camera gear. In fear the sun might move behind a cloud, I didn't even set up my tripod and began snapping away.
My favorite photograph exceeded my expectations: a stunning meadow surrounded by nature's autumn show with the sunlight peeking around the trees. It is easy to remember why I have set out on this path of artistry whenever I'm surrounded by such beauty.
I'm honored to be able to share nature's beautiful imagery as well as the emotions that overcame me in the moment. Every piece I create is a little piece of me and it's my pleasure to share them with you. I hope they bring you as much joy as they brought me to create them.