Bird of Paradise

It was a grey and chilly February day. Inside the Como Park Conservatory I sat still, eyes half open, focusing on my breath moving in and out, aware of scent and sound. This is often the way I begin when I have chosen a particular destination and am hoping to somehow sense and feel its essence and take that home with me on my camera. It’s the photographer’s way of stopping time - capturing the moment in a way that lasts -  and it’s one of the many reasons I love my art. 

After a half hour or so, when my mind had quieted down a bit, I opened my eyes and began to look about my surroundings. I had to fight my inclination to immediately focus on what caught my eye and start pressing the shutter button, moving rapidly from one spot to another. My intention was to really stop and see before I went for the camera, to work mindfully. This collection of images is the result.