A Dream Comes True - My Photography in Urban Outfitters stores { Ohio Photographer } [ Michigan Nature Photographer ]

I was an artist before I knew I was an artist. It is just how I experience and walk through life and the world - seeing beauty everywhere.... fascinated with light .... interested in lines ... a love affair with nature and the world. There were days when I got frustrated with my work not being seen or appreciated. And like everyone, I thought about quitting. But I realized I must photograph. It is not just what I do - it is who I am. I can't "not" photograph. And so, continuing to do what I love and creating from my heart has finally paid off. I'm delighted to announce that my fine art nature photography will appear in the Urban Outfitters stores in the future - a dream come true. So while browsing, keep a lookout for my art prints featuring places in Ohio and Michigan! And until then, you can find these and more of my work in my ETSY SHOP and SOCIETY6 SHOP! Keep track of my daily wanderings on INSTAGRAM!

DAISY LOVE

CRASH

THE COLORS OF MY SOUL

SEA OF HAPPINESS

THE WAY THAT LIGHT ATTACHES TO A DREAM

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

Farewell to Summer {Michigan Nature Photographer}

ROUTE 661 BARN

BLUE BEACH UMBRELLA

FORGOTTEN SUMMER

SEA SHORE

SENTINELS

DREAMS HAVE NO BOUNDARIES

ROAMING THROUGH WILD FLOWER FIELDS

LET'S EXPLORE THE WORLD TOGETHER

REACH FOR YOUR DREAMS

Stranger 25 ~ Michael

While in Northern Michigan, I met up with a photographer friend, Ken Scott, to do some shooting on the Elberta Pier during moonrise. I thought it would be a great opportunity to capture some more strangers for my 31 Strangers in 31 Days Project. I have to say, Michael - Stranger 25 was one of my favorites! Just look at that smile & mischief in those eyes! I wanted to adopt him as my dad!

Michael (ironically my real dad's name!) has been retired for 14 years from consumers Power Company, and does some consulting work. We talked about nature, fish, life and the Nature Conservancies in the area. He told me how the power company would donate land to the conservancies when it was no longer of use to them - a good thing as one of my favorite places to hike is Arcadia Bluffs CS Mott Preserve (land that was donated). All in all, it was a wonderful evening & a fabulous trip north!

Stranger 24 ~ Rick

Rick was on the Elberta Pier fishing for Coho Salmon with 2 friends. They were doing some male bonding & I think the fishing was secondary! Although from the look of the nets they were carrying, they looked pretty optimistic! Rick & friends were just hanging out & I sensed they wanted to experience to serenity of fishing.... so I left to find another stranger!

Stranger 23 ~ Randy

My 31 Strangers in 31 Days Project went to Michigan with me, where I found some interesting strangers. One evening I met up with a fellow photographer Ken Scott (Ken Scott Photography ), and we went shooting on the Elberta Pier. It was a nice evening & I was able to photograph 3 more strangers!

Randy (Stranger 23) was up with friends hoping to catch some Coho Salmon... but they weren't running in numbers at the time. He said he'd heard it wasn't going to be a good year for catching Coho. The fish were running late and just hanging around the entry to the bay. No Coho for Randy, but He was going back to town for some prime rib with friends!

Things I Love Thursday... Going to Michigan

Next week, I'll again be in Northern Michigan for portrait sessions. So, with Michigan on my mind, things week's Things I Love Thursday is devoted to the place I love most - Up North Michigan!

PUBLISHED!!

I have some exciting news!! This image has been published in TRAVERSE Magazine - Northern Michigan's Magazine. It appears in the January 2009 issue on the last page. This shot was taken on very cold and blustery January day along Lake Michigan by Point Betsie Lighthouse. I love traveling to this area to recharge my soul!

Up North Vacation

I'm heading North for a much needed vacation! This is my favorite time of year to get away, but also the busiest for my business. Michigan and the Sleeping Bear Dunes are so beautiful at this time of year. The colors are turning and the area is slowly closing up! Of course Maggie May will head North, too! The photo shows Maggie in Crystal Lake on one of our last trips! Check out the area!