Welcome
Hello and welcome to my new website
This is the third iteration of a website I have done since I launched the first one in 2011. That first website was more of a blog than a traditional website and it focused almost exclusively on gardens and gardening. It was launched during the period when long-form blogs were popular. Much has changed since then with the rising popularity of Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. The world seems to have lost its patience for reading. Things are much more “image-centric” and blogs have become much shorter. Nevertheless, should the mood strike you, that first blog is still accessible and you’ll find many articles on gardening and other topics there. Not only written by me, but also by several guest bloggers like Gordon Hayward, Tovah Martin and others. You can access those archived articles by clicking here.
Once my photography business grew, I wanted a website that focused more on imagery than the written word. Not just because that’s the way the world was moving but also because a website of your own allows you to present your work in a way that you think is best rather than having those terms dictated to you by the limits of a particular software application. A perfect example of this is the constant formatting restrictions and image compression issues that photographers face when posting images to Facebook, Twitter, and especially Instagram. Continuing to maintain a presence on these platforms is, unfortunately, a necessary evil for any photographer, brand or business (I’ll write about this in a future post soon). However, the freedom that comes from presenting your work in a way that actually showcases all the detail that goes into every good piece of art is very reinforcing. Yes, of course, websites also have limits and restrictions but the artists still have much more control over the final presentation of their work.
I believe this current website represents a move toward a simpler interface and layout; one that emphasizes the photography but still allows for the written exchange of ideas. There will still be plenty of talk about gardens and gardening as well as about the process of making art, some how-to instruction, and a little about gear. So, while you’re here, please have a look around.
There are just four menu choices in the upper header: Gallery, About, Focus, and Contact.
Selecting “Gallery” brings you to the portfolios of images that include Portraiture, Gardens, Landscapes, Still Life, Black and White, and Street Photography. These portfolios of images will be constantly changing so there will always be something new to see as images rotate in and out. Make sure, as you browse within the “Garden” portfolio, that you check out the two or three “Featured Gardens.” Right now, the two featured gardens are Iford Manor in England and Hollister House in Connecticut.
The “About” menu choice is self explanatory but you’ll find it also links to photos and information about our garden here at Juniper Hill Farm.
“Focus” is my ‘journal of observation’ where you’ll find my thoughts on a variety of topics, much like a daily journal or blog, although I have no illusions that my schedule of posting things here will be anything close to being “daily.” And, my plan is to also post photos here, without much written accompaniment at all, much like my own personal Instagram.
Finally, there is a “Contact” button in the upper right of the header which I hope you will use to get in touch with me.
Again, welcome to the new website and let me know what you think of the change. I would love to hear from you!
