When I write, I see imagines of people, places and things. But these images are in my mind. Oh yes, I can describe them vividly to you, and you an imagine them, but you can’t see them.

 

As an avid photographer, I value the wonder of the digital camera. In an instant, history is recorded; a once in a lifetime moment to cherish forever. Since God nudged me in 2001 with the desire to photograph, I’ve taken over 10,000+ pictures of everything. You know that old clique, “practice makes perfect,” well - its true for every talent that God gives us.

 

Talk about a knockout emotional punch – combine writing with photography and you have an award winning work of art. I especially like photographing people – to be exact, women in wheelchairs. When God nudged me again in 2006 to volunteer at the Ms. Wheelchair Virginia pageant, my photography exploded with emotion. 

 

God created us with expressions of sorrow, laughter, surprise, love, joy, triumph, defeat and the list goes on and on. While photographing these incredible women, I was overwhelmed with their vast array of emotions. And you know what – I learned a lot from the photographs. One lesson in particular, the camera does not distinguish between the able-bodied and the disabled; it captures the person God created.

 

Another old clique that comes to mind, “a picture is worth a thousand words” is also true .  Read your newspaper, or your favorite magazine – which stories capture your attention first? For me, a story with a picture wins the contest hands down. When I connect the words to an image, the story comes to life.

 

So, with that said, let’s take a word/picture challenge. Pick up your camera, take a picture, and then write a story. You will be amazed at the words that flow from your fingers to describe the image.

 

Oh, and one more thing – I am an avid scrapbooker. And yes, I have a scrapbook room full of words and pictures!!!

 

Nancy

www.nancycarey.com