Forgiven

Description

Forgiven is my favorite image of 2022. Not just because of our Faith, but because as stressful as 2022 was, the image found this morning ignited a motivation like no other coming into 2023.

The morning began in North Pinellas as I decided to take advantage a cool morning with light fog just hovering above the woodlands. It is not often that we get to experience cold morning’s and when it includes fog, this is a special bonus for woodland photography. After sipping the last of my cold brew for the next hour or so, I fastened the camera onto the tripod, and began the morning walk. It was a beautiful morning. Not your cloudless crisp cold morning, but the wintery bliss of crisp air and a ripple of fog as it levitates above the damp woodland grounds.

When it comes to woodland photography, I am always in awe with the amazing shapes lining the sky from the trees intertwining like a harmonic symphony. But with woodland photography, also comes an opportunity for amazing abstract art. And the best place to search, for me is the artwork made upon the trees. Branches, roots and bark. The opportunity to capture something truly unique is usually a great opportunity. Unique lines contour around shapes which transcend into a one of kind art piece. And we do believe, the Lord is the artist, and that we simply just make the image.

After strolling through the trails of this park, I did not anticipate much more as I wandered through an open area highlighted by the soft diffused colorless sky. As I had come across a tree that was not special in it’s own, but was intrigued enough to explore it. After pondering what was so special about this oak tree on a colorless morning for 10 mins or so, I had noticed a unique formation on the tree a few feet above the ground. Not sure what to make of it, I began to focus several points on this tree and captured the abstract piece. Inspecting the tree for another few moments, I decided it was time to end the morning and head back to the house, as family and breakfast awaited.

A few days later, I opened up the images I captured while exploring this cold morning amongst the trees. Opening the RAW files, the image struck me and brought a tear of joy to my eyes. As this oak tree stood amongst its siblings of other oaks, I was led to this one for a particular reason. I was not certain at the moment as something caught my eye to capture the image, but after seeing the image, I was speechless.

The image was originally captured in portrait mode, but I decided to rotate the image for a 3:2 format. At that moment, my motivation was ignited ten fold for our business, and most importantly, my Faith became stronger than ever. Why? The moment I rotated the image, Jesus became the image with his head bowed as he carries the cross. This simple oak tree, brought me the most amazing image I have ever captured. This was a reminder that we are Forgiven, and that Jesus died on the cross for our sins.

Remember, our Lord & Savior is always with us, no matter where the cold morning trail may lead you.

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