This was the a tough year for me. I lost my mother (old age), brother (cancer), and wife of 37 years (cancer) in 2024, so 2025 was a year immersed in grieving and trying to regain physical function and emotional stability after the stress of it all and the damage that cortisol does to our joints. Ugh.
But despite these challenges, I did some very good photography this year. The two ice abstracts are from January, and the rest are from September to December, when I decided that photography was my pathway to living again.
Thanks for being here to provide some much needed inspiration, feedback, and community.
Feedback Requests
Feel free to offer feedback on any of them if you see something that could be improved. Otherwise, just sharing for the year-end showcase.
Pertinent Technical Details
Technical details vary widely for these. All processed in LR. Four different cameras: (iPhone for ice shots, 5D3 and 5D4 for the others except a loaner 6Rii for high key bamboo shot), hence the filenames being non-chronological and making for some unusual sequencing here.
I’m sorry to hear about all the troubles you’ve had lately, Marylynne. However, you did do some outstanding work. It looks like the Japanese Garden was very good to you. The triptych of the leaves is very special to me.
I was really feeling “up” after viewing your excellent images and then quite “down” after hearing of your problems. And then, back “up” again after reading how you’re dealing with it. Condolences for your losses
@Dennis_Plank Thanks. Yes, I decided to join the Portland Japanese Garden, and 6 of these are from there. The single high key bamboo is from the Lan Su Chinese Garden. The others are from a dirt road in Prineville OR (ice) and the Oregon Coast at Cape Lookout State Park.
Hoping to hike more as my spine and elbow pain improve. I retire this spring, so time will multiply.
A great set of images Marylynne! I especially like the triptych of bamboo.
Thankyou for sharing your year’s challenges. (My challenges pale into insignificance.) From your wonderful and thoughtful commenting I would have never guessed what emotions you were/are going through. Looking forward to a stellar new year.
@Dennis_Plank True, but time not spent working will definitely increase. How I use will require some discipline. Time, writ large, is disappearing quickly. It’s bucket list time for sure .
ML
A stunning set of images, and much moreso with the backstory. My favorites are the Japanese Garden, but each is well worth enjoying. May your photography and immersion in nature bring healing and peace!
My experience looking at your photos in the viewer and then reading about your losses was similar to Michaels, but don’t for a second think it was bad. The fact that you are making your way through the crushing emotions to find beauty in your art is very positive. Grief is natural and can be soul-crushing, but you’re not letting it be and sharing the results with us. Thank you for that.
Oh and I had a laugh over stopping on a dirt road to photograph ditch ice. Been there, done that! Oh the looks we get, huh? I hope retirement goes well and your mobility improves.
I love all of these, Marylynne. The third one particularly stood out with its strong lines and beautiful colors. I love photographing ice puddles, too! I am sorry for all of your struggles, and I agree that photography can be a wonderful healer.
Hi Marylynne,
First off, my condolences on your personal losses of family in 2024. I found these images to be truly inspirational as you worked your way through the grief and healing process. I am particularly fond of your B&W images. I know that nature photography is good for my soul as well. I hope that by immersing yourself in your photography during the upcoming year it can bring you some happiness and peace.
WOW! You had a very tough year, yet you’ve got a great set of images to show. Clearly the Japanese garden played a strong role in your recovery, as quiet gardens often can. #3 certainly hits one of my “go to” buttons, while the garden views are wonderfully peaceful and calming. The tryptich and the final view are both strikingly artistic.
