Don’t Forget Your Camera!

by Stanley LearyPhotography

Shot this barn on Yellow Creek Road in Ball Ground, Georgia [DJI Air 2s, Mode = Normal, ISO 140, 1/2000, ƒ/2.8, (35mm = 22)]

I am starting to plan those little outings with friends that were impossible just a couple of months ago. I am only planning these outings with my friends who have gotten their vaccinations for COVID-19.

Gibbs Gardens [NIKON Z 6, 24.0-105.0 mm f/4.0, Mode = Aperture Priority, ISO 100, 1/640, ƒ/4, (35mm = 75)]

We drove up to Ball Ground, Georgia, to visit Gibbs Gardens for the day. One of the things I love about the gardens is the bronze statues. Most are depictions of children enjoying the parks. I think the artist did an excellent job of capturing their expressions.

Gibbs Gardens [NIKON Z 6, 24.0-105.0 mm f/4.0, Mode = Aperture Priority, ISO 110, 1/100, ƒ/4, (35mm = 24)]

People from my generation or older grew up with our parents telling us to go outside, and most of us did just that. We played all day long until our parents would holler to get us back in for dinner. We had not heard of kidnappings during my years growing up.

Gibbs Gardens [NIKON Z 6, 24.0-105.0 mm f/4.0, Mode = Aperture Priority, ISO 100, 1/100, ƒ/4, (35mm = 105)]

When I was young, you could see me on this tractor peddling through Kennedy Home, an orphanage where my father worked as a pastor/chaplain on the campus.

My sister and I with my grandparents at Kennedy Home in Kinston, NC.

Later during primary school, I was on my bike exploring my neighborhood. I remember the fun of going through the woods and stumbling upon beautiful scenery. Gibbs Garden’s scenery is a better version of those scenes but still made me appreciate getting out and exploring.

Gibbs Gardens [NIKON Z 6, 24.0-105.0 mm f/4.0, Mode = Aperture Priority, ISO 100, 1/125, ƒ/4, (35mm = 62)]

I enjoyed seeing the reflections in the water at Gibbs Gardens.

While driving to Gibbs Gardens, I told my friend I wanted to stop by this farm scene on the way back. My friend reminded me of it, and not only did I quit, but I also got out my drone to get a different perspective. The very first photo is of the entrance to the farm.

[DJI Air 2s, Mode = Normal, ISO 110, 1/3000, ƒ/2.8, (35mm = 22)]

We didn’t go in, but I sent the drone up and above to get some different photos of this abandoned building on the farm.

[DJI Air 2s, Mode = Normal, ISO 110, 1/1000, ƒ/2.8, (35mm = 22)]

This past year I helped a few families organize their photos. Because they were isolated at home, they explored their photos. I hope you did as well. I just wanted to remind you to be sure you take pictures as you explore once again beyond your home.

Be sure and put copies up on Google Photos, Amazon Photos [free with prime], or something else to help preserve these photos for your family generations from now.