Ritva has invited photographers “to capture the essence and personality of your subjects. Whether you choose to ask a stranger, do a self-portrait, take the portrait of a friend, family member, or acquaintance, or photograph animals and birds, the goal is to connect with another person or subject and tell their story through your image.”

This past year has engulfed my family into intense grief with the passing of my husband and son-in-law. Both these two men, the bedrocks of the family, endured intense suffering and left us with a deeper understanding of acceptance, compassion, and suffering. There is also gratitude … gratitude for the grounding companionship of emergency response teams, doctors, nurses, support staff, military personnel.

Over the past year, the beauty of the dawn has been a source of encouragement to begin each day anew. An important part of welcoming each new day … its challenges and unknowns … has been photography.

Thank you Rita for this challenge as it invited me to spend a few minutes to play as I explored new ways to perceive life.
So sorry for your loss. I am glad you have found photography – I find it also a way to go through emotions. I do like your black and white self portraits they are moody and real.
Thank you
Brenda, I am so sorry for your losses this past year. They will live on in your loving memories. These portraits are simply amazing. The lighting is especially wonderful. Take care.
Thank you for your supportive words
💕
Brenda, I’m deeply sorry for your losses. Their legacy will be always on your side and your photography.
Thank you
I’m so sorry for your losses dear Brenda, your portraits are very poignant
Thank you
What a year you have had Brenda, so sorry to hear about your losses. I like the way you have moved through it and dealt with it, if that is the right way to say it. I love dawn too and photography so I am with you there. These are very moving portraits.
Thank you for your kind words
So sorry for your losses, Brenda. Your photos portray the drama you’ve known this year. Beautifully artistic and expressive.
Thank you for your kind words
I join the rest of our community in offering sincere condolences Brenda. I think I knew from previous posts about your husband but wasn’t aware of your son-in-law. Your images are always so expressive and these are no exception. The shadows tell the story. Beautifully done.
Thank you Tina
Sorry for your losses. I love your photos. Introspective. Be well.
Thank you John
So sorry for your losses. These are full of emotion, they are beautiful.
Thank you Sofia
Love the images and toning and am sorry for the loss you have experienced.
Thank you for your kind words