I got stuck in sad. After Oscar died I went through all the normal stages of the grieving process until I got to the sad stage and that’s where I got stuck.
I didn’t pick up my camera for 6 weeks and that’s a long time for a photographer to not photography anything.
My camera is the tool I use to help myself become a happier person. It helps me focus on the good things in the world instead of seeing only the bad things. I guess when Oscar died I just didn’t want to be happy.
Finally, after getting settled back “home” where I will stay until the end of October, Ray and I decided to venture out on the first of many trips on Vancouver Island to explore and find the most beautiful places to photograph here.
Our first trip took us to Strathcona Park, the oldest provincial park in BC, which is located in the centre of the island and is a massive 250,000 hectares. There is a lot to explore here!
Here is the first of my images, taken at sunrise on Buttle Lake.

Please click the image to view a larger version.
I had to get up at 5am, it was cold and a little buggy, but it made me smile and I started to feel happy again.
Nice comp…saturated goodness
Very nice Anne – I’m glad you found your happy place again! Photography does have a magical way of lifing us beyond life’s challenges.
Great image to bounce back on Anne! What a sunrise! You controlled what looks like a very difficult sky here quite well.
I know the feeling of a slump in photographic motivation. I can come up with lots of excuses not to get out shooting, and processing seems like a miserable chore. I often find that the feeling hits in the aftermath of a big trip, and you just took an enormous one. But it feels great when you find your stride again. Can’t wait to see from Vancouver Island!
Wonderful image, Anne. Such great colors and the composition is spot on. Be happy, my friend! 😉
Nice shot Anne. That’s really beautiful.
Lover the layering of the clouds and the beautiful soft colors Anne. Glad you rediscovered your happiness.
I can see how a place like this could make you feel happy again. Peaceful and serene with nice soft colors. Here’s to finding many more of these happy places.
Sometimes we just need time to heal and I’m happy that you’re feeling happy. Beautiful image Anne.
Good to hear you are getting back on top. I have long periods too where I dont shoot anything. And its amazing once I get going again, I wonder what the h… was I thinking leaving the camera in the bag for so long.
Gorgeous shot. The colors really pop when viewed large.
We’re very very happy to see you behind the viewfinder once again, Anne. Losses like the one you experienced are indeed very hard to overcome and typically time is one of the best healers in this regard. Your wonderful art and your ability to express yourself in it are a great gift you share with us all, and I am so happy to see you out in the field once again, my dear friend. You’re in our hearts & prayers here.