Spring 2005 Organic Light Photography Newsletter
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Dear Friends, Patrons and Supporters of Organic Light,
Organic Light Photography - Winter 2004/2005 Newsletter
-------------- SPRING MESSAGE --------------
A few weeks ago I was thinking of my dear departed mother, may God grant her peace, as Mother's Day was quickly approaching. I really felt the loss. But then it hit me. My loving wife is also a mother, hmmm? I waited until after Mother's Day to send out this years Spring Newsletter as I wanted leave you all with some thoughts that would not get washed under the guise of "Mother's Day" and then be forgotten. Mothers are the single most crucial person in the world. From the moment conception takes place in their wombs, until the day they leave this world; they are constantly at work for and in worry over their children. Unlike the mothers of the animal kingdom, our mothers never really stop caring about us. They worry about every little thing we do or get into, never endingly asking if we are eating right, getting enough sleep, keeping clean and on and on to the point of almost making us want to say 'OK enough already'! But imagine if you will, if we were left to fend for ourselves after we learned how to walk on our own, or after we were weaned from suckling, or even as soon as we were no longer connected to her through the umbilical cord? That would be quite harrowing wouldn't it? Instead we have a tender, caring, loving individual who would do everything to make sure we grow up safe and sound to adulthood, and even then, they still care.
Now you might be asking what does this have to do with nature photography? Good question. But as we are in the midst of a very amazing spring here in California, with all the green hills, colorful and fragrant wildflowers, and swollen and flowing streams, it occurred to me that our Dear Mother Earth is once again coming back to life. And although what Mother Earth puts forth each year fades away in a short time, she on the other hand continues to provide us with sustenance, shelter and beauty perennially year after year as she has done for millennia. The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, once said "The earth is your Mother, so take care of your Mother". Truer words have never been spoken. It is incumbent on us to take care of Mother Earth, for if we allow her to die, or worse yet, if we kill her, we will in essence be bringing on our own demise. We all know the issues involved, and we can all do something, no matter how small, to makes things better.
I have often said that Mother's Day should be celebrated on the day a woman gives birth. For it is on that day that she becomes a mother. With that in mind, it would mean that everyday would be Mother's Day as there are a multitude of women giving birth at this very moment, and shouldn't be that way anyway? Shouldn't we really be thankful for our moms as well as Mother Earth every single day of our lives? I remember years ago when I used to teach at a Sunday School. I taught the kindergarten class and "Mother's Day" was coming up. I had a fun day with the kids talking about moms and in the end asked them how many hugs and kisses they would give their moms after school. I drew a circle for each hug and an X for each kiss they would give her on the chalk board. I think it came out to about 30 hugs and kisses. I asked them to give their moms 30 hugs and kisses each day until next Sunday. The following Sunday I was bombarded by moms coming to me and thanking me, and the refrain I heard was that 'they never felt so loved'. I would love to give my mother a hug and a kiss right now. I want her to know how much I love her, but I can't. So...Find your mom, or any mom, and give her a hug and a kiss and let her now how much she means to you. I think I will let my wife know that right now. And if nothing else, go out and appreciate Mother Earth, she will know you came to visit her and that is all she ever really needs.
------------------ ORGANIC LIGHT NEWS ------------------
The new year, 2005, here at Organic Light Photography will bring about some great new things that have been a long time coming.
*** ***Snarled Oak Photograph Chosen for Display at the Los Gatos Art Museum Yearly Show*** ***
From a record breaking call for artists that resulted in more than 400 artists submitting art to be displayed in the 2005 Los Gatos Art Association Spring Show, 100 artists were chosen. My photo, titled 'Snarled Oak' (see it HERE) was chosen and displayed from March 21 to April 30 at the Los Gatos Art Museum. Competition was stiff, and I am grateful for being chosen. Thanks to all those who have supported my work.
*** ***Gallery Representation Being Sought*** ***
2005 will hopefully be a goal setting year here at Organic Light. One of the goals this year is find representation at a, or many, fine art galleries or with one or several art consultants. So if you or someone you know, knows of a gallery or art consultant that would be interested in my work, please let them know about Organic Light Photography or let me know of them. Thanks.
*** ***Organic Light Photography - Nature Photography Workshops!!!*** ***
The April workshop was a great success and the participants were all very happy, even though we were rained out on the last afternoon. One Participant had this to say: "I think this is one of the best training sessions I ever had. I feel that the two and a half days I spent in the workshop were really worthwhile."
And so in response to that workshop, three more workshops have been scheduled throughout the year.
May 20-23, 2005 - Redwoods & Seascapes Workshop
July 15-18, 2005 - John Muir Woods & Marin Coast Workshop
October 21-24, 2005 - Big Sur's Autumn Coastline Workshop
Each workshop will include 8 hours of instruction and 1 and 1/2 days of in-field photography as well as an evening recap and review of the images made during the workshop.
The seminar portion, held at a community center in Santa Clara, CA will cover:
1. Camera Systems and Operation 2. Exposure 3. Lens Selection 4. Additional Camera Accessories 5. Image Capture (Film and Digital) 6. Lighting 7. Composition 8. Field Tips
If you ever wanted to learn how to photograph the natural world, how to see the world through the lens of a camera, how to capture the beauty in the world and share it with others, well now is your chance.
So sign up now and reserve your space in one or all of the workshops.
***Space is limited to 10 seats.***
Cost for the workshop is $225.00, a great price!
Further details with all logistics and workshop locations will be forthcoming on the website, under the Services section of the website HERE.
Check it our and Reserve you space now!
*** ***Online Credit Card Purchases from the Organic Light Photography Website*** ***
If you were in the past discouraged from making a purchase of one of the Organic Light Photographs from the site because it was to much work, well kiss those days good bye! Now all purchases, or registration fees for workshops, can be made SECURELY online with credit cards via PayPal. So don't hold back, if you want an image, just go ahead and order, and in a few days you'll find a beautifully finished photo at your doorstep waiting to grace your home or office wall.
---------------------- 2005 ART SHOW SCHEDULE ----------------------
This year's art show's have already started. If you have missed the Mother's Day Show on the beautiful Stanford Campus, then do make efforts to meet up at one of the others.
May 14-15 Oxnard's California Strawberry Festival.
June 4-5 Thousand Oaks, CA for the Conejo Valley Art Walk
June 18-19 Marin, CA at the Marin Festival of the Arts
June 25-26 San Anselmo, CA at the San Anselmo Art and Design Festival
July 9-10 Lake Tahoe, CA for the Tahoe Arts Project Festival of Fine Art
October 15-16 Half Moon Bay, Ca for the Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival
Several more shows are pending for August and September, and hey don't miss me at the Campbell's Farmer's Market on Sundays when I don't have a scheduled show. It would be great to see you all and even if you have run out of wall space, just stop by and say hello! Keep an eye out on the website for more show information.
--------------- ***SPRING SALE*** ---------------
For the remainder of Spring, and until the Summer Newsletter goes out, all "New Images" on the website can be yours at a 15% discount. When ordering just include the letters 'NLSS' after your name and I will give the discount.
---------------- A HUMBLE REQUEST ----------------
Operating Organic Light Photography is time and capital intensive. It survives by you; my Patrons, Supporters and Friends. I am grateful that you have in the past helped Organic Light Photography with your purchase of one of my Fine Art Archival Prints or digital image for publishing or web use. My request is that you pass on this email to someone whom you think will appreciate Organic Light and would like to brighten their lives, homes, offices, or publication with some Organic Light. Your continued support and patronage is what keeps Organic Light Photography a viable source of beauty and inspiration to all and bread on my table.
I thank you for your continued support.
Enjoy The Spring!
Sincerely, Youssef Ismail Organic Light Photography www.organiclightphoto.com
See The World in a New Light... ....Organic Light!
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