Free-Range Photography

It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye-The Little Prince

I used to think that it was my camera. Or my lens. Or my computer. That was responsible for my not being satisfied with my images. If only I had a new camera, or faster lens, or new monitor (or: place expensive object here) my work would be better. But recently I realized it wasn’t any of these things. It was actually me this whole time. Not paying close enough attention. To light. To focus. To depth of field. To color. To my own vision of what could be.

Sometimes I was looking, but I only really tried if  there was a camera in my hand. Or if the battery was charged. or if I had an empty media card. Or when I had some extra time. If the light wasn’t  gone.  And my movie was over. And I wasn’t tired. Finally, I am listening to my heart. It’s a voice I have always known, but never paid close enough attention to. Until now. What has your heart been  saying to you lately. Please tell me.

Have a gorgeous day!

Sincerely

Lisa Byrne

Just living is not enough…one must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower”-Hans Christian Andersen

Habits block  mystery. We think they keep us safe, but they can keep us separate. Sometimes circumstances and events will break them for us. Chronic Fatigue helped break me apart. Photography helped me make sense of the pieces.

One spring I stayed home, because I would pass out if I walked around.  Tulips were blooming by the door. They were buoyant and bold. I had  not photographed them before. I picked up my camera and started looking around. Some poppies caught my eye. Then the roses down the street. And the sunflowers in the schoolyard. Pretty soon I wandered to the local cafe.

One day I left my coffee abruptly in order to check on a peony. That’s when I realized hanging out with flowers had changed me. As a portrait photographer, I wasn’t prepared. I balked quite a bit.  Flowers? Really? Um…  flower photos weren’t part of my plan. But I was being led somewhere and exquisite things were happening.

Working with Photoshop and digital files eases the way. The computer allows me the entire process. This could be done in a lab, with film. This could be done by a child. But a child would do a better job. I have spent a decade trying to reach this place. A child would only need a few moments. They would say dirt, wilted petals,  spider webs, and bugs are welcome to stay.  Children see dandelions and start making wishes. Adults see dandelions and reach for poison. Beauty is a choice.

Chronic Fatigue changed me.  I was a young and not prepared. I balked quite a bit. Disabling illness? Really? Um…long term health problems were not part of my plan.  But I am being led somewhere and exquisite things are happening.  Sharing these images with you is one of them.

Please tell me what you see…

Sincerely,

Lisa Byrne

Spring is nature’s way of saying, “Let’s party!”  ~Robin Williams

Spring arrived early this week at Renu-a hair salon. Last night’s grand opening celebration was filled with guests, gourmet goodies, photography, flowers and champagne. If you missed the party the Floralscapes show will hang through April. Several pieces have already sold so please come by soon. Art cards are still available for purchase at the front desk. The salon is generally open Tuesday-Saturday if you want to drop by. Otherwise, call me and I will schedule a tour for you. 541-488-0663.

Thanks again everyone!

Space… the Final Frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. Its five-year mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no man has gone before-Star Trek original TV series

Dear Family and Friends,

I am always seeking strange new worlds to photograph. This year, in order to boldly take my inner artist where she hasn’t gone before, I need your assistance. Do you have a gorgeous garden, (or space  capsule, or amazingly friendly and photogenic dog?) If so, contact me and I’ll donate a color print in exchange for the chance to play ‘photographer’ in your realm. Have a lovely, creative day.

Sincerely,

Lisa Byrne

We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths. -Walt Disney

This Friday, March 6th from 5-8 PM, the doors are wide open at Renu-a hair salon. In case you are curious (or can’t make it downtown) here is a preview of the show. (21 pieces total) I’ll post more after the opening night party-where we will be celebrating with food, music and champagne. See you soon! http://renuhairsalon.com/