My favorite professor in college gave me a mini assignment years and years ago.. he knew I was getting pretty serious about photography and came up to me one day after class.. .handed me a book and said... read chapter 11...  (and then said... "I'm serious... just that chapter... you can do it" ... he knew I was a slacker when it came to finishing reading assignments).  In this chapter a professional photographer was so excited to be on a rare whaling expedition, they'd spent hours on the water, waiting to just catch one glance of this rare and beautiful sight... well, just as the whale was starting to appear this photographer went for his camera... messed with his settings, got everything perfect... and had MISSED THE MOMENT... not only as an image but in his life.  This story has stuck with me ...as a photographer I  find myself sometimes missing moments in life while they are happening because I am trying to "capture" it... its a lesson I think all photogs should take to heart...  what's more important shooting the moment.. or living the moment.. its up to each of us to make a conscious decision...

I tell you this little story because last night... the 4th of July, I'm on an amazing boat (the Mackinac Breeze) in the straights of Mackinac.. just yards away from the fireworks... a most surreal and beautiful moment.. I, then of course... naturally went to grab my camera... but I stopped.. and decided NO this is a moment I want to remember in my mind and completely enjoy it... and I must say it was THE MOST amazing and beautiful display of fireworks I have ever seen!!  All of my senses were engulfed by the awe of what was taking place around me...

Below is a quote I wear on a beautiful bracelet (thanks Kuz :)  every time I shoot a wedding...  may you all take this to heart and live every moment fully!!

"Teach us...that we may feel the importance of every day and every hour as it passes" (Jane Austen)...

BUT.. I won't leave you hangin'... I did shoot off a few pics before the show began...

 So...  there are a few pics..  this is "Duck, quack quack" ... heir to the Chief of Mackinac who was just inducted into the Smithsonian for his Native American walking sticks (He is definitely an Islander through and through).  He kicked off the fireworks from the back of the firetruck (a sight not seen too often on the island with no cars)...  again.. no fireworks... maybe next year!

Happy Holiday!
Love,
A