Hey there.

This week I'm going to take you back to my teenage years (15 to be exact). My dad used to have a "collection" of about 125 old cars in the woods behind our house (aka Junk Yard).  They were so well hidden by the trees that if you hadn't been there you would never have known about them. 

I was always in the woods messing with the cars and roaming around doing something when one day I spotted something that didn't belong there.  It turned out to be a helium balloon that had become trapped in a tree.  I managed to get it down and attached to it was a note from a high school senior girl all the way from Washington state 2500 miles away!!  How cool is that!!

Since I didn't have today's luxury of emails or texting, I grabbed a pen and some paper and sent her a reply. Little did I know, that simple act would spark a friendship lasted for a few years.  We exchanged letters quite often and even shared our school photos with each other.  It was pretty cool to think I had a friend all the way on the other side of the country.  Unfortunately we lost touch with each other and sadly I can't even remember her name now.  

Thinking back on that special connection, I have come to realize the importance of genuine human interaction in today's digital world. As a photographer, I carry that philosophy into my work, striving to capture not just images, but the heartfelt moments and connections that make life so enjoyable.

While you still have time put your phone down and silence it, turn off the TV and go outside and sit by the fire pit if you have one or go wherever you want to go and just talk and laugh with each other.  Cherish those real connections and moments.

It's these moments that are truly the ones that make life—and photography—worthwhile.

Jonathan

Mess E Photos

Text or Call Me! (540-793-0798)

Email Me! (jonathan@mess-e-photos.com)