Thanks Giving | Joe Kerr Photo

Over the past 10 years I was fortunate to have worked and met with an amazing number of photographers from Manitoba, across Canada (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, Inuvik), the USA (California, Oregon, Colorado, Minnesota, Florida, South Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Arkansas, North Dakota), Great Britain (Scotland, Whales), Australia, France, South Africa and even Iceland. It was a joy to have met so many of you who had one common joy and spoke in a common language, that being photography. I’ve seen a vast array of different styles or genres from street, macro, micro, abstract, astrological, portrait, wedding, journalistic, event, travel, entomology, wildlife and of course scenic the most popular of them all. Thank you to everyone of you for sharing your wonder images and amazing stories.

Of course to have interacted with so many different camera clubs and associations has been an outstanding experience. To see at the grass roots level all the enthusiasts that really form the foundation of this art and industry. Each and every club has members who help and share their knowledge from beginner to the highest level of international award winners all of whom champion their clubs and communities.

I would be amiss if I didn’t also give thanks to the many journalists that I’ve spoken with from newspapers columnists, magazine publishers and television hosts. The community of gallery owners, curators and publishers who all shared their expertise openly and willingly my heartfelt thanks and gratitude.

To have had the opportunity to meet and talk with each one of you, to share your input and enthusiasm for the art of photography was a true blessing for me. I know I can’t give back nearly as much as I received but I can certainly pay homage and say thank you for all you’ve done to grow the art of photography.

Happy Thanks Giving Everyone…

Joe Kerr

Stop and take a moment, it’s worth it….

On the autumnal equinox that just passed, day and night are of equal length and it marks the arrival of the season of fall, traditionally seen as a period of changes leading to the darkness of winter. Far too often, we fear the dark and adore only the light. To some autumn is actually the beginning of the annual cycle. Poets and writers reflect on this time of year with prose of literary splendour and at times despair. This is all a matter of how each individual perceives this beautiful time of year.

As we watch leaves fluttering to the ground in the fall, we are reminded that nature’s cycles are mirrored in our lives.

Autumn is a time for letting go and releasing things that have been a burden.
Autumn reminds us of the impermanence of all living things.

We have experienced the budding of life in spring and the flowerings and profusions of summer. Now the leaves fall and bare branches remind us of the fleeting nature of all things. I suggest as we contemplate fall’s changes, we grow more appreciative of all the beauty that surround us, and autumn is beautiful.

Enjoy this season and celebrate its treasures by spending time walking in a meadow, climbing a hill side or sit beside a majestic tree feeling the warmth of the sun on a coolish afternoon…. and just…. breath….

Happy Thanksgiving…