I have been a photographer and taught photography for many years.  This morning, I was reflecting on what I have loved the most in my life in photography.  While I am proud of many of the photographs I have created, honestly, I find what is most meaningful to me are the memories and the experiences, the people I have met, the places I have been, the stories “behind the photos.”

The photographs just capture a summation of a moment in time, but the depth of the story is far greater than any one photograph can tell.  And here they say “a picture is worth a thousand words.” I think, actually, every photograph is just a trigger that takes me back to those moments. The “thousand words” behind the photos remain in my heart and soul.

I have loved the places I have visited because of my photography endeavors.  I have loved the people I have met along the way. In fact, I think they are what really matter more to me, the people.

So many wonderful memories, fun moments, exciting moments, happy moments, a few very sad moments, shared moments, all comprise my experiences.  I remember…

• The time one of our groups in Colorado had a close encounter with a bull moose (accidentally a little “too” close really).  It was exciting though, and we laughed about it.
• The time one group got caught in a sudden rain shower in a forest in Oklahoma and we had to run for cover, and oh by the way, a tree came crashing to the ground somewhere ahead on the trail. We were all fine, but were a bit wet and we laughed and felt refreshed.
• The time we all paused on a mountain hiking trail with our DSLRs on our tripods yet we stopped what we were doing because we suddenly realized we briefly had cell service so we all whipped out our cell phones, pushing our DSLR’s aside, so we could post a photo on facebook.
• The time an elk decided to investigate one of our participant’s camera back pack, picking it up off the ground, and all we could do was watch and wonder “well now what do we do??”
• The time an unexpected winter storm blanketed the whole park with beautiful snowfall, and I made a snow angel for the first time. (Hey, I live in Texas, so I don’t usually get that opportunity.)
• The time one of our models shot off a confetti “champagne” bottle that blasted confetti everywhere in my studio, and for three months I kept finding confetti pieces in my studio.
• The many times I photographed some of the most wonderful people where we just had fun in the studio.
• The time I sat out on a boulder on the edge of Bear Lake in Colorado, photographing the Milky Way on a spectacular clear night.
• The time we all got back from photographing in the mountains all day and then did a cookout and, of course, it rained right while we were cooking the burgers so we had to hold umbrellas over the grill.
• The times I photographed a person or pet who then died soon after.  (sniffle) 🙁  🙁  🙁
• The times we all looked at each others photos after a workshop and marveled how we all saw something different.
• The times I photographed someone who was SO nervous when they showed up at my studio, and by the time they left, they said “I had so much fun!”
• The time a kiddo peed in his pants right in the middle of the photo shoot (oops).
• The time a group of us watched (and photographed) a sunrise from the side of a mountain in 40 degree temperatures with a 20mph wind (man that was cold, but fun).  We still talk about that.
• The times I hear from a former student who is making great progress in their photography.
• The times we spent hiking on trails together.
• The faces of so many wonderful and amazing photographers I have met along the way.  Yes their photos are great, but what I cherish more is the PEOPLE.
• The time I sat in my studio after a 12 hour day, feeling exhausted, and it’s late at night, and I sentimentally looked at this space where so much has happened, so many memories made, and I realize I am doing what I had always dreamed I would do and I hope to keep doing it.

Yes, what I love most are the memories, and many of YOU are important parts of those memories.  It is not photography I love.  It is you.

I am thankful for you all.

In fact, as I think about it, photography maybe really isn’t the point of any of this.  Living life well is about loving people.  Maybe if someone asks me “what do you do for a living?” my answer should not be “I am a photographer.”  My answer should be “I just love people.”

Kevin Gourley

This is the week of Thanksgiving. I have always loved the Fall.  I love the cooler temperatures. I love the Fall colors.  I just love this time of the year.  I always have.

It’s a time of year for many to get together with family or friends. It’s a time of family traditions.

I have to admit, I particularly miss my mom and dad in this time of year. They have both been gone for quite a while.  I would love to get together with them over a Thanksgiving dinner. I would absolutely love to go back in time, but I can’t.

Life is all about seasons. As we see the leaves fall from the trees, we are reminded that life is about continual change. We say goodbye to what was, and welcome the new.  Leaves fall. Winter arrives. Spring brings new life.

As you enter this week of Thanksgiving, I encourage you to practice “thanks giving.” Remember all of the blessings in your life, and be grateful for the memories of the past, and for the memories you are making right now.

Since this is a photography blog, let me mention something about photography. Here’s an idea you can put into practice this week: Reflect on all the things you are grateful for in your life. Photograph those things this week.  Notice that many of the things you are grateful for are not even “things.” They are people. They are experiences.

Photography is not really about cameras and shutter speeds and f/stops. Photography is about seeing. How we see the world affects the photographs we create, and photographs shape how we remember the world.

The more we see the world through the eyes of “gratitude”, the more we photograph what really matters to us. Actually the more we focus on what we are grateful for RIGHT NOW, we stay more focused on the blessings we have in our lives right now rather than clinging only to the memories of the past.

Sometimes it is hard to feel grateful. Life can overwhelm us. Stresses demand our attention. Conflict breaks our hearts. Illness makes life hard.

Especially if you do not feel grateful right now, THIS is the time for you to be intentional, and start a list.  Make a “gratitude list.”  Write down all the things you are grateful for.  Over time keep adding to the list. Include the big things and the small things. This turns our focus from what we don’t have to what we DO have in life. This turns our focus to what really matters.

No matter your situation, there are things to be grateful for. Embrace gratitude. Live a life of gratitude.

It’s time for thanks giving.

God bless you all. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Kevin Gourley