Southern Charm

I am fascinated by America's forts. I feel a sense of patriotism, pride, and dedication. Some of these places have seen horrific battle, and heartbreaking tragedy. The workmanship...unbelievable. Each brick laid tediously and individually. There are many meticulous architectural  details. I love touring our old battlegrounds, rich in history and culture. There is something so appealing about the next few images I captured while on vacation with my husband in the deep south off the Georgia/Florida  Eastern coastline. Amelia Island is truly a treasure. We look to go new places on our Anniversary each year. We were hoping for warmer weather, since our anniversary is at the end of December and it's cold around our home. It wasn't too much warmer than home, but the beauty and relaxation was wonderful! Fort Clinch, images featured below, never saw battle however. It's beauty holding a sense of security more than tragedy...a must see!

OK, I admit it, I sprawled out in the grass for this one above. That was fun and really I could have napped.

 

This tunnel is under the grounds of Fort Clinch.  

I love the natural light in this particular capture above. Although this fort never saw battle, it was home to many soldiers for training. To be a kid playing in all the secret corridors, racing up and down the winding rock stairs! Wouldn't that be a blast? 

Almost all the comforts of home....just love the colonial feel....and right outside these walls?

Well the beautiful Atlantic Ocean of course!

Can't you hear the waves crashing against the rocks? Me too...time to go back.

 

 

 

Blog Rookie

This will be my first ever blog post. I've heard many photographers blog...I thought it was time to join in...not that I'm a follower or anything, ha ha. I do love to share my passion. Guess that makes me some sort of artist. I debate that often.

So now what to write about? I've got it! Since I am prepping to enter my second juried photography show...I'll share some highlights of my first experience.

My first involvement with a juried show, Nature Undisturbed, was a great learning experience for me. OK, so... I didn't place... but three out of eight images submitted were chosen to be on display in the gallery. To have a renowned artist critique my work and chose to include it in a selection with many other lovely photographers was enough for me...and the folks that encouraged me were incredible! I would have never even known about this particular show, because well, I'm a rookie in this world.  I share my images on facebook, and a local gallery owner suggested I enter...and even recommended what images would do well...and they were right on! I can't even begin to express my gratitude to these folks. We'd be here a while! So, I'll just share my photographs that were chosen.

 My first two selections were captured in Aspen, Colorado. Ahhh, Colorado, a special place in my heart...these places are anchored to my soul. We'll touch more on Colorado more later, in another blog...it needs its own space.  See? I'm getting into this already!

One of the most majestic sites you'll ever see...Maroon Bells. This image was taken on October first, 2012. I can honestly say that thus far...this is the most beautiful place I have ever stood, sat, froze, paced, skipped, hiked, and walked backwards from! Can you tell I didn't want to leave? The wind was skipping through to treetops and swooping over the mountains, air cool and crisp...golden leaves floating...clouds gliding...reflections shimmering...and then...the sound of my shutter...and I captured this:

 

All rights Reserved. Copyright of Christy A. Holmes

This next capture is also close to my heart. It is off of Independence Pass, just outside of Aspen.

While driving away from Maroon Bells, the sun was beginning to set behind the snow capped mountains. I look to my left and here I see nothing but golden arches of wispy leaves on white legs with charcoal stripes...lo' and behold, hundreds of thousands of Aspen Trees!

All Rights Reserved. Copyright of Christy A. Holmes

I call this Aspen Gold. Standing on a cliffs ledge, I was surrounded by this sea of gold. This was so very whimsical! The beginning of one tree heightened to the end of another...it was like a dream really...something you only see in movies. Unless, you visit Aspen in the early fall...

Lastly, my final selection is located near my home in Peachtree City, Georgia. 

 My family and I spend many evenings throughout the year along this creek bed. My children playing amongst the slippery rocks...gliding through the miniature rapids...the dogs chasing after them...the sound of of my husband's line casting for just one more catch...

and of course the sound of my shutter...

 

All Rights Reserved. Copyright of Christy A. Holmes

This capture is at Line Creek Nature Preserve. It is titled White Winter Waters. I decided to hike along the creek bed after a heavy winter rain...and one long exposure gathered together the sights of  rushing milky waters cascading over the rocks.

I look at each of these photographs and each have a piece of me. It was surreal seeing each of these displayed in a gallery full of other amazing works of art.

On opening night, my brother actually had to convince me it was real. He took me by the hand to each photograph, and pointed to the description so neatly written on the wall just below the frame...then said..."Look, that's you, that's your name!"

 I'll never forget that moment...the moment where my daughters showed their pride in my accomplishments, and my closest friends and family were by my side too.

I wouldn't trade it for the world. And that is why I am here.

 

Thank you for following...and I hope you enjoy these captures as much as I do!

Christy