What motivates you?

As a photographer, it is important to continuously challenge yourself.  We should push lighting limits, search for new creative concepts, search for new compositions, and continue to grow.  Traveling to new places, meeting new people, visiting a local gardens, or entering a themed contest has helped inspire me.  The following is my story of how a gallery show call for submissions turned into what will be a lifelong project.

A local photography gallery was accepting submissions for a Patriotic Show opening in July.  Living in Washington, DC, being a military veteran, and an active duty spouse, I felt that I was surrounded by Patriotic themes.  I already had countless photos from monuments, military ceremonies, warships, and aircraft but nothing seemed special enough for submission to the gallery show.  Thinking more about what is patriotic and what drives someone to love their country, I focused on sacrifice. What would motivate an individual to a life of service for their country and what would keep them in service?  The answer was love...family, siblings, parents, spouses, and above all, children.

This project has grown to much more than just a gallery submission.  For me, this project is near and dear to my heart and is dedicated to the military child.

Every one of the children photographed has at least one parent who is or was active duty.  The majority of these children are from dual military parent homes.

These are the "Little Patriots"

    

Happy Photographing!