Just 4 Fun
Watching Sunni enjoy herself reminds me of when I was a child. Being carefree, finding joy by simply doing things just for the sake of having fun.
Watching her play has taught me a valuable lesson as an adult, one that we all seem to lose sight of at one point or another. We get so preoccupied with the urgency of our lives that we lose our joy. We forget how to just have fun! No money, no fancy trips, or fancy clothes. No expensive electronics, just taking the time to enjoy the simple nuances of life.
Going outside meant everything as a child. It represented freedom. Freedom to roam about, freedom to use your imagination. We would find joy in a cool breeze, or watching the birds fly, pretending we had their capabilities. Watching a beautiful sunset…smelling the sweet aroma of the colorful flowers. Watching butterflies dance through the air, or the unique shape of the clouds above. It’s amazing how little things we once found so interesting as children get completely lost in time during our pursuit of money and a career.
There is something so peaceful and relaxing about slowing down to observe and appreciate all of the fine details of our lives. Taking time to be present in the moment. To reflect, and stop giving energy to our worries.
Watching Sunni reminded me that my camera has multiple purposes. But most importantly, my camera can be used as a tool for inspiring fun. You don’t need to worry about creating award winning photos every time you pick up your camera. You don’t have to drive yourself crazy trying to please strangers online with the quality of your work. It’s not necessary for everything to be so serious! So categorically important and immediate that it evokes anxiety and pressure.
It’s ok to use your camera just for the sake of having fun! So while you’re out creating your next “serious” work of art, remember to make some time to allow yourself to just have fun.
You can thank me later!
My Breakthrough
Recently I’ve noticed how much depression had started to affect my work over the past few years, and it’s been a real eye opener. Not creating with the same level of care and passion, thereby reducing the overall quality of my images has been an extremely disappointing discovery. I was literally making photos, doing very little post production, then posting to my social media accounts. I was totally frustrated, burnt out, and I just couldn’t make myself care like I use to. It was honestly a dreadful time in my life. Looking back, my work really suffered because of my attitude.
I’m happy to say that I’m rectifying my mistakes and I’m officially back on track. I can’t tell you how good it feels to thoroughly care again. To find myself again. To do the hard work to achieve the results I want. To be back on point and creating my way. Reviewing my work from the past 6 years makes me want to completely re-edit almost every single photo I’ve made. But I’m going to be realistic and selective with the images I choose to reimagine moving forward. As long as the end result makes me happy, I’m good.
If you’re suffering internally as I was, I highly suggest that you make the time to do whatever it takes to bring yourself back to a state of normalcy. Trust me, the difference will be shocking! But it’s definitely worth the effort to reinvigorate your life as well as your creative energy.
The first photo is the original that I posted back in 2021 when I initially created it. The second photo is my most recent edit, which I feel represents her skin, the overall scene, and my work far more accurately! When comparing the two photos side by side I was very emotional. I couldn’t believe just how far I had slipped away. Regaining my mojo makes me truly thankful that I’m back on the road to recovery.
A Night Of Fun
Happy New Year!
Know you, a large portion of photography historically focuses on human suffering and atrocities. One aspect of being a photographer is documenting all sides of life, the good the bad, and the ugly. Throughout my career I’ve photographed a variety of situations, including those that aren’t pretty or positive. But these days I tend to move away from negative imagery. Even if I feel compelled to photograph something that could be considered negative, I often choose not to share those images for public consumption.
Having suffered a number of tragedies in my personal life, I’m at a stage where I feel I just want to immerse myself in positive energy only. So I love to photograph candid moments of people just being themselves. I love to see people enjoying themselves, going about their daily lives. My favorite subjects to photograph are those that depict joy. And I know happiness in “serious” photography still seems to be frowned upon, but it’s what I like to see, and more importantly, it’s what makes me feel good inside.
With that out of the way, here are some photos I made at one of my favorite places to hang out and people watch. Here you’ll notice ordinary moments of humor, fun, and details you might otherwise miss.
Moving forward I will continue to photograph any and everything that sparks my interests, but I will consistently share work that promotes positivity. I hope in some small way I inspire you to do the same. There’s NOTHING wrong with being happy. And it’s certainly nothing wrong with photographing people who AREN’T suffering. Believe me, choosing joy will help lift your spirits as well as add some much needed variety to your portfolio. If enough people adapt this mindset maybe we’ll finally start to make some positive changes in the photography community.
Peace and blessings!
Happy Birthday To Me!!!
Yesterday was my birthday and my family made sure that I thoroughly enjoyed myself. So today I’d like to thank them as well as ALL of the wonderful people that took time out of their busy day to wish me a Happy Birthday! Thank you Terri, Safiyyah, Rahzjon, Renae, and Jocelyn. I love you all!!! Thank you to everyone! I’m truly blessed and humbled.
Happy Birthday To My Prince!!!
I’d like to wish my son a very happy 14th birthday! I love you with all my heart!!!!
Halloween
Halloween in downtown Columbus, 2014. Lots of kids, people, costumes, candy, fun, food, a 5k race, and good music!
Casual Family Portraits
I Took My Kids Out To The Downtown Area Yesterday To Check Out The New Zip Line Opening And We Ended Up Staying Out There For Hours. It Was So Nice! The Weather Started Off A Little Hot But Turned Out To Be Great After It Rained. I Took A Few Pics And Met Some Very Cool People While Down There Too.
At The End Of The Trip Look Who Showed Up? Their Mommy! They Were Happy To See Her So I Took A Picture Of Them All To Capture The Moment. These Shots Weren’t Planned, They Just Happened To Be Standing There In What I Thought Was Nice Light So I Told Them All To Look At Me And Snapped 1 Or 2 Pics. We Stayed A Little While Longer To Enjoy The Excellent Breeze But Had To Leave To Go To Dinner. It’s Getting Harder And Harder To Get Them Together In A Pic As The Kids Get Older (Teenagers!!!) But I Thought This Time They All Looked So Sweet!!! Happy Times…
Feeling Like A Kid Again #2
Here’s another image taken from my March post on bike riding, plus a group of men riding bikes similar to the big wheels toys we use to ride as children, and how much fun it can be.
Happy Birthday Adayah!!!
I just want to take time out to say Happy Birthday to the little lady that I started this blog with over 2 years ago, Ms. Adayah Chambers. I can’t believe how much time has passed since her mom first introduced me to her! She’s so big now, plus she’s starting to look more and more like her Mom everyday. Wow…time is really flying!!!
I Love My Granddad
Happy Veterans Day to everyone! Thank you to all former and active members of the United States military for all of your bravery, commitment and sacrifice. You are greatly appreciated!
Today I’d like to share another image that I was fortunate enough to capture while back home in July of this year. While out revisiting and introducing my son to the old fishing hole my father took me to as I child I was able to capture this shot of the 2 of them taking a break. My son was so happy that he decided to show his love for his grandfather without saying a single word. It was a very touching and special moment. A moment that I’m very happy to have had my camera for because, these are the times that you wish you could freeze, look back on and smile. Luckily we all can now. Tell someone you care about you love them today!
Happy Birthday Queen!!!
Happy Birthday to my Queen! Without you I wouldn’t be where I am today! I can never thank you enough or repay for all that you’ve given me! I hope that I can help make today a happy and enjoyable one for you! I LOVE YOU!!!!!
Attention All: My Daughter Needs Your Support!
I’m proud to announce that my daughter Safiyyah “Ms. Columbus Peach” Jones was chosen as an Official State Finalist to compete in the Miss Georgia Teen USA pageant!!! Business sponsorships and individual contributions are greatly appreciated to help support her with this amazing opportunity! To become a sponsor email mscolumbuspeach@gmail.com or call 815-274-4844 for more info. To donate online through PayPal send to (Email: mscolumbuspeach@gmail.com)
Congratulations Dayah!!!!
It’s amazing how big she’s getting! It seems like just yesterday she was in diapers, not being able to talk or even crawl, and now look at her! Today we celebrated her very first graduation and I couldn’t be more happy and proud! I didn’t shoot a lot of pics because I was too caught up in the moment but, I will post more of what I did catch later. Great job little mama!!! You’re becoming such a big girl! 🙂
Versatility By RNJ 