Summer Sunflowers, Water Lilies and Sky {Central Ohio Photographer } { Michigan Nature Photographer }

I have always had a love affair with sunflowers. They are the happiest of flowers, always holding their heads up and facing the light of the sun. I always plant them the first year in the garden I happen to be in at the time, but then delight in seeing where they decide to self sow in following years - always coming up in the most unexpected of places, but always making the garden wild and beautiful. And water lilies... they create a calm serenity on the hot summer days in Ohio. And I love finding them floating in the inland lakes of northwestern Michigan in the Sleeping Bear Dunes area! These beauties were photographed at the beautiful Kingwood Center in Mansfield, Ohio the other week.  Enjoy these lovelies that are in my Society 6 shop!

SUMMER SUNFLOWER

SKY DANCE

Bruce Springsteen - Columbus Ohio 2012

I don't normally blog political things, but I had to post this. Bruce Springsteen came to Ohio in support of President Obama. He is just wonderful - I remember seeing him playing in Asbury Park, NJ before he was known nationally. Had to share.

Still Moments 2 - New Book now available! {Michigan Photographer}

I'm so excited about publishing a new book through Blurb featuring my photography! Stop by and take a look! Available in soft cover, hard cover and pdf download for viewing on Kindle and book readers!

A Still Moment 2 by O. Joy StClaire | Make Your Own Book

Day 15 Gratitude Project - Enough {Ohio Nature Photographer}

I am every thankful for the magical world books take me to, & all the knowledge I gain from them. And I am thankful that somehow (through divine providence) I always have enough.

Day 4 Gratitude Project - Creative Spirit {Central Ohio Photographer}

Today I am thankful for creation, creativity & the creative spirit in all of us. I have an art show today & tomorrow. It still seems a bit surreal that now I’m sitting behind the booth as a vendor - & I feel very blessed to have had this creative spirit. Each time I lift my camera, I ask that what I produce will be like a prayer to God and a giving thanks. The other day there was a heavy frost - & even though it spelled the end for my zinnias, I thought what a beautiful way to go – coated with a sugary frost. The awesomeness of creation amazes me - & I feel like such a small speck – thankful to just be a part of it all. (Kind of rambling, but I’m tired! Lol!)

Indian Summer { Central Ohio Photographer }

Day 2

It is one of those beautiful sunny Indian Summer days here in Central Ohio. There are still some colorful leaves clinging to the trees. The birds and squirrels are busy at the feeders and gathering goodies in anticipation of the coming winter. My wind chimes are gently singing in the light breeze. It is a day that just fills the soul with happiness. I am thankful for these days and being in the moment, thankful for the seasons & unique beauty of each one, & glad I can take a moment to appreciate it all & bask in the beauty. It is such a fleeting season, & that makes me take note & delight in each moment!

Spring Blossoms {Central Ohio Photographer}

In the heart of the world there is a place that holds the secret names of the rocks & the trees & all the children of the earth & around it gather women & men who hold it dear & each night they stand together to keep it safe for as long as it takes till morning comes & no matter what you have been told, this will always be so, in the heart of the world.
~Story People

Slow sweet delightful spring............

Stranger 19 ~ John

The North Market always seems to draw a very eclectic crowd - both in vendors & visitors. There is a certain mood/feel that I love about the place- & apparently so do a lot of other people! There are farmers markets here on the weekends (in season) & small art fairs... & of course musicians. I have never seem more than 1 at a time - perhaps there is an unspoken agreement or unspoken schedule they adhere to. The day I was there, John was serenading the lunch crowd. What really drew me to him, other than his great voice, was his big smile. He was quite happy to take part in the 31 Strangers in 31 Days project! And as I was leaving, he thanked me for maybe giving him a bit more exposure!

When I started this project 19 days ago, I wasn't sure I would be able to finish it. Now I don't really want it to end!

Sunny { Columbus, Ohio Pet Photographer}

Most of my portrait sessions take place at Inniswood Metropark or other parks in & around Columbus, Ohio. I have been hoping a client would want to head out to Dawes Arboretum in Newark, Ohio. Dawes is such a beautiful place with all sorts of wonderful settings & backdrops. My wish came true with Sunny, a yellow lab! Her "mom" thought Dawes Arboretum would be the perfect setting for pet portraits! I couldn't agree more! We had a wonderful sunny day... perfect for a dog named Sunny with her happy disposition!

Meet Gracie! {Columbus Ohio Pet Photographer}

Autumn and early winter are great times for pet portrait sessions. The cooler temps make it easier on the doggies (and the owners), and you can still have beautiful backdrops at this time of year! Gracie, the Newfoundland was quite pleased with the cooler temps we had for this mini session the other day!

Co-Pilots {Columbus Ohio Pet Photographer}

October and November are my busiest months and I feel as though I'm either at my computer or out doing a portrait session. And at night I dream about sessions or processing - I'm sure all photographers have 12 hour days during these months! But, I love what I do and I really love doing pet portraits - this is the perfect time of year for photographing pets with the cooler weather!

A preview from a recent session...

Inniswood Maternity Session {Columbus Ohio Maternity Photographer} Central Ohio Maternity Photographer

We had the most beautiful day for a late fall portrait session at Inniswood Metropark. The sun was shining. There were still some colorful leaves clinging to the trees. It was Indian Summer... a great day!

Winter Essay...

I love winter...!