Sun Goddess
I love catching simple, yet beautiful, moments of my family. My daughter seems to be the subject of my lens most often.
This portrait was created on a gorgeous fall day in the park. My daughter was enjoying a nice breeze when I noticed her expression. The sun was starting to set, and I loved the way the light illuminated the features of her face. I snapped a couple of photos before she realized what I was doing. Caught again! But, she’s always a good sport about it. She usually gives me a smile, or she’ll graciously pose for more photos until I feel I have the shot I need.
It’s a real luxury to have such a supportive family that will allow you to document them, even when you’re getting on their nerves. I am truly blessed!
Happy 23rd Birthday!!!
Since we didn’t take a new picture this year, I’ll just post this one to honor my little guy’s 23rd birthday today.
Time to celebrate my only son. Happy Birthday Nas, I love you! 🥳🎂🎁❤️
Spring 2024
Well, spring is officially here already!
It seems like the winter came and went in the blink of an eye.
It’s no secret that winter is my favorite season living in the desert, but we didn’t have much of a winter at all this year. We haven’t had much of a winter for a few years in my area…it sucks because, I really miss the snow, and dressing warm. Spring in the desert is just as short, if you ask me. It’s a prelude to the punishing heat that’s on the horizon. I’m most certainly not looking forward to that at all! But for now, I hope to enjoy the last remaining days of the cooler weather.
As you can see, the desert landscape has already started to blossom. It’s an interesting sight to experience in person. Watching the neutral desert palette come alive with a few bright colors. I wish it could last longer, especially since we never get to enjoy the beautiful colors of autumn either. I primarily work in color, and I absolutely love color! So for me, having some colors to help spruce up the drab environment is a true blessing.
We’re not fortunate enough to have a wide variety of colors to play with in my specific area, but I will definitely try to get out to photograph as much of the spring scenery as I can. Because, before you know it, it’ll all be gone.
Happy Spring Everyone!!! 🌼
Slow Start
So far my year in photography has been pretty much nonexistent. I haven’t been out to create anything significant at all. Although I have been outdoors, and I always take my cameras anywhere I go, I’ve just been using my iPhone to capture little moments here and there. I’m hoping to get back out in the world with my actual camera gear sometime soon!
While I was out last month I did manage to get a few snaps of the local peacocks that roam around. Just when I started having fun chasing them around and getting into a groove, it started raining. It hardly ever rains here, so that was very odd…but needless to say, the trip was cut short.
Here are some of the photos that I liked enough to keep. I can’t wait to get back out there to try and get some more portfolio worthy photos. More importantly, I can’t wait to get back out so I can have some fun!
Heavenly Birthday
Happy 2024 to everyone! 🥳
Today is my Mother’s birthday, so I would like to say a prayer for her to have a Happy Heavenly Birthday.
Dear Mama, I finally found the strength to sit down and restore another one of your favorite photos. It was not easy at all, but it was certainly worth it.
Also, either by divine intervention, or some crazy coincidence, we were able to find a sign locally with your name on it. I prefer to think of it as a literal sign, or a physical reminder that no matter where I am in this world you will always be with me. Well, wherever you are? I truly hope you’ve found the peace there that you could ever find here. I hope that you are aware of my progress, and I hope that I’m making you proud.
My thoughts are with my siblings today because, I know it’s rough for them. I’m sending them my love from afar. I would also like to send my love to anyone who has lost their Mother, or a close loved one. I feel your pain. I pray that God grants you the power to carry on with peace and comfort.
I’m forever sending you my love, and thinking of you always. Happy Birthday Mommy! I Love You!!! ❤️
People Watching
One of my favorite activities within a crowded area such as the Las Vegas strip is, people watching.
As photographers we often seek out photo opportunities, but sometimes if we position ourselves in the right place the photos will come to us. I like to find a good spot with a clear vantage point so that I may photograph the crowds or individuals without disturbing the scenery. These are the moments where you can blend in and photograph the activity without much resistance. This allows you to concentrate on the expressions, the stories, or the humor, happening right in front of you.
Aside from the fun challenge of trying to create interesting compositions, you can also enjoy the real life drama of human behavior being acted out in real time. This is one of the many reasons why I love photographing the diverse people of Las Vegas.
A Heavenly Sign
In honor of my late Grandmother Rose Marie’s birthday.
Finding this sign lets me know that no matter where I am in this world you’ll always be with me. ❤️
State Fair 2023 Part 2: Animals
Welcome to the second part of my 2023 State Fair photo adventure. In this section I’ll be focusing on the animals, as well as the petting zoo.
There are always specific areas at fairs or carnivals dedicated to featuring animals. Animals and amusement parks seem to be synonymous with one another. Personally, I’m not a fan of animals being held in captivity for our enjoyment, but I do understand the importance of educating humans on the significant role animals play in the ecological balance of the planet. It is also important that we demystify certain stigmas regarding animals to overcome our fear of them. We must learn to respect them, and learn to live in harmony with them.
Petting zoos always seem to be a hit with small children and even curious adults. In all honesty, I’ve had some irrational fears about certain animals that I’ve needed to try to overcome. Which is exactly why I choose to visit the animals whenever I attend the fair. Getting up close and personal has helped me to at least subdue some of my own issues when it comes to dealing with certain animals. I’ve actually learned to enjoy photographing them because, it’s a refreshing change of pace from photographing humans. Animals are extremely unpredictable, and often very sporadic, so they present a nice challenge to any photographer trying to acquire an interesting photo.
Below are some of the photos I created with both my mirrorless camera, and my digital rangefinder camera. Obviously, the mirrorless camera is much more convenient. It’s far easier to catch fast moving subjects with it, but the rangefinder makes the entire photographic experience more challenging, yet more rewarding. The cameras aren’t actually the point of this story, it’s just the gear that I used. What’s always most important is, using what you’re comfortable with, and what you’re confident with, to help you get the job done. The end result is what matters the most. I’m happy with the photos that I created because, they were for preserving the memories. I was trying to have fun, not to win any awards, or create the best photos I’ve ever created.
Fun should always be at the heart of your photographic journey. I have fun whenever I go out with my camera. And the fair will always be one of my favorite places to create memorable images.
Stay tuned for part 3.
State Fair 2023 Part One: Colors
It’s that time again!
My favorite time of the year. The days get shorter, but the weather finally starts cooling down. The leaves change colors, I break out the hoodies, flannels, and timberlands. It’s fall baby!
Fall also means that the State Fair is back in town. I try to attend at least once every year. This year I was lucky enough to go twice. Although we left the house early each time, traffic was such a nightmare we didn’t make it inside until the sun was setting. So each night I tried to focus on the bright, saturated, colors the fair is famous for.
Honestly, as beautiful as the fair is during the day, I actually prefer photographing at night. It’s something about the combination of light, darkness, smoke, and colors that make the photos feel more like stills from a movie. It also helps to have a camera system with colors which will help to accentuate what your eyes see.
So below are the first set of photos created with my rangefinder camera. I made quite a few images between the two nights I was there, so I’ll have to break the story up into separate parts.
Stay tuned for the next chapter.
Late Birthday
Happy Birthday to the Queen!!!
I’m a day late, but my heart is always in the right place. 💜
Year 23
I’m a few days late again, but I’ve been nursing a lingering back injury.
So, unfortunately no elaborate celebrations or parties this year. Just a simple, quiet, time spent with immediate family. Some congratulatory hugs and proud acknowledgments. And that’s totally fine with me! These are the people who’ve been there supporting me throughout this entire journey. As long as I make them proud, I’m good!.
This is also a very important lesson that every artist should learn. For as much as we love traveling, going on adventures, and pushing ourselves to the limit, it’s equally important to slow down, and just rest sometimes. Honestly I haven’t really touched my camera in almost 2 months, which has to be a record for me? But, I guess nature has forced me into taking the break that it knew I needed?
That’s the thing about life, our body will let us know when we need to chill out. It’s up to us to recognize the signs and act accordingly. If not, we tend to learn the hard way. As a stubborn man, sometimes I still choose to learn the hard way. But having time away from the camera has given me the opportunity to reflect on my work. I have been able to work on a few things that I have been neglecting forever! I’m hoping this time I’m spending editing and organizing will pay off soon in the form of a purposeful project?
Time will tell…
As for now, I would like to thank the Most High for all of my many blessings. Thank my family for all the love, support, and encouragement. And lastly, thank you to everyone who has either liked or supported my work throughout the years. Your positive energy is greatly appreciated!
Peace & Love to you all ❤️
Funny Faces
Lily is such a character! So full of life and imagination. I absolutely love photographing people both young and old with personality. It’s a joyful challenge trying to create photos that capture the essence of an individual.
If you’ve been following my blog for a while you’ll realize that “character” is a reoccurring theme for a lot of my work. Especially when it comes to my photos of children. This blog was started with a photo series documenting the personality of my favorite little angel, named Adayah. She truly set the standard for which I try to create by.
I never know exactly how much time I’ll have to photograph people outside of my family? So, I always try to make as many photos of a person as I possibly can. I also try to establish some kind of working relationship with people whenever possible, so that I can build trust and have an interesting subject to revisit later.
Water War
What do you do when you live in the desert and the temperature is in the triple digits, but you still want to go outside to have fun?
This is the exact question that I asked myself one scorching summer day. The neighborhood kids were bored and restless, and I had some free time on my hands. Seeing the disappointed looks on their faces, I immediately felt bad for them. Thinking to myself how this was no way for children their age to start their summer vacation. I tried to think about what what my friends and I would do when we were faced with this same scenario?…
“I’ve got it!” “We can have a good ole fashioned water gun fight!”.
I quickly dug up some water guns from the back of my closet and gifted the children with my proposal to combat the heat. To make a long story shorter, the kids loved my idea! They had so much fun that the water fight lasted well into the night. I was even able to convince some of the adults to get involved. Before I knew it our little water gun fight turned into a full on water war! The parents armed themselves with water hoses, and one neighbor even started up a game of water twister.
At the end of the night everyone was soaked, but extremely happy. I tried my best to keep the children busy, while taking their minds off of the sweltering heat. I knew my plan was a success when all the parents thanked me, saying that they hadn’t had this much fun in years. Their smiles, laughter, enjoyment, and compliments left me feeling overwhelmingly positive. Through my simple idea I was able to bring my entire block together in celebration. People who had never taken the time to speak before, even neighbors that were new to the area, all decided to come out and let their kids participate.
In my mind that’s what community is all about. This is how you create bonds that build the friendships needed as the foundation of a real neighborhood. And this type of congregating is my personal solution on how to conduct yourself in a “neighborly” manner. At least this is how I remember things being once upon a time. It’s about coming together, getting to know one another, and spreading love and positivity.
I’m glad that my contribution was helpful in providing my neighbors with a feeling of joy and friendship. As summer drags along, I’ll continue to do my best to keep the positive energy flowing with suggestions on entertaining activities. For the sake of the children, as well as all of the adults who are still children at heart, such as myself.
Summer Friends
When I was a kid summer meant hanging out with my friends all day and all night. There was nothing better! These photos are nostalgic for me because, they transport me back to my childhood. Back when the only things that mattered were friends and fun.
My Pal Lily
Meet my energetic, intelligent, and imaginative little neighbor friend Lily. She’s so adorable I had to create some portraits of her earlier this month. Expect more cute photos of Lily in the near future.
It’s My Birthday!!!
“I had to crawl out of the depths of darkness so that I could stand in the glory of the light.”
All praise and glory to the Most High for my life, and all of my many blessings.
Birth Of The Young Queen!
Happy 24th birthday to my first born, my young Queen. I love you so much!!! Can’t believe I’m really saying that… One day you were a baby, then you were a teenager, now you’re a full grown woman. This life thing is super crazy!
I’m proud to be your Dad Pooh 💛
Baby Jade 🩵
Recently my family and I spent some time in San Diego visiting with my niece. We were formally introduced to the newest member of our family, baby Jade. I also enjoyed the opportunity to finally meet my nephew, Tristan. I have to say, I can’t remember the last time I felt so much joy?
This visit was truly the boost of positive energy that I’ve been in desperate need of for a very long time. Being able to see my niece as a grown woman with a family of her own, and children that remind me of her when she was baby, is a touching shock to the emotional system. I’m so thankful that we live close enough to visit with each without boarding a plane, and I pray that we’ll see them more often than not.
The photos included represent just a fraction of the many that I created while on this trip. I look forward to witnessing, as well as, documenting, the growth and development of both Jade & Tristan over time.
I only wish we lived even closer so that I may visit with them whenever I choose to. Now that I’ve had a chance to meet little Jade I’m finding it incredibly difficult to stop myself from missing her. I love my family so much! 💙
The Birth Of The Prince
Today marks the 22nd birthday of my only son. Wow! Just wow!
To all the new parents out there, please be sure to spend as much time as you possibly can with your little ones because, before you know it, they’ll be all grown up in what seems like a matter of moments.
I’ll admit, although I love that my children are grown and mostly independent, sometimes I wish they were babies again just so I can hold them….I would love to just watch their development all over again. It has been the greatest joy and the most fulfilling time of my entire life.
But, today is all about my Junior.
Son, I love you, and I thank God for you. You will always be my baby, but now you are a man. It’s time to tap into the greatness that the Most High has waiting for you and level up! I pray that you become a far greater man than I could ever be. I look forward to your ascension, and In shaa Allah (God willing) I hope to someday pass the crown to you as you grow from a Prince to a King!
I love you my Son!!! Happy Birthday to you. ❤️
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!
Versatility By RNJ 