About Lenspiration
Meet James Staddon, photographer & photography coach
Hi! I’m James Staddon
I’m a landscape, event, and wedding photographer from West Virginia
Ever since I was young, I’ve been captivated by God's creation. I was inspired by my uncle's pictures of landscapes and the places he traveled, and his work made me excited about exploring photography. I had been taking pictures since the early 2000s, but in 2013 I jumped into pro photography and started teaching with Lenspiration.
I know what it’s like to struggle through years of taking bad pictures and feeling confused by all the camera settings. It doesn’t have to be a struggle, though! I love to help students feel confident using their camera and learn how to “think like a photographer” so they can take beautiful photos too.
My friends and family would say that I love to take pictures. I would say that I love helping others take pictures. Through the assignments, workshops and coaching offered through Lenspiration, I love to see inspiration planted, nurtured, and expressed for the glory of God in the work of other photographers.
James Staddon, Founder of Lenspiration, professional photographer, and photography coach
View My Work
The Mission
The mission of Lenspiration is to provide wholesome, family-friendly photography training to help photographers of any skill level take satisfying pictures that they’re excited to share with others. We want to help each photographer develop an eye for beauty through real-life photo assignments, online training, and hands-on workshops. Many of our students enjoy this training through our membership but we also have many free ways to learn photography as well.
At Lenspiration, we have one foundation for deciding what is “wholesome” and “family-friendly”: the inspired Word of God (see Defining "Wholesomeness" below). We encourage our members and students to look to the Bible to determine for themselves what wholesome and family-friendly mean for them.
What does “family friendly” mean to us?
Defining “Wholesomeness” (What counts as wholesome and beautiful?)
| Objective | Subjective | |
| Beauty | That which is pleasing to the eye | That which is pleasing to my eye |
| Moral Beauty | That which is pleasing to the eye and in line with a moral standard (2) | That which is pleasing to my eye and in line with my moral standard (3) |
| Wholesome Beauty | That which is pleasing to the eye and in line with the standards of the God of the Bible (1) | That which is pleasing to my eye and in line with my understanding of the standards of the God of the Bible (4) |
1. In the beginning, everything that God made was good. Everything that existed was objectively wholesomely beautiful (Genesis 1:31).
2. When mankind chose to follow their own moral standards over God's moral standards, sin entered the world, shattering universal objective wholesome beauty and introduced the confusion of individual, objective moral beauty, ie. mankind choosing for themselves what is right and wrong (Romans 3:10-18).
3. As a descendant of Adam and recipient of his sinful nature, I am apt to follow moral standards that I set for myself, so my perspective on beauty, without completely factoring in God's perspective, is subjective moral beauty (Romans 5:14).
4. As a Christian, however, I am now a recipient of the nature of Jesus Christ. I no longer desire to follow my own moral standards, so my perspective on beauty, to the best of my ability to understand God's perspective, is now subjective wholesome beauty (II Peter 1:2).
I am not God so I can not completely know true, objective wholesome beauty. But it is my desire to seek it,
Thus, it is my desire that all content recommended by Lenspiration or displayed on the
Not a Novel Concept
The idea of maintaining purity in culture at large and in every area of society should not be a foreign concept to us.
The American Founding Fathers understood this concept well and it is our responsibility to carry on what they knew to be self-evident to each ensuing generation.
Let the following quote by John Witherspoon, apparently the only minister to sign the Declaration of Indpendence, inspire you to carry the torch of liberty in every aspect of your photography.
"It is absolutely certain that overall wickedness and corruption of manners make a nation ripe for destruction. A good form of government may hold the rotten materials together for a while, but, beyond a certain point, even the best constitution will be ineffective, and slavery will follow. On the other hand, when the manners of a nation are pure, when true religion and internal principles flourish, even the most powerful enemies' attempts to oppress them are usually disappointed . . . What can we conclude from this? That he is the best friend of American liberty who is most sincere and active in promoting true and undefiled religion. He is the best friend of American liberty who sets himself with the greatest firmness to suppress profanity and immorality of every kind."
Every photograph we choose to share is an invitation for our audience to meditate on something. Therefore, we as photographers, with our cameras, have a part in the rise or fall of this great country. Let us choose to be creators and distributors of that which is "family friendly": consistant with the principles of Scripture, worthy of all acceptance before God, excellent by His definition, and an accurate depiction of what God likes and what He Himself is like.
Therefore, it is my goal and the purpose of Lenspiration to inspire all photographers to own for themselves a Biblical worldview and definition of purity and beauty.
Statement of Faith
Here at Lenspiration, participation by all photographers is welcome and encouraged regardless of race, age, gender, religion, background, persuasion, or opinion! We all have something to learn from each other.
- The Authority of the Bible: We believe that the Bible, comprised of sixty-six books, is the only inspired Word of God, without error in the original manuscripts, and God’s special revelation to mankind (John 10:35, II Timothy 3:16, II Peter 1:16-21); that it is the final authority and guide for all faith and practice (Psalm 119:9-16, 105-112; Romans 10:17, II Timothy 3:17); and that it constitutes the divine rule by which all people will be held accountable (John 12:47-50).
- The Triune God: We believe God is triune, eternally existing as one in essence, yet in three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Deuteronomy 6:4, Matthew 3:16-17, 28:19; John 17, 16:26); and that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are equal in all power and authority (John 6:27, 20:28, 16:14).
- The Deity and Humanity of Christ: We believe Jesus the Son is the second person of the Trinity (Matthew 28:19, Luke 3:21-22, Acts 5:3-5); that Jesus is God incarnate, “God in the Flesh” (John 1:1, 14; Romans 9:5, Philippians 2:5-6); that Jesus was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary as a real man and that He is fully God and fully Man (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 2:6-14; Galatians 4:4-5); that this birth made Him the perfect substitute and atoning sacrifice for our sins (Isaiah 53:6, 2 Corinthians 5:21); that Jesus rose up from the grave on the third day (Luke 24:39, I Corinthians 15:4); and that His resurrection is proof that all true believers will rise as well (I Corinthians 15:20, John 6:39).
- The Creation, and the Fall of Humankind: We believe that the Genesis account of creation is neither allegory nor myth, but a literal, historical account of God's creation of the universe. We believe humankind was created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27, 2:7, 9:6), that Adam rebelled against God and passed sin to all humankind (Genesis 3, Romans 5:12-14), and that sin has ruined humankind and creation, resulting in spiritual death, and separation from God (Genesis 3, Romans 3:23, 5:12-21, 6:23, 7:18, 8:19-23; Ephesians 2:1-3).
- The Salvation of the Lost: We believe salvation from sin comes not by working for it, or by being good by man's standards, but by God’s grace through faith alone, on the sole basis of Jesus Christ’s atoning death and victorious resurrection (John 3:16, Romans 3:23, 5:8, 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9, I Peter 3:18); that all who trust in Christ for salvation are forever declared justified in God’s sight; and that they will be progressively sanctified by the Word and the Spirit (Romans 3:22-8:32, I Peter 1:3-5, John 5:24).
- The Church: We believe in one global Church under the headship of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23, 2:11-22, 4:1-16; Colossians 1:18), and that the Church is made up of all those who have received new life through faith in Christ and are thereby indwelt and sealed by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 26:28, Luke 22:20, Acts 2:37-47, 6:14; Hebrews 9:15-28), and that Christ has commissioned the Church and the Spirit has empowered the Church to share the Gospel with the whole world (Matthew 28:19-20, John 20:21, Acts 1:8).
- The Family: We believe the Bible sets forth principles for Godly living that, when followed, honor the Lord and help believers to live life as God designed (II Timothy 3:16). We believe that all authority begins with God and that He has ordained and created authority structures to exercise delegated authority within the jurisdictional limits of the family, church, civil government, and voluntary associations (I Corinthians 11:3, Ephesians 5:23). We believe that God created people as either male or female and that no intimate sexual activity should be engaged in outside of a marriage between one born a male and one born a female (Genesis 1:27, Matthew 19:4). We believe that any form of homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, bestiality, incest, fornication, adultery, and pornography are sinful perversions of God's gift of sexuality. We believe that God disapproves of and forbids any attempt to alter one's gender by surgery or appearance (I Corinthians 6:9-11, I Timothy 1:8-11, Romans 1:26-32). We believe that the only Scriptural marriage is the joining of one man and one woman, for life (Genesis 2:20-25, Matthew 19:8). We believe that God has ordained the family as the foundational institution of human society. Husbands and wives are to love, care for, and submit to one another (Genesis 2:24, Deuteronomy 6:6, Joshua 24:15, Ephesians 5:25, Colossians 3:19, I Peter 3:7, I Corinthians 13:4). Children are a heritage from the Lord (Psalm 127:3, Proverbs 17:6). Parents are responsible for teaching their children spiritual and moral values through loving instruction, consistent lifestyle example and appropriate discipline (Ephesians 6:4). We believe that human life is sacred from conception to its natural end and any willful and deliberate early termination of life is contary to the will of God (Psalm 139:13-15, Jeremiah 1:5, Luke 1:41, Exodus 20:13, Hebrews 9:27, Job 14:5).
- The Literal Return of Christ to Earth: We believe Jesus Christ will come back to earth the way He left, in order to judge the living and the dead (Acts 1:11, 17:30-31; I Thessalonians 4:13-18), and that the day of His return is not for us to know, but could happen at any moment (Mark 13:33-37, I Thessalonians 5:1-6).
- The Future Judgment: We Believe God will assign people to their eternal destination in the last days (Daniel 12:2, John 5:28-29), that those who refuse God’s loving offer of salvation will be assigned to hell, a place of eternal torment and separation from relationship with God (Matthew 5:29-30, Luke 16:19-31, Revelation 20:10, 15), and only those who have placed their faith in God’s promised Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ, will be assigned to heaven (John 14:1-2, Romans 4:1-8, Revelation 21:1-4). We believe Christ’s kingdom will never end and look forward to life with Him in the world to come (Isaiah 65:17-25, Ezekial 47:12, Daniel 7:13-14, Revelation 21:1-22:6).
Based upon this Statement of Faith, Lenspiration, in its sole discretion, has the right to deny anyone acess to Lenspiration interactive activities, such as the forums, assignments, or webinars.
Thank you for your interest in
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More About James
I enjoy traveling, hiking, camping, researching, Ultimate Frisbee, family vacations, and exploring new places! You might enjoy this amazing map I've created of good places to photograph, complete with trail notes.
I love photography because I love being in the outdoors! It's a classroom for experimenting with composition, lighting, and techniques for emotional impact.
Did you know I specialize in conservative Christian wedding photography? Take a look at my wedding portfolio. If you like my style and are looking for a photographer to shoot your wedding, contact me to let me know!
Each year I create fine art wall calendars for both personal and business promotional use. Each template is available for other photographers to use to create their own fine art calendars too.
That’s a bit about me.
Now I’d love to meet you!
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What are we up to?
Follow along with Lenspiration travels…
A snapshot that encapsulates the fun Mordecai had on a farm with friends the other weekend. 🤗 #farmlife #familyfun #funonthefarm #fruitoflabor #akidslife
God provided an amazing spot to do couple photos for a wedding in Indiana over the weekend! Every spot I had on my list to scout ahead of time fell through...but God stepped in. Will plan to give the whole story in a blog post some time. It was such a pretty stop I decided to relax by doing a bit of landscape photography there after the couple shoot was over. 😊
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Family-friendly photography training: www.lenspiration.com
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#relaxing #selfie #Godprovides #Godanswersprayers #landscapephotographer
As I’ve been reading through Isaiah this year, the essence of Isaiah 57:15 is what motivated the theme for the 2027 calendar, “Jesus, I Come”! God says, “. . . I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.”
That word “contrite” literally means “crushed,” and it’s only used 3 times in the Bible. We recognize it in David’s beautiful Psalm 34 . . . “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)
The third time it’s used is also in a Psalm, but the KJV uses a stronger word full of such rich meaning! “Thou [God] turnest man to destruction [contrite]; and sayest, ‘Return, ye children of men.’” (Psalm 90:3)
Return. Repent! The message of Jesus’ early earthly ministry. God resists the proud. But, He gives grace to the humble. Do I humble myself, pray, seek His face, and turn from my wicked ways? Repentance and humility are the seeds of revival. And that’s what the hymns and verses in this calendar are all about! A call to humility and repentance before the Lord every day so that He can revive our spirit, our homes, our communities, and our country in the way that brings the most glory to Him.
Jesus, I come.
✅View 2027 Calendar at link in bio.
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Family-friendly photography training
www.lenspiration.com
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#ChristianCalendar #ChristianWallCalendar #ScriptureCalendar #BibleVerseCalendar #BibleVerses #ScriptureArt #ChristianArt #ChristianHomeDecor #ChristianGifts #ChristianGiftIdeas #ChristianLiving #ChristianCommunity #ChristianCreator #ChristianSmallBusiness #ChristianShop #FaithBasedBusiness #ChristianProducts #ChurchGifts #Hymns #ChristianHymns #OldHymns #TraditionalHymns #BiblicalArt #ScriptureArtPrint #FaithFilledHome #ChristianDecor #ChristianHome #GiftIdeas #InspirationalGifts #SupportSmallBusiness
Found time to edit some photos from our summer trip in Connecticut! I was actually able to think through a nice composition on this particular evening. The family was enjoying each other on the sandy beach while I scrambled around on the rocks on the other side of the jutty at Meigs Point in Hammonasset Beach State Park. I went slowly. Looking for what might work before setting up. I landed on this spot because it was in the direction of the faint sunset color, there was interesting plant life textures on the rocks, the arrangement of rocks formed a sort of frame....and there was just an unexplainable sense of attraction to the scene.
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Family-friendly photography training: www.lenspiration.com
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#Beachsunset @hammonassetbeach #slipperyrocks #landscapephoto #behindtheshot #onlyinconnecticut
It’s been just over a week since pre-ordering opened on Lenspiration 2027 calendars, and I’m so grateful for everyone who has placed an order already! It means so much to us.
⏰ Special 10-day Celebration ends on Monday! ⏰
Here`s the DEAL: Anyone who pre-orders any quantity of Original or Personalized 2027 Calendars by August 31 will get 20% off the Lenspiration store* for the rest of 2026! 🎉
So don’t wait. Pre-order your 2027 Calendars by Monday and we’ll email you your 20% discount coupon!
🔗Pre-order at link in bio
*20% discount cannot be combined with other discounts or offers, and does not apply to purchases of Original, Personalized, or Artist’s Calendars, as well as Budget or Recommended Camera Kits.
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Family-friendly photography training
www.lenspiration.com
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#PhotoCalendar #PhotographyLovers #FineArtPhotography #NaturePhotography #GodsCreation #BeautyOfCreation #FaithInspired #ChristianCreatives #ChristianGifts #HomeschoolFamily #HomeschoolLife #FamilyTraditions #IntentionalLiving #PreOrder #ShopSmall
New blog post! There`s plenty of adventure for a landscape photographer in the State of Connecticut! Here are 10 of the best landscape photography locations in Connecticut. . . Read more at link in bio.
#lenspiration #homeschoolphotography #homeschool #christianphotographer #photographyeducator #photoinspiration #photography #photoblogger
Did you see the new, “Jesus, I Come” 2027 Calendar that launched last week?! It’s been encouraging to see pre-orders coming in already!
🎉Reminder: Anyone who pre-orders any quantity of Original or Personalized 2027 Calendars by August 31 will get 20% off the Lenspiration store* for the rest of 2026! 🎉
PRE-ORDER AT LINK IN BIO!
❓Did you know that you can take the Original calendar and get it personalized . . . for the exact same price?
Over the past several years, I’ve figured out how to incorporate custom elements on the calendar in an affordable way. And in small batches . . . like 25. You don’t have to order hundreds or thousands of calendars to get a bulk price! Churches, businesses, and ministries—small or large—can use them, sell them, or give them away to family, customers, or supporters without breaking the bank.
To keep processes streamlined and efficient, I’ve simplified the pricing structure this year so that there is no price difference between Personalized Calendars and the normal, Original Calendars.
So, if you or someone you know might be interested in personalizing calendars this year, now’s a great time to get the process going!
⏰ Place an order by August 31 and get 20% off the Lenspiration store for the rest of 2026! ⏰
*20% discount cannot be combined with other discounts or offers, and does not apply to purchases of Original, Personalized, or Artist’s Calendars, as well as Budget or Recommended Camera Kits.
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Family-friendly photography training
www.lenspiration.com
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#ChristianFineArt #ChristianArt #ChristianCalendar #ScriptureArt #BibleArt #ChristianHymns #HymnArt #FaithAndArt #ChristianPhotography #GodsCreation #LandscapePhotography #ChristianHome #FaithFilledHome #BehindTheArt #ArtistStudio #ArtProcess #ChristianInspiration #ScriptureInspired #MeaningfulGifts #ChristianGifts
It`s a choice to continue in sin. And it`s a choice to leave it. The way of escape is always open. "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;" Isaiah 61:1
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Family-friendly photography training: www.lenspiration.com
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#verseoftheday #christianphotographer #faithandphotography #freedominchrist #exploretocreate
Which lane am I in? Headed toward the light, or fleeing from it? "For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God." John 3:20-21
I`ve driven through this pass scores of times, but I`ve only taken the time to photograph it once. I`m busy. I`ve got places to go. But because capturing beauty is important to me, I find ways to prioritize it. Same in my walk with the Lord. I am in such desperate need of God`s light in my life, I prioritize going to His word in the mornings.
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Wholesome photography training: www.lenspiration.com
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#walkinthelight #faithinfocus #christianphotography #sunsetlover #landscapephotography
🎉 Celebrate with us! 🎉
The new “Jesus, I Come” Lenspiration 2027 Calendar is here!
This year, I made some changes to the monthly design, giving it a fresh, clean look while retaining the aspects that everyone has come to know and love about the Lenspiration calendars—intricate cutouts, hymn lyrics, and Scriptures on each month.
Pre-orders start today, and calendars will begin shipping in October after they’ve been printed.
🎉 To celebrate the launch, we’re giving out a special gift for the next 10 days (until August 31). Anyone who pre-orders any quantity of Original or Personalized 2027 Calendars during this time will get 20% OFF the Lenspiration store* for the rest of 2026! 🎉
May the 2027 Calendar be a blessing to all who receive it, and a fresh reminder to come to Jesus each and every day throughout this coming year!
*20% discount cannot be combined with other discounts or offers, and does not apply to purchases of Original, Personalized or Artist’s Calendars, as well as Budget or Recommended Camera Kits.
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Family-friendly photography training
www.lenspiration.com
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#2027calendar #lenspiration #landscape_photography #JesusIcome #Scripturecalendar #Christiancalendar #inspirationalcalendar #christianphotographer #wvphotographer #uslandscapes
The following story is from a Lenspiration blog post which tells some of the behind-the-scenes stories from the photos I chose for the 2027 calendar (pre-orders for calendars begin on Friday, August 21!!).
But did any of the photos from that stop in western Virginia make it into the calendar?! Well. . .you’ll have to find out on Friday when the big reveal happens! 😉
"In May of 2025, we set out on a 4-day trek from Tennessee to Maine for the next event on our calendar, not knowing that the journey itself would offer some of the most memorable moments of the whole trip!
The first day’s drive was relatively short. On the way to spend the night with friends in Virginia, we savored the quiet drive surrounded by the beauty of the mountains. We indulged in a long lunch break at a picnic table tucked among trees with perfect temperatures and lighthearted birds flitting around us.
That evening, at our host’s lovely home in the Shenandoah Valley, we stepped out on the front porch to enjoy the spectacular view. There was no color in the sky, but that didn’t matter. Since photography is my work, I usually set it aside on Sundays to enjoy a day of rest.
However, as we sat and chatted in the peaceful beauty of the country surroundings, the sky started to get colorful and kept getting better and better. Finally, I looked at Julianna to see if this short interruption of our time together would be an acceptable exception, and her sweet smile was all the answer I needed! I jogged down to the van and snapped these photos before the perfect color faded away."
🎉SAVE THE DATE: Friday, August 21 - Calendar pre-orders open! 🎉
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Family-friendly photography training: www.lenspiration.com
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#lenspiration #lenspirationcalendar #2027calendar #fineartcalendar #landscapephotography #naturephotography #behindtheshot #behindthescene #wvphotographer
"Thus saith the LORD, keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed." Isaiah 56:1
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Family-friendly photography training: www.lenspiration.com
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#californiawaterfalls #waterfallphotography #explorecalifornia #chasingwaterfalls #landscapephoto
Join me for some LIVE photo coaching on Tuesday, August 25! Register at link in bio.
At this very moment . . . the Lenspiration 2027 Calendar is being assembled. The theme has been chosen. The design has been tweaked. Each photo has been carefully edited, and hymns and Scripture verses selected.
On Friday, August 21, we`ll have a big reveal and pre-orders will begin!
So, mark your calendar and get ready for the all-new Lenspiration fine art 2027 Calendar!
#wvphotographer #landscapephotography #calendar #FineArt #landscapes #creationphotographer #savethedate #2027calendar #creation
2026 marks the beginning of my foray into art exhibiting! Started off with displaying some calendars at the annual @salemwvofficial Salem Community Arts Showcase on Saturday. Next will be the Salem Apple Butter Festival in October. Special thanks to the Cultural Foundation of Harrison County for making both events possible! My goal is to use the exhibits to create a wholesome, educational experience for art-lovers to expand their knowledge in photography, geography, and the ethics essential to success in any professional field.
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Family-friendly photography training: www.lenspiration.com
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#artexhibit #learnthroughart #salemwv #lenspiration #artwithpurpose
Super excited! Thank you FeedSpot for naming Lenspiration as #2 in the top 10 Best West Virginia Photography Blogs to Follow in 2026! Just after Wonderful West Virginia Magazine @wonderfulwestvirginia Read more at https://bloggers.feedspot.com/west_virginia_photography_bloggers Truly, there`s no other place I`d rather call home than wild, wonderful West Virginia
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#onlyinwestvirginia #photoblogger #wvblogger #top10
I learned what "flash flood" means, the other day. No problem driving into downtown Indianapolis when the rain started. But it rained so hard and so long, our efforts to leave were thwarted over and over again as we backed out of street after street trying to find a way back to the Interstate. Never seen so much water on the road before. Thankfully we were able to get to an entrance ramp that was on higher ground....and begin our long journey home through more storms, tornado warnings, and flooded construction sites. So grateful that God "rulest the raging sea: when the waves thereof arise, Thou stillest them"! (Psalm 89:9)
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Family-friendly photography training: www.lenspiration.com
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#flooding #travelphotography #travel #danger #flashflood
We almost left the overlook, when something happened.... We were on our way home from Connecticut, stopping in Virginia to meet up with @samuelchingphotography to photograph sunset at @greatfallsparkvanps. I chose the Maryland side of the river because the overlook faced west toward the sunset. However, we ran into two problems. First, the boardwalk offered no opportunity to descend down to the waters edge (offering instead severe penalties for leaving it). And second, it was not a pretty sunset. After spotting the landscape for a while, why stick around? Part of our group headed back to the car and I began packing up. And that`s when, out of nowhere, these long, pink, apparently altocumulus radiatus clouds appeared in the western sky in the perfect spot for landscape compositions! I can`t believe we almost missed it. I learned I need to be patient, even after the moment of sunset.
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Family-friendly photography training: www.lenspiration.com
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#greatfallspark #altocumulus #sunsetchasers #patiencepays #landscapephotography
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