I shot the original photos for this series in 2012. 

In 2019, I felt inspired to create a collection of my photos which capture a mood that mixes together mystery and hope. 

The bright colors against the dark backdrop form a painterly glow, which remind me of the innocent hope I felt as a child whenever I saw lights shining in the night. Even when I was too young to have read anything in books, my little subconscious brain recognized the truth in the archetypal hope represented in those images of light. My heart clung to this archetypal hope and grew that feeling into the lovely warm fuzzies I feel today whenever I see lights shining in the darkness. 💕

The diorama photography above was a really fun project. I was grateful to have the space and resources to complete it. 

I got a few shots of the bear sleeping near the water. The bubbles in the submerged water allowed me to create an effect I find so visually exciting in Bear Bubble Dreams, above left. I also loved the bear’s reflection in Bear Reflection Dreams, above right ( this is the same bear photographed from another perspective).

The practice of animal photography gives me a deep sense of calm and stillness, accentuated with bursts of joy. 🐎❤️🐧 I feel inspired by nature in all its forms. 🌍💗