Happy Birthday To Me!!!
A Happy Birthday self portrait. A day of reflection and celebration.
All praise is due to God for allowing me to see another day, another year. I’m thankful for my life, my family, friends, and all of my many blessings.
Thank you to the Most High!!!
Good Old Fashion Fun!
I love teaching modern kids about the many different ways us old-schoolers would entertain ourselves “back in the day” before the digital takeover. From board games, to marbles, jump rope, hula hoops, jacks, to flying kites, there were plenty of interesting options that didn’t require electricity. And believe it or not, we even had some awesome electronic games too! But, one of the most simple, yet enjoyable ways to have fun was blowing bubbles.
Nowadays there are plenty of fancy and elaborate bubble making devices that would wow even most adults. So I bought Sunni a cute little dolphin bubble gun that sprays hundreds of bubbles within seconds, all while emitting a cool multicolored LED light. She instantly fell in love with it and not a single day would pass where she wouldn’t ask to go outside to use it. I started thinking, I wonder if she would feel the same sense of enjoyment from using the old dip stick style bubble maker? Knowing that this 3 year old probably wouldn’t be thrilled initially to make bubbles manually, I figured maybe this could be a fun and more rewarding challenge?
Of course I needed to take the time to teach her the proper technique. Needless to say, the much slower paced process did not sit well with the anxious youngster. But what she didn’t realize was, I was also trying to teach her the art of patience. Being so accustomed to the instant gratification of toys that do all the work for her, it was very frustrating for her to learn how to slow down and be gentle. I told her, “you have to work for it” “you make the bubbles, not a machine”. “Take your time, and don’t give up”.
After a bunch of angry attempts and quitting a few times, she eventually figured it out. Just as I had hoped, learning to create bubbles on her own made her even more excited than the bubble gun! And after a few days of practice she was discovering all the little nuances of making bubbles. Multiple little bubbles, to giant singular bubbles. She was totally getting the hang of it.
Throughout this entire process I couldn’t help but think of one of my kid’s favorite old SpongeBob episodes, where he teaches Squidward how to make bubbles. If you know, you know… But, I had fun teaching Sunni something new, and I enjoyed watching her have fun the same way I did as a kid. What goes around can come back around if we continue to pass things on to the children. Now Sunni is a bubble making pro! 😉
Happy 22nd Birthday!!!
It’s truly perplexing my mind that my baby is now a 22 year old young woman. How did we get this far so fast?
I just want to let you know how much I love and appreciate you. As we celebrate you today, please forgive me if I’m overbearing and emotional. Someday you’ll have kids of your own and you’ll fully understand what’s going on inside of me right now. It’s an incredible honor and pleasure to have you as a daughter. I thank God for you!!!
Now, let’s get this party started!!!!
Prints Now Available!!!
I know that times are extremely hard for everyone, especially financially. As someone who makes their living working as a photographer, I too have been challenged with finding alternative ways to earn income during this crisis. With that being said, for anyone who’s ever been interested in owning a beautiful copy of my work for their home or office, I’m happy to announce the launch of my first print store. Now you can choose from a variety of my work and purchase prints to be delivered right to your door. There are various sizes and framing options available. New photos which span my 20 year career will be added to my gallery regularly.
To check it out please visit me here: https://robertnjones.darkroom.tech
Fear Of Flying
Is it fear of flying or fear of dying?
Fear of living, fear of trying?
Calm your nerves, face your fears
Fight the anxiety, apprehension and tears
Fear is real, but worry no longer
For when you worry your fear grows stronger
Conquer your fear when doubts begin
Should it reappear, fight it over again!
Sedona Family Vacation Monochrome
I guess the old saying, “you learn something new everyday” can certainly be applied to this particular experience.
Before I ever stepped foot in Arizona I never knew it snowed there. I, like most people, assumed the weather was too consistently hot to produce snow. I couldn’t be more wrong! During a recent holiday vacation to Sedona I was finally able to see snow in the desert first hand. It’s both a strange and beautiful sight to behold. Seeing all of the familiar desert trademarks such as, a cactus, covered in snow is definitely a memorable occasion. I’m so happy that my family and I were able to witness this moment together, as I feel it’s a unique encounter that my children will never forget.
Photos and videos can only do so much to represent the sheer beauty that can only be truly appreciated in person. Exploring unusual scenery such as, the juxtaposition of snow in a desert setting, is something I highly recommend for everyone fascinated by travel and adventure.
Happy Birthday Queen!!!
Wishing Queen Terri a very special and Happy Birthday today!!! I Love You!!!
Happy 19th Anniversary/Inspiration
Happy Anniversary To Me
With each passing year it becomes even more unbelievable to think about how my journey in photography all started. Every year I fall deeper in love with the art form. My appreciation for the opportunity to engage in it daily grows substantially. Being allowed to continuously learn, practice, experiment, and ultimately grow is one of the greatest experiences in my life! I’m thankful for continuous blessing.
Discovery & Saying Goodbye
On September 9th, just a few short weeks ago, the photographic community lost not one but, two of the world’s most captivating artists. Just moments after learning that legendary photographer Robert Frank had passed away I, like most others, dedicated a post on my social media accounts to express my condolences as well as appreciation. Immediately after I hit send I read a message from a fellow photographer saying that legendary Canadian photographer Fred Herzog had also passed away. It was such an unbelievable coincidence that I had to google it just to make sure that the information was accurate. Unfortunately, it was very true.
I discovered Robert Frank’s work many years ago when I felt lost as an artist, looking for a new direction for my own work. Robert Frank’s book, The Americans, is the gold standard for street and documentary photographers worldwide since it’s release in 1958-59. After viewing just a few of the photos online I knew I had to purchase the book for my personal collection. I now own a copy of The Americans, along with a few of Mr. Frank’s other books, so I fully understand the gravity of losing an artist of his magnitude. One of the lessons I learned from his work is, to be honest in the images I capture. Take photos that tell the truth regardless if it’s good or bad. Photography is not always pretty because the world is not always pretty. Stay true to yourself, your vision, and take photographs from your own heart.
I discovered Fred Herzog’s work because, I’ve always been a huge fan of all the Kodachrome film photographers. Being mostly a color photographer myself I’ve always admired the uniquely beautiful color palette that the mythical Kodachrome film was able to produce. I was always on the look out for the early adapters of color photography, so Herzog’s work struck me immediately with it’s distinctive painterly beauty. I’ve also been fascinated with the natural beauty of Canada’s landscape since I was a small child. The marriage of Mr. Herzog’s photographic style, with the charm of the 50’s Canadian street aesthetic appealed to me heavily. The way Fred routinely captured the city of Vancouver for decades was beyond inspiring. He quickly became one of my absolute favorite photographers solely based on his documentation of the Vancouver streets. I own a few of his books as well and they are some of my most prized possessions. I look to them as a constant source of inspiration and motivation.
Defining Inspiration
So what is inspiration to me?
Inspiration is impossible to quantify because, it’s influence is felt long after the source is gone. Therefore, it is immeasurable and everlasting. I’d like to thank these 2 men for their endless inspiration.
Although Gordon Parks is my single greatest inspiration, I will never deny the influence that so many other great artists, such as these 2 men, have had in my pursuit of my own photographic expression. I am truly grateful for their example.
New Year Same Pain
2018, what can I say about you? You took so many of my beloved family and friends, leaving my entire family with completely broken hearts. Just when we thought you were done with us, just when we thought that you would give us a break for the new year, you decide to deal us one final, cruel, blow. December 28th you decided to take with you my mother-in-law, Renae. What a terrible way to end one year and begin another.
The last few weeks have been unimaginable!!! Everyone has been far too busy dealing with this tragedy to even think of posting anything on social media. But now that we’ve said our final goodbyes and have a moment to reflect, I thought I’d share this unfortunate news with extended family & friends around the world. If you know Terri, Toni, or their mother Renae, a few kind words plus some positive energy would be greatly appreciated at this time. Thank you!
Special thank you to Melody Murriel & your beautiful Mother for all of your help during this incredibly difficult situation. We can’t thank you enough! ❤️
Mom, we all love you, and we will all miss you tremendously!!!
Denial
My mind just won’t let me accept the fact that you’re gone and that I’ll never see you again! Rest In Power Unc!
Wayne S. Jones Sr.
Happy Birthday Grandmama
Yesterday was a very rough day for me. It was my Grandmother’s first birthday since her passing, and although I wished her a happy heavenly birthday on my family’s page, I just couldn’t bring myself to post anything personally. I’m doing somewhat better today so I wanted share my love and support with my family by creating a photo in honor of her memory. I know it’s technically no longer her date of birth but, I will proudly celebrate her life any and everyday for the rest of my life.
This photo represents life’s beauty and strength, yet it’s fragility. Cherish your precious life and the life of your loved ones. I love you, I miss you forever Grandmama!!!
Rose
Food Festivities Part 2: Black & White
Black & white photos taken a few months ago while out and about.
The Definition Of A Jewel
According To Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary A Jewel Is Defined As:
Here is a short poem I wrote in memory and honor of my wonderful grandmother, Emma Jewel X Orsborn.
Sunrise: May 18, 1928 Sunset: January 6, 2018.
“They say no one is perfect, you’re the exception to the rule
Because, God crafted perfection when he created this Jewel.”
Happy 17th Photography Anniversary
Last month I reached an important milestone in my life. I just wanted to take some time to show myself some love and also share this moment. If you know me at all, then you know I gotta keep it real, so if that offends you please move along…
Despite the lack of support from my own family, friends, and former associates, I continue to carry on. Despite the lack of respect or credit as an influencer from the local photographic community, who by the way, will sing my praises privately, then try to disrespect me or ignore my contributions publicly, I continue to carry on. Don’t worry though, I know EXACTLY what I’ve brought to the game for the past 10 years in the city in which I live, whether they’ll ever recognize me for it or not! I’m also very aware of my influence back in my hometown for the 7 previous years as well. No I’m not on anybody’s “team” or a member of anyone’s “crew”. I don’t party or hang out, but it shouldn’t matter, because I’m an individual. I don’t die to fit in, I live to stand out! Please don’t get me wrong, I’m open to collaborations if creatively they capture my attention, or if they’re beneficial to my growth. But in the end I stand strong alone!
People often ask me for advice, but I think one of the greatest lessons you can learn from me has nothing to do with a camera at all. If there is anything you can take away from me, I’d say it’s my perseverance. Do what you love because YOU truly love it, not strictly for fame, money, or attention and you will always be successful. I do what I do for myself, but I choose to share it with the world. If you like it, great. If you don’t, that’s fine too. If you’re creative and passionate, then never let anyone stop you from doing what’s true to YOUR heart! If people don’t support you, or understand your dreams and goals, it’ll be disappointing, but don’t give up! Take satisfaction in knowing that you’re doing something for YOU. Understand that it might feel as if no one cares at times, but someone out there is watching. There are people who “get” what you’re doing. It might not always be those that you were expecting. The unfortunate reality is, the people closest to us can’t always see the greatness in us! Often times they won’t support us until people from the outside start to. Eventually they’ll come around when others start to recognize your ability. It’s sad, but true.
With that out of the way, from the bottom of my heart I want to thank each and every person that has EVER shown me any love throughout any stage of my career. I will NEVER STOP creating!!! If you riding with me, stick around cuz it’s only going to get better!
Peace and love to all the positive individuals everywhere! To all the creatives, keep your fire burning and your light shining bright! Support REAL artist y’all!!! ♥️
Here’s a few portraits of my friend Jerry that were taken during the worst part of the tropical storm Irma. He is homeless, yet he told me, “Not to stress out over life’s issues”. “As long as you’re alive and healthy, you have a reason to smile and be happy”.
Celebrity Portraits Part #2
Part 2 of my celebrity portrait series taken at Madame Tussauds of Las Vegas.
(Please click on each photo to enlarge)
Celebrity Portraits Part #1
It’s been a little while since my last full post so I wanted to sit down and share a series of portraits I shot last year while in Las Vegas. Not only was it my first time visiting Las Vegas, but it was also my very first time visiting Madame Tussaud’s world famous exhibition. There was a long line of people waiting to get in and I was eager to finally see what all the fuss was about. Once inside I was extremely impressed with how life-like and realistic each figure was. Everyone for the most part completely resembled their real life counterpart, so it was almost like meeting the actual person. Of course everyone was taking photos, so it would have been very easy for me to simply take tourist photos with my phone like the majority of people. I wanted to do something a little different, something to make my experience more memorable. So instead I decided to dig my pro camera out of the bag, get real close, and shoot a series of head-shots. After I finished I realized that each Madame Tussaud’s location has a totally different lineup of celebrities, so I think it would be totally interesting to visit each exhibition all over the world to capture the entire collection.
I ended up shooting so many images I had to divide the photos into separate posts. Below is part #1
(Click on each photo for a larger view)
Portrait Of My Princess
A simple black & white portrait of my daughter from yesterday as we stood outside enjoying a slight breeze and discussing our favorite foods.
STOPlight
Stuck in traffic under the unforgiving summer sun, forced to crank up my AC, I realized something. As I ride around this city lately I’m noticing an increasing amount of construction everywhere. Access to streets and entire areas of the city are always blocked off effectively inconveniencing everyone, yet I hardly ever see any improvement once they’re FINALLY done! They also seem to perform their work on the weekdays during the absolute busiest times of the day. Here is a perfect example of what I mean. Unfortunately I’ve accumulated quite the collection of these types of photos over time, but a large amount of them are from just this year alone! I’ll certainly be happy once they finish so I can go about my way without the constant detours and alternates routes.
(Click on the image for a larger view)
Versatility By RNJ 