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View Full Version : A boost of confidence and a sense of accomplishment



Jennifer-GWN
10-12-2015, 07:47 PM
Given this is Canadian thanksgiving and for me essentially a year into transition. I've finally reached a point of what I consider stabilization. All the associated "outings" have been addressed and its now time to just live life in the way I dreamed of for so long.

This past week represented a pivotal point in securing that position of stabilization and independence. It was my first all round trip as Jennifer with a group of people who essentially had no past knowledge of me and my previous life.

The trip was to the British Columbia Interior to photograph Grizzly Bears. You see in my spare time I freelance a couple of times a year for Wildlife and Nature publications and other agencies who are looking for some special attention. The Lodge I visited and worked out of is a small family run business that caters to Photographers and Back Country riding tours. Its a very remote and magical place.

I know the family quite well so for them this trip was a reemergence for me. The folks I was shooting with had no knowledge of my background and were a mix of professional and amateur photographers there to also enjoy the splendor of the area and this particular time of year.

What a great week and one that has really done a great deal to solidify my strength and confidence in myself. It was also the first real true vacation I've taken in almost a year where my only concern was getting up in the morning and being me away from the world of transition.

I said to the the Lodge owner this morning on leaving that the week at her lodge was as much vacation, a job (pretty sweat one), and a spiritual one for me.

The only sad aspect of the trip was the fact that it was the first time I've ever not been home for Thanksgiving and with family. However; given that, I couldn't have asked for a better group of people to be with ... new beginning, new friends, and an affirmation that I'm solidly in a good place in my life.

I am so thankful for being given a second chance at life. Looking back to last September the outcome could have been significantly different.

Life is not something to take for granted. You have to work at it and when you do its so worth it.

Never loose sight of the potentials ahead!

Here is but 1 of the 6000 shots I took during my trip
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...and me in the bush (given the number of grizzlies we found I clearly didn't scare them off in anyway)
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Returning to civilization... Jenny from the Bush (Jennifer)

My next adventure will be 2 weeks on a European tour visiting customers. I'M READY!!!

Ceera
10-12-2015, 08:03 PM
Nice photography, and a wonderfully affirming experience!

Eringirl
10-12-2015, 08:12 PM
Totally awesome Jenn!! (the valley girl in me coming out!! ;) ) I am thrilled that it went so well. I would love to go riding out there some time. I miss that. Can't wait to see the rest of your shots! It must feel so good to know that now you can just "be". That's it, that's all.....off you go into the world....on your terms. Way to go!

Erin

phylis anne
10-13-2015, 06:26 AM
sounds like you had a great time ,I can relate to this in the reverse---- I am from the alaskan bush mostly interior some coastal and bears were an everyday occurance some good some not so good I moved to the lower 48 to caretake my wife w/alzheimers/dimmentia which is a daily adventure in itself . your brown bear pic kinda makes me homesick this one is typical of the size of a interior bc or alaskan brown bear seems to have that expression that says - fish you keep tickling my toes I'm gonna eat ya .
hugs phylis anne

Marcelle
10-13-2015, 06:37 AM
Hi Jenn,

What a great time you had and must have been so nice to be yourself doing something you enjoy. Love the photo of the grizzly and I am assuming you used a telephoto lens for that shot or else you have some serious courage to get that close to a Kodiak. :)

Cheers

Marcelle

PretzelGirl
10-13-2015, 08:22 PM
And life begins to normalize......:

Suzanne F
10-14-2015, 02:16 AM
Jennifer
I am with you about looking forward to a full life! You are an amazing woman and I am proud to know you.
Suzanne

Jennifer-GWN
10-21-2015, 06:36 AM
To close and again not your typical forum picture...

Likely my favorite shot from the week...
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To some degree this next one speaks to the recent threads regarding authencity. Here's a pic I rarely get to see... Me in action at pseudo work...
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Cheers... Jennifer

Eringirl
10-21-2015, 09:25 AM
awesome photos! I will be placing my order when I get back from Saudi end of the month... ;)

Debb
10-22-2015, 04:16 PM
That last bear shot is amazing. You're a nature photog? I've wanted to do that, it seems an awesome job until you take into account the travel, the waiting, the weather.